All work and no play

Work. Work. And more work.
That has been my life since Feb 9. Only three days off, including today, since then. It's been a process of get home from being on the road, do laundry and errands, and leave again. Most of these have been 10-14 hour work days.
I am exhausted. And it's going to continue for a little while longer. At least until the situation at work gets decided.






Observation of An Illogical mind by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at http://www.seankimmel.com.
Please feel free to share the link but contact me for any other uses or publication. Thanks.

What I have learned about the Philippines

I am engaged to a Filipina. I have traveled there three times in the last eighteen months. And will be back several more times in my life. Hell, we might move back when it's time for retirement. I am officially enamored with this country.

So what have I learned during multiple visits in the PI?

- Filipinos are extremely proud of their heritage. They rally around each other in times of need. I was there for the first time not long after the devastating Typhoon Haiyon. The people had tremendous spirits in the midst of all the tragedy.

- Speaking of rallying around countrymen, they love beauty pageants, like Miss Universe. Especially when the winner is of Filipino heritage.

- They love Manny Pacquiao more. He is on TV every single day. He is by far their biggest celebrity. I have been there twice when he has had boxing matches and places damn near shut down to watch the fight. He's a big deal.

- Basketball is huge in this country. There are basketball courts all over.

- Many people seem to be obsessed with America (loads of US fast food especially KFC) becoming white. Whiting salons are common and apps to make your skin look lighter. Apparently lighter skin is more beautiful and means money.

- Many Filipinos are friendly people and joyful. People I just meet or get introduce to chat away like we are old friends. In fact, the first time I met my fiance's immediate family, it didn't take long for me to feel comfortable and part of the family. Big meals with comfort food and fine people helps.

- Unfortunately many also believe just because you are a tourist that you are also rich.

- I would have never guessed the popularity hot dogs and spaghetti. I'll stick with pancit, lumpia, caldereta, sisig, and other Filipino goodies instead.

- Good food and service was better than expect (I read horror stories). the key is they dont check up on you. You need to get their attention to be served. And I still dont really understand how to tip correctly. I've been told one tips what they can.

- I will never drive in this country. At least not in a car. It's madness of pattern honking which actually flows fairly decent considering how roads are laid out through the country. Plus it's too easy and cost effective to jump in a bus, jeepney, or trike.

- Basically the roadway infrastructure is a mes. Certain places have become so over populated that the proper travel space has not been able to keep up or possibly it is too costly to build.

- Parts of this country are absolutely breath taking. I have only scratched the surface of all the pristine beaches, mountains, and other wonderful landscapes. Palawan has been my favorite thus far. I cant speak highly enough about the area.

- It's freaking hot and humid. Always. At least to a guy from Indiana. I've been told there are two season. Hot and rainy. I've been there during both.

- Pollution is a problem. A lot of gas fumes permeate the sidewalk. And often piles of trash too. I have also seen very contaminated streams. This is why one does not drink the water.

- The family bond is extremely important. Often many family members live together is modest accommodations.

- I have learned some common phrases in my visits and general communication on a daily basis with my fiancee. Some I absolutely adore uses in my own vernacular now. She uses "comfort room" for bathroom or restroom, which I find so much more elegant of a phrase. "Resto" for restaurant is another word I like using. The phrase "same-same" has entered my world and is a common response I get when asking how she is feeling when sick.

These are just a few observations that I have noticed in my time. There is far more to learn. Every trip is a new discovery into the Filipino culture.




Observation of An Illogical mind by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at http://www.seankimmel.com.
Please feel free to share the link but contact me for any other uses or publication. Thanks.

Bye Bye Forty

I turned forty-one last week.

An insignificant number really in the age spectrum. However the last year was a very significant one in my life, both personally and professionally.

In 2013 I visited the Philippines for the first time. Actually, the first time I traveled outside the United States. Part of the reason of the trip was to meet in person a wonderful lady that I had gotten to know online over the year. We hit it off in person and our relationship blossomed. In 2014, I traveled back to the country twice more. And more importantly, I got engaged to that wonderful lady. Currently our K-1 Marriage Visa petition has been filed and we in the waiting game.

Now all my thought processes have changed. For the first time in my life I am trying to figure out a future with two people in it and how to make Pam arriving/living in the US as easy as possible. It will be a big adjustment for her. For both of us really, but one we are excited about and eager to start. Here's to the process going smoothly and quickly.

Professionally was a year a challenges as well. I found my role in our office changing. It has been an adjustment and one that I am still trying to get used to. What makes things easier is our branch office being very a tight knit group. The majority of us are not only colleagues, but friends who gather outside of work. And it's a promising future as our company is employee owned and we are starting to see and realize the potential behind it. I was asked to be part of our Communications Committee, which has been rewarding, hectic, and demanding. Thankfully, I am allowed time to the necessary things needed for this group.

I traveled this year, as usual for work and pleasure, mostly to places I have been to before.

I also been dealing with a bad knee all year. And as of writing this, have just had knee surgery.

Looking forward to this year has in store. A marriage on the horizon is the big changer. Maybe new career opportunities too, who knows.

As long as family and friends are around to support me and be a part of the year, then 2015 will be another great year.






Observation of An Illogical mind by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at http://www.seankimmel.com.
Please feel free to share the link but contact me for any other uses or publication. Thanks.

Picking and grinning in Nashville

I returned to Nashville for work back in October. Sadly, it was rather uneventful trip for site seeing, exploring. It was long days being stuck at the Gaylord Operyland, which is up on the Northeast side of the city.

We did manage to make it out to The Pharmacy, a very good burger and beer garden joint. Otherwise it was eating and drinking at the resort. Had some Yazoo brews but nothing mind blowing.

I really need to get back here someday, especially since a good friend has lived in the city for several years now.




Observation of An Illogical mind by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at http://www.seankimmel.com.
Please feel free to share the link but contact me for any other uses or publication. Thanks.

St Louis calling me back

I had a quick trip to St. Louis back in early October. It was a strange trip because I was going to attend a conference instead of working one. I was asked to part of our ESOP Communications Committee at work and represent the Northern Indiana/Northern Ohio region. It's a necessary part of being an employee owned company. I didn't realize the amount of work it take but I am finding it rewarding.

Anyways, myself and three other committee members went to a two day conference held in downtown Saint Louis. I had been to the city once before about eight years ago. We got into town late afternoon on a Sunday and it was dead. With no football or hockey or baseball, there was nothing happening.

We walked around and grabbed something to eat before walking down to the Arch. Afterwards, I ended up a local brewery called Morgan Street Brewery, shocking I know, before retiring for the night.

After the first day of conference we all went out to eat again, I chose the place, a beer bar called The Bridge Tap House and Wine Bar down the street with upscale food. It was had a good selection and tasty food. The others didn't feel like staying so we left and walked around the once again dead downtown area. Seemed like lots of abandoned buildings. We ended up back at the hotel bar and talked for awhile before calling it a night.

We drove back for Indianapolis after the conference the next day. So time was brief. This is a town with a lot of history. Too bad I didn't see much of it.




Observation of An Illogical mind by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at http://www.seankimmel.com.
Please feel free to share the link but contact me for any other uses or publication. Thanks.