I see myself in Shy, one of the so-called ‘house players ng bayan’ who recently stepped inside Pinoy Big Brother. Her presence surprised the boarders that made herself the ‘talk-of-the-house’. The common thing between Shy and I is like what transferee students feel on their ‘First Day High’ at their new university – at their new environment.

It is indeed a difficult situation of having folks that co-exist as one group before a new species was introduced. I’m coping. I’m adjusting. It will take time. I have no problems with these friendly guys and girls. They’re fun and funny. They’re so close to Shububu in terms of kalokohan. So close to my personality. Yet, it’s much easier to laugh at their jokes than to crack a joke before them. All of these will take time.

I’ve been in the new environment for almost three weeks and I’ve only spoken less than 200 words. Not very me! I’m not shy. Hehehe.

But the rest of everything is fine. Almost everything makes me happier.

What I have now is the extreme opposite of what I used to have.

Until now, I haven’t supplied myself of caffeine. No Starbucks and Krispy Kreme nearby. On the bright side, it means simple lifestyle. More savings.

I’m staying at the company’s staff house during weekdays which means after seven years of commuting everyday will be a history. Because I can get hold of my time, I’ll be taking masters of science in computer science which has been one of my goals while I’m working. In cases where business requires us to work overtime, hey, we’re paid here – compensated here apart from the offsetting scheme!

And… I have my own cubicle!

Blending with the surroundings is an easier task as compared to the challenge of proving that I have made the right decision in taking good care of my career. Call me a fish that swum on a smaller pond. Soon, I’ll be a bigger on a bigger pond. And that’s big time!

For now, it’s swimming time with other fishes here.