That’s about 2 posts in one month. If it takes roughly an hour to do a decent post (seriously, that’s how long I stare at the screen to write a decent post), where did the rest of the 21,780 hours of the past months go?

Oh yeah, I remember — work. And before that, school.

Writing is supposed to be one of my escape hobbies. I figured I needed a lot of those considering I haven’t mastered the art of fusing daily tasks and leisure. I didn’t consider in the exhaustion factor. Working/studying the whole day doesn’t leave an ounce of stable mind work to even write. What I end up doing is another 1-2 hour mindless internet session coupled with new episodes of whatever series I’m into at the moment. I’ll pass out on bed and wake up to another task-filled day ahead. The vicious cycle continues.

I really do wish I could find the time and the energy to enjoy life outside work or whatever task I have. Although life’s survival consists of the I-had-to-do’s of the universe but I do believe that sustainance and meaning would come from I-want-slash-like-slash-love-to-do’s.  Loving what you do may not actually be possible for everyone… including me, but striking a balance would also bring that feeling of fulfillment and self-assurance…

… and of course the freedom from stress or any physical  complications.

A few months back, I was struggling to access my wordpress dashboard so I could write down all the interesting topics in my head. After that domain transfer drama I just had, I seemed to have lost all thoughts completely. I tried to piece them together but the details were lacking and I couldn’t remember how I’ve constructed them back then.

I really wish I could have a recorder/transcriber for brain impulses. Things would be much easier with them.

While tracing back my thoughts for a better entry, I took the liberty of changing the site layout again. WPUnlimited is super nice and flexible with all the customization tools (SEO included) but I just didn’t have the time to improvise a design other than the bare white and violet. With the new Illacrimo theme and flickrRSS plugin plus flickr badge, SBS looks more sleek and organize.

The new design may not drive the writer’s block away but it did bring pleasing aesthetics. As it should, whenever you’re redecorating your home… or on this case, your personal soapbox. =)

It’s about time too, I might add. Three months is a very very long time to transfer registrars and webhosting. That and the stress and frustration that came along with it are things that I want to avoid from this point onward.

I haven’t dug deeper as to the reason why my domain transfer took this long, though. Knowing my temper, I would only aggravate myself. I did found out that the old registrar has been facing some problems. I’m not really sure if this is connected to the issues they were encountering at that time.

Oh well. No matter what the reason is, what’s important is that my domain and webhosting are transferred to a hopefully better service provider.

*Sigh of relief*

I should get back to wrting more blog posts now. Where should I start? Hmmmmm…..

It was late March when I decided I should change my webhosting provider and have my domain transfered. Server downtime almost always occurs especially on those few (and I mean very few) moments that I wish to post a blog entry. Pretty irritating considering I only have the night hours to do all my leisure activities.

Since domain transfer would take up too much time and difficult to do on staggered sessions, I asked my Dearest to take over. He had his domain transferred himself (with no added fuss) so I thought he is the best person to handle my domain transfer. I never thought a simple favor would turn out to be time-consumming and infuriating for both of us.

There was no problem with regard to the whole system backup and the Auth code was already issued. Initiating the domain transfer was also smooth-sailing. What we couldn’t figure out at the time was how come the domain tranfer was denied each and every time.

My new webhosting provider was kind enough to give us the details we need so that another transfer could take place. Their acommodating replies can only go so far and the old provider can only give the definite answer that we need. Unfortunately, the old provider’s replies were anything but definite. In fact, we had to decode the whole email just to be sure we understood what they meant.

Dearest decided to contact the registrar directly so that the domain transfer problem will be fixed. My domain only had about 2 weeks before expiring and the regular emails (re: domain renewal invoice) from the old webhosting were really not helping. The registrar replied saying that they have been experiencing technical issues of their own and domain transfers will most likely be rejected until they can solve it.

As of this writing, the registrar still hasn’t solved the domain transfer-out issue. My domain is still registered on my old webhosting provider while I availed the actual hosting from the new provider.

I would still want my domain to be transfered once the registrar is problem-free but somehow, I feel I have to wait for weeks. I am grateful that the blog is up and running again but the apparent dissatisfaction from the whole drama is still there. I still didn’t get the money’s worth and we both have to needlessly spend time and energy over something which can be avoided by just a simple customer notification. But hey, that’s consumerism for you. Most of the time, good products and services are only but a mere prerogative, not a standard.

Finally!

The site needs more tweaking here and there. New widgets and plugins wouldn’t hurt as well.

I would write about the little details of my so-called domain transfer in my next(?) post. I prefer to relish this new look first before I resume to the regular rant-and-write program.

Thank you so much to my Dearest for the hosting transfer and the site overhaul.

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I have been meaning to write on this blog for ages. Board exam has come and gone but I still haven’t managed to post a decent blog entry. Save for a few memes and greetings, I really don’t remember the last time I wrote something substantial.

Perfectionism kicking in, perhaps? Maybe. *Sigh* I miss wrting. It is the best way to straighten out my thoughts. Talking is not much of a help as it get things more messy. Although, I wouldn’t mind having random conversations over coffee.

I think I have a few drafts and outlines hidden somewhere in my computer. Not to mention a few good ideas to keep this blog going. Should I just start with a new design to get things started? Or maybe impose a deadline or a goal? Hmmm…

I got this test from Ate Tina and Nikki. Nothing new, really. I took a Myers-Briggs test a few months back with the same result. But lookie lookie, here’s a more detailed explanation of INFJ’s

INFJ – The “Confidant”

INFJs, making up an estimated 1% of all people, are the most rare type (males even more so). They are introspective, caring, sensitive, gentle and complex people that strive for peace and derive satisfaction from helping others. INFJs are highly intuitive, empathetic and dedicated listeners. These traits tend to act as a “tell me what’s wrong” sign on their forehead, hence the nicknames Confidant, Counselor or Empath. INFJs are intensely private and deeply committed to their beliefs.

Oooh~ I’m a rare pokemon! Nice to know I’m one of a kind. Although 1% of all people is equivalent to about 60 million human beings…

About the INFJ

“INFJs are gentle, caring, complex and highly intuitive individuals. Artistic and creative, they live in a world of hidden meanings and possibilities. Only one percent of the population has an INFJ Personality Type, making it the most rare of all the types.”
- Portrait of an INFJ (The Personality Page)

“INFJs enjoy a greater clarity of perception of inner, unconscious processes than all but their INTJ cousins. Just as SP types commune with the object and “live in the here and now” of the physical world, INFJs readily grasp the hidden psychological stimuli behind the more observable dynamics of behavior and affect.”
- INFJ Profile (TypeLogic)

“creative, smart, focus on fantasy more than reality, attracted to sad things, fears doing the wrong thing, observer, avoidant…”
- INFJ Jung Type Descriptions (similarminds.com)

“…desire to contribute to the welfare of others and genuinely enjoy helping their companions. Although Counsleors tend to be private, sensitive people, and are not generally visible leaders, they nevertheless work quite intensely with those close to them, quietly exerting their influence behind the scenes…”
- The Portrait of the Counselor Idealist (Keirsey)

“INFJs tend to be devoted to what they believe in and seek work where their needs, values, and ideals can be deeply engaged. They move on the wave of their inspirations and are determined to see that their values are worked out in their lives. They will work toward their goals individually and, when needed, will put together a team of other highly dedicated people like themselves.”
- INFJ – The Mystic (Lifexplore)

Going on…

Famous INFJs

Real INFJ People

* Adam Sandler – actor, comedian
* Anthony Kiedis – singer (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
* Aristophanes – Greek dramatist
* Billy Crystal – actor, comedian
* Carrie Fisher – actress, screenwriter, novelist
* Chaucer – poet
* Fanny Crosby – hymn writer
* Fred McMurray – actor
* Garry Trudeau – cartoonist (Doonesbury)
* Gillian Anderson – actress (X-Files)
* Goethe – poet
* James Reston – journalist
* Jamie Foxx – actor, musician, comedian
* Martin Luther King, Jr. – minister, civil rights leader
* Martin Van Buren – American President
* Mel Gibson – actor, filmmaker
* Michael Landon – actor (Little House on the Prairie)
* Mother Teresa of Calcutta – missionary
* Nathan – Prophet of Israel
* Nathaniel Hawthorne – novelist
* Nelson Mandela – President of South Africa
* Nicole Kidman – actress
* Oprah Winfrey – TV show host
* Paul Stookey – singer-songwriter
* Piers Anthony – sci-fi/fantasy writer
* Robert Burns – poet
* Shirley Temple Black – actress
* Sudi-Kate – American dramatist, evangelist
* Tom Selleck – actor

Fictional INFJs (Characters)

* Amelie Poulain – Amelie
* Dr. Yuri Zhivago – Doctor Zhivago
* Joe Hackett – Wings
* Luke Skywalker – Star Wars
* Tinman – The Wizard of Oz

Okay. Now for the weird part…

INFJ Career Matches

INFJs are often happy with the following jobs which tend to match well with the Confidant/Visionary personality.

* Actor
* Alternative Medicine
* Artist
* Child Care Worker
* Child Development
* Chiropractor
* Church Worker
* Clergy
* Computer Programmer
* Computer Specialist
* Consultant
* Dentist
* Designer
* Doctor
* Educational Consultant
* Entrepreneur
* Human Resources
* Lawyer/Attorney
* Librarian
* Marketer
* Missionary
* Musician
* Photographer
* Psychiatrist
* Psychologist/Counselor
* Sales Representative
* Scientist
* Social Worker
* Systems Analyst
* Teacher/Professor
* Trainer
* Writer

I’m in the wrong course!!!!!!

Here are the rules for “8 facts”:

• In the 8 facts about [name], you share 8 things that your readers don’t know about you. At the end, you tag 8 other bloggers to keep the fun going. Each blogger must post these rules first.
• Each blogger starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
• At the end of the post, a blogger needs to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
• Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

1. RISHA FACT NO. 1: I *heart* food.

Yup. I love food and eating so much, I get hungry every 3-4 hours — on the dot. My body clock may not cooperate with me if I have to wake up at a particular time but it could be really stubborn when it feels it’s meal time. And I’m not just talking about main meals. Snacks are also longed for. Probably it’s the consequence of being diagnosed of ulcer way back in high school (while I was sick with dengue fever and having a dysmenorrhea attack, mind you). Of course, this periodic hunger can be appeased with just a normal sized meal and can subside if ever I eat too much in one go. I have been known to eat a big KFC (2 pc original chicken, 1 rice, 1 big mashed potatoes and 1 regular coleslaw) and MCDO (Big mac meal — large fries and large drink) meal in one sitting, or got really really hungry — fortunately, it can last me until the next main meal.

2. RISHA FACT NO. 2: Back when I was a kid, I always wanted to be a doctor, not an engineer.

You know those “What do you want to be when you grow up?” questions in preschool and grade school? Year after year, I would always answer that I wanted to become a doctor. I really don’t know when and why I started to consider other career options but I guess it has something to do with my older brother enrolling in his pre-med course. I never did want to have a career that is similar to anyone in the family so medicine was out of the picture. Then I just wake up one day realizing that I should be an engineer — and I never wavered ever since.

3. RISHA FACT NO. 3: My mindset was to enroll in Ateneo for college and not UP. And during my freshman year, I actually considered transferring to Ateneo.

I guess it was the Assumptionista mindset working back then. Most of my highschool batchmates had the idea that Ateneo is just an extension of AA — only with guys. We were so high with highschool spirit that we thought it’s just the only way to go — at least for me. But a few of my friends (one was even studying ECE in Ateneo at that time) told me that UP’s ECE program is much better than Ateneo’s considering that the first batch of ECE graduates had just graduated then so I have yet to know their ECE board exam average. After enrolling in UP in freshman year, I felt like a fish out of the water because most of my co-majors came from science high schools. It was so hard to socialize with people knowing that you have to fit in their circle. Plus, I was starting to feel the Eng’s pressure because I thought I was failing in ES 1. So my mom got me an application form for transferees. I never showed up for my exam, though. I think I was busy studying for my Chem 16 exam.

4. RISHA FACT NO. 4: I babble whenever nervousness or anger gets the better of me.

I am usually content by just sitting quietly in my little corner especially when I’m in a group. However, catch me whenever I’m nervous or angry, and you’ll discover how many words I can say in a second (with matching colorful hand gestures and facial expressions to boot!). It’s my way to calm myself down although at times, I might be even more frantic than before. Minsan kung tinopak ako, ginagawa ko na lang siyang stand-up comedy gig para masaya, diba?

5. RISHA FACT NO. 5: I really like movies… unless it’s horror.

Granted that I don’t want to be needlessly scared, another reason why I don’t enjoy horror movies is because of those little details that most people just disregard but I notice. After a few horror movies, I feel that they distort my logic one way or the other. One time, my friends and I decided to see a horror flick. As they were shrieking and cowering in their seats, I kept on asking them a lot of questions as to why something could be possible despite the laws of physics. Simply put, it wasn’t a good experience for me and the people with me. So for the benefit of everyone, I don’t see horror flicks anymore. Sign me up on action, adventure or chick flicks instead.

6. RISHA FACT NO. 6: I got ran over by our dog.

I vaguely remember how exactly it went. I think I was running to go inside of our house and I didn’t notice that our dog was running across my direction. We crossed paths, I toppled over his doggie frame and landed right smack on the concrete floor. Nothing serious, though. No concussion or broken bones. For a kid, I was lucky to still have four freely moving limbs. The dog’s dead, by the way … but not because of my fall.

7. RISHA FACT NO. 7: I break furnitures and fixtures.

As of this writing I have broken two towel racks and a wooden chair. I broke the towel racks while I tried to pull my towel off the rack and the wooden chair broke while I was sitting there. I still don’t know how in the world did those things break apart. It’s not like I’m born with superhuman strength anyway. Others think otherwise. My mom even lectured me on how to ‘correctly’ get my towel from the towel rack.

8. RISHA FACT NO. 8: I have road rage issues.

Driving in Metro Manila is a battle in itself. And for someone like me who drives an average of 150-200km a week, it gets really annoying when you see the very same ‘driving mistake’ happen every 10-15 mins. Sure, defensive driving is the safest way to go about it but what about those road trouble makers that always get away with it? Rarely do I see MMDA officials flag down on public vehicles and motorcycles to begin with (hmmm, I wonder why). So I take it as a personal responsibility to tell them that they’re wrong. Some actually find it funny because they’re times that I go about it without even pausing for breath *refer to number 4*.

No one is tagged here. Since it took me forever to write this, I have no right to impose this on others

It’s not as serious as not posting for a month in my other blogs, of course. maybe it’s because of the computer i’m using. come to think of it, it’s only now that my fingers really feel comfortable typing on a computer. I never did like typewriters and clacky keyboards for they need much effort to strike the keys. horay for soft laptop keyboards~

The weekly posts are expected considering I don’t have constant internet connection. A consequence of residing in a dorm devoid of any internet service, save perhaps for the unsecured wireless connection that I leech from time to time . And even if I do avail of the free internet access of DSP and the ESC office, I have no time for a blog post. Thank God for weekends, I tell you.

I am grateful that most of the time and effort I gave in my work were not in vain. The first wave of exams are just around the corner and fortunately I can still keep up with my classes. I’m not sure if it’s still possible to gun for the highest possible grade. Not that I’m being grade conscious for honors, I just don’t want straight 3′s in my transcript. Besides, I may not be as mentally gifted as some people but I can still say that I’m not a mediocre student.

Also, in just a few days or so, my thesis topic would be determined and so will my thesis groupmate/s. Sir Franz already announced that the DSP lab will take a new route in preparation for the global transition to NGN’s within the decade. For those who don’t know yet, most of the electronic devices we use will be replaced with new ones built around the Internet Protocol starting 2010. For example, the ordinary landline will be phased out to give way to VoIP based telephones. The proposed track for the lab has frightened me for a while since the material that we will be working on depends on the recent studies and published releases of different groups like the ITU and IEEE. Then again, it would prove to be beneficial for us since we could have first hand information from famous researches with (hopefully) one simple e-mail.

As for ESC, we’re down with 2 more big projects and department-based activities before the semester ends. Our team was really lucky to have been granted sufficient sponsorship to fund the Engineering Cup. Although our event’s financial status was only at break-even at least the council wouldn’t have any reason to shell out much money from the event (which was our team’s goal from the very start). I believe this seals the variety of events that I can market successfully — from special interest fairs and concerts, academic events for grade school and high school students, college job fairs down to sports events. Naks, ang yabang!

Aside from blogging, I do miss out on other activities that I’d normally do in the previous years like spur of the moment barkada lunches and of course the occasional dates. Two of my closest friends are celebrating their birthdays soon and I do hope we all could get to meet and catch up. As for dates, well, they don’t have to comprise of a movie an lunch out, right? We just have to be creative!

That means, I can tell everyone with a straight face that I am pretty much familiar with PHP and CSS.  Woohoo!

Special thanks to Stock.Xchng for the free use of the photo in the header and footer, Theme Viewer for the free themes I can choose to base my site on, and, of course, my Dearest for all the useful tools and tutorials. Talk about spoon-feeding. I really do feel spoiled.

Even if I pretty much like the layout and the site will stay this way for a very long time, I would still like to read more about PHP and MySQL. I got excited to see that PHP has a similar form as C — only that it is used for webpages. Since I’ve been programming in C ever since first year College, studying the conceptual part of PHP was like a breeze making me inspired to dig deeper in the topic. Kiko also gave me a brief explanation about the bugs in the ESC website he was working on and I was interested to know the details of it all. That means, I should learn more about MySQL databases and how to process them to understand the bugs better. Who knows? Maybe I get to help him on the website. Would that solidify my geekiness? Hehehe, maybe.

Now that site layout is done, I could concentrate on the actual content of the site. I have been meaning to write a post on the family trip I just had more than a week ago so I better start with that.

I really hope everyone likes this layout as much as I do. BTW, I already used a higher JPEG compression for the images so that it could load faster. It would be nice if I actually have feedback on the layout *hint* leave a comment *hint*