All in 2 weeks’ work

This is very different from the IT industry. I had to justify my need for a computer before they give me one. I have been bringing my laptop for 2 weeks now since I couldn’t stand not having my own computer (By the way, I got a Toshiba Satellite instead. Cheaper, more practical, same color as my Visor Prism and with all the features I need!).

Isn’t a computer a staple office equipment?

Sigh.

Despite the fact that my company is still in the Jurassic era in terms of computers and the Internet, my 2 weeks here have so far been very productive.

On my first day at work, I found out that a Filipina buys an average of 8 lipsticks in a year.

On my 3rd day, I was eating financial models and statements for lunch with my CEO. Now I know what those ROI, RRI and PNL stand for. And hey, I now know how to make them, too!

They flew me to a conference on my 4th and 5th day so I could learn the ropes of the new business channel I am supposed to develop.

Yes, they do not scrimp on the education and training of employees.

I have been spending a lot of time attending product trainings and store exposures. Half of it had been fun, the other half stressful, what with all the business and operation plans I need to write!

But ask me about those body butter and dry oil mist stuff – I know! Thanks to the product and training managers.

After 2 weeks, I have also developed a higher regard and deeper respect for store clerks, merchandisers and staff. They are more commonly known as dispachadoras – as popularized by that Annie Batungbakal song of the ‘80s.

You don’t know how tiring it is to stand all day and put up with the shit that some customers give them. If they break something in the store or an inventory gets lost because of shoplifting, they pay for it. And these are minimum wage earners.

Last Saturday, I went shopping for a new pair of shoes again. I was nicer to the guy clerk. Even went out of my way to look at his ID to know his name. I thanked him and addressed him by his first name.

He was surprised – but smiled sincerely – flattered that I did call him by his name.

Simple lang, di ba? Pero nakakaalis ng pagod kahit papano.

So if you guys think it’s all about kakikayan or how glamorous it is to work for a popular cosmetics, health and beauty company, think again. There’s a lot of brainpower, hard work and patience that come along with that lipstick or eu de toilette you just bought.

This is the only time that I have to update my blog. I was supposed to rant and rave about my new job and my new work but I stumbled upon this article written by Bo Sanchez.

It’s about happiness and how we have this crazy propensity to complicate our lives and overlook the simple things that can make us happy.

This is a source of inspiration for me this week so I just need to share it.

_____________________________


HAPPINESS
Bo Sanchez

I'm in Tagaytay right now and life is glorious up here. I was able to borrow from a friend her pretty house that sits right on the ridge - with a porch overlooking the breathtaking Taal lake and Taal Volcano.

It's early morning and the view is majestic. I breathe this all in as I sit on a nice wooden chair, in front of a tiny table -- where my coffee cup rests. Not a styropor or plastic cup, mind you, But china. So that it makes nice "tinkling" sounds when you swirl your teaspoon around.

Actually, I'm not a coffee drinker. But the entire scene "demanded" that I drink one. While I do this, I read a good, fat book. Ahhhh Why is life sooooooooo good? Life is beautiful.

If there's one thing that defines me, it's this line: I know how to get a kick out of life. Enjoying life is my master skill. I'm able to squeeze every drop of joy and blessing from the simplest, most ordinary experiences of each day. (Even the most painful ones! But that's another story.)

Actually, I don't need the Taal lake to make me happy. I don't need the wooden chair or the tiny table or the coffee cup. I don't need the good, fat book. I just need to be me - and I'm happy with me! I actually like my company!

Some people are very "iffy" about their happiness. "If I get a new job, then I'll be happy" or "If I get married, then I'll be happy" or "If I get a car, then I'll be happy" or "If I'll buy a house, then I'll be happy."

They've got one rude awakening coming up real soon. Because the truth is, if they're not happy now, where they are, they won't be happy no matter what happens to them.

Some people create elaborate, complicated sometimes impossible rules to experience happiness in their lives. Like "Unless everyone loves me and accepts me, I'll never be happy" Pretty insane, right?

Some have other types of complicated rules to gaining happiness: "I will be happy only if I'll be able to buy a BMW, wear an Armani, a Rolex watch.."

Poor creatures!

Others are such demanding lovers that they're doomed to always be unhappy in their relationships. They say "I'll be happy only if my beloved will wait for me 24 hours a day, think of me always, serve me attentively, and eat, walk, talk, breathe for me."

God have mercy on their loved ones.

My conditions to experiencing happiness are pretty simple:

If I breathe normally, I'll be happy.. If I feel my heart pumping in my chest, I'll be happy. If the sun shines today, I'll be happy - even if the sun shines behind storm clouds! If I'm able to smile, I'll be happy. If I'll be able to love someone in whatever small way, I'll be happy. And most of all, if God loves me, I'll be really happy. (When doesn't He?)

Haven't you noticed? I cheat on life. Because I make my own rule to experiencing happiness and I make them so simple, they're stacked on my favor.

I have a suggestion for you. Examine your conditions for happiness now.
They may be too darn complicated, you'll never be happy in your life.

Too bad.

Because life is too beautiful to miss out.