Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts

January 17, 2009

It Has Hit Home

I feel like I've been on autopilot since I got my admission results end of November. Getting all the school requirements in order prior to registration -- tuition deposits, figuring out /accepting federal school loans and completing immunization and health forms. I was in and out of the doctor's office for two weeks. I had to get booster shots for MMR and Tetanus and get checked for Tuberculosis. The skin test for TB given to me came back positive so I had to get chest x-rays to verify having it or not. I didn't know that the skin test usually came back positive for majority of Asians until the doctor said so. Of course I initially freaked. My parents are like "oh yeah, we all have it". I go to our local hospital to get 'x-rayed' and the health dude with me said "it's an Asian thing, don't worry". A Pinoy colleague was amused at my ignorance. The whole time I'm thinking, great, how come I have never heard of this Asian TB thing before!??!!? Does everyone know but me??? Sorry, I'm Asian I'm automatically a candidate for TB?!??!! Just like that??!?! Anyways, I thought that was weird/funny. The culture things you end up discovering. My chest/lungs x-rays came back clear so I am good to go with all the medical school stuff.

Work was a little hectic too just before we shut down for the Holidays. With the economy slump, we weren't as busy as last year (eating at your desk, OT) but of course there was still prep work to be done for year end inventory in January. I had over a week off which I spent hibernating/obsessing on FIT. I only went out of the house to hear mass and hang out with my soon to leave Korean friend. As soon as we went back to work on the 2nd, it was manic again and this time, I had to tell my boss my school plans and that I wasn't going to stay on full time at Zegna. The day after, I get into that mini car mishap which I just brushed off as I wasn't hurt and had more important things going on.

My boss didn't want my resignation letter and wanted to work with whatever class schedule I would have. Maybe part time a few hours or days out of the week. This is why I tried to register for the best possible schedule. Hey, don't say no to money right? If I can have familiar work and study at the same time, why not. But this just didn't pan out. She disclosed in confidence to me that they are going to start laying people off in other departments. Our department is safe, in turn, with me leaving, I am saving one job as they're to transfer someone into ours. Since I had nothing else to lose, I just shot for the moon and asked my boss if she can just lay me off too or if I can volunteer to be let go. This way I'd get unemployment pay/benefits. But due to technicalities, this was not to be either. I think when there's a lay off due to hardship, the position should not be replaced. It doesn't hurt to ask. Anyways, I have agreed to stay on and train twice a week until the transfer's able to work independently. This starts next week. I'll be out of work by early February by my estimates.

This morning, I wake up to a text message from my good girl friend saying that she has just been laid off from Ralph Lauren which she joined six months ago. She had mentioned the possibility to me a few weeks back so it wasn't that much of a shocker. Of course there 's no way of truly preparing for it. She is handling it so well. Her news triggered a flurry of questions. I kind of freaked though with what the F I was doing. Everyone around me is fighting to keep their jobs and I'm doing the complete 180. My decision has long been made and I'm as prepared as I can be. But with the way the economy is, doom and gloom all around and then you actually know someone close, a single mother at that getting the ax. It is inevitable that you get affected and examine your work/life decisions.

I went to an early yoga session this morning. I've gotten better at quieting mental chatter after two months. As the class was winding down and we started meditating. The yogis do individual stuff to you, press your shoulders down, pray over you, help you stretch or do these swishy things in the air with their hands over your body etc. My favorite yogi noticed something was off when he came by my mat and just said, It's okay, just let it all go... With those words, I just fell apart. Flood gates opened. All the "stuff" finally caught up to me. School preparations, manic work, leaving work, the car accident, an effortless connection/friendship with a person leaving, a girl friend getting laid off, not having your best friend with you, the industry you work for currently not looking so bright and shiny, yada yada yada. As the class ended, the yogi gave me a hug without knowing any details and sent me off.

I am not sad at all. I feel that the stars have aligned the way they should. No complaints whatsoever. I am thrilled out of my winter boots to learn and immerse myself in the field that makes my heart beat fast. But when you're in a whirl and you step back (in my case at yoga) and see it in the clear. It just hits home. Frenzied emotions I've been absorbing nonchalantly. I do not have an iron heart. I've just been well, busy. American living maybe? You have to actively catch yourself.

Whoa! Wrapping this up now. Long babbling post. I am glad that I got that out of the way. It's good to reset. I have orientation next week!!!!

December 18, 2008

Whatta Man!

Our President/CEO unexpectedly lost his 23 year old son not more than two weeks ago. Today we had the company Christmas luncheon and he dressed up as Santa Claus. He was all cheery, "HO! HO! HO!", giving out candy and awards, cracking jokes as if all in the world was fine and dandy, thanking each and everyone for their hard work.

I am not a parent so I can only imagine what pain he must have been feeling. I don't know how he was able to do that. If that was me, I think I'd have to be heavily sedated.

He's such a likeable, jolly old good person that you can't help but be drawn to him and his Texas drawl. He IS Santa Claus. He looks like him with his white beard. I am pretty sure he went back to work today just for the luncheon. I say 'whatta man' because today he showed strength and professionalism in spite of his loss.

To me, that's wow. Just something I want to keep in mind.

September 10, 2008

The Z Heartthrob

I almost hyperventilated when I formally met him (one of our bosses) at our NY showroom and shook his hand. Almost passed out when he remembered an email on an issue I was working on. "Oh you're Michelle!!!" *pagbigyan niyo na ako*

He's so good looking in real life and in pictures. I'm hardly attracted to white men but diyos ko kung ganito itsura eh bulag ka siguro! In formal or sports wear, HANEP siya manamit. I would never get any work done with him around. I'd be busy pretending not to stare and checking out his clothing. "Huh? What PO? Say that again??"

The Sartorialist took this photo I assume after the ZZegna Fashion Show last Monday for style.com

Watchathink??



July 21, 2008

One Of Our Own

It's cool to see a person you know (I doubt if he remembers little me, but he would recognize my emails ) on print. This time, in no less than the NYTimes Fashion & Style On The Street section last Sunday. At the bottom left corner is one of the ZZegna people. The one on the bottom left with the man purse crossing the street on his way, I would guess, to the showroom. Typical of NY dressing. I like.


June 27, 2008

Showroom Chika

I worked out of our 5th Ave. showroom yesterday. It was very interesting. One floor dedicated to Sartorial and American Sportswear, one floor for Zegna Sport and ZZegna. I loved the ZZegna section. Aaah, if I were a guy I would go CRAZY with ZZegna. (I would have taken pictures but I didn't think it was appropriate. Sayang!) Aaaah. I know for sure that this is the industry that I want to work in at this point in my life. Oh to be surrounded by clothes/samples/accessories --**hyperventilates**.

The view of Central Park was amazing from the 17th floor. I met more people that I constantly email. It's nice to put faces to the names. Observation ko, most of them were all tall and skinny. Ako short. I felt like they had to stoop a bit so that we'd at least be somewhat eye level while discussing work stuff. LOL. I felt sorry for an intern who was given the job to sort out a gazillion teeny tiny samples in drawers. I timed him and it took him two hours to get it all organized.

This was a different experience than working for Gap Inc. I was surrounded by clothes too then but not 'showroom style'. We just had rolling racks. Luxury IS indeed completely different. Clothes were hanging from wooden hangers, shoes displayed on shelves, ties hanging from walls, suits on mannequins that looked so handsome even w/o heads.

Sa uultin :) Maybe I can sneak a few pictures.


January 16, 2008

Work Email Galore

I went back to work today. A new pc with 656 emails was waiting for me. AAAah. That's why they say you need a vacation from your vacation. Oh brother.
PS. my niece is a year old today!!! ang bilis ng oras.

December 20, 2007

I've Had It!

Enough of work! Enough of work! Over dedication na. I'm calling out tomorrow. I seriously gotta pack. It's not even funny how I've been putting it off. Tsk Tsk. Ang reason? Working after business hours and weekends. Heller.

December 04, 2007

Zanta Snow

I volunteered for our annual friends and family warehouse sale last Saturday. We're known as Zantas :) It wasn't as crazy as last year's but we did better money wise. It was quite fun "working retail" again. I was one of three ringers. Our program crashed for about an hour in the afternoon so I had to mano mano write each and every fabric model on paper I don't think I've ever written so much stuff since college. Sumakit kamay ko men. We had first dibs the night before but I didn't really find anything from our women's line Agnona that would fit me. Liit ko kasi. Kainis ang gaganda ng coats. Quality talaga and when I say quality I mean quality. Our cashmere makes me shiver. Seriously. My guests (brothers, mom, two family friends) went a wee bit crazy shopping. Nainggit ako sa mgax kapatid ko, danda danda ng Zegna. Ni hindi ko mamaximize yung sarili kong benefit. Here's photos of me and coworker/friend Kirah before the madness started.

Nga pala. Let it snow! Let it snow!!!! Will we have a good winter this year?? Ika nga, there's no bad winter, only bad clothing. Damn, I should have found a nifty coat at our own warehouse sale!!!

September 08, 2007

Humbag

Two months ago, we got an email announcing the schedule for the ZZegna Show for Fashion Week in the City. The email asked for volunteers. Of course, I responded ASAP. I would kill to go. It would be the perfect chance to see what goes behind the scenes of runway shows even if in this case it is for a luxury men's brand. I'm sure I'll learn something. Seeing male models was very enticing too. Oh the possibility of seeing celebs!!! Well this fashion show is tomorrow. And I'm not going!!! HUMBAG!! I followed up last week asking for the details and they said they were quite full. ARGH ARGH ARGH!!! Didn't I respond to the email fast enough?!?!? My reply was within a minute of receiving the email invitation. My bubble burst. I felt deflated. Soooo disappointing. How can they be full!????!?!? I want to go!!!!! My two coworkers want to go too. We were all going together!!!! HUHUHU!!!
argh...I guess, until the next show...

August 15, 2007

ARGH

whatta day. whatta day at work. whatta day handling Zegna for Barneys. WHATTA DAY!!!!

June 20, 2007

Namiss Ko

I go home for lunch everyday. We had to go to one of our 3rd party warehouses for a UPS related meeting so I didn't get to do that today. I didn't get to see Isa until I got home. GOSH!!! I missed her!!!!!!! I had that gnawing feeling for the rest of the work day. I was so happy to see her and carry her around when I got home. Nakakagigil talaga siya!!! :)

Anyway, the warehouse visit was good. It's good to have an actual visual of what goes behind the scenes when I do stuff in the system. The best part was the eye candy. Didn't know that that particular warehouse also did business with Gucci and Diane Von Furstenberg. So we saw tons and tons of their merchandise around!!! Fascinating! I wanted to stay longer just to oggle at the racks of DVF wrap dresses.

Today I am thankful for:
- getting approval for my LONG vacation request. FINALLY.

December 12, 2006

Hello

It's been over a month since my last post. Nothing new has really happened. Just the new job with Zegna. I've started to settle in after 5 weeks. Watching inventory for Barneys, Mitchells and all boutiques/specialty stores across the nation is quite interesting. It's not as stressful as what I did for Old Navy Girls. That was 800+ stores! There's still a lot to learn though. The system is not that hard to understand. Troubleshooting issues definitely takes the cake. Missing boxes, swapped units, shipping windows, refusals, cleaning up for inventory as its the end of the year, BUSY holiday retail season etc... etc... I like the team that I'm with. They're a crazy bunch! They patiently help me learn and understand processes too.

We had a warehouse sale for friends and family last Dec. 2nd. It was pretty good. My brothers focused on the shoes. Leather ones were only $50 max, sneaker types were $30 down from retail prices of $200-350. Perfume gift sets were only $26 ($60+ retail). I didn't really focus much on our women's line Agnona. Something tells me I should get that cashmere shampoo. I was busy helping my brothers rummage thru the shoe boxes! Prices were just crazy at barely 10-20% of the retail prices.

One thing I like about this company, they give us the week of Christmas off! I absolutely can't wait. Not that I have anything planned for though. It's just good to get paid when you're not working. Hehe :)

My mood's been swinging the past two weeks. I've relied on Nyquil or Robitussin to get sleepy which is SOOO bad. But hey, you need sleep to function at work right? It's just a stupid solution. I hope my mood stays normal or at least mellow the next couple of weeks. I can't keep doing this to myself.

I went shopping with my dad last Saturday for my niece (on her way) at Babies R' Us. I picked out an animal/jungle theme musical mobile for the crib, lamp and chenille blanket with the same theme, and a buttefly themed rug from theire baby registry. I can't wait for her!!!!

I'll be shopping for myself either this or next week. I can't wait for that too!

Today I am thankful for:
- being mellow

September 02, 2006

Birthday Gift

My birthday last Thursday was pretty quiet. What made it different I guess would be me being in California and getting carded buying the lottery at a gas station and at the casino. It’s kind of neat not looking your actual age. At least in the US of A where I’m dwarfed by absolutely everyone lengthwise and crosswise. It was my first time to actually play the slots. You see, I’d really rather shop with the money. I’m an instant winner that way. Haha. I played a couple of hours and was winning. I should have stopped there and then. Greed took over so I started losing. Hmph! Shopping? Slot Machines? Shopping? Slot Machines? Hands down it still is s-h-o-p-p-i-n-g.


I got an uber yummy cake from CF and flowers from my best friend. That’s about it. If I didn’t turn my life upside down again I would be toting A BAG by now. That has to be put off for now. Moving is a b-i-t-c-h emotionally, physically, mentally and financially.


So this is what making grown up decisions is like. Harharhar. Deciding to take the job offer in San Francisco was crazy tough. Deciding to give it up and switch directions just like that was even more crazy-tough. But I knew it was the decision I had to make for myself. It felt like I was putting myself at stake so I had to get things under control. Opportunities like that don’t come a dime a dozen so you can imagine the raised brows that I got. At the end of day, it still is my decision whether right or wrong and I will stick by it. Believe me when I say that I will make it right if it were the wrong decision. It’s going to be crazy but I’ll get by. I know I will. I’m going to miss having power/control over zillions of units of inventory. That rush was better than any other high I felt. I don’t think I ever did talk about what I exactly did for Old Navy. I will one of these days. I’m running out of battery right this minute and I of course checked in my charger. Great. Our flight’s been delayed thrice here in Detroit because of Mr. John Hurricane. This airport is jinxed. Every single time I’ve had a layover here, some sh*t happens. Fabulous.

Anyway, I was so afraid I’d miss it. So it’ll be my birthday gift this year. Experiencing my favorite season – Fall!!!

June 30, 2006

Brain Dead

That's how I feel right now. I have to NOT think about work this weekend. It's frustrating when you don't know what the F you're doing sometimes. I ABHOR not knowing. It's been 5 weeks of training. I have more to come since I will officially start my Planning & Distribution training next week. I'm going to own sizing and packing inventory for my two departments from now on. It's essentially sending information to vendors on how to go about sizing and packing inventory they've manufactured before they send it to our distribution centers. Each and every time I would attempt to size then pack a particular style, something would go wrong and I'd get stuck. It's so annoying.

Anyway, stop the drama. This is really part of the whole learning process bit of this job. I'll probably say this over and over again but I really can't effing wait to be confident and know my job inside out. I should get it into my stubborn and thick head that I should enjoy the journey. That's what this is all about.

I have to R-E-L-A-X.

Today I am thankful for:
- the upcoming short work week because of 4th of July
- CF!

May 11, 2006

So It Begins

I mailed my signed offer letter in the City with CF last Monday. I wanted to do it there. Kind of like a good luck thing since it's going to come from a City that I adore so much. I had to pause before I dropped it in the mailbox on 42nd Street. I kept telling CF "Why would I want to leave all this?", "Why would I trade NYC?" He had to remind me again that I was leaving for my dream city. A city which I've envisioned myself actually living and working in long term wise. I dropped the letter with my eyes closed. I couldn't stand to look at it. That letter signifies the start of my new life in the West Coast and the end of my life in the East Coast. I'm going to uproot my life once again. A life that I've gotten used to. Sometimes I think I've gone mad but it would me even more mad if I passed up this chance.

They took the Mini Cooper away yesterday. It'll be on it's way to SF this weekend. The mini fit into a truck!!! That was quite a spectacle. It was cute! Seeing it being taken away was the reality check that it's really happening. I'm freaking moving out of the nest. Well more like a transition move for now. But I'll get there eventually. I'm both excited and scared sh*t. I must be normal after all.

I've started sorting and packing my stuff. It's crazy that I'm doing this again. It's no walk in the park. A little over a year ago, I was moving countries. Now, I'm at least just moving states so that should be easier right?! But I have no plans of packing like this again for at least three years. I need some consistency in my life. Haha :)

Today I am thankful for:
- my brother and sister-in-law's trip to London

April 22, 2006

In And Out

I'm back from SF. OMG, I'm dead tired from taking the red eye flight last night. I'll share a bit more soon. I need to space out for a bit. I feel like I'm going to pass out LIKENOW.

Today I am thankful for:
- my safe flight to/from SF
-
See's yum yum treats

March 21, 2006

The Call

I was bracing myself for disappointment. But THAT turned out to be a disappointment. Which was good. Haha! Now I have to calm down. Prepare. Prepare. Prepare.

Today I am thankful for:
- two possibilities / opportunities
- unending support from family and friends

March 14, 2006

Hope And A Prayer

If it's meant to be mine, then it will be. Wish me luck though... I hope everything goes well.

Today I am thankful for:
- my 'I'm-fat-today' jeans

February 22, 2006

SF!?!

So I did go to the City tonight. I've gained insights. I have a little over two weeks. I'm getting a move on. I'm just going to go for it. Stop overanalyzing. Start organizing. Serenity prayer is most definitely in order.

I treated my dad to Republic afterwards. I wanted him to try the noodles there. Coconut crusted shrimp was a definite thing. He had the spicy beef and I had the spicy duck broth noodles. I needed to unwind so I had a berry mojito. It was pure yum. I'm just getting an ever so slight headache from it right this minute. I need to practice my alcohol tolerance again. Hehe! But it gave me just enough of the buzz I needed. So there. It was cool to hang out with my dad tonight after the thing. It's always nice and easy to talk with him. He's the bomb!

Today I am thankful for:
- being daddy's girl
- c.b.'s City resto recommendations
- opportunities

May 31, 2005

On The Edge Of My Seat

I've put myself out there. All I can do now is wait, hope for the best, accept whatever the outcome is and of course, cross my fingers. =)

Cheers to the end of May!!!

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