This is my journal as I explore the “sunshine state,” better known as Florida. Here you will see different places in Florida I have visited, special occasions I have celebrated, and little things I have encountered along the way. As a bonus, you will also find bits and pieces of other states I have visited so keep on checking back.
Gas stations in Florida are self-service. Unlike in the Philippines where a gas attendant fills up your tank, in Florida you have to do everything by yourself from swiping your card to pumping the gas.
I actually have a funny story about this and it happened when we first migrated in the US. One day my Dad's car needed gas so he stopped by the nearest gas station and waited for someone to assist him. He was sitting in his car for several minutes when he realized that he actually has to do it himself. :D
this is where you swipe your card to pay for gas or you can go inside the store to pay cash
gas pump
That must be the beauty of moving to a new area, you get to learn new things and eventually you become accustomed to their norm.
I was enthusiastic to go to work this morning because a colleague of mine bought freshly baked bagels from Panera Bread...looking forward to my chocolate chip bagel, my favorite! (The day before, my colleagues and I contributed $1 each to buy a box of bagels for breakfast today...sort of an early small celebration for Mother's Day).
Panera Bread in Blanding
When I got to work, it was chaotic (I wonder what is going on?). Here's what happened: Thursday night after everyone left the office, a colleague of mine sprinkled chocolate sprinkles on the desk of selected ladies. When these ladies saw it the next morning they freaked out because they thought it was mouse droppings. Apparently, our office building is so old that rats used to live in it. Eeww...Gross!
I personally don't think it looks like mouse turds. What do you think?
These agitated ladies ganged up to take revenge on the culprit. They knew exactly who it was and she happens to be off today (great opportunity for payback time).
the proof — found in the culprit's drawer
Their idea was to wrap everything on her desk, from her computer monitor, keyboard, CPU, mouse and printer, to her chairs, trash can, picture frames, calendar, note pad, letter opener, stapler and even her pens and pencils were wrapped individually. Check out the pictures and a video of what her cubicle looked like at the end of the day. I'm curious to see her reaction Monday morning.
so messy
Enter If You Dare!
What a fun day at work, hysterical even. A week from today is my last working with these awesome ladies and I will truly miss occasions like this. :(
Today is the beginning of another month. Wow! One-third of the year has already passed by (time has flown by so quickly). Lots of birthdays to celebrate this month... tomorrow my sister-in-law in the Philippines will be celebrating her birthday (a big shout-out to sis Joan "HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!"). On the 14th my sister will be celebrating her 30th birthday (party! party!). On the 22nd my brother, who currently lives in Dubai, will be turning 37, plus my nephew and godson in the Philippines will be turning one on the same day (two celebrations, one big party...if only they both live in one place). Lastly, on the 25th my niece is turning 12 (aww! she's now a young lady).
Next week is another special occasion, it's Mother's Day (I love you my dearest Mama!). On the 16th I will be starting on my new job (I am excited for the new opportunity and and sad at the same time because I will be leaving behind old colleagues who have been like a family to me). And on the 30th is a holiday (Memorial Day)...a long weekend that we will be spending in Orlando to support my 16-month old niece on her Sunburst Pageant.
Go Norielle!
I am looking forward to all the celebrations this month has to offer. Do you have any special occasion you'll be celebrating this May? Feel free to share it here.
