Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Gift Giving

I take pride in the gifts I give. For me, it is an opportunity to let someone know that he or she is special. I pick my gifts with that specific person in mind. I love the tireless hunt for the right gift and the exhiliration of looking at it before I wrap it. Oh, I get the most attractive wrappers and wrap all gifts with careful precision. I guess I got this from Mama.

This morning, I gave out my gifts to my officemates and their children. As I gave them their gifts, I am tickled to imagine their reaction when they open it. I am blessed to be in a position where I receive "Thank you" for something I have done or something I have given. I rate my day according to the number of "Thank you" I receive. I do not need to hear it said. I just see the look of a person whose life I touched and feel it. It is such a humbling experience.

Friday, December 02, 2005

Sweet November

It has been soooo long since I wrote my last blog. I thought I will never have the energy to write again after that gruelling schedule.

I was in NY from November 12 to 16. I met only 26 teachers but they were housed in 2 different locations. The YMCA in Manhattan and Pan American Hotel in Queens. And if that was not enough, their orientation sessions were held at the Board of Ed's office in Brooklyn! My feet were not happy.

The highlight of this trip is my meeting Zia. She is one of the first teachers I placed. We had a lot phone calls between us when she was still teaching in New Mexico. We developed a special bond and it was a dream come true for both of us for her to be given a chance to return to the US again. In my 4 nights at my hotel, she slept in for 3 nights. I brought her around Times Square, St Patrick's Cathedral, and Rockefeller Center and took pictures, treated her for dinner. Picture below is Zia at the St. Patrick's Cathedral.


Another highlight of this trip is meeting Emma. I had to meet her. Just so I could tell Nanna that I met her friend. It is a comfort hearing once again how our company helped someone fulfill her dreams.

November 20 to 25, I was in Vacaville. The whole trip was a breeze. I rented a car for us to get around Vacaville. I found a room for Elvira. I met Ron of Vacaville USD and was amazed at his warmth.

Roly picked me up at the airport. He doted on me, would you believe? He bought a portable heater and always asked me if I was warm enough. He remarked that it was nice for him to work for me because I can afford to buy him Starbucks coffee :) My time with him made me see how we will be when all our children are living away from home and I liked what I saw.