New York, New York!!

Of all times, I feel the burst of energy to write about my recent New York experience at this time. Now that I am on panic gear because teacher interviews are coming up and I know I lack teachers to present. Now that our mail server and my internet connection at home are acting up and do not know if the emails I sent were really sent. And if they have been sent, did the teachers read it yet? The schedule? The change of venue? The list of requirements? Can anyone hear meeeee!!!

Anyway, New York.

My feet do not like New York. No shoes, sandals or slippers are comfortable enough. The teachers stayed at The New Yorker Hotel, corner 8th Avenue and 34th Street. My hotel is also at the 8th Avenue but 11 blocks up! I appease my complaining feet by clouding my head with coffee from Starbucks. It costs more than $3 but I close my eyes, take a deep breath and reach into my pocketbook! I think about how $3 converted to pesos is more than P150 and what that can buy: a Jollibee or a Max's Fried Chicken meal? Before I know it, I am already entering the doors of the hotel.

I heard a lot of "thank you"s and got a lot of hugs and dried mangoes. The most memorable "thank you" was Jun Buensuceso's. I felt his was the most heartfelt. I brought some teachers to St. Patrick's Cathedral. I taught them how to use the subway. Showed them how to get to the International Lighthouse where their orientation sessions are to be conducted. I helped some teachers look for houses and apartments but most did not need help at all.

Flor Sol Cruz and Joel Comendador invited me to have dinner at a Filipino restaurant and I willingly obliged. Flor brought her US-born daughter with her and she was soooo adorable!! I know so many other teachers wanted to treat me out and I wish I had more time to be with them. They just so wanted to make me feel that they have not forgotten. There are a few who still maintain contact and these teachers will never know how their gestures are appreciated. It feels good to still be remembered when their dreams are already fulfilled. Touching base with them makes me remember why I love my job. Because I tend to forget sometimes.

I also met with Leah and Tess. I have a lot of history with these two women. Back when we were still "languishing" in the Philippines :) And even if we seldom get together, I always feel our unique bond still going strong. I spent a night at Leah's condo and had dinner at Tess' new house. Wow! It was a true country home, located at the suburbs of New York. So proud of Tess. I know that their success as a family had a lot to do with her dreams and making them come true.

I did not get to meet Sam of the Board of Ed, who calls me Mrs. Balut. Before coming to New York, we set up a date ... dinner at Chinatown. Maybe next time :)

After a trip to New York, I always feel regret for not enjoying New York life as it is written about. But this time, the "regret feeling" was shortlived. I went home and found out that Noy and Nica have been sick for days. I am Mommy again. And my feet are deliriously happy.