This entry is going to come before the Jan 29-Feb 10 entries. Talk about chronology. Hehehe!
Anyhow, it’s something I wanted to capture before the feeling passed me by, or before the numerous events happen before I can blog again when I get home.
I’d been looking forward to this day since I had gotten to the States. Perhaps not as much as Merryl, who’s on her first foreign business trip, to the US at that, but I had wanted to do my business, do my shopping and packing, and get home aboard the February 11, 9 pm flight.
It didn’t help my homesickness one bit when Hestia called me at around 530 in the morning to have Annika talk to me. Just wanted to get everything done and get on the plane and go home. In a few hours, I will be able to hug and kiss my 1st Princess, kiss my 2nd Princess through her Mommy’s tummy, and hug and kiss my Queen.
As I had gone through packing the past days, I waxed nostalgic a bit. I said goodbye to my room, while I was checking each nook and cranny for possibly something that could’ve been left behind. And I said thank you to it – for being in the right position that allowed me to look outside and see the Malibu if it was being hit or robbed (not that that’s common here), that allowed me to descend 2 flights of stairs and exit the side door with convenience to drop off my laptop and other stuff in the morning, that provided me with comfort and sleep for the last 3 weeks. Thanks 239.
I eventually said goodbye to the Malibu, and thanked it for 2 weeks of driving comfort and satisfaction. The heated seats, which I never had a use for in tropical Manila, worked like a charm on the many cold California mornings. And I’m happy that Karen again allowed another baton transfer – first from Junjun to me – then from me to Rain. Saya! Sure trumps the Focus. Hahaha!
And I’m saying goodbye to the States now.
I’m in the PAL lounge as I type this. Had a wonderful ride via Blacktie Limo Service. I have to apologize to my driver though, as I did not have enough change for both him and the airport porter, who he suggested should help with my 2 balikbayan boxes and 2 large luggages. Weird though, suddenly my hook-type portable scale is accurate. Hmmm…
This is probably my first US trip which I conclude with mixed emotions. The previous ones (1987, 1991, 1994, 1997, 2001 and 2006) were ending vacations. This one was business with weekends.
I will miss the drives, long and short, on the wonderful long and wide and relatively well-paved roads. I will miss the driving partner – the Malibu, although the Jetta was a good buddy, too. I will miss the order on the roads, and the cold weather.
But I will not miss the lonely nights at the hotel. And after this long flight, I won’t have another lonely night for a time.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Of Tracy Lords and Mang Francisco
The drive to Tracy is for the most part via the 680 and the 580. (Tama nga ba?) It’s the interchanges that I watch out for, coz that’s where it’ll be hard to make up for lost ground. Even if Garmin can get me out of the mess, I'd just like to avoid it altogether.
I took almost an hour to get to Bey’s house. Trip should’ve been shorter, but there was traffic nearing Tracy. Slowed to a crawl on all lanes but the rightmost one. I was trying to find out what happened.
Apparently, it was coz of the fog. But visibility wasn’t so bad, coz you could see 5-6 cars ahead. So when I got the chance, I got into the rightmost lane and sped off, probably with a lot of other Filipinos, too. Hehehe!
I call Bey when I get to his house, coz I’m confused. I know he has a Maxima and an X5, but why is there a Ford Focus wagon parked outside? He comes out and moves it out to the street. Nahiya naman ako. Kay mother in law daw yun. Hehehe!
We enter his house and he takes my bag to the 2nd floor guest room. I meet Ma-am, Wesley and Nate. The boys are running around freely at the 2nd floor. Cool. Nice to have big space for kids to do that.
There are covers on the door knobs - so the boys don’t open them and then get locked inside - and a door by the stairs that stops them from going down. I even have a hard time opening it, so it's pretty safe. Hehehe!
We start eating Filipino food, prepared by Ma’am’s Mom. Thank you po, Tita! Felt like home.
Then we started drinking. We decided to finish the bottle of Glenlivet that Bey and Dun opened. It was about 80% full. But we finished it that night. Hehehe!
Anyhow, Bey decided to call Dun. And play a joke on him. The joke eventually was on Bey, coz Dun’s GSM signal was way bad and he couldn’t hear us. Sayang laway at sayang load.
Bey then decided to play another joke but on Hestia this time. With his fully modulated voice, he calls and looks for ‘Hestia Axalan’ and then he introduces himself as a call center survey guy for Medela Products Company. Wahaha! Hestia catches him after a few exchanges.
After talking to Bey, Ma-am and myself, Hestia eventually had to put the phone down so we continued with Glen. While we were finishing him off, we moved over to the comfier sofa and watched the Women’s Finals of the Australian open.
Ok TV ni Bey, 50 plus inch tv na may ‘privacy feature’. You have to be right in front of it to see what’s on. If you’re only in the periphery, there’s nothing you can see. Hahaha! Didn't know Samsung made them that way.
As we finish Glen, Bey puts a 6 pack of beer in the fridge. Well wadya know? It’s San Mig Light. Hahaha! I was kidding him – that the only difference between being in the US and in the Philippines with the drinking session we had was the lack of flies and heat. Hahaha!
I doze off toward the 3rd set, and wake up when Clijsters wins it. Bey on the other hand heads for Lala land while they’re awarding the winners. Hehehe! I wake him up, and we turn in. Sleepy but not drunk. Hehehe! Sarap! Miss the Prayles.
I took almost an hour to get to Bey’s house. Trip should’ve been shorter, but there was traffic nearing Tracy. Slowed to a crawl on all lanes but the rightmost one. I was trying to find out what happened.
Apparently, it was coz of the fog. But visibility wasn’t so bad, coz you could see 5-6 cars ahead. So when I got the chance, I got into the rightmost lane and sped off, probably with a lot of other Filipinos, too. Hehehe!
I call Bey when I get to his house, coz I’m confused. I know he has a Maxima and an X5, but why is there a Ford Focus wagon parked outside? He comes out and moves it out to the street. Nahiya naman ako. Kay mother in law daw yun. Hehehe!
We enter his house and he takes my bag to the 2nd floor guest room. I meet Ma-am, Wesley and Nate. The boys are running around freely at the 2nd floor. Cool. Nice to have big space for kids to do that.
There are covers on the door knobs - so the boys don’t open them and then get locked inside - and a door by the stairs that stops them from going down. I even have a hard time opening it, so it's pretty safe. Hehehe!
We start eating Filipino food, prepared by Ma’am’s Mom. Thank you po, Tita! Felt like home.
Then we started drinking. We decided to finish the bottle of Glenlivet that Bey and Dun opened. It was about 80% full. But we finished it that night. Hehehe!
Anyhow, Bey decided to call Dun. And play a joke on him. The joke eventually was on Bey, coz Dun’s GSM signal was way bad and he couldn’t hear us. Sayang laway at sayang load.
Bey then decided to play another joke but on Hestia this time. With his fully modulated voice, he calls and looks for ‘Hestia Axalan’ and then he introduces himself as a call center survey guy for Medela Products Company. Wahaha! Hestia catches him after a few exchanges.
After talking to Bey, Ma-am and myself, Hestia eventually had to put the phone down so we continued with Glen. While we were finishing him off, we moved over to the comfier sofa and watched the Women’s Finals of the Australian open.
Ok TV ni Bey, 50 plus inch tv na may ‘privacy feature’. You have to be right in front of it to see what’s on. If you’re only in the periphery, there’s nothing you can see. Hahaha! Didn't know Samsung made them that way.
As we finish Glen, Bey puts a 6 pack of beer in the fridge. Well wadya know? It’s San Mig Light. Hahaha! I was kidding him – that the only difference between being in the US and in the Philippines with the drinking session we had was the lack of flies and heat. Hahaha!
I doze off toward the 3rd set, and wake up when Clijsters wins it. Bey on the other hand heads for Lala land while they’re awarding the winners. Hehehe! I wake him up, and we turn in. Sleepy but not drunk. Hehehe! Sarap! Miss the Prayles.
Jan 28 – Friday. Fast and Furious!
I set the alarm for 530am, as usual. When it rings, I look to the other clock in the room, see it’s 530 indeed, and turn off my phone’s alarm.
Here’s the killer part. When I open my eyes again, it’s 8 friggin 30 already!!! Holysh1t! And I have a 9am meeting!
So I rush off to the bathroom, take a quick shower (what can I say, I’m Filipino. Kahit malamig, Kelangan maligo.), dress up and haul @$$ to the office. Jetta, don't fail me now!
Luckily, I’m right on time. 9 am Hahaha! Meeting was supposed to be from 9-12, with a continuation if needed at 1. Junjun comes by at around 1130 to remind me about his favor - for me to meet him at the Sun Valley mall so we could return his car and I could drive him back home. I tell him, maybe 1-130 is a good time.
I cancel the lunch with Bey at 12, coz it seems Balaji and Albert have no plans of relenting at our meeting. Hehehe! We finish, thankfully, at 1 pm. Balaji has to go to an outside appointment, and Albert is asking where to eat. I told him, I gotta step out first.
I rush over to the Mall, get there at around 115 pm, and see Junjun waiting outside the Avis office. He says I’m right on time coz no one’s inside yet. I come up with this idea: what if I traded the Jetta for his Malibu, which he praises to high heavens for its features, comfy ride, heated seats, XM radio, and less thirst compared to the Jetta, all for the same price?
As we walk to the car to head for the gas station, the Avis lady arrives. She’s Karen, a Filipina who Junjun has met previously. I ask her if I could trade the Jetta for the Malibu. She agrees, and immediately asks me about the mileage. I said, I’d check the mileage first, and gas it up, since I only came up with the idea 5 mins prior.
So we gas up at the nearby Chevron, where I find out it’s different here now. You’d have to pay first. The last time out, in 2006, you could just swipe your card first, gas up and then get your receipt. Now, even if you’re paying with a card, you’d still have to pay a random, estimated amount first then pump after. Oh well.
Back at Avis, I get the Malibu transferred to me. Yahoo, I think. We engage Karen in some banter about the Philippines and coming home. When she’s done processing the papers, I sign them, and we’re on our way.
Yes, the Malibu indeed feels like a bigger car. Bigger than Buzz. The ride is comfy, but not as sharp as the Jetta. Power comes earlier, I suppose thanks to the v6, but it’s not a swift kick, coz of the vehicle’s weight.
I bring Junjun back to the hotel, where we find his limo waiting for him already. (Note to self, be ready early when you go home, they’re punctual and you don’t want to keep them waiting.) I then head back to the office, and have some time to appreciate the Malibu alone. Its rims remind me of the stockers on the Camry. Hehehe! And its size will be just right when Rain, Shirley and JM arrive. Imagine us in the Jetta. Hahaha!
I work till I get hungry, which is about 4. I IM Bey and ask him for food. He pops in a little later, with some goldilocks polvoron. Hehehe! And he’s the one from here. But more on that later.
Bey takes a walk with me so we could buy food. He suggests Jollibee at Seafood City. I look at him and blurt out, “You serious?” So we drive over to a Mexican place a few miles away to get a burrito. He orders it for me and pays for it. Thanks Bey. And then we head back to the office, where I devour it at the office.
Inom! Bey suggests. So I say why not at my hotel. He declines. Ma-am would kill him. Hahaha! I can imagine if the situation were reversed. Hestia would have my hide.
So he counter-offers. Why not just drive over to Tracy and spend the night with him and his family. Why not?
I call Hestia to tell her about it, and she encourages me to do so. It’s about 30 miles or so to Tracy, if I remember right, or about an hour. Garmin knew where to go, so I was confident I’d find it.
Bey calls me back to ask about the plan. I say, it’s a go! I’d have to go back to the hotel, unload on my throne, pack, and then get going. So I told him to go ahead and I’d follow. It sure beats having to convoy all throughout.
I also call our friend, Gigi, who I’ve met once, in 2006, and who also lives in Tracy. Junjun and I were supposed to treat her to dinner last Thursday, but she declined coz she had a prior appointment. She’s pleasantly surprised to get the call, but happy to meet up the next day at lunch.
Here’s the killer part. When I open my eyes again, it’s 8 friggin 30 already!!! Holysh1t! And I have a 9am meeting!
So I rush off to the bathroom, take a quick shower (what can I say, I’m Filipino. Kahit malamig, Kelangan maligo.), dress up and haul @$$ to the office. Jetta, don't fail me now!
Luckily, I’m right on time. 9 am Hahaha! Meeting was supposed to be from 9-12, with a continuation if needed at 1. Junjun comes by at around 1130 to remind me about his favor - for me to meet him at the Sun Valley mall so we could return his car and I could drive him back home. I tell him, maybe 1-130 is a good time.
I cancel the lunch with Bey at 12, coz it seems Balaji and Albert have no plans of relenting at our meeting. Hehehe! We finish, thankfully, at 1 pm. Balaji has to go to an outside appointment, and Albert is asking where to eat. I told him, I gotta step out first.
I rush over to the Mall, get there at around 115 pm, and see Junjun waiting outside the Avis office. He says I’m right on time coz no one’s inside yet. I come up with this idea: what if I traded the Jetta for his Malibu, which he praises to high heavens for its features, comfy ride, heated seats, XM radio, and less thirst compared to the Jetta, all for the same price?
As we walk to the car to head for the gas station, the Avis lady arrives. She’s Karen, a Filipina who Junjun has met previously. I ask her if I could trade the Jetta for the Malibu. She agrees, and immediately asks me about the mileage. I said, I’d check the mileage first, and gas it up, since I only came up with the idea 5 mins prior.
So we gas up at the nearby Chevron, where I find out it’s different here now. You’d have to pay first. The last time out, in 2006, you could just swipe your card first, gas up and then get your receipt. Now, even if you’re paying with a card, you’d still have to pay a random, estimated amount first then pump after. Oh well.
Back at Avis, I get the Malibu transferred to me. Yahoo, I think. We engage Karen in some banter about the Philippines and coming home. When she’s done processing the papers, I sign them, and we’re on our way.
Yes, the Malibu indeed feels like a bigger car. Bigger than Buzz. The ride is comfy, but not as sharp as the Jetta. Power comes earlier, I suppose thanks to the v6, but it’s not a swift kick, coz of the vehicle’s weight.
I bring Junjun back to the hotel, where we find his limo waiting for him already. (Note to self, be ready early when you go home, they’re punctual and you don’t want to keep them waiting.) I then head back to the office, and have some time to appreciate the Malibu alone. Its rims remind me of the stockers on the Camry. Hehehe! And its size will be just right when Rain, Shirley and JM arrive. Imagine us in the Jetta. Hahaha!
I work till I get hungry, which is about 4. I IM Bey and ask him for food. He pops in a little later, with some goldilocks polvoron. Hehehe! And he’s the one from here. But more on that later.
Bey takes a walk with me so we could buy food. He suggests Jollibee at Seafood City. I look at him and blurt out, “You serious?” So we drive over to a Mexican place a few miles away to get a burrito. He orders it for me and pays for it. Thanks Bey. And then we head back to the office, where I devour it at the office.
Inom! Bey suggests. So I say why not at my hotel. He declines. Ma-am would kill him. Hahaha! I can imagine if the situation were reversed. Hestia would have my hide.
So he counter-offers. Why not just drive over to Tracy and spend the night with him and his family. Why not?
I call Hestia to tell her about it, and she encourages me to do so. It’s about 30 miles or so to Tracy, if I remember right, or about an hour. Garmin knew where to go, so I was confident I’d find it.
Bey calls me back to ask about the plan. I say, it’s a go! I’d have to go back to the hotel, unload on my throne, pack, and then get going. So I told him to go ahead and I’d follow. It sure beats having to convoy all throughout.
I also call our friend, Gigi, who I’ve met once, in 2006, and who also lives in Tracy. Junjun and I were supposed to treat her to dinner last Thursday, but she declined coz she had a prior appointment. She’s pleasantly surprised to get the call, but happy to meet up the next day at lunch.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Jan 27 – Thursday. Downed by the Wings!
I woke up with a tummy ache. Must’ve eaten too many chicken wings. Grrr! I learn later at breakfast that Junjun had the same tummy problem. Must’ve been a bad combo of too many wings and whatever it was made with that didn’t sit well with us both. Oh bother!
Brought my “Point and Shoot” camera to work. There was a team lunch then, so I knew I had to take a few pics which I could send back to the team at home. Plus, the only work the camera did so far was take in-room pix. Insulting for that type of a camera.
Took some pics of Paul doing something I can’t recall in our room. I’m sure it was fixing his A/C adaptor, but it sure looked like something else. Like dancing. Hehehe!
He takes interest in the 24-70L. Saying he had to leave his Nikon D60 at home coz his daughter was going to use it. And then he curses coz it’s his f@#$%#@n camera anyway. Oh well. Daughters’ power of Daddys. Gotta watch out for Annika and Sachi.
We then have a meeting that extends to our earlier scheduled lunch out, at which we’re besieged by our teammates, calling us out to have lunch already. Hehehe!
We eat at Claim Jumper. And with the queasy tummy, I go for a cobb salad and soup, and pass on the heavier meal. (i.e. ribs, etc.) Plus these guys all went for salads, so I figured, let’s stay with them.
Pete picks up the tab – coz he’s got the highest pay grade among us, which points to him as the guy who should really pay, hehe – plus coz Paul keeps on ribbing him about it. When I thank him, he says, Thanks to Chevron. Hahaha! True!
We go back and have more marathon meetings. But at the day’s end, Pete and Kathy drop by our office. They’re not coming to work the day after, coz they fly out to New York in the morning. Ah New York, my favorite US city. Maybe not now, coz of the snow. Hehehe! San Francisco’s just right now. Balimbing!
Before I drive to the hotel, I cross the boulevard and head over to Seafood City, well, to a store in it - Atlas couriers - to buy a box. You open the door, step in, and get the greeting “Ano yun?” Feels like home already. Hahaha!
I buy a 20x20 box, coz the lady says they usually don’t allow the bigger box as luggage. Shipping is fine. I still had some illusions I could get more luggage allowance.
I head on home, and there was pizza! Perfect! So I tape up the box, shove the hangers in, and sign off for the night.
Brought my “Point and Shoot” camera to work. There was a team lunch then, so I knew I had to take a few pics which I could send back to the team at home. Plus, the only work the camera did so far was take in-room pix. Insulting for that type of a camera.
Took some pics of Paul doing something I can’t recall in our room. I’m sure it was fixing his A/C adaptor, but it sure looked like something else. Like dancing. Hehehe!
He takes interest in the 24-70L. Saying he had to leave his Nikon D60 at home coz his daughter was going to use it. And then he curses coz it’s his f@#$%#@n camera anyway. Oh well. Daughters’ power of Daddys. Gotta watch out for Annika and Sachi.
We then have a meeting that extends to our earlier scheduled lunch out, at which we’re besieged by our teammates, calling us out to have lunch already. Hehehe!
We eat at Claim Jumper. And with the queasy tummy, I go for a cobb salad and soup, and pass on the heavier meal. (i.e. ribs, etc.) Plus these guys all went for salads, so I figured, let’s stay with them.
Pete picks up the tab – coz he’s got the highest pay grade among us, which points to him as the guy who should really pay, hehe – plus coz Paul keeps on ribbing him about it. When I thank him, he says, Thanks to Chevron. Hahaha! True!
We go back and have more marathon meetings. But at the day’s end, Pete and Kathy drop by our office. They’re not coming to work the day after, coz they fly out to New York in the morning. Ah New York, my favorite US city. Maybe not now, coz of the snow. Hehehe! San Francisco’s just right now. Balimbing!
Before I drive to the hotel, I cross the boulevard and head over to Seafood City, well, to a store in it - Atlas couriers - to buy a box. You open the door, step in, and get the greeting “Ano yun?” Feels like home already. Hahaha!
I buy a 20x20 box, coz the lady says they usually don’t allow the bigger box as luggage. Shipping is fine. I still had some illusions I could get more luggage allowance.
I head on home, and there was pizza! Perfect! So I tape up the box, shove the hangers in, and sign off for the night.
Wednesday: Jan 26, Chicken Wings Day
I slept a little better the night before. Woke up at the usual horrible 230 am, but at least the next was 530 am already. Nice. What was also nice was that I didn’t feel sleepy at the office today. But I passed on lunch again. Was looking forward to making social hour again for free dinner. Two meals a day, I figured, wouldn’t be so bad.
The Trivia lady that Paul was talking about came by. She’d lead stretchbreaks and dish out some trivia while she was at it. I was no match for the usual song trivia, coz either I did not totally know the songs she was referring to, or I’d not know their singers or something. Or if I did know them, I could not reply as fast as the other guys who were actually alive when the songs were first played or were played during their heyday. Hehehe!
But, I’m glad to say that I did get the trickier or less generic trivia that no one could answer, which surprised the whole team and Trivia Lady. Hehehe! The questions I got were:
1) Q: What was Stitch (the alien in Lilo and Stitch)’s code number
A: 626. Thanks Annika. Hehehe!
2) Q: Who is Lilo's sister
A: Missed this though. Tsk! Tsk! It was Nani, by the way.
3) Q: Who was Speedy Gonzales’s cousin
A: And without batting an eyelash and skipping a beat, I replied, Slowpoke Rodriguez.
They were shocked! Thanks Bugs Bunny, and the channel that used to show the Looney Tunes at 1130 am every Saturday. Thanks to Dad that I’d make it back in time to watch it.
4) Q: What were The Chipmunks’ names, last names and father’s name
A: Alvin, Simon, and Theodore Seville. Dad's name was Dave.
Thanks to Annika, but definitely a big thanks to the Chipmunks’ vinyl records Mom would play during the Christmas season (and even after).
Thought she’d ask who the Chippette’s were. Now Aside from Eleanor and Brittney, I’m stumped. Hehehe!
Social hour that night had spicy chicken wings. Yahoo!
The Trivia lady that Paul was talking about came by. She’d lead stretchbreaks and dish out some trivia while she was at it. I was no match for the usual song trivia, coz either I did not totally know the songs she was referring to, or I’d not know their singers or something. Or if I did know them, I could not reply as fast as the other guys who were actually alive when the songs were first played or were played during their heyday. Hehehe!
But, I’m glad to say that I did get the trickier or less generic trivia that no one could answer, which surprised the whole team and Trivia Lady. Hehehe! The questions I got were:
1) Q: What was Stitch (the alien in Lilo and Stitch)’s code number
A: 626. Thanks Annika. Hehehe!
2) Q: Who is Lilo's sister
A: Missed this though. Tsk! Tsk! It was Nani, by the way.
3) Q: Who was Speedy Gonzales’s cousin
A: And without batting an eyelash and skipping a beat, I replied, Slowpoke Rodriguez.
They were shocked! Thanks Bugs Bunny, and the channel that used to show the Looney Tunes at 1130 am every Saturday. Thanks to Dad that I’d make it back in time to watch it.
4) Q: What were The Chipmunks’ names, last names and father’s name
A: Alvin, Simon, and Theodore Seville. Dad's name was Dave.
Thanks to Annika, but definitely a big thanks to the Chipmunks’ vinyl records Mom would play during the Christmas season (and even after).
Thought she’d ask who the Chippette’s were. Now Aside from Eleanor and Brittney, I’m stumped. Hehehe!
Social hour that night had spicy chicken wings. Yahoo!
Work Day 2: January 25
Morning number 2 and I'm still jetlagged! Woke up 3 times in the morning again. No surprise. Thing is, when I slept at 11, and then woke up, I felt good and refreshed feeling it was already 530. Only to find out it was only 230. Grrr!
Called in for our weekly team meeting at 6 am. Come to think of it, I was the only one who really needed the 6 am call, but since I was in Concord, and Shirley was on Vik's team, there was no need for a 6 am call. So it was eventually moved to 8 am.
Ate breakfast alone, since Junjun was not there anymore. By the time I got down, he was probably in San Ramon already. After eating, I drove off to the office, and missed a turn, so I passed a different route. It was a longer one, with more stops. Good thing it was an opposite route on Diamond boulevard, so there was a side road and entrance I could turn to and enter at.
Was really sleepy in the morning, so I passed on lunch and just slept in the room. That was refreshing. And thankfully Paul stepped out for lunch, or he'd have to deal with an hour's worth of loud snoring. Hehehe!
Got home in time for social hour and had some snacks and a few drinks with Junjun. Monna came by to pick us up. We accompanied her to Ross so she could buy some luggage. Her’s gave up on her, so it was time to retire it.
Bought some cheapo lotion at Ross. It smelled ok, but didn’t help that much, coz I could still write ‘DRY’ on my arms and legs. Tsk tsk! I'll just take it home and make it someone's pasalubong. Hehehe!
Hestia sent a list for Michael’s arts and crafts, so Junjun and I started walking to Michael's from Ross, coz Monna left us already as she had to drive back to San Ramon and pack for she was leaving for Manila with Dave the next night.
At Michael's, not being the creative guys, we did take some time finding what was on the list. Needed help from the friendly in-store ladies, which we got. It's good to know they know everything they're selling, which should be the case for retail establishments.
Getting the punchers, we walked over to Bed Bath and Beyond for Hestia’s slimline hangers. Joseph talked to me about them, but then said Costco wasn’t selling them as often as before, so they were still waiting for the next sale.
These hangers were pretty bulky if you load them in their as-is box. I eventually learned, as is, only 3 boxes could fit a balikbayan box. And Hestia wanted 5-6 boxes. Oh boy, I figured. Bought only 2, coz I had only 2 hands. Will be back.
Called in for our weekly team meeting at 6 am. Come to think of it, I was the only one who really needed the 6 am call, but since I was in Concord, and Shirley was on Vik's team, there was no need for a 6 am call. So it was eventually moved to 8 am.
Ate breakfast alone, since Junjun was not there anymore. By the time I got down, he was probably in San Ramon already. After eating, I drove off to the office, and missed a turn, so I passed a different route. It was a longer one, with more stops. Good thing it was an opposite route on Diamond boulevard, so there was a side road and entrance I could turn to and enter at.
Was really sleepy in the morning, so I passed on lunch and just slept in the room. That was refreshing. And thankfully Paul stepped out for lunch, or he'd have to deal with an hour's worth of loud snoring. Hehehe!
Got home in time for social hour and had some snacks and a few drinks with Junjun. Monna came by to pick us up. We accompanied her to Ross so she could buy some luggage. Her’s gave up on her, so it was time to retire it.
Bought some cheapo lotion at Ross. It smelled ok, but didn’t help that much, coz I could still write ‘DRY’ on my arms and legs. Tsk tsk! I'll just take it home and make it someone's pasalubong. Hehehe!
Hestia sent a list for Michael’s arts and crafts, so Junjun and I started walking to Michael's from Ross, coz Monna left us already as she had to drive back to San Ramon and pack for she was leaving for Manila with Dave the next night.
At Michael's, not being the creative guys, we did take some time finding what was on the list. Needed help from the friendly in-store ladies, which we got. It's good to know they know everything they're selling, which should be the case for retail establishments.
Getting the punchers, we walked over to Bed Bath and Beyond for Hestia’s slimline hangers. Joseph talked to me about them, but then said Costco wasn’t selling them as often as before, so they were still waiting for the next sale.
These hangers were pretty bulky if you load them in their as-is box. I eventually learned, as is, only 3 boxes could fit a balikbayan box. And Hestia wanted 5-6 boxes. Oh boy, I figured. Bought only 2, coz I had only 2 hands. Will be back.
LSsS: Little Wonders and Home (Part 2)
When this song first came out, I thought it would be something that Hestia could dedicate to me. She was abroad often then, and I felt she did want to come home and be with me for good (hey, no joke, she did say that once upon a time) or at least hoped we could be together, even if elsewhere.
I'm staring out into the night,
Trying to hide the pain.
I'm going to the place where love
And feeling good don't ever cost a thing.
And the pain you feel's a different kind of pain.
Well I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old,
So I'm going home.
Well I'm going home.
The miles are getting longer, it seems,
The closer I get to you.
I've not always been the best man or friend for you.
But your love, it makes true.
And I don't know why.
You always seem to give me another try.
So I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old,
Be careful what you wish for,
'Cause you just might get it all.
You just might get it all,
And then some you don't want.
Be careful what you wish for,
'Cause you just might get it all.
You just might get it all, yeah.
Oh, well I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old.
I said these places and these faces are getting old,
So I'm going home.
I'm going home.
They say Chris Daughtry wrote this for his wife. His stint on AI pulled him away from his home town to get to Hollywood and lead a career as a recording artist.
I used to think it could also work for Hestia, since she's a victim of her success professionally. And despite her efforts to want to be stationed locally so she could be at home and within easy reach of Annika, many people see her as someone else, or someone wanting something else.
As for me, this hit me the most:
I've not always been the best man or friend for you.
But your love, it makes true.
And I don't know why.
You always seem to give me another try.
Hestia, I haven't been the perfect husband for you and the perfect father for Annika. But I thank you deeply for always having the love, keeping the faith and for always giving me another try. How many tries it will take, I don't know, but I sure hope to have learned something from each one.
Didn't think you'd cry when I left last week. But I'm pleasantly surprised you did.
I love you very much.
I'm staring out into the night,
Trying to hide the pain.
I'm going to the place where love
And feeling good don't ever cost a thing.
And the pain you feel's a different kind of pain.
Well I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old,
So I'm going home.
Well I'm going home.
The miles are getting longer, it seems,
The closer I get to you.
I've not always been the best man or friend for you.
But your love, it makes true.
And I don't know why.
You always seem to give me another try.
So I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old,
Be careful what you wish for,
'Cause you just might get it all.
You just might get it all,
And then some you don't want.
Be careful what you wish for,
'Cause you just might get it all.
You just might get it all, yeah.
Oh, well I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old.
I said these places and these faces are getting old,
So I'm going home.
I'm going home.
They say Chris Daughtry wrote this for his wife. His stint on AI pulled him away from his home town to get to Hollywood and lead a career as a recording artist.
I used to think it could also work for Hestia, since she's a victim of her success professionally. And despite her efforts to want to be stationed locally so she could be at home and within easy reach of Annika, many people see her as someone else, or someone wanting something else.
As for me, this hit me the most:
I've not always been the best man or friend for you.
But your love, it makes true.
And I don't know why.
You always seem to give me another try.
Hestia, I haven't been the perfect husband for you and the perfect father for Annika. But I thank you deeply for always having the love, keeping the faith and for always giving me another try. How many tries it will take, I don't know, but I sure hope to have learned something from each one.
Didn't think you'd cry when I left last week. But I'm pleasantly surprised you did.
I love you very much.
LSsS: Little Wonders and Home
Yesterday, February 3, was another headphones and music day, at least in the morning.
And so, yet again, I stumbled upon some older songs in my Music Library, and checked their lyrics. Tear-jerking, to me at least, again.
let it go
let it roll right off your shoulder
don't you know
the hardest part is over
let it in,
let your clarity define you
in the end
we will only just remember how it feels
our lives are made
in these small hours
these little wonders,
these twists & turns of fate
time falls away,
but these small hours,
these small hours still remain
let it slide,
let your troubles fall behind you
let it shine
until you feel it all around you
and i don't mind
if it's me you need to turn to
we'll get by,
it's the heart that really matters in the end
our lives are made
in these small hours
these little wonders,
these twists & turns of fate
time falls away,
but these small hours,
these small hours still remain
all of my regret
will wash away some how
but i can not forget
the way i feel right now
in these small hours
these little wonders
these twists & turns of fate
time falls away
but these small hours
these small hours, still remain...
Little Wonders reminds me of when Hestia was pregnant with Annika. She was at home, not feeling well. When I got home, I caught the middle to last part of the movie, hence my many questions on who was who and what was what, and then the song played. And I was moved. Almost to tears.
So we watched it again, me more intently. Everytime that song plays, I'm reminded of dear Annika (Baci at the time while in Hestia's tummy). She's our Little Wonder.
And while I'm away and looking at the many pictures I've taken of her since birth and as she grew up, I'm made to recall and cherish those little moments behind those pictures. Those little things that make you want to fly back home in a heartbeat and just hug her.
Soon, they'll be Little Wonders.
And so, yet again, I stumbled upon some older songs in my Music Library, and checked their lyrics. Tear-jerking, to me at least, again.
let it go
let it roll right off your shoulder
don't you know
the hardest part is over
let it in,
let your clarity define you
in the end
we will only just remember how it feels
our lives are made
in these small hours
these little wonders,
these twists & turns of fate
time falls away,
but these small hours,
these small hours still remain
let it slide,
let your troubles fall behind you
let it shine
until you feel it all around you
and i don't mind
if it's me you need to turn to
we'll get by,
it's the heart that really matters in the end
our lives are made
in these small hours
these little wonders,
these twists & turns of fate
time falls away,
but these small hours,
these small hours still remain
all of my regret
will wash away some how
but i can not forget
the way i feel right now
in these small hours
these little wonders
these twists & turns of fate
time falls away
but these small hours
these small hours, still remain...
Little Wonders reminds me of when Hestia was pregnant with Annika. She was at home, not feeling well. When I got home, I caught the middle to last part of the movie, hence my many questions on who was who and what was what, and then the song played. And I was moved. Almost to tears.
So we watched it again, me more intently. Everytime that song plays, I'm reminded of dear Annika (Baci at the time while in Hestia's tummy). She's our Little Wonder.
And while I'm away and looking at the many pictures I've taken of her since birth and as she grew up, I'm made to recall and cherish those little moments behind those pictures. Those little things that make you want to fly back home in a heartbeat and just hug her.
Soon, they'll be Little Wonders.
The Work Week Begins: Day 1, Jan 24.
I’m not sure if I can keep up this daily blog routine coz it’s already Friday, February 4, and I’m trying to recall stuff from memory. Anyhow I’ll see what I can do.
Just like many folks who fly from East to West, I was jetlagged. I recall my last trip in 2006, in which I took the same PAL flight back in time, I had little time to feel the jetlag – coz Hestia and I immediately flew to Orlando, and so my otherwise screwed up body clock just got confused all the more… but for the better, coz Orlando was about 12-13 hours behind Manila, and that was just a half day to deal with. Plus, we hit the theme parks so literally, with the adrenaline rush and excitement, no time to be tired. (Almost 5 years of youth had an advantage over the currently older me. Hehehe!)
Anyhow, back to the jetlag. I woke up at 130, 330, 430 and, mercifully 530 am. I guess the jetlag and the first day at work meeting everyone for the first time jitters were eating at me. We all have our first days. Hehehe!
After dressing up, had breakfast with Junjun. He was giving me some of his insights on the trip and the office and the hotel. Some of them I could not relate to… yet. Breakfast was typical Western style food. Not much, compared to 5 star hotel breakfasts, but hey, this was good enough plus it was free. Per diem still intact. Hehehe! Just reminded me of high school though, “Clean As You Go.”
Couldn’t wait for the 835 am shuttle, so I got on a cab and went to the Sun Valley Mall at 8 am. Spent about $10 for a 35 minute headstart. I stopped converting to our local currency on some things, coz what’s the use, right?
Shopping was not on the agenda at 800 am. It was Avis car rental that was. I was getting my rental so that I could leave the office when I needed to and not be tied down by the shuttle, which transports some of my Filipino colleagues to and from the hotel. I didn’t know what the working hours were, and how late I’d have to work. Plus I’m confident my little buddy named Garmin would get me places safely.
I was hoping for something nice. Sonata-ish. Sure the Sonata is not in the compact car level, but hey, from stories I’ve heard from colleagues who’ve worked in California, it’s the luck of the draw – SUVs, mid-size cars, sports cars, and that’s for the same compact rate.
Anyhow, ended up getting a VW Jetta. Despite my one-liner comment trying to get the blue Sonata beside it, I didn’t. The lady at the desk said that I was lucky with the Jetta already. Really? I said to myself. Oh well, let’s get it on!
Did a walk around first, then got inside. (Well, adjusted the seats first coz it was too cramped, before I got inside.) Got the GPS up and running first, then familiarized myself with the basic stuff before pulling out of the slot. As I drove it, I realized that it was pretty potent. You just need to get on the gas for the revs to rise, and that’s where you’ll feel the kick. No instantaneous turbo diesel power. Reminds me of the Camry’s power delivery with the Altis’s ride and handling, coz it can take curves pretty well. Anyhow, much of this observation did not happen on the way to work. Hehehe!
I have no pictures of the Jetta though. And I’ll explain why, eventually.
Now off to work. GPS gets me on Diamond blvd. But apparently, it’s only as smart as you plot it out to be. I plotted the corner of the property (at least the one that’s mentioned in the official address), and not the entrance, so I drove past the entrance. In my fear of a sudden stop causing an accident, I drove by and just looked for a side entrance somewhere. No such thing at the other end of the building, so I made a U-turn at a side street.
Called my boss to ask where I was supposed to be parking, and then going when I got to the building. The Smart badge is much smarter here than back home. There, for a visitor, you’d need to get additional access rights to get in to any floor. Here, as I learned from the security guard on duty, just tap it and go on your way. Nice.
I head off to my boss’s office, we shake hands, exchange some pleasantries, and he introduces me to the guys (and gals) on the floor. And I meet my business analyst, a chatty Irish man, in whose office I will be and am spending my office hours while here. I just love the way people from the UK talk about and describe things. The American description would already help you identify what it is he's talking to you about, but the UK description just makes it extra flowery with the wit and sarcasm. Perfect, my kind of talk. That’s why I like 5th Gear, and Top Gear, and why talking to Paul was very interesting. Sure it was about work mostly, but he’s a character, so it’s not business-like all the time. If he were Filipino, he’d be a prayle. (Note to self: Gotta research for an Irish friar I can nickname him after.)
Work was work. And it still is today. Went out for lunch with some very accommodating teammates -- 2 New Yorkers, but who're probably more West coast based by their insights, and Paul. They were all from the business, hence I did not know the people they were talking about, but I was sure these guys (talking, and who they were talking about) were a helluva lot of times above my pay scale grade. But no matter, they were fun to talk to, and they kept me in the conversation.
Got home about 10 minutes past the social hour (and a half, actually, coz it was from 530 to 7) so no more free food and drinks for me. Tsk tsk! Wasn’t that famished to go out and check on food options, so I went to my room and became Tony Stark. Hehehe! Happy that I didn’t burn anything or cause irreparable damage. Happier when Junjun gave me a comment, a day or two after, that I did a good job being...
the Iron Man.
Just like many folks who fly from East to West, I was jetlagged. I recall my last trip in 2006, in which I took the same PAL flight back in time, I had little time to feel the jetlag – coz Hestia and I immediately flew to Orlando, and so my otherwise screwed up body clock just got confused all the more… but for the better, coz Orlando was about 12-13 hours behind Manila, and that was just a half day to deal with. Plus, we hit the theme parks so literally, with the adrenaline rush and excitement, no time to be tired. (Almost 5 years of youth had an advantage over the currently older me. Hehehe!)
Anyhow, back to the jetlag. I woke up at 130, 330, 430 and, mercifully 530 am. I guess the jetlag and the first day at work meeting everyone for the first time jitters were eating at me. We all have our first days. Hehehe!
After dressing up, had breakfast with Junjun. He was giving me some of his insights on the trip and the office and the hotel. Some of them I could not relate to… yet. Breakfast was typical Western style food. Not much, compared to 5 star hotel breakfasts, but hey, this was good enough plus it was free. Per diem still intact. Hehehe! Just reminded me of high school though, “Clean As You Go.”
Couldn’t wait for the 835 am shuttle, so I got on a cab and went to the Sun Valley Mall at 8 am. Spent about $10 for a 35 minute headstart. I stopped converting to our local currency on some things, coz what’s the use, right?
Shopping was not on the agenda at 800 am. It was Avis car rental that was. I was getting my rental so that I could leave the office when I needed to and not be tied down by the shuttle, which transports some of my Filipino colleagues to and from the hotel. I didn’t know what the working hours were, and how late I’d have to work. Plus I’m confident my little buddy named Garmin would get me places safely.
I was hoping for something nice. Sonata-ish. Sure the Sonata is not in the compact car level, but hey, from stories I’ve heard from colleagues who’ve worked in California, it’s the luck of the draw – SUVs, mid-size cars, sports cars, and that’s for the same compact rate.
Anyhow, ended up getting a VW Jetta. Despite my one-liner comment trying to get the blue Sonata beside it, I didn’t. The lady at the desk said that I was lucky with the Jetta already. Really? I said to myself. Oh well, let’s get it on!
Did a walk around first, then got inside. (Well, adjusted the seats first coz it was too cramped, before I got inside.) Got the GPS up and running first, then familiarized myself with the basic stuff before pulling out of the slot. As I drove it, I realized that it was pretty potent. You just need to get on the gas for the revs to rise, and that’s where you’ll feel the kick. No instantaneous turbo diesel power. Reminds me of the Camry’s power delivery with the Altis’s ride and handling, coz it can take curves pretty well. Anyhow, much of this observation did not happen on the way to work. Hehehe!
I have no pictures of the Jetta though. And I’ll explain why, eventually.
Now off to work. GPS gets me on Diamond blvd. But apparently, it’s only as smart as you plot it out to be. I plotted the corner of the property (at least the one that’s mentioned in the official address), and not the entrance, so I drove past the entrance. In my fear of a sudden stop causing an accident, I drove by and just looked for a side entrance somewhere. No such thing at the other end of the building, so I made a U-turn at a side street.
Called my boss to ask where I was supposed to be parking, and then going when I got to the building. The Smart badge is much smarter here than back home. There, for a visitor, you’d need to get additional access rights to get in to any floor. Here, as I learned from the security guard on duty, just tap it and go on your way. Nice.
I head off to my boss’s office, we shake hands, exchange some pleasantries, and he introduces me to the guys (and gals) on the floor. And I meet my business analyst, a chatty Irish man, in whose office I will be and am spending my office hours while here. I just love the way people from the UK talk about and describe things. The American description would already help you identify what it is he's talking to you about, but the UK description just makes it extra flowery with the wit and sarcasm. Perfect, my kind of talk. That’s why I like 5th Gear, and Top Gear, and why talking to Paul was very interesting. Sure it was about work mostly, but he’s a character, so it’s not business-like all the time. If he were Filipino, he’d be a prayle. (Note to self: Gotta research for an Irish friar I can nickname him after.)
Work was work. And it still is today. Went out for lunch with some very accommodating teammates -- 2 New Yorkers, but who're probably more West coast based by their insights, and Paul. They were all from the business, hence I did not know the people they were talking about, but I was sure these guys (talking, and who they were talking about) were a helluva lot of times above my pay scale grade. But no matter, they were fun to talk to, and they kept me in the conversation.
Got home about 10 minutes past the social hour (and a half, actually, coz it was from 530 to 7) so no more free food and drinks for me. Tsk tsk! Wasn’t that famished to go out and check on food options, so I went to my room and became Tony Stark. Hehehe! Happy that I didn’t burn anything or cause irreparable damage. Happier when Junjun gave me a comment, a day or two after, that I did a good job being...
the Iron Man.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
LSS: I Just Love You
Was at my desk working. It was too quiet, so I decided to plug in my portable hard drive and headphones. One song that I'd been listening to long ago started playing. Timing was so right, and so were the lyrics. Read on...
Lonely, yeah that's the word
I leave my heart when I leave her
The days go on forever and the nights do too
One evening out on the road
A half a world away from home
I thought she was sleeping
When the call came through
I said, Darling, it's late, is everything ok
Silence took over the room
Til she said
I... I just Love You
I Don't Know Why, I Just Do
When are you coming home
I'm coming home soon
And I just love you too
Lonely lets me be
For a while she sets me free
I close my eyes and I dream of her
She's lost in my arms
Her head on my heart
And softly she whispers the words
I...I just Love You
I Don't Know Why, I Just Do
When are you coming home
I'm coming home soon
And I just love you too
I'll never stop being amazed
How my 4-year old girl knows exactly what to say
I, I just Love You
I Don't Know Why, I Just Do
When are you coming home
I'm coming home soon
Cause I just love you too.
Vladimir John Ondrasik. Thanks for the song. It's pretty interesting.
Yeah, sure, it's your typical mushy alternative love song at the beginning. You'd think it was the wife or girlfriend calling. That's already a very sweet gesture coming from your better half that makes you want to go "awww...." I'm touched that she called.
But hey, it's more touching, no, tear jerking, finding out it's your daughter calling you just to say she loves you.
I miss my girls. And this song is perfect.
Dedicated to Mommy Hestia and Annika and Sachi.
Lonely, yeah that's the word
I leave my heart when I leave her
The days go on forever and the nights do too
One evening out on the road
A half a world away from home
I thought she was sleeping
When the call came through
I said, Darling, it's late, is everything ok
Silence took over the room
Til she said
I... I just Love You
I Don't Know Why, I Just Do
When are you coming home
I'm coming home soon
And I just love you too
Lonely lets me be
For a while she sets me free
I close my eyes and I dream of her
She's lost in my arms
Her head on my heart
And softly she whispers the words
I...I just Love You
I Don't Know Why, I Just Do
When are you coming home
I'm coming home soon
And I just love you too
I'll never stop being amazed
How my 4-year old girl knows exactly what to say
I, I just Love You
I Don't Know Why, I Just Do
When are you coming home
I'm coming home soon
Cause I just love you too.
Vladimir John Ondrasik. Thanks for the song. It's pretty interesting.
Yeah, sure, it's your typical mushy alternative love song at the beginning. You'd think it was the wife or girlfriend calling. That's already a very sweet gesture coming from your better half that makes you want to go "awww...." I'm touched that she called.
But hey, it's more touching, no, tear jerking, finding out it's your daughter calling you just to say she loves you.
I miss my girls. And this song is perfect.
Dedicated to Mommy Hestia and Annika and Sachi.
Back in the States - January 23, 2011
Buoyed by a wonderful 2nd birthday party for Annika, and joint celebration for all January celebrants (Yin, Kris, TG, Tita Lu, Lola, Annika and Pong, and Hestia and myself), I took off to my new challenge... a business trip to the US for a project. If my team lead in the US had his way, I would have been there a week before, but due to the family celebration earlier today and with his consideration, I was able to postpone the trip.
Dad brought me to the airport for my 10:30 flight. PAL would probably not be the top choice on many people’s lists, especially if there were a Cathy Pacific option, but it works well with me. Sure I don’t get those flat reclining seats with separate cubicles in Business Class, but hey, I get to leave later in the day – allowing me to spend more time with Annika and Hestia, – do not need to catch a connecting flight since the one I had was direct, and get to fly back in time – literally – as the 12 hour flight (11 hours in this case, thanks to the tailwind) allows me to arrive at my destination 4 ½ hours before I take off. Did this back in 2006, and it saved me a lot of time which allowed me to do more stuff.
…Stuff like allowing me to unpack everything in my two, trolley-type, 4 wheel luggage, call home to say hello, and sign off before midnight. Downside was I was up early, but that’s for later. Back to the flight…
Check-in was quick, as Business class had counters separate from Economy. This wasn't in place in 2008, when I travelled abroad last, so it was a pleasant surprise. Apparently twice the price may have twice the perks. And this perks count started at the check-in counter. Nice. Another nice thing, was that my portable hook-type weighing scale was apparently overstated by about 10 lbs. So my 60+ lbs and 50+ lbs luggage were actually only 50+ and 40+. Nice again! But before I could step away from the counter, the ground crew asked to weight my hand-carried trolley. And it came up to about 30 lbs. Damn! I thought he’d have it checked-in, too. Luck came in to help me, as I got away with the excuse that half the weight was due to the laptop and camera, and even offered to show him what was inside the bag.
He declined, and I was off to the Terminal Fee payment counter and Immigration area. Tsk! Tsk! Now that was a long line. I don’t know what was the cause of delay. There were a few counters open. I guess there was just too big a number of passengers at that time. Oh well.
Eventually got past that area and into the 2nd body check and x-ray area, and off to the Mabuhay lounge. It was a Coors light for me and some sushi. Surfed a little bit, before I decided to beat the boarding announcement. Headed to the gate and found out it rained. A blessing, I hoped. Got to the gate and fell in line for another security check. Thought they’d question the bag’s weight again. Whew! No such thing. Waited for about 10 minutes, and was happy to hear the boarding announcement. Business class was to board now. ‘Yes!’ I thought to myself. Can finally get some Z’s as I typically get sleepy at take off.
Once inside the aircraft, I loaded my bag into the overhead cabinet slightly in front of our row. Helped the lady beside me with her trolley. Turned out, only 1 trolley could fit the overhead cabinet. Was careful not to show signs of a hard time lifting my bag, lest they take it and shove it in with the rest of the checked baggage. Hehehe!
Flight was smooth in general, with some minor turbulence. I guess I was too excited and tense for my entire trip, so I didn’t fall asleep when the plane took off. As I was about to finally doze off though, the purser gets on the mic and announces we’re having dinner. Oh well, at least it was good news. Hehehe!
I don’t know how it is with other airlines, but PAL Business Class seems to have improved from the last time (count em, 4 years) I took it to the US to visit Hestia. You get the usual welcome drink (a mango smoothie for me, yummy!), the usual refreshing face towel, but now before dinner, you get another drink, an appetizer, and then the main course. Cool! Had I been travelling with one of the padres, I probably would’ve gone alcoholic all the way, but since I was beside someone I didn’t know – a very formal and proper looking Filipino lady perhaps my Mom’s age – I did not want to destroy the reputation of us 30 plus year olds. So it was mostly just fruit juices and water for me. Hehehe!
Had 2 movies that fancied me on the small screen. And these started playing while dinner – got the sea bass, by the way – was about to be served. Since I missed the first 3 minutes of ‘Megamind’s’ opening monologue, I watched ‘The Expendables’. What can I say? For me, it’s more funny than action packed. But at least it was a light movie, save for when Sly Stallone gets dramatic and stuff. Fell asleep after that. And now I was beginning to miss the Cathay Pacific chairs I’ve heard so much about. Well, at least the PAL chairs were electronically controlled now. No more pushing and exerting too much effort to get them to recline. Way to go, Chairman.
Got a few winks in, thankfully. Until I woke up, I never felt the cold. I guess I was just adjusting, or perhaps we were getting within cooler areas. Eventually used the blanket as my jacket was in my bag, plus it gets in the way of the next agenda… breakfast!
I honestly can’t remember what I had though. I know it was fish, but what fish exactly? I guess it was that forgettable. Hehehe! Got to squeeze in some ‘Megamind’. Started at the part when he was talking to Metro Man’s statue after he dies. Hahaha! Liked that movie more than the first one I watched on the flight. Hehehe! The sarcasm and wit. Very nice….
Filled out my form and prepared for landing. Got to chat up my neighbor a bit, as she started it with a small comment about what we could see outside. Ah… the lights of the “City by the Bay.” I don’t know why it enchants me to much. I suppose the combination of the setting sun beginning to hide into the mountains, and then fog creeping in, with just enough lights for you to see the divide between land and sea.
Back in 2006, I could sing “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” as I flew out. Hestia was there. This time, the romantic setting is just that… a romantic setting. And the romantic atmosphere, or the suggestion of it, is just that, a suggestion. “I Left My Heart in Pacific Place,” is more like it.
Anyhow, when the plane lands, I help get the lady’s bag from the overhead cabinet, and then get mine. I slap on my jacket, bracing for some biting cold. But as I exit the airplane tunnel, there is no biting cold, but just a cool, cool breeze. I was beginning to regret bringing my jackets.
My first stop outside the plane… the men’s room. Ah yes, it just smelled like the USA. Funny how a place of piss and poop can smell so differently in the USA. But hey, it does. Must be the detergents and disinfectants. Or perhaps the fact that there are full strength detergents and disinfectants being used on a regular basis.
I clear immigration, and get a cart for my baggage from a friendly airport ground crew. Nice to see a wide smile and hear an emphatic greeting after a long trip. Couldn’t expect that from the Immigration guys. Of course not.
As I get to the carousel, I’m met with a wall of 2-3 people deep at most sides, all waiting for their luggage to come out. I break my Lola’s rule of not leaving a bag unguarded. Sorry Lola, I’m alone on this trip. But had an eye on it for the most part. Plus everything was tucked away safely inside.
My 2 trolleys come out almost at the same time. Since there were just too many people, I couldn’t pull both out in one go, lest I throw at least 4 people off of their positions. Which is what I wanted to do at some point, since “Excuse me” wasn’t working anymore. Thankfully, their vision wasn’t as bad as their hearing, so they avoided meeting Mr. Elbow.
I had nothing to declare, as per the Customs form, so as I was surrendering said form to the officer of Chinese descent, he asks me, “Do you have chicharon?” I had to ask him again to be sure I heard it right. I ended up saying no. It’s a good thing he didn’t ask about dried mangoes. Hehehe! As I had a number of packs, for my team, inside. On my way out I passed the “random” inspection area, and saw that a lot of folks with Indian or Middle Eastern descent were being subject to full luggage inspection. “Random” indeed.
As I wheel my luggage out to the arrival lobby, I’m met by a Caucasian guy in a black suit with the name “John”. Pretty “generic”, American guy description. I have arrived in the USA indeed. Coz, with due respect to them, the guys at Immigration and Customs were of Asian descent, and save for their American accents, though Mr. Chicharon had a Chinese accent, I could’ve sworn I was in Hong Kong Airport. Diversity, it is.
Going back to John, he takes my cart and pushes it for me. We go for a long walk from the terminal to the parking lot. I’m in comfy crocs loafers, wearing my jacket and carrying nothing, and he’s in his formal black suit, leather shoes, pushing a cart with over 100 lbs of luggage, and he’s leaving me behind. Iba na ang malaki. At ang nag-e-exercise. Hehehe!
Yes, Black Tie Limo Company uses a black Lincoln Town Car, with stock chrome wheels (ugh! would've looked better without the chrome, or much bigger if with the chrome) to pick me up. Get up is complete for John and his company. The huge trunk swallows my 2 trolleys, and I sit in the back - which is a rarity for me - pulling out my camera, then realizing the futility of taking moving night shots, so I just enjoy the view, and try to recall where we passed 4 years before.
My trusty GPS finally found its signal, and thankfully the installed map is still accurate, so I was able to track where we were passing. This gave me some confidence to get my own rental and start driving again. But that’s tomorrow’s story.
This one ends at the hotel. We arrive at Summerfield, which reminds me of a nicer and classier Doubletree, but still a low-rise (4 floor) building. I step out of the car, and motion to wear my jacket. I think twice, as it’s not that cold. But anyway, sayang naman. Gamitin na nga. We knock but no one answers. Then we wait for about 10 minutes before someone appears. Apparently the night shift is very lean, so when he goes out to help someone, no one gets left behind at the desk. Oh well. It’s not Grand Cypress anyways. But it’s a Hyatt.
Which is why, after having checked me in, gotten me a trolley for my luggage and given me my key, he says good night, and reminds me to just leave the trolley outside my door when I’m done with it. Oh! Self-service eh? No prob. Not the 5-star Hyatt, but definitely a far cry from Ramada.
Night 1 ends after I make my phone calls to the house, and prep my gear for Day 1 at the office. Twas a long and memorable day, that January 23….
Dad brought me to the airport for my 10:30 flight. PAL would probably not be the top choice on many people’s lists, especially if there were a Cathy Pacific option, but it works well with me. Sure I don’t get those flat reclining seats with separate cubicles in Business Class, but hey, I get to leave later in the day – allowing me to spend more time with Annika and Hestia, – do not need to catch a connecting flight since the one I had was direct, and get to fly back in time – literally – as the 12 hour flight (11 hours in this case, thanks to the tailwind) allows me to arrive at my destination 4 ½ hours before I take off. Did this back in 2006, and it saved me a lot of time which allowed me to do more stuff.
…Stuff like allowing me to unpack everything in my two, trolley-type, 4 wheel luggage, call home to say hello, and sign off before midnight. Downside was I was up early, but that’s for later. Back to the flight…
Check-in was quick, as Business class had counters separate from Economy. This wasn't in place in 2008, when I travelled abroad last, so it was a pleasant surprise. Apparently twice the price may have twice the perks. And this perks count started at the check-in counter. Nice. Another nice thing, was that my portable hook-type weighing scale was apparently overstated by about 10 lbs. So my 60+ lbs and 50+ lbs luggage were actually only 50+ and 40+. Nice again! But before I could step away from the counter, the ground crew asked to weight my hand-carried trolley. And it came up to about 30 lbs. Damn! I thought he’d have it checked-in, too. Luck came in to help me, as I got away with the excuse that half the weight was due to the laptop and camera, and even offered to show him what was inside the bag.
He declined, and I was off to the Terminal Fee payment counter and Immigration area. Tsk! Tsk! Now that was a long line. I don’t know what was the cause of delay. There were a few counters open. I guess there was just too big a number of passengers at that time. Oh well.
Eventually got past that area and into the 2nd body check and x-ray area, and off to the Mabuhay lounge. It was a Coors light for me and some sushi. Surfed a little bit, before I decided to beat the boarding announcement. Headed to the gate and found out it rained. A blessing, I hoped. Got to the gate and fell in line for another security check. Thought they’d question the bag’s weight again. Whew! No such thing. Waited for about 10 minutes, and was happy to hear the boarding announcement. Business class was to board now. ‘Yes!’ I thought to myself. Can finally get some Z’s as I typically get sleepy at take off.
Once inside the aircraft, I loaded my bag into the overhead cabinet slightly in front of our row. Helped the lady beside me with her trolley. Turned out, only 1 trolley could fit the overhead cabinet. Was careful not to show signs of a hard time lifting my bag, lest they take it and shove it in with the rest of the checked baggage. Hehehe!
Flight was smooth in general, with some minor turbulence. I guess I was too excited and tense for my entire trip, so I didn’t fall asleep when the plane took off. As I was about to finally doze off though, the purser gets on the mic and announces we’re having dinner. Oh well, at least it was good news. Hehehe!
I don’t know how it is with other airlines, but PAL Business Class seems to have improved from the last time (count em, 4 years) I took it to the US to visit Hestia. You get the usual welcome drink (a mango smoothie for me, yummy!), the usual refreshing face towel, but now before dinner, you get another drink, an appetizer, and then the main course. Cool! Had I been travelling with one of the padres, I probably would’ve gone alcoholic all the way, but since I was beside someone I didn’t know – a very formal and proper looking Filipino lady perhaps my Mom’s age – I did not want to destroy the reputation of us 30 plus year olds. So it was mostly just fruit juices and water for me. Hehehe!
Had 2 movies that fancied me on the small screen. And these started playing while dinner – got the sea bass, by the way – was about to be served. Since I missed the first 3 minutes of ‘Megamind’s’ opening monologue, I watched ‘The Expendables’. What can I say? For me, it’s more funny than action packed. But at least it was a light movie, save for when Sly Stallone gets dramatic and stuff. Fell asleep after that. And now I was beginning to miss the Cathay Pacific chairs I’ve heard so much about. Well, at least the PAL chairs were electronically controlled now. No more pushing and exerting too much effort to get them to recline. Way to go, Chairman.
Got a few winks in, thankfully. Until I woke up, I never felt the cold. I guess I was just adjusting, or perhaps we were getting within cooler areas. Eventually used the blanket as my jacket was in my bag, plus it gets in the way of the next agenda… breakfast!
I honestly can’t remember what I had though. I know it was fish, but what fish exactly? I guess it was that forgettable. Hehehe! Got to squeeze in some ‘Megamind’. Started at the part when he was talking to Metro Man’s statue after he dies. Hahaha! Liked that movie more than the first one I watched on the flight. Hehehe! The sarcasm and wit. Very nice….
Filled out my form and prepared for landing. Got to chat up my neighbor a bit, as she started it with a small comment about what we could see outside. Ah… the lights of the “City by the Bay.” I don’t know why it enchants me to much. I suppose the combination of the setting sun beginning to hide into the mountains, and then fog creeping in, with just enough lights for you to see the divide between land and sea.
Back in 2006, I could sing “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” as I flew out. Hestia was there. This time, the romantic setting is just that… a romantic setting. And the romantic atmosphere, or the suggestion of it, is just that, a suggestion. “I Left My Heart in Pacific Place,” is more like it.
Anyhow, when the plane lands, I help get the lady’s bag from the overhead cabinet, and then get mine. I slap on my jacket, bracing for some biting cold. But as I exit the airplane tunnel, there is no biting cold, but just a cool, cool breeze. I was beginning to regret bringing my jackets.
My first stop outside the plane… the men’s room. Ah yes, it just smelled like the USA. Funny how a place of piss and poop can smell so differently in the USA. But hey, it does. Must be the detergents and disinfectants. Or perhaps the fact that there are full strength detergents and disinfectants being used on a regular basis.
I clear immigration, and get a cart for my baggage from a friendly airport ground crew. Nice to see a wide smile and hear an emphatic greeting after a long trip. Couldn’t expect that from the Immigration guys. Of course not.
As I get to the carousel, I’m met with a wall of 2-3 people deep at most sides, all waiting for their luggage to come out. I break my Lola’s rule of not leaving a bag unguarded. Sorry Lola, I’m alone on this trip. But had an eye on it for the most part. Plus everything was tucked away safely inside.
My 2 trolleys come out almost at the same time. Since there were just too many people, I couldn’t pull both out in one go, lest I throw at least 4 people off of their positions. Which is what I wanted to do at some point, since “Excuse me” wasn’t working anymore. Thankfully, their vision wasn’t as bad as their hearing, so they avoided meeting Mr. Elbow.
I had nothing to declare, as per the Customs form, so as I was surrendering said form to the officer of Chinese descent, he asks me, “Do you have chicharon?” I had to ask him again to be sure I heard it right. I ended up saying no. It’s a good thing he didn’t ask about dried mangoes. Hehehe! As I had a number of packs, for my team, inside. On my way out I passed the “random” inspection area, and saw that a lot of folks with Indian or Middle Eastern descent were being subject to full luggage inspection. “Random” indeed.
As I wheel my luggage out to the arrival lobby, I’m met by a Caucasian guy in a black suit with the name “John”. Pretty “generic”, American guy description. I have arrived in the USA indeed. Coz, with due respect to them, the guys at Immigration and Customs were of Asian descent, and save for their American accents, though Mr. Chicharon had a Chinese accent, I could’ve sworn I was in Hong Kong Airport. Diversity, it is.
Going back to John, he takes my cart and pushes it for me. We go for a long walk from the terminal to the parking lot. I’m in comfy crocs loafers, wearing my jacket and carrying nothing, and he’s in his formal black suit, leather shoes, pushing a cart with over 100 lbs of luggage, and he’s leaving me behind. Iba na ang malaki. At ang nag-e-exercise. Hehehe!
Yes, Black Tie Limo Company uses a black Lincoln Town Car, with stock chrome wheels (ugh! would've looked better without the chrome, or much bigger if with the chrome) to pick me up. Get up is complete for John and his company. The huge trunk swallows my 2 trolleys, and I sit in the back - which is a rarity for me - pulling out my camera, then realizing the futility of taking moving night shots, so I just enjoy the view, and try to recall where we passed 4 years before.
My trusty GPS finally found its signal, and thankfully the installed map is still accurate, so I was able to track where we were passing. This gave me some confidence to get my own rental and start driving again. But that’s tomorrow’s story.
This one ends at the hotel. We arrive at Summerfield, which reminds me of a nicer and classier Doubletree, but still a low-rise (4 floor) building. I step out of the car, and motion to wear my jacket. I think twice, as it’s not that cold. But anyway, sayang naman. Gamitin na nga. We knock but no one answers. Then we wait for about 10 minutes before someone appears. Apparently the night shift is very lean, so when he goes out to help someone, no one gets left behind at the desk. Oh well. It’s not Grand Cypress anyways. But it’s a Hyatt.
Which is why, after having checked me in, gotten me a trolley for my luggage and given me my key, he says good night, and reminds me to just leave the trolley outside my door when I’m done with it. Oh! Self-service eh? No prob. Not the 5-star Hyatt, but definitely a far cry from Ramada.
Night 1 ends after I make my phone calls to the house, and prep my gear for Day 1 at the office. Twas a long and memorable day, that January 23….
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