Saying I love you

I have tried to ignore this over the past 3 years that I have been away from home. I was passive and nonchalant. But now I embrace it.

Ever since I left Manila, I say "I love you" more to my family more than I've ever had. And they say it to me as well. It may be because we've all outgrown all our immaturities and learned to take advantage of every moment that we express our love in words. Being farther away makes one more concerned and worried about the well-being of another. That's why, whenever I get the chance, I tell my family I love them. My greatest regret would be not to let them know, after I lose all my chances to say it and express it.

Visa and Layoffs

I went to the Japanese Consulate at lunchtime to apply for my visa for my quickie Tokyo visit in June. After going through all my documents, the guy behind the counter had NO questions whatsoever, which is an unusual experience. "Visa is ready on Friday." Done.

While I was there, I received a text from David (who coincidentally works in the same building). He said that he cannot meet for lunch today as his company announced layoffs within his department from all levels. Luckily, since he is in a rotational program, he's pretty safe. But you never know! If there is one thing employees should be sure of, it’s that nobody is indispensible.

In light of this, we gotta lessen our expensive dinner outs, drinking outs and other Manhattan evening penalties. Drinking parties at home and DVD movie nights are great alternatives and are totally in. You should see our bar at home... it's pretty full, and cheap. A glass of wine at a restaurant is a worth a bottle from our bar :)

So beginning today, you'll see less of us dining out, and more of us drinking in.

I heart my job

I may be looking at my work through rose-colored glasses, but after being there for exactly a month, I have to say I really love what I do. And I love the company I work in. And I love how they "take care" of their employees.

Let me count the ways...
1. Awesome boss
2. Awesome boss of my boss
3. Awesome team
4. Casual and team-oriented environment
5. Good work hours (9:00am-5:15pm)
6. Half-day summer Fridays from May to September
7. Educational trainings
8. Location! (it's on the same street as my apartment!)
9. Growth and learning opportunity
10. "Open-door" policy
11. Lots and lots and lots of free products! (David and I already have a year's supply of haircare stuff)
12. Bi-monthly allowance for any beauty product
13. Free hair coloring!
14. Free hair cuts!
15. Subsidized cafe
16. Subsidized Starbucks
17. 5th Avenue address
18. Free trip to Hawaii
19. Free food almost every week
20. Great pay

And there's more to come... I hope. :)

Let's see if this list grows even longer... I just feel lucky right now. Thank you, You know who You are.