Reflections

For the past 5 years, March has become a month of reflection for me. This Sunday marks the 5th anniversary of my Mom’s passing. Tonight, I got off work at 9:05 and headed for my car. I started my car, turned on my front and rear defrosters, and called Dot at her office. With a 13 hour time difference, she was a little over two hours into her work day. As we were talking about different projects we’re working on, my windows cleared off and I started to drive towards the IU campus.

The campus has always been a comfort to me because it is a huge spiritual connection with my Mom due to the number of years she spent there as a child growing up as well as my years on the campus as a student. I took a roundabout way to campus choosing to drop in from the north down Fee Lane from the 46 bypass going past the athletic complexes and down to 10th Street at the School of Business.

At that point, my reflections turned from the melancholy thoughts of Mom’s passing to much happier and exciting memories. Suddenly, Dot was the first person on my mind and my memories were of driving over from Terre Haute four years ago on several trips to see her. By this time four years ago, we already knew that I would be moving over here come mid-April. I made the left turn off of Fee Lane towards the main library and remembered how I would drive over after work in perfect timing to pick Dot up from her job at the Commons Café for the short trip home to Tulip Tree or head for a late dinner before returning home.

Naturally, I still miss my Mom and wish she were here to share moments such as my marriage, karaoke nights, job news, etc. However, I have Dot now to share those moments with me and I couldn’t be happier about that.

I have always called Dot, Angel since the day I met her. Tonight, that title couldn’t have been more accurate since that change in my mood was nothing short of a touch of Heaven. This wonderful lady is the light of my life and I am so fortunate to have her as a part of it forever.

I Absolutely Love And Adore My Wife

On June 6, Dot made me the happiest man in the world. We solemnized our marriage in a small, intimate ceremony with family and close friends. There will be another ceremony here in the states at a future time.

Since our wedding day, Dot and I have continued to learn more and more about each other. I didn't really think that there was anything else to learn, but, we have found even more things in common than we originally realized. This woman is so amazing and so fantastic. I know for a fact that my decision to marry her was totally correct for me. I cannot see myself being happy with anyone else on a 24/7 basis. Dot completes me. We can tell each other anything without upsetting the other person. We don't have to hold back truths or feelings. We both know that anything that is said is out of a love for each other and respect for our marriage that knows no barriers.

I deeply look forward to the day that Dot can move here to the states and we can actually begin sharing our full lives together. Until then, we have definite plans to travel back and forth as often as vacation times will allow. We also find a way to talk at least twice a day despite a twelve hour difference between our time zones. I'm usually just getting home from work while she's starting her work day and vice versa so it is a challenge. It is one we meet head on though. It is rough. I miss not coming home to her on a daily basis. I miss getting in the car together to drive somewhere whether on business or pleasure. I miss her smile and infectuous optimism. With all this, everytime we see each other is like there's been no break. We pick up exactly where we left off. Long distance relationships and marriages can definitely work. Dot and I are proving that everyday. It does take a little more communication and faith in each other. Thankfully, those are two areas where Dot and I are very strong.

It's Finally Happening!!

Dot and I are in the process of planning our wedding!! I have been waiting patiently for three years for this moment. Now, my flight is actually booked to travel to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to marry this wonderful lady. I will fly out on May 30 and we will be married on June 6. Today, I spent part of my day off helping with the details and editing one of our favorite pictures so that we could use it as part of the wedding. We're also getting some ideas for our American ceremony even though that's at least another year away. Dot and I both like so many different things that it was hard to pick and choose among them.

And, I'm not getting any of the traditional pre-marital jitters. Dot and I have been together for three years and spent the better part of that time living together and totally sharing our lives with each other. We've seen each other at our best and worst. I don't see any of that changing after June 6. We'll just be legally married and eligible for the benefits granted by that connection. Our love, passion, romance, etc will all still be there. A simple piece of paper isn't going to change that.

To the beautiful woman about to become my wife I can only say thank you and I love you. Thank you for having me in your life. Thank you for blessing me with your presence. Thank you for being there for me when no one else is around. Most importantly, thank you for loving me as much as I love you.

2008 A Year Of Change

Well, it's a cold, icy day here in Indiana and I have the day off of work. It feels like the perfect time to sit down and write a blog entry.

This was the year that I've been trying to postpone in my mind since late 2005. I knew that the time would come when Dot would have to go back home to Malaysia and the process of waiting for her to return to the states would start. She went home in January and came back for a very brief visit in October. Other than that, we've sustained ourselves through phone calls, text messages, IM'ing and the occassional webcam call. Words alone cannot express the love I have for this lady nor how much I miss her. The absence is only making our relationship stronger though. I know that once we're finally able to be together that it will be forever.

Another change occurred in my professional life. After gaining a full-time job in Bloomington, I decided it was time to transfer with my seasonal job as well. I'd spent five years with H and R Block in Terre Haute and knew that I wanted to continue working with them. After visiting with the district manager here in Bloomington, that became a really easy transition. I have just started my second year in my new office and I'm looking forward to continuing forward with the company.

Last year also brought many new friends into my life as I've begun to circulate with karaoke in the local area as well as picking up new friends at work. Some have become very close friends and basically family. I am grateful for all of them because I don't think I'd endure the absence of Dot without them. Naturally, this is one of the things that I love about Bloomington. Having lived here for college before, I know how great the area is for meeting and maintaining friendships. It's something unique to Bloomington. Even other college towns don't match the friendliness that's abundant here.

There are more changes to come in 2009. Many of them will be for the better. I'll tell you more about those later though. For now, I'm going to relax and hope that the weather is better tomorrow when I have to go back into work all day.

An Open Thank You Letter To Dot, My Angel

October 30, 2005 is a day that will remain very special in my heart. It's almost as special as the lady who waltzed her way into my heart that day. Three years ago today, I met Dot for the first time. My life has never been happier and I am so grateful to her for coming into my life and staying in my life. Living on opposite sides of the world is a tough situation for both of us right now, but, we talk and message each other as much as possible.

Thank you for your love, Angel. It is so special to me. I love and miss you so much.

Ramadan

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan has arrived. This is a time when those of us who've embraced the faith take special time to be prayerful and reflective about all of the blessings we've been given. These blessings include friends, family, good health, and food.

I want to talk a little more about the blessing of good health. This weekend is an important one to many people who don't have this blessing. Please remember the patients and families who deal with muscular dystrophy. This is actually a group of 40 neuro-muscular diseases under the umbrella of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Through the fourth, you can help make a difference by shopping on their auction site. Click here to do that.

Thanks for your help and I'll talk to everyone later.

SHE'S COMING HOME!!!!!!!!

Well, the news came officially Friday night. Dot's going to be winging her way back to me during the first week of October. I'm so excited!!! It's been almost nine months since I held this wonderful lady in my arms. I've put in for my vacation and I'm going to give her 100% of myself while she's here.

In other news, I'm also getting busier at work. In this case, it's a good thing. I've applied for a promotion into the store management training program and I'm starting to be evaluated for the position. As a result, some of the business angles of running the store are being shifted to me. It doesn't mean that I have to do everything. I'm just responsible for making sure it gets done.

So, as per usual, it may be a long time between posts. But, I'll keep everyone here updated as much as possible. Talk to you all later.

Adventures With A Wok

Well, it finally happened this evening. I was so hungry for anything seeming remotely Malaysian in flavor that some items came out that I didn't think I'd even use until Dot visits me in September. I dug under all of the skillets and pans and got out our wok. I also retrieved the bottles of sesame oil and "kicap mee" (thick soy sauce) from where they'd been resting atop the refrigerator since January. I was not attempting any normal stir fry by the way. I was setting out to fix anything close to fried bihun. It just so happened that Dot and I had one package of bihun noodles left when she went back home to Malaysia.

I started heating up the wok and got some strips of chicken breast ready. I also started boiling a pan of water to cook the bihun. I got the chicken in the wok and cooked it until it was basically done then I added in a package of stir-fry vegetables with a dash more sesame oil to keep the bottom of the wok damp. The water was boiling so I put in the bihun. I had the strainer ready and drained off the water when it finished cooking. Everything seemed to be progressing quite well and I was feeling quite pleased with my accomplishment.

This is where the misadventures started happening. I put the bihun in the wok with the chicken and vegetables and started to stir. After getting the noodles fairly well blended, I added some of the "kicap mee". At this point, I knew something was definitely amiss because the concoction I had was much darker than anything Dot ever fixed. It was also getting much thicker and noodles started leaving the skillet as I tried to stir in the sauce evenly.

Well, I was finally content that everything was as mixed as it would become and I shut off the heat. At this point, I wasn't sure what I'd think of the outcome. Surprisingly, it tasted pretty good. Not surprisingly, it was nothing at all like the treat of a dish that I was used to when Dot would fix it. I had enough fixed for two servings. I had one for dinner tonight and I'm taking the other one to work with me tomorrow. Hopefully, that will keep me until Dot's visit. I'm not sure I want to try this again without more instruction. LOL.

I'm Going To Be Really Busy

Next week, my manager is going on vacation. For me, this means more responsibility and seven very hectic days in a row. To start the week, I'm going to be working from 8:30am to 12pm and 5pm to 9:15pm Monday through Friday. Then, on Saturday and Sunday, I'm going to be working the full day. That means 8:30am to 9:15pm on Saturday and 10:30am to 6:15pm on Sunday. At least, I'll have Monday and Tuesday off to make up for it.

I'm excited about having the added responsibility of running the store, but, it's also a drag on my personal life. Lately, I've been really enjoying the opportunity to go to karaoke at least two nights a week. For one week, that is going to come to a screeching halt. Hopefully, I don't get too exhausted as karaoke has been that part of my day to really refresh me.

In other news, I've been feeling a bit helpless lately. Almost everyone I care about has been in the hospital, ER, or clinic for one reason or another. I'm either too far away, too busy, or both to be of any real moral support by their side. No one has said anything to make me feel this way. It just stems from caring about friends and family. I hope everyone who's been laid up is recovering quickly.

Finally, I'll be offline for most of this next week due to my work schedule. Thus, if you drop me a comment, message, or offline IM, I'm not ignoring you. I'll keep up with everyone as I can this next week.

GRRR!!! I MISSED IT!!!!!!!

What a way to wake up!! This morning, my cell phone went off and Robin was telling me about an earthquake and asking if I'd felt it. I hadn't, but, I didn't think too much about it. Having lived in California for ten years, I was used to feeling an earthquake in one place and it not being felt 20 to 30 miles away. I also wouldn't expect our fault line, the New Madrid, to issue a minor shake. It's a different type of fault than the ones out west. When it goes, it is supposed to really snap.

Needless to say, I get to my computer and see status messages from friends in Bloomington talking about the earthquake. Turns out we had a 5.4!! It was felt all the way across the midwest except by yours truly. Don't get me wrong. I don't want a devastating earthquake. I do miss the occasional rock and roll though. That's exactly what this was. I don't know if I missed it because I was tired and in bed or if it's beause I'm on the second floor of an apartment building. That makes two quakes since I've been in Indiana that I've missed now. The first one was quite a few years ago in Richmond, IN. We had gone out to eat at a local drive in (the real kind with car hops) and there was one in our neighborhood. Now, I've missed this one that is all over the headlines. I just had a popup news alert about it while writing this. Hopefully, I won't miss the next one.

In other news, tax season is over again. I'm glad to have some extra free time, but, I always miss doing returns. I'm addicted to that job. LOL!! I'll take more classes this summer and be back doing them in 2009. This year was my most successful year to date as far as number of clients and income is concerned. My office exceeded both our return goal and our new client goal so our district manager treated us to a pizza lunch at the office on the 14th. This Wednesday, most of us will be getting together at a local restaurant (The Trojan Horse) to celebrate and say goodbye to a new preparer who is moving.

Well, I'll post this for now. I have plans to go see my Dad today since I couldn't get over there yesterday for my birthday. Catch you all later.

Time To Catch Everyone Up

It's been over two months since I wrote a blog entry and I decided that I should catch everyone up on what's been happening. I'm still busy going between my full-time job at RadioShack and my part-time seasonal position with H and R Block. We've got two weeks left before we'll be saying goodbye to another tax season.

Wow, what a tax season too. I went into this season not too sure what to expect. After making a bonus my first two years, I was moved to a new upstart office on the north side of Terre Haute. I was there for three years. Working together with the other preparers, we got the news out that we were in the neighborhood. By the third year, I making a bonus again. This year, I made the switch to the Bloomington area and an office 3 doors away from my store. I've already done two more returns than I did all of last year when I was working full-time at taxes. I can't wait to see what the last two weeks brings.

Dot and I continue to stay in touch as much as humanly possible. Now that she's started working, it has been a little trickier. She's working when I'm not for the most part and I'm working when she's not. One very important thing hasn't changed for us and that's the love and commitment we share for each other. That is something that distance just will not sever.

Socially, I've been able to get started with getting back to making it to karaoke at least once a week. This has proven to be an invaluable break from the routine of work whether it be on the job or at home. Now, I head into each new week refreshed and ready to face the new challenges ahead. I've found this cool spot in Elletsville, just outside of Bloomington, called The Beer Wagon. A company called Extreme Entertainment Productions puts on an awesome show there every Wednesday night as well as either Friday or Saturday depending on when a band is scheduled. I'll never forget nor stop attending Imperial in Terre Haute as time permits, but, I've been very grateful to find a closer spot.

That's about it for now. Talk to you all later.

Ten Days Apart

Dot has been home in Malaysia for ten days now. I'm surviving, but, I miss her dearly. I miss the way she greets me with a warm hug and kiss when I come home from work. I miss her wonderful cooking. I miss taking her out to a movie we've both been wanting to see. I miss just relaxing with her in our apartment. Fortunately, I don't have alot of time to dwell on these feelings.

I'm working two jobs right now. I still have my full time job at RadioShack and I also have my seasonal job at H and R Block. I switched to a Bloomington office this year that is just three doors down from my store. The week ending February 1 will be an 80 hour week for me between the two positions since that is the start of the peak filing season and I'm not eligible for my vacation just yet from RadioShack.

When I come home at night, the fact that Dot's not here hits me. I can't wait to power up my computer and see her online so that we can start chatting. Ofcourse, that won't happen as much when she starts working. Fortunately, we also have the ability to call each other. International phone calls are not as expensive as I thought they might be. When I get a chance to switch my phone network, we'll also be able to text each other.

I love Dot so much and I can already feel that love growing deeper and more entrenched in my heart with this absence. I've always believed that absence makes the heart grow fonder and that is being proven so strongly right now. I'm feeling our arms around each other as I write these words. I'll try to keep everyone posted on how things are going.

Ten Days Apart

Dot has been home in Malaysia for ten days now. I'm surviving, but, I miss her dearly. I miss the way she greets me with a warm hug and kiss when I come home from work. I miss her wonderful cooking. I miss taking her out to a movie we've both been wanting to see. I miss just relaxing with her in our apartment. Fortunately, I don't have alot of time to dwell on these feelings.

I'm working two jobs right now. I still have my full time job at RadioShack and I also have my seasonal job at H and R Block. I switched to a Bloomington office this year that is just three doors down from my store. The week ending February 1 will be an 80 hour week for me between the two positions since that is the start of the peak filing season and I'm not eligible for my vacation just yet from RadioShack.

When I come home at night, the fact that Dot's not here hits me. I can't wait to power up my computer and see her online so that we can start chatting. Ofcourse, that won't happen as much when she starts working. Fortunately, we also have the ability to call each other. International phone calls are not as expensive as I thought they might be. When I get a chance to switch my phone network, we'll also be able to text each other.

I love Dot so much and I can already feel that love growing deeper and more entrenched in my heart with this absence. I've always believed that absence makes the heart grow fonder and that is being proven so strongly right now. I'm feeling our arms around each other as I write these words. I'll try to keep everyone posted on how things are going.

t

Happy New Year 2008!!

Well, 2008 is here and I couldn't have asked for a better way to welcome it. Dot and I went out on New Year's Eve and watched Alvin and the Chipmunks. We'd been wanting to see it ever since we saw the preview a few weeks ago when we saw Enchanted. After the movie, we had made plans to welcome the New Year on the IU campus in a very special place.

There is a place on campus, not too far from where we first met, called the wellhouse. According to campus tradition, a girl is not an official coed until she has been kissed there at the stroke of midnight. That's where we shared our New Year's kiss. I love you, Angel!!