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.