“The jobs we have has a direct impact on how and what our lives would become.†– my own quote ;-)
Officially I am still with my employer until the end of February but since I have almost 2 weeks worth of vacation in my file, we’ve negotiated my last physical working day to be last Friday. I will go virtual next week as I still have a couple of deals left forecasted for this month, and hopefully, I get them in before I turn over my laptop at the end of the month.
Speaking of this ‘last day at work’ historic event, I personally was not looking forward to it. I kind of dread situations like these as I don’t like being put in the spot. It’s also never been a secret that I am not the sentimental sucker type. I shy away from attention in real life and dislike to be in a plight where it’s synonymous to grinding against the grain. So there is definitely no ‘going away’ drinking spree or whatever. Just imagine how is it like for everyone to be on my hair with open-ended statements and/or questions such as – Oh, your last day! Why? What will you do next? Where? Is it much better? When do you start? Etcetera, etcetera, and enzovoort… oh jeetje, no way. Then there’s the ‘make a speech moment’ please, aaarghhh help me! I DO NOT LIKE THESE.
I just want to keep things simple and straightforward, okay – in short, no bullshitting. I prefer the low profile status, and this I must admit too — I have had enough of the socializing scene. I’m not sure if it’s the age or my personality has just evolved. I have been like this already back in Manila.
My colleagues before would often say, “It’s still early, why rush home? What will you do at home anyway? It’s just you, alone at home.â€
Sigh – I guess there are not so many people in this world who enjoy being alone?
On the other hand, I noticed that most people partying and staying up late in Amsterdam after work are either, (a) youngsters in their 20’s whose blood are majorly piping hot for these activities (b) singles above the 30 age mark looking for a chance (c) singles above the 30 age mark loving the social-night life and are living in Amsterdam thus commuting is not an issue. Well, clearly, this is not my life anymore. Even if I was single, it’s definitely not my life.
With all these cheerless litanies and whining I have managed to cook up on why I should not hold a ‘going away’ and getting everyone drunk jamboree on my ‘last day at work’, I was genuinely expecting a discreet, humdrum, very inconspicuous Friday where everyone would just rush off for the weekend. So it came as a surprise when my colleagues came out with a cake and a handful of ‘going away’ presents (sniff), a card with a bottle of champagne, flowers-actually an orchid plant, and a dried cured sausage. I find the dried cured sausage funny (dried cured sausage is a comfort food of mine); they sure have a sense of humor. In the end, I had no choice; I got cornered to make a speech (sigh, UGH, lol) but made it short by thanking everyone.
Although I do not want this, I do not want to sound unappreciative. It was very sweet of them.
Outside the building, while hauling my stuff into the car, a Dutch guy who just parked his car on the other side of the road came over to help. His gaze was fixed at the champagne and the flowers, “Ben je jarig vandaag?†[Is it your birthday today?]
I curtly replied with a smile, “Nee hoor.â€
“Oh, je gaat weg! Gefeliceteerd dan!†[Oh, you’re leaving! Congratulations then!]
Ha-ha, the guy assumed I have a new job, smart. I thanked him for helping me with my stuff, got into the car and drove away while my thoughts wandered somewhere else… judging from the strong growth of the Dutch economy, there must be a lot of people out there who are in the same position as me right now, moving into a new job function, moving into another company… oh, exciting.
I have always loved driving as it gives me the sense of control and freedom but this time driving home was different, I felt like, ‘I’m being set free’ and ‘I’m on to a new and exciting challenge’. It was a lovely feeling. It really is.
As well, I don’t have to wake up before 7AM and beat the early morning and afternoon traffic, at least not before March. No more parking nightmares (in my new job in another part of Amsterdam, I have my own slot)! Now is the perfect time for me to do some personal errands and organize stuff at home. Indulge in some heavenly pampering and relaxation time. Yes, splurge a(nother) holiday! And oh, I’m a woman right, I should shop! Most importantly, I will have time to prepare for my next career, for my next life.
Naturally, this calls for a celebration! So Dutchman and I had an intimate dinner yesterday in Den Haag, not only to cheer me for my new found job, but also for him as he received a significant promotion. I am very happy and very proud of him. Having proved his value and what he can do, he will now be responsible for greater things.
We chose this elegant little restaurant near the church in the center of Den Haag. Our food was really prime, and while savouring the small portions of each entree, we were in agreement about the subject of eating moderately. Dining in fine restaurants will always cost money more than what is really necessary but there is a positive take away in all this that can’t be missed.
It’s not the great culinary experience, surely not the excellent service, but, it’s being spared from leaving the restaurant feeling like you’ve just eaten a whole horse and a pig, coupled with the ominous forethought of the major consequence of sleeping with a full stomach, and later, fully regretting the whole dinner affair. Sound icky familiar? Hah, you are not alone! I’ve had many a times of this experience that I often am not looking forward to dining outside.
Anywho, we are not young anymore. With our ages, health has become a priority rather than corporal indulgence.
So now, what’s next in the agenda?
Well, I AM GOING TO ROME! And to CASTELLI ROMANI, and ORVIETO! For a whole week!
Tickets, hotels, and itinerary all figured out. I’m so excited ;-)
I can’t wait to explore and take pleasure in the eternal city of Rome, the cradle of civilization. Oh, shop there too! Then wander around in the surrounding lovely villages of Lazio’s Castelli Romani (eyeing Castel Gandolfo and Frascati). Visit pretty Orvieto in Umbria, and perhaps I’ll go see the enchanting lost village perched on top of a mountain nearby called Civita de Bagnoregio.
Stay tuned then for my Bella Italia trip report after a week.
Amsterdam Zuid
The Netherlands
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Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)