Five years.

Has it really been that long?

Apparently.

Days go by so fast, I can't believe it has already been a year since I wrote a tribute for our fourth year with HSBC. o_o

I honestly don't know what to say, except that I didn't think I would last here for more than a year, let alone five years! A lot has happened, I don't even know where to start. In that span of time I was able to meet long-time friends who I'm sure will always be there, people I have learned a lot from not only in terms of career growth but also on how best to go about life (a lot of lessons can be thrown around during late-night drinking sessions by the pool, I tell ya), fair-weather "friends" who are just there when everything's going great, and people who leave without even saying goodbye. I broke someone's heart, got my heart broken, and managed to come out of the whole experience (hopefully) wiser and stronger. 

Right now only a few from my original Tranche remains in HSBC Direct - the others have already either transferred to other departments or moved to other companies. I would be lying if I say I don't miss them and don't wish we could all go back to our former selves, enjoying the morning shift. But then I realize I have terrible hair back then so maybe this is just for the best haha. Kidding. I mean, we can't really stop time, right? I mean, I turned 26 this month. Growing up has got to start somewhere.

Five years. Wow.

It has been an awfully long time, right? But to be honest, I am enjoying what I do. As Mariel (THE Mariel Chua-Jimenez) said, I taught her that there is more than one way to skin a cat! Don't worry, it doesn't sound as morbid as it sounds. And don't worry, I googled it up haha. It simply means that "there are several possible ways of achieving something". I'm happy that because of my schedule and supportive bosses and officemates, I am able to perform well at work while still being able to do what I love to do - writing ♥ I am blessed that I can do this, and I am thankful :)

I also would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you guys for sending in your best wishes for my friend Poly and her husband Tony. I also met them through HSBC :)

For our third anniversary, I made a short video with our photos through the years. For our fourth anniversary, I made a comparison between 2003 Krissy and 2011 Krissy. Now, for our fifth anniversary, I am sharing this clip from GLEE. Come on, I know the show's cheesy and this scene *is* particularly cheesy, but this month I turned a year older, I witnessed two beautiful weddings, I am celebrating my fifth year with the company I love and people I have been great friends with, and I am feeling hormonal and terribly craving for Jollibee Choco Float, so I AM ALLOWED to be cheesy. I just think the song's perfect for this moment:

They changed some of the lyrics because the original from Halestorm is, umm, not safe for TV broadcast. Here are some lines from the watered down version:

Here's to all that we kissed, and to all that we missed

To the biggest mistakes that we just couldn't trade

To us breaking up without us breaking down

To whatever's come our way

Here's to us, here's to us!

Here's to us, here's to love

All the times that we messed up

Here's to you, fill the glass

'Coz the last few days have gone too fast

So let's give 'em hell, wish everybody well

Here's to us, here's to love.

Thank you, HSBC. And thank you, Tranche 5. You know I love you guys. Happy 5th, Tranche 5! I don't know where we'll be a year from now, but no matter what happens I wish we can still remain friends, and, you know, meet up for some drinks some time. Cheers!