We’re now on Narita Express heading back home. Back from a great vacation in the Philippines; where I met great friends who I treasure dearly, and had a memorable road trip with family who made me feel loved and cherished. My heart is with them. And I/we are looking forward to our next vacation.
But as the train sped on and I gaze out on Japanese houses in Chiba, rice paddies, golf courses, I felt happy to be home. My heart is also here, my love is here. I am home.
Still my favorite line of all time.
Best Battle cry.
After teaching my daughter how to write 4 and 6 in Roman numerals, I asked her how 9 is after introducing 10.
Her answer.
Said goodbye to Alex, my first car here in Japan.
Hugged the steering wheel last night. You’ve been a companion to so many trips. Memories abound. Sad to see you go, in the state you were in.
However, I only have gratitude. Thank you.
I usually get kilig in the most unromantic reasons.
When I’m praised at work.
When my work is recognized in the most unexpected way.
When I see someone in high position/very experienced engineer applying the procedures I put in place.
When I created something that was really marvelous.
Today, out of the blue, the Piping Lead of my current project (who was in constant business trip for the past four months that I haven’t seen him in person) suddenly paid me a visit on my desk. Just to say hi and commend me on my efforts thus far.
What made me kilig though was what he revealed: he said he’s been wanting to work with me for the longest time now. Said he’s heard about me in other projects and was part of a team that worked with me but that he wasn’t my direct contact. Said he appreciated the efforts I’m putting.
Kilig. To the bones. Especially since he said it when people around my work area were in their seats and silently working.
Kilig.
My oldest mentor finally had to bid the Company goodbye. So we held several special programs for him. On one instance, I was tasked to buy flowers. Before the program, I had to attend several meetings so my seat mates could just see the flowers near my desk but couldn’t ask me from whom it was.
Then during the Leads’ meeting, finally my seatmate had the chance: who gave you flowers?
My instant reply: I bought for myself .
The look on his face was priceless. Same as the look the other male colleagues in the meeting room had (I was the only female Lead). They couldn’t fathom that a lady would buy herself flowers.
My joke was so satisfying I laughed for some time before I cleared it up. That it was for the oldest member in our division who’s retiring.
I can buy myself flowers.
