Six Realizations Two Weeks Into a New Job

I’ve been meaning to write this the first day I got the job. I tried to do it again after a week, but I can’t seem to come up with something good. It could only be because more than a month ago, I would’ve never imagined I’d have my name on a business card with a company address on 8th Ave, New York and a “917” area code. “917”–not even “212” or “646”. (Old and new Manhattan area codes) More than a month ago, I was just sitting at a comfy job, probably questioning my life motivations. But here I am now, and I am extremely excited.

Two weeks into it, I realized 6 things:

1.) I’ve always wanted to work in New York City. It just gives me so much energy everyday and I feel motivated and inspired to do more. I can’t believe I saw Times Square for the very first time almost 7 years ago and now my office is only a couple of blocks away.

2.) I need to try to write something new everyday. It could be a blog entry, a paragraph, or even a sentence or two. Or even three words. As long as I write something down, it should be good. I really want to practice writing and be good at it, especially at my job.

3.) I should read more. Still on that improving-my-writing thing, reading can teach me so many good things. I’m looking at non-fiction books, feature articles, essays. You know, those stuff.

4.) Staying healthy makes me feel good. Ever since I started working out (needs improvement) and eating less junk food, there seemed to be less worries in the world. It just feels light and also, it helps me to not gasp for air when I chase trains, daily.

5.) I want to be more independent. It’s definitely a challenge to move out and get my own apartment but I think the only way to discipline myself more is to be on my own. Not only would independence teach me valuable lessons everyday, it would also make me very happy to style every corner of the house–my way!

6.) Haven’t been this happy in a long time. I have the best boyfriend, a shiny new job, a renewed thirst for learning and creativity and a pretty sweet shopping money. I think I can finally say I haven’t been this genuinely happy in a really long time.

The Next Cube Design Star

Is it just me or is there already a presumed competition for the best cube ever in between employees at the workplace? It was just probably my competitive self screaming at me when I saw my coworker’s cube elaborately decorated with flower petals and fancy looking paintings and sappy love notes from her boyfriend. Jeez, not only should I prove to everyone that I have an excellent work ethic: I should also have a pretty decent cubicle if I want to get noticed. So I came up with a list on how to be the next Cube Design Star at work that I can also share with everyone:

1. Make sure your work area is clean and dust-free. No one likes a dirty desk with a dusty phone and computer. A handy rug inside one of your drawers is advised.
2. Of course, a hand sanitizer is necessary. It adds to that clean feeling. Just leave one somewhere where it can be seen by people passing your cube.
3. Pictures. Pictures of your dog, your boyfriend, your friends or your family are necessary so your coworkers would think that you actually have a life outside work and that you are liked or at least you like people in general.
4. Paintings too, to be artistic.
5. Plus, color pens in every shade of every color. Besides it giving off an artistic vibe, it can also mean you’re organized and detail-oriented.
6. So don’t forget sticky post-its with those pens.
7. A recognition plaque of some sort that is posted somewhere noticeable. It shows you actually excel on something even if it’s probably for some pointless achievement back when you were twelve.
8. Books are also needed definitely. But too many textbooks can be a little obnoxious, so diversify a bit by adding some magazines.
9. Some display that you’re a fan of the local football/basketbal/baseball team needs to be hung on your cube wall for an easy conversation starter. Or try a framed photo of a famous band like The Beatles.
10. A kitschy travel souvenir from some exotic place you’ve been to so it can translate to being adventurous and being well traveled.
11. Candies too so people have a reason to come over your cube and talk.
12. Lastly, some fresh flowers delivered to your cube from an imaginary boyfriend for your imaginary anniversary to make all the other women in the office jealous.

I’ll add more to this when I know better. But I’m pretty sure this list will potentially get me somewhere.