Fall is finally here. Did you feel it this morning? The way the air was crisp and cool? The way the skies changed to magnificent blue with feathery clouds? Or did you notice that the color of the leaves on some trees has started to change? I’m so excited, my favorite season is finally here!

At last no more hot and humid weather…no more sticky sweat caused by the scorching sun. No more, no more, no more.

Everything looks good, tastes good and smells good during Fall.

Nature’s palette turns into vibrant colors of red, gold, orange, brown and yellow. The simple landscape covered with leaves with local wildlife in action – squirrels will be extra busy this season collecting their food supplies and fattening themselves to get ready for winter. People will don themselves with fall fashion and must haves like soft sweaters and flannel shirts. My kitchen will smell heavenly this season,  the scent of cinammon, vanilla, pumpkin and not to forget, the smell of spicy chili simmering in the pot, yum! My oven will be extra busy this season with lots of baking and cooking of fall good eats!

This is the best time of the year to explore nature.

Do I hear camping? Oh yes, surely we will be camping again this season. This is the time of the year when we just wanna get away from the city to explore and enjoy the countryside. Fall brings out hikers and campers not just for “leaf peeping” but to interact with nature.

I’m just so lucky that I can experience and enjoy this annual spectacle. We don’t have seasonal changes like these in the Philippines. Before, I can only experience it in my dreams or just by watching it on television. If I wanna feel “fallish” I have to go to Baguio, but it’s not the same…the lack of fall colors and foliage won’t complete it. But at last i’m here…And my favorite season has arrived…I will enjoy it before the next season steps in…winter.

This entry should have been posted several weeks ago…i was sooo busy at work and tired all the time…I forgot to post it. 

When I first heard the news that my boss is going to send me to Ohio, I was so thrilled, excited and a bit nervous. Nervous because, I was supposed to go there alone…for five days. And I was like…”oh no! no computer for five days? can I handle it?”

“It’s all gonna be hard work, but it will be fun. And I want you to go there because it’s a good exposure for you, to get more contacts and to learn more new things from the company.” That’s what he said.

Change of plans.

The trip was cut to three days and I wasn’t going there alone afterall. The company decided to send another assistant manager to go with me and my boss will be there too. That was a relief! I was so excited about the trip but my main problem was going back and forth from the hotel and the store. Riding a cab was my solution but i know it’s gonna be a hassle…Good thing I have a ride now,hehe.

Meeting time: 5:30 a.m.
Meeting place: Preston
Luggage…check…yahoo maps…check…ipod…check hehe

On those three days, we were able to visit three stores: the one in Columbus, Lancaster and the main store where the corporate office is also located (I forgot the name of the place, all i know it’s way up north) .The two department stores are huge! (Columbus and the North). The one in the north (with the corporate office) was the biggest that I’ve seen, they even have a small cafe inside the store, that was neat :-)

One of the highlights of my trip were the lunches and dinners with my bosses.  It’s nice to see them just being themselves and not in their “work” modes. Listening to their funny stories, about their families, their hobbies, their other jobs etc…Laughter just filled the air. Thanks Mr. T, Mr. M and Mr. J for not ‘isolating’ me, they really made me feel a part of the group :-)

It was truly a learning experience for me.I enjoyed the trip…learned so many things, discovered new stuff that I can apply to our store, and most especially,got to shook hands with some “higher personalities” too…that was fun.