With Wendy in Montreal since Thursday; Rob taking the Friday off; Jennifer, Shelley, Nina and Charlene in some client meeting; and Julita taking the afternoon off for some shopping with her in-laws, I was left alone in the office to fend for myself.
For once I had the place to myself. I freely broke wind twice, making sure that no one was around and sprayed some air freshener just in case the smell lingered. I even went to the men's washroom and took my time crapping. (The gas build-up in my tummy was beginning to bother me.)
Anyway, I'm thinking of calling it a day early. There's nothing to do anyway. I'm out of here!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Iced Tea for Me, Please
At 3:31 p.m. yesterday, we finally head out to this fancy watering hole by the harbour. Everyone was in high spirits, especially the suits because they got to leave the office hours early than usual — and there was still light to boot!
Unfortunately, the weather wasn't cooperating. It was cloudy, cold and windy, but, at least, it was dry. The ladies had cocktails; Rob, beer; and me, iced tea. Why iced tea? I had to go to a church meeting later in the evening and I didn't want to reek of alcohol. Besides, my tummy wasn't up to it. They ordered appies to share, too.
Even though I'm with the company for a year now, I still don't have much to share with them. I always end up asking questions about the details of a conversation instead of starting one. It seems like a struggle for me every time I'm with these kind of people. I feel so awkward and uncomfortable. I just feel I don't have much in common with them. I'm probably not suited with this kind of crowd. (They're okay though, but they are a league of their own.)
Unfortunately, the weather wasn't cooperating. It was cloudy, cold and windy, but, at least, it was dry. The ladies had cocktails; Rob, beer; and me, iced tea. Why iced tea? I had to go to a church meeting later in the evening and I didn't want to reek of alcohol. Besides, my tummy wasn't up to it. They ordered appies to share, too.
Even though I'm with the company for a year now, I still don't have much to share with them. I always end up asking questions about the details of a conversation instead of starting one. It seems like a struggle for me every time I'm with these kind of people. I feel so awkward and uncomfortable. I just feel I don't have much in common with them. I'm probably not suited with this kind of crowd. (They're okay though, but they are a league of their own.)
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Drinks, Anyone?
Yesterday was a nice day to have some drinks and unwind outside. The sun was out and a refreshing sea breeze was blowing. Unfortunately, we were stuck here in the office until almost 5 p.m., waiting for Jennifer and her team to finish their client meeting. She said that the 2 p.m. gathering would only take 45 minutes and we would be out a little past three. Obviously, it took much longer than that.
When the meeting was over, Jennifer was still raring to go. However, the rest weren't. Wendy, Rob and I had to leave soon because of prior engagements. So, she had the "team-building" session move to today.
When the meeting was over, Jennifer was still raring to go. However, the rest weren't. Wendy, Rob and I had to leave soon because of prior engagements. So, she had the "team-building" session move to today.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Afternoon Drinks
We're closing early today. Jennifer had this idea yesterday that the office should go out for drinks at 3:30 p.m. this afternoon to kick off the summer since the days have been slow anyway. And if things work out, we'll have another round tomorrow.
I am not looking forward to it because my tummy has been acting up lately. Besides, I didn't have lunch today because Jenny and I met with Belinda for some coffee and to touch base. I only had a slice of banana bread and mocha — not exactly a meal.
I hope they order some appies with the drinks because I get hungry when I drink.
I am not looking forward to it because my tummy has been acting up lately. Besides, I didn't have lunch today because Jenny and I met with Belinda for some coffee and to touch base. I only had a slice of banana bread and mocha — not exactly a meal.
I hope they order some appies with the drinks because I get hungry when I drink.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
I'm Running Out of Things to Do
It's 2 p.m. Do you know where my work is?
Another day of ennui. I spent the morning checking out online job sites, writing a cover letter and résumé for a job opportunity I found yesterday, and sent several e-mails unrelated to work.
I bumped into Mark, the IT guy, in the washroom. He wondered if we were doing anything at all in the office. I was speaking for myself when I told him that I wasn't looking forward to coming to work lately because I knew that I'd be spending the next 8½ hours doing nothing.
I also told him my fears about the company handling IT issues internally come July. (Mark only worked for the company that we hired for IT support and infrastructure.) I added that it could be a sign of things to come, like plans of closing the office permanently and letting the guys in Toronto handle everything in the near future.
Then we talked about how things were different back then. Mark said that when he was first assigned here, there were 45 people working in the office. There's only eight of us now.
Another day of ennui. I spent the morning checking out online job sites, writing a cover letter and résumé for a job opportunity I found yesterday, and sent several e-mails unrelated to work.
I bumped into Mark, the IT guy, in the washroom. He wondered if we were doing anything at all in the office. I was speaking for myself when I told him that I wasn't looking forward to coming to work lately because I knew that I'd be spending the next 8½ hours doing nothing.
I also told him my fears about the company handling IT issues internally come July. (Mark only worked for the company that we hired for IT support and infrastructure.) I added that it could be a sign of things to come, like plans of closing the office permanently and letting the guys in Toronto handle everything in the near future.
Then we talked about how things were different back then. Mark said that when he was first assigned here, there were 45 people working in the office. There's only eight of us now.
Monday, May 26, 2008
The Gang's All Here
Nina is back from her two-week vacation in Germany. She didn't miss much. In fact, the stuff she left with a client for approval was still with them.
Jennifer is back, too. And she was the first one in the office — probably to make up for lost time harassing and bullying her minions. I could just feel my cortisol levels rise.
Like I said, we're all here. Now all we need is something to do. I, for one, have been doing nothing since 9:30 a.m. If not for the WIP meeting and minor proofing, then I could have been doing nothing since I got in this morning. It's almost 3 p.m. as of this writing and I'm bored stiff. I even almost fell asleep (slept for four hours only) reading online news.
I simply can't go on reporting for work and spend the entire day doing nothing. I hope I don't get laid off for this.
Jennifer is back, too. And she was the first one in the office — probably to make up for lost time harassing and bullying her minions. I could just feel my cortisol levels rise.
Like I said, we're all here. Now all we need is something to do. I, for one, have been doing nothing since 9:30 a.m. If not for the WIP meeting and minor proofing, then I could have been doing nothing since I got in this morning. It's almost 3 p.m. as of this writing and I'm bored stiff. I even almost fell asleep (slept for four hours only) reading online news.
I simply can't go on reporting for work and spend the entire day doing nothing. I hope I don't get laid off for this.
Stupid Weather
Everytime I leave the house, I make it a habit to watch the Weather Network so I can prepare the clothes I'm going to wear for that day. Today, the report calls for showers, with a high of 17° C and low of 12° C. Not cold enough to wear a jacket or warm enough to don a polo or short-sleeved shirt. So, I decided to slip a grey V-neck sweater on a white round-neck undershirt and black denim pants.
When I headed to the bus terminal, it was cloudy and a little cool. It was refreshing actually after staying indoors overnight. The sun was shining through the clouds when I was on the bus, prompting me to wear my shades. Still, it wasn't that warm; it wasn't cold either.
However, when I got into the office, it was uncomfortably hot and muggy. I adjusted the thermostat with no effect. It was a good day for the air conditioning to be acting up.
It was also a good time to be in kitchen duty. I was breaking a sweat on my forehead, armpits, chest and back when I finished unloading the dishwasher and replenishing the drinks in the fridge. I also noticed that everyone was wearing short-sleeved shirts or blouses. As Julita said, I was overdressed. To cool things down, I grabbed the coldest apple juice in the fridge and almost downed the entire bottle with gusto.
As I write this, I am currently scanning the skies for dark, heavy cloud formations. It looks like it's getting cloudy up north.
When I headed to the bus terminal, it was cloudy and a little cool. It was refreshing actually after staying indoors overnight. The sun was shining through the clouds when I was on the bus, prompting me to wear my shades. Still, it wasn't that warm; it wasn't cold either.
However, when I got into the office, it was uncomfortably hot and muggy. I adjusted the thermostat with no effect. It was a good day for the air conditioning to be acting up.
It was also a good time to be in kitchen duty. I was breaking a sweat on my forehead, armpits, chest and back when I finished unloading the dishwasher and replenishing the drinks in the fridge. I also noticed that everyone was wearing short-sleeved shirts or blouses. As Julita said, I was overdressed. To cool things down, I grabbed the coldest apple juice in the fridge and almost downed the entire bottle with gusto.
As I write this, I am currently scanning the skies for dark, heavy cloud formations. It looks like it's getting cloudy up north.
Friday, May 23, 2008
The Only Thorn Among the Roses
With Rob on leave, Julita and Nina on vacation, and Jennifer on some company-sponsored junket, there were only four of us left in the office: Wendy, Charlene, Shelley and me. It was wise for Rob to take Friday off because there was nothing to do here for us, at least.
So, since this morning, I have done nothing but check my e-mail in my Yahoo! and Gmail accounts, watch sports and viral videos online, and check out websites on action figures and video games. Lunch time, I'll head out to Blockbuster and rent movies for the weekend.
I hope Wendy will let me go home early; otherwise, I'll have to think of stuff to do to keep me busy for the next four hours.
(Update: After a quick lunch, I went to Blockbuster and took advantage of their three-new-releases-for-two offer. I grabbed National Treasure 2, Untraceable and The Air I Breathe. I was also hoping Wendy to tell me to go home early. Instead, she went home early herself at 12:30 p.m. I also managed to catch Belinda online and we chatted a bit. I found out from her that Jenny has tendered her resignation and she'll be leaving us next week. Lucky girl!)
So, since this morning, I have done nothing but check my e-mail in my Yahoo! and Gmail accounts, watch sports and viral videos online, and check out websites on action figures and video games. Lunch time, I'll head out to Blockbuster and rent movies for the weekend.
I hope Wendy will let me go home early; otherwise, I'll have to think of stuff to do to keep me busy for the next four hours.
(Update: After a quick lunch, I went to Blockbuster and took advantage of their three-new-releases-for-two offer. I grabbed National Treasure 2, Untraceable and The Air I Breathe. I was also hoping Wendy to tell me to go home early. Instead, she went home early herself at 12:30 p.m. I also managed to catch Belinda online and we chatted a bit. I found out from her that Jenny has tendered her resignation and she'll be leaving us next week. Lucky girl!)
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Happy First Anniversary!
It was one year ago today when I entered the doors of the company as an employee. I still remember the stuff I wore on my first day: an off-white polo shirt with a winged ornamental print ($20, from Winners), on top of which was a light-grey blazer (sale price: $40, from RW & Co.). My jeans were brand new ($50, from Tiptop Tailors) but had that worn or distressed look. I also wore my favourite brown Cole-Haan shoes ($200).
The first person I saw was Deb, who looked testy at first, but she turned out to be very sweet, kind and thoughtful. She was also the office's supplier of homemade fudge and banana loaf. Kayla was already there because she was the receptionist. Julita soon popped out of her office, greeted me and showed me to my office. It was a corner office with a view of the city streets and the sea.
Then Julita introduced me to the rest of the company. Most were on vacation; after all, it was almost summer. The more memorable introductions were with Doug and Belinda. When I was introduced to Doug, we shook hands — and he continued to do so while talking to Julita about another office matter. I felt awkward that I had to let go of my grip and pull my hand off of his.
When I was introduced to Belinda (and Courtney, her partner in crime), the first thing she said was, "Ah, the new guy." I wanted to reply, "Yep, the first one who'll get blamed for all office troubles." But my words didn't come out exactly as I thought. Instead, I said, "Fresh meat." All were taken aback by my reply, including me.
After making the rounds, I went back to my very own office, not a cubicle or work station or pod, but a real office with real walls and windows and a door. (I'd find out later on that this was all temporary.) I filled in the required forms regarding insurance, contact details, contracts, etc. I also found out that my business cards were on its way and that there were free pop, juice, coffee and tea in the kitchen. I was so excited working for the company that when I left for home, there was a grin on my face like the Cheshire cat's.
However, a lot has changed since then. Just read my blogs in the last 12 months. (I was off yesterday, taking a three-hour-long test for that Publications Manager position. What a nice thing to do on the eve of my first year in the company.)
The first person I saw was Deb, who looked testy at first, but she turned out to be very sweet, kind and thoughtful. She was also the office's supplier of homemade fudge and banana loaf. Kayla was already there because she was the receptionist. Julita soon popped out of her office, greeted me and showed me to my office. It was a corner office with a view of the city streets and the sea.
Then Julita introduced me to the rest of the company. Most were on vacation; after all, it was almost summer. The more memorable introductions were with Doug and Belinda. When I was introduced to Doug, we shook hands — and he continued to do so while talking to Julita about another office matter. I felt awkward that I had to let go of my grip and pull my hand off of his.
When I was introduced to Belinda (and Courtney, her partner in crime), the first thing she said was, "Ah, the new guy." I wanted to reply, "Yep, the first one who'll get blamed for all office troubles." But my words didn't come out exactly as I thought. Instead, I said, "Fresh meat." All were taken aback by my reply, including me.
After making the rounds, I went back to my very own office, not a cubicle or work station or pod, but a real office with real walls and windows and a door. (I'd find out later on that this was all temporary.) I filled in the required forms regarding insurance, contact details, contracts, etc. I also found out that my business cards were on its way and that there were free pop, juice, coffee and tea in the kitchen. I was so excited working for the company that when I left for home, there was a grin on my face like the Cheshire cat's.
However, a lot has changed since then. Just read my blogs in the last 12 months. (I was off yesterday, taking a three-hour-long test for that Publications Manager position. What a nice thing to do on the eve of my first year in the company.)
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
What a Way to Start the Week
I didn't sleep well last night. And when I managed to drift away, I'd be dreaming about my big day tomorrow at the Liquor Distribution Branch. Weird.
It may be because of the stress and the pressure I'll be feeling when I take that three-hour-long test. After all this time, I still have no idea what the exam for the Publications Manager position entails. However, I have a gut feeling that it will include graphic design, writing, editing, and something that involves decision making and project management.
Regarding work, we're supposed to have the weekly WIP meeting. Normally, Julita gathers the usual suspects in the office and we follow right after. Today was different. She didn't. So, except for Charlene and her, no one showed up; even the guys in Toronto were absent. I, for one, have my Lotus Notes remind me of the meeting, but I turned the alarm off as I was waiting for the rest to go to the meeting. I forgot somehow. So, Julita was disappointed when almost everyone, including the key people, was a no-show. (Wendy called in sick.)
And halfway through the day and there's no work in sight. Oh, well ...
It may be because of the stress and the pressure I'll be feeling when I take that three-hour-long test. After all this time, I still have no idea what the exam for the Publications Manager position entails. However, I have a gut feeling that it will include graphic design, writing, editing, and something that involves decision making and project management.
Regarding work, we're supposed to have the weekly WIP meeting. Normally, Julita gathers the usual suspects in the office and we follow right after. Today was different. She didn't. So, except for Charlene and her, no one showed up; even the guys in Toronto were absent. I, for one, have my Lotus Notes remind me of the meeting, but I turned the alarm off as I was waiting for the rest to go to the meeting. I forgot somehow. So, Julita was disappointed when almost everyone, including the key people, was a no-show. (Wendy called in sick.)
And halfway through the day and there's no work in sight. Oh, well ...
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The First in a Series: Official Four-day Weekends
I've been looking forward to this: the long weekend. However, I was hoping that today would fly faster, but not much work was happening again unfortunately.
Anyway, the sun's out, two consecutive short work weeks and payday — I can't complain.
Anyway, the sun's out, two consecutive short work weeks and payday — I can't complain.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Whew, Finally!
Remember that three-piece marketing collateral in English, French and Chinese? Well, I only finished proofing them yesterday afternoon. Proofing these puppies took time because I didn't have the chance to check them thoroughly when we did a reprint of them last year. (I believe no one did before me.) There were mistakes though, but they were minor.
It's a dirty job — and I get to do it for a living.
It's a dirty job — and I get to do it for a living.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Shelley
The office acquired a new employee. Her name is Shelley. I don't where she is from, but she looks very experienced. She is also the new group account director. But how long will she hold on to the job? I'm giving her less than three months; Rob, three months tops; and Charlene, a year. I hope I already have left the company before she does.
Monday also dragged Jennifer in. Once again, I felt my stress levels rise.
Monday also dragged Jennifer in. Once again, I felt my stress levels rise.
But Friday Was Different
Rob wondered how my Friday afternoon looked like. He said that he was almost done with a client's three-piece marketing collateral in English, French and Chinese, and they needed proofreading. I said I wasn't busy and I needed something to make my timesheet look good.
The job wasn't a walk in the park. It took me an hour to proofread English, 1½ hours for the French and two hours for the Chinese. So the rest of my afternoon was spent proofing those and I wasn't even half way through by 5 p.m.
Monday was going to be very busy.
The job wasn't a walk in the park. It took me an hour to proofread English, 1½ hours for the French and two hours for the Chinese. So the rest of my afternoon was spent proofing those and I wasn't even half way through by 5 p.m.
Monday was going to be very busy.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Julita's Back
Hey, a "thank you" would be nice. I did the dishes for you while you were sick yesterday. In case you forgot, you were supposed to be on kitchen duty. But I guess you wouldn't know that I cleaned the kitchen because no one here knew that I did it (not because I care for you, but because I was bored and I needed to keep myself busy). Lucky you and them.
Not Exactly a Nibbler
I got me another one although not exactly a job interview. This was for the publications manager position at a provincial government office, but I had to take a test first. The exam was scheduled next Friday, which was well timed because our office would be closed on that day. There would be no need for me to apply for a leave that could raise suspicions here.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
My Good Deed for Today
Guess what? I was so bored that I emptied the dishwasher and cleared the dishes off the sink even though I wasn't on kitchen duty today. (It was Julita's, but she was sick and working at home.) Besides, no one was going to do that voluntarily anyway except probably Jenny or Wendy.
It just goes to show that I care. I didn't even bother to cross out Julita's name from the kitchen-duty schedule and put my name on it. I don't know why, but I feel good knowing that I did it without expecting anything in return.
It just goes to show that I care. I didn't even bother to cross out Julita's name from the kitchen-duty schedule and put my name on it. I don't know why, but I feel good knowing that I did it without expecting anything in return.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Same Old, Same Old
As usual, I was the first one to arrive in the office again. With no one around yet, I felt like I reported for work on a weekend. Minutes later, Rob arrived. Jokingly, I told him that today's a holiday and the two of us didn't get the memo about it.
A few more minutes and bodies started to arrive: Nina, Julita and Charlene. Wendy was coming in late. At 9 a.m., we held our WIP meeting with the guys in Toronto. It was a very quiet gathering, especially now that our numbers were dwindling. No more Patrick, no more Liza.
Half way through the day and I only worked for 1¼ hours, just like yesterday. Another lousy timesheet.
A few more minutes and bodies started to arrive: Nina, Julita and Charlene. Wendy was coming in late. At 9 a.m., we held our WIP meeting with the guys in Toronto. It was a very quiet gathering, especially now that our numbers were dwindling. No more Patrick, no more Liza.
Half way through the day and I only worked for 1¼ hours, just like yesterday. Another lousy timesheet.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Quiet Monday
As expected, Monday turned out to be a quiet one, especially now that all online banners were finally done last week. However, I spent an hour working on a sponsorship ad. Nothing spectacular though.
Liza isn't around anymore. Her work here is done. With her gone, Nina is left all by her lonesome in the work station until they hire Patrick's replacement.
Liza isn't around anymore. Her work here is done. With her gone, Nina is left all by her lonesome in the work station until they hire Patrick's replacement.
Funny Friday
Jenny was sending e-mails one after the other to inform everybody of the several absences here in the offices. Jim advised her that it would be easier if she would just tell everyone who was present. (There were only four of us in the office: Wendy, Liza, Charlene and me. The rest were either sick or off site.) I replied back, telling them that I thought it was a holiday until I saw Wendy in her office.
I also got to go home 1½ hours early, thanks to Wendy. Since there wasn't any work to do now that the online banners were done, she gave me permission to leave early.
I also got to go home 1½ hours early, thanks to Wendy. Since there wasn't any work to do now that the online banners were done, she gave me permission to leave early.
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