Coffee Talks (part2) on long distance relationships

The last coffee talk post I had evolved around having an IM conversation with my former boss-turned friend, Jem. I decided to continue the series of this post by blogging about a live conversation with her when she arrived and spent the holy week with me:

Of friends (lost and found): How can you tell if a friend is a friend or not? >> First stop, Jem was an introvert (so she said before) but I would like to beg to disagree. She has now evolved from being a black-loving skinny girl with super straight jet black hair to what to be a skinny girl who gained weight, no longer wearing black and kinda curly girl at that time (cute). I was once again put on the hot seat and asked why wasn't I being responsive on updates regarding myself on IM. In my attempt to explain my side and redeem my being a true friend to her, I was silenced by how I would go back in time and explain why I rarely keep in touch but remain as a true friend. It was difficult to explain how I became who I am right now in dealing with long distance friends and I hope she understood me (details to be spared since I plan to blog about it next time).

A lot of questions could pop up from nowhere. Questions such as "do you actually lose your friends just because you moved to a far far away land?" I would like to take this opportunity to answer this and plainly say NO without even thinking twice. For some strange reason, people tend to feel abandoned just because the separation (as in literal = of space) and they feel that the situation puts a huge gap as long as EDSA. I know communication is deemed important but friends will always remain friends.

An excuse I had that turned out to make sense is when I asked her a few questions:

Me: When you come home to the Philippines and meet with me, do you feel like there's a certain awkward feeling like you don't know me at all?

Her: No.

Me: Feels just like yesterday, right?

Well, that's how short the conversation went :)

To close this entry, here's a picture of a "quote" I got from browsing when I was looking for a worthy wall paper for my phone.

Coffee Talks (part1)

I am going to start something here that will make me share conversations with friends. I am going to call it COFFEE TALKS and hopefully, you guys can take home something from it =)

A week ago, I had a conversation with a former boss (who eventually became a dear friend. Her name is JEM). She already got married and moved to the States but still, she looks after me.

Anyway, we were talking about how things are doing at work and I said:"So far so good. Can't complain". I said these words since it's the only source of income. Being bread winner of the family leaves you with nothing less but this option...

I also told Jem that some friends (including myself) ventured out in a business we call ProFora Media (professional Linkage Webinars (www.proforamedia.com; www.philippineonlinetraining.com ).

Jem had ventured in an graphic design/architectural 3d images business that is based in the States but has an office here in Cebu. She and her husband also opened another one which is an online shopping website for eco-friendly gifts (Jem, forgive me but I have the website at home) :) ill post it once I get the chance.). And guess what, they have another one (a third) in the pipeline.

Then the topic went back to me and my work. She asked if I was happy working for the company. My answer remains. But we all know about the recession and about the companies closing, people losing their jobs and the like.

Inspiring words I heard from her were:

"It's nice to go along with parties but I wouldn't want you to stay behind to look at empty tables and chairs. I'd rather you leave the party early." >> Left me thinking about a lot of things.

Now, I am thinking of really saving up for another venture. It's scary to think about leaving the corporate world (think about the bi-monthly pays that you're yoused to getting). But still, I have no plans of working in a company the rest of my life. I don't want to retire and still not have a comfortable life.

Guys, in line with the business I was talking about, we are also offering webinars (seminars done over the web) on Financials. How to invest your way to financial freedom (this February) and Debt management (schedule to be added). For more information, please visit www.proforamedia.com, www.philippineonlinetraining.com, or www.philippinewebinars.com for upcoming webinars and schedules.