Home Sweet Home

Slowly but surely moving in. I'm finally doing a bit of grocery shopping. And tonight my intercom number was set up. I had to chuckle a bit after seeing what my code was so my visitors didn't have to search my name in the directory. It was the store number of my previous company where CD and I worked. Which luckily means its easy for me to remember too.

I'm done buying the necessary stuff too. Everything from now can wait until a better deal comes along or if someone gifts it to me. =P So the goal now is to save save save. I am debating though if I wanna get a tree. I just want a small 3-4 footer so it might be doable for this year.

I'm just really glad that everything I've gotten so far fits and looks perfect. The sofabed I've been pre-shopping for was really a float or sink kinda situation. Every other furniture I would be getting was gonna depend on how that sofabed fit in my new place. Plus the color I wanted was not displayed in the showroom at Ikea and I couldn't simply rely on the catalouge. So when delivery came I was super duper happy to see how the shade was the one I exactly hoped it to be. The dining table I got also ended up being the perfect size. I saved a bit of money too because I didn't have to purchase a bed set since my grandma's bed remained unused.

GAHHHHH!! I can't help but be sooooo happy with my new place. Most of all, its because my 5 year plan continues to work out.

Thank you so much God for these wonderful blessings you've showered me.

Its not like that anymore

Aside from officially starting my career, December has been an awesome month. I am also back with my overnight team. This time a little smarter and avoiding drama when I can. That being said, I am no longer infatuated with CD but I do get curious once in  a while. I often think what if so and so happened this way, how would things be. Its kinda weird because I feel like I won't be able to move on without figuring out the answer, whether I like the outcome or not. But its probably more because I really don't wanna feel confused like that again and not so much because of CD himself.

A lot of people are curious as to when I'll be introducing someone to them. I know they mean well but its not like its my choice for how things are the way they are. So instead of going nuts over this, I'll just deal with what I know I can... which at the moment is making myself financially independent. I figure by the time he comes along, there's one less problem for us to fight about.

So here's to a brand new year. 2015 was the year I always felt many changes are bound to happen (see 5 year plan of 2013). Though I guess career hunting came sooner than expected. Anyway, here's the new 5 year plan of 2015.

2015: move out; licensing exams
2016: hermit mode
2017: travel
2018: engagement?
2019: marriage? (yeah kinda aiming high here lol)

Thanks for the blessings

WHAT A GREAT WEEK!!

Thank you Lord so much for the many blessings you have showered me, especially this week alone.

First is the birth of my nephew. Minion #3 has arrived and is healthy, happy and handsome as all babies should be. My sister-in-law is recovering well, my brother seems to be adjusting better with having another newborn and my niece is doing a great job of being a big sister. I'm super happy for my family for this new lovely addition. I can't wait to see the little guy again and spend some quality auntie-nephew time.. which really just means he sleeps while I watch and play with his little piggy toes.

Second is my shopping date with my best friend today. It wasn't the full day shopping we're used to but not bad. Managed to get a pair of good material denim for $10. Best part? I'm down 3 pant sizes since I left for Korea!! Its a little snug but I know I gained a pound or 2 due to lack of shifts at work recently but once that's over, I can lose those pounds again. Plus I needed pants. I only have 2 pairs left that fit, everything else got too big.

Third is still on the making. A birthday party for our co-worker is happening this weekend. Originally CD couldn't make it coz he ended up getting a shift that night. I actually managed to not be sad about this so that alone is a feat. But when I found out he's been trying to get that shift cancelled, I actually got super happy. And the manner/timing of how I found out kinda makes it special... like its a sign. An even higher and newer supervisor had called me in the office but before he could tell me about what, CD called in. They were on speaker phone so I recognized his voice. The higher supervisor jokingly asked why he was so bent on getting this shift off. Right then and there, said shift was cancelled and now I know CD will be at the party for sure. It's like the universe just wanted me to be there front and center to see it all unfold. However, the sad part is that we're expecting a snowstorm to hit on the same day. So its very likely that the party will be cancelled. If there's to be another blessing, a light layer of snow would be great so we can take group pics outside but still good weather condition for driving. Or just no snow at all. Especially since I'm probably gonna be designated driver again.

3.5th blessing is the reason I got called in the office. They wanted to give me an extra shift next week. Of course I accepted it and then the higher supervisor joked that he actually already entered my schedule before I even confirmed. It can only mean he already recognizes my abilities despite only working with him 3-5 times since he got to our department. Ohhh and CD happens to be working during that same shift. So that's like a bonus right there.

Fourth, as of like an hour ago (considering its around 5AM and my sleep cycle is messed up), I just got my acceptance letter to the program I applied for back in 2012. It had such a long ass wait list due to its low requirements but high outcomes. This program pretty much is the first step to the career I've decided on; the first step to the life I've pictured myself to have. It's part of the 5 year plan and I seriously don't have any more back ups after this one. I can't and won't screw it up because I've narrowed down my career choices to being a counsellor/teacher or pharmacist. I've already tried the first and just know I will definitely get burned out easily despite my passion for helping others out. So now, I get to do science-cy stuff which was pretty fun back in high school. I'm pretty damn excited but classes won't start till May. I've already got ideas running in my head on how I'm gonna balance out work with school; especially if there's gonna be room for promotions. But I gotta remember not to let it get to me. Never expect a promotion until its been said and signed.

Fifth, who knows? Might actually be during the party itself. Hehe! Anyway, I'm just super duper happy and can't stop smiling. Seems like small stuff to most people but I've always been the simple type of person and small things like these mean way more to me. Plus, its good to always thank the Lord!

It's off to work I go

Heigh ho!

So I just worked my first 2 shifts at my new job (yes, that temp job I mentioned on my 5 Year Plan). A great thing about a new company is that everyone is else is new too; even if they are a level higher or lower than you. You don't have to feel like the only newbie.

During training, I met the people I would likely be working similar shifts and departments with. So far they seem okay. All excited about starting and playing working with the equipments. They seem dependable. Not the types that would 24/7 ask me what's going on or how to do something. Oh, don't get me wrong. I like helping people but I think after explaining something over 10x to the same person, you have the right to be a little irritated. No one appeared to be lazy or bossy or a know-it-all. 3 of the characteristics I hate the most when it comes to professional relationships. But then again, its really too early to tell.

I have a really good feeling about this job though. I sorta have a clique already but I'd still like to meet the other newbs from the other departments. I also saw 3 people that I previously know before getting hired. Not counting KC (one of my best friends) who told me about the job fair. My superiors are also super friendly and I really don't feel like they're trying to shove their status to my face. If any, they are very encouraging. There's also a couple of guys in my department/shift that are cute. Though I'm sure KC would say they are short. They both are just slightly taller than me, so for guy standards, yeah that's short. But still taller than me. Hehe.

Too bad I won't see them until my next shift which is on Friday. My department's not needed until then. So for now, I'll be visiting the nieces and doing more errands and pre-hibernation rituals.

The 5 Year Plan

If I had to describe myself, I admit to being a bit of a control freak. I like being organized and prepared but I'm also open to the fact that many things in life are unpredictable and out of our control. Still, I enjoy gazing at my potential future... viewing the highlights of each chapter of my life. Somehow that led to my 5 Year Planning.

Basically, its attempting to finish 5 important achievements in 5 years (so roughly one per year). There is an ideal order to these achievements but I like that I can just bump one down or up to make room for the others. Once that 1 year is over, another 1 achievement will be added (or upgraded) for the next year. Its pretty awesome because when I read my old blogs and saw what my then 5 Year Plan was, I got so amazed that I actually managed to do the whole thing... even if it wasn't the ideal order I originally planned out. Of course, not everything is perfect. I still have this letter I wrote when I was 14, it was meant for my 18 year old self. It talked about the many things I hope to have accomplished by 18 and even some lecturing from the younger me. Anyway, let's just say I was a little too optimistic back then.

Now, I can kinda say I'm a little smarter when it comes to planning. My favorite part is just having something to look forward to. Even if there are chances of it being a disappointment. There's a reason for when things don't turn out the way we want and when we do find out, we'll be glad we are where we are. There's also gonna be times where its just down time. Nothing major happening because realistically, you gotta work your butt off to make those other achievements come true. I call these times hermit mode.

So, here's my current 5 Year Plan. A little something for my future self to be proud about (or laugh at):

2013: integrating back to Canadian society (just came back from working abroad)
2014: back to school; travel
2015: career hunting; moving out
2016: hermit mode (gotta pay those bills)
2017: engagement (a little silly to have it here but I always figure its the right age to do so)