I was checking my blog stats and was so surprised that there was a significant spike to my number of visits. I looked at the referring page and sure enough, it was again the doing of Melissa (or AnP, to her thousands of readers). A lot of the Pinayexpat "faithful" were nice enough to drop by. Curious, I guess, to see what kind of friends she had.
It was a couple of weeks ago when Melissa and I were dissecting our friendship, and how it has survived all these years despite personal pursuits that took us to different paths. And yet each time we find each other, we pick up right where we left off and resume our little mutual admiration society. She and I are poles apart and yet we regard each other highly and enjoy our differences. We agreed that it must be because we gravitate towards people who have healthy self-confidence. Something we were both fortunate to have our parents instill in us. I guess that even at a young age, we both tired of "friends" who had nothing better to do than compare themselves to us or to talk behind our backs. I almost fell into that trap as there was a time when I was unwise in the company I chose to keep. But like her, I have a wise mother who put an end to that by encouraging me to be myself, and not to be too bothered about what these people say to me or about me.
I have found myself bonding more with people who share the same self-acceptance and assurance. They all are, in one way or another, more talented or smarter than me, and I am not fazed. Not only do I learn from them, but there is no insecurity or any ridiculous competition. Someone once made a comment that I was being snooty. I found that puzzling because my close friends come from all kinds of backgrounds. I even have those kinds of friendships where the person seems to need me more than they really care for me. I am only called when there's trouble brewing. I really don't mind being a "stormy-weather" friend but it does prevent the friendship from going any deeper.
However, I do have my truest friends who all have that incredible self-esteem, tempered with honesty and humility. That, plus a lot of respect make for that special friendship that is mutually satisfying...the kind that never fades, no matter the years nor the circumstance.
To my friends... Ano ba yan? 'Eto na naman tayo! Masyado tayong nagmamahalan!
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Of Firsts and the Force
Week One
It was a crazy first week in my new job. I had about three days to absorb what my predecessor was trying to turn over to me. What's more, we ran into some road blocks as I was not yet set up technically in the corporate server so I could not fully sink my teeth into what I was supposed to learn and do. On top of that, I seem to have come in during the week where events were at fever-pitch so it left me kind of breathless. I was assured that it is not always like that. Whew!
Year One
Where did time go? I looked at my entries and realized that I've been blogging for a year. It certainly hasn't felt that long and yet the proof is all there. Just look to the left! Not only that, some people have deemed my writing worth "publishing". Now how's that for a surprise? One entry of mine has appeared in a newsletter for Habitat for Humanity (circulation 1,500) and a friend invited me to be a part of her online magazine called PINOYexpats, to which I have contributed a few articles. I don't know how long I can keep this con going, but I'll try for as long as I can! :)
The Force
Star Wars' final episode hits the screen. Hubby called me Friday after work and informed me that we were going to the 5:40 pm show. I told him I had to work a bit late and asked if there was a later show. He said they were all sold out. Since I knew that he wanted to go see it badly, I told him to go ahead and I will meet him after the show. "Okay!" he said. Not much convincing needed there! I was chuckling as I put the phone down. We usually watch everything together. Although if the situation were reversed, I probably would have done the same thing. When I met him after the show, he was grinning like a cheshire cat who's just had a meal. It was too cute!
It was a crazy first week in my new job. I had about three days to absorb what my predecessor was trying to turn over to me. What's more, we ran into some road blocks as I was not yet set up technically in the corporate server so I could not fully sink my teeth into what I was supposed to learn and do. On top of that, I seem to have come in during the week where events were at fever-pitch so it left me kind of breathless. I was assured that it is not always like that. Whew!
Year One
Where did time go? I looked at my entries and realized that I've been blogging for a year. It certainly hasn't felt that long and yet the proof is all there. Just look to the left! Not only that, some people have deemed my writing worth "publishing". Now how's that for a surprise? One entry of mine has appeared in a newsletter for Habitat for Humanity (circulation 1,500) and a friend invited me to be a part of her online magazine called PINOYexpats, to which I have contributed a few articles. I don't know how long I can keep this con going, but I'll try for as long as I can! :)
The Force
Star Wars' final episode hits the screen. Hubby called me Friday after work and informed me that we were going to the 5:40 pm show. I told him I had to work a bit late and asked if there was a later show. He said they were all sold out. Since I knew that he wanted to go see it badly, I told him to go ahead and I will meet him after the show. "Okay!" he said. Not much convincing needed there! I was chuckling as I put the phone down. We usually watch everything together. Although if the situation were reversed, I probably would have done the same thing. When I met him after the show, he was grinning like a cheshire cat who's just had a meal. It was too cute!
Saturday, May 14, 2005
My Last Week
It was crazy--
Job turnovers are never easy, especially when you only have a couple of days to do it.
It was tedious--
I stayed late every day of the week making sure I left no loose ends, and I still had some unfinished stuff that I needed to leave on to my successor.
It was wearying--
People tend to pile things on your desk that you are asked to "please try to do before you go."
It was expensive--
I got myself something nice from our jewelry company before I lost my right to the great employee discount.
It was sad--
It's hard to say goodbye to people you really like working with.
It was funny--
People were just playfully putting on a show of how sad they were to see me leave. I told them to try acting if they ever got laid off.
It was fattening--
I was invited out to lunch all week and told to order whatever I wanted.
It was bittersweet--
The London staff sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers to say goodbye. It got me all choked up.
It was revealing--
You never really know how much you're appreciated and liked until you're about to leave.
It's exciting--
I'm always excited when I am on the verge of a new chapter in life. Change, though sometimes unnerving, has always brought me a new understanding of myself and how God is working on me. I decided early in life, no matter how much fear I have, to try not to shrink away from change. Whether it's a step back or a step forward, I say a prayer, coach my attitude, clench my teeth and meet change head on. So it's first day for me on Monday. Ready, get set, GO!
Job turnovers are never easy, especially when you only have a couple of days to do it.
It was tedious--
I stayed late every day of the week making sure I left no loose ends, and I still had some unfinished stuff that I needed to leave on to my successor.
It was wearying--
People tend to pile things on your desk that you are asked to "please try to do before you go."
It was expensive--
I got myself something nice from our jewelry company before I lost my right to the great employee discount.
It was sad--
It's hard to say goodbye to people you really like working with.
It was funny--
People were just playfully putting on a show of how sad they were to see me leave. I told them to try acting if they ever got laid off.
It was fattening--
I was invited out to lunch all week and told to order whatever I wanted.
It was bittersweet--
The London staff sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers to say goodbye. It got me all choked up.
It was revealing--
You never really know how much you're appreciated and liked until you're about to leave.
It's exciting--
I'm always excited when I am on the verge of a new chapter in life. Change, though sometimes unnerving, has always brought me a new understanding of myself and how God is working on me. I decided early in life, no matter how much fear I have, to try not to shrink away from change. Whether it's a step back or a step forward, I say a prayer, coach my attitude, clench my teeth and meet change head on. So it's first day for me on Monday. Ready, get set, GO!
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Moving On
Last Monday, I gave in my two-weeks' notice. The stunned look on my boss' face made me feel bad. After letting it sink in, he seemed to snap out of it and magnanimously told me that if it was for a better opportunity, then he would be happy for me. I assured him it was. It was an offer too good to refuse, I said. He then congratulated me with a wistful smile, reminding me that it is not his way to hinder people's advancement of themselves. As the reality of the situation became more apparent in the following days, I have been subject to some ribbing and roasting about my inevitable departure.
Leaving a job that you like, with people that you enjoy working with, is sad no matter how green the next pasture is to which you are moving. I work for a family-oriented, community-focused financial firm of about 160 people. It's probably one of the most laid-back financial firms I have ever seen. Different people, even ones that I did not expect, have been dropping by my office this whole week, telling me how sad they are to see me go. It reminded me what I liked best about this company, the humility and warmth of the people. Of course, some had this expression saying "contact" as they found out which division of the company for which I would be working. I don't mind.
So in a week's time, I will be working in a 160-people division, in a company of 175,000. It boggles my mind. So far, the ones I have met during the whole hiring process have been super, top to bottom. I hope it continues to be that way as I go along. I hope and I pray!
Leaving a job that you like, with people that you enjoy working with, is sad no matter how green the next pasture is to which you are moving. I work for a family-oriented, community-focused financial firm of about 160 people. It's probably one of the most laid-back financial firms I have ever seen. Different people, even ones that I did not expect, have been dropping by my office this whole week, telling me how sad they are to see me go. It reminded me what I liked best about this company, the humility and warmth of the people. Of course, some had this expression saying "contact" as they found out which division of the company for which I would be working. I don't mind.
So in a week's time, I will be working in a 160-people division, in a company of 175,000. It boggles my mind. So far, the ones I have met during the whole hiring process have been super, top to bottom. I hope it continues to be that way as I go along. I hope and I pray!
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