WebCam w/ elder sister

After a lot of postponements, Sanse (means elder sister in Chinese), and I finally had our webcam session.  Anne made this possible.  Sanse hasn't changed.. she's still the laughable and funny elder sister.  We talked about the instances surrounding Ate Jose's death, and her experiences with our niece while doing all the errands to collect our sister's insurance, and other financial matters.  I really laughed loud when she said that our niece must have "transported some roaches into the US" since she took the old box containing some native baskets with her going back home to SanFo. 

We also discussed her possibility of visiting the U.S. as she is the only one who hasn't been here so far.  Well, this is now her plan and I hope she really works on renewing her passport and applying.   After all, her daughter is here..and we, her other sisters, are all here. But her visit remains to be seen..if she passes the stringent visa process.

Rick, hearing Sanse's laugh, said that he knows where I got my laughter from....and I told him we all laugh that way...and this is the truth!  My sisters and I all laugh aloud together...and we all eat with gusto together too!  I remember in the cemetery during all soul's day..when we are all gathered spending the day visiting the graves of our dear departed ones, our group was the noisiest....why we even have our TV set on....and foods galore!  Then stories after stories...and laughter after laughter!  I miss those days! 

Today is Sunday...I was not able to attend service because since Friday, I was suffering from a bad cold...Yesterday, I can't believe that i slept the whole day.  I woke up at 10:15...transferred to the couch in the living room with my new pillow...watched TV and after a brief chat with Donna on the phone..fell asleep.  I guess it's the nyquil that Rick forced me to take!  I woke up at 1:15 am still on the couch!  Then we moved to the bedroom and slept till 8:15 a.m today.  But I feel better...though now I am taking Delsym.  Rick went out to buy a bottle early this morning.  It is bitterly cold--in the 20's....I am glad I am not running a fever...and that tomorrow is another rest day for me.

 

 

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First V-Day as a Couple

Its Valentines Day.....a day for remembering your loved ones.  I sent our (from Lolo Rick and Lola L)  greetings to my/our grandkids.. and to my former co-workers and friends.  At lunch break, I drove out to buy a nicely worded card for Rickster.

While at work, Rick sent me a cute, cute E- V-card...the cartoon was singng off-tune ala american idol...I really liked the funny card...because the words being sung by the cartoon character were simple but very meaningful to us.  I thought that was it.

Reaching home, I was surprised to see the dining table all set up...roses, candles, a real card...and best of all...once again, he prepared our valentines dinner which was very delicious! : fillet mignon steak, mashed potatoes with cheese, broccoli, garlic bread...and to cap it all..chocolate cake decorated w/ roses and double vanilla ice cream!  How sweet of Rickster!  I asked him to take photos first before we sat down to dine!  Later, I told him to rest as I did the dishes. 

This is our first valentines together as a married couple...and although we did not have any material gifts for each other, his gesture of doing something special for us (me especially) is really appreciated and priceless!  I am sure I will be able to reciprocate this sweet gesture sometime soon!  Well, truthfully, I do prepare special dishes for him on special occasions...so I may do it again on his birthday this April!

I look forward to spending more happy valentines with Rick...and hope that someda,y God willing, my family in Manila will be here to join us. ..that will be a big, big wow! I am sure it will happen!

What a Snow Storm!

For the very first time while in the East Coast, I experienced this kind of a snow storm!  We had 15-16" of snow.  Rick and I cleaned off our cars and of course, he did much of the shovelling. It's actually fun to experience walking in the thick snow that reached up to my knees!  But what I noticed is that it is actually colder, much much colder BEFORE the snow falls.  Sure, it is cold but not as much as when waiting for the snow. that has always been my opinion.  That is why when it gets to be so cold..I always tell Rick...I know it will snow...and after a day or so...it does!  Wonder why!

I spent the morning organizing and throwing away a lot of junk paper that was part of my old job.  But,  I kept some paperwork  since I wanted to keep in touch with those I have come to like, especially those that may be helpful when my son in law comes.

Then when Rick said it was time to clear off our cars, I donned 2 pairs of pants (which I usually do everyday when I wore pants), 2 jackets and my gloves.   I took pictures of us and I will send them to my grandkids...so they will see how deep the snow was!

The view outside with white trees looked beautiful, almost like postcards  Rick always has his digital camera handy in weathers like this so he took good shots which he is sending to his family inlcuding my own!

Well, tomorrow is the start of another work week...I am glad the snow storm happened on a weekend!

I missed church today because all services in our area were cancelled due to the snow storm.  I just tuned in to tv services to make up for it.

Good First Week

I have completed my first week in my new job.  Putting the experience on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the best, I would put the scale on 7.  The whole phase of signing paperwork, reading policies, etc was a breeze.  I still have to go on line to an inter-active new hire benefits orientation to complete my benefit choices.  This is the very first company in ALL my working years (count them to 30+-!!-well this reveals my age!)  wherein if one, as an employee, does not have any dependents, that you can enroll your pets for pet insurance.  Now how about that?  And I have actually spoken with some colleagues who enjoy this kind of benefit!  One can imagine the high cost of pet maintenance and this benefit surely helps!   Now, maybe Rick and I can consider owning a pet....that is if our landlord will agree!  Or maybe on second thought, I will just wait to have a dog till my grandkids are here? Both Migs and Gina like to have a dog!

I continue to receive job tips...and while I am "tempted" to send my resume, I have decided to stick to this job for a while.  It is only 10 minutes away from home and 10 minutes away from another easy part time W-F 5-8 pm job!  What more can I ask for?  I thank God for these 2 jobs really!

Today was supposed to be our hosted dinner for my 2 colleages in my previous job.  But owing to the fact that it is expected to heavily snow this afternoon (expected 12") till Sunday, I decided to cancel the dinner and move it instead to Feb. 25th.  I pray that, that day will be a good sunny day so that we can finally get together for this dinner which I am excited to host. Both Donna and Rachel have been good to me...and I miss them.  I miss everyone at my former job...!  I have not yet "bonded" with anyone in my new position,  but I am getting there I know!

I am happy to know that Anne, my daughter, has successfully completed her retreat and re-immersion in water baptism through her and Yani's  Church --Victory Christian ).  All her learnings and her "language" are new to me ...being her mother, and having watched and seen her morphing into what she is today: a wife,  a mother to 2 wonderful kids, and the best of all....a devoted Christian in words, thoughts and action.  I know God continues to bless her and her family and I thank God for where Anne is now as far as her Christian life is concerned.

Rick and I will "stock up" on videos as we watch the snow fall tonight!  Gee, its gonna be real chilly once again!  What I hate is the "static shock" that I am so prone to experience.  I happen to be one of those who always gets slightly jolted by this.  It may be juvenile for some to fear...but I really do not like this at all.  Somehow found the way not to get them....hold on to any metal before touching door knobs, etc.  It usually works!

Till my next blog!!!!

 

A Good Start

My first day in my new job was very good.  It was refreshing to find myself with a new Dell desktop, and all the sign in, passwords already provided.  My email is set, my phone is set, etc.  All in all, there are about 70+ people in this location, not to mention the service techs who are out in the field.  I discovered there are 3 other filipinos in this company and I have all met them.  The people are all nice...and very supportive to a newcomer like me!

Three of the account managers I am to support (Frank, Greg and Shannon)  took me out to a nice chinese lunch.  We discussed many different things about the job, about their positions, and about the company as a whole.

Today, I attended a sales meeting and learned some new things again.. I also had my first taste of using an internal computer system which i am going to be involved with a lot.

I will write more as I complete this first week.

 

 

My Last Day

Yesterday, Feb. 3, was my last day at my current job. It was a very, very b-u-s-y day for me.  I still attended an AR meeting my our boss where he announced the Six Sigma was to be launched on Monday.  No one in the group actually knows what Six Sigma is all about, except me.  I know this is similar to Change Management, a management tool for process improvement which I was heavily involved with while in Manila.  Unfortunately, I told everyone I was on my way out.

At lunch, Craig, our service manager hosted a lunch for me and my group and everyone else who were around to partake of 3 BIG box of assorted pizzas from Delizia (a very good italian restaurant specialty for pizzas). Then I was surprised with a big cake with the words :Lita, we will miss you!" -accompanied by a card signed by everyone.  Then I was given 8 balloons with the words "Congratulations" (?)  I guess they meant...good for you...you are moving to a much better place!?I also received two gifts from Rachel and Donna complete with very touching "we will miss you" cards.  Of course, I took pictures with everyone and really took time to have pictures of my favorite people: technicians Oscar and Edgar, Roy (warehouse manager, who used to be our operations manager), Vicki our temp receptionist, Carol our safety trainor, Vashali our billing clerk, Paula, our office manager who was the only female employee and me during Kamp Fire's time, Wanda of customer service, Craig,  and of course, Rachel and Donna.

Then later in the afternoon, I trained and gave pointers to Rachel who will be taking over some of my accounts A-B-C, Donna my accounts D-E-F, Joe Sallustro who is in charge of first aid accounts--my accounts G-H.  My accounts were redivided into 3 upon my suggestion to our boss which he readily approved.  I handle very sensitive and time-consuming accounts and it was important for me to leave some pointers to Rachel and Donna. Then I made a long email to all the managers about certain accounts' status with issues.

My car looked like a junkyard: with boxes, plastic bags, folders, papers, etc. a box of leftover cake and pizza, balloons, my boom box radio, my small live plant, picture frames, etc. Rachel and Donna helped me to my car.

Honestly,  I was misty eyed seeing all the fuss around me, and for me.  Everyone said they will miss me...and I know they are sincere in saying that to me.  I make them laugh, they said, and that  they will miss my being a naturally funny, hardworking partner.  (all employees here are called partners). I also know what our customer service manager, Jenn,  told our boss when our boss  announced to all  managers that I was leaving-- "You don't know what you are losing"!!I   How nice of Jenn to say that of me.

Everyone  hugged  me while saying, they will miss me.  I  answered I will miss them too, which is really true and coming from my heart.  But like what my husband tells me--"friends at work are great but these friends won't pay your rent!!"

During my last week, I made it a point to call all my accounts which became close to me somehow...and we exchanged emails, phone numbers, etc. and told them I will be in touch, something  I will really do. And everyone who knows where I will transfer have good words about the next company.  They all have heard of it which  I will be a part of starting Feb. 6.  Oh well, I do not even have a few days break in between jobs---it will be hard work for me starting next week!

Of course apart from being sad from leaving my friends and current job , I also feel somewhat apprehensive because I will have to learn again, make new friends at work again, new policies, new structure, new leadership, etc.  But at this point, I guess I am optimistic that I can be a worthy employee as in all my past jobs.  I know God will be with me on this move as He was the giver of this new opportunity.  Thank you Lord for the friends I have made and for the new friends I will make.  Most of all, thank you for this new job!   

 

 

Last 2 days!

Today is my 2nd to my last day with my current job.  I was treated to lunch at "Poor Henry's" by my colleague, Rachel,...who is a very likeable person.  We touched on the subject as to who will replace me and who will "inherit" my numerous accounts.  She admitted my accounts are not only voluminous compared to hers and Donna's, but also "difficult" accounts.  I assured her that anyone who is going to be assigned to take my accounts/place, will not find it too difficult since i made sure that all necessary info are in place.  Of course, I cannot say that my accounts will always be pleasant to my replacement, but to me, they were. 

As a matter of fact and I feel elated, that all of my accounts who knew that I am moving expressed both regret that I can't be their contact person anymore, and happy that I am moving to a good company.  Most of them, I got their personal emails, and will communicate with them from time to time.

I will miss my 'restaurant" accounts which really are a lot!  But I made sure that i do have their contact numbers for future use.

So...tomorrow is my last day!  I have mixed emotions!

 

I kow I will also have to adjust...new people, new environment, new responsibilities!  But with God's help, I am ready to take charge!