OneGutsyMom: CBTL

Showing posts with label CBTL. Show all posts

11.17.2012

Over Cheesecakes and A Cuppa' Coffee

If you noticed my previous post about Cafe Juanita in Burgos Circle last September, this was our second stop after that sumptuous dinner. I'm glad that my teammates chose Coffee Bean that night over other coffee shops nearby. (Boy, this incomplete entry was in my draft folder for quite a while!)

I am always fascinated with their ambience. So far, they were the most consistent in the market (I think). I am easily displeased by shops with empty displays and disorganised facade.

See these yummy cheesecakes? All of them are worthy of that added dreadful calories, aren't they? No guilt feelings!

I'd like to present our people from development and finance. They're all Daddies - meaning they most likely go home straight after work so we're lucky to book them at least for that evening. Umm, except for the one in stripes pala. Haha! Coolest Dads I've ever worked with!

You'd probably ask what's up about this dinner / coffee group date we had? Well, this is supposedly a send off dinner for my Billing partner - Dan. Our team organised this solely for one person.. but.. after the unexpected turnaround, it happened to be a send off party instead for the entire Billing and Support team. And that includes yours truly! It was really funny to think that it was me who originally came up with this plan! *grins*

Well, just to share you some highlights, my decision to leave was absolutely a major leap this year. I consider my job a stable one and the earnings involved is something that a married woman with a 20 month old daughter cannot easily decline these days. Besides, it's almost the end of the year so landing to a new job is quite at risk. Though of course such decision gravitates to a valid reason, which I'd rather not disclose, thank you. So many things shook us and believe me when I say it's been a series of inconvenience. But yeah, those were just a few of life's major tricks and you should always be prepared to maneuver the situation. What happened taught me to remain positive as much as I could. Honestly, I can't be grateful enough for having a husband who shares the bittersweet taste of reality. It's like having a second opinion if and when you can't pick which cake to try below. :)

Anyhoo, let me continue indtroducing my team. Here's Zen beside me (our application support) and Dan (who has now ventured in another BPO company). I'm really happy that we all had the chance to work together. You were like brothers to me and I thank you for your commitment to meet our goals each month. You guys made my technical life easier in billing!

While here's the entire Select MNL team (this time with Julie in white skirt from design and Judith from accounts). You see, we were just a small group compared to the others in the company but never a dull moment in that quarantined room. I will certainly miss that "aquarium" area overlooking these condo buildings where I am at, our never-ending pizza deliveries, our Sunny Dad's lunches with Zen's favourite ketchup meals, our jittery elevator rides, our deadlines before COB and of course, all of your presence. Our laughter and frustrations each day of that 6/7am shift were all worth it. Thank you for the years of friendship! Cheers, mates!

Now, just like these coffee mugs below, which represent myself, one has turned its back with a history written on while the other one is facing and standing firmly near the edge. It seriously needs a coffee refill, don't you think? See future post for updates. *winks*

OneGutsyMom

6.10.2012

One Sunday at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

Mom and I usually take late lunches whenever we're out to the mall but we were still full at this hour so we decided to just settle for something cold and sweet. I suddenly thought of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf which is just within the Atrium area. Two reasons that made me decide - it is not crowded so sure seats are available for a quick rest and I'm always in love with their ambiance. This is truly one of my favorite coffee spots. Also, I am particular on shops I visit when I'm with my little one as I don't want to stress her with a big group of strangers. She has this tendency to freak out when faces close to her don't seem familiar.

So there, we ordered White Chocolate Dream and Pure Chocolate ice blended drinks. I also added Tomato and Herb Linguine and Chocolate Fudge Cake on the side. Notice that they do have a variety of cheesecakes.

I admire coffee shops with neat counters. I easily get turned off with disorganized ones.

A pleasant smile should be natural in this area.

1963 is when Coffee Bean started to give their customers the best coffee and tea available.

Mom was just 6 years old by then.

Here is where the waiting game starts. The staff is courteous enough though to serve our orders to our table. I forgot to read what those laptop locks are for.

Espresso machine. One touch, one perfect cup.

Who doesn't want to have this at home?

Pasta al dente. I always welcome herbs and fresh tomatoes in my pasta.

This guiltless Chocolate Fudge is best when re-heated so you can feel the moist.

Not a cheat day for me.

I am now refreshed. This is also my first time to see my daughter enjoy sipping a drink, she tried the White Choco Dream. Looks like it's time for sippy cups.