When friends ask me about my work, I sort of advertise the company I work for. I was proud of the benefits that we, employees, used to get. Sadly, one by one, the benefits were scrapped. I still send my friends’ resumes to the sharepoint but I tell them some of the benefits that I used to be proud of no longer exist.

I have expressed my desire to transfer to another company, and a friend was a bit shocked about it. She said that it has been her impression that I am “loyal” to this company. So what has been stopping me? Work from home days, that is all. It gives me enough time to see my daughter, and my daughter to see me. I know people keep saying it’s the quality not the quantity. But the kisses and hugs from her for no reason are quite addictive.

Yesterday, I heard that one of our much loved benefit (my favorite actually) is going to be scrapped. Like any other setbacks I have encountered, I thought of the best possible action that the husband and I could take. For now, we just have to wait.

I’m pretty sure it would affect our family budget a little. It’s possible that it could in a good way. Still, I’m happy with the other benefits that the company is giving such as medical coverage. I’m not sure if we are covered by any life insurance policy from the company.

I suddenly feel that the benefits are being scrapped one by one. I hope they give us some back or give new ones once the business picks up again.

When we had our offsite, the husband had difficulty contacting me on my mobile. Our little girl wanted to talk to me before going to bed. Unfortunately, for some reason, both of my mobile phones had no signal.

Those were one of those days I wished I had one reliable live chat software since I brought my laptop with me and there was free wifi in the venue. Sigh.

I was glad to read an email informing us that the company (I am working for), is giving the employees the option to avail of a calamity loan of up to 3 months worth of one’s monthly salary payable in 12 months. It would be very helpful in putting lives back to normal, or for some, even in rebuilding houses.

Whether a ground floor overhaul or a roof replacement, the option would definitely be a great help to the employees who were Typhoon Ondoy victims. Speaking of house constructions, be careful in choosing materials for your ceilings. Stay away from those asbestos ceiling tiles, or you run the risk of your family developing mesothelioma when exposed to asbestos.

Anyway, I’m just glad that the company is extending its hand to the employees in need.

I am starting to feel I made a mistake in changing my schedule. First, my body is starting to complain, sending up migraines to the brain every so often. Second, I don’t know why but I have been eating more than ever. Probably to compensate for the tiredness. I am starting to gain the extra pounds, visibly! I definitely need a diet pill that works. Third, and worst of all, I’ve been doing things half-baked.

So last night, I promised myself that whatever I am doing, I will concentrate doing it. Like if it’s quality time with my family, I will clear my mind off and turn off my laptop. If it’s work, I will **try** not to open my Firefox. If it’s my ME time, then, I can blog, dance or shoot some pictures.

With the dog-eat-dog corporate battle these days, you would always want to have the competitive edge that could help you move up the ladder according to your time plan. Still, you do not always have the luxury of time to attend a graduate school which is inconveniently located at a city far both from your home and work.

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Today is our last day in our office. Tomorrow, we will start using the new office somewhere in McKinley Hills. (So can we be called as the girls from the hills? Hehehe)

So today, we are committed on buying our favorite, Red Mango at Megamall. We won’t have this easy on the new office. I wonder if they have that on Serendra, huh?

Hmm, but if this is really yogurt, why do I feel guilty after each cup? :p

Two days ago, they started giving away brochures about the new office. I observed that pictures shared were mostly taken inside the building. I must say some office furniture reminds me of the very chic Google offices.

I told my team mates that I think the brochure pictures aren’t informative enough, not giving any idea how our new building looks like from the outside. For one, not all employees had been there. I only got the chance to check out the building when hubby’s team held their fun run in the area.

But I was informed that picture taking is NOT allowed in McKinley (roads outside of your building). You would need a permit to do any. Boo!

I have been riding cabs when going home from the office. I wasn’t able to sign up for the late night shuttle last time. So I have been waiting for the next one and wanted to make sure I don’t miss it this time. Usually, you can no longer submit schedule beyond 4pm on the day of deadline.

And today, I saw the email at 5pm!!! It was sent beyond 11pm last night! Such short notice. Gosh! Good thing, I still tried because I was able to get through. Wee! Got a ride next month!

I wouldn’t want to miss the shuttle. TWS is such a far place to take a cab going home.

Today, we were told to go home because of the typhoon. It isn’t raining yet in my part of the Metro but it was last night. Honestly, in my opinion, we should have the option to work from home till the H1N1 virus eventually dies down. For one, it would save the company money. And of course, the employees wouldn’t be too scared of getting the virus when going to the office. Well, yes, I am.

I am afraid I could bring it home and infect anybody in the house. Good thing though that our floor is *clean* but of course you wouldn’t be too sure.

Still, I am a confident because I’ve been taking multivitamins and Vit C, and had been washing my hands with soap and water, or disinfecting with alcohol often when I’m in the office. Funny, my hubby and I had this habit of checking our temperatures when we’re home every like 2 hours. I’m not sure if he’s worried or he’s having fun using the Braun.

An officemate decided to move on to another career. I was chosen to carry on whatever application-related role she will be leaving. And this week is the last of our transition.

While we were on it, we discover that we can download and use CS4. She tried installing the trial version just to check if she has enough computer memory to run such program. You see, aside from our transition, we sort of taught each other some other things. E.g. she taught me on how to use masking for my scrap pages while I taught her simple camera settings.

I’d say I learned a lot this week.

I was too sleepy to take pictures when our team had a drinking session after our team planning. Too sleepy and yet, too stubborn to hit the sack. I enjoyed watching the others got drunk.

This was just one of the drinks concocted by our team lead. I think they have 3 types that night.

I refused to drink. I am not confident to drink if hubby is not around me. Not that I don’t trust my team mates. I just have my reasons.

~~~

These, on the other hand, aren’t drinks. They are vinegar in soda bottles as containers.
On our way home, I took a nap. And when I opened my eyes, I saw them. Hurriedly, I took my cam out and took this shot.

The trouble with not knowing how to put make up on is you have to bug a friend or pay someone to do it for you when the need arises. Yesterday, hubby and I attended my manager’s wedding. I knew that my friend (who willingly does my makeup on occasions like this) was busy taking care of her husband who had an asthma attack. So I had no choice but to pay for it.

First, I didn’t want to spend so much when I was just a guest, not best friends nor a relative to the groom/bride. So I thought I’d go for the cheapest that I could find near our place. Have you heard of “Reyes haircutters”? That’s where I went. The guy/gay who did my makeup/hairdo looks like straight, really. At first, I did not trust him, because, like I said, he looked straight to me. But I liked the end results. PLUS, hubby did not give any comment when he saw me. I knew he liked it, or else, I’d hear lots and lots of comments from him.

I met my officemates on the reception. We occupied more than 3 tables. The ones who came in late had to sit with the Mesothelioma lawyers on the next table.

Funny, everytime someone from our tables was called during the raffle (yes there was a raffle. the grand prize was, what else, an HP mini hehehe), all of my officemates went cheering. We even almost won the wackiest photo (from the photo booth).

We did not bring our SLR, hubby told me not to. Hmm, I must admit I enjoyed the night more without the camera.

I am a member of a parents group in our company. I’ve been seeing teasers on this “bring your child to work” day. They were even asking for parent/s to volunteer to help on the event. I was simply brushing it off. But then yesterday, I was asked if I can volunteer. Honestly? I was reluctant. Friday is my work-from-home day and I don’t feel like bringing BG to the office while I check on the other kids too. (Note: I said “check” not “look after” so it wouldn’t be too hard, really)

But I gave in. I am curious how BG would roam around the office while I work. This is quite different from the office Trick-or-treat where mommy was roaming around with her. Will she be excited (as much as her dad’s excitement on getting New York Yankees tickets)? Or will she get bored? Let’s see.