Creating Pages/Tabs on Blogger

Dear Joanne,
Thank you for visiting and appreciating my blog.
Here are the steps to create your blog's pages/tabs.
-------------------------------
On your blogger account, open the specific blog (if you have more than one blog in one blogger account) where you want to create your pages.

Step 1: Click 'Layout'.  Upon doing so, you will see the Template Designer window.

Step 2: On the Template Designer window, click 'Add a Gadget' (the one below your blog's name). There will be a pop-up window that will show you the list of gadgets that you can add.

Step 3: Look for 'Pages' on the list of gadgets.  Click '+'.  The Configure Page List window will appear.

Note 1: Once you have added the 'Pages' gadget, your 'Home' tab will be shown on your blog.  It would contain all posts regardless of labels or categories you have assigned to each of the posts.  You may also opt not to shown it on your blog by deselecting it on the Configure Page List (Just uncheck the box beside it).  You may also rename it - just change 'Home' into 'Everything', 'ALL' or any title that pleases you. :)

Once your done and ready to create your other pages, proceed with Step 4.

Step 4: Click 'Add external link'.

You should see this:

Step 5: Give your page a title (anything you want).
For the purposes of this mini how-to, let's use eSMP and let's dedicate this page to all assignments, activities, answers to self-assessment questions and everything that eSMP-related. :)

Step 6: Provide the web address.  It should be in this format:

Your blog's URL/search/label/'label'

So again, for the purposes of this mini how-to, let's use my blog's URL and esmp as 'label'.  Thus, the resulting web address is http://extraordinairememoir.blogspot.com/search/label/esmp

Note that it is not necessary for your label to be the same as your page title.

Step 7: Click 'Save Link'. After saving the link, you will be brought back to the Configure Page List window (screenshot on Note 1 and Step 4).  You should see your newly created page on that window.  If you have already created a lot of pages, the recently created page is at the bottom of the list.

Step 8: Click 'Save'.

Wooohooo! You're almost done!

Step 9: Click ' Save arrangement' to save all the hard work. :)

Now, visit your blog.
You should see the newly added page.

Note 2: The eSMP page is already available on your blog.  Just click on it to view its contents.

Taaaadaaaaaaaaaah!
Nothing.

We will discuss how to add posts on this page but before that, please allow me to discuss Note 3 first.

Note 3: Notice that Home is the active tab/page on your blog. Since it contains every single post that you have, it will remain as your 'intro' page as long as you have opted to show it on your blog.

To opt not to show it, just deselect (uncheck the box next to it) on the Configure Page List window (refer to screenshot of Note 1).  Please make sure that when you opt not to show the Home tab, all your posts are properly categorized into at least one of your pages.

And without further ado, let’s discuss how to add posts to your pages.  In this case, we will add posts to our eSMP page.

On your posts list, select and open the post you wish to add to the page.  Click on ‘Labels’ to show the labels textbox.  Enter your ‘label’.  In our case we have to enter esmp (note that we have used esmp as ‘label’ when we created the web address of the eSMP page so we also have to use it as ‘label’ to all posts we want to include in the eSMP page).  Repeat as necessary.

Visit your blog and see the result!

Now, there are two (2) kinds/types of page in blogger.  First, the one that uses external link which we have discussed above and second, the page/tab that contains only one (1) post – see ABOUT ME of my blog.

Since you already know how to create pages/tabs using external links, it’s high time to learn how to create the page/tab similar to my ABOUT ME tab.

Step 1:  On your blogger account, open the blog where you want to create the page.  Click ‘Pages’ somewhere above ‘Layout’

 Step 2: Click ‘New page’

Step 3: A window similar to creating a simple post will be opened.  Write down the contents of this page (whatever you want), change the page title (to whatever you want). Save and Publish.

Don't forget to visit your blog to see the updates.
-------------------------------
That's it!
I hope you learned something from this.

Again, thank you for visiting and happy blogging!

Cheers,
Rona

Business Communications: Communication Channels - SAQ 3-2

Self-Assessment Questions (SAQ) 3-2

1. Which of the four directions of formal communication within the organization do you participate in most often? Identify examples of each type of formal communication flow in your organization.

Being the section head of the SPC group, I think I participate in the four directions of formal communication in equal amount.

Examples of each type of formal communication in our organization

Downward – business updates are sent regularly via email by the company’s President/CEO

Upward – the company has a program called ‘Employee Suggestion Program’.  It is a venue for employees to voice their opinions on cost reduction, space maximization and the likes.

Horizontal – as a group, the SPC section would normally meet to discuss goals and objectives for the coming fiscal year, project updates, brainstorm on how we could improve the services we provide to our customers and discuss problems that we have encountered and how to solve them.

Cross-channel – after each statistics training that we conduct, we ask each trainee to submit a project for us to check if they really understood the topics discussed

2. What barriers or challenges have you observed or experienced in formal communication networks? How can these challenges be addressed?

Challenge: it is very difficult to collect training assignments/projects from the participants.  Either (1) they have forgotten about the project that they need to submit to complete the training they had recently attended or (2) there are a lot of tasks assigned to them that they can no longer do the project

How we addressed the challenge:

1.    certificates are given only to those who have completed the training (all certificates are Certificate of Completion).  We do not give Certificate of Attendance anymore.

2.    we created a master list of our training participants and tagged each one of them as ‘complete’ or ‘incomplete’ whichever is applicable.  Participants with ‘incomplete’ are not accepted to any other training offered by our group.
3.    to solicit help from the participants’ superior, we do not allow them to enlist their other subordinates unless the previous ones had submitted and completed the requirements of the training. 

You might also want to see my answers on:
Business Communications: Communication Channels - Activity 3-1
Business Communications: Communication Channels - SAQ 3-1

Business Communications: Communication Channels - Activity 3-1

1.    Consider the following verbal and non-verbal barriers to communication. Which

barriers are associated with which components of the communication discussed

above? Write your answers in the table below:

Components of communication	Barriers to communication that may be associated with each component
Stimulus	Non-verbal Barrier/s c) Inappropriate emotions It is generally more effective to depend on logic instead of emotions when communicating. For example, being overly enthusiastic about what you are saying can alienate some audiences. Or allowing your emotions to run away with you (e.g. not reining in your sadness or anger) can embarrass both you and your audience, or worse, result in a communication breakdown (e.g. excessive anger can create such an emotionally charged environment that reasonable discussion is not possible). d) Distractions Any environmental or competing element that restricts one’s ability to concentrate on the communication task hinders effective communication. Such distractions are called noise. Note that ‘noise’ in communication is not always something auditory (i.e. heard with the ear); it can be anything distracting such as the room layout or the way people are dressed or what they are doing (e.g. using their smartphones while someone is making a presentation).
Filter	Verbal Barrier/s a) Inadequate knowledge or vocabulary Before you can even begin to think about how you will communicate an idea, you must have sufficient knowledge about the topic to know what you want to say. b) Differences in interpretation Sometimes senders and receivers attribute different meanings to the same word or attribute the same meaning to different words. When this happens, miscommunication can occur. Non-verbal Barrier/s b) Differences in perception This may be influenced by people’s differences in orientation, exposure or experience, knowledge, values, and the like.
Message	Verbal Barrier/s e) Over abstraction and ambiguity An abstract word refers to an idea or feeling instead of to a concrete object or something that can be seen or touched. For example, ‘communication’ is an abstract word, whereas ‘memorandum’ is a concrete word. Abstract words are necessary in order to communicate about things you cannot see or touch. However, communication problems result when you use too many abstract words or when you use too high a level of abstraction. The higher the level of abstraction, the more difficult it is for the receiver to visualize exactly what the sender has in mind.
Medium	Verbal Barrier/s c) Language differences This includes the nuances of the same language. For instance, the English language may have different pronunciation, terms, expressions depending on whose English (e.g. American English, Australian English, British English, Filipino English, Singaporean English) is used. d) Inappropriate use of expressions Examples include slang, jargon, and euphemisms. Slang is a highly informal expression, often short-lived, that is identified with a specific group of people. Jargon is the technical terminology used within specialized groups. Euphemisms are expressions used in place of words that may offend. Non-verbal Barrier/s a) Inappropriate or conflicting signals When we say one thing — for example, that we are pleased to meet someone — but our actions, posture, or expression suggests a contradictory message, others will usually believe what we do rather than what we say.
Destination	Verbal Barrier/s f) Polarization At times, some people act as though every situation is divided into two opposite and distinct poles, with no allowance for a middle ground. What you say and do not say might create or lead to polarization. For example, when you congratulate only one of the three people who took part in making a company presentation, how would the other two presenters feel, even though you said nothing negative about their performance?

2. Recall situations when you experiences any or some of these verbal and non-verbal

barriers to communication. As a communicator, what can you do to minimize these

barriers to communication?

I would normally experience ‘Distractions’ during trainings.  As the trainer (communicator) I get easily distracted with my trainees borrowing calculators from one another reasoning out that they failed to bring one (despite the fact that the training is Basis Statistics and the course outline includes descriptive statistics computation).  To avoid or minimize such incidents, I will include the phrase ‘BRING A CALCULATOR’ in every email that I will send to the participants and every memo that I will post in the bulletin boards.

You might also want to see my answers on:

Business Communications: Communication Channels SAQ 3-1
Business Communications: Communication Channels SAQ 3-2

Business Communications: Communication Channels - SAQ 3-1

Self-Assessment Questions (SAQ) 3-1

Recall a communication situation in which you were involved. Identify the five components of communication (stimulus, filter, message, medium, destination) in that communication situation.

In 2006, the Total Quality Management section of the company where I work for had opted for customized SPC software instead of buying the canned applications available in the market.  As the Statistician, I was tasked to discuss the requirements and test results with the developers.

Stimulus – the need to discuss with the developers the detailed SPC software requirements of the company

Filter –having seen and used a few other statistics software and having had the opportunity to see the actual production line where the customized application will be used, I had the ability to tell, upon testing, whether the customized application is already good for deployment

Message – the software requirements and the results of the tests conducted

Medium – oral (formal meetings and telephone discussions) and written communication (emails, test reports, manuals)

Destination – the software requirements and test results will be given to the developers

Of the five components of communication, which do you think would be the most challenging for you as a communicator (i.e. as the one sending the message) to control or regulate? Why? Is it possible to compensate for your lack of control over this component by attending to the other components within your control? Explain.

For me, the most challenging component is the Filter.  My idea of SPC software was very far from the idea of the developers.  Theirs was an application that would collect and analyze the production data. Mine was an application that would collect and analyze the production data real-time and the fastest way possible because each delay in the results is equivalent to some degree of output loss.

To compensate for this, I brought the developers in the production line.  I allowed them to see the actual line processing and how the application should contribute in the operators’ efficiency.

Do you agree that feedback is not necessary for communication to take place? When is it not necessary to get feedback in a communication situation?

I think feedback is not necessary for communication to take place but for an effective communication, there has to be a feedback.  Feedback will tell the communicator that the message he/she sent was received by the destination the way he/she intended and expected it to be received.

Feedback is not necessary for commercials, billboard ads and fliers.  Though it is not necessary, I think that it is highly appreciated (when there is any) and is measured by the increase in the sales.

You might also want to see my answers on:
Business Communications: Communication Channels - Activity 3-1
Business Communications: Communication Channels SAQ 3-2

The Best Birthday Ever: Concordia Children's Services

As you all know, we've celebrated our birthday in an orphanage.
No? You don't! Okay, the details are here and here.
Of course, you also need to know how the plans had started - it's here!

Anyway, Concordia Children's Services (CCS) is located at Old Sta. Mesa, Manila and is home to babies and children left by parents - oh how I wanted to scold those parents!  But aside from them, CCS also helps street and urban poor children through their Urban Poor Children Program.

Elementary kids under CCS Urban Poor Children Program were our special guests during our birthday celebration held in this room:

Thank you for allowing us to use the room!

There were games and prizes (of course!) and the kids were so energetic.  They didn't even want to eat!
Whenever 'Teacher Ressie' (one of the celebrants who was host of the day but sounded like a teacher) would ask the kids 'Gusto nyo na bang kumain?', they would say, 'Ayaw!, Laro pa!'
So game it is.

The first game was Paper Dance.

The second game is Banana Eating Contest.

The third one is Stop Dance.

And finally, Trip to Jerusalem.

After the fourth game, we decided to eat - because we (the celebrants and friends) were already hungry though the kids weren't!

Also, the kids had prepared a special dance number and a song number for us.
I will upload their presentations in the coming days (blogger won't allow me to do so today).

And of course, there's the gift-giving.  Again, thank you so much to all of you who have made this one-of-a-kind birthday possible -> the awesome people behind the event!

Some kids gave their birthday wishes for us.  Thank you!

The party ended with a birthday song - the loudest I've heard!

I will upload it, too.  Blogger just won't allow me today!

Our Very Special Guests

But wait, there's more!

We also visited the babies of CCS Residencial Care Program.

Now, I'd like you to meet the 3-month old, Mark

and some of his friends

Thank you, Concordia for accommodating us!

---------

You may reach Concordia Children's Services here:

Phone: +63 354 6049
Tele Fax: +63 713 3461
Email: office@concordiachildrens.org

or visit their webpage: http://www.concordiachildrens.org/

MSS Day4: Something Electrifying and Controversial!

My Secret Santa today isn't secret at all. :) Oh well, she keeps on denying it but I know for sure, she's the one.

When I opened my gift, I didn't say anything aside from 'Thank you!' then she was like 'May resibo po yan - 7 days warranty!'

We all teased her and reminded her of the 'Secret Santa' award on our Christmas party.  After realizing that she's losing the bid for the award, she explained (on a very defensive manner) that she was just telling me that the item (gift that I have received) has a warranty period of 7 days like every other item of its kind.  Good excuse.  But she went on to say where she bought it!

There, gotcha!

Okay, enough about the giver, let's talk about the gift.
Can somebody please tell me how did this became ELECTRIFYING and CONTROVERSIAL?

It's a doughnut-shaped (at least the upper portion) mini desk fan.  It's really cute and I'm sure, it's way too expensive than the agreed amount of gifts.

So, even though I can't think of ways to explain how did this gift fell into the category/theme, I'm still thankful.  And I really wouldn't care about the theme!

Thank you so much, [RESSIE]!

30th Birthday Celebration: Bukas Na!

When I started planning for my 30th birthday, I was thinking of having a masquerade ball with family and friends.  I was so excited that I already have a concept and design for the invitation.

But one day, for no reason at all, I decided to change plans!

I asked friends to donate their old books and old toys for my birthday.  The original plan was to collect and give them to a chosen institution - that easy.  Nothing so special. In my mind, it would be like any other day.

But that was days and days ago.

Today, I can see children dancing, playing and having fun!  It's going to be a one-of-a-kind birthday party!

Be there when it happens.
See you tomorrow!

MSS Day 3: What's Sweet 'n Sour But Cannot Be Eaten?

The third edition of our 2013 kris kringle requires the gift to be: Sweet and Sour but CANNOT be eaten! Looking for such a gift needs great imagination.  And imagination, indeed!

Here's what I got.
Taadaaa!

For those who want to know what that is, well, it's a stuffed mango-shaped toy.  Since it's a 'mango', it can be sweet/sour (depending on the type of mango) and of course, I won't be able to eat this - because it's a toy!

Talk about being creative, imaginative, exceptional!

I got the coolest gift ever!
Whoever that Secret Santa is, thank you so much!

Christmas 2013: Decorations

Nativity Scene

Kultura, SM Department Store, SM City North EDSA

Price: 999.75

I'm thinking of getting the three Kings to complete the scene.

But I'm already happy to have the three most important characters :)

This is the Christmas look of our living area.  It will become a living 'room' soon - once I'm finished with with the curtains that will serve as room dividers.  More on that next time :)

On regular days (non-Christmas season), the Christmas tree will be replaced by a lamp.  I have to look for that perfect lamp though.

I placed a doily on top of the center table.  Since it's so plain, I decided to put on display our unity candles!

The doily costs 14.75 at SM Department Store, SM City North EDSA.  Though there are also other designs, I decided to buy this one because of its simplicity.

Bamboo stand for the candles and pebbles: from Mother :)

Our first Christmas tree!

Landmark, TriNoMa, North EDSA

Price: 2799.75 :)

I strongly believe that putting that .75 on the price tag is a marketing strategy.  Products with .75 on the tag look cheaper than they actually are.

Here's our Christmas tree with the lights on!

The accessories for the tree were from SM City North EDSA except for the eight glittery flowers which were bought from Landmark, TriNoMa.

Both stores have a wide selection of Christmas decors and most of them come in different colors!

For 2013, we're having a RED and GOLD Christmas! :)

And of course, we have a Christmas wreath on our bedroom door!  Although, we are having a red and gold Christmas this year, I opted for the multi-colored wreath because 1. the golden wreath I saw was not that - well, nice.  It's not worth it's price. 2. no red wreath was available at the time :( 3. so we won't need to buy another wreath for the coming years (when we changed from red and gold to say, pink and blue Christmas!).

Price: 300.00

SM Department Store, SM City North EDSA

Thank you for dropping by.

Happy weekend!

Wordless Wednesday - Week of October 29, 2013

Update November 6, 2013

Here's a link going directly to our entry:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10201717609294082&set=p.10201717609294082&type=1&theater

Max, the Badboy and our bridal dog is joining a contest hosted by The Pinoy Dog Whisperer.
The prize?

FREE training!

Although, he had changed (for the better) a lot during the past few months, Kiboy (his Master) would still want him to have a training under the dog whisperer.

So, please help him win by visiting this link https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=574485972623292&set=a.331150900290135.75512.328051677266724&type=1 or this http://extraordinairememoir.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-pinoy-dog-whisperer-free-training.html. Once you're there, look for the entry (comment) of Mark Liwag then LIKE it.

Ooops! Sorry! I know, this should be wordless but I just can't help it.  I really want Max to win and have that free training in the hope that he'll be nicer to me and won't scare me off each time I would arrive home from work.

Thank you in advance!

The Pinoy Dog Whisperer Free Training

Update November 6, 2013

Here's a link going directly to our entry:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10201717609294082&set=p.10201717609294082&type=1&theater

I rarely make requests - at least over the internet - but this one is different. You know, supporting the husband on his endeavor 
So, what's my request?
Click the link below and look for Max 'badboy' Liwag then click like. The top 10 dogs with the most likes will have a chance to get a free training from The Pinoy Dog Whisperer. Maybe not much for some, but the husband wants (badly wants) that for our bridal dog, Max.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=574485972623292&set=a.331150900290135.75512.328051677266724&type=1

And oh, liking my post (this) is appreciated but it won't count as a vote so please open the link above and like our Max from there. Thank you!

Voting/liking is open until November 17, 2013 5pm.  Below is our entry.

*entries are found on the comment section of the facebook link above

Chicken Soup for the Soul

I so love eating chicken sopas especially during rainy days because it makes me warm.  I have posted months ago my very own version of chicken sopas here.

In 1997, while attending the summer school for our scholarship, I was introduced by one of our tutors to Chicken Soup.  That chicken soup was really different - it's not for the stomach but for the Soul.  I enjoyed reading each and every story in the book because with each story
> I learn lessons in life that the regular school can't teach
> I get encouraged to continue living life to the fullest despite the many challenges that life is throwing at me
> and many more which I can't really express here

Among the many titles and stories that the series had offered, the following are my favorites:

> Title:  Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul.  I bought a copy of this but unfortunately, someone borrowed it and never said a word after.  In short, the book was never returned to me.  The good thing was, I was able to read all of the stories there.  But I still want the book.  You know that feeling when you just want to open a favorite book and read then re-read the already familiar stories?  That's the reason why I want to have my book back. :(

> Story: Falling In Love With Molly.
"Sometimes, being a brother is even better than being a superhero." - Marc Brown.  That statement basically sums up the story.  So go ahead, read it.  I'm sure, you'll love it.

> Category:  On Death and Dying.  The stories under this category remind the readers to tell the people they love that they love them while they are still alive, while there is still time to enjoy each other's company, while they can still feel the love.

> And oh, the Calvin and Hobbes portion!

Below are just some of the Chicken Soup titles currently on Amazon.com.



To get the full list, go here => http://amzn.to/1cfXyhC

I have stopped buying the book because of that unfortunate incident above but I have continued reading the inspiring stories by subscribing on their free daily story.  However, awhile ago, while checking on the other Wordless Wednesday links at Create-With-Joy, I noticed that she has an on-going giveaway check it here.  And the best thing about it?  The prize is the awesome Chicken Soup for the Soul From Lemons to Lemonade!  I started wanting a hard copy again.

So, without wasting a second, I joined.  Crossing my fingers and hoping that I be named as one of the winners.  Yes, that's right.  There will be not one, not two but three winners.  In the past, I am not that lucky on raffles/giveaways but I hope I will be this time.
/i am yet to get the maximum number of entries/

May the force be with me!

Wordless Wednesday - Week of October 22, 2013

Picture taken at Botanical Garden, Baguio City

30th Birthday Celebration: 10/21/13 Update

Yes, it's OUR birthday.  When She learned of my plans to celebrate my 30th birthday on an orphanage, she got overly excited and expressed her intentions of doing the same. Ressie, on the other hand was convinced by She to join us, too.  :)

I will post more updates in the coming days and the pictures of the two other celebrants.

And in case you've missed my birthday wish, it's here: http://extraordinairememoir.blogspot.com/2013/10/an-open-letter-to-all-my-friends-my.html

Good night, everyone!

Weekender: Home Enhancements

I just want to share the enhancements I have recently made on our living room and bedroom.
The stuffs that I have used are on 50% off sale which we bought during SM's 3 day sale.
Remember the bags here?  Yes, they contain my newly bought curtains.

I bought the throw pillows and their cases at SM Mega Mall during its 2nd day of sale.

For the living area, I spent only a total of 1,790 pesos.

Curtain at 300 pesos each (2 pcs) = 600

Throw pillows at 120 pesos each (7 pcs) = 840

Pillow cases at 50 pesos each (7 pcs) = 350

All of them were on 50% discount so my total savings is 1,790 pesos!

For our bedroom, I have replaced the curtains with a new set to match the ones in the living room.

My blogging area :)

So for the bedroom, I only spent 600 pesos for the two curtains.

I seriously think, I need to put a chandelier in the living room, what do you think?
The dining area and the kitchen will be enhanced next week so stay tuned.

Happy weekend and happy week ahead!