21st of March 2012

Woke up this morning a little tired, but nothing would would stop me from being productive today. As even though it is Thursday it is the last day of the working week for me. And for the next three weeks I have 4 day working weeks! Hooray! Caught the train as per usual with my friend Rocio and we had some pretty weird conversations. Though we also did talk about going to Perth, as it seems as thought that the Gold Coast may not be an option for us. This way I do get to see Rhys and Gwen from Torchwood, and even Wash from Firefly! So it's an added bonus for me. Still wanting to see Jayne though...*pouts*

When I got into work I handed Gloria her wedding present, as she is going to get married this Saturday! I'm so excited and happy for her. I noticed that her desk was covered in balloons and streaming with a sign saying 'Congratulations.' There was even a little picture which one of the managers made that had a lovely quote on it with a married couple picture. She was all in a flutter and really excited but nervous for this weekend. On a sad note though, it was my friend Rhonda's last day and will also be the last day for about 4 more people tomorrow as they've all been made redundant. So for most of the day I had a mixture of emotions. Excited for Gloria, but felt like I was losing a good group of friends at the same time. Even thought I knew that the same thing will be happening for me in a couple of months time.

At about lunchtime a large group of us headed to Blackbird within the city to have a farewell lunch. It was a little squishy with everyone who had arrived, and we were all seated within one long table. It was a pretty good meal though and everyone had a good ole chat. Even though it was for a sad occasion, I always like these big gatherings. It's just a pity we only do these when someone is leaving. The only time we celebrate is within a team or during our biannual conferences. On the way I ended up getting a ice chocolate, as one of the girls kept on talking about how she had a craving for it and was going to get one on the way back to the office. Word of advice... don't hang around pregnant women, or you'll end up with all sorts of weird cravings!

The rest of the work day went by pretty smoothly and I ended up getting stage one of my work done. At just after 4pm, all of us within accounts gathered around together to wish Gloria congratulations and hand her a card which everyone had signed, and also a present which everyone contributed to. After all the congratulations and hugs we moved on to a sad part. To say goodbye to Rhonda who had been working with the company for 18 and a half years! She had been one of my close friends within the workplace since I started working there, mostly because she was Maltese and had a name which rhymed with mine, so everyone wanted to introduce the both of us when I had started. 

She gave a fantastic speech and I'm very happy she was in top spirits, though I guess there isn't much you can do once you've been made redundant apart from look at the bright side. I'm afraid I was far too quiet than my usual self as I never really know what to say during moments like these. She kept telling me that this isn't going to be goodbye, and that we'll catch up later on and she'd love to be invited to the lunch when it is my turn to leave.

She also mentioned that that she is going to be looking into her own bakery, as this is something that she's wanted to for a while, and will start off local. She loves making Maltese treats, and will start at local Maltese places first before branching out. I wish her all the best and hope that she does accomplish this. In fact I know she will.. she has the Maltese spirit in her :)

Afterwards I went over to the other side of the building to say goodbye to those who would also be leaving tomorrow, since I won't be there. They're a lovely group of people and I also wish they weren't going either. It's just a pity that only a selected few are going. It's a whole different kettle of fish when it is one a handful of people going, instead of everyone.

I slowly made my way home, and got there a bit later than my usual time. I had stayed back for almost an hour saying goodbye to everyone. So when I got home, I wasn't in the most top of moods as I was feeling a little numb as the time I was told I was made redundant.  Oh well... I guess this prepared me for the time I do leave to. Look for bigger and better opportunity and always look on the bright side. It could all be a lot worse!