Saw him last night with his usual sunny mood. He didn't exactly drop by the area but it's more of "passed by". He didn't say hello to everybody (could this be the start?). But I know that he did see a common friend because this common friend started calling me. Hah! As if wouldn't get where he's going- he's going to put me on the spot again.

So I pretended to not hear anything, put on my earphones and started listening to calls. I was grading my students' phone skills at that time (came in handy huh). Then I drank some water and I noticed that I was stiff and shaking. I was wishing hard that he wouldn't come to greet me.

And he didn't.

I got my wish. But why am I not happy?

Drama drama drama... stop this insanity! I need a diversion. NOW!

Far Away

Listening to the rain
all sounding the same now that you're gone
where are the plans we made
caught up in yesterday, far away

Playing with your hair
whispering the words I want to hear
I can remember when
nothing was said or done from far away

Why does this happen
no one really know
it's hard to believe
when your heart is up and gone

Just another day
looking for a way to make it through
everything comes and goes
promises never known, you're far away, hey yeah

Why does this happen
no one really know
it's hard to believe
when your heart is up and gone

Your footprints in the sand
the way you'd understand my ups and downs
color is fading past
will the memory last from far away

I can remember when
nothing was said or done from far away

Everything comes and goes
promises never known, you're far away

Color is fading fast
will the memory last, from far away, far away.......

D-Day

Gone. Kaput! Poof! He's outta here.

If I have experienced situations like this so many times, how come when it happens again it feels like the first? The problem with me is that I got too attached- professionally and emotionally. We have bonded in such a way that we would be partners at work where he's the brain and I'm the skill. We were able to create great projects together. I can't imagine anyone as smart who can challenge my skills.

We would have gimmicks occassionally. He's guilty of influencing me to go to the beach last April, which was really touching. Of all people who would ask me to go, it had to be him. Not even my older friends in the office would do that (prolly because I'm not that visible, but no hard feelings). Then there's our "educational chismis sessions" every now and then - where I do all the talking while he listens and reacts. We would have little debates, story exchanges, and of course jokes. I'm missing all that now.

Anyway, we didn't let him go without a send off. We gave him something to remember us by and he said that he was so touched. He even had to text everybody to thank us and say that we now know what his soft spot is (gotcha!). The faces were cheerful, yet there was "Loss" written all over.

He thanked me for the support (parang artista ah) assured me that he's not going to burn bridges behind him. And he left me part of his wisdom:

"Always remember to invest not in position but in people you meet. Developing the people around you will leave a legacy which time cannot erase."

I keep with me those lines, plus the wonderful memories we had with the team. I know he didn't resign (so why do I sound like he did?) but it's all different now. I don't know what's going to happen next. I don't like to expect at this point and I'd like to take advantage of the space to detach.

So now, I'm off to work...

Happy Birthday Belle!

To A Good Friend...

"When my friend got transferred to another team because of a career move, I was devastated. He's my bestest friend in the team. Now, I'm feeling it all over again. But don't worry, these things don't take long to recover from - I hope. I was glad to have known it early because I needed to prepare for it. That's a big blow, you know. Not just with me but more so with the 'kids'. I've had several chances of chatting with some of them over breakfast and they would talk about how much they admire and respect their bosses. I didn't even had to bring the subject up. We owe them a lot. If they didn't decide to follow us, we wouldn't be here. You wouldn't have been where you will be next week.

I'm still under mixed emotions but one thing for sure-- I have never been this proud of you! I'm happy about what you've achieved and how you have appreciated my efforts and contributions. I can almost imagine what you're going to do with your new folks. It is my prayer that they will soon realize how blessed they are and I would be excited to know about it (yeah take a clue: you better save me stories).

Sad to see you go but I'm happy that you're where you deserve to be. I never doubted you're going to reach it and I know that you'll be able to reach even higher. Now you may have lost a multi-talented member of your support staff (hehe) - but not your friend. I may be awfully busy for the next weeks, or months but I'm still here.

I'll see you when I see you...

Bye!"


[Note: no emotions involved. sus! walang impact!]

When I'm sad, I turn to my other best friend...

Love, look what you've done You stole my heart While I was waiting But now that you're gone I guess I'll keep holding on to memories Longing to tell you All of my dreams With you beside me Wanting to hold you That's all I need But how? It's over? And now I know what a fool I've been You told me you loved me And that love never ends I can't pretend It's hard to say goodbye...

Time, time be my friend When will this end This empty feeling Now, I'll follow the sun I guess I'll just carry on Without you... Longing to tell you All of my dreams With you beside me Wanting to hold you That's all I need But how? It's over? And now I know what a fool I've been You told me you loved me And that love never ends I can't pretend It's hard to say goodbye...