Well, with two days off work, it made sense to start shopping for Manila. No major buys this time around, but I did make a Target run for contact solution, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste and a new toothbrush plus a few other personal care items. On my first trip to Manila, I learned how easy it was to find the products I might need and usually even finding the brands I wanted too. Nevertheless, I'm still packing my supplies but sleeping a little easier knowing I can find anything I might need.
Of course, I forgot my list, so I did my best; knowing I still need to go to Costco for visa photos and candy for my class. Speaking of Visas, I remembered to look for my passport tonight, and found it in the 2nd most logical spot. HA! Can you imagine me making a mad dash for Chicago for a replacement passport the week before my trip?
Tomorrow, I might even open my suitcases and start making piles of things to pack. But for tonight, I'm going to kick back, relax and get some sleep - I'm going on a road trip tomorrow!
Oh! And I got some exciting news - I WILL be staying at the Fraser again; my first five nights with be at the hotel that I was not looking forward to, and the rest of the 5 weeks will be at the Fraser again! YAYYY!
It started!
Friday, June 29, 2012
Well, with two days off work, it made sense to start shopping for Manila. No major buys this time around, but I did make a Target run for contact solution, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste and a new toothbrush plus a few other personal care items. On my first trip to Manila, I learned how easy it was to find the products I might need and usually even finding the brands I wanted too. Nevertheless, I'm still packing my supplies but sleeping a little easier knowing I can find anything I might need.
Of course, I forgot my list, so I did my best; knowing I still need to go to Costco for visa photos and candy for my class. Speaking of Visas, I remembered to look for my passport tonight, and found it in the 2nd most logical spot. HA! Can you imagine me making a mad dash for Chicago for a replacement passport the week before my trip?
Tomorrow, I might even open my suitcases and start making piles of things to pack. But for tonight, I'm going to kick back, relax and get some sleep - I'm going on a road trip tomorrow!
Oh! And I got some exciting news - I WILL be staying at the Fraser again; my first five nights with be at the hotel that I was not looking forward to, and the rest of the 5 weeks will be at the Fraser again! YAYYY!
Melissa is a friend from high school, however we didn't really know each other then. Luckily, fate intervened and we became friends over the past ten years. Between her wedding abroad, my relationships ups and downs and a handful of moves between us; we've got each other's backs.
Melissa was a Godsend today. Her email reminded me to live in the moment. If I spend the next two weeks worrying about feeling homesick and don't enjoy my time before leaving, then I might as well leave now. She was the kick in the pants I needed.
I'm only going to be gone for six weeks. Pshhht. I can do six weeks easy; it will be as short as 2 of my normal trips (3 weeks) back to back. In a gorgeous city. With wonderful friends. And trips to the beach. And shopping. The only thing I should be worried about is not having enough time to do everything I want.
Yes, I will miss my family and friends. Between phone calls, video chatting and emails, I have a feeling I'll be even more connected than usual. I have the feeling that I'll be having so much fun, I won't have time to feel homesick. No matter what, I'm not going to allow myself to rain on an amazing trip like this.
Thank God for Melissa*
(*and her mom, who has been reminding Melissa to do the same)
Thank God for Melissa
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Melissa is a friend from high school, however we didn't really know each other then. Luckily, fate intervened and we became friends over the past ten years. Between her wedding abroad, my relationships ups and downs and a handful of moves between us; we've got each other's backs.
Melissa was a Godsend today. Her email reminded me to live in the moment. If I spend the next two weeks worrying about feeling homesick and don't enjoy my time before leaving, then I might as well leave now. She was the kick in the pants I needed.
I'm only going to be gone for six weeks. Pshhht. I can do six weeks easy; it will be as short as 2 of my normal trips (3 weeks) back to back. In a gorgeous city. With wonderful friends. And trips to the beach. And shopping. The only thing I should be worried about is not having enough time to do everything I want.
Yes, I will miss my family and friends. Between phone calls, video chatting and emails, I have a feeling I'll be even more connected than usual. I have the feeling that I'll be having so much fun, I won't have time to feel homesick. No matter what, I'm not going to allow myself to rain on an amazing trip like this.
Thank God for Melissa*
(*and her mom, who has been reminding Melissa to do the same)
My birthday is coming up. I mention this not for recognition, but I'm kind of avoiding it. Turning another year older doesn't really bother me, but this Thursday is my birthday, next Wednesday is the 4th of July and the following Tuesday I'm on a plane for Manila. Once my birthday gets here, I know it will be a complete blur and next think I'll know, I'm on a plane.
My anxiety has this weird duality to it; I am thrilled to see my friends in Manila again, yet I'm afraid of how homesick I'll feel. I'm super excited to finally met Candice, who I've been working with for nearly a year, but six weeks is a long time to be away.
On my first trip to Manila, I loved having so much within walking distance; just a few minutes to fabulous restaurants and shopping. I stayed in a beautiful apartment just a few blocks from the office. On my upcoming trip, I'm staying in a different apartment (which I've read some unfavorable reviews from) that is even closer to shopping and dining, and I'm terribly nervous that I will experience the same problems in the negative reviews. Unfortunately, the apartment building where I stayed before is booked for the first week I'll be in town, so I can't stay there.
On my first trip to Manila, I became friends with an awesome group of people who were warm and welcoming. I also was staying in the same apartment complex as two other co-workers from the states that I'm good friends with. This time I'll be flying solo.
I'm also a little nervous about food. I know there are tons of food options, but I recently found out that I have some food sensitivities; one of them is RICE. That's right, I'm headed to Asia for 6 weeks and can't eat rice. Listen, I'll be the first to admit that I could stand to miss a few meals. But when you can't eat the most common food in the country (seriously, it comes with every meal - even McDonald's!), meal planning is going to suck.
So today I will keep myself distracted by editing photos, and try to pull myself out of this mindset. Tomorrow, I will be back to feeling excited and thrilled for my trip. But today I believe I will pout.
PS- I got my promotion at work! YAHOOOOOOOOOOO!
Some mild anxiety...
Sunday, June 24, 2012
My birthday is coming up. I mention this not for recognition, but I'm kind of avoiding it. Turning another year older doesn't really bother me, but this Thursday is my birthday, next Wednesday is the 4th of July and the following Tuesday I'm on a plane for Manila. Once my birthday gets here, I know it will be a complete blur and next think I'll know, I'm on a plane.
My anxiety has this weird duality to it; I am thrilled to see my friends in Manila again, yet I'm afraid of how homesick I'll feel. I'm super excited to finally met Candice, who I've been working with for nearly a year, but six weeks is a long time to be away.
On my first trip to Manila, I loved having so much within walking distance; just a few minutes to fabulous restaurants and shopping. I stayed in a beautiful apartment just a few blocks from the office. On my upcoming trip, I'm staying in a different apartment (which I've read some unfavorable reviews from) that is even closer to shopping and dining, and I'm terribly nervous that I will experience the same problems in the negative reviews. Unfortunately, the apartment building where I stayed before is booked for the first week I'll be in town, so I can't stay there.
On my first trip to Manila, I became friends with an awesome group of people who were warm and welcoming. I also was staying in the same apartment complex as two other co-workers from the states that I'm good friends with. This time I'll be flying solo.
I'm also a little nervous about food. I know there are tons of food options, but I recently found out that I have some food sensitivities; one of them is RICE. That's right, I'm headed to Asia for 6 weeks and can't eat rice. Listen, I'll be the first to admit that I could stand to miss a few meals. But when you can't eat the most common food in the country (seriously, it comes with every meal - even McDonald's!), meal planning is going to suck.
So today I will keep myself distracted by editing photos, and try to pull myself out of this mindset. Tomorrow, I will be back to feeling excited and thrilled for my trip. But today I believe I will pout.
PS- I got my promotion at work! YAHOOOOOOOOOOO!
May 31st through June 2nd was a whirlwind road trip to western Nebraska to visit my grandma. On our nine hour drive, we made a little time lapse video that ended right before our dinner at Ole's Big Game Steakhouse in Paxton, Nebraska. Growing up, most trips between Des Moines and Denver (where my grandparents lived) included lunch next to the stuffed polar bear or sitting under the stuffed giraffe. I hoped the boyfriend would enjoy the interesting decor, and about forty minutes later we left full from our meal (steak sandwich) and with souvenirs.
We arrived in Scottsbluff around 7pm. After stopping by my grandma's place, we checked into the Hampton Inn for our free stay (thanks Hilton HHonors Points!) and crashed hard after a long day spent in the car. Saturday morning it was time for donuts from the Gering Bakery; a well known bakery in town. This was my first trip to the bakery, but hardly my first trip to town. Usually I elect to stay at my grandma's instead of the hotel, so my folks and sister deliver rolls each morning.
We waited our turn drooling over the donuts and treats behind the glass. With a dozen rolls in hand, we headed back to my grandma's; thankfully we were able to find the type of doughnut that my grandma described - a sour cream cake doughnut. After our breakfast, we took the leftovers to her sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn & Butch. Butch is the sweetest guy and trust me, there will be a special place in heaven for him someday. Poor guy was at one point the only surviving husband of the five sisters in town.
Evelyn's daughter called while we were there and we made plans for dinner with her. Susie is a riot and one of very few people who keep my dad (her cousin) in place.
We went about our day, visiting the Scottsbluff National Monument. We drove to the top and hike about a half mile total. Here are a few pictures, click to enlarge:
 |
| Panoramic photo from the parking lot |
 |
| View from the peak, looking over Scottsbluff |
 |
| Me, at the top of the Monument |
 |
| Me and the boyfriend |
 |
| Western view, towards Wyoming |
After our little hike, we drove back to the visitors center and watched a video that made me really grateful for road trips growing up; I am not suited for a life on the Oregon Trail! We checked out the small museum and my grandma pointed out her favorite exhibit that's be there since she was a child - two dioramas of historic Scottsbluff.
After the museum and a quick stop at the cemetery where my grandfather is buried, we went to my grandma's favorite Mexican restaurant for lunch. Their fresh guacamole and freshly fried flour tortilla chips were a treat, but our entrees had nothing on my favorite places in Des Moines. We stopped by the nursing home to visit my great-aunt June, who looked the best I've seen her in a few years.
Next, we headed south to a state park. The visitors center was small, and the hands-on activities would be ideal for anyone with kids. This park is home to lots of wild animals including a heard of Big Horn Sheep.
Saturday we took our time getting ready and then spent a couple of hours with grandma before dropping her off at her bridge luncheon. She was pretty sure she was taking home some prize money from this season's tournament. We headed back home, stopping for fuel and food and enjoying NPR's Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me podcasts. It was a short trip, but awesome to see my grandma.
Road Trip: Scottsbluff, Nebraska
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
May 31st through June 2nd was a whirlwind road trip to western Nebraska to visit my grandma. On our nine hour drive, we made a little time lapse video that ended right before our dinner at Ole's Big Game Steakhouse in Paxton, Nebraska. Growing up, most trips between Des Moines and Denver (where my grandparents lived) included lunch next to the stuffed polar bear or sitting under the stuffed giraffe. I hoped the boyfriend would enjoy the interesting decor, and about forty minutes later we left full from our meal (steak sandwich) and with souvenirs.
We arrived in Scottsbluff around 7pm. After stopping by my grandma's place, we checked into the Hampton Inn for our free stay (thanks Hilton HHonors Points!) and crashed hard after a long day spent in the car. Saturday morning it was time for donuts from the Gering Bakery; a well known bakery in town. This was my first trip to the bakery, but hardly my first trip to town. Usually I elect to stay at my grandma's instead of the hotel, so my folks and sister deliver rolls each morning.
We waited our turn drooling over the donuts and treats behind the glass. With a dozen rolls in hand, we headed back to my grandma's; thankfully we were able to find the type of doughnut that my grandma described - a sour cream cake doughnut. After our breakfast, we took the leftovers to her sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn & Butch. Butch is the sweetest guy and trust me, there will be a special place in heaven for him someday. Poor guy was at one point the only surviving husband of the five sisters in town.
Evelyn's daughter called while we were there and we made plans for dinner with her. Susie is a riot and one of very few people who keep my dad (her cousin) in place.
We went about our day, visiting the Scottsbluff National Monument. We drove to the top and hike about a half mile total. Here are a few pictures, click to enlarge:
|
| Panoramic photo from the parking lot |
|
| View from the peak, looking over Scottsbluff |
|
| Me, at the top of the Monument |
|
| Me and the boyfriend |
|
| Western view, towards Wyoming |
After our little hike, we drove back to the visitors center and watched a video that made me really grateful for road trips growing up; I am not suited for a life on the Oregon Trail! We checked out the small museum and my grandma pointed out her favorite exhibit that's be there since she was a child - two dioramas of historic Scottsbluff.
After the museum and a quick stop at the cemetery where my grandfather is buried, we went to my grandma's favorite Mexican restaurant for lunch. Their fresh guacamole and freshly fried flour tortilla chips were a treat, but our entrees had nothing on my favorite places in Des Moines. We stopped by the nursing home to visit my great-aunt June, who looked the best I've seen her in a few years.
Next, we headed south to a state park. The visitors center was small, and the hands-on activities would be ideal for anyone with kids. This park is home to lots of wild animals including a heard of Big Horn Sheep.
Saturday we took our time getting ready and then spent a couple of hours with grandma before dropping her off at her bridge luncheon. She was pretty sure she was taking home some prize money from this season's tournament. We headed back home, stopping for fuel and food and enjoying NPR's Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me podcasts. It was a short trip, but awesome to see my grandma.
Here is my first attempt at a time lapse video. I made this on my road trip from Des Moines to Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
I used an intervalometer to take a photo every 90 seconds between Des Moines and Paxton, Nebraska where my batteries died. Adobe Lightroom was used to create the video. Enjoy!
Music: “The Time To Run”
By Dexter Britain
www.dexterbritain.co.uk
www.twitter.com/dexterbritain
hello@dexterbritain.co.uk
Road Trip: A Time Lapse
Friday, June 8, 2012
Here is my first attempt at a time lapse video. I made this on my road trip from Des Moines to Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
I used an intervalometer to take a photo every 90 seconds between Des Moines and Paxton, Nebraska where my batteries died. Adobe Lightroom was used to create the video. Enjoy!
Music: “The Time To Run”
By Dexter Britain
www.dexterbritain.co.uk
www.twitter.com/dexterbritain
hello@dexterbritain.co.uk
25,000 Hilton HHonors points used
1300 miles driven
46.8 miles per gallon
12 donuts to share (from the awesome Gering Bakery)
9 NPR Podcasts
6 roadside pit stops
4 constructions zones
3 trips to Walmart
2 Great-Aunts and one Great Uncle
1 Grandma. She’s the best.
This Weekend...
Monday, June 4, 2012
25,000 Hilton HHonors points used
1300 miles driven
46.8 miles per gallon
12 donuts to share (from the awesome Gering Bakery)
9 NPR Podcasts
6 roadside pit stops
4 constructions zones
3 trips to Walmart
2 Great-Aunts and one Great Uncle
1 Grandma. She’s the best.
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