Sometimes, you just have to grab an opportunity that comes along by the balls. That is what exactly I did when I suddenly got a call from “Oz” two weeks ago. A year ago, I was fortunate to be shortlisted for a position there. While I did not eventually get the job and landed half a year after at Elm Street, it helps keeping an open mind and see what fate has in store for you.
Waiting for the train
As of today, I finally started at another organization. It just happened in a flash and it was something I did not expect. While the contract is short, I know that to be considered on top of their heads a year after is something I should be happy about. It was just too goo to pass up, especially it would entail a one-week travel to Guam in October. 😀
However, one thing that concerned me the most was the travel time going to Manila. As anybody who has access to a television right now knows, it was, more than ever, a pain to use our train system in Metro Manila. I nearly cried when I saw the queue for the LRT1 in Gil Puyat. I took a mental note that for the following day, I would leave much earlier if I have to make it in one piece in the office.
Back in Oz
The first day went well and I just had a better appreciation of the kind of environment I want to be in. I just realized that I do not do well with lots of noise while working and endless, senseless jabbering from people. While I appreciate a little chit-chat, deep inside, I’m just an old lady yelling at people to get off my lawn. Of course only deep inside.
While it usually does not happen everyday, I got to eat free lunch and snacks today. Thanks to a meeting conducted by the library, I was able to save money for today. That is freeloading in style. LOL
Never say ‘No!’ to free food
When it was already time to leave the office, I was also on the verge of tears. Not because of happiness but the sight of the LRT1 queue. It was crawling ominously at the office’s perimeter wall that I had to literally get out of the gate and hop on the spot to be last in the line.
As expected, I ditched the LRT1 and opted to trek Taft Avenue instead. And in another twist of fate, I would be teaching an International Relations subject at a school along Vito Cruz. I had to be there to sign something and have my ID picture taken, but alas, the traffic was too much. I also feel extremely anxious over the cab driver giving snide remarks about the traffic situation, as if it was my fault that it was bad. I was very uncomfortable.
When I got there, I talked to somebody from the department and a bunch of students then got in. I don’t know if they are just flattering me with comments such as “Are you a fresh grad, sir?” even before we officially have a class, but it made me laugh out loud. Or maybe because I was wearing white polo and black pants that bear the hallmarks of a student uniform.
I’ve only just begun but I have to rethink my strategy for mornings and on Mondays when I have a class. And by November, well, I’ll just cross the bridge when I get there.
