Seventeen

Today I will pay tribute to my job.

Today is my 17th month at work. That's about 340 working days, excluding the holidays, weekends, and get-togethers I missed just so I could go to work.

My stint at the AFP Public Affairs, by far, is one of my favorite chapters in existence. Despite signifying intentions that I must quit the job soon, I love my job. I love where I am even if I know that I belong somewhere else. I'm making the most of my stay in this institution dominated by men.

I developed a genuine interest for the military way back in college, and to work for them today is the closest thing I could get to them. I wanted to learn about their culture without actually joining the troops. I hope you get my point. I'm actually not a fan of the government, so to be given a chance to get to know them by immersing myself in public service is an opportunity I wouldn't trade for anything, really.

And probably the biggest reason I've stuck around is because of the people I work with. Those crazy bunch are like my family already. I don't think there was ever a day I didn't laugh at work, whether we were too busy, too bored, too sad, or too mad. There are both high and low moments, but at the end of the day, there will always be something to laugh about.

It's amusing to recall how I ended up in this job. I was only able to get in a year after my application. The person who was supposed to hire me had second thoughts on taking me because of my political beliefs (seriously) and gender issues (a source said). I was even considered for other offices in the military. A year later, after resigning from my previous job, I was offered the position I originally applied for a year ago. The timing was so right, even though I didn't intend to work right away after resigning. What I only had then was an inkling I'd have a blast in this place. And so far I've been right. If that's not destiny to you, I don't know what is.

Happy 17th!