Sunday, December 31, 2006
Week Past 12/25-12/31/06
Mon 12/25 Christmas Day. Was invited to Joe and Wilma's home in Eagan for their Christmas party. A small group mostly composed of people working in the medical industry, Wilma being a nurse specialist in surgery. They had this huge lechon as the main fare. Being a small group the guests were able to take home leftovers from the lechon to be "paksiw-ed" . It's a small world. We met a couple of Filipino doctors. One a specialist in orthopedics knows my cousin since they came from the same school, UP PGH , though from a different batch. Another is doing his fellowship at the U of MN. We also met a Filipina nurse who just arrived October. She is a close friend of W's acquiantance from the Philippines. I commiserate with her. Being away from her children specially this time of the year compounded with her adjusting to a new work environment. Wilma's husband Joe (working in the IT industry, that's how I met him through W) commented that they should also have a party composed of people working in IT industry so talks would not center on the medical field. We told him those were the people present at Dennis and Jack's Christmas Eve party.
Tue 12/26 I reported to our Eagan store to start my second week of training. Met Felicia the Optical Manager. I was able to do a couple of Computer Based Learning modules. Thur 12/28 and Fri 12/29 I had to rush to our store in Bloomington from Eagan to take care of end of year profit-loss entries in the system or we would be taking a big loss on our profit statement . It also worked to my advantage since I was able to help out in our store taking care of patients.
Black ice can really be deceiving. Thu I was in hurry to take out the garbage. I thought our driveway was just wet from the drizzle night before, I did not notice that it has turned into ice. Thud!?#*^, I slipped. I was pulling the garbage container with my right hand. Good thing I was able to break my fall with my left hand. But still my bottom hit the asphalt and my right middle finger was cut by the garbage's handle. Lucky me no broken bones or sore spot except for the cut finger. When I stood up I had to walk carefully using the garbage container for support because I was sliding. I walked on the lawn instead. Imagine if that's the road surface you're driving into...its a fender bender.
Sun 12/31 was the last day of 2006 that started with a drizzle then rain then snow. It didn't let up until close to midnight in time for the New Year. W and I were crazy to brave the snow to fulfill our commitment to attend three New Year's party: Her staff's New Year's party, Lydia's birthday cum New Year's party and birthday party of Jay's mom cum New Year's party. Then we had to make sure we were at home by 12 midnight to greet the New Year. It was clockwork: get to party A at so and so time then leave at this time to arrive at party B then to...so it was from Prior Lake to Bloomington to Eagan to Farmington to Prior Lake. We just made it on time at home to greet the New Year. Along the way from our place with the heavy snowfall it wouldn't be complete wihout witnessing vehicles on the ditch. We saw a number of them. We were running at 35 to 40 mph on a 70 mph highway. Ditched cars have a way of reminding you to drive slow in this foul weather or you'll be one of them. Of course there are still some who are impatient weaving in and out of the traffic just to get ahead and you just wished...
It started with a drizzle turning into rain/Leaving raindrops on the window pane/Then swirling flurries start appearing/Into trees and branches clinging/It thickened as snow started falling/Creating a landscape white and foreboding/
Three commitments we have to meet; before 2006 finally exits/First the Regis Group in Bloomington; in the snow we found playing with abandon/Behind them in half mast is Old Glory fluttering; to denote Pres Ford's passing/A group picture before the meal was taken; to ensure the event will not be forgotten/Eagan was the next destination; it is Lydia and Dante's home location/It was Lydia's birthday and New Year's celebration; friends and guests brought food to share in the jubilation/ 
Finally to Farmington we went; to share in Jay and Jovy's event/ Composed of close knit friends; wanting to be together to greet the year's end/ Alas we had to run; and miss all the fun/But our new home for us is waiting; to greet the new year's beginning. May You All Have a Blessed and Prosperous New Year.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Week Past 12/18-12/24
Tue 12/19 picked up W at the airport. I had to cut my hours at work. Nice to see her back. As usual on her second night at home she had a hard time adjusting to her sleep pattern. It's really hard adjusting after spending almost two weeks in a different
Wed 12/20 was our 20th Anniversary. Has it been that long? We were planning to celebrate it somewhere close to home so W suggested
Thu 12/21 the calendar indicates "Start of Winter". Old man winter was right on time. He sent us some flurries just enough to provide a light coating of snow on the ground. I'm thankful for that. But he did dumped snow in the northern part of the state. In Denver Colorado they had to shut down their airport for 36 hours. Pity those travellers whose flights were cancelled. Any flights cancelled because of bad weather is not the liability of the airlines. Meaning you're on your own to pay for the extra night at the hotel or any expense that you incur. Imagine if you're with your entire family for the holidays, we're talking of big $$$$ not included in your budget. Of course you can camp out at the airport but still you have to spend for food.
Fri 12/22 was my last day of training at our Apple Valley store. I talked to our Dist Mgr if I could work Sat 12/23 at our store in Bloomington and continue on my training at Eagan next week. I just need to check how we're doing. It was fine by him. So Sat I reported to Bloomington. Checked on where we're at. Lot of things to work/improve on.
Fri 12/22 was my last day of training at our Apple Valley store. I talked to our Dist Mgr if I could work Sat 12/23 at our store in Bloomington and continue on my training at Eagan next week. I just need to check how we're doing. It was fine by him. So Sat I reported to Bloomington. Checked on where we're at. Lot of things to work/improve on.
Sun 12/24 was Christmas Eve day. When I woke up early morning I was greeted by this (left pic) glorious view in our living room. I was prompted to take a picture. I'll call it "God's Canvas". A chiaroscuro. I was in awe, reminding me of the blessings He bestowed on us. Especially our new home. I refer to it as His home. For He giveth and can taketh away.
Christmas Eve was celebrated at Dennis and Jack's home in Farmington. Potluck. The adobo that Jack's mom cooked was very good. Right blend of garlic, pepper and vinegar. My compliments. Pic top right shows the "girls" who were present. It was a small group since some attended another party, were at their relatives or were under the weather. Still it was happy gathering with the usual chin-wagging and morsel of gossips. 
Christmas won't be complete without the gifts. Left pic shows bags and bags of gifts mostly for the children. So where are you on Santa's lists: naughty or nice? In the true spirit of Christmas we really don't have to worry about it. For the season reminds us of the birth of the greatest gift offered to mankind: Jesus. HE was the gift primarily for those in the "naughty" list. You don't have to give or do anything in return except accept the gift wholeheartedly. Merry Christmas.
Christmas won't be complete without the gifts. Left pic shows bags and bags of gifts mostly for the children. So where are you on Santa's lists: naughty or nice? In the true spirit of Christmas we really don't have to worry about it. For the season reminds us of the birth of the greatest gift offered to mankind: Jesus. HE was the gift primarily for those in the "naughty" list. You don't have to give or do anything in return except accept the gift wholeheartedly. Merry Christmas.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
"Week Past 12/11-12/17"
Tue 12/12 I was finally able to donate blood for the Red Cross. The venue was our former church, St Michael's at Farmington. I have been receiving phone messages from the Red Cross reminding me of the locations and schedule of their blood drive since about a month ago. Finally Tue everything fell into place: my schedule, their schedule and the locale. I encourage those who are not queasy looking at their own blood filling a plastic bag or seeing somebody else's to donate. You save lives and your body replenishes the blood you just donated thereby giving you "fresh" blood in your system.
The weather this week became mild again. From Wed 12/13 through Fri 12/15 the temps were hitting the 40's and 50's. High numbers for December and there's not a trace of snow. But driving in the early morning is hazardous. With these high temps there's moisture in the air. Then condensation sets in as temp drops in the evening. With temps below freezing early in the morning the roads, because of condensation, will be covered with thin ice that's hard to discern. Sunrise doesn't start until 7:50 am this time of the year so it's still dark at 6:00 am when traffic starts to build up. There have been reports of vehicles going out of control because it "skated" on ice. So is it ever going to be a "White Christmas"? The weatherman said there's still no sign of it.
At the work front, Thu 12/14 was my last day at the Service Desk, Friday being my day off. Sat 12/16 started my one week training for the Optical Mgr position at Apple Valley for the operations side. There's a lot to learn especially on the technical aspect not to mention the business side of it. So I'll be away from our store for two weeks. I'll be back next year. A new challenge.
Sun 12/17 was my day off. Went to mass and finally registered our names at the church after mass. So we're now officially parishioners of the St Michael's church at Prior Lake, MN. It's quiet at the house by myself so I tinkered with the home theater system in our room. Program the AM/FM stations and played around with the different sound modes system to see what would be best. Then tried it out by watching the DVD "Rambo: First Blood" that I just bought at the Apple Valley store for $3.88. Like what those two loonie birds-Heckel and Jeckel- always say:"It's a steal".
Sidebar: Fri 12/15 at the Y one of the TV monitors was airing a program showing a close-up of a woman's face being injected by a formula that's suppose to make her skin look younger, On both sides of her cheek, near her jaw the syringe went in ... I think they did four injections. Now there were these two ladies on the exercise machine watching the show. One was African the other Asian. I was behind them stretching and was also watching the show albeit intermittently. I didn't hear what the Asian said to the African lady but she started shaking her head and started pointing her finger to her chest saying "What's inside you is what is important" and the Asian lady was nodding her head in agreement...How true but we lose sight of it with all those advertisement on TV and glossy magazine epitomizing what is supposedly beautiful.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Week Past 12/04-12/10
Thu 12/07 drove W to the airport for her 9:30am flight to Portland to meet with co-worker Lucy then take their connecting flight to Manila for their annual meeting at Pointwest. Now if I could just remember to pick her up when she gets back on Tue 12/19 :).At the workfront Mon 12/04 I finally got the official notification that I got accepted for the position of Optical Manager. The process started since last week of October when I was scheduled for an interview. I had to go through two telephone interviews: from the Regional Dir then the VP. I had to wait for over a month until other candidates have been interviewed. Finally Mon the Regional Mgr came to our store to formally offer the job. Tue 12/05 I had to take my drug test. A standard requirement for new hires or promotion. Fri 12/08 when they checked on the test result they couldn't find my paperwork. Good thing I kept the copy and they were able to trace it. This would be very different from the service desk. I can't thank Him enough for giving me this new opportunity.On the weather, everybody is looking for snow. First week of December is about to end and the scenery still looks brown and green. Temps are still in their 40's. Some people are still playing golf!! in December? Those in the snow mobile business are losing big bucks. It's been the trend in the last couple of years. I'm not complaining like I said in my previous blog I'm not really fond of snow especially when you're driving.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Week Past 11/27-12/03/06
Tue 11/28, W and I drove my brother and his family to the airport to catch their 7 a.m. flight back to New Jersey. Didn't realize that a week has gone by. We would be informed later that they were not able to get on board. They were running late. It was also for good since their youngest, my niece Cael, was still not feeling well (we had to bring her to Urgent Care Mon 11/27 night for a check up) and she had an upset stomach while waiting for the next flight. Their departure was timely since our temperature started dropping beginning Wed 11/29. From the mild 40's it suddenly dropped to the teens then to single digit with a negative wind chill. Minnesota winter is back. Reminded me why they call it the "icebox" State aside from the 10.000 lakes.
Sat 12/02 was the Christmas Party of Pointwest . It was celebrated at home and their food contest theme was Thai. Last year the food theme was Japanese. The staff were divided into six? groups. This year's winner was the chicken recipe. I did not get the name but all the entries were good. All were done from "scratch" as required by the contest rules. This time the party started promptly at 6:00 pm since the rule stated that entries not ready for presentation by 6:00 are disqualified. Pics below shows some of the party's highlights: Food being prepared for the presentation; Food tasting by the appointed judges; The "public" partaking the food after the judging (these guys have been waiting at the sidelines salivating while the judges were doing the "dirty job" of food tasting); Start of game time: rules being read and the spectators; The Pointwest group picture (not everybody is accounted for maybe two or three are missing) they've come a long way from the initial three to five on-shore staff four? years ago. A lot to be thankful for in this Christmas season.
Thu 12/07 drove W to the airport for her 9:30am flight to Portland to meet with co-worker Lucy then take their connecting flight to Manila for their annual meeting at Pointwest. Now if I could just remember to pick her up when she gets back on Tue 12/19 :).
At the workfront Mon 12/04 I finally got the official notification that I got accepted for the position of Optical Manager. The process started since last week of October when I was scheduled for an interview. I had to go through two telephone interviews: from the Regional Dir then the VP. I had to wait for over a month until other candidates have been interviewed. Finally Mon the Regional Mgr came to our store to formally offer the job. Tue 12/05 I had to take my drug test. A standard requirement for new hires or promotion. Fri 12/08 when they checked on the test result they couldn't find my paperwork. Good thing I kept the copy and they were able to trace it. This would be very different from the service desk. I can't thank Him enough for giving me this new opportunity.
On the weather, everybody is looking for snow. First week of December is about to end and the scenery still looks brown and green. Temps are still in their 40's. Some people are still playing golf!! in December? Those in the snow mobile business are losing big bucks. It's been the trend in the last couple of years. I'm not complaining like I said in my previous blog I'm not really fond of snow especially when you're driving.
Tue 11/28, W and I drove my brother and his family to the airport to catch their 7 a.m. flight back to New Jersey. Didn't realize that a week has gone by. We would be informed later that they were not able to get on board. They were running late. It was also for good since their youngest, my niece Cael, was still not feeling well (we had to bring her to Urgent Care Mon 11/27 night for a check up) and she had an upset stomach while waiting for the next flight. Their departure was timely since our temperature started dropping beginning Wed 11/29. From the mild 40's it suddenly dropped to the teens then to single digit with a negative wind chill. Minnesota winter is back. Reminded me why they call it the "icebox" State aside from the 10.000 lakes.
Sat 12/02 was the Christmas Party of Pointwest . It was celebrated at home and their food contest theme was Thai. Last year the food theme was Japanese. The staff were divided into six? groups. This year's winner was the chicken recipe. I did not get the name but all the entries were good. All were done from "scratch" as required by the contest rules. This time the party started promptly at 6:00 pm since the rule stated that entries not ready for presentation by 6:00 are disqualified. Pics below shows some of the party's highlights: Food being prepared for the presentation; Food tasting by the appointed judges; The "public" partaking the food after the judging (these guys have been waiting at the sidelines salivating while the judges were doing the "dirty job" of food tasting); Start of game time: rules being read and the spectators; The Pointwest group picture (not everybody is accounted for maybe two or three are missing) they've come a long way from the initial three to five on-shore staff four? years ago. A lot to be thankful for in this Christmas season.
