Another driving experience!

I'm a working girl again. I started my new job two mondays ago. What a way to start, it was snowing although we only got an inch, it's super cold. It was really a big relief for me that my husband came home early to crank up my car, heat it up and see me off. I was thinking he was like a parent sending his kid to her first day of school.

It was really a big factor that he came home early on my first week of work to guide me through the uncooperative weather. I've experienced it all snow, rain, strong winds. The fact that I'm not an experience driver worries my husband so much. We've butted heads many times about my driving skills because he knows that I need to learn not just the basics but most importantly about safety. I'm really weak on backing up that's the main reason I failed my driving test the first time but up to now it's always been a problem for me. I would usually leave home early so that I'll have a leisurely drive at my backroad and get through the highway before the traffic gets heavy. At work I chose my parking spot far enough not to get too close to any other car. Also I stay some 15 mins more at work so that I'l have time to clear the parking lot by that time it's usually just my boss car and mine. Yey!

Also the usual problem of first time drivers running of gas has always been on my mind. One time last week I forgot to tell my husband that my gas tank is almost empty I only realized it when I got to work the next day and he's working that night. Since our schedules don't allow us to see each other I was afraid that I may run out of gas and get into big trouble out in the road all by myself. So that night after I got off from work I drove by the Harley Davidson shop and asked our friend Joe to help me gas up. Without hesitation, Joe followed me to the gas station and filled-up my gas tank.

To me a gas station is unfamiliar territory I wish it's like back home where you just drive to a gas station a gasoline boy will fill it up for you and even clean your windshiled no wonder the gas companies raking all the money. But on the second thought over here I have to be independent which is not always a good thing moments like this I wish that my husband it with me. Anyway, last sunday my husband for the nth time taught me the step by step process on gassing up on my own. Obviously it's not rocket science but the question is when I can do it on my own (probably by next month my timeline I gave myself) in the meantime I will be bothering some people to help me get through this phase lol!

It's been my second week of working I could tell that I'm gaining my driving experience day by day. Everyday you get to go through different situation that test your innate ability to survive the paved jungle of the urban road. I've learned the patience of keeping up with my speed limit even if others gets too close to my rear trying to get me to speed up but sorry folks it's not my cup of tea I maintain my allowed speed limit all the time. So on my morning drive, a school bus ahead of me is my best friend. Many drivers hate it and zigzag to pass through which is a big no no but I know it doesn't make me an idiot for following the rule.

One thing is clear though I don't like to drive I have no other choice so I might as well drive cautiously and safely.

Back from the ski trip

Our ski trip is over. Again, I had a blasttttttttt! My husband and his son are ski afficionados. They always look forward to winter just so they could ski. For two weeks this father n son tandem has been so excited about this trip that they burned the line talking about getting reservation, checking the weather, and what to wear lol.

We started skiing tuesday morning around 9am. Stopped at Ski Barn rented our ski and ski boots (except for my husband and Kelly). They both got their own paraphernalia with them being long time skiers. We begun at the Silver Creek resort in Snowshoe, West Virginia. Got our lift tickets which included the Snowshoe Ski Resort (the two resort run together both under one management).

It was snowing at 19'o I was bundled up in four layers of leggings and long sleeve shirt then polypropelyne underwear(soo warm), fleece jacket, then ski pants and my jacket complete with my baggie, ear warmer and goggles. The next two hours was spent teaching me and Kayla (the 12 yr old daughter of our son's gf) the basics. This is my second time but still I had a hard time getting my balance. It was comedy of errors too. My first ride on the lift I wasn't able to get out so the man had to stop the lift and literally carried me off to the ground. Everyone's laughing about it.

I fell down and got up a millon times. I don't care, I've seen people tumbled, rolled over and got back on their feet. I was one of them but in the afternoon it was a real struggle for me. I was a bit scared to get too close to the edge for fear that I'll be sucked out of road and fall straight to the ravine. Oh that would be one nasty rescue effort. Snow's blowing, I don't have my contacts and even if I had my glasses on with my goggles still it was tough for me because moisture crept unto my goggles that it blinded me.

Although I enjoyed it, I had to quit I told my husband I'll just wait for them at the locker room. I was a bit frustrated because I felt that the men want to ski the black diamonds but with me around I'l just ruin their enthusiam. You see I can only ski on the greens anytime I'l see a big mound or a mountain of snow I chickened out. Anyway, to my mind I've already perfected the art of falling down and getting back up. It has to be this way, roll on your belly facing the mountain, lift one foot with the ski pole get up on your knee and presto I'l be back on the train again lol! That made my knees sored that I had to stop.

After 45 mins of resting, my husband, Kelly, Steph and Kayla emerged from the door and they too felt so tired that they all decided to call it a day. We've skied all we wanted to that day anyway. But as we were changing clothes Steph noticed that her tennis shoes was missing and then Kelly's too. Yup we didn't get a locker we just put our stuff under the bench but we didn't realized that someone will steal used shoes. Both of them were Nike's and Kelly's shoes got a $200 theraphy sole inside. That's what made the young man mad. We stopped at the only store in the mountain got him and Steph's new boots. We drove back to our hotel had dinner, we all had fun recapping the day. The men laughed about how they spent the day picking me up lol!

Our second day, we got to Silver Creek again and took the bus to Snowshoe Ski Resort. The resort's pretty it has over 50 trains open that day. This is where all the fun begun. It's a beautiful day the sun's up it was a breeze compare the other day. We all dressed less took off our polypropelyne and ski with just two layers. My first disaster for the day I got into a ditch trying to stay as far away from the edge. My husband has been teaching me get out of it. Our company (Steph, Kelly, Kayla) were already at the bottom and one guy told them a girl (that's me) got into the ditch and his father's (my husband)cussing her out. They all laughed so hard.

Eventually, I got the hang of it I fell couple of times that day. But still I couldn't master making my S turn. One time at this steep slope I skied and went straight line to the bottom, my husband tried to catch me but he failed, Kelly ducked trying to reach me but I just went fast him got to the bottom in a heartbeat. Kelly asked me why I was in such a hurry. We all had a hearty laughed.

Another thing, once in the lift I tried taking some pictures of the train that one of my ski poles fell. My husband said he'll just pay them but Kelly had to retrive them in the middle of the knee deep snow. He's my hero!

The rest of the day we enjoy just cruising around on our skis. I think we covered most of the green and blue trains. I didn't tried the black diamonds it scared me to death. One time my husband and Kelly tried to convince me and Kayla to face our fears but still we declined and decided to just meet them at the middle. We took the blue train instead. And that's how I managed to make my S turn perfectly. Well my husband complemented me by saying I got a good balance all I need to do is practice making my ski turn. Just when I got the hang of it that's when they all decided to stop and head back to our hotel, it's getting dark anyway.

The men planned on going back to do some night skiing but since we're all whopped from the long hours we spent skiing they both decided to stay at the hotel and chill out. We slept long that night. We woke up before 9am from Kelly's call telling us to look at the window because it's going to be a long drive back home. After breakfast we all head back to Robbins. Sure enough, it was a long treacherous snowy drive home. We all had fun and the ski addicts that the men are they're now both planning a day trip to Winter Place for another ski trip this time without the women around. Goodluck to them lol!

Saturday Photo Hunt " Important"

Saturday Photo Hunt "Important"

This week's theme is "Important" and the perfect photo for me is my new job's paperworks. At this point in time of my life, as a new immigrant in the US my first job validated the fact that my life has just begun. Between getting my greencard five months ago, getting my Social Security No. a month later, then my driver's license another month later and this new job two months later it meant a whole lot to me. I consider this a very important milestone in my life.

So here's the copy of my paperworks that I need to complete. My Form W-4, 401K application, health insurance, application, and all the requirements that needs to be filled out and submitted to my employer.

PhotoHunt

Off to our ski holiday!

It's 8:30 am eastern time and Im all agog going over our stuff for this trip. Still there's the usual last minute shopping that we need to do. My husband realized that instead of renting me a ski wear we'll just buy it since we always ski yearly (my husband sometimes does it two to three times a year. The only thing I need to rent is my ski pole and boots (it's so hard to find my size). So last saturday, we got a ski pants (wanted a bib but there's no one that fits me lol), couldn't find goggles and the polypropylene underwear in the sports store. Today, we'll swing by the military store to try find one for me.

I don't know just before I got my job I was really excited for this trip but now all I want to do is start work. Weird, I enjoy snow skiing in fact my first time experienced last year was a blast. Well, everyone has been telling me to chill out and enjoy the trip because once I started working vacation will be less. Whatever it is I am now more excited to work thank ski, I don't know I just want this thing to be done and over it.

So folks I'l see you all when we get back. Please pray for our safe trip. I'l keep you all posted.

Saturday Photo Hunt "Skinny"

I wanted to join this photo hunt eversince I discovered it from some bloggers two weeks ago but I was always busy bloghopping that I only decided to post my first photo and the category for the week is "skinny". I saw my husband's ski pole that I came to realized it could fit the skinny category so here it is...

PhotoHunt

Got the job I wanted!

I started the year with a bang! I've been to 5 interviews in just 9 days I actually have another couple of interviews scheduled tomorrow and monday. I didn't pursue them anymore because after months of job hunting I got the job that I've been praying for.

I wanted to work close to home, where I could drive without going through the interstate or the belt-line tho' I still went to several interviews in the big city. Last week was a bummer, I got one call telling me that I didn't get the Plant Controller job. The head hunter has told me that I did well in the interview (they always tell you that) but apparently someone with much experience got the job. Like a true soldier I took the defeat not as a blow to my self-esteem but another challenge as I anxiously await the result of four more jobs lined-up for me.

So today the Controller from this company that interviewed me last tuesday has offered me the job. I was still in bed when I got the call this morning, when I read the caller ID I felt a sudden rush clothed all over me. I thought it could be the bad news. The initial hi, how are you? conversation start-up has gotten me excited that I could feel my adrenalin all pumped up. Then the good news, she told me that they're offering me the Accountant job. She asked if I could start this Jan. 16 but I told her that we're going to Virginia for a snow skiing trip which has been scheduled before this job search started. We then both agreed that I'l start on the 21st. She explained some more things (I was jumping with joy), told me that she emailed me the job offer for me to look at, if it's agreeable to me.

As soon as she hung up the phone I was estatic. I couldn't contain my happiness. It was a dream job especially the employment package plus the biggest bonus is that it's closer to home all back road driving. Tomorrow I'l be going to my future company to sign the offer and do the customary "drug testing". I am excited, I recognized that as a new immigrant this is now the final step of my journey.

As always, I should give credit to my husband who drove me to all these interviews without complain. Sometimes, it even intervenes with his schedule but still he patiently supported me all the way. I'l take you to dinner when I get my first pay check.

I am really thankful for this blessing from the Lord. It is a living testament that God answer prayers. God is good! I give back all the glory, honor and thanksgiving to him!

Blogger Friends!

Juliana of Juliana's Lair has given me this cute blogger friend recognition. It was indeed a touching thing so thanks Juliana. The blogsphere is a fascinating world I never thought I can share friendship with my fellow bloggers. I proved myself wrong
I met alot of wonderful people so I'm sharing this to Weng of Asawakomahalko, Chelle of Myblog Mybilog, Ivan girl, Pretty life online, Jazevox, Liza in Manila. I appreciate your online friendship and thank you guys!

Tagged and Awards!

I am so sorry Pretty Life Online it's been quite a while but thank you so much for this award!







I have been behind so many tags that was given to me, it's not really my thing but I guess out of courtesy to those who tagged me I'l do it hehehehe

So Juliana tagged me for this,
Will You Keep Your New Year's Resolution!

You Will Keep Your New Year's Resolution

You planning on making a resolution that's smart, attainable, and perfect for where your life is.

Will You
Keep Your New Year's Resolution?

Job Interview!

I'm really gung-ho on finding a job. As far as work is concern my search is limited to around 30 mins drive from home. You all know we live in the country an hour away from the big city. I have blogged before how I was so disappointed to not even get a job interview from the other community college around here all I got were five thank you letters for the five positions I tried applying for.

Finally, around fist week of December I got a call from another community college for an interview set two days later. It was a panel interview and as soon as I took my seat the Controller explained to me the college's mission, the job requirements plus the duties and resposibilities. They have a set of questionnaire and I noticed that no one asked me about any personal information about me. The interview went smoothly but once I stepped out of the building I assessed myself and as always I got this naggging feeling that I blew it and could have said this or that would have been a better answer rather than what I gave them.

As we drove home I told my husband my gut feel is it's 60% positive I'l get call again for the final interview. I wanted the job so much that the anticipation of waiting and waiting and waiting for another call left me with little stress. I couldn't sleep for two nights I don't know my husband has time and again reminded me to just leave it to the Lord if I'l get the job it's really meant to be if not take it positively.

After two days I got the call for another interview the next day. I was told that it will be the final selection process and there would only be two of us. The interview went smoothly tho' I had a hint it was a 50/50 chance because the VP was hinting that it was an entry level position it seems I am well over qualified. Of course I tried to sell myself and counter her concern I almost wanted to beg her to just give me the job. I think I left them a good impression of me they both said that I was really good and can articulate myself especially when they grilled me with my Accounting experience.

To sum it all, two days later I got the "dreaded" call. The HR Manager explained to me that it was really a hard decision for them it was like 50/50 but eventually the favor went to the other applicant. Tho' I didn't get the job I was happy that I was treated professionally, fairly, and I did it on my own without politics or favor. It has also lifted up my sagging spirit that I'l never find job anywhere around here.

To top it all I was given the assurance that if I could just wait they'll have an Asst. Controller position created and they'll hire me in a heartbeat. I don't know if they're just trying to appease me but they all sound very sincere with what they promised. Anyway, eventhough the job wasn't meant for me it was an experienced of a lifetime as my mother always tell me charge it to experience. I know the window of opportunity has been opened up for me because my job search has just begun.

Things to be Thankful for the year 2007

As we usher to a new year, I would like to thank the Lord for all the wonderful blessings that I have received for 2007. Above all these blessings 10 things stand out for me this year.

1. After 7 yrs I am now settled for good with my husband, it was a long wonderful journey. I am blessed with the best husband in the world.
2. My family back home especially my heroes nanay and tatay. My inspirations are my nephews and nieces Pau, Anton, Ynno, Mico, Cj, Biboy, Karl, Klarisse. Also my siblings and cousins.
3. It has been a blessing that I have no trouble blending in with my husband's big family they all love me and I love them all too especially my mother-in-law, Aunt Bonnie, Kelly, Tabitha, Toby, Caleb, Colby and Colton.
4. My GCF church back in the Philippines who first nurtured my faith and relationship with the Lord then my Crossroad Baptist church here.
5. My HS friends, they are all the best we've been scattered all over the globe but the world wide web makes us feel like we're beside each other. Reggie in Fl, Amel in PA, Ester in CA, August & Nonah in Bahrain, Malou Jonel & Felix in Singapore, All of those left in Philippines Bobby, JayR, Zeny, Daisy, Momom, Eddie, Marivic. Also my college friends Roanne in Chicago and Pie in San Francisco (we'll definitely see each other this 2008).
Miss you all guys!
6. My Digitel family, it was an experienced of a lifetime working with them. I've learned alot and they're all good we are like one big happy family around 80 Accountants in the Comptrollership Division tho' people come and go the camaraderie add more fun to the endless closing, overtime, reports and "pasaway na boss". But I especially want to thank these people my Revenue Accounting family Ms Mariz, Nellie, Grace, Venus, Shawee, Mitch, Rayme, Connie, Marie, Sir Robert, Maam Malou, Thess, Leslie, Sean, Chris, Bogs, Brian, Gibs, Jane, Leslie, Mommy Fe they all want to be mentioned especially my badminton group I miss them so much...
7. My best best pals in Canada Jeima, Miss Lize, and Dred they are my support group and have been there with me through the bad times of my life. May we finally get to see each other this 2008.
8. Jackie and Joe Seago they're like my siblings, we take care of each other's back, Minda Ramos Quimson in LA she's a mentor, big sister, friend, confidant all rolled into one. I also want to acknowledge Malou and Steve Farnsworth in Mo, Love and Al Kaltenhauser in Wy, Irene and Oliv in France thank you all for the friendship!
9. The blog world it fascinates me no end plus I love reading other blogs especially filipino bloggers like Lord Manila Stone, Reyna Elena, YeloKity, Francesca in France, Senor Enrique, Bianca Gonzales, most of them don't even know I read them lol and alot more. Also I got to know alot of friends in the blogsphere beginning with Pretty life online, Liza in Manila, Ivan Girl, Weng of Pinay Life Abroad,Jazevox, Sarah, Lira, Raquel, Darlene, Chelle, Rowena in Manila they're all a friend to me... Continue Blogging everyone!
10.Last but definitely not the least my dogs they make me so happy, Oscar and Fred their cousins Noodles, Blue and Dixie. Also our horses, Shadow and Lil Joe they're all my companion most times that I'm alone and some "boring no one to talk to day".

So Thank you 2007 and here's to prosperous and blessed happy new year to everyone!