Closing a chapter...

Today was my last day at the lawfirm, where I have been working for six years, six months and two weeks. The night before, my brother and Horacio teased me about me crying as soon as I enter the office in the morning (that's how emotional I could get). I told them myself that I have a great feeling that tears won't be held back, since I have been in that firm for this long. I have celebrated my 18th and my 21st birthday there, I have gone from pre-braces, braces and post-braces, I have grown to know and love the people that I have worked with. Eventhough work there is stressful, the people that I have worked with made things easier to endure. Laughs and whispers were always heard amidst the crazy 8-line phone and difficult, aggravated clients.

I always thought of my last day at work and how would it go. Today, was not really different from any other day. Tears were almost shed but was able to compose myself. It is difficult to bid goodbye to those people who has seen you grow, who has challenged and pushed to do learn and do better, those people who listened to you when you needed help and/or advise, those people who took their time out to do you a favor.

It has been a good six years... to all who had been a part my life in that office, thank you. Please do keep in touch.

Check This Out!!!

I got a call from a friend of mine, and she sent me this link... click here

yup!! that's me and horacio! hehehe

as the day goes...

i am here at work... still got things to finish before i finally leave this place. somehow my brain refuses to concentrate on the task i have on hand. i am training a new person for the front desk, somehow that is going well. the personnel days, i have to finish but my brain just is not functioning well..

this is probably due to my lack of sleep (once more..), i was tossing and turning last night, playing with my DS hoping that it would tire my eyes, which didn't work. i don't know what's been bugging me lately... i am having this weird mood swings. is lack of sleep the sole reason? is there something else?

*sigh*

RIVERDALE

January 27, 2007 my brother, Horacio, Cary and I left Queens at around 8:30 in the morning to attend a 10:30 am CPR class in Riverdale. A friend of mine provided us with concise instructions on how to there. As soon as we got to the 1/2 train platform, it was announced that 2 trains are running local, so I mentioned that we might as well take any train (since the plan was to take the 2 train, which was express, to 96th and transfer for the 1). We all hop on the train, Horacio and I taking turns with my DS and my brother and Cary looked at the map and stated that we have a long way to go to 231st. So we stayed on, not really minding the stops. After hours on the train and the announcement stating Intervale Avenue, I wondered how many stops more to go... so, I looked at the map and realize that we are on the the 2 line and it took us to the other side of Bronx. So, we all cheked out the map, decided to get off Gunhill Avenue and take a cab from there to our location. Gunhill station came, we all get off and out of the station. As soon as we were outside, we realized that hailing a cab is really out of the question. So, we tried to think of another plan. I checked out the bus map, since we were by the bus stop, hoping that there is a slightest chance that there's a Bx10 bus. After studying the map, I found out that we could take that bus (Bx28) to Montefiore Hospital and transfer for a Bx10. After a minute, the bus came, we all hopped in, Horacio made sure with the bus driver that we could transfer to Bx10 later. As soon as we got off at Montefiore, we tried to look for the station going to Riverdale when a guy came up to us and pointed it to us. Then we marched on our way and found ourselves by Golden Krust, where my brother graciously bought us beef patties before the bus came. When I saw a bus coming, I exclaimed to my brother that they have to hurry but then I realized that it was different bus, a lady then informed us that the bus we are waiting for is coming from the corner. She asked us where we were going and confirmed that we were waiting at the right post and that it is going to be a long way for us.

When the bus came, we got a call from our CPR instructor, she was already furious at us for we were late and were still 15 minutes away. We were counting stops by this time, since it felt like we were going to a different state, it was all uphill. By the time we got to our stop, we read the directions once more, this time there was the three of us reading it. After much discussion, we found ourselves in front of her door ringing her doorbell, got reprimanded once more.

After getting our certificates, we all found ourselves on the right path to the city once more. We all rewarded ourselves with Paul's Burger (the greatest burger I have ever had and for a really great price!!). Then Horacio and I went home for that much needed sleep, while my brother and Cary went to SoHo to get my brother's iPod.

I never thought that we would get lost as we did. The directions given to us was so clear, there were four of us. I guess no matter how good the map is, or how many heads there are when people aren't talking in the same language they really are bound to get lost. Now, I can imagine how people could still get lost with mapquest while having a navigator on the passenger side.

Lesson learned: never fully rely on anyone, if you must, still make sure that you, yourself, know where you are going; and, have everyone read the directions and know where you're going, especially if you know that you would be absorbed in playing tetris and/or reading a book.

funny!

i may not know what their talking about, but this is really funny!

Opening New Doors

As most of you have heard, I had landed a new job - as a Registered Nurse at Elmhurst Hospital at a geriatric medical-surgical unit. Yes, I said Elmhurst Hospital, the community hospital and I said geriatric unit. Orientation will begin on February 5th and will last for about 4 weeks. It will be 8am to 5pm each and everyday. Although I am kinda dreading it (since it's at 8 in the morning!), my consolation is that I get to wear street clothes and scrubs. Meaning, no more high-heeled boots, no more casual formal wear for me! Yes, I can be in my comfortable jeans and sneakers. In addition to that, I would be getting a hefty check come March. :)

There are a couple of factors why I accepted and wanted to work for Elmhurst. One of them is that it is very accessible to me (it's like, 10-15 minutes away via subway!). Elmhurst is one of the four hospitals in New York who has achieved MAGNET status. A hospital which has a MAGNET status next to their name says a lot about their nursing standard. I heard NYP-Columbia has been trying to attain that status but is failing to meet the standards (and Columbia is one of the great hospitals in New York). Then there's the eight-hour shift. Though we get to work five-day a week, it's still not that bad, especially if your schedule is from 3pm to 11:30pm. Just perfect for those people who can't get in the office at 9:30 am (ME!!), and it doesn't ruin your day or sleep cycle (since, I usually sleep around midnight anyways and enjoy waking up late in the morning). Then there's Elmhurst's 1 to 1.5% turnover rate, Elmhurst offering me the floor that I really wanted to work on, and the fact that I really don't feel like going through another nerve-wracking interview process. I got hired on the spot! Now, I just feel bad for my new white button down shirt since I never got the chance to wear it to an interview. Then again, the investment that I put in the blazer and the light blue button down shirt that I wore for the interview paid off. :) Did I mention that I would be wearing sneakers and scrubs? :)

Prior to handing in my resignation letter, I was shaking so bad. I was nervous for reasons I don't know until now. When I handed it in, my boss thought it was nothing but on then he looked at it again and said "Is this what I think it is? You're resignation letter?" and I meekly said "Yes." Then he went on saying how they will truly miss me when I am gone and that I have done an excellent job with the firm. He also asked if I knew anyone who could replace me and if I could show another co-worker of mine the ropes in publishing the newsletter. I admit, I almost cried when I was in his office. I know, I really hate myself for being sentimental! But, can you blame me? I have been for that firm for at least six years and seven months! I think that's a lot of time to spend in one place and not get attached! Then he asked me which hospital, unit I would be working on, followed by "Who's their recruiter? Can I have the recruiter or director's contact information?" Business as usual.

Then when the Office Manager saw the letter (she is off on Wednesdays, I left the letter on her desk), she called me and said "Halinan mo na gid kami?" (You're really leaving us?) followed by the usual questions - Where? Why at Elmhurst? How much?

It has been pretty weird ever since I handed in my resignation letter. Although they are still dumping work on me and I go home tired and lazy to get up in the morning, I still feel like a big burden has been lifted off my shoulders. I guess it's the knowing that I wouldn't be staying there for long and knowing that it is not just wishful thinking anymore. No matter how badly I have been wanting to get out of that place, I have learned and grew a lot in that office and I know a part of me will be really sad (and will be close to tears) when my last day comes. [For those reading this blog who had experienced working for that firm, or is still working there... don't make fun of me! I am a very sentimental person! hehehe]

Oh, I forgot to mention, Horacio also got the job at Elmhurst, we have the same schedule, although different floors. Now, Horacio and I are in the hunt for cheap scrubs and good sneakers or nursing shoes. :) We both can't wait to get our hefty checks this March! :) The day finally came, a new door is opening for me and Horacio. It's a new chapter in our lives.

Thank you to all of those who supported and put their faith on us. Most of all, we thank God for this blessing and the guiding us throughout the way.

Last Two Days of Year 2006

The day of December 30th began with good brunch at Viand with Marichu, my brother, Horacio and Cary. After having our fill of pancakes, eggs, cornbeef hash, junior club sandwiches, coffee and orange juice, we all headed out to Central Park's Wollman Rink. With the crowd, we found ourselves a spot where we put on our (rental) skates and dumped our stuff in the locker, then it was time for the ice. Few seconds in the ice, Horacio blessed us with his graceful fall. Then it was off the ice for everyone since it was time for them to clean it. While waiting, we took tons of silly pictures and just enjoyed each others company, and talked about Horacio's little show for us (which Marichu caught in her camera!). A little while after that it was time for us to give the ice a second try. While Horacio and I waited for our friend (Mehak) to arrive, the rest went back. When Mehak arrived, the three of us headed to the ice (my brother already fell, taking a break because of his knee). Mehak helped Horacio out and later was moving inch by inch on the ice while doing a little dance of his. It was pretty funny helping Horacio out, there would be me, Marichu and Mehak helping him out and he still found a way to fall! By the time he reached a lap he was so ready to leave the ice and insisted that he just take our pictures. Few laps after that, I needed to rest, as everyone is at this point. Then we all decided to go back with Horacio, but as we reach the entrance to the ice, they whistled, it was time for the ice to be cleaned... once more. So, we just decided to leave and have some hot cocoa, since my brother's friend was already waiting for him outside the rink.

We then planned on having a late lunch, but decided against it. So we just walked around the area, until we spotted another diner. We went in and had some soup and desserts to warm us up. Then we all parted ways... Horacio and I had to head out to Bayside to meet with his cousins from North Carolina; my bro, his friend and Cary went to Astoria and Marichu went shopping at 34th Street.

On our long journey to Bayside, I fell asleep in Horacio's shoulders. It was such a long day, but it wasn't keeping me from seeing Horacio's cousins and his very adorable neice and nephew. When we got their place, Aidan (his one year old nephew) didn't take a long time to warm up to me and Horacio. The trick? Point a camera into his direction and give him gummi candies! Yes, Horacio and I came prepared with our gifts and candies. :) Few hours later, his cousin Sara(and her hubby, Rick) took us home. Kayla fell asleep on my lap...

After resting our tired feet and body, we were up again to do some grocery shopping for the next day.

December 31st, was spent most of the day in the kitchen preparing for New Year's Eve. It has been a "tradion"/superstition that one must have food on the table when ushering in the New Year (to be blessed with food the whole year round). We had Tito Vic and Ate over. Mom brought her ham! After twelve midnight, we all headed to my cousin's place with sangria and buko pandan on hand, and finding my cousin, two or her kids and Tita Neneng tipsy. We had another round of dinner at her place. Then afterwards, we were just chilling and then they put on the videoke... and few songs later we were on our way home.

Although I still missed the chaos that we experience back in Manila with the kids running around and all... it was surely a great experience and I enjoyed welcoming the New Year just as much.