September 29, 2014
I am sitting here waiting for the season premiere of Resurrection. On the Fox Family Movie channel is "The Karate Kid" and I figure-- why not watch it for the 200th time.
While Daniel was yelling "Bonzai!" It reminded me of a favorite experience back in Iowa. I had to check my blog archive-- I don't think I have mentioned this one, although a few of you were there years ago and know the story.
So back around 2002 or 2003 I was on lunch break... I worked 10-7 so it was 2 in the afternoon. I had been told there was a dude of oriental descent in a dirty white shell of a van selling bonsai trees at the Domino's Pizza Parking lot back in Newton and if he was still there I was given money to pick a couple up.
So, I go searching down 1st Ave looking for the van... and lo and behold, just like they said, there he was. A beat up, crusty white shell of a van that was only missing FREE CANDY on the side. As I approached, I saw He had all sorts of Bonsai trees-- big, small and in between. I found a couple ones for $20 each that fit the requirements I was tasked with and then found one for me. I gave him money and then he motioned for me to hang on a minute.
It was at that time, he brought out a grimy gallon jung of what I guess was water. the container caked with dirt. He then took a huge swig of the liquid in the container and promptly spit it out on the first tree I had just purchased. I took a couple steps back. Was this a tradition? Was he blessing it? Was that even water? Was this sanitary?
He proceeded to douse the other trees the same way. I then took my spit soaked plantings and put them in my car. He then ended our transaction with sage-like advice, "Remembah, It Dry... It DIE!"
That was good advice I carry with me always
Take care of yourselves,
Chuck
Monday, September 29, 2014
Chilling in the Philippines-- Tomorrow will be an exciting day for Vinny... And he has no idea.
September 29, 2014
About every two months is haircut day for Vinny.
He will get a cut, style, bath, 10 minute massage, ears cleaned, butt drained, teeth brushed, and nails clipped. . . for about $20 American... They do Coloring too-- like if we wanted him to have a green tail or rainbow colored paws but so far we have declined those offers.
The exciting part stems from the fact that Eastwood City is changing their pet policy. Currently, every 3 months I have to go to the mall concierge with his updated shots chart (literally it looks like an elementary school report card with stickers) and I then receive essentially a little "pass" that allows him to travel throughout Eastwood City and lets everyone know he has been vaccinated. Eastwood City is great with pets; with his pass he can go into most stores and even a few restaurants. He sat on a booth with us last week at Johnny Rockets, the best service for him was at California Pizza Kitchen. They gave Vinny a bowl of water and treated him like a king.
Pet passes are free, just need to be updated every 90 days. This new pet pass is more like a Doggie Driver's License. Tomorrow, after his cut, we will go to the Kodak store for a doggie photo shoot. He needs to have a pair of 1 x 1 photos for his new ID. This one is good until the expiration of his rabies shot-- which is June 2015. I hope he is manageable for that. I also hope they do not have the same rules like the DMV (no smiling).
So, big day for Vinny. Should be interesting.
Take care of yourselves...
Chuck
About every two months is haircut day for Vinny.
He will get a cut, style, bath, 10 minute massage, ears cleaned, butt drained, teeth brushed, and nails clipped. . . for about $20 American... They do Coloring too-- like if we wanted him to have a green tail or rainbow colored paws but so far we have declined those offers.
The exciting part stems from the fact that Eastwood City is changing their pet policy. Currently, every 3 months I have to go to the mall concierge with his updated shots chart (literally it looks like an elementary school report card with stickers) and I then receive essentially a little "pass" that allows him to travel throughout Eastwood City and lets everyone know he has been vaccinated. Eastwood City is great with pets; with his pass he can go into most stores and even a few restaurants. He sat on a booth with us last week at Johnny Rockets, the best service for him was at California Pizza Kitchen. They gave Vinny a bowl of water and treated him like a king.
Pet passes are free, just need to be updated every 90 days. This new pet pass is more like a Doggie Driver's License. Tomorrow, after his cut, we will go to the Kodak store for a doggie photo shoot. He needs to have a pair of 1 x 1 photos for his new ID. This one is good until the expiration of his rabies shot-- which is June 2015. I hope he is manageable for that. I also hope they do not have the same rules like the DMV (no smiling).
So, big day for Vinny. Should be interesting.
Take care of yourselves...
Chuck
Friday, September 5, 2014
Chilling in the Philippines -- One year here-- 10 Things I enjoy about the Philippines
September 05, 2014
10. San Mig Super Coffee Mixers. Sure is nice to support a local sports team that has won 4 titles while we have been here.
9. Culture. Life is different here... Its not perfect, but it is what makes life fun. Different experiences and things we cannot replicate in America.
8. Events at Eastwood. This week has been Chocolate festival. I sure love Chocolate. I appreciate too, that our favorite vendor from the previous year was here again and she remembered us. Not sure if we will still be here next year when this happens, but I hope so. We have gotten to hear great music, see fireworks from across the roof, and see the ball drop to ring in the new year. Holidays are great here. Eastwood city and Megaworld corp does a super job with entertainment.
7. New adventures. For Thanksgiving we hope to go to a private beachhouse in Puerto Glaera with friends. It has a great view, a grill and a beach. We also need to still visit tagaytay, Baguio, Palawan and a few other places. The clock is ticking, but we will get it done.
6. Project Pie. They need one of these in Des Moines. We love Project Pie. For about $6 US... one gets a pizza with whatever toppings they want. It is about the size of a normal frozen pizza, so it is not huge, but it is personalized. The staff is great. There is one in Boulder, Co and in Vegas. I hope to try those soon once we are back. Its kind of like a Subway sandwich shop for pizza, but no Jared. one just stands behind the glass and adds whatever toppings they want. Its beautiful.
5. Guards. This will be a topic soon here for the blog... But lets just say whether it is Mark the Taxi Guard, Ronald the Guard at Project Pie, The guards at TGI Fridays, our Concierge desk staff like Ederick and Ferdie (and the whole crew), the guards at the mall-- they are all great. Perfect, not always. But they are all quite personable and make life fun here.
4. Trying new food. I've been fairly adventurous. Balut-- twice done. no more-- chicken feet, good, various fruits and vegetables-- done... So much more to experience.
3. New friends. I have definitely made some forever friends. That is great. I knew I would have buddies, that is what I do... but there are some truly great people here I can call my friends. It is fabulous to have US friends that are also Ex-Pats... Easy to relate with and get the low down on things here. I have also met super cool dudes from the UK. I really look forward to going to England now someday to see their homeland. The Filipinos alsop have been quite welcoming. My local friends that are native have been quite accommodating. I hope they get to experience the USA someday and I hope I am there to show them Iowa.
2. Fridays. They are my cheers. Everyone knows my name. And I know everyone there. One of my favorite movies is Groundhog Day. There is a part when Bill Murray is trying to explain how he is like a God and he knows about everyone. It took me a year, but I could do the same thing at Friday's. It is downright scary. I am glad to have a hangout and have met some wonderful, truly superb people there.
1. Experiencing this all with Suzy. Priceless. Making forever memories, one day at a time.
Thank you all, take care of yourselves
10. San Mig Super Coffee Mixers. Sure is nice to support a local sports team that has won 4 titles while we have been here.
9. Culture. Life is different here... Its not perfect, but it is what makes life fun. Different experiences and things we cannot replicate in America.
8. Events at Eastwood. This week has been Chocolate festival. I sure love Chocolate. I appreciate too, that our favorite vendor from the previous year was here again and she remembered us. Not sure if we will still be here next year when this happens, but I hope so. We have gotten to hear great music, see fireworks from across the roof, and see the ball drop to ring in the new year. Holidays are great here. Eastwood city and Megaworld corp does a super job with entertainment.
7. New adventures. For Thanksgiving we hope to go to a private beachhouse in Puerto Glaera with friends. It has a great view, a grill and a beach. We also need to still visit tagaytay, Baguio, Palawan and a few other places. The clock is ticking, but we will get it done.
6. Project Pie. They need one of these in Des Moines. We love Project Pie. For about $6 US... one gets a pizza with whatever toppings they want. It is about the size of a normal frozen pizza, so it is not huge, but it is personalized. The staff is great. There is one in Boulder, Co and in Vegas. I hope to try those soon once we are back. Its kind of like a Subway sandwich shop for pizza, but no Jared. one just stands behind the glass and adds whatever toppings they want. Its beautiful.
5. Guards. This will be a topic soon here for the blog... But lets just say whether it is Mark the Taxi Guard, Ronald the Guard at Project Pie, The guards at TGI Fridays, our Concierge desk staff like Ederick and Ferdie (and the whole crew), the guards at the mall-- they are all great. Perfect, not always. But they are all quite personable and make life fun here.
4. Trying new food. I've been fairly adventurous. Balut-- twice done. no more-- chicken feet, good, various fruits and vegetables-- done... So much more to experience.
3. New friends. I have definitely made some forever friends. That is great. I knew I would have buddies, that is what I do... but there are some truly great people here I can call my friends. It is fabulous to have US friends that are also Ex-Pats... Easy to relate with and get the low down on things here. I have also met super cool dudes from the UK. I really look forward to going to England now someday to see their homeland. The Filipinos alsop have been quite welcoming. My local friends that are native have been quite accommodating. I hope they get to experience the USA someday and I hope I am there to show them Iowa.
2. Fridays. They are my cheers. Everyone knows my name. And I know everyone there. One of my favorite movies is Groundhog Day. There is a part when Bill Murray is trying to explain how he is like a God and he knows about everyone. It took me a year, but I could do the same thing at Friday's. It is downright scary. I am glad to have a hangout and have met some wonderful, truly superb people there.
1. Experiencing this all with Suzy. Priceless. Making forever memories, one day at a time.
Thank you all, take care of yourselves
Chilling in the Philippines -- One year here-- 10 Things I miss about the USA
September 05, 2014
Well one year here in the Philippines has come and gone. Here are ten things I miss about the USA.
10. Trivia night at Wellman's ... Team DBT! I do get to watch last year's Jeopardy episodes on the local version of the Game show channel, but it is not the the same. Trivia night... making fun of the other teams using their smart phones to get answers... good times. and that leads to another fun weeknight tradition...
9. Bingo night at Champps. I think it has a new name-- 86'd or something like that... But good old bingo night, and winning Fist pumping dance offs-- is something I definitely miss. There is no fist pumping competitions here,
8. Local Sports teams. I know Suzy misses the Iowa Energy games also even if Paul Harris is not there anymore. I do miss the relationships we made as season ticket holders at those games with the staff and our new friends. Of course, I picked the wrong year to move away from the Iowa Cubs standpoint as well. The best collection of talent in 30 years is there and I miss it. I miss the tailgating for Iowa games and the sounds of the crowd. Oh well. I got bum rushed by a big Palmetto bug/roach in the hallway yesterday... So, there is that.
7. Working. Yeah, that probably sounds weird. But it would be nice to have a real job. I enjoy helping out around here and being a personal Assistant to Melissa... but yikes-- I do miss helping others. At Wells Fargo, I miss those relationships with my co-workers-- the little things like getting to know them and their families. I miss being able to help others and make a difference. Granted, I could probably work illegally over here starting tomorrow, but we just want to do it right. Too bad working legally would cost me around 70,000 PHP allegedly. and that would take a long time to recoup. Doing the blog for Stadium Journey has been great, hopefully wet season will be over soon so more venues will have sports events. This also includes Volunteer work. There are probably opportunities here-- abundant opportunities I bet, but I miss being able to support the United Way like we did in the US. In 2013, we had a great time helping VITA in Des Moines, assisting low income persons and families with their taxes. I sure hope we can go back to that.
6. Roller Derby and Stand-up Comedy. Yeah, I miss being in front of a crowd asking for a Chuck U. I also miss standing up on stage and telling jokes. I am not sure what part in my life those will play when I return to the USA, but I know I miss those and all of my friends from that a lot here.
5. Grilling. I am not a masterchef, but I do enjoy working with food on the grill. Plus, I am pretty good. I have a couple good recipes for hot dogs and sausages and do well with steak, chops, and chicken. Ahhh to be on the deck in the fall, with the crisp air, a cold micro beer in one hand, a spatula in the other and food on the grill... I would sure go for that about right now. We got some burgers and tried cooking them on the stove the other day. First, it made the condo smell like fish. It was like Long John Silvers up in here. Second, we smoked up the place so bad--- it was awful. Its not like back home.
4. Running 5Ks. I still want to do a half marathon here. Training got derailed after spraining my foot in Hong Kong. I will get that done. I got 11 months... Hanging out though with Paxton Bennett and Jordon Overton and Bamf at the State Fair 5K is such a joy. It sucks, thats something Jordon and I had done since its inception in 2007. Such a good time. Oh well. I will do it in 2015 and dominate. I smell a Personal best time.
3. The little things we cannot get here. Ummmmm... Totino's Party Pizzas, Diet Mountain Dew, Going on road trips which led to getting Canteen sandwiches in Ottumwa, or Pasquale's Pizza in Humboldt. A chicago Hot Dog would be nice. Maybe a Wig and Pen Pizza topped by a trip to Jethro's BBQ (or soon the new Fong's that will be next door). It was fun and heartbreaking this week to see our friend Sarah Bergeson in Des Moines visiting (she lives in Hawaii) and getting to go to the High Life Lounge and other local places. There are so many little luxuries we take for granted that just arent available here. Oh well... when we are back-- I will sure miss being able to get Chicken feet at any time of day... or Sisig. Going out and challenging Suzy to a game of Mini Golf would be nice too.
2. Birds. Wildlife. Country living. Yes that would be nice. It is no secret that I love attracting birds to our townhouse back home. Sure-- sometimes that led to raccoon thiefs stealing our feeders... but we atttracted scores of different birds. It was relaxing and so much fun. I've seen a few sparrows here. Living 10 minutes from Saylorville Dam was great too. We could see Deer, fish, whatever. There is plenty to see here outside of the city, but accessibility and lining it up with Suzy's schedule has been daunting.
1. Family and Friends. Of course that is the easy, obvious answer. No matter how many friends and people I meet here-- its hard to relate to immediate friends and family the experiences here. It will be the same when we go home next year and trying to relate being in America to my new friends here. Hopefully someone from Home will make it out here; it would be an enjoyable time. It is hard being on the other side of the world. I just can't hop in my car to visit... or us be visited.
Thank you all, Take care of yourselves
Well one year here in the Philippines has come and gone. Here are ten things I miss about the USA.
10. Trivia night at Wellman's ... Team DBT! I do get to watch last year's Jeopardy episodes on the local version of the Game show channel, but it is not the the same. Trivia night... making fun of the other teams using their smart phones to get answers... good times. and that leads to another fun weeknight tradition...
9. Bingo night at Champps. I think it has a new name-- 86'd or something like that... But good old bingo night, and winning Fist pumping dance offs-- is something I definitely miss. There is no fist pumping competitions here,
8. Local Sports teams. I know Suzy misses the Iowa Energy games also even if Paul Harris is not there anymore. I do miss the relationships we made as season ticket holders at those games with the staff and our new friends. Of course, I picked the wrong year to move away from the Iowa Cubs standpoint as well. The best collection of talent in 30 years is there and I miss it. I miss the tailgating for Iowa games and the sounds of the crowd. Oh well. I got bum rushed by a big Palmetto bug/roach in the hallway yesterday... So, there is that.
7. Working. Yeah, that probably sounds weird. But it would be nice to have a real job. I enjoy helping out around here and being a personal Assistant to Melissa... but yikes-- I do miss helping others. At Wells Fargo, I miss those relationships with my co-workers-- the little things like getting to know them and their families. I miss being able to help others and make a difference. Granted, I could probably work illegally over here starting tomorrow, but we just want to do it right. Too bad working legally would cost me around 70,000 PHP allegedly. and that would take a long time to recoup. Doing the blog for Stadium Journey has been great, hopefully wet season will be over soon so more venues will have sports events. This also includes Volunteer work. There are probably opportunities here-- abundant opportunities I bet, but I miss being able to support the United Way like we did in the US. In 2013, we had a great time helping VITA in Des Moines, assisting low income persons and families with their taxes. I sure hope we can go back to that.
6. Roller Derby and Stand-up Comedy. Yeah, I miss being in front of a crowd asking for a Chuck U. I also miss standing up on stage and telling jokes. I am not sure what part in my life those will play when I return to the USA, but I know I miss those and all of my friends from that a lot here.
5. Grilling. I am not a masterchef, but I do enjoy working with food on the grill. Plus, I am pretty good. I have a couple good recipes for hot dogs and sausages and do well with steak, chops, and chicken. Ahhh to be on the deck in the fall, with the crisp air, a cold micro beer in one hand, a spatula in the other and food on the grill... I would sure go for that about right now. We got some burgers and tried cooking them on the stove the other day. First, it made the condo smell like fish. It was like Long John Silvers up in here. Second, we smoked up the place so bad--- it was awful. Its not like back home.
4. Running 5Ks. I still want to do a half marathon here. Training got derailed after spraining my foot in Hong Kong. I will get that done. I got 11 months... Hanging out though with Paxton Bennett and Jordon Overton and Bamf at the State Fair 5K is such a joy. It sucks, thats something Jordon and I had done since its inception in 2007. Such a good time. Oh well. I will do it in 2015 and dominate. I smell a Personal best time.
3. The little things we cannot get here. Ummmmm... Totino's Party Pizzas, Diet Mountain Dew, Going on road trips which led to getting Canteen sandwiches in Ottumwa, or Pasquale's Pizza in Humboldt. A chicago Hot Dog would be nice. Maybe a Wig and Pen Pizza topped by a trip to Jethro's BBQ (or soon the new Fong's that will be next door). It was fun and heartbreaking this week to see our friend Sarah Bergeson in Des Moines visiting (she lives in Hawaii) and getting to go to the High Life Lounge and other local places. There are so many little luxuries we take for granted that just arent available here. Oh well... when we are back-- I will sure miss being able to get Chicken feet at any time of day... or Sisig. Going out and challenging Suzy to a game of Mini Golf would be nice too.
2. Birds. Wildlife. Country living. Yes that would be nice. It is no secret that I love attracting birds to our townhouse back home. Sure-- sometimes that led to raccoon thiefs stealing our feeders... but we atttracted scores of different birds. It was relaxing and so much fun. I've seen a few sparrows here. Living 10 minutes from Saylorville Dam was great too. We could see Deer, fish, whatever. There is plenty to see here outside of the city, but accessibility and lining it up with Suzy's schedule has been daunting.
1. Family and Friends. Of course that is the easy, obvious answer. No matter how many friends and people I meet here-- its hard to relate to immediate friends and family the experiences here. It will be the same when we go home next year and trying to relate being in America to my new friends here. Hopefully someone from Home will make it out here; it would be an enjoyable time. It is hard being on the other side of the world. I just can't hop in my car to visit... or us be visited.
Thank you all, Take care of yourselves
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)