Singing the Songs of My Life

Lessons From my Brother: Importance of Market Research and Customer Satisfaction Survey

2012-01-03T19:24:00.000-08:00

I have no idea how to run a business but I look after my brother as he really has the skills to turn any business into a success. He first started with a small cell phone store with my sister and after only a few years, their business has expanded already and they now have other products like laptops and digital cameras. He also opened his first Lotto outlet, he has a buy-and-sell business and he never stops taking risk and investing on new business venture.

But aside from being courageous and dedicated to his business, one of his secret is online market research. He mentioned that it is not just important that you have the guts to take business risk. Before embarking on a business, my brother said that it is important to study prediction markets to better gauge if the business will succeed or not. Having this knowledge at hand can help any business make informed decision that will determine the success of the company.

Business should not stop pleasing their customers as soon as business has started and revenues start to come in. It is also important that businesses conduct customer satisfaction survey to get feedbacks from customers on how to improve their service and remedy any problem.

My brother is really the guru when it comes to business and I am glad I learned these important lessons from him. Who knows someday, I can follow his footsteps and start my own business too.

Happily Ever After

2011-11-28T02:27:00.000-08:00

Every girl has their own dream wedding. Like me, I always picture my wedding at the beach where everyone is wearing white except for my groom and I. Everyone should be barefooted and there should be lanterns, candles and butterflies surrounding the venue. There should be a touch of magical fairy tale because as corny as this may sound, I always believe in happily ever after.

Anyway, talking about a girl’s dream wedding, one of the most important details of this special event is the bridal gown. It’s part of our dream since this is just a once in a lifetime experience. Likewise, the bride always wants her parents, especially her mother to be as stunning as her. As what we can observe, the bride’s parents are the most emotional when it comes to wedding.

It’s actually a good thing that we have available sources now for high quality designer gowns for the bride, parents and even for the entourage. Gray & Osbourn is one of the most visited online wedding shops because of its widest collection of gowns that are very appropriate for weddings.

Mother of the bride outfits from Gray & Osbourn are ideal complements to that wonderful wedding day your daughter has always dreamed about. They have high quality dresses that will best suit your taste and you can choose from the entire collection, depending on the theme or motif of the wedding.

Well, I really pray that my dream wedding will happen in the future. It will be the happiest day of my life if the man of my dreams will be able to share this wonderful moment of my life as I walk on the beach and waiting for the words “I do”.

Day 10 - My Truest Friends

2011-07-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

For day 10 of the photo challenge, I will need to post a picture of the person I do the most messed up things with.

At first, I can’t think of any picture or idea of what to post for this topic but then I suddenly realized that I was with my dearest friends when I messed up with things way back then.

I’ve done so many stupid things before and my friends witnessed most of it. In fact, we also do strange things together and a lot of times we do mean things but not to the extent that we are hurting or putting someone in danger. But despite all of that, my friends really stick with me and they never left me. They accept me, support me and respect me not just as their friend but also as a person.

These people are one of my most treasured ones. We’ve been friends for a very long time and until now, we are keeping our friendship stronger and happier.

Day 09 - Greatest Gift

2011-07-12T01:37:00.000-07:00

For day 9 of photo challenge, I was asked to post a picture of the person who has gotten me through the most.

I think, the person who has gotten me through the most is my boyfriend. We’ve been a couple for almost 3 years already and he’s the one who never failed to leave me for the past years. He’s always by my side whatever decision I do and he’s very much willing to support me.

For almost everyday of my life, I’m spending my time with him and with each single day, everything is memorable. Though sometimes we are having some misunderstandings, we still manage to keep our relationship strong by holding on to the thought of how much we love each other.

I know it’s too early to say that I can no longer imagine my life without him but that’s exactly what I’m feeling right now. I love him so much and I’m praying that he’ll be with me for the rest of my life.

Day 08 - My Super Cute Niece

2011-07-08T23:53:00.000-07:00

For day 8 of the photo challenge, I will need to post a snapshot of something that makes me laugh.

This is my 1-year-old niece Beatriz Dominique. Every time I see this picture I can’t help but laugh because of her cute face and smile. Whenever I’m stressed out and a bit tired, I’ll look at this picture because it somehow relaxes me.

She just turned 1 last October 2, 2011 and she’s really growing up as a sweet kid and very charming. She loves the camera and every time you’ll ask her to smile, she will portray that smile and strike a pose in front of the camera. She’s not shy at all that’s why the camera loves her as well.

One more thing that I really love about my niece is whenever she sees me; she’ll kiss and smile at me and then I will always hug her tight.

Day 07 - The Sweetest Thing

2011-07-06T22:30:00.000-07:00

For day 7 of the photo challenge, a picture of my most treasured item is required for the post.

As of now, this is the most treasured item next to my college diploma. My boyfriend gave this to me during our 1st anniversary and I wasn’t really expecting that big surprise because I never thought that he had that in mind. But just to let you know, this is not yet an engagement ring as you might wonder what’s that for.

Anyway, when he gave me that ring, instead of saying the words “Will you marry me?”, he said, “Will you let me take care and keep your heart for the rest of my life?”. Of course I was speechless because that was the sweetest line that he said to me and during that time, I felt how much he loves me and how much he’s willing to stay with me.

This may sound cheesy but I was just touched of what he did. Until now, we are still a couple and this coming December 30, 2011, we will be celebrating our 3rd anniversary and we are both looking forward to that.

I’m very thankful that I have him in my life and I really love him so much.

Day 06 - Man of My Dreams

2011-07-04T21:59:00.000-07:00

For day 6 of the photo challenge, a picture of a person I’d love to trade places with for a day is what they’re looking for.

I’ve been watching The Vampire Diaries and ever since I started it, I’ve been wanting to have my own Damon Salvatore. LOL! So if I will choose a person whom I’d love to trade places with even just for a day, then definitely, it’s Ian Somerhalder’s real life girlfriend and co-star on The Vampire Diaries; Nina Dobrev also know as Elena Gilbert. LOL!

I’ve been fantasizing this man because of his lovely eyes and good look. If I’ll be given a chance to be with him even just for a single but entire day, I would definitely grab that opportunity. Who wouldn’t want to be with this guy? He’s so hot and he’ll surely rock every girl’s world. LOL!

Well anyway, this is just a complete fantasy but kidding aside, I really admire this guy and I can’t describe how lucky Nina is to have him as her boyfriend.

Day 05 - Graduated

2011-07-03T01:39:00.000-07:00

For day 5 of the photo challenge, a picture of my favorite memory should be posted.
Just last April 2011, I finally graduated from college. In deed, this is my one of my favorite memories for the past 22 years.

My family and as well as my friends know how hard it was for me during my college days. It was really a roller coaster ride for and they witnessed all my hardships, successes and failures and I know how proud they are when I graduated.

For me, it was a big achievement. I never thought that I will be able to survive my course because as I’ve told you many times, my heart was not totally devoted to that field. I had different plans even before college but I still chose to have that course because I know that’s the best for me.

And so when my graduation day came, I can’t help but cry because of happiness. At last, I was able to make it.

Day 04 - Singing in the Rain

2011-07-02T00:12:00.000-07:00

For day 4 of the photo challenge, a picture of my favorite night is necessary.

These were our tickets for John Mayer’s concert last October 01, 2010 at SM Mall of Asia’s concert grounds.

This is one of the great nights that I have with my family and boyfriend. I was with him that night together with my sister and her hubby and my cousin. We really looked forward for this concert because we are all huge fans of John Mayer. The moment that we knew that he is going to have a concert, we immediately talked about it and arranged our schedules. We didn’t hesitate to watch since we’ve been really waiting for that.

On the night of his concert, the weather was not really good. It was raining from the start of that week and that day, it even rained hard in the morning until the afternoon. We were really praying that the rain would stop so we can go but then, it didn’t work. We still went to the concert even though the rain didn’t stop. My cousin decided to buy raincoats for us to wear if ever it would still rain during the concert. And actually, the raincoats were very worth it.

It was a great concert even though it was too hassle because of the rain. But that didn’t stop the production and the people as well. It was a fun night and it seemed like the audiences enjoyed it even more.

Day 03 - I Simply Love Damon

2011-07-01T01:31:00.000-07:00

For day 3 of the photo challenge, a picture of the cast from my favorite movie is required.

At this point, I still can’t decide for the cast from my favorite movie but what I can think of right now is one of the casts from a TV series that I love to watch so much. If you are familiar with the Salvatore brothers, then I believe that you somehow have a hint for the cast that I will post.

This is none other than Damon Salvatore of The Vampire Diaries also known as Ian Somerhalder. I first saw him on this TV series and ever since I saw him, I was completely mesmerized that it’s like love at first sight. LOL! But seriously, I admire him so much especially his character on The Vampire Diaries even though he plays as somehow the bad guy who is madly in love with his brother’s girlfriend.

He is the one of the reasons why I was totally hooked with this series and I even watch season 1 and season 2 again and again while I’m waiting for the airing of the next season.

How I wish I can meet this man in person. He is really the type of guy that will surely knocks me off my feet. LOL!

Day 02 - My Wackiest Family

2011-06-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

For day 2 of the photo challenge, a picture of myself with the person that I’ve been close with for the longest is required.

Well for this day, it’s not just a person, hence, the whole clan. The wackiest family that I have will always be the closest to me for the longest time.

Every single day that I am with them makes me feel my worth as a person. I am properly taken cared of and loved by them. They always guide me through the days of my life and they never fail to give me joy and comfort. I owe almost everything to my family especially to my parents. Because of them, I am well placed and I am living the life that I want. Likewise, I learned many things for them and that is the reason why I also have other people in my life who respect and accept me because they believe that I am raised as a good person.

These are the most important people in my life. They are always there to support me even if sometimes, I fail them but still, they are willing to give me second chances and I always thank them for that. I am just so blessed that I have these people and I will surely treasure whatever memories we have and we will have.

Day 01 of the 30-day Photo Challenge

2011-06-28T22:22:00.000-07:00

For day 1 of the photo challenge, a picture of myself is required with 15 facts about me.

1. My name is Vien Jaimee Ramos
2. I’m the youngest among the 3.
3. I’m so keen with regard to fashion.
4. I love collecting Havaianas
5. I love shoes and bags.
6. I love shopping.
7. I hate cockroaches and worms.
8. I’m a dancer, swimmer and frustrated fashion guru.
9. I’m supposed to be a writer but at times, I’m running out of words to write.
10. I’m snob at times, mean sometimes but I’m a good friend to those who respect and good to me.
11. I love my family so much and as well as my friends and boyfriend.
12. I love reading books and watch movies.
13. I’m addicted to Serenitea and Happy Lemon (milk tea)
14. I love to travel.
15. I love staying out late at night with my friends and chit chat with them over a cup of coffee or tea.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-06-28T22:16:00.000-07:00

I saw this photo challenge from my friend’s wall on Facebook. I find it interesting so I decided to take this and instead of doing it on my own Facebook, I chose to do it here on my blog.

Below is the list of the description for the 30 day Photo Challenge.

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been close with for the longest.

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite movie.

Day 04 - A picture of your favorite night.

Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory.

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.

Day 12 - A picture of something you love.

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.

Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.

Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little.

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.

Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.

Day 25 - A picture of your day.

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.

Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.

Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.

Day 30 - A picture of what you wore today.

I’ll start with my first photo on my next post so just wait for it.

Friday Fill-Ins #2

2011-06-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

1. Getting away for a 3-day vacation on August is what I am looking forward to.

2. Always pray and smile to start your day off right.

3. Coffee, tea or milk tea will do.

4. I have a new job in place of my previous job that I don't enjoy the most.

5. The lights in my room stay off whenever I sleep at night.

6. Knowing that everything is well doing great with my family and friends leads me to real happiness.

WW: My Spoiled Baby

2011-06-22T02:04:00.001-07:00

Sunday Stealing: The Seriously Random Question Meme, Part 2

2011-06-19T23:23:00.000-07:00

21. Have you ever had a garage sale? -nope

22. What color is your cell phone? -white

23. What is the last alcoholic beverage you had? –Tanduay Ice

24. Are you happy right now? –definitely.

25. Who came over to your house last? –my boyfriend

26. Do you drink beer? –nope

27. Have your brothers or sisters ever told you that you were adopted? –nope

28. What is your favorite key on your key chain? –my star key chain

29. What was the last movie you watched at home? -Hachiko

30. What is in your pocket? –money

31. Who introduced you to your bf/gf/husband/wife? –we just met during college. He’s my classmate.

32. Where do you hurt? –my throat hurts

33. Has someone ever made you a build a bear? -nope

34. What’s something fun you did today? –none as of the moment

35. What is your favorite aisle at Target? -none

36. When is your birthday? –June 10.

37. Is there anything hanging from your rear view mirror? -rosary

38. How many states in the US have you been to? –none

39. What kind of milk do you drink? –fresh milk from cow

40. What are you going to do after this? –take a bath

Music Therapy: A Way to Promote Good Health

2011-06-10T07:12:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves to listen to music. This is perhaps the universal language that transcends beyond borders, culture and stature. You will notice people with a preference to a certain kind of genre and what is more surprising are individuals who love songs from sang from a language that they don’t even speak or understand. That right there is already a testament to the strong influence and power of music. You don’t really need to understand the words in order to appreciate a song sometimes all it takes is a catchy melody and you’ll find yourself humming the entire day.

A number of medical professionals are also suggesting music as a form of therapy especially for those who are suffering from stress, anxiety and depression. This is because music has the capability to stimulate a relaxing respond that promotes changes to one’s body. Spend some time listening to your favorite in order to relieve the stress and you’ll feel energized afterwards. While it might be hard to exactly point out what it is that cause these benefits, the effects still depends towards one’s reaction.

Patients suffering from dementia or memory loss are often encouraged to listen to music, it is believed that it will help them remember past memories or recall certain moments in one’s life that can be related to the song. Even young kids are encouraged to start this habit especially before going to bed. Think of music as a positive energy that promotes a healthy well being. You can use it to your advantage and obtain a healthier and more relaxed state of mind and body.

Mia is a freelance content writer is also fond of traveling and outdoor adventures. She enjoys working for Amazing News and sees this as an opportunity to share stories and inspire the readers.

Network Monitoring Tools = Excellent Business Production

2011-06-05T02:15:00.000-07:00

Working in a BPO company seems to be an easy job but for the technical department, I can say that the job is very complicated.

As we all know, in BPO companies, the technical department needs to monitor large number of computers since these are the basic needs of every employee when taking in calls to give customer service. In this case, if the server is down, all computers in the production floor can be affected and this may lead to low service level and low production. Nevertheless, as this may sound really hard for us technical people, it’s still a good thing that our company introduced network monitoring tools, which can really make our job easier.

One of the tools that we are currently using is the LogicMonitor that can be considered as the best networking software as far as it was introduced to us. The good thing about this is that, everything can be monitored in just a single window so we can easily determine which server to be monitored or configured. It can really save our time and effort since we don’t have to check hundreds of servers because LogicMonitor has the power to do the action.

Likewise, with regard to sql server monitoring, it automatically assists us in monitoring the actions and performance of our servers. LogicMonitor can perform the duty of keeping track the condition of our database, which is one of the best features since we will be able to easily see what needs to be improved and developed in a shorter period of time.

We are really thankful that we have these tools now because it really helps in the production of our company.

For My 22nd Birthday

2011-05-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

Exactly 12 days from now, I will officially be 22 years old. It’s hard to admit that I’m getting older but then, we can’t do anything about it since it’s really part of our life.

I still don’t have plans for my birthday though but one thing is for sure, I want to celebrate it with my family, friends and of course my boyfriend. I haven’t talked to them about this but maybe I can arrange a dinner in a restaurant or perhaps, just have a small gathering in our house.

But since I’m already talking about my birthday, let me share with you my birthday wish list.

1. iPad – I’ve been planning to buy one but since I have a tight budget, maybe someone can give it to me as a gift. LOL
2. Lumix – I actually want an SLR camera but then I thought, it’s too big for me so I might as well settle for Lumix since it is handy and it has SLR’s features.
3. LC Bag – of course this will not be forgotten in my list. LOL!
4. Steve Madden Pumps – I always want to buy one. Actually I asked my sister to buy me one in the USA and I hope she was able to buy.
5. Tory Burch flats – My boyfriend said that he’ll buy me one but I turned it down because I don’t want him to spend too much money for me even though he insists.

These are just my wishes as of now and I think there are lots more to come. I hope my relatives and friends will be able to read this. LOL!

Sunday Stealing: The "You Can't Be Missed" Meme, The Last Part

2011-05-28T20:50:00.001-07:00

46. Would you ever try to quit one of your addictions, or better said: Bad Habits? –Yes! Why not?

47. Could you ever kill yourself to save someone else? –When it comes to my family, yes!!

48. Does it matter if break up with someone or have them dump you? –Break up with someone. It hurts more if someone dumped me.

49. Would you rather have a turtle or a frog for a pet? –I don’t like any of that.

50. Would you rather spend a day with Lady Gaga or Miley Cyrus? –I think I’ll go with Lady Gaga.

51. Would you rather learn to play piano or guitar? –Guitar.

52. We're going back to the day. Where did you get your kicks? –I don’t know.

53. What Asian country would you like to visit the most? Why? –I would always love to go to Hong Kong because of shopping.

54. Have you ever thought that a passer-by was the one (think James Blunt, here)? –No.

55. Ever told someone that your fake jewelery was really real? –No.

56. Where are the worst public restrooms? –Gasoline stations, I think.

57. What song was the latest one that got overplayed really fast? –Marry You by Bruno Mars.

58. What Friends (American TV show from the 90s) character are you most like? –No idea.

59. When's the last time you had a Popsicle? –Last Thursday, courtesy of my boyfriend.

60. What TV show from way back would you love to see reappear? -Charmed

Demotivated

2011-05-21T00:23:00.000-07:00

I am somehow thinking about quitting with my current job. I feel like I am not being productive and I’m really having a hard time adjusting with the things that I need to do. I feel like I didn’t learn anything because I can’t apply it in my performance.

For now, I’m still in the mentoring stage and I still have 3 days left to practice and absorb everything that I’ve learned. On the next coming weeks, I’ll be in the certification stage wherein my performance will now be graded and I need to attain 90% in order for me to continue as a regular employee.

I admit that I’m not sure if I can pass the certification because I feel like I’m not helping the customers and instead, their concerns are left unsolved. I’m still hoping and praying though that I’ll be able to make it until the end. I don’t want to disappoint the people who helped me since the first day that’s why I’m working hard and doing my best to make it through.

Friday Fill-Ins #1

2011-05-20T03:57:00.000-07:00

1. I see myself being in the fashion industry in the future.

2. As I start working with my new job now, it’s hard for me to start with scratch.

3. They begin to teach me new things that can make me become more productive in my career.

4. I’ve been dreaming to become a fashion designer for so many years earlier.

5. This I know: will come true sooner than later.

6. I want baby back ribs for dinner.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to have a good night sleep, tomorrow my plans include spending time with my boyfriend and Sunday, I want to relax in preparation for another week of work!

Fulfillment of My Dreams

2011-05-03T04:44:00.000-07:00

As you all know, I just graduated from one of the prestigious state universities with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Computer Studies major in Computer Science.

From the very start, I am very vocal that Computer Science was not really my cup of tea. It wasn’t even my first choice if you were to ask me because I am not that keen when it comes to computers. Maybe you are wondering now why I still graduated with that course. Well let’s just put it this way; my siblings are both graduates of computer courses so in the end, I was somehow advised to take the same field even though I don’t want to. They said that there will be a lot of job opportunities after I graduate and it is easier to earn money.

Originally, I want to take up Fashion design or Mass Communication but as I’ve said, I didn’t have the chance and I decided to take the same path as my siblings since I also wanted to meet their expectations.

But since I’m done with that course now, I am planning to take a second course that will fulfill my best of interest. But then again, I’m thinking that I still don’t have enough budget because I haven’t save up money as I am just a fresh graduate. So now, I’m planning to consider the fastcash so that I can start studying about Fashion design while I’m working to save more.

When the time comes that I’ll be able to finish Fashion design, my next goal is to put up my own business and of course, I’ll use all my knowledge that I will be able to gather as I start studying.

This may sound a bit tedious since I need to exert more effort and learn to manage my time as I’ll be studying and working at the same time. I just hope that eventually, I will be successful with my plans and make my family even prouder for my accomplishments.

Time to Shop Again

2011-05-03T02:23:00.000-07:00

I’ve been missing shopping for a couple of months now. I resigned from work last March that’s why I avoided shopping first since I won’t have a salary for 2 months, which means that I have to spend my savings.

But now that I’m almost nearing my first payday in my new job, I’ve been thinking of buying some things that I’ve been drooling for a month now. I need to buy more business attire clothes since it is required in our company but we can also wear dresses as long as they are not too short and if they are sleeveless, we should wear it with blazers.

I actually found a dress already and I’m planning to buy it after I received my first pay. I saw it from an online store and I read some reviews about it from the customers and they said that the material of the garments is good and doesn’t look cheap.

After that, I’m also thinking of buying this.

(Photo grabbed from POSH Pocket Shoes)

My sister had one of this actually but hers is red. Ever since I saw this, I initially want to buy it but as I’ve said, I’m trying to contain myself from spending that time.
Well even though I have so many plans of how to spend my first pay, of course I will still save some.

Stepping Stone to Success

2011-05-02T02:11:00.000-07:00

Ever since before, I always want to have my own business someday. I actually want to have my own line of clothing, events’ company or perhaps my own restaurant where I will be the head chef. Up until now, these are still included in my list with regard to my future plans.

I know it’s hard to put up our own business because we really need to have enough knowledge for the possible pros and cons of the biz that we are planning. Likewise, we need the right amount of capital and we all know that it is not that easy to acquire because we have to save up money considering the fact that we have to deal with lots of expenses in our day to day basis.

This is actually the main reason why I immediately looked for a job right after I graduated so I can save money at early age and be able to put up my own business. But then I know that this can take a long time especially now that our economy is not that stable and prices of our necessities keep on rising.

Because of this, I’m actually thinking of considering the payday loan industry because I heard that this can really help a lot when it comes to finances. My friend was the one who told me about this and I discovered that they have easy qualifications and that’s why I’m really planning to apply for one.

Basically, the applicants just need to be at least 18 years old and above, has a bank account, must be currently employed and earn about $800 per month. After you qualify with their requirements the process of depositing the money to your account will only take about 24 hours so you see, it is very easy and convenient.

For now, I just have to gather information first for the business that I am planning to put up and make a financial review so I will know how much budget I need to start with.