After 79 days, day 80 was surprisingly less stressful for me. I've packed my suitcase and decided which of my things stay and which can come with me, I've prepared all paperwork that I need to ensure I can leave and I've scrounged up what little "goods" I can to make sure I'll be okay. Day 80 was it. If I have forgotten anything, there was nothing else I could do but try and make up for it later on. The idea was somewhat liberating.
Though my flight didn't leave until before noon, I was up at 4am. Barely two hours of sleep following a night spent trying to simultaneously pack and spend some last few hours with the girls. I wanted to be in the airport even before the 2-hour period from which they open check-in counters and also even before the recommended 3-hour period. Why? Because I travel that way. I would rather wait at the gate than wait in line while boarding time nears. So, since I wanted to be early and my family wanted to spend some last minute hangout time with me, we decided to have an early breakfast (hence waking up at 4am) after which, they would go their own way and Allan would drive me to the airport.
A procession of three cars --- my sister's , my parent's and Allan's --- headed off to McDonald's. Having a family with 5 kids meant we couldn't fit in one car. Having a family with 5 kids also meant more than one hugging and saying goodbye over and over again. We were a funny sight before I left...I had four kids repeatedly hugging and saying goodbye and 5 adults looking on. Funny but definitely heartwarming.
We were at the airport early, but decided to wait for some friends who were on the same flight. After days of stress leading to this day, I had to let go....and I didn't. Every minute I was not yet checking in when I should've been checking in, I was worried I wouldnt get an aisle seat, I was worried I'd have to run past Immigration and security check because I'd be pressed for time, I was wondering if I had extra stops because I had to have my POEA papers checked. As it turned out, all my worrying was for nothing. I didn't get an aisle seat not becuase I checked in late, but because the airline personnel made a mistake and gave me a seat one seat away from my friend. I didnt have extra stops for the POEA papers since they didn't even ask for it (imagine, all that effort and they won't even look at it??!?!?).
All in all, once I sat on the plane, all I was worried about was whether the in flight movies would be good. Even the trip itself was anti climactic...no drama, no delays, no stories. I guess after all the preparation, someone up there decided I need a break.....at least before the new set of "Things to do" has been assembled.
Showing posts with label count-up. Show all posts
Showing posts with label count-up. Show all posts
Nov 1, 2008
Oct 31, 2008
last day (counting up: days 76 to 79)
My last day with the Manila office is today. I've gone through the clearance process and, as my entry title suggests, I've gone through 79 days (and more) of stressful relocation preparation. I've also sent out my "goodbye" email to (almost) everyone at work. It was brief and didn't really say much. What I really wanted to say would have to end up in my real blog one of these days (yes, reserved for those who know how to find my real blog :p).
Its 630 in the evening and I should head home. Tomorrow is day 80, D-Day...I have a flight at noon and I will be re-packing my stuff later tonight to make sure I don't leave anything behind.
Yet..I'm still here. Because there are things that STILL need to be done.
And next week, I'll be working for the new project.
And this christmas, I'll be working still.
Just thinking about it wears me out.
Its 630 in the evening and I should head home. Tomorrow is day 80, D-Day...I have a flight at noon and I will be re-packing my stuff later tonight to make sure I don't leave anything behind.
Yet..I'm still here. Because there are things that STILL need to be done.
And next week, I'll be working for the new project.
And this christmas, I'll be working still.
Just thinking about it wears me out.
Oct 27, 2008
cleaning out my closet (counting up: days 66 to 75)
Its been a week-long (and more!) effort to sort out every single item that I own. I dug out years and years worth of letters, writings, souvenir whatnots and travel (side) effects in order to come up with three distinctive separations: Leave Behind and Keep, Lug Along ang Use, Leave Behind and Sort (Possibly Giveaway).
I am close to completing two luggages and one box that will be shipped to where I am heading eventually, but I am nowhere near organized when it comes to memorabilia and thingama-keeps. I've thrown out a lot of things I have not thrown out because I was convinced I can organize them but I still have two big boxes.
Plus my books will have to find a new home in either my brother's or my sister's house.
Funny how it will take a little over a week to decide how much of your 30 years of existence stays and how much of it goes.
I am close to completing two luggages and one box that will be shipped to where I am heading eventually, but I am nowhere near organized when it comes to memorabilia and thingama-keeps. I've thrown out a lot of things I have not thrown out because I was convinced I can organize them but I still have two big boxes.
Plus my books will have to find a new home in either my brother's or my sister's house.
Funny how it will take a little over a week to decide how much of your 30 years of existence stays and how much of it goes.
Oct 17, 2008
counting up: day 65
I have all three papers with me.
I've also sent out that one paper thats been waiting.
It's done.
From this point on, its just waiting for the day.
I've also sent out that one paper thats been waiting.
It's done.
From this point on, its just waiting for the day.
Oct 16, 2008
counting up: days 62 to 64
Day 63: I sent a follow-up to Legal for the final requirements for Document 3 which I have been wiating for. They finally replied that they are ready to sign it and they should be sending it over that day. In my timezone, it would mean, that evening.
Day 64: I checked my email and found nothing. I checked the fax machine and found something. Its here! This means that tomorrow, I will once more trek back to the where the lines are long and the process is crap. Hello OFW TV, I'm ready for brainwashing yet again.
Day 64: I checked my email and found nothing. I checked the fax machine and found something. Its here! This means that tomorrow, I will once more trek back to the where the lines are long and the process is crap. Hello OFW TV, I'm ready for brainwashing yet again.
Oct 13, 2008
counting up: days 51 to 61
Day 55: As Part 3 of Document 3's retrieval process, I am required to undergo a Medical exam. I've chosen the accredited clinic near my place because of accessibility, however, at the back of my head I was still apprehensive and was thinking of mosquito-laden and unhygienic scenarios. In general, I had nothing to fear...except for two things: their Dentist's office which looked a lot like a Mad Scientist's lair, and a bored Med Tech who didnt seem happy with that she works in some small clinic.
At the Dentist's chair, I closed my eyes against the rust-surrounded lamp that highlighted my open mouth and prayed that the Dentist bothered to at least wash the those instruments he's using to analyze my teeth. I was just coming in after another patient, and I didn't want to think that we were sharing not just the same Dentist's chair but maybe the same instruments as well. If I could've gargled using antibacterial solution immediately after, I would have. As long as it wasn't something he found in his lab.
At the blood extraction lab, she didnt even bother to look close enough at my arm to ensure that she was sticking that needle in correctly. She placed a torniquet, asked me to clench my fist and then continued chatting with the other guy in the room. Next thing I know, she was sticking in the needle down my arm. I've had blood extracted before, and this was the first time it really hurt.
However, the ordeal does not end there. I was asked to return to give back some specimen samples (I hate that in medical exams) and to come back without contact lenses. I told them I was nearsighted and if I can barely read the medium sized letters, I wont be able to read any of the other ones without contacts either. Did they listen? No. They insisted I come back blind.
That afternoon, I notified those who will book for me that I would like a flight on Nov 1 please.
Day 56: My spectacled self returns to the clinic where, as promised, I told them I couldnt read the letters without anything. They take down notes and ask me to leave. Yes, I told you I was blind yesterday, didnt I? Results would be ready by that same afternoon, I was told.
Flight-booking-group tells me they will inform me once flight has been booked. As a safety precaution, I tell them I'm waiting for papers from the company's legal department, and though I dont anticipate any delays, I wanted to let them know in case I ask for rebooking. No, they say, tell us when you're ready and then we'll book.
Day 57: I come back to pick up my results. Fit to work...of course. What else would it say?
Day 58: The paperwork I need is still with Legal. I wonder when I'll get this and if I'll get it back soon enough...I have "The Letter" waiting to be sent out. However, I think I must wait until I'm sure I can leave before I make it final.
Day 59: On the lighter and not headache-inducing side of things, I have my first Despedida with Allan's friends. I'm glad to be in the company of the same people who've adopted me and took me with them to Palawan even in Allan's absence. As is the norm, Steaks and Salad were the pick of the night. One despedida down, I have probably a handful more to go....
At the Dentist's chair, I closed my eyes against the rust-surrounded lamp that highlighted my open mouth and prayed that the Dentist bothered to at least wash the those instruments he's using to analyze my teeth. I was just coming in after another patient, and I didn't want to think that we were sharing not just the same Dentist's chair but maybe the same instruments as well. If I could've gargled using antibacterial solution immediately after, I would have. As long as it wasn't something he found in his lab.
At the blood extraction lab, she didnt even bother to look close enough at my arm to ensure that she was sticking that needle in correctly. She placed a torniquet, asked me to clench my fist and then continued chatting with the other guy in the room. Next thing I know, she was sticking in the needle down my arm. I've had blood extracted before, and this was the first time it really hurt.
However, the ordeal does not end there. I was asked to return to give back some specimen samples (I hate that in medical exams) and to come back without contact lenses. I told them I was nearsighted and if I can barely read the medium sized letters, I wont be able to read any of the other ones without contacts either. Did they listen? No. They insisted I come back blind.
That afternoon, I notified those who will book for me that I would like a flight on Nov 1 please.
Day 56: My spectacled self returns to the clinic where, as promised, I told them I couldnt read the letters without anything. They take down notes and ask me to leave. Yes, I told you I was blind yesterday, didnt I? Results would be ready by that same afternoon, I was told.
Flight-booking-group tells me they will inform me once flight has been booked. As a safety precaution, I tell them I'm waiting for papers from the company's legal department, and though I dont anticipate any delays, I wanted to let them know in case I ask for rebooking. No, they say, tell us when you're ready and then we'll book.
Day 57: I come back to pick up my results. Fit to work...of course. What else would it say?
Day 58: The paperwork I need is still with Legal. I wonder when I'll get this and if I'll get it back soon enough...I have "The Letter" waiting to be sent out. However, I think I must wait until I'm sure I can leave before I make it final.
Day 59: On the lighter and not headache-inducing side of things, I have my first Despedida with Allan's friends. I'm glad to be in the company of the same people who've adopted me and took me with them to Palawan even in Allan's absence. As is the norm, Steaks and Salad were the pick of the night. One despedida down, I have probably a handful more to go....
Oct 2, 2008
counting up: days 38 til 50
Its extremely difficult to post updates when so many things have been going on. However, for those who have been asking how things are going, I must keep this updated, so that I don't leave anyone out of the loop...
Day 43: I find out that document 2 has been approved and can be picked up. It seems that from this point on, it will be a short count-up to D Day (Departure Day)
Day 47: I head to Makati early to drop off my passport on the designated time window...I have to return 6 hours later to pick it up with the document and with the others that I've submitted. Two trips to Makati in one day? It wouldn't have hurt if it werent in a so-near-yet-so-far location. My cab trips were longer than the actual time I was there. EACH cab trip was longer than the COMBINED timeframe I was in that office.
Day 48: Since I have document 2, its time to find out exactly what getting document 3 would entail. And find out I did. AFTER 6 HOURS ++ OF WAITING!!!!! To this day, I haven't gotten over the extremely inefficient process in place. I will blog about this some other day.
Day 50: I return as part 2 of The Document 3 Retrieval Process. On my estimate, I will need to return once more after today. But before I do, I have to go through all that they want me to go through, and I have to complete all the forms they want me to complete. For this day, its a 2++-hour pointless seminar where I did not learn anything I did not already know: Travelling information, and that they were going to ask me to pay an enormous amount. Multiply that enormous amount by the hundreds of people who flock to that office DAILY and what do you get? In my opinion, still TOO MUCH cash for the kind of service they provide.
At this point, I seriously have to keep reminding myself why I'm even going through this.
Day 43: I find out that document 2 has been approved and can be picked up. It seems that from this point on, it will be a short count-up to D Day (Departure Day)
Day 47: I head to Makati early to drop off my passport on the designated time window...I have to return 6 hours later to pick it up with the document and with the others that I've submitted. Two trips to Makati in one day? It wouldn't have hurt if it werent in a so-near-yet-so-far location. My cab trips were longer than the actual time I was there. EACH cab trip was longer than the COMBINED timeframe I was in that office.
Day 48: Since I have document 2, its time to find out exactly what getting document 3 would entail. And find out I did. AFTER 6 HOURS ++ OF WAITING!!!!! To this day, I haven't gotten over the extremely inefficient process in place. I will blog about this some other day.
Day 50: I return as part 2 of The Document 3 Retrieval Process. On my estimate, I will need to return once more after today. But before I do, I have to go through all that they want me to go through, and I have to complete all the forms they want me to complete. For this day, its a 2++-hour pointless seminar where I did not learn anything I did not already know: Travelling information, and that they were going to ask me to pay an enormous amount. Multiply that enormous amount by the hundreds of people who flock to that office DAILY and what do you get? In my opinion, still TOO MUCH cash for the kind of service they provide.
At this point, I seriously have to keep reminding myself why I'm even going through this.
Sep 19, 2008
counting up: days 30 til 37
I missed several days, I know. But its all because progress has been taking place.
On day 33, document 1 arrived, but I was not here to receive it. It had to wait for me until day 34. On day 35, I've set the submission date for document 2 requirements for day 36.
So day 37 is actually day 1 of waiting for document 2.
On day 33, document 1 arrived, but I was not here to receive it. It had to wait for me until day 34. On day 35, I've set the submission date for document 2 requirements for day 36.
So day 37 is actually day 1 of waiting for document 2.
Sep 11, 2008
counting up: day 28 and 29
I'm starting to get bored with seeing "counting up" on every single blog entry. But hey, I started it, I have to stick with it.
So...I still havent received the papers I need to proceed. And like all the other times when I receive some significant update on the process, I am both scared and excited by the news. The day draws nearer and nearer..and I feel so much more unprepared each time.
So...I still havent received the papers I need to proceed. And like all the other times when I receive some significant update on the process, I am both scared and excited by the news. The day draws nearer and nearer..and I feel so much more unprepared each time.
Sep 9, 2008
counting up: day 27
Document 1 is released today. It will soon be in transit and then I can proceed to acquiring Document 2.
I'm also trying to determine if I need Document 3, no thanks to those who should know these things.
At this rate, I'll probably count up to day 60.
I'm also trying to determine if I need Document 3, no thanks to those who should know these things.
At this rate, I'll probably count up to day 60.
Sep 8, 2008
counting up: day 26
I found an old entry of lists of places I wanted to go / things I wanted to do. This was written more than a year ago and I was delightfully surprised that I can now cross out 6 items on that list. So, here's the updated list:
BATANES!
sagada / banawe
palawan
wallclimbing
dive(sort of)
driving school
camsur
donsol
cambodia
egypt
greece
london
bumalik sa paris
mag shopping to the max (budget budget budget!)
corregidor
mt. pinatubo
taal volcano
BATANES!
sagada / banawe
wallclimbing
donsol
cambodia
egypt
greece
london
bumalik sa paris
mag shopping to the max (budget budget budget!)
taal volcano
counting up: days 23 til 25
Day 23 was actually my 30th birthday.
Contrary to what I had envisioned last year, I did not plan for any party. I originally wanted to celebrate moving out of my 20s and into my 30s with something more memorable than just spending the day at work like any normal day. In the end, I didn't think it was sensible to spend for it, so I skipped work that day and decided that I would watch WALL-E (which I haven't seen yet) with Allan. Nothing extraordinary right? Until I found out what he got me for my birthday.
To those who sent me messages via YM, text, email, friendster/facebook/multiply comments....Thank you! I apologize for not responding...I was in shock the entire day (a good sort of shock, of course) I couldn't concentrate on responding :)
The rest of the weekend was spent like any other weekend. At home, taking care of the kids. Tried a bit of their Guitar Hero the one time it cooperated and worked. I suck there, big time.
On Sunday, we went back to MCS for live fire again...while I wont say that I suck there as well, I have little improvement from the last time. I want to be better at it, but at the same time, I'm feeling a little disappointed in myself. I thought I'd be a fast learner with guns, that all. I don't know where I got that idea, but I had hoped it was true.
Contrary to what I had envisioned last year, I did not plan for any party. I originally wanted to celebrate moving out of my 20s and into my 30s with something more memorable than just spending the day at work like any normal day. In the end, I didn't think it was sensible to spend for it, so I skipped work that day and decided that I would watch WALL-E (which I haven't seen yet) with Allan. Nothing extraordinary right? Until I found out what he got me for my birthday.
To those who sent me messages via YM, text, email, friendster/facebook/multiply comments....Thank you! I apologize for not responding...I was in shock the entire day (a good sort of shock, of course) I couldn't concentrate on responding :)
The rest of the weekend was spent like any other weekend. At home, taking care of the kids. Tried a bit of their Guitar Hero the one time it cooperated and worked. I suck there, big time.
On Sunday, we went back to MCS for live fire again...while I wont say that I suck there as well, I have little improvement from the last time. I want to be better at it, but at the same time, I'm feeling a little disappointed in myself. I thought I'd be a fast learner with guns, that all. I don't know where I got that idea, but I had hoped it was true.
Sep 4, 2008
counting up: days 17 to 22
happy thoughts:
taking Ally to the salon to have her haircut. she's been asking me to take her for weeks now, but I was away for a while and couldn't. if she had access to my calendar, she would've marked september 7 in big bold red letters. but she didnt have to, I took her last sunday. so now she has her bangs and she looks nice with them.
IDOL fever!! it was a great event, a live gig..something I havent been to in...years! (I think). at the same time though, its a bit sad that he's leaving the group. just in time though, I have the signed CD I promised carl haha! oh and we may be neighbors in the future too. to my fellow groupies, eat your heart out hahaha!
the happiest thought of them all so far: a decision has been made. i hope its the best choice...i do know that its best for us both :)
taking Ally to the salon to have her haircut. she's been asking me to take her for weeks now, but I was away for a while and couldn't. if she had access to my calendar, she would've marked september 7 in big bold red letters. but she didnt have to, I took her last sunday. so now she has her bangs and she looks nice with them.
IDOL fever!! it was a great event, a live gig..something I havent been to in...years! (I think). at the same time though, its a bit sad that he's leaving the group. just in time though, I have the signed CD I promised carl haha! oh and we may be neighbors in the future too. to my fellow groupies, eat your heart out hahaha!
the happiest thought of them all so far: a decision has been made. i hope its the best choice...i do know that its best for us both :)
Aug 29, 2008
counting up: days 15 to 16
I will be honest, I feel betrayed.
After all these years, loyalty can be set aside just like that. On one hand, it can be argued that it isn't being ignored...there were just other choices to make.
But in the end, I feel like I have been discarded.
Just like that.
And I can't just shake this off that easily.
Everyone's just waiting to throw you away.
Everyone's just waiting for you to move on. I'm taking up valuable space it seems.
After all these years, loyalty can be set aside just like that. On one hand, it can be argued that it isn't being ignored...there were just other choices to make.
But in the end, I feel like I have been discarded.
Just like that.
And I can't just shake this off that easily.
Everyone's just waiting to throw you away.
Everyone's just waiting for you to move on. I'm taking up valuable space it seems.
Aug 27, 2008
counting up: day 14
I think today they should be submitting the papers to those who really should have them...and I still dont know when the process will end....I'm still apprehensive about that time when the process does end anyway, so I guess I shouldnt complain.
In the meantime, a reminder of lovely beach days when there's nothing to worry about...
More lomo photos of the vacation days in allan's gallery.
In the meantime, a reminder of lovely beach days when there's nothing to worry about...
More lomo photos of the vacation days in allan's gallery.
Aug 26, 2008
counting up: day 13
Today is back to work day, official end of vacation. I dont think I did too bad....I was pretty much productive all day.
Got a sneak peek at my possible (and maybe "hopefully") future digs today. looks promising. its one exciting thing to look forward to.
On the downside, a few sad things heard today. I guess this is just how life flows...what must happen will.
Got a sneak peek at my possible (and maybe "hopefully") future digs today. looks promising. its one exciting thing to look forward to.
On the downside, a few sad things heard today. I guess this is just how life flows...what must happen will.
counting up: days 10 to 12
Returning home has a completely different meaning for me. I won't emphasize...I know what I want to say anyway.
Days 10 til 12 proved that juggling is definitely an act for the skilled. Patience and perseverance, not to mention physical strength, is required. When every single piece that you're trying to juggle is important to you, how can you afford to drop even a single one?
On Day 11: Live fire! The fear of holding an honest to goodness gun was intense, at least for me. But the same fear made sure I had my wits about me. For a first-timer, I'd like to think I did okay...but personally, I think I could've been braver. I was not prepared mentally, nor did I think that holding a pistol required me to be. In the end, the fear was there...but I understand the exhiliration...for me, it was the thrill of holding on and not backing down, and trying to squeeze the trigger even when I knew that it was a lethal move when done carelessly.
I wish I did better. Next time I will.
Days 10 til 12 proved that juggling is definitely an act for the skilled. Patience and perseverance, not to mention physical strength, is required. When every single piece that you're trying to juggle is important to you, how can you afford to drop even a single one?
On Day 11: Live fire! The fear of holding an honest to goodness gun was intense, at least for me. But the same fear made sure I had my wits about me. For a first-timer, I'd like to think I did okay...but personally, I think I could've been braver. I was not prepared mentally, nor did I think that holding a pistol required me to be. In the end, the fear was there...but I understand the exhiliration...for me, it was the thrill of holding on and not backing down, and trying to squeeze the trigger even when I knew that it was a lethal move when done carelessly.
I wish I did better. Next time I will.
Aug 22, 2008
counting up: days 5 to 9
Vacation got in the way in a good way...and my count-ups were disrupted. Some things I've learned (both new and not so) in the days missed:
- Its never easy to just hang by the beach with just stuff you can leave on the beach when you go for a swim. A camera is always a must, especially for vacations.
- Two new Jonah's shakes faves: 1. Mango and Banana 2. Avocado and Banana.
- Brown is beautiful so please, don't sell me your MET.
- No matter how long your vacation may be, its never long enough.
- I like lobster better than crab.
Aug 17, 2008
counting up: day 4
someone had a little too much last night, so most of today was spent wandering about the island...by myself for the most part. when he was normal again we soaked up some sun and took in some shakes and talked about what it would be like in the future and how we would deal. in the end, everything is still full of ??s.
i know someday we'll look back and wonder why we were having a hard time deciding and what we were deciding. for the time being, i only have my count-ups.
i know someday we'll look back and wonder why we were having a hard time deciding and what we were deciding. for the time being, i only have my count-ups.
Aug 16, 2008
counting up: day 3
Today was braid day. A local kid approached me and asked if I wanted one. Since I couldnt emulate how my new 'do looked on the day I got it, I said yes to braids.
After my siesta though, some braids are gone. Well, if its a choice between sleeping or keeping my braids, I'll choose sleep :D
After my siesta though, some braids are gone. Well, if its a choice between sleeping or keeping my braids, I'll choose sleep :D
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