Unexpected Emotion

I cried... just before I left... I cried.

I couldn't help it, and now it's finally done. And I finally left for good... no more SL, no more CCA, no more PAM, RAC, RRL, CTA... no more Sun Life...

It didn't sink in until the very last minute. Until I was saying goodbye to Tine. She's been my partner at work for so long... and when I said goodbye to her it was only then that I realized what I was saying goodbye to... what I was leaving behind.

I miss it already. It's as if I want to take it back. But I know it's just the emotion talking. I know I'll be fine.

I just didn't think it would be this difficult. I really, really didn't.

All I know is it was time to say goodbye.

Only 3 more days...

Unofficially, today is my last day in Sun Life.

I'm done with all my turnovers, posted all my documents, finished the PAM batch runs for IO and HK, completed my clearance save for IS and HR, and even did some production support to resolve some access issues for CCA, CAS Core and RRL.

Whew! What a day...

I still plan to give Eloie, Eric and Carla a guide on the PAM MTP for HK. And if I find time, I'm still going to post whatever documents I can to help them out. Why? Because there's no reason for me not to. Sun Life has been good to me, and I'll do all that I can to maintain the same level of support I provided while I was still there. And I'm sure they're all up to the task. Tine, my SL partner, along with our relatively new hires Eloie and Eric, and our youngest and newest hire, Rhea. And of course, Carla, who will be taking on CAS and FXA by her lonesome (for the time being), and she even finds time to be interim support for the PAM project.

And Manny... who's been my boss for 2 1/2 years. We've had a lot of disagreements over the years, but I will miss him. I have my complaints (who doesn't?), but he's been a good boss, and for me, an effective one. Maybe he's just misunderstood. :)

It still hasn't sunk in...I still can't believe I'm leaving. But I guess it's just time for new challenges and new experiences. New friends will be made, new skills will be learned, new programs will be developed, and I really can't wait to get started.

Leap of Faith

I resigned from Sun Life today.

I don't really know what I'm supposed to be feeling, I'm so excited about my new work, but I will be leaving a place I grew to love for the past three years. I guess we all must move on. At this point in time, I know that my move to Sungard System Access will benefit me in the long run.

It just happened so fast, they interviewed me, and gave me an offer three days later. I wasn't even prepared for it. But now that I know what work I'll be doing, I just can't wait!

So let's recap, Leslie - left to join Navitaire, Irene - left to go to the US, Mich - left to go to Malaysia and be with Jay-Ar, Van - will leave to join SSA and possibly be deployed to Slovakia... That leaves Louie and Apple. Actually, I think it just leaves Apple. But if you think about it, her move to RAC probably started the whole cycle.

I didn't leave because my friends left. But I did entertain the thought of other employment because of it, and thankfully, I found an opportunity that seems perfect for me. I really can't say it enough, I'm excited to go. It's not just the prospect of Slovakia, but it's development work, using Oracle 10g. And they develop their people to be consultants. At this point in time, they can give me all that I want (and need). I'm sad about leaving Sun Life, but I'm more than anticipating my first day of work at my new company. That's all I can say about that.

I feel like I'm heading for a breakdown... :(

It's not that I'm pushing myself too hard, it's just that I'm thinking of way too many things all at the same time, trying to get so many things accomplished. Maybe it's just coincidence that so many things are happening at work, and I still have other stuff that I need to focus on. But I think what's draining me is this sadness I feel that soon, very soon, I'm going to be alone in Sun Life... and I don't really know how to handle it yet.

I'm just really tired today so I can't help but think about these things...Misery loves company I guess.

Afetr weeks of preparation, countless hours of planning and meetings to discuss best routes and worst case scenarios, we were finally able to pull off this year's trick or treat! I'm one of the organizers, and together with HR and my fellow SCC-mates, and the help of our ever reliable admin assistants and staff volunteers, Trick or Treat 2K6 was a success!

We at Central Systems, decided to go for a Pirates of the Caribbean theme. Last year, we did Addams Family, plus a graveyard (complete with cobwebs and sound effects), witches and a dark pathway with a creepy, maniacal laugh that a lot of made kids cry on our floor! So this year, we decided to keep it light. The fact that over 270 kids participated was also a factor, since we decided to just pool our funds for the loot bags.

It started with a tour of the booths from different departments, There were 9 groups, starting at different floors, traffic was controlled by coordinating with the guards placed at the entrance and exit stations who were prompted via walkie talkie by the central control station. Oh yeah, logistics-wise, this was one well organized feat. :)

We finished the tour of 10 booths in 6 different floors in less than an hour. Last year, it took us more than 3 hours. I guess we were able to learn from our mistakes and made the necessary adjustments this year.

After the tour, we assembled all the kids and their guardians at the Enterprise lobby (since our offices couldn't accommodate the number), then there were teachers who taught the kids songs, told them stories and games for the kiddies. After a while, Jollibee even joined the fun!

But we still have a lot of things to improve on for next year, and hopefully, next year's organizers will make the trick or treat bigger and better. :)

I don't really know when office trick or treating became the norm, but I think it's slowly gaining popularity. This is only the second time we've had a trick or treat at work. Personally, I have no complaints, it's a lot of fun watching kids dress up in costumes. Prizes of course go to the most creative ones. :)

This year's winner for best costume was Popcorn Girl and Mazinger-Z. I'll try to post pics later,

Happy Halloween everyone!

Updates, updates, it's been crazy at work... I'm bracing myself for more "changes" to come. I've finally decided to stay in My's team. Long story why, but I'm starting to accept my new post...slowly settling in. We'll see how it goes. I'm still supporting my old team, but only until Tine gets back from HK. I'm due to start a new project next week, which I'm excited about. The only thing I don't like is the transfer from the 14th to the 10th floor...no, I'm not so thrilled about that. :(

I played badminton last night with Deo, Ayin and other officemates at Powersmash. Bitin! It's been a busy past two weeks and we were only able to squeeze a game in last night. We joined the game late, but were able to play a couple of good sets so that was fun. :)

Lukas won Rockstar Supernova...I don't really like him much...except when he sang Creep by Radiohead.

I'm going out with my college barkada this weekend. Last time we saw each other as a group was hmmm... when was Maximo Oliveros shown? All I know is it's been too long. There's a lot to catch up on.