I'm looking out the window and the trees are almost all naked again. The summer seemed to go by SO fast! I guess since I was gone for most of it, that may be why.
It has been a little bit since I have written and many hotel, rental car, and airline points have accumulated since. But I believe the brunt of the travel is over. (Now watch, by saying this I have probably jinxed myself again) Work has been challenging, but that is sometimes a good thing. I have an hour drive home in the afternoon to unwind before I get home to Eddie - when he isn't on the road. We get each other in the evenings during the week the first 2 weeks of this month. Then he's gone for most of the rest of the month - including over Thanksgiving. So I will definitely be heading to FL.
I have adjusted to living out in the country and even get a little tense when driving in the Charlotte "madness". HAHA It is sweet though having Eddie's dad so close. He stops by to check on me when Eddie is out of town.
We have added another new toy to our collection. Got a new tv a couple weeks back. And wow... Samsung LED is nice and crazy clear when watching anything in HD. Even non-HD is clear but football games are like you are there.
Well, need to get back to my "to do" list. Eddie is in Phoenix in training this weekend. So I'm doing some cleaning and throwing out of stuff I moved down here. One "bucket" down! YAY
Paalom!!
Lots of hugs, smiles, and sunshine!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Vessels of Freedom
Boats...
We have a new toy to enjoy together. We bought a boat on Wednesday. She's a 1990 Celebrity 180 Bowrider.. 18'... color is teal and white... with a 190 HP I/O motor. It's got some get up and go! :) We're very excited about it and now trying to come up with a name. Even for a '90 no one ever put a name on it!! So.. that means we get to do it. We're a little anxious about taking it out for the first time - well, maybe more worried about the off and on the trailer part. Don't want to put the boat in the back of the truck! Looks like next week we will take it out for the first time, well, not counting the test ride we did earlier in the week.
I'm about moved in. Just have piddly stuff around now. And it seems to be multiplying. (Oh and my clothes in the closet... ummmmmm.. he has 1 closet in the house.... ummmmm) He's been working on the bathroom floor and I have painted out the inside of some of the kitchen cabinets. It will be a little messy until we get things all settled. Hopefully that won't take too long. Boxes and this stuff is starting to wear on me, and I'm sure him too!
I leave Sunday for Little Rock for the week. I'm going out to teach an offline group some conversion stuff. Good thing is that I get to see some of my friends while out there - Arlene, Garry, & Junior. Just stinks that I will be traveling on my birthday and that Eddie is on the road this weekend and next. So no 4th of July celebrating together.
Did get word that I might get to see Jollie this summer. She is possibly in the U.S. for a wedding and if so... We're going to try to get together! :) I'm so excited to see her again! It's been almost a year.
Paalom!!
Lots of hugs, smiles, and sunshine!
We have a new toy to enjoy together. We bought a boat on Wednesday. She's a 1990 Celebrity 180 Bowrider.. 18'... color is teal and white... with a 190 HP I/O motor. It's got some get up and go! :) We're very excited about it and now trying to come up with a name. Even for a '90 no one ever put a name on it!! So.. that means we get to do it. We're a little anxious about taking it out for the first time - well, maybe more worried about the off and on the trailer part. Don't want to put the boat in the back of the truck! Looks like next week we will take it out for the first time, well, not counting the test ride we did earlier in the week.
I'm about moved in. Just have piddly stuff around now. And it seems to be multiplying. (Oh and my clothes in the closet... ummmmmm.. he has 1 closet in the house.... ummmmm) He's been working on the bathroom floor and I have painted out the inside of some of the kitchen cabinets. It will be a little messy until we get things all settled. Hopefully that won't take too long. Boxes and this stuff is starting to wear on me, and I'm sure him too!
I leave Sunday for Little Rock for the week. I'm going out to teach an offline group some conversion stuff. Good thing is that I get to see some of my friends while out there - Arlene, Garry, & Junior. Just stinks that I will be traveling on my birthday and that Eddie is on the road this weekend and next. So no 4th of July celebrating together.
Did get word that I might get to see Jollie this summer. She is possibly in the U.S. for a wedding and if so... We're going to try to get together! :) I'm so excited to see her again! It's been almost a year.
Paalom!!
Lots of hugs, smiles, and sunshine!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Times they are a changing
But in a good way!
This time last year I was starting my preparation to go overseas.. I had met up with this guy named Eddie twice for dinner and had thought nothing would really come of it. Had you told me then what is going to happen next week I would have laughed at you. I am soon to become a resident of Chesterfield, SC. I'm moving in with him.
I have been purging and purging and trying to purge some more. The guy at Goodwill was a little shocked when I pulled up last time with an entire car full for him. And I have another load..probably even a 3rd. It has been amusing some of the things I have found - some good, and well, some that were thumbed through and thrown away with a smile that they happened and an even bigger smile knowing my future is far better.
There is still a good bit to do. Mike and Robin are helping me put stuff in storage this weekend and Eddie and I will move whatever we don't get to storage along with stuff to take down to the house. It is going to be a big adjustment for both of us and we are both very excited about everything ahead of us.
With that being said... traffic should have died down and I think the guy at Goodwill needs something to do.
Paalom!!
Lots of hugs, smiles, and sunshine!
This time last year I was starting my preparation to go overseas.. I had met up with this guy named Eddie twice for dinner and had thought nothing would really come of it. Had you told me then what is going to happen next week I would have laughed at you. I am soon to become a resident of Chesterfield, SC. I'm moving in with him.
I have been purging and purging and trying to purge some more. The guy at Goodwill was a little shocked when I pulled up last time with an entire car full for him. And I have another load..probably even a 3rd. It has been amusing some of the things I have found - some good, and well, some that were thumbed through and thrown away with a smile that they happened and an even bigger smile knowing my future is far better.
There is still a good bit to do. Mike and Robin are helping me put stuff in storage this weekend and Eddie and I will move whatever we don't get to storage along with stuff to take down to the house. It is going to be a big adjustment for both of us and we are both very excited about everything ahead of us.
With that being said... traffic should have died down and I think the guy at Goodwill needs something to do.
Paalom!!
Lots of hugs, smiles, and sunshine!
Friday, January 23, 2009
One final sucker punch to the arm
It’s hard to believe it has been 6 months since returning home from Manila. Today was the last time I would be going to Passport Health for Hepatitis shots. That B shot.. wow.. that one HURTS. Time has flown by, but many incredible things have happened. So I will give you a quick run down.
Many of you know that I was talking with this guy, Eddie, before I left for Manila. Actually, you may not have known his name, just known him as “The Pilot”. While I was overseas, if I had a break or was on lunch, I would make phone calls on my laptop via VoIP (isn’t technology grand?) It was cute, if Cha, Jollie, Aimee or Ron were headed down to our 2am lunch and saw me on the phone, they would ask “Pilot?” and just smile. Well, that pilot has become a very special part of my life and I don’t want to imagine it any other way. He makes me smile in a way I never knew was possible.
I’ve gone hiking out in Old Falls, NC, taken a trip to Washington, DC the weekend prior to elections, visited family in New Jersey, and made business trips to both Tampa, FL and Little Rock, AR. The company I work for has been purchased by Verizon Wireless and thankfully I am still there. Things are still being sorted out but I am still a trainer just wearing a different color shirt with a new logo.
On December 15, I walked across a stage and received my Bachelors in Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University. It was a long time coming and a lot of hard work. But I now have the degree which no one can take from me. I had a good size cheering section in the crowd as well. Mom, Dad, Tony, Angela, Alli, Nana, Poppy, Ryan, Aunt Janet, Uncle Ben, and Eddie were all able to come out to see me walk. The day before this crew and several of my friends came over to Mike & Robin’s house for a little graduation gathering. Sadly, Robin lost her grandfather, Uncle Leo, just before graduation so they left for West Virginia right after the graduation party. It was a lovely weekend and I am so grateful for those who were able to come, along with those who were there in spirit. I couldn’t have done it without all of your support through the years.
I still keep in touch with a few people in Manila. Jollie is still hoping to come to the States in the spring. I do hope to be able to see her while she is here. I think of them often and would love the opportunity to go back! My niece, Alli, and I say a few phrases in Tagalog to each other – “Alak Pa”, “Loco loco”, and of course “Mahal kita”. Though when she says “mahal kita” it comes out more like “ah hal lakita”. With my luck it is probably some bad word and no longer means I love you. But it’s cute to hear her say it. J
I hope to write more often. Now that I am not in school I am still trying to figure out my evenings and weekends. Hopefully I will get to see the Ziolkowski’s, McLaurin’s, and other friends in Charlotte more.
Check out my picasa albums for pictures from various events - http://picasaweb.google.com/dnole2
Paalom
Hugs and smiles to all!
Many of you know that I was talking with this guy, Eddie, before I left for Manila. Actually, you may not have known his name, just known him as “The Pilot”. While I was overseas, if I had a break or was on lunch, I would make phone calls on my laptop via VoIP (isn’t technology grand?) It was cute, if Cha, Jollie, Aimee or Ron were headed down to our 2am lunch and saw me on the phone, they would ask “Pilot?” and just smile. Well, that pilot has become a very special part of my life and I don’t want to imagine it any other way. He makes me smile in a way I never knew was possible.
I’ve gone hiking out in Old Falls, NC, taken a trip to Washington, DC the weekend prior to elections, visited family in New Jersey, and made business trips to both Tampa, FL and Little Rock, AR. The company I work for has been purchased by Verizon Wireless and thankfully I am still there. Things are still being sorted out but I am still a trainer just wearing a different color shirt with a new logo.
On December 15, I walked across a stage and received my Bachelors in Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University. It was a long time coming and a lot of hard work. But I now have the degree which no one can take from me. I had a good size cheering section in the crowd as well. Mom, Dad, Tony, Angela, Alli, Nana, Poppy, Ryan, Aunt Janet, Uncle Ben, and Eddie were all able to come out to see me walk. The day before this crew and several of my friends came over to Mike & Robin’s house for a little graduation gathering. Sadly, Robin lost her grandfather, Uncle Leo, just before graduation so they left for West Virginia right after the graduation party. It was a lovely weekend and I am so grateful for those who were able to come, along with those who were there in spirit. I couldn’t have done it without all of your support through the years.
I still keep in touch with a few people in Manila. Jollie is still hoping to come to the States in the spring. I do hope to be able to see her while she is here. I think of them often and would love the opportunity to go back! My niece, Alli, and I say a few phrases in Tagalog to each other – “Alak Pa”, “Loco loco”, and of course “Mahal kita”. Though when she says “mahal kita” it comes out more like “ah hal lakita”. With my luck it is probably some bad word and no longer means I love you. But it’s cute to hear her say it. J
I hope to write more often. Now that I am not in school I am still trying to figure out my evenings and weekends. Hopefully I will get to see the Ziolkowski’s, McLaurin’s, and other friends in Charlotte more.
Check out my picasa albums for pictures from various events - http://picasaweb.google.com/dnole2
Paalom
Hugs and smiles to all!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Home again home again jiggity jig
I am back in the good Ol' USA. Friday was honestly the longest day ever. Crossing the International Date line headed this direction is miserable. Your day becomes 36 hours long! Really!! Flight was bumpier than I cared for. However, it could have been that I was much more aware after hearing the news of several airlines lately. Yes, and thank you everyone who continued to ask "Hey did you hear about Qantas!?" That's like telling someone who is going scuba diving "Hey, they have had 3 shark attacks in there the last 2 days" Please... for the sanity of those traveling don't do this. I am sure there were good intentions but I jumped at every bump of turbulence and hardly slept on the plane. The man next to me from Seoul to ATL was very nice and made sure I got through customs and my luggage checked through. However, on the flight he slept the whole time. And our seats almost fully recline. So, I had to time my bathroom time when he woke up to go himself! Which was only twice. Couldn't get up and move around, which is not fun for 14 hours. We flew a more southern route, so we were over the Pacific a lot more, means nothing to look at out the window. There was also a solar eclipse that we were just ahead of. Would have been really cool to see, but I was able to see news clips of it from China.
I was in 3 different countries and airports in one day. And believe it or not, USA was the rudest and the most overweight of all of them. Granted, Eddie said that Atlanta could have a lot to do with the rude part since no one in that airport is happy to work there. One could hope. But I was not used to that. Maybe Americans should all be required to travel abroad and you come home with an appreciation of another culture, securities we have, etc. I did catch a great movie "Outsourced" about an American that is sent to India to help a call center there take over his job. It's interesting to watch his transition and finally embracing the local culture to help with the success of the new location. He even learned about mango just like me and was shocked when the lady who did his laundry had ironed his boxer shorts! My pjs were ironed when I would get them back from laundry. hehehehe So several things I was able to relate to.
I have slept most of the time since coming home. Though turning my own bed down and making it in the morning has sucked! hehee Susan was a sweetheart and got me milk, cereal, bread, bananas and eggs. So I have been living it up with the milk & cereal. Ahhhh skim milk how I have missed you. :) I really need to get my clothes out of the suitcase. The mess is starting to annoy me. But I did go to the grocery store today. Funny, never thought I would feel a sense of peace in the grocery store. But as I walked back through the produce section (yes, I picked up mango - hehe) the fresh meat was in sight. And seeing glass cases with meat BEHIND them made me at peace. I know.. believe me.. I know that sounds weird. But when you have seen everything out for display and for flies to land on just grosses you out - seeing the safe way to sell meat (packaged/wrapped or behind glass with the butcher) I just sighed and smiled. Something else I did while there - looked for any food product that is sold that might be considered weird in any way. I even stood in the potted meat/canned meat area for about 5 minutes looking. There's gotta be **something**. Nada. I did see that we sell canned octopus. Blah. But they have that there! So it wouldn't be considered odd. Jamie said I am just having withdrawal not seeing anything weird. Maybe. But it was nice to feel safe knowing the food I was buying the FDA has put their stamp on. :)
I am so glad I was able to spend time in the Philippines and work there. Learning about a new culture, first hand, and I hope that I am able to bring some of their things back just as much as I hope I left a little of me behind. Their work ethic is incredible. So nice to customers - that is the biggest thing I really want to bring home - along with their desire to learn. I hope to continue working with them on a regular basis and maybe back in their center again in the future.
Jollie and your team, thank you. You are a wonderful person and really made sure I was taken care of. Your hospitality was very comforting to a girl who had never been out of her home country. I do hope to see you when you come to the States in December and able to do the same for you. Salamat!!!!!! Feel free to send any new Tagalog words/phrases to me - along with PROPER pronunciation. hehe I don't want to say something that bad!! Remember, Alak Pa!! :)
Friends and family - Salamat (thank you) for all your IMs, e mails, & phone calls while I was gone. It's good to be home. I'll see those of you in Tampa/Orlando/Jax area over the next week and a half. :-)
And I will be updating the blog from time to time with things going on. School, work.... work... school... pretty much my life. ;) But especially with graduation information when that comes around cause there will be a party. (FINALLY) I will also let you know when I get the pictures from Melissa & Russell from Hong Kong & Boracay. They have "photo club" cameras and should have some amazing pictures. I'll be sure to post and pass along!!
Paalom (good bye)
I was in 3 different countries and airports in one day. And believe it or not, USA was the rudest and the most overweight of all of them. Granted, Eddie said that Atlanta could have a lot to do with the rude part since no one in that airport is happy to work there. One could hope. But I was not used to that. Maybe Americans should all be required to travel abroad and you come home with an appreciation of another culture, securities we have, etc. I did catch a great movie "Outsourced" about an American that is sent to India to help a call center there take over his job. It's interesting to watch his transition and finally embracing the local culture to help with the success of the new location. He even learned about mango just like me and was shocked when the lady who did his laundry had ironed his boxer shorts! My pjs were ironed when I would get them back from laundry. hehehehe So several things I was able to relate to.
I have slept most of the time since coming home. Though turning my own bed down and making it in the morning has sucked! hehee Susan was a sweetheart and got me milk, cereal, bread, bananas and eggs. So I have been living it up with the milk & cereal. Ahhhh skim milk how I have missed you. :) I really need to get my clothes out of the suitcase. The mess is starting to annoy me. But I did go to the grocery store today. Funny, never thought I would feel a sense of peace in the grocery store. But as I walked back through the produce section (yes, I picked up mango - hehe) the fresh meat was in sight. And seeing glass cases with meat BEHIND them made me at peace. I know.. believe me.. I know that sounds weird. But when you have seen everything out for display and for flies to land on just grosses you out - seeing the safe way to sell meat (packaged/wrapped or behind glass with the butcher) I just sighed and smiled. Something else I did while there - looked for any food product that is sold that might be considered weird in any way. I even stood in the potted meat/canned meat area for about 5 minutes looking. There's gotta be **something**. Nada. I did see that we sell canned octopus. Blah. But they have that there! So it wouldn't be considered odd. Jamie said I am just having withdrawal not seeing anything weird. Maybe. But it was nice to feel safe knowing the food I was buying the FDA has put their stamp on. :)
I am so glad I was able to spend time in the Philippines and work there. Learning about a new culture, first hand, and I hope that I am able to bring some of their things back just as much as I hope I left a little of me behind. Their work ethic is incredible. So nice to customers - that is the biggest thing I really want to bring home - along with their desire to learn. I hope to continue working with them on a regular basis and maybe back in their center again in the future.
Jollie and your team, thank you. You are a wonderful person and really made sure I was taken care of. Your hospitality was very comforting to a girl who had never been out of her home country. I do hope to see you when you come to the States in December and able to do the same for you. Salamat!!!!!! Feel free to send any new Tagalog words/phrases to me - along with PROPER pronunciation. hehe I don't want to say something that bad!! Remember, Alak Pa!! :)
Friends and family - Salamat (thank you) for all your IMs, e mails, & phone calls while I was gone. It's good to be home. I'll see those of you in Tampa/Orlando/Jax area over the next week and a half. :-)
And I will be updating the blog from time to time with things going on. School, work.... work... school... pretty much my life. ;) But especially with graduation information when that comes around cause there will be a party. (FINALLY) I will also let you know when I get the pictures from Melissa & Russell from Hong Kong & Boracay. They have "photo club" cameras and should have some amazing pictures. I'll be sure to post and pass along!!
Paalom (good bye)
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Starting to turn the lights out
As my driver from the Sykes call center drove me home tonight, I was taking in the nighttime sights of Manila and reflecting on my trip. While sitting at a traffic light around the corner from my hotel I notice the shadow of a man sitting on a barricade. As we make the turn and our headlights fall upon him, I see that he is an armed security guard on watch. This will be my last night of armed guards sitting in the shadows of every corner.
Today has been a nice relaxing day. Jollie, Ron, and another girl from the Dominoes account – Nestle (I believe) picked me up. We went to the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial. It is a beautiful military cemetery and eternal resting place for over 17,ooo who lost their lives during WWII – mostly in New Guinea, the Philippines, and other areas of the Southwest & Central Pacific .
Today has been a nice relaxing day. Jollie, Ron, and another girl from the Dominoes account – Nestle (I believe) picked me up. We went to the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial. It is a beautiful military cemetery and eternal resting place for over 17,ooo who lost their lives during WWII – mostly in New Guinea, the Philippines, and other areas of the Southwest & Central Pacific .
It is the largest in area of cemeteries built and
administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission, and the largest number
of graves and of those Missing who are recorded upon the walls of the
memorial. Most of them lost their lives in the epic defense of the
Philippines and East Indies in 1941 and 1942 or in the long but victorious
return of the American forces through the vast island chain. The cemetery and
memorial was completed in 1960. And the cemetery was dedicated on December 8,
1960.
http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/ml_pict.pdf
This document contains detailed information on the design of the cemetery, various inscriptions, and details of each of the battle maps that were at the ends of the semi-circles. It was truly a beautiful and serene place. The walls contain the names of those who’s remains are not identified. However, several now have a brass flower brad before their name when they have been identified. I get the DOD e mails at work that contain General Officer recognition, installation of new vessels, and those who have died in the fight for freedom in the Middle East. Occasionally there is an e mail titled “Missing airman/soldier identified” and they are from Korean, Vietnam, or WWII. So those e mails will have a little more meaning knowing their name will soon have a brass flower and having a proper burial for their families. It was interesting looking at the ranks and jobs of those on the walls. There was no consistent duty that was listed. Everything from Machinist, Boatswain, and Seaman to Infantry, Yeoman, AVN Radioman, and even Weather RCN and Pharmacist’s Mate. There is even one listed as “Storekeeper”. No one was above the other.
The cemetery is kept in beautiful shape. While we were there a staff was out hand washing the white marble crosses. Other crews were meticulously tending to the grass while others tended to flowers, trees, and shrubs. At 10am the bell tower chimed announcing the top of the hour to those visiting.
We met up with some of the other team captains from the Telus call center along with Anna who is over the account. It was nice to get to spend a little more time with them. The past two evenings I have been at other centers training them on an application they are to launch next week. And honestly I missed seeing my new friends at Telus! So this morning was special to me. Now I am back in my hotel watching the tremendous rainstorm going on. I used to be able to see the buildings across the way, but it is a white sheet outside and the roads look like they are flooding over. I’ve just got to finish packing and then off to my back massage and foot reflexology at 5. I’m uploading the last of my pictures. So be sure to check them out! I did go back to the grocery store and found the powdered milk aisle. (I’m making a yuckie face) So that album will show up below – along with the photos around the hotel.
Here is my flight information –
Manila (MNL) – Seoul South Korea (ICH)
12:30 am – 5:20 am
Korean Air Flight 0624
Seoul – Atlanta
10:00 am – 10:50 am
Korean Air Flight 0035
(nice.. that is a LONG 50 minute flight)
Atlanta – Charlotte
2:45pm – 3:54pm
Delta Flight 1506
Hehehe a fire truck just drove by and there were 2 people sitting on top of the truck! How funny!!!!
I need to finish packing so I will be nice and relaxed after my spa stuff! J Today is bittersweet – I am looking forward to going home but sad to leave my new friends. I do hope I will have the chance to come back and work. But now, it is time to get back to work and classes. I had to abandon one of my classes due to being out here. I haven’t been able to get in to see what I ended up with in Statistics – should be an A. So I will be taking the Leadership class in the fall. And apparently there are rumors that there will be a graduation in December! One of Justin’s professors told him of this.. I will keep you posted. One can hope!!!!!!!! I will be in FL starting the 9th and returning to NC on the 19th. I am there for both work and time off. I get to meet my new nephew Zach on the 9th and will be staying with him and two of my best friends Kim & Clay. Spend time with my work team during the week and then off with the family through the 19th. Miss everyone and I will see some of you soon.
New Album
Manila American Cemetery
http://picasaweb.google.com.ph/dnole2/ManilaAmericanCemeteryAndMemorial
Updated Albums
Around the hotel
http://picasaweb.google.com.ph/dnole2/AdditionalPicturesAroundTheHotel
Grocery Store
http://picasaweb.google.com.ph/dnole2/TripToTheLocalGroceryStore
Pictures from the Call center
http://picasaweb.google.com.ph/dnole2/PicturesFromTheCallCenter
Monday, July 28, 2008
New Photo Albums
Here are some albums to check out -
Updated with some other pictures at the hotel - The person doing the carving of fruits and vegetables is incredible!!
http://picasaweb.google.com/dnole2/AdditionalPicturesAroundTheHotel
Pictures from the call center - this one will be updated more after tonight. It is my last night with the folks at Telus, so I am sure many pictures will be taken!
http://picasaweb.google.com/dnole2/PicturesFromTheCallCenter
From Sunday at Hard Rock & Mall of Asia. This album goes along with my last post -
http://picasaweb.google.com/dnole2/MallOfAsiaHardRock
Updated with some other pictures at the hotel - The person doing the carving of fruits and vegetables is incredible!!
http://picasaweb.google.com/dnole2/AdditionalPicturesAroundTheHotel
Pictures from the call center - this one will be updated more after tonight. It is my last night with the folks at Telus, so I am sure many pictures will be taken!
http://picasaweb.google.com/dnole2/PicturesFromTheCallCenter
From Sunday at Hard Rock & Mall of Asia. This album goes along with my last post -
http://picasaweb.google.com/dnole2/MallOfAsiaHardRock
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
