Finally, I'm in the mood to update this blog.
I've been a lazy idiot for the last few weeks... well, actually I've been on "vacation." Or self-imposed exile in Pensacola.
First, the big news... I've got a job. I'm headed back to Tallahassee next week and will start working with the Florida Hurricane Relief Fund. I'm excited about it... the opportunity to work in a great environment and wonderful people I've known before.
So, now that I have that arranged, I have to head back and find an apartment. It'll probably be easier said than done!
I've been reflecting on a lot this last month and I see why God brought me back here for a while. I've been able to re-connect with old friends... most importantly, I actually got to spend time with my godson (which to my delight he remembers me now and runs up to me!) and catch up with a few friends. Being back was beginning to grow on me.
I also got to spend a lot more time with my parents. We have fun going to Saturday Karaoke nights with my cousin. I haven't gotten the nerve to get up and sing, but my cousin is really great. It's just fun to watch. A lot of my parents' friends go, so it's nice to see extended "family" that I hadn't seen in ages.
Well, I just wanted to keep this brief... a update was due. Keep in touch y'all. My cell is still the same, my mailing address will be different, the e-mail address is the same, and you can always keep up with me on myspace.
Peace!
12 July, 2006
The Black Hole... sucking me home
It always seems like I'm updating this blog at 2:00 in the morning. I always thought it was my prime thinking hour... I think I need to get a job with a graveyard shift.
I've been back in Pensacola a while now. I've re-connected with old friends, made some new ones, and trying to find a new career in between it all.
On one of my trips back to P'cola after I'd moved to Tallahassee, I remember seeing a high school classmate at a gas station. He'd been down on his luck and moved back home. I was trying to give him a little encouragement, and we laughed how this town is a black hole.
It is. A black hole that sucks you back in, no matter where in the world you may travel. Whether it's a good thing or not, I'll leave it to your judgment.
Ah, but I can't help but think how much this is home to me. When I'm hungry, I know what I want and know where to get it (especially if I'm looking for a fish sandwich or some gumbo). When there's car trouble, one of the "uncles" can do the Filipino fix on it. I have friends who can find something to do that's loads of fun and doesn't break the bank.... like Pelican baseball games or hanging out on the beach. When I need to talk to someone, there's always a lot of people I can turn to here.
I'd been telling some friends how I feel like I needed a passport to come back here. It's a whole other country here, at least for me. I lived the last few years in Tallahassee so much into the American lifestyle, that I come back here and... ahhhhh... to be Filipino again.
It's topsilog (that's bacon, garlic fried rice, and eggs) or daing (dried fish) for breakfast and nearly fish and rice for every other meal eaten at home. I pick eggplant, ampalaya (bitter melon) and limoncito (small limes) in the family garden. I shop at the Asian market and sort through weird looking vegetables and fruits and am unfazed by the butcher walking through the aisle with a dead pig carcass slung over his shoulders. I can sit back and enjoy karaoke while pinching at my fried pork pieces and meticulously twirling the contents of my halo-halo ("mix-mix" an iced milk shake) while an old Filipino woman belts out Patsy Cline's "Crazy" in her thick fresh-off-the-boat accent.
"CREEEEEZZZEEEE.... CREEZY POR PEELEENG SOOOO LONE-LY"
Molly is adjusting well too. A lot of my friends here have dogs and I've brought Molly along to play with them. She's gotten along well with kids too, and has open invitations to visit them all. We're also making great friends at the dog park too. There's an open camraderie among dog owners that I've felt here. The dog owners here are much more mature... and responsible than I've seen in Tally, but I guess that's because there aren't a lot of college students with puppy pit bulls around here. We go to the doggie beach or another park and I instantly strike up conversations with so many friendly people. Many have even extended invitations to visit their homes.
I hadn't felt that way in a long time about "feeling at home".... but I don't want to get too comfortable here. God, I think, has plans for me elsewhere.
I've been back in Pensacola a while now. I've re-connected with old friends, made some new ones, and trying to find a new career in between it all.
On one of my trips back to P'cola after I'd moved to Tallahassee, I remember seeing a high school classmate at a gas station. He'd been down on his luck and moved back home. I was trying to give him a little encouragement, and we laughed how this town is a black hole.
It is. A black hole that sucks you back in, no matter where in the world you may travel. Whether it's a good thing or not, I'll leave it to your judgment.
Ah, but I can't help but think how much this is home to me. When I'm hungry, I know what I want and know where to get it (especially if I'm looking for a fish sandwich or some gumbo). When there's car trouble, one of the "uncles" can do the Filipino fix on it. I have friends who can find something to do that's loads of fun and doesn't break the bank.... like Pelican baseball games or hanging out on the beach. When I need to talk to someone, there's always a lot of people I can turn to here.
I'd been telling some friends how I feel like I needed a passport to come back here. It's a whole other country here, at least for me. I lived the last few years in Tallahassee so much into the American lifestyle, that I come back here and... ahhhhh... to be Filipino again.
It's topsilog (that's bacon, garlic fried rice, and eggs) or daing (dried fish) for breakfast and nearly fish and rice for every other meal eaten at home. I pick eggplant, ampalaya (bitter melon) and limoncito (small limes) in the family garden. I shop at the Asian market and sort through weird looking vegetables and fruits and am unfazed by the butcher walking through the aisle with a dead pig carcass slung over his shoulders. I can sit back and enjoy karaoke while pinching at my fried pork pieces and meticulously twirling the contents of my halo-halo ("mix-mix" an iced milk shake) while an old Filipino woman belts out Patsy Cline's "Crazy" in her thick fresh-off-the-boat accent.
"CREEEEEZZZEEEE.... CREEZY POR PEELEENG SOOOO LONE-LY"
Molly is adjusting well too. A lot of my friends here have dogs and I've brought Molly along to play with them. She's gotten along well with kids too, and has open invitations to visit them all. We're also making great friends at the dog park too. There's an open camraderie among dog owners that I've felt here. The dog owners here are much more mature... and responsible than I've seen in Tally, but I guess that's because there aren't a lot of college students with puppy pit bulls around here. We go to the doggie beach or another park and I instantly strike up conversations with so many friendly people. Many have even extended invitations to visit their homes.
I hadn't felt that way in a long time about "feeling at home".... but I don't want to get too comfortable here. God, I think, has plans for me elsewhere.
30 June, 2006
The Day is Here!
It’s June 30!
It’s past midnight after a long and exhausting day marked with farewells, best wishes, and “keep in touch” comments. I know I’ll have more of the same good-byes during the upcoming day.
I just can’t sleep!
So, I thought I’d take a moment and update (which I haven’t done in ages—I know!) and figured that—if reading this is boring enough to put you to sleep—writing it should knock me out.
I’m at that point again in my life… facing Doubt and Uncertainty. In case you didn’t know, I know them really well. They come and visit every so often; they’re not exactly friends, though. They’re more like bad company that trample on your new carpet, eat everything in your fridge, and don’t flush the toilet. Get the picture?
Anyway, back to Doubt and Uncertainty. This time, they’re taking me back to Pensacola and having me move back with my parents. They love to ask me about what I’m doing next… and honestly I just don’t know.
To let you know, and also to re-iterate to those who’ve asked before, this is my plan as I know it:
After June 30, I am no longer employed. I am going to take some (indefinite) time to relax and reflect on my life… figure out just exactly what my next move should be.
Yes, I am casually looking at job opportunities, and yes, I do have some leads, ranging from New Orleans to Tallahassee. I will consider as far north as Atlanta, and as far south as Tampa or Orlando (only because I think I need to renew my passport and obtain a visa in order to work in Miami.)
No, I don’t know what I want to do… hence, the period of reflection.
What I do know what I want to do (does that make sense?!?) is this: I want a career that is meaningful, has purpose, and focuses on meeting people’s needs. I WANT to be the catalyst that brings effective change in this world. Sounds like I want to be in AmeriCorps again, except to get paid slightly above something so small, they called it a “stipend”.
So, now that I’ve got that settled, I know there’s a world of possibilities out there. God is preparing me for something—I’ve heard His message many times over and I am truly humbled. I’ll never forget the young lady a few years ago in Atlanta who I had just met and who gave me that incredible message of destiny. And looking back, I see how many pieces of the puzzle have fallen into place.
Who knew that a young AmeriCorps*VISTA would start his service year at the American Red Cross in the late summer of 2001, and suddenly two weeks later, would be thrust into the heart of national response following the attacks of Sept. 11?
Who knew that same “mouthy” kid would participate in a training hosted by the State and impress the right person to be invited to the Statewide Hurricane Exercise in Tallahassee?
Who knew that nervous kid at that Exercise would stand in awe at being in the State Emergency Operations Center? (That awe would quickly wear off by 2004!) Or how that kid would be good enough that he was offered a job a few months later?
Who knew that naïve coordinator would work on a program that shaped volunteerism in disaster preparedness and response in time for four back-to-back hurricanes in 2004? Who knew that frustrated donations manager struggling hard through those four hurricanes, and who knew how he was so exhausted, he sought relief by exploring a new career opportunity?
Who knew that Manager of Volunteers would come to hospice so enthusiastic with ideas and full of initiative, only to grow disillusioned and feel discouraged that success was beyond his reach?
In all this, who knew?
God knew. And He knows my future. It will just take time and prayer.
Meanwhile, Doubt and Uncertainty keep me near, and that makes for a crowded bed.
Ah… bed. Sounds like a new plan I know I can follow.
Good night, dear friends and loved ones!
It’s past midnight after a long and exhausting day marked with farewells, best wishes, and “keep in touch” comments. I know I’ll have more of the same good-byes during the upcoming day.
I just can’t sleep!
So, I thought I’d take a moment and update (which I haven’t done in ages—I know!) and figured that—if reading this is boring enough to put you to sleep—writing it should knock me out.
I’m at that point again in my life… facing Doubt and Uncertainty. In case you didn’t know, I know them really well. They come and visit every so often; they’re not exactly friends, though. They’re more like bad company that trample on your new carpet, eat everything in your fridge, and don’t flush the toilet. Get the picture?
Anyway, back to Doubt and Uncertainty. This time, they’re taking me back to Pensacola and having me move back with my parents. They love to ask me about what I’m doing next… and honestly I just don’t know.
To let you know, and also to re-iterate to those who’ve asked before, this is my plan as I know it:
After June 30, I am no longer employed. I am going to take some (indefinite) time to relax and reflect on my life… figure out just exactly what my next move should be.
Yes, I am casually looking at job opportunities, and yes, I do have some leads, ranging from New Orleans to Tallahassee. I will consider as far north as Atlanta, and as far south as Tampa or Orlando (only because I think I need to renew my passport and obtain a visa in order to work in Miami.)
No, I don’t know what I want to do… hence, the period of reflection.
What I do know what I want to do (does that make sense?!?) is this: I want a career that is meaningful, has purpose, and focuses on meeting people’s needs. I WANT to be the catalyst that brings effective change in this world. Sounds like I want to be in AmeriCorps again, except to get paid slightly above something so small, they called it a “stipend”.
So, now that I’ve got that settled, I know there’s a world of possibilities out there. God is preparing me for something—I’ve heard His message many times over and I am truly humbled. I’ll never forget the young lady a few years ago in Atlanta who I had just met and who gave me that incredible message of destiny. And looking back, I see how many pieces of the puzzle have fallen into place.
Who knew that a young AmeriCorps*VISTA would start his service year at the American Red Cross in the late summer of 2001, and suddenly two weeks later, would be thrust into the heart of national response following the attacks of Sept. 11?
Who knew that same “mouthy” kid would participate in a training hosted by the State and impress the right person to be invited to the Statewide Hurricane Exercise in Tallahassee?
Who knew that nervous kid at that Exercise would stand in awe at being in the State Emergency Operations Center? (That awe would quickly wear off by 2004!) Or how that kid would be good enough that he was offered a job a few months later?
Who knew that naïve coordinator would work on a program that shaped volunteerism in disaster preparedness and response in time for four back-to-back hurricanes in 2004? Who knew that frustrated donations manager struggling hard through those four hurricanes, and who knew how he was so exhausted, he sought relief by exploring a new career opportunity?
Who knew that Manager of Volunteers would come to hospice so enthusiastic with ideas and full of initiative, only to grow disillusioned and feel discouraged that success was beyond his reach?
In all this, who knew?
God knew. And He knows my future. It will just take time and prayer.
Meanwhile, Doubt and Uncertainty keep me near, and that makes for a crowded bed.
Ah… bed. Sounds like a new plan I know I can follow.
Good night, dear friends and loved ones!
14 June, 2006
The Countdown is On!
I'm counting the days....
And counting, and counting, and counting... until June 30. Ah, my last day!
Everyday until then, I contemplate why I just didn't give two weeks notice. It's like dragging my feet without a care in the world. I kinda like it.
Anyway, enough of that. My summer otherwise has been goin' well. I went to Pensacola a few weeks ago for a friend's ordination that was so awesome... never seen anything like it. Made me contemplate a few things about my life (and still contemplating!) Had the opportunity to hang out with the now-graduated seniors from the youth group... they never cease to amaze me, and this is the first group of youth I'd ever worked with to see them through from their years as freshman to graduation.
After that, it seems one party after the other. Company picnic, a friend's b'day pool party, hanging out and catching up with friends... it's actually been relaxing during the turmoil of job hunting and moving.
Moving is the most difficult thing going on for me now. I've slowly put things away in storage here in Tally, clinging to a hope that I might come back here. If I don't, I'll move it all to someplace new by then end of summer. Who knows what God has in store for me?
So, I resolved that I'll take a month off post-Covenant as a "vacation." I haven't decided where, though. To New Mexico to visit my aunts and uncles? To Canada with more relatives (I have family EVERYWHERE)? New York to visit my godparents? To Fort Payne to see more family? How about Europe? Oh, the places I can go! (I can dream... the likelihood of going anywhere beyond the USA will probably be slim.)
Okay, I've rambled enough. It's off to bed for me!
And counting, and counting, and counting... until June 30. Ah, my last day!
Everyday until then, I contemplate why I just didn't give two weeks notice. It's like dragging my feet without a care in the world. I kinda like it.
Anyway, enough of that. My summer otherwise has been goin' well. I went to Pensacola a few weeks ago for a friend's ordination that was so awesome... never seen anything like it. Made me contemplate a few things about my life (and still contemplating!) Had the opportunity to hang out with the now-graduated seniors from the youth group... they never cease to amaze me, and this is the first group of youth I'd ever worked with to see them through from their years as freshman to graduation.
After that, it seems one party after the other. Company picnic, a friend's b'day pool party, hanging out and catching up with friends... it's actually been relaxing during the turmoil of job hunting and moving.
Moving is the most difficult thing going on for me now. I've slowly put things away in storage here in Tally, clinging to a hope that I might come back here. If I don't, I'll move it all to someplace new by then end of summer. Who knows what God has in store for me?
So, I resolved that I'll take a month off post-Covenant as a "vacation." I haven't decided where, though. To New Mexico to visit my aunts and uncles? To Canada with more relatives (I have family EVERYWHERE)? New York to visit my godparents? To Fort Payne to see more family? How about Europe? Oh, the places I can go! (I can dream... the likelihood of going anywhere beyond the USA will probably be slim.)
Okay, I've rambled enough. It's off to bed for me!
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