Unloading Some Heavy Loads

Ugh! I just woke up! its sunday 12:48noon. I can't remember the last time I have slept this good. You see, I am a morning person. Actually not! Heheh pano ba! The usual time I woke up is between 7-9AM. I said I am a morning person because hubby is the late to wake up....between 11AM-1PM?

On weekdays wherein we need to go to work for the usual 9-5PM schedule, we would wake up at 8am. On weekends, JJ has to sleep in and his wake up time is 11AM to 1PM. Duh! But I had to work on saturdays and the schedules were wacky. Its either 7AM, 7:30AM, 8AM, or 9AM.

Sunday's were supposed to be my "lazy day". If I had a choice I would want to wake up just like today...very late! But my body clock would wake me up at 9-10AM. And no matter how I would try to close my eyes, hoping to get more sleep, my mind was already wandering. So I end up getting up and spend my time infront of my "square headed boyfriend" while waiting for JJ to wake up.

Oftentimes, I get bored so I do unusuall stuff's like standing up in bed and danced around or do something frecky and funny just to wake him up. Sometimes it works but oftentimes he ended up yelling at me and would only make him frustrated. Ako naman nakunsensya!

I did something stupid in my other job. You remember when we went to San Diego? That saturday, I asked them not to put me in the schedule since I will be out of town. After we got back, I checked for the next saturday's schedule but my name wasn't on it. I was frustrated but at the same time happy that I can stay home. I am no longer happy working in this other job since I sent them a resignation letter back in March and they didn't let me go. Actually the 2 Associate Manager doesn't care, but the General Manager who also hired me asked me to stay and promised to give me the hours that I wanted. Being a nice guy as he is, I couldn't say no. So I stayed.

Lately, this other job pisses me off. Pano, the usuall 8 hrs. a day became 7hrs. Minus a 30 minutes break. And I've been called twice, 15 mins. before I had to be at work to come an hour later for reasons that they are not that busy and there were already too many people working.

After that saturday that they did not put me in the schedule I decided I would do NO CALL plus NO SHOW = NO WORK. In other words, I am provoking them to fire me. So early this week I did not check on my schedule. I also did not ask some of my Pinay friends if they saw my name in the schedule. On the other hand, I was asked by somebody to cover a shiff in my regular job. Its a 9-5 schedule which is perfect. I accepted it.

It was 7:40, the home phone rang. Hmm...I am guessing that they scheduled my in my other job and they were calling to see if I forgot or I was just late. Laking tawa ko. Buti nga! I am not showing up anymore, I better go to my regular job. Man, it was my other job nga, the General Manager left me a message but I am no longer interested to hear it. I've had enough of them.

Then I went to cover a shift of 9-5PM. Isip ko talaga na I would hide at the back kasi baka i-che-check ako ng General Manager. He usually get his groceries here and if he would come, he can always look for me. I knew he would be off by work sometime between 1-3PM.

Shoot! Tama nga ako! Huling-huli! Wahhh!!!! The next time I looked sa harapan, I saw his face, smiling! Kung pwd lang mag disappear sana ginawa ko na. So I went and talked to him. He asked, what happened this morning? Dammit! I was toungue tied. I knew this would happen but I did not prepare myself what to say. Nasabi ko na lang, Sorry...i went to check my sched. last week but my name wasn't there anymore.

He answered, but you were on the schedule today. Then I answered, sorry, I had to cover a shift for somebody here. I know its my fault. I am supposed to call you. Then he said, So are you still with me? I already talked to the other Associate Manager to give you the hours that you wanted. I looked down and told him NO. (Isip ko - Pangako, pangako, lagi naman napapako!) I've had enough. I told him right on his face. I am not happy anymore. I am not getting the hours that I've been wanting. The 8 hrs. became 7 hrs. minus 30 minutes break. Then you'd call me to come an hour later, and then when its slow, you'd send me home after 4 hrs. He back off. He said OK. Don't worry about it. I said sorry again. And that was it, he left.

I was so ashamed, para akong nabuhusan ng malamig na tubig. I went to the back at na hampas2x ko ang kasama ko sa work. Shocked sya sabe, hey calm down. What's going on with you.
I called Lynn and she told me that the General Manager kept asking her about me. I have no problem him, he is super nice thats why I stayed when he asked me to stay before.

Michelle, called me when I got home around 6PM. She told me that 3 people did not show up today. Kasama na ako dun! One was Lolita also a Filipina and one american woman. Plus 2 people quit just this week. Meaning hindi lang ako ang may problema. Laking tawa ko. Behhh buti nga!

Last night, we watched Casino dito lang sa bahay. I've been wanting to watch this long time ago. I saw some parts of this on tv and it looks like a good story starring Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci and Sharon Stone. JJ bought it in Meijer the other night. It was a drama story set in Las Vegas between 1970 to 1980. A story about Ace Rothstein, a genius at gambling. He run the Casino, Tangiers in which the mid-west crime bosses set him up. The problem started when his best-friend since childhood Nicky Santoro was sent in Vegas. He is a mob guard who has a habit of using more brawn than brains to solve a problem. The story end up on killings because of envious and greedy people. A good story about greed of money, drugs, and power and how it changes peoples lives. Sharon Stone played Ginger, Ace's fucked-up wife who is also inloved with a pimp. Actually, she wasn't inlove with Ace's whe he asked her to marry him but he promised to give her everything, money and LOTS of jewelries.

Real good story! I slept passed 2AM while JJ was at the computer room. I woke up feeling great today...ahhh! No more hassles of working in that fucked up place. That mean's more time to spend with my "square headed boyfriend", tv, household chores, my Crosstitching career and to JJ of course!

A Wonderful Gift from a Friend

I am talking about this gift from a friend back in the Philippines. Her name was Vangie. First time I saw her was at the Gym and then nagkasakay kami sa jeepney, then at the tricycle going home. I got curios if she is also from Wellspring? So I asked her and she said she knew me by face, magkapit-bahay pala kami! Mukha daw kasi akong snobbish! heheh

If I am right, her house is 5 house away from my sister's house. She is a Mom who was trying to loose wait from the fats that she gained from pregnancy. After that, we became friends and would always attend the same session/class sa gym. She was really nice...sometimes we would just walk on our way home. Why not, we can always talk anything under the sun. Hindi sya boring kasama. I remember when Durian season came...OMG! We would buy one or two and we don't go home until na ubos sya. Sometimes we eat mango or durian while walking and talking...she is a real nice woman.

Well, the time came when It was about time for me to leave for Ohio. I had her met JJ and she gave me a crosstitched Precious Moments that says:

Lord, Blest the tie that binds - John- Lisa

Lisa that's how she called me. I was so touched and so I brought it along with me. Anyway, I just I had it finally framed at Joanne's and it looks so nice. I loved it! I would surely send her a picture of this to let her know that I valued her gift and that I really appreciate our friendship and she is always in my mind, even the distance and the short time that we were together.

Our Last Day in San Diego

Sunday: July 17, 05

Last night, JJ and I agreed to wake up early morning today so we can enjoy the pool and the jacuzzi. Unfortunately, jacuzzi was closed for water treatment. Dun na lang kami sa pool. JJ kept whining that the water and the wind makes him cold. So I just enjoy myself swimming while he was busy taking pictures. Then we packed our stuff and had an express checked out. Went to the National City for a breakfast at IHOP. He also went to Gamestop nearby while I checked out Seafood City Supermaket. Oh, did I mention that there was a Filipina working at the Giftshop of Marriott? She told me to check out Seafood City. They have goldilocks products and Red Ribbon, kuno!

We'll she's right. Meron nga sila, I was getting crazy looking at Pinoy groceries. Andun na yata lahat. Eto naman si Kano, sunod ng sunod sa akin. I told him to go away and just wait for me when I am done. Sabe ba naman, naw...i have to follow you so u will remember that our luggages are full and that you can't do grocery shopping here. There is no place to put that stuff. As I kept picking up stuff I can see him looking at me at akoy pinagdidilatan. Nevertheless, cge pa rin ako ng sige...wla yata eto sa Ohio. Hihihi! JJ was still d bes kasi in the end he offered to pay for my stuff. Then he drove me to Tatak Pilipino. This time, he stayed at the vehicle. I bought some DVD, Magazines and other stuff.

We moved on to visit USS Midway at the Navy Pier. It is an Aircraft Carrier, 47 yrs. began in 1945 and ended 1992 and became a Naval Museum. The first time I saw this was at the History Channel. I didn't expect I could see this in person. We had a complete self-guided audio tour that lasted for more or less than 2.5 hours. JJ was very happy and thanked me for my patience in going with him. He loves airplanes and shuttles and hoped to pilot one or two airplanes before he is over. Our last visit to the USS Midway was at the Flight Deck. It was amazing how it can carry those combat aircrafts. The deck was very huge covering several acres.

Working with an airplane was his first love. But then, that time when he was about to decide which carrier to take, the navy was on the down side. And so he decided that It might not be a good risk. Plus his vision was worst. Only now that he was freed from Contact lenses. He took the risks of having a Laser Surgery.

San Diego Sightseeing

Saturday: July 16, 05

Alas, a day of sightseeing. Kainis lang si Kano ba super lazy na bumangon. Jokingly I said, you will have a grand time sleeping when you are 6 ft. below the ground! Tawa naman sya ng tawa. Anyway, we started a late lunch breakfast at the Seaport Village. Then we walked around Hyatt to look for the Tourist Info Center so we can buy the ticket for Trolley tour. The 2 Information Centers that we visited were closed on saturdays! Galit na naman si Kano! Sabe, I don't understand why they closed on saturdays when everyone is up and about for sightseeings. Naglakad pa naman kami ng medyo malayo-layo tapos sarado lang pala...

Then we decided to take the train and just go to the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Turo naman ng turo ang mga tao dun....to purchase a ticket...go that way! Pag dating dun....wla naman! Hayyyyy! Kainis na!

Finally, I bumped into a Filipino aid worker...we talked on our language Tagalog 'coz he doesn't want to talk english with JJ. Nagkaintindihan kami and he told me where we can purchase it. Finally we are on the train. Arrived at the Old Town SD State Historic Park. Surprisingly, we saw the ticketing booth for Trolley tour and with the Trolley waiting for us. We purchased it and hop into the trolley.

The tour was fully narrated by San Diego's best tour Conductors. Covering over 100 points of interests. They combined the tour with colorful anecdotes, humurous stories and research historical information. It was a two hour narrative tour. Both entertaining and educational. I remember him always talking about "Spreckles".

Anyhow, the tour allows everyone to get off at any convenient stops at any popular attractions, shops and restaurants. When ready, we just have to re-board the next old town trolley.

We started at Old Town State Park
First stop was the Star of India and its neighboring ships.
Then, we hop to the next trolley and tour around USS Midway.
Trolley also passed the Seaport Village, Horton Plaza, the Gaslamp Quarter.
Conductor pointed out Hyatt Hotel and Marriot Hotel and Marina.
Then off for Horton Plaza. Then we passed the Coronado Bridge, going to Coronado Island....Wow, it was pretty cool.
When we're at the Coronado Island. We grab some food like pizza which really tastes good and I had spicy chicken wings. After that, hop into a trolley again for Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo.

Balboa Park. It was America's largest urban cultural park. They have a very spectacular museums and attractions and was also popular for weddings.

Jollibee Fiasco

Friday: July 15, 05

This morning, I walked JJ out of the hotel. It was his last day for the conference at the nearby hotel. After buying us some coffee at starbucks, I decided to go for a walk at the Seaport Village . It was SD's landmark for waterfront Shopping and Dining. They had A LOT of shops and galleries, restaurants and side-walk eateries. It was very accessible, infact the quarter mile boarwalk connects the Hyatt, and Mariott Hotel and Marina (where we are staying) and the Comic-Con International Center where a convention was being held. I just had to go out of Marriots gate at the back and Im already there. I like the boardwalk which is also beside the seaport. Lots of boat and yatch in here. While walking I can feel the cold breeze...perfect weather. As usal I was busy taking pictures. I don't remember going out without my camera. It was just silly of me taking pictures everywhere...including myself! What can I say, I am just a camera freak!

Anyway, JJ just spent about 4-5 hours today. It was their final session for the Burton Group Catalyst Convention. He texted me and asked if I wanted to have lunch at the Jollibee! Wowowow! Of course I said yes! It was already in our errr... my plan that since we are in CA we might as well visit filipino restaurant's nearby.

JJ was on time to pick me up at the seaport village, I was done shopping for some souvenirs. We head back to the hotel but instead of going out for lunch, we decided to just do it for dinner and we should just take a long nap.

At 5pm we are on our way to National City where the Jollibee is located. According to mapquest and 2 SD maps that we carry on, estimated time would be 10 mins. and a total of 5.39 miles from our hotel...not bad!We are supposed to look for the 8th street which will lead us to the National City but it jumped to 12th, 14th then 20's and 32nd streets. Holy crap, how in the world we missed the 8th street! and we have already been driving for almost 20 minutes. So we went back on our way, this time trying not to miss the 8th street.

Still we can't find the 8th street. We were confused to death. Then, we follow 1st ave. until we reach 7th ave. Hoping the next street would be the 8th street but to our dismay. We had been ghost chasing for almost 2 hours. We coudn't find the sign that would lead us to 8th street or the National City. JJ had been cursing out loud because he is frustrated. We even reach to the point of yelling each other. He pissed me off because he would drive down East while I believe we have to stay next or not too far from SD as National City is very close into it.

Then, he said forget about f*cking Jollibee! I started not talking to him, pouting and sulking in my sit. Then he said, OK I drive and you tell me where am I supposed to go! We did that for awhile but still - the evasive 8th st. I started calling the Jollibee's number but nobody answered me. He said...oh well, I guess it wasn't meant to be. Finally, he played his last card....to go to interstate 5. Told me, if this time we won't see the place then he'd surrender, I finally said yes since we've been driving around for 2 hours. It was so frustrating. JJ said whoever made this map deserves to be strungled! Yikes, galit na si Kano. The direction was pretty easy yet it was very hard to look for it.

The Interstate 5. We just drove for about 5 minutes and we already saw the sign - 8th street and then National City. We felt relieved and the rest was pretty easy to follow.

At the Jollibee, JJ was happy to see me egrinning ear to ear looking at the menu's. I was like a kid! I've been here for about 2 yrs now...(this saturday july 23rd). Syempre na miss ko din ang pagkaing pinoy. I had shanghai rolls and palabok fiesta with pearl coolers and a drink...(pig!) heheh JJ had a plain burger which he doesn't like because they over done it...it was kinda on the dark side (poor kano!) hehe I don't care as long as I got what I like and so far so good.

Anyway, I went home stuffed, happy and contented. I even asked him that now we know how to get there...if we could go back once more before we leave for Columbus. He flashed me with his astonishing expression, and said...we'll see!

National City...ka daming pinoy! and mexican's. I've seen a alot of Filipino restaurants, infact on the side streets was a lot of flags that says MABUHAY...and then some of our national flags. I saw Tatak Pilipino store of which I told myself...by hook or by crook...I will be back!

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Directions:

From:
333 W Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101-7709

To:
1401 E Plaza Blvd.
National City, CA 91950-3613

1. Start out going southeast on W Harbor Drive toward 1st. Ave.
2. Turn Left onto W 8th St.
3. Turn right onto Highland Ave.
4. Turn left onto E Plaza Blvd.
5. End at 1401 E Plaza Blvd.
National City, CA 91950-3613

Total Estimated time: 10 minutes

Total Estimated distance: 5.39 miles

Hospitality

Thursday: July 14, 05

I spent most of my days at the Horton Plaza, while JJ was on the conference at the nearby Hyatt Hotel. I was walking on my way to the mall, about 10AM but the whole place was still foggy. Infact, it was chilly.

I checked out some shops before I decided to get brunch. The place was packed with people! I had to wait for somebody to vacate the table. There isn't enough dinning area for such a popular place. I spent most of my time at the Sanrio store...they are have a lot of trinkets, remember Hello Kitty, Badtz Maru, Cinnamoroll, Chocat, My Melody, Twin Stars, Chi Chai Monchan, Charmi Kitty, Chibi Maru and Sugarbunnies. I swear I could spend a whole day in here.

Guess what, I met a Filipina in an Intimate store at the Mall. She asked me if I am filipina, we chatted for quite awhile, until she had to attend to a customer. She was very friendly though. Finally I got tired of looking around. I already reach my quota for the day...heheh so I had to go back to the hotel and waited for JJ.

After some argument, JJ finally won that I will be going with him back to the Hyatt Hotel for an event called HOSPITALITY. It was a gathering wherein select vendors will have the opportunity to expound on their strategic plans and demonstrate their products. That was an opportunity for JJ to visit the vendors, especially NOVELL and asked them specific questions or just hear about their unique integration solutions. These vendors supply food, beverages and wine for quests who visited their suites. Each vendors has their own "pakulo"giveaways, raffle and entertainment. At first I felt ackward being with him on this event. He had to talk to each vendors. I was just listening and looking at them or looking around the suite. I had no clue what they were talking about. I told him i wanted to go back to the hotel but he won't let me go because he had to introduce me to his ex-boss who was also attending the conference. Later on, I became interested with the food and wine-s! Also with the giveaways! Everytime he's done talking to a vendor, they would give him a stamp for the overall raffle and give a little something like a battery operated car toy, plastic glove, cute-little wine glasses and much more.

PspThat night made JJ happier, he won a Sony PSP - Playstation Portable Console.
at least meron na man syang ibang pagkakaabalahan and pagkakagastahan! Inang ko po!

Anyway, I met his ex-boss. He was very kind and very chatty. He had a lot of stuff to talk to. He was always interested in knowing me, like how I liked it here and about my country. Yung bang hindi ako maa-out of place. He even invited us to visit his family in Chicago, the next time we'd visit the place. He was super nice. He gave JJ more than he is worth to be paid for. Kaya naman, he was JJ's one of the fave bosse's if not the most favorite. Kaya ngayon, that he got a new Indian boss who is based in NY, he feared that he'd be given lesser "evaluation" mukhang kuripot pa naman daw. So JJ decided to accept the Job that was offered to him, still in the same company but in some other department. He was hoping this time would be not that "complicated".

O sya, its getting late. I have to be in bed na...

Lots of photos coming soon!

San Diego here I come

Wednesday: July 13, 05

Everything turned out right on our separate flights. I boarded both Continental Airlines as an Elite Passengers. I was so scared that I won't make it and I will have a hard time finding my gate for my connecting flight. I just don't believe myself hehehe! What can I say, i am dumb most of the time. I left 6PM on my first flight for Houston Texas, the airline was on time which is good. John boarded Northwest Airline for Minneapolis but was late...errr! It didn't made a difference on the arrival time though. He said when things like this happened, the airline has the tendency to burn more fuel so they fly faster. When we arrived in Houston Texas, they first thing I did was to checked on the monitor. I looked for my Flight number and checked which gate I would be. I compared it to the ticket that they printed for me, but the gate was different. It says C23 but my ticket says E21. Then, I heard somebody announcing about change of gates. Passengers bound for San Diego pls. proceed to gate E21. Holly Moly, my ticket was right. I had to walk for a good distance though. This flight was full the reason they could'nt let my hubby in, same thing on his connecting flight from Minneapolis to SD. It was full that's why we had to fly on different route and airplane. John called me the very time his plane landed Minneapolis, he was asking if everything turned out right. I told him everything was under control. My second flight was late for 15 minutes this time, but it never changed the arrival time. I am beginning to like being an Elite passengers (wink), why not? Who does'nt want being pampared with food? heheh my tummy is happy the last two flights, while poor hubby has to look for his food. He only got water and he has to buy it for $5. I arrived an hour before John. I have to wait for him in the lobby. He arrived about 11:30PM, 2:30AM in Columbus. He was grinning when I saw him coming down to the lobby. I guess he was happy that I use my IQ this time, nyahaha! After taking care of the Avis car rental, we then looked for our hotel. San Diego Marriot Hotel and Marina wasn't that far. The weather as what I heard and read on some postings are perfect. It was sunny but then the breeze makes it great, not warm at all. Although the news yesterday said...90% humidity. It freaked me out a little bit.

OK, I have to wrap this up...hubby's has to go to his conference. I just sneaked our bragging este blogging when he was in the shower. He will be gone for the day and might be spending the day window shopping at the Horton Plaza.

He-he-he Buti nga!

LOL! I just get off from the phone. I lied very early morning he-he-heh! I called off from my other job. The last two weeks they've been calling me few minutes before I have to be at work just to tell me to come an hour later. Kainis ano? Ikaw ba naman you wake up early, pupungas pungas pa going to the bathroom and then when its almost time to go to the car to drive for work tatawagan ka at sasabihin come an hour later. Eh di nawalan ako ng gana to work. And then when you are at work, they will send me home early. I am supposed to work 8 hours. Then the new boss has been scheduling 7 hours. Minus a 30 minutes break and then they will send you home early. Nakakainis na talaga. Pakialam ko ba kung off season nila ngayon? Sayang lang gas and my effort in waking up early plus i have to make myself look good. I just don't understand why they have to hire too many people when they can't give enough hours for the employee. One of my co-workers said they were pissed off too because instead of working for 8 hour shifts, some of them were asked to go home after 3.5 hours or so. In my friends case, she was sent home after 2.5 hours....ano pa nga ba ang take home namin? Di ba nakakaasar na? heheh kaya I get even! I called off today sabi ko I had fever last night and I don't feel good. I have too many stuff to do today. Might do some laundry and prepare for the trip to San Diego. Might do some shopping at Easton. Might go to lunch and watch movie with our friend Doug. Basta, too many worthy stuff to do compared to working that fckng "other job"! Oppsss!

Leaving for San Diego

John will be going to a conference again. This time not in New York but in San Diego, California. And guess what? He will be taking me along with him! Yayyy! I am so excited...super duper excited!

What's freaking me out though is the fact that we will be boarding with different Northwest Airlines! OMG! How did this happened? Obviously, hubby's expenses will be shouldered by the company that he was working for. He has accumulated enough mileage (him being a frequent flyer) to get me a free plane ticket. My ticket supposed to cost us around $1,200 but he only paid 100 to get me a free ticket back and forth but the airline has to choose my flights.

I will be departing Columbus International Airport at 6PM for Houston-George Bush Intercontinental Airport. I will arrive at 7:40PM then connecting flights at 9PM to San Diego-Lindbergh Field, CA. arriving at 10:14PM.

Here's the deal, I will be sitting in First Class. Wohhooo! That means I get to sit with businessman and elite people. It's making me nervous at the same time excited for this flight. I bet this is the first and last time I get to sit in a First Class??? I wonder!

Hubby on the other side, will depart Columbus International Airport at 6:40pm (40 mins. after my plane left) for Minneapolis, Minnesota, arriving at 7:37PM. Then he will have a connecting flights at 9:35PM to San Diego-Lindbergh, CA. arriving at 11:17PM. Note: he will be seated in Economy class. hehe talo si bossing!

We will then be seeing each other in San Diego, CA. I have to wait for him for about an hour or so.

Hubby will be busy for the Conference for the next 3 days. That means I will be on my own during the days. I have to start thinking what to do to keep me occupied. Hmm...I know Marriot Hotels and Marina has a swimming pool, that's one. Two, probably check out nearby shops. What else? I still have to research what to see near the hotel. Mahirap na baka ma wla ako dun! I knew nobody there pa naman.

Surely, we can check out San Diego at night when hubby is done for the day. Then after the 3 days conference, we have 2 days to go where ever we want to go. The company has also provided him a rent a car that means we can go anytime, anywhere we want to go. Cool huh!

Returning flights.

Both of us will be boarding the same plane this time. From San Diego-Lindbergh Field, CA at 10:20PM to Detroit-Wayne County International, Michigan arriving 5:36AM. This is a 4:16 mins. flight. (Time zone changes)

I am sitting at First Class (again!) while him in Economy class. Gosshh! If there is vacant sit next to him I would probably move.

Then we have to change plane from Detroit, MI. departing at 6:27AM for Columbus, OH arriving at 7:52AM.

I just hope everything will turn out right as it is planned. My etinerary has a note that says: Operated by Continental Airlines. Goodness gracious! I am crossing my fingers that the planes will be on time. I hate waiting pa naman.

One Year Older

Yes! I turned a year older on the fourth of july. Everything was great and I want to thank my friends who were with me to celebrate the occassion. Thank you guys for the wonderful gifts, all your effort in sending me e-mails, messages and cards means a lot to me. You-know-who-you-Are! :-)

Thanks also to my Babe for the shopping spree! :-)