Sunday, January 1, 2012

A really wise post


Today is January 1.  It is believed that whatever you do and whatever your mindset is today will (almost) be a constant of what you will be for the entire year.  I have colds from all thefireworks’ fumes and the crisp chill from last night.  If this is any indication of how my health would be for2012, I choose to not believe that old wives’ tale. #waismode

But if my writing of a new post is an indicator ofhow masipag and conscientious I would be then 2012 is going to be so much better.

In retrospect, I think my entire 2011 could be summed up in one word: spring-cleaning. To be so literal about it, my annulment proceedings started and ended fast.  Hearings, travels back andforth, constant texts from my lawyer friend, C, and newly-found friend in J, the clerk of court, waiting and lots of praying kept me on my toes.  In between these, I had work --- a Project to be completed, a proposal for extension, all these project management stuff (reports, fund releases, budgeting, monitoring, review meetings, etcetera etcetera).  On top of these, I was envisioning a career shift, and to prep myself up, I took the CES exam, passed it and waited for the next phase. I applied for a senior staff position in PMS and didn’t hear from them at all.  Then I was told to try applying for the Director position because it was vacated due to their Rationalization Plan so I submitted my resume. 

I received a few subsequent calls to undergo the rigorous application process for 3rd level position (read: Director) ---written exam (standard aptitude test, 5-part Essay), focus group discussion replacing the Interview process (had to deliberate on and solve a management case study that needed to be defended during that FGD), whole day psych exam administered by Ateneo in Ateneo and then the long wait.  I was asked to accomplish the Personal Data Sheet required for government employment but was told that the Board has yet to deliberate on my psych exams, conduct a background investigation then decide.  From Christmas to today, I am waiting, and yes, now unemployed but have more than enough time (that I did not have so much of that year) with my family, my boys included. 

I had more time to do chores, do some grocery and wet market shopping (more of hoarding!), clean our closets (didn’t realize all my clothes are not “corporate-ish” anymore *sigh*), perfect my mashed potatoes and chicken macaroni, enjoy our new iPad, meet up with friends. I spent my last pay for Christmas shopping.  I am broke but I am happy.  (Is this a song from somewhere?)  This, I guess, is what “not being poor in spirit” means.  #channelingCoehlo

Today is going to be the start of big-time anticipation therefore, not only for work but at the personal front. I have yet to receive my annulment documents so I could start processingmy legal (maiden) personality.  I dread going to NSO, DFA, NBI and all those government offices that need to be notified on my “updated” status. #parangFBlang  (I liked working in government but disliked bureaucratic, un-streamlined, laborious frontline services that are required from a citizenbut are nonetheless toxic and bordering on unnecessary.)  But I tell myself that since I have nothing else worthwhile and time-consuming to do, I might as well do those things willingly and happily so.

I honestly do not know how I am going to survive not earning for the next 2 weeks.  Since college graduation, I have earned my keep and not relied on anyone, my parents and (ex)partner included. I do not need much but I need money for my phone bill, my mani-pedi moments that I cannot miss (or else my dry skin would eventually take revenge and cause me unbearable shots of pain that even a good foot massage and cold compress cannot comfort), my cucumber and banana treats for my boys, my personal effects.  I cannot, for the life of me, imagine relying on anyone for my toiletries, my cheesecake or iced Black Tea fix.  Yes, I am one proud girl.  But then again, beggars cannot be choosy, and I refuse to either be a beggar and be (annoyingly) arte choosy so I am open to accommodating generous hearts. #abusadamodeON

Seriously, I have survived so many trying times, especially when I turned 33 years ago and also last year.  What is not earning for the next few days (or a month?)?  I have a home, homecooked meals, my gadgets and Internet connection and a promise of a really fulfilling work (that could eventually be MY career, as I choose it to be.)  I am also eyeing thisposition that will soon be vacated (as told by a friend), and now I haveoptions. #Godisgood

And if this takes off, I will have that option of just literally walking to work and going home for lunch breaks. 

For the meantime, I will keep myself busy --- being a bum, a couch potato and a junkie (of all sinfully good things: chocolates, potato chips, java chip lite frap).  I hope I do not tire easily because it would pose another mind-boggling problem for me: what is beyond lazy?

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