OC with my PC

Photo from Unsplash

Whenever I get a new desktop, whether at work or at home, I always make it a point to setup my computer according to my specifications. This includes installing 3rd party productivity tools, tinkering my start bar, creating keyboard shortcuts, and keeping the desktop clean at all times. I try not to keep stuff on the desktop, whatever's originally there can stay (My Computer, Recycle Bin, and other proprietary company software that persists upon restart that there's no point in removing them) and I'm not adding to it. I hate stickies and basically anything that clutters the wallpaper haha. Organizing my computer helps me work faster and more importantly, keeps my PC performance optimized. I'm a big keyboard user and as much as possible I try to use shortcuts for everything. Clicking on Start, typing Calculator, then clicking on the Calculator to launch it is a pain for me. I'd rather type Win+R, Calc, then Enter to launch the damned calcu.

So here's what I do when I get a fresh PC:

1. Request for admin rights (if it's a company PC). Easy for us in the tech team to get clearance for this. Important for installing software.
2. Setup my Taskbar. Small buttons, enable labels, never combine. Classic.
3. Cleanup Start Menu by removing the live tiles. They're annoying. Here's how.
4. Create a personal folder inside my user profile, like this: C:\Users\username\Personal
   Because items directly under your user directory can be run automatically from the Run dialog.
5. Create a Notes file. Basically an Excel file where I jot down my work notes.
   In my line of work, notes aren't really necessary but I like to keep em for future reference.
   I usually create a new tab per project, then add 3 columns namely Date, Item, and Description. Every tab is color coded according to Pantone's Color of the Year hahaha. This helps me keep track of the projects I've worked on per year, which is crucial when it's time to work on our annual performance report. Every time I work on a project, I add notes to it.
   
   
   
   
   
6. Install productivity tools
• Notepad++ because it's the best code editor, supports several languages, has session backup, and pretty themes.
• Screenhunter because I don't like the Snipping Tool lol
• WordWeb because I need a dictionary hehe
• WinRar because it's more reliable than Window's default compression software
• WinMerge for diff-ing code changes
• Google Chrome because duh
• Adobe Photoshop Portable for fun hehe sssshhh
7. Create shortcuts for my most used apps. Shortcuts are run dialog keywords I use to launch a certain app. Because it's easier for me to type Win+R, ie, then enter to launch Internet Explorer instead of navigating using the frkn mouse. Here's how. I create new shortcuts for the apps I installed, and also edit those I think are hard to remember
   
   
   
   
   
• sh for ScreenHunter
• sb for Secured Browser
• winmerge for WinMerge
• npp for Notepad++ (originally: notepad++)
• ie for Internet Explorer (originally: iexplore)
• excel for MS Excel
• word for MS Word (originally: winword)
• ppt for MS Powerpoint (oringally: powerpnt)
• remote for Remote Desktop Connection (originally: mstsc.exe)
• chrome for Google Chrome
• notes for my excel Notes file
• ps for Photoshop
• ai for Illustrator
8. Create a todo.txt and open it in Notepad++ so it stays in the current session
   It's a habit of mine to launch npp every time I start my machine. I use Monokai theme and lay out my text files these way, To-do on the left, and random notes on the right
   
   
   
   
   

Yeah, so that's pretty much how I setup my PC for maximum utility. How about you, how OC are you with PC? :D

Clearly

This afternoon I picked up my glasses from Sarabia Optical and I have to say, holey moley what a wonderful world! I never really had problems with my vision, I thought I have a pretty clear sight. I just wanted to get glasses to protect my eyes from the computer. Turns out I also have astigmatism so uhm, yey for getting diagnosed.

This cute plastic frame is by Calvin Klein. It damning how these frames cost so much. Price ran to 7k in total. Still cheaper than Owndays lol. Thank God for our optical reimbursement I only have to pay less than half yey! 

I thought it would be hard adjusting to life with glasses, but I'm enjoying it. Everything is frkn clearer. Love it.

Here's me sneaking a selfie,

Ciao!

Can we not push it?

Image by Bernd Hildebrandt from Pixabay 

After being on waitlist for 3 months, I've given up any chances that I might make it to Planit. After all, I sucked at the technical exam. It's just that I get easily hung up on thoughts of a greener pasture, especially this one, because it's abroad, and they'd take care of you and your dependent's visa. It's the most alluring package I've ever seen. I'd get on board with anything that would ship me out of this frkn country, for free, of course. Anyway. Just recently, I've come to accept the fact that I may not be the candidate they're looking for. And that there's really no opportunity for me with them. My experience doesn't quite cut it. My mishmash of skills isn't getting me anywhere. And the competition barely leaves me breathing. I don't even know where to put myself in this industry anymore.

But since I'm past the grieving phase lol, I'd like to share this timeline of how it went on my first try, yep cos there's a brief next one haha...

• December 20, 2018 - Submitted job application online (Software & Technical Testing Opportunities - Relocate to Australia & New Zealand)
• December 26, 2018 - Invitation to complete one-way video interview
• January 1, 2019 - Submitted one-way interview
• January 11, 2019 - Passed one-way interview. Got scheduled for a Skype video interview.
• January 16, 2019 - Skype interview
• January 21, 2019 - Passed Skype interview. Got invited to SG roadshow.
• January 25, 2019 - Exam details sent
• February 1, 2019 - Technical interview and assessment details sent
• February 11, 2019 - Exam date
• February 14, 2019 - Technical interview and assessment date
• March 8, 2019 - Results out, supposedly. No call/email yet
• March 11, 2019 - Still no news.
• March 12, 2019 - Still no news. Sent follow up.
• March 13, 2019 - Received regret email. I'm put on waitlist for the next 6 months.
• March 18, 2019 - Some people on waitlist were emailed for a Skype interview. I'm not one of them.
• April 4, 2019 - Another set of people on waitlist emailed for a job offer. Now everyone I know on waitlist has been offered a job. Still not one of them.

The application process with them is frkn strenuous. I went though a lot only to fail. But it's okay. That 4 months has been the dreamiest. The thought of a new country, new people, higher salary, new surroundings, fresh air, fresh produce. I never thought of leaving the country until this opportunity came along. It really made me want it so bad. But it's not for me. And I understand hehe.

Anyway, I'm feeling slightly annoyed though. Not with the application, but with some people. Because everyone I know on waitlist has been given a slot already, some people on the group chat have been urging me to keep on following up, never lose hope, it's definitely coming, so don't worry. As if I'm worried. As if they truly cared. As if I'm craving for reassurance. They're only saying that because they were offered already, see. Urgh what toxic optimism.

Waitlist period isn't over yet when they posted new relocation opportunities. I couldn't wait, so I tried my luck at Automation, even though I know I'm not cut out for it.

• June 4, 2019 - Applied for another relocation opportunity (Automation Testing Opportunities - Relocate to Melbourne!)
• June 5, 2019 - Received invitation to complete one-way video interview. Here we go again.
• June 7, 2019 - Submitted one-way interview
• June 13, 2019 - Failed one-way interview

I wasn't surprised, really. They're looking for automation testers and I offered myself as an RPA developer. I'm that thick. Plus I can't commence with them until 6-8 months. So there, let's end it. The longer I wait, the longer my experience gap becomes. The smaller my confidence grows. But it's fine. I'm at a good place anyway. ｡◕‿◕｡

And well, just when I gave up on this, one of my former colleagues asked me if wanted to work with them again. Agaaaain. The last time they asked, I went through the interview and vetting process alright and got a dreamy offer. My current manager countered, and I stayed. Now they're asking me again, considering my request for an onsite position. But hey, it's all a big blur. If only my previous manager would hire me directly and not have me go through consulting again!

Oh well.

Today

I was helping my sister look for jobs on Jobstreet when I got curious and checked jobs for my own. Haha. I have no intention of leaving just yet but I thought I'd try to see if there's anything that fits me at this point. My keyword is really just UIPath. Nothing else. Then I landed on this posting by a global logistics company looking for an RPA Developer, with, if I understood the description correctly, testing and programming skills. I got excited. Salary range is around my expected. Location is a bit worrying though. But anyway. I decided to try it out. Today I submitted an application.

Life Events that Will Change Your Outlook

We all make mistakes when we are young, and the smartest people learn from their own or other people’s mistakes. If you would like to overcome the challenges in life, it is important that you reflect on them and don’t dwell on them. Chances are that some early mistakes in your life have taken their toll, damaged your self respect or confidence, and - until you come to terms with them - you will have a limited outlook in life. Below you will find a few life events that can hold you back from success or help you achieve it.

Image by Ronny Overhate from Pixabay

Dropping Out of College 

Some people drop out of college because they realize that they are not that keen on pursuing their career. Others will have too much going on in their lives, or simply need to find a job to pay their bills. If you wish you never dropped out of college, you will have to overcome the regret and find a way to forgive yourself. You are likely to be smarter now, and your circumstances have changed. There is no reason why you can’t go back to school right now and complete your course to advance your career.

Choosing the Right Guy 

You might have gone through a lot of trial and error, but - at the end of the day - you will learn from your bad choices. Once you find the right guy who is providing what you really need, you will have a more balanced relationship and a more positive outlook in life. You will know that you found the right person if you don’t feel like you have to change or pretend to be someone you are not.

Overcoming Being Cheated 

Unfortunately, fidelity is not as popular today as it used to be. You might have been cheated on, and are still searching for the reason. Maybe you are blaming yourself. You might have decided to have an abortion procedure as a result, and now would like to turn back time. The truth is that you cannot change other people; you can only learn to deal with what they do and how this affects you.  

Losing Weight

In case you have been struggling with losing weight, and you finally made the right health choices, and lost the extra pounds, you should celebrate. You will now be able to do things you never considered doing before. It will change your life and your outlook in life for the better.  

Building Your Confidence Up 

Building your confidence up

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay 

Many people struggle with their confidence. If you have listened to too many negative comments, or simply didn’t get the help and positive feedback as a child, you can use affirmations that will help you celebrate your uniqueness and accept your limitations. You should work on your confidence level, as you can reach higher in business and personal life if you believe in yourself. 

Some life events will simply change your view on life and relationships. Learn from your decisions; good or bad, and become a better version of yourself every day.

All clear

I thought I was gonna be late for work today so thank God I beat the time by a minute! Whew. Also, when I came in to the CR to freshen up there's this girl whom I always see and quite honestly didn't like at first 'cos she looks like a snob and takes forever to fix herself in front of the mirror. She was on the side of the sink where the hand dryer is so I had to excuse myself while I dry out my crying pits. Commuting is hell specially when you're trying to beat the clock. She moved aside as I dry myself, and I get it 'cos the air is hot yknow. I said sorry it's just too hot, and she said it's okay and smiled. And it felt like okay I think she's actually nice and we can be friends! She does look friendlier when she's smiles, everybody does right? I just tend to judge people based on their resting face. But smiling just kinda gives you an approachable glow diba?

Anyway. 99% of the time my first impressions always prove me wrong. And this encounter pretty much puts it a fraction closer to a perfect score. Yey.

The Relationship Advice You Won’t Want To Ignore

Relationships can be hard work at times. Let’s be honest you tend to go through some of the toughest times of your life with a partner, husband or wife. They see you at your best, but then they see you at your worst. You love them, you can dislike them, but you always remain together, right? For some, relationships can get a little off course. This is when you start to wonder whether you were the real deal, to begin with. Many relationships head to this crossroads at some point. With that in mind, here are a few golden pieces of advice that shouldn’t be ignored when it comes to your relationship. Let’s hope it helps you get back on track if you find you and your other half struggling.

Photo from Pixabay

Don’t go to bed on an argument

Arguments are going to happen. Whether they involve shouting or just disgruntled text messages sent to one another you are going to disagree at some point. But it’s how you handle it that is the key to a lasting relationship. While you may both be too stubborn to apologise or wave the white flag, never go to bed on the argument. Always accept it for what it is, agree to disagree and have a good night's kiss and move on. It’s unhealthy to sleep on it and take things on to the next day. 

Keep the relationship alive

Relationships take work. We all know that. But yet many of us don’t put in as much effort as we should. We can get a little complacent. However, this is when things can start to go sour. Keep your relationship alive by spending time together. Intimacy is very important, and often this can be the first sign things aren't going right if you are lacking in this area, this is when you may want to see some advice from Susie Tuckwell - Sex Therapist to add some spark back. You could also consider a regular date night where you are just a couple. No work or children to think about. 

Communicate

For any relationship to thrive communication is key. This means talking to one another about your day, your thoughts and your feelings. It doesn’t take much to start a conversation. Or even send a quick text to let the other know you are thinking of them. Talking is key to a lasting relationship, so don’t let that fire fizzle out. 

Accept what could be going on within your relationship

Sometimes there are big issues within relationships that just get brushed under the carpet for another day. But those days never come, and you find that your relationship suffers because of it. Try and accept what could be going on. Perhaps there is a stressor that you are both having to deal with, maybe things are tough right now. Sometimes you have to accept that a relationship won’t work and you’d be happier if you considered separating. Divorce can often be a good resolve for many couples. But accepting what is going on is key. Chances are tackling your issues could make you a stronger couple. 

Remember you are individuals as well as a couple

Finally, try and remember that you are individuals as well as a couple. Often we don’t get enough time to ourselves which can be vitally important for our wellbeing. 

Let’s hope this advice helps you with any relationship woes. 

Struggling to Turn Things Around? These Might Be A Few Reasons Why

Photo from Pixabay

It would be great if life was always sunny and happy, with everything working out exactly as it was supposed to, and with success and accomplishment being a given.

Obviously, though, that is not the way things actually work out in reality. All of us have to deal with a pretty hefty number of setbacks, disappointments, failures, and troubles, along the way.

In order to keep things moving forward in a positive manner, and to get the most out of our lives, it’s important to be able to pause, reflect on what’s going on, and take steps to turn things around on a regular basis. But what if you’ve been struggling to turn things around, recently? What if situations constantly seem to be getting out of your control, and you’re not managing to make headway?

Well, if you’ve been struggling to turn things around, these might be a few reasons why.

You are allowing too much distraction into your life, at a time when your focus and willpower are already low

When things aren’t exactly working out for you in the best possible way, it’s very likely that your willpower, focus, and motivation, will automatically be pretty low.

So, when you add a bunch of distractions into the mix, you may well find yourself wasting hours every day checking up on your social media accounts, watching TV shows, listening to music, and giving in to just about every option for procrastination that presents itself.

If you’re struggling to turn things around in your life, it might be because too much of your time and energy is being taken up by idle distractions that you can’t seem to resist.

Counteract this situation by removing distractions from your life, as much as possible. That might mean installing a web blocking app on your phone, for example.

You aren’t eating or sleeping enough

When times are tough, and we become very stressed and preoccupied, we typically cease to take care of ourselves in the way we should.

One of the primary ways in which this manifests itself, is by missing out on sleep, and eating too little (and too little of the right things.)

The thing is, sleep is essential for health, mental function, willpower, and energy. And so is proper nutrition.

Begin feeding yourself properly again, and getting enough rest, and you might find that you are more capable of improving your life, literally overnight.

You’ve been too vague, or ambitious, in your plans – or you haven’t made any plan

Vague plans such as “I should visit the dentist soon,” tend not to lead to actual solutions to problems. Instead, researching and contacting a dentist such as monavaledental.com.au is the way to get things done.

At the same time, setting yourself goals, and making plans, that are too ambitious, often results in things remaining static. “I’m going to be fit enough to run a marathon,” is a stretch if you currently aren’t capable of going up a flight of stairs without feeling winded. And, if a goal seems unattainable, you’re likely struggle to pursue it wholeheartedly.

Finally, if you fail to make plans – well, then, it’s not surprising that you aren’t achieving much, is it?

In order to turn things around in your life, you need to make concise and focused plans, keep them manageable, and work consistently to fulfil them.

[Review] IVO C151 Faucet-mounted water purifier

I can't believe we only learned of this product recently! IVO Faucet-mounted water purifier is exactly what it says I don't know how else to translate that. It's an attachment that basically filters your faucet water so you can drink straight from it. Love it.

Before I let you on in my blabber, here's a Youtube review:

Alright, pros and cons:

Pros:
1. Compact and space-saving
2. Cost-cutting
3. Very convenient
4. Japanese technology, made by a reputable manufacturer that also makes dialysis machines. Yeah so kinda like if filtration is the game, Torayvino is the name. 
5. This particular model can filter up to 1500L of water

6. Water tastes fine. No aftertaste like in bottled waters.

Cons:
1. A bit pricey
2. Hard to tell when the cartridge is due for replacement (unless you go for a different model, there's one that has a LED screen to indicate your consumption)
3. Pretty bulky for our small sink
4. Good for small households only, I'd say 1-3 people so you don't keep on changing the cartridge (unless you don't intend to use it for regular drinking. Some people get it just for washing produce)

I learned about IVO by asking in our community Facebook group, then I also learned it's being advertised in OShopping. It's actually been around for a while. And IVO isn't the first one to introduce this type of product. Just search for "faucet mounted water filter" and you'll be greeted with tons of options. There's Megafresh, some generic ceramic cartridges, unbranded activated carbon attachments, but I decided to stick with IVO for the following reasons:

• It's manufactured by a reputable Japanese company, Torayvino
• It employs a 4-level filtration system (Pre-screen, 2nd Screen, Hollow Filter Membrane, Granular Activated carbon)
• Claims to deliver 99.99% bacteria-free drinking water - I mean if a Japanese product has boldly put such claim in their packaging I'm bound to believe it lol
• The product looks pretty haha (I mean compared to other brands yknow haha)
  
  

Okay, so what's in the box?

1. User manual in English
2. Head unit
3. Filter cartridge C151 than can filter 1500L of water
4. Various adapters

It's pretty easy to set up, you just need to try which adapter works for your kind of faucet. Once it's installed you'll now have 3 water settings...

Photo from Oshopping

You can look inside the cartridge to see the interior filter. 

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This is one of my happiest household purchases so far.

We've finally kept our ugly blue water container for good because we didn't have to fetch water every week! I mean, our condo supplies us free drinking water but it's a hassle when we run out of backup and they're closed for the day or it's a Holiday idk I hate it. I also think they don't clean the containers well. Also, I hate having to nag my husband to fetch water when it's out lol.

It's space-saving, compact, and portable too. The attachments included in the package allows it to be mounted on almost any type of faucet. We don't really pay for drinking water, but if you are then this is quite a good replacement. I admit this is actually an added expense for us, we pay for the filter and cartridge replacement and our drinking water is now being added to our water utility bill, but it's not really a big deal considering how convenient it is to have clean drinking water right from your faucet.

VERY Important usage tips!

• After installation, make sure to "break-in" the filter by running a slow flow for at least 30 seconds to avoid air pockets from forming inside the cartridge. I read about a user who ran a fast flow on first use and by 2 weeks the water is already running very slowly, they had to replace it.
• If left unused for more than a week, prime the cartridge by running a slow flow first for a few seconds before drinking.
• If there's a water interruption, remove the cartridge to avoid accidentally running murky water on it once the water supply is back. Once dirty water has passed through the filter, the water flow will slow down terribly and you'd have wasted its filtering capacity. This is particular here in Metro Manila I guess because every time the water line is restored, it spits out dirty water at first, until it gets clearer and clearer and clean enough for drinking.

How's the price and availability?

IVO Faucet-mounted Water Purifier Set retails for ₱1,980.00. It includes the head unit and 1 cartridge. C-151 cartridge replacement costs ₱1,380.  There's also a pack of 3 available for around  ₱3,300. You can purchase online through OShopping, IVO PH, True Value, All Home, or Mercury Drug. I bought mine at True Value Glorietta. :)

How's it doing so far?

So far so good, we bought the unit on April 17 and it doesn't look like it needs to be replaced anytime soon. We're just a household of 2 so I figured it would take quite a while to have it replaced. They say it's time to change the cartridge when the flow is starting to slow down, ours took over a year to slow down mainly because we drink at the office for the most part hehe.

I would recommend this to a small household. Like maybe 1-3 people.

Also those living in condos because it's usually tight and every square inch of space savings matters.

Also if your faucet is low and doesn't have a standard threading, it would be very difficult to work with this. Luckily our faucet is kind of a bridge type that's tall enough that you can place a pitcher underneath. I've seen faucets that are so different you can't remove the aerator to reveal the threads.

I wouldn't sell this to big families, obviously they have more water needs and would max out the cartridge in a few months. With a cartridge that pricey, I'd say you'd be out replacing it every 3 months and that's not very practical. Unless, like I mentioned above, you don't intend to use it for your regular drinking water needs. It's a good supplement though.

  

UPDATE: April 6, 2020

Okaaay, it's been ALMOST A YEAR, and we haven't replaced the cartridge. We estimated our usage to be around 3L per day, which is quite lavish considering we drink water at the office too. That said, it would take us 500 days to max the filter capacity. Still a long time from now.

This is how the cartridge looks like right now:

It's gone darker, but I can't taste the difference yet hahaha. Should we change already? I'm not too worried cos we're still far behind 1500L but I don't know if that color is still considered safe lol.

UPDATE June 9, 2020: I checked with IVO PH and they told me that it's still safe to continue using the cartridge even with that color, as long as the water flow is still tolerable. So it's really up to us. So far, water flow hasn't slowed down considerably and filter cartridge has gone darker. No worries though because they assured me that no matter the strength of the flow, water quality remains the same. Love it!

Anyway. Yeah, go get this one. I fully recommend this product!

I need a break

This has been the most stressful day of my career here at the firm. I accidentally truncated a table that removed everyone's leave records. Easily trumps the infinite loop issue I had back then by a big notch. This has been my biggest ~work~ mistake and I'm so embarrassed by it huhu.

We were able to restore a backup copy of the table but the data was only until 1pm today. I deleted the records around 5:30pm so that leaves us with 4.5 hours of data gap where I could only hope no one tried to request or approve leaves. I'm so close to asking those who logged in between that gap to know if they made any leave transaction. Just to remind them to file them again, cos you know, they're gone. And I just want to make sure. But heck I'm too tired and right now I'm just kindof wallowing in my mistake. I tried to look for the logs but wtf for some reason there are no logs for the day! I'm suspecting the app isn't logging prod transactions at all and it's so weird but I already got an idea. My goodness.

I haven't touched the system in 4 hours now and while a part of me wants to continue working, I don't feel like coding 'cos I don't want to make any more mistaaaakes huhuhu. May trauma paaaaaa huhu!

Gosh I don't even know what to work on next! Whew. This is definitely not the Friday I was expecting. I was looking forward to continuing working on my dev tasks. I was having fun. I actually think I'm on a roll, little did I know this snowballing mojo of confidence would be smashed by a careless mistake. I was working too fast, missing the little details, relying on muscle memory, trusting my productive streak. Heck I just got a commendation yesterday for deploying a robot and now this?

Man I deserved this right? I know I did. I was being complacent and too confident with my work. What a slap. As much as I needed this wake up call, I didn't want to affect prod data just to learn a lesson! Huhuhu

Anyway. I have so much to thank my teammates for and Lani too our server girl whom I called first to ask if they have database backup. My team mates swooped to the rescue and looped in my boss. Juskooo I wouldn't have the heart to tell my boss I did something wrong when I haven't fixed it. The horrorrrr. They reassured me everything's gonna be alright, we have backup, we'll definitely get a development database now.... but argh. Stuff like this just kinda lingers on me. And I just realized, in my 7 years of working, that I'm not mature yet. What would I do without my teammates' support and my boss' supervision. I'm a frkn child I could cry!

I'm still mourning for the data we may have lost forever. Huhuhu

Anyway. Here's a distraction. Trifold brochure design for one of my friends.

Happy weekend I guess.