March 16, 2014
Good day everybody!
When I was still in the US, awaiting our journey to the Philippines, I did some reading. I read that the 3 major sports and past times on the islands was basketball, boxing and billiards. The 3 B's. #4 is probably cockfighting. Now cockfighting, when on tv, makes my stomach turn. I can't do it. But the 3 B's, yes. It was my goal to take all 3 in actively and although it took 6 months, I have done it.
Boxing--
As I wrote about in an earlier blog, Boxing is huge here. The joke is.. "traffic is heavy in Manila, except when Manny Pacquiao fights." We accomplished the goal of taking in boxing by going to Manny's last fight. It was in a movie theatre. Fun times. He fights again next month, not sure if Suzy will join me this time...
Billiards--
I was able to try my hand in billiards. I like Pool, but am not a shark. Suzy and I liked going to Big Dogs or shooting pool with friends back home, but generally I play about once or twice a year. Here in Eastwood city, there is a great bowling alley in the 4th floor of the mall. Half of the complex is dedicated to bowling, the other half billiards. Billiards here is a little different from the aspect that a staff member racks and also helps out. As with Bowling, the guy sets up everything. He asked if he could assist with me putting on my shoes. I am used to being in America and when I lose, I rack... no. Here there is a guy who does that. I went with a local manager of a Mexican Restaurant and we were able to play 6 or 7 games in an hour. Cost was low for an hour of billiards and it was fun. We made plans to do that more often and although we haven't yet, I am sure we will be back. If nothing else I hope to bowl every couple weeks. I bowled a 168 and 136 the last time out, which is good for me since I also do not bowl a lot.
Basketball--
Hoops is my favorite of these 3 back home. Suzy and I miss not going to Iowa Energy games back home. Ive been lucky to experience basketball in a few ways. San Mig is the local team I have identified with as the team I will follow. It now helps that since I made that proclamation when arriving, that I have become friends with a few of their players. I also have made friends with a couple others who live in our building and play for other teams. They are all great guys and quite personable. it's fun to watch them on TV then see them later out and about. The games in person are great. They are so Live. Fans are loud, and knowledgeable. Its fun to see. 2 weeks ago, I took experiencing basketball to a new level. The guys at Fridays invited me to run with them in a weekly Tuesday night game.
The court is just outside Eastwood. It is an outdoor, covered court. I play on the side of the servers or front of the house against the cooks or back of the house. 20 years ago, I used to play with the old guys at noon at the Newton YMCA and sunday nights in the summer with my friends at Aurora Park. Before that was Basketball fun with my friends at Augustana. Well this is 20 years later. My knees are 20 years older and I am 20 years heavier. I will tell you though, it is fun getting back out. I do not have the range as I once did, but I can still bury the 3 (especially when unguarded). Well in two weeks of games, we haven't won yet with my help, but there is always next week.
One unique aspect to the court is Mosquitoes, they are thick. We have a cheering section, but a bug bomb is necessary for the bleachers. An item that comes in handy here is a bug zapper that is shaped like a tennis racquet. Maybe I should invest in one of those. I can practice tennis and kill skeeters. At least while running up and down the court the mosquitoes aren't an issue. I would hate posting up and then having to deal with a swarm of bugs chomping on me. The bugs might just become a 4th B.
Following the game, we go and enjoy local food. Last Tuesday, I tried Chicken Butt and Chicken feet. next Tuesday, who knows.
Take care of yourself everyone,
Prayers to those aboard the missing Malaysian Airlines jet--
Chuck
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Chilling in the Philippines -- OOPS Part 2
March 16, 2014
Hi everyone! Hope you had a great Ides of March. St. Patrick's Day is not celebrated here in the Philippines so please have a shamrock shake for me and some green beer.
Well the saga of my lost passport is over. It has been found... and only mere inches from where it should be. Now I am just waiting on the US Embassy to tell me what to do. Their phone banks are down and they do not return emails, even though they say they reply in 1-3 business days.
Basically, I put the passport on TOP of where it was supposed to go instead of in its respective drawer. Items from Suzy's job got piled on top and it was "lost". Good think is that I have it. It is found. It is not like the stolen passports that are being mentioned with the lost Malaysian airliner.
So a breath of relief for us... although it was a $150 misplacement.
Have a good day everyone and take care of yourselves!
Chuck
Hi everyone! Hope you had a great Ides of March. St. Patrick's Day is not celebrated here in the Philippines so please have a shamrock shake for me and some green beer.
Well the saga of my lost passport is over. It has been found... and only mere inches from where it should be. Now I am just waiting on the US Embassy to tell me what to do. Their phone banks are down and they do not return emails, even though they say they reply in 1-3 business days.
Basically, I put the passport on TOP of where it was supposed to go instead of in its respective drawer. Items from Suzy's job got piled on top and it was "lost". Good think is that I have it. It is found. It is not like the stolen passports that are being mentioned with the lost Malaysian airliner.
So a breath of relief for us... although it was a $150 misplacement.
Have a good day everyone and take care of yourselves!
Chuck
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Chilling in the Philippines-- Vinny takes over again
February 26, 2014
Vinny here. While Mom and Dad went on a two week trip, let me tell you where I was.
"The Dog Spa"
Well there were dogs there, but I saw no spa. I have never been away from my owners and on my own. usually Lacey is with me. But she is in Nebraska and I am here so there is that.
The place is two blocks from our condo. Its across a bust road, so we took a cab. I went in with Mom and Dad stayed int he cab to make sure he did not drive off. I kept trying to escape out the door when Mom was filling out paperwork. I do not like this!!!! Where are they going?
I had a suite. Well it wasn't the Waldorf Astoria, but it was better than that flea motel we had to stay in Columbus once. And no one was saying "Dead dog walking"
The staff said I was hyper. HYPER? You think that is HYPER? I will show you hyper... all over your leg. Give me a break. Lacey is usually around to regulate me. I was alone... for two weeks, in a foreign land with people who speak a foreign language... and I am HYPER? There were other dogs to interact with but I don't like all of that. i just want to bark...
Since I have no concept of time, 2 weeks feels like forever. Finally, Mom was back at the counter and there was Dad sitting in a cab. They got me home and I decided to take a nap.
and then a few hours later... I woke up long enough to drink some water...
and sleep.......
Pretty much I did that for 4 days... Those $%$^$#^ owners better not leave me again!
VINNY
Vinny here. While Mom and Dad went on a two week trip, let me tell you where I was.
"The Dog Spa"
Well there were dogs there, but I saw no spa. I have never been away from my owners and on my own. usually Lacey is with me. But she is in Nebraska and I am here so there is that.
The place is two blocks from our condo. Its across a bust road, so we took a cab. I went in with Mom and Dad stayed int he cab to make sure he did not drive off. I kept trying to escape out the door when Mom was filling out paperwork. I do not like this!!!! Where are they going?
I had a suite. Well it wasn't the Waldorf Astoria, but it was better than that flea motel we had to stay in Columbus once. And no one was saying "Dead dog walking"
The staff said I was hyper. HYPER? You think that is HYPER? I will show you hyper... all over your leg. Give me a break. Lacey is usually around to regulate me. I was alone... for two weeks, in a foreign land with people who speak a foreign language... and I am HYPER? There were other dogs to interact with but I don't like all of that. i just want to bark...
Since I have no concept of time, 2 weeks feels like forever. Finally, Mom was back at the counter and there was Dad sitting in a cab. They got me home and I decided to take a nap.
and then a few hours later... I woke up long enough to drink some water...
and sleep.......
Pretty much I did that for 4 days... Those $%$^$#^ owners better not leave me again!
VINNY
Chilling in the Philippines -- OOPS
So we get back to the Philippines.
Customs-- Check.
Passport stamped-- Check.
Luggage-- Check.
Final security-- Check.
into a van we got to take us back-- Check.
Groggily, We got home, and I ordered McDonalds to be delivered and then went to Friday's to say hi to my friends.
after that I came home, ate and we went to sleep. The next morning, Suzy said, "remember to put your passport away." I said I already did. "its not there." What?" Blood pressure starts rising.
"Not here"
"What?"
We are at a simmer... Things start to get more frantic. I start going through everything. No passport. "Its gone."
I can only assume it fell out of my pocket when we were in the van. I have a history of losing things out of my pocket. (Green Bay Packer glove as a youth at Hy-vee West, $100 one day on the east side of Newton, as well as other things) But not my passport.
By this time with still a severe lack of sleep my mind was playing tricks on me. It was like I was recreating in my head that I put it away. or put it in my bag. but it is nowhere. The whole time I was thinking in the back of my mind that it was like an episode of Amazing Race when a team loses their passports. I could hear that zinging background music. I could just picture that a re run of me losing the passport was being played with the passport being highlighted.
Well time to learn how to get a new passport.
It is not easy and the process makes me want to have my passport chained to me.
1. fill out an online application and schedule an appt with the US Embassy.
-- We do not have a printer so I went on a search... I asked the admin office here and the lady took me to an adjacent room and told the staff (apparently) that I needed the CPU. I am working on it and almost done when the lady whose desk I borrowed came over and said, " SIR-- How much longer SIR." She then kept making a motion tapping her wrist where a watch would be. " I have business SIR," I advised I was told I could quickly use it and I needed 5 more minutes. She then stood over me (the Wells Fargo term for this is shouldering) and watched my every keystroke. I get done, finally and ask, " Im done, and where can I print this off to?"
"Sir, I have no printer."
silently to myself I said...
"WHAT?!?!?" "WHAT????" "WTF" No Printer? "WHAT?" "What have I been doing for the last 15 minutes?" "WAIT, WHAT????"
I then composed myself, smiled and said, "Thank you. Thank you very much for wasting my time. I sure appreciate this."
"ANYTIME, SIR!"
Defeated I went back home and told Suzy I needed her help. She got it done and set me up for a friday 7:45 appointment.
2. go to the U.S. Embassy
I did not want to be late so I left at 6 am. I got a cab and told him to take an advised route that should have less traffic. Nearly 2 hours later (should be a 30-40 minute cab ride) I got to the US Embassy. The embassy gives you a 30 minute late window so I was fine. I went through security-- they take your phone and any other electronic devices-- and got a number. I was # 1032 and the sign said -- "Now serving 1001"
I ran the gamut of human emotions. boredom, and then anger with myself for putting myself in this spot, then boredom, then anticipation as it got to 1016, then boredom, then anger, then elation as finally I was called. I get to the window (window 8), and turn in my paperwork. Window 8 takes my info and then advises, " go to window 15 and take this paper there and pay, then go to the air 21 desk and pay for shipping and then come back here with receipts."
Off to window 15... DONE. Then off to the shipping desk. I just shelled out $135 bucks now how much??? "Sir, 65 pesos please." Whew a buck and a half for shipping. relief. Now I am back to window 8. Thanks sir-- now sit and wait. The embassy has a gift shop so I got some pens and a magnet to commemorate how much fun I am having and then it was back to sitting and waiting. finally, around Noon, I got called back up (window 5)for a final answering of questions. by 12:30 I was Out of there!!! Now to find a cab and get home.
3. Go home
I was on a busy thoroughfare (Roxas), but no taxis-- so time to walk. I crossed and tried flagging a cab... some cabbies said too far. Then I was approached by a hotel van that wanted 1,200 pesos to take me home. NO Thanks. Normal trip should be 300 or so. Although right after it I was starting to think twice. To my right were some dogs, seemingly fighting, that turned my stomach... to my left was a deformed guy sitting on the corner with one full left arm and nubs for all other appendages. That was awful. I needed a cab and fast. Just another reason to never lose my passport
Finally, a cabbie stopped and got me back home. In 2-3 weeks my passport will arrive. WHEW.
Well everyone, hold on to your passport. It is sacred. And take care of yourselves.
Chuck
Customs-- Check.
Passport stamped-- Check.
Luggage-- Check.
Final security-- Check.
into a van we got to take us back-- Check.
Groggily, We got home, and I ordered McDonalds to be delivered and then went to Friday's to say hi to my friends.
after that I came home, ate and we went to sleep. The next morning, Suzy said, "remember to put your passport away." I said I already did. "its not there." What?" Blood pressure starts rising.
"Not here"
"What?"
We are at a simmer... Things start to get more frantic. I start going through everything. No passport. "Its gone."
I can only assume it fell out of my pocket when we were in the van. I have a history of losing things out of my pocket. (Green Bay Packer glove as a youth at Hy-vee West, $100 one day on the east side of Newton, as well as other things) But not my passport.
By this time with still a severe lack of sleep my mind was playing tricks on me. It was like I was recreating in my head that I put it away. or put it in my bag. but it is nowhere. The whole time I was thinking in the back of my mind that it was like an episode of Amazing Race when a team loses their passports. I could hear that zinging background music. I could just picture that a re run of me losing the passport was being played with the passport being highlighted.
Well time to learn how to get a new passport.
It is not easy and the process makes me want to have my passport chained to me.
1. fill out an online application and schedule an appt with the US Embassy.
-- We do not have a printer so I went on a search... I asked the admin office here and the lady took me to an adjacent room and told the staff (apparently) that I needed the CPU. I am working on it and almost done when the lady whose desk I borrowed came over and said, " SIR-- How much longer SIR." She then kept making a motion tapping her wrist where a watch would be. " I have business SIR," I advised I was told I could quickly use it and I needed 5 more minutes. She then stood over me (the Wells Fargo term for this is shouldering) and watched my every keystroke. I get done, finally and ask, " Im done, and where can I print this off to?"
"Sir, I have no printer."
silently to myself I said...
"WHAT?!?!?" "WHAT????" "WTF" No Printer? "WHAT?" "What have I been doing for the last 15 minutes?" "WAIT, WHAT????"
I then composed myself, smiled and said, "Thank you. Thank you very much for wasting my time. I sure appreciate this."
"ANYTIME, SIR!"
Defeated I went back home and told Suzy I needed her help. She got it done and set me up for a friday 7:45 appointment.
2. go to the U.S. Embassy
I did not want to be late so I left at 6 am. I got a cab and told him to take an advised route that should have less traffic. Nearly 2 hours later (should be a 30-40 minute cab ride) I got to the US Embassy. The embassy gives you a 30 minute late window so I was fine. I went through security-- they take your phone and any other electronic devices-- and got a number. I was # 1032 and the sign said -- "Now serving 1001"
I ran the gamut of human emotions. boredom, and then anger with myself for putting myself in this spot, then boredom, then anticipation as it got to 1016, then boredom, then anger, then elation as finally I was called. I get to the window (window 8), and turn in my paperwork. Window 8 takes my info and then advises, " go to window 15 and take this paper there and pay, then go to the air 21 desk and pay for shipping and then come back here with receipts."
Off to window 15... DONE. Then off to the shipping desk. I just shelled out $135 bucks now how much??? "Sir, 65 pesos please." Whew a buck and a half for shipping. relief. Now I am back to window 8. Thanks sir-- now sit and wait. The embassy has a gift shop so I got some pens and a magnet to commemorate how much fun I am having and then it was back to sitting and waiting. finally, around Noon, I got called back up (window 5)for a final answering of questions. by 12:30 I was Out of there!!! Now to find a cab and get home.
3. Go home
I was on a busy thoroughfare (Roxas), but no taxis-- so time to walk. I crossed and tried flagging a cab... some cabbies said too far. Then I was approached by a hotel van that wanted 1,200 pesos to take me home. NO Thanks. Normal trip should be 300 or so. Although right after it I was starting to think twice. To my right were some dogs, seemingly fighting, that turned my stomach... to my left was a deformed guy sitting on the corner with one full left arm and nubs for all other appendages. That was awful. I needed a cab and fast. Just another reason to never lose my passport
Finally, a cabbie stopped and got me back home. In 2-3 weeks my passport will arrive. WHEW.
Well everyone, hold on to your passport. It is sacred. And take care of yourselves.
Chuck
Chilling in the Philippines -- Trip to the USA
I can't believe it has been 2 months since my last blog.
Well today will be doubleheader blog day!
January 31 we left the Philippines to head home for 2 weeks. I doubt I will ever adjust to the flights. it is essentially a 24-26 hour event and 18 hours of that is in the air. EACH WAY. With time adjustments, It makes the trip there a 38 hour day essentially (14 hour difference) with leaving at 7:30 AM and landing at 2:30 pm same day and the trip home a 10 hour day with leaving at 7 am on thursday and arriving at 12:05 AM Saturday.
Flying to DSM-- 4 hours from Manila to Tokyo. Not a bad flight. Good breakfast meal. I watched We're the Millers. Funny. Tokyo airport Narita is nice. They also have the best bathrooms ever. Heated toilet seats, full service bidets. Nice. Then the flight to Minneapolis. It was not as crowded but 11.5 hours is nuts. I like tracking the flight to see where we are... at one point we were going 647 MPH with the wind behind us at like 90 MPH. CRAZY.
My plan on a flight of that length is to get up at least 3 times. We are usually near the back of the plane so it an easy feat to get to the back and stretch. I only got up once in that flight due to the food service... everytime I wanted to move, a cart was in my way.
We got to Minneapolis and it was noon AND WAY COLD. I was wearing shorts and a tee shirt and a smile.Weird to think how we have flown 16 hours and the clock is only 4 hours later.
Then a puddle jumper to DSM. HOME! We went to Dollar where we reserved a car for 2 weeks. The lady there (Alex) was super cool and enjoyed that our story. She then let us choose our car-- we went with a Fords Fusion. They had a brand new taurus, but she said it was rear wheel and didnt want us in that. fair enough. We love Ford Fusions.
We stayed at the Extended stay on Douglas. I liked having a kitchen ... Before that we did stop at wal mart for hoodies, hats and gloves. Warmth. Well after one day of the Fusion, we found out that the windshield washer pump was broken so we had to trade our nice car in for an ok Mitsubishi mirage... Not the same.
Des Moines was great. Great seeing all the people I did. Weather did not disappoint. It snowed and was cold. Thank you, Mother Nature.
after 5 days in DSM, we were off to Columbus, Nebraska, to see Suzy's parents. Columbus is a nice town and we had a great time. After 4 days there... We were off to Colorado, time to stay at Suzy's brother and see my parents. Colorado was great. I like visiting there very much. Although I have a lot of friends in the denver area, I don't think I could ever live there, but its nice to visit. Went to my 1st brewery tour and got to see how beer is made.
--Driving in the US vs. Driving in the Philippines.
Now I have not yet driven here. Probably won't. But its different. People use their horns in America as a way to voice displeasure. They flip people off and have severe road rage. In the Philippines, horns are used as a communication device. "Hey, Im going to cut you off!" "I am on your left"... etc. etc... They will drive 5 wide on a three lane road. Cutting someone off is a way of life on the roads. That could never happen in America. American drivers take everything personal, I am learning from being over here... it isnt personal at all. I hate getting cut in front of, but it isn't personal here. In America a lady was cutting inadvertently ahead of me, and said-- oops sorry-- I am not trying to cut in front of you... I said, "No worries... I live in the Philippines. It happens all the time. I am used to it."
--Flying home
Due to the storms in the South, it affected our flights out. We were supposed to go Denver-Seattle-Tokyo-Manila. Well the first flight was delayed so we had to re-route. Denver-Detroit-Japan-Manila. That added a few hours to our trip. It made the long stretch 13 hours instead of 9 from seattle. The cool part from Detroit was that we went up and over to japan. We went over the North Pole. it was cool looking out the window and seeing that area. No Santa... but potentially saw his workshop...
On that flight I did get up often. One, I needed to stretch. Two, I was on the left aisle of a 3-4-3 rows of seats plane. the two to my left was a guy and 3 year old son from North Dakota. He was of Filipino descent, on his way back to Manila for his Dad's funeral and they had to get up a few times. Three, there were these ladies from Japan behind me who were kicking my seat and being very vocal. After one time I got up -- the lady behind me started acting all crazy-- the one glass of wine she had must have affected her. Well the staff tried to help but she would not be helped. so I stayed back and stood for an hour. There was a tall guy back there and he stood by me most of that time and just read his bible.
We landed in Japan and it was just a short layover to Manila. I had the same seat by the same people on that flight but since there was considerably fewer people, I moved back to an open seat to give them more room.
Someday I will figure out how to sleep on a plane. 40 or so hours on a plane this trip anmd maybe I slept for an hour total. It leaves me a little loopy, which leads to my next blog...
Take care of yourselves everyone and appreciate each day we have. I sure appreciate all of you.
Chuck
Well today will be doubleheader blog day!
January 31 we left the Philippines to head home for 2 weeks. I doubt I will ever adjust to the flights. it is essentially a 24-26 hour event and 18 hours of that is in the air. EACH WAY. With time adjustments, It makes the trip there a 38 hour day essentially (14 hour difference) with leaving at 7:30 AM and landing at 2:30 pm same day and the trip home a 10 hour day with leaving at 7 am on thursday and arriving at 12:05 AM Saturday.
Flying to DSM-- 4 hours from Manila to Tokyo. Not a bad flight. Good breakfast meal. I watched We're the Millers. Funny. Tokyo airport Narita is nice. They also have the best bathrooms ever. Heated toilet seats, full service bidets. Nice. Then the flight to Minneapolis. It was not as crowded but 11.5 hours is nuts. I like tracking the flight to see where we are... at one point we were going 647 MPH with the wind behind us at like 90 MPH. CRAZY.
My plan on a flight of that length is to get up at least 3 times. We are usually near the back of the plane so it an easy feat to get to the back and stretch. I only got up once in that flight due to the food service... everytime I wanted to move, a cart was in my way.
We got to Minneapolis and it was noon AND WAY COLD. I was wearing shorts and a tee shirt and a smile.Weird to think how we have flown 16 hours and the clock is only 4 hours later.
Then a puddle jumper to DSM. HOME! We went to Dollar where we reserved a car for 2 weeks. The lady there (Alex) was super cool and enjoyed that our story. She then let us choose our car-- we went with a Fords Fusion. They had a brand new taurus, but she said it was rear wheel and didnt want us in that. fair enough. We love Ford Fusions.
We stayed at the Extended stay on Douglas. I liked having a kitchen ... Before that we did stop at wal mart for hoodies, hats and gloves. Warmth. Well after one day of the Fusion, we found out that the windshield washer pump was broken so we had to trade our nice car in for an ok Mitsubishi mirage... Not the same.
Des Moines was great. Great seeing all the people I did. Weather did not disappoint. It snowed and was cold. Thank you, Mother Nature.
after 5 days in DSM, we were off to Columbus, Nebraska, to see Suzy's parents. Columbus is a nice town and we had a great time. After 4 days there... We were off to Colorado, time to stay at Suzy's brother and see my parents. Colorado was great. I like visiting there very much. Although I have a lot of friends in the denver area, I don't think I could ever live there, but its nice to visit. Went to my 1st brewery tour and got to see how beer is made.
--Driving in the US vs. Driving in the Philippines.
Now I have not yet driven here. Probably won't. But its different. People use their horns in America as a way to voice displeasure. They flip people off and have severe road rage. In the Philippines, horns are used as a communication device. "Hey, Im going to cut you off!" "I am on your left"... etc. etc... They will drive 5 wide on a three lane road. Cutting someone off is a way of life on the roads. That could never happen in America. American drivers take everything personal, I am learning from being over here... it isnt personal at all. I hate getting cut in front of, but it isn't personal here. In America a lady was cutting inadvertently ahead of me, and said-- oops sorry-- I am not trying to cut in front of you... I said, "No worries... I live in the Philippines. It happens all the time. I am used to it."
--Flying home
Due to the storms in the South, it affected our flights out. We were supposed to go Denver-Seattle-Tokyo-Manila. Well the first flight was delayed so we had to re-route. Denver-Detroit-Japan-Manila. That added a few hours to our trip. It made the long stretch 13 hours instead of 9 from seattle. The cool part from Detroit was that we went up and over to japan. We went over the North Pole. it was cool looking out the window and seeing that area. No Santa... but potentially saw his workshop...
On that flight I did get up often. One, I needed to stretch. Two, I was on the left aisle of a 3-4-3 rows of seats plane. the two to my left was a guy and 3 year old son from North Dakota. He was of Filipino descent, on his way back to Manila for his Dad's funeral and they had to get up a few times. Three, there were these ladies from Japan behind me who were kicking my seat and being very vocal. After one time I got up -- the lady behind me started acting all crazy-- the one glass of wine she had must have affected her. Well the staff tried to help but she would not be helped. so I stayed back and stood for an hour. There was a tall guy back there and he stood by me most of that time and just read his bible.
We landed in Japan and it was just a short layover to Manila. I had the same seat by the same people on that flight but since there was considerably fewer people, I moved back to an open seat to give them more room.
Someday I will figure out how to sleep on a plane. 40 or so hours on a plane this trip anmd maybe I slept for an hour total. It leaves me a little loopy, which leads to my next blog...
Take care of yourselves everyone and appreciate each day we have. I sure appreciate all of you.
Chuck
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Chilling in the Philippines-- 2013 in review
December 31, 2013
Its 10:30 AM here. Poor Suzy has to work at 8 pm ish and there are LOUD sound checks going on already. This dude is drumming and its like he is on the balcony with us. Jessica Sanchez from American Idol is here to perform and a bunch of great local acts. I am pretty excited.
So I had been thinking of this for awhile and Facebook helped by posting a year in review. So much to go over so I will just touch on the highlights.
First, at this point last year, I was so happy to get rid of 2012. That was a tough year. Other than a great year for me announcing roller Derby, it sucked. I had surgery in September after months of missed diagnoses and pain. 4 months of pain following hadn't helped either.
Then Paxton Bennett invited me to cheer him on at the Miami Marathon in January. Things started picking up. The January race was great and just the distraction I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself. We were pretty active. Got to see Key West, eat some great food... and had 10th row seats to see the Miami Heat. Awesome. Saw a Dude hit a half court shot for 75K and get mobbed by LBJ. The trip to Miami was a great time. 80 degrees Fahrenheit when it is 0 in Iowa is even better. Little did I know that would become my life. . .
February... Suzy and I joined our friends the Rogers and went to the Bacon Festival. Wow! LOVE BACON... Even after eating pounds of it in every possible form. Suzy and I also celebrated our 5 year anniversary of our first date. Great times. and Time Flies.
Somewhere around March... there was a whisper in Suzy's ear to start considering a relocation to the Philippines... I remember getting home from work, and she said, "I have a question to ask..." Wow...
In March we also got to meet our favorite Iowa Energy player, Paul Harris. That was great. We really miss not being able to see the Iowa Energy games.
Fast forward to May... Mother's Day. We had decided to make the move to the Philippines and it was time to tell the parents. Only God knows if we will have children and this was like that moment. Both sides were quite understanding...
I announced my final roller derby bouts until my return in Mason City. What a great time. I announced with a rookie, Scary Jerry, Pros in Joe Malone and stunt rocker and maybe the youngest derby announcer in the nation in Candy Cage. I am blessed. I miss my roller derby family very much.
June... I always love June-- its my birth month. But I had the best Birthday ever as Adam Kempenaar got me a ticket to see the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Wow! Triple Overtime! Game was over after Midnight in Chicago. I still was work by 10 the next day! What an excellent whirlwind once in a lifetime opportunity. Best birthday ever! We also were able to announce to the world that we were moving!
July... I participated in my last 5K in the states. Paxton destroyed the competition and won the right to throw out the first pitch at the Iowa Cubs game. He was so cool to allow me to take that honor. How awesome. I know 20 people get to this anymore, but its something I always wanted to do, like getting a key to a city, and it was great. Just wish i would not have one hopped the pitch.
The next month seemed like a race to get everything in and see everyone one last time. In hindsight... I wish I could have eaten more pizza and Jethro's BBQ. I miss that the most. I also miss my Wells Fargo friends and people I used to work with at the Attorney General offices.
We moved August 25. The rest of our travails are blogged about so I am not going to detail it...
But what I will say is that I really miss home. I love all of my friends and family back there dearly. I really enjoy living here and I have made a lot of friends here and met some super cool people. It is culturally so different and I will thank Suzy until the day I die for letting me join her on this adventure. When this eventually ends I will probably be really sad for leaving... So if I learned anything, it is keep your chin up, keep doing the right thing and let life take you on its journey.
Next on the agenda... popping some cold ones with friends and celebrating the new year. We live at ground zero for the celebration... I cannot wait.
So. Thanks to all of you for being a part of my 2013... and here's to a great 2014 for us all!
Take care of yourselves...
Chuck
Its 10:30 AM here. Poor Suzy has to work at 8 pm ish and there are LOUD sound checks going on already. This dude is drumming and its like he is on the balcony with us. Jessica Sanchez from American Idol is here to perform and a bunch of great local acts. I am pretty excited.
So I had been thinking of this for awhile and Facebook helped by posting a year in review. So much to go over so I will just touch on the highlights.
First, at this point last year, I was so happy to get rid of 2012. That was a tough year. Other than a great year for me announcing roller Derby, it sucked. I had surgery in September after months of missed diagnoses and pain. 4 months of pain following hadn't helped either.
Then Paxton Bennett invited me to cheer him on at the Miami Marathon in January. Things started picking up. The January race was great and just the distraction I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself. We were pretty active. Got to see Key West, eat some great food... and had 10th row seats to see the Miami Heat. Awesome. Saw a Dude hit a half court shot for 75K and get mobbed by LBJ. The trip to Miami was a great time. 80 degrees Fahrenheit when it is 0 in Iowa is even better. Little did I know that would become my life. . .
February... Suzy and I joined our friends the Rogers and went to the Bacon Festival. Wow! LOVE BACON... Even after eating pounds of it in every possible form. Suzy and I also celebrated our 5 year anniversary of our first date. Great times. and Time Flies.
Somewhere around March... there was a whisper in Suzy's ear to start considering a relocation to the Philippines... I remember getting home from work, and she said, "I have a question to ask..." Wow...
In March we also got to meet our favorite Iowa Energy player, Paul Harris. That was great. We really miss not being able to see the Iowa Energy games.
Fast forward to May... Mother's Day. We had decided to make the move to the Philippines and it was time to tell the parents. Only God knows if we will have children and this was like that moment. Both sides were quite understanding...
I announced my final roller derby bouts until my return in Mason City. What a great time. I announced with a rookie, Scary Jerry, Pros in Joe Malone and stunt rocker and maybe the youngest derby announcer in the nation in Candy Cage. I am blessed. I miss my roller derby family very much.
June... I always love June-- its my birth month. But I had the best Birthday ever as Adam Kempenaar got me a ticket to see the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Wow! Triple Overtime! Game was over after Midnight in Chicago. I still was work by 10 the next day! What an excellent whirlwind once in a lifetime opportunity. Best birthday ever! We also were able to announce to the world that we were moving!
July... I participated in my last 5K in the states. Paxton destroyed the competition and won the right to throw out the first pitch at the Iowa Cubs game. He was so cool to allow me to take that honor. How awesome. I know 20 people get to this anymore, but its something I always wanted to do, like getting a key to a city, and it was great. Just wish i would not have one hopped the pitch.
The next month seemed like a race to get everything in and see everyone one last time. In hindsight... I wish I could have eaten more pizza and Jethro's BBQ. I miss that the most. I also miss my Wells Fargo friends and people I used to work with at the Attorney General offices.
We moved August 25. The rest of our travails are blogged about so I am not going to detail it...
But what I will say is that I really miss home. I love all of my friends and family back there dearly. I really enjoy living here and I have made a lot of friends here and met some super cool people. It is culturally so different and I will thank Suzy until the day I die for letting me join her on this adventure. When this eventually ends I will probably be really sad for leaving... So if I learned anything, it is keep your chin up, keep doing the right thing and let life take you on its journey.
Next on the agenda... popping some cold ones with friends and celebrating the new year. We live at ground zero for the celebration... I cannot wait.
So. Thanks to all of you for being a part of my 2013... and here's to a great 2014 for us all!
Take care of yourselves...
Chuck
Monday, December 30, 2013
Chilling in the Philippines--Fitness First
Dec. 30, 2013
Almost 2014! I plan on recapping this wonderful year over the next couple days... but first I wanted to talk about a recent workout.
A few weeks ago I was hanging out at Fridays in the afternoon. A lady there hanging out asked if I wanted a 3 day free gym membership to a place down the street. We have an ok workout facility here but I figured what the heck. To get it I had to give her my name and cell #. MISTAKE 1.
After a couple days, I started getting incessant calls. If its not a number that I have programmed in I do not answer. Then the texts came. It was Cecilly (which I thought was just a Grinnell name) the Fitness First lady. They were endless. So finally I told her Id be in. I got there and honestly, it was super nice. I got a tour and the facilities were great. the workout included a personal trainer and I knew then I would have to sit through the hard sale.
I knew I wasnt getting a membership, but I understand they have a job to do. But I had to go through everything. First, a consult. BMI time! Wow-- what a shock My Body Mass is HIGH. NO $#%@!
Cecilly says, "You know why you are here? to lose weight." I wanted to say, "YEP, so you will stop calling me!" She then asks, "What is your biggest problem? Do you drink?" UMMM You gave me this at Friday's. I wasn't having a Mango Smoothie. There';s a reason when I walk in the bartender says, "CHUCK! 1 Liter!"
so It is workout time... My personal trainer was a nice enough guy named VJ. He forgot my name after a few minutes, saying he is bad with names. I said , "It's Chuck. VJ, try to associate the name of the person you meet. Like You are VJ... MTV has VJ's so when I see you I think MTV-VJ. Done, I will always remember your name." He had never heard of that but will try it. I hope it works.
We went to the eliptical for 10 minutes warm up. He was getting to know me and advised I needed better shoes-- I said--"OK tell me where on the island to buy workout shoes over size 13?" Silence.
I also advised him that I run 5Ks. He wasn't ready for that or that I handled 10 minutes on the eliptical while chatting it up with him.
Next the hard part. He went straight to an arms and back work out. My biceps were burning! That was a brutal workout. I appreciate that he was pushing me, but that was a little much. The gym was beautiful though-- they had tons of space, and had a water bar... I could also get tea or coffee. There was guys that got you drinks and wiped off all the machines. very nice. Then I did some squats until my quads were on fire.
After the workout, VJ sat me down and stretched me out. That was good. He then sent me off to talk to Cecilly for the hard sale. Now I know how to say no. Suzy was away so I wasnt going to agree anyway.
The offer... 12 months membership for an initial fee of 10,000 pesos (about $220) and monthly fee of 3700 pesos(about $90) .... I told her no that had to talk to Suzy and her prices were just for me. We had to double all of that. She countered, "Just put it on your credit card." No.
She then realized I wasn't budging. so she left and TAG, in comes the closer. I do not know if it was by design, but this lady had a button down blouse on with very few buttons affixed. I told her the same. we went round and round. They were going to cut me a deal and cut my fees to 7500. NO. "But you can just put this on your credit card." No.
Finally she left and Cecilly came back and led me out. I thanked them as it was a great gym and a good workout.
The next day.... here comes the pain. My Biceps were so tight I couldnt bend my arms.
That took a week to go away.
also the next day came the texts -- "When you coming back? Have you talked to Suzy?"
Those haven't gone away.
No means No.
Almost 2014! I plan on recapping this wonderful year over the next couple days... but first I wanted to talk about a recent workout.
A few weeks ago I was hanging out at Fridays in the afternoon. A lady there hanging out asked if I wanted a 3 day free gym membership to a place down the street. We have an ok workout facility here but I figured what the heck. To get it I had to give her my name and cell #. MISTAKE 1.
After a couple days, I started getting incessant calls. If its not a number that I have programmed in I do not answer. Then the texts came. It was Cecilly (which I thought was just a Grinnell name) the Fitness First lady. They were endless. So finally I told her Id be in. I got there and honestly, it was super nice. I got a tour and the facilities were great. the workout included a personal trainer and I knew then I would have to sit through the hard sale.
I knew I wasnt getting a membership, but I understand they have a job to do. But I had to go through everything. First, a consult. BMI time! Wow-- what a shock My Body Mass is HIGH. NO $#%@!
Cecilly says, "You know why you are here? to lose weight." I wanted to say, "YEP, so you will stop calling me!" She then asks, "What is your biggest problem? Do you drink?" UMMM You gave me this at Friday's. I wasn't having a Mango Smoothie. There';s a reason when I walk in the bartender says, "CHUCK! 1 Liter!"
so It is workout time... My personal trainer was a nice enough guy named VJ. He forgot my name after a few minutes, saying he is bad with names. I said , "It's Chuck. VJ, try to associate the name of the person you meet. Like You are VJ... MTV has VJ's so when I see you I think MTV-VJ. Done, I will always remember your name." He had never heard of that but will try it. I hope it works.
We went to the eliptical for 10 minutes warm up. He was getting to know me and advised I needed better shoes-- I said--"OK tell me where on the island to buy workout shoes over size 13?" Silence.
I also advised him that I run 5Ks. He wasn't ready for that or that I handled 10 minutes on the eliptical while chatting it up with him.
Next the hard part. He went straight to an arms and back work out. My biceps were burning! That was a brutal workout. I appreciate that he was pushing me, but that was a little much. The gym was beautiful though-- they had tons of space, and had a water bar... I could also get tea or coffee. There was guys that got you drinks and wiped off all the machines. very nice. Then I did some squats until my quads were on fire.
After the workout, VJ sat me down and stretched me out. That was good. He then sent me off to talk to Cecilly for the hard sale. Now I know how to say no. Suzy was away so I wasnt going to agree anyway.
The offer... 12 months membership for an initial fee of 10,000 pesos (about $220) and monthly fee of 3700 pesos(about $90) .... I told her no that had to talk to Suzy and her prices were just for me. We had to double all of that. She countered, "Just put it on your credit card." No.
She then realized I wasn't budging. so she left and TAG, in comes the closer. I do not know if it was by design, but this lady had a button down blouse on with very few buttons affixed. I told her the same. we went round and round. They were going to cut me a deal and cut my fees to 7500. NO. "But you can just put this on your credit card." No.
Finally she left and Cecilly came back and led me out. I thanked them as it was a great gym and a good workout.
The next day.... here comes the pain. My Biceps were so tight I couldnt bend my arms.
That took a week to go away.
also the next day came the texts -- "When you coming back? Have you talked to Suzy?"
Those haven't gone away.
No means No.
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