Thur - Fri Feb 23 thru 24, 2006

Woo-hoo!!
My first couple of days as an official retiree were spent in Las Vegas!!

We left for Las Vegas yesterday morning and got there a little before 1 pm. Had lunch at the brand new Dan Marino Restaurant (their salmon salad was great as well as the almond basket delight for dessert) with Heather at the Hooters Casino (formerly Hotel San Remo) then went shopping at the Las Vegas Outlet Stores (formerly Belz Outlets). Before we left for the outlets, Donna reserved a couple of show tickets for us for KA the new Cirque de Soleil show at the MGM for 7:30. Got me a pair of jeans and Donna picked up a set of china to be used in the Philippines. It was around 6 when we got back. I changed while Donna got some sushi so we won't be so hungry during the show. We walked to the MGM, which is just across the street from Hooters and picked up our tickets at the box office. The show was pretty good, a lot of special effects, typical Cirque gymnastics. Almost two hours later, it was done so we went back to the Hooters and had some Japanese dinner - my usual sashimi dinner and spider roll for Donna. I brought up our stuff to the room and Donna watched the long programs of the Olympics figure skating on TV then she went down to play.

The make over that was done by Hooters of the Hotel San Remo is not quite complete yet but the transformation is basically black and white. They hired a lot more employees and they now have 4 restaurants. The whole casino floor has been renovated along with the hotel rooms. And of course the world famous Hooter girls are all over the place as cocktail waitresses, dealers, and the Hooters Restaurant waitresses.

When I got up this morning, Donna was already downstairs. I packed up our stuff, brought it to the truck, then we had brunch. Faye talked with us a little bit before our order came. I had our account settled then we checked out. This evening Nido and family treated us for dinner at the Sushi Samurai.

Thursday February 23, 2006

Hmm, this feels strange...

Oh, I know!

I don't have to go to work, EVER!!

RETIRED AT 52!

YAY!!

Comments/Wishes/Greetings, etc.

Yesterday, I took half a day off so Donna and I can go check out some kitchen cabinets, doors and windows. Afterwards we headed on out to Pechanga to visit her favorite hangout!! We had dinner when we got there. I was going to watch a movie but they were showing them a little late so I just went walking around the local mall window shopping. Then all of a sudden I got a text message from her saying she won! I ran back to the truck and drove back to the casino to greet the lucky winner!! The smart player that she is, we went home right after I picked her up.

Today is my last day at work. I brought my camera because I intended to have a lot of pictures taken with my co-workers. My alarm clock was set by Donna for 6:30 a.m. but for some reason I woke up at 6 which never happens. I got ready and got to work right on the dot, 7:30. It so happened that we have our department meeting scheduled so Kevin had some food ordered and we had lunch right before our meeting. Once that was over, I finished some work I had left over from the morning and I dragged Sharon around to take pictures of me and everyone else. Check out picture blogs below. I had to separate today's blog into three because the system wouldn't let me post it, I imagine because it was too big.

A little before three, I started deleting all my personal files and eMails, then I packed my measly belongings. Said goodbye to Kent and Kevin but Eunice wouldn’t give me a hug. She feels she’ll put it off as long as she can!!Finally I just walked out of there, it was starting to become too difficult to go! As I’ve told Sharon, I wasn’t really leaving with a bad taste in my mouth so it wasn’t as easy. My time at Goodrich wasn’t always smooth but it wasn’t that bad either.I drove on out to Donna’s work to say goodbye to her co-workers and I took a few pictures as well.

I turned in my resignation letter last Monday Feb 13 and then I sent my co workers in the department an eMail to announce it. Below are their reactions:

From: Walker, KentSent: Monday, February 13, 2006 4:12 PM
To: Maniago, ReySubject: RE: update on 2 wks notice
What the……?Is everything OK? Tell me you're retiring and going to travel.

From: Caraza, ErnieSent: Monday, February 13, 2006 5:26 PM
To: Maniago, ReySubject: RE: update on 2 wks notice
Why??? We need you, don't go.
Ernie Caraza
GOODRICH CORPORATION

From: Uribe, DavidSent: Tuesday, February 14, 2006 6:23 AM
To: Maniago, ReySubject:
RE: updateWhat? Are we that bad? Hey Rey I was just sitting here if I go and do your grass and all your yard work will this change your mind?

From: Naylor, Kevin (he’s my boss)Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2006 6:53 AM
To: Maniago, Rey; Walker, Kent; Uribe, David; Tsen, Eunice; Monson, John; Caraza, ErnieSubject:
RE: update on 2 wk's notice
I turned him down

From: Monson, JohnSent: Tuesday, February 14, 2006 8:06 AM
To: Maniago, ReySubject: RE: update on 2 week's notice
Rey,I wish you well and thanks for all of your help. It was a real pleasure working with you!
John



Here's an excerpt of my eMail to my co-workers:

Everyone, Thanks for the support and words of encouragement, and especially for the wonderful lunch! The last 24 years have been great. I’m sure I’ll miss it terribly, most of it anyway! I had some ambivalent feelings when we were in the process of making this decision because I’ve developed special relationships in my time here at Goodrich. But in the end I feel that this is something that I and my wife have to do. Thanks for all the years you’ve considered me not just as a co-worker but a friend.

If you’re ever around my ‘neighborhood’, let me know so we can hang out!
Again, thanks for everything.
Rey M


And below are the responses to my ‘Goodbye’ eMail.
From: Flores, SteveSent: Tuesday, February 21, 2006 10:28 AM
To: Maniago, Rey
Subject: Best Wishes
Rey,I've been here ten years now and through out that time you've always been a gentleman, and a pleasure to work with.Best wishes to you and your family.Steve

From: Gonzalez, Jim Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 10:11 AM
To: Maniago, ReySubject: RE: Rey's lunch
Rey,It was my pleasure working with you.Good luck in all your future endeavors, Take care and god bless you and your family.Sincerely,Jim Gonzalez

From: Shanmugham, Subbu Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 10:04 AM
To: Maniago, ReySubject: RE: Rey's lunch
Rey,Wish you the very best as you take the "Road of Retirement" in the Philippines.
Sincerely,
Subbu

From: Co, Deo Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 10:16 AM
To: Maniago, ReySubject:
RE: Rey's lunch
Pogi,Nice website. It's been a pleasure working with you all these years here at Goodrich. You're a good co-worker and genuine friend. Will miss you. Best wishes and good luck to you and Donna. Let's keep in touch. Hopefully will see you again sometime somewhere in the Philippines. Will eventually settle down myself back there few years from now. Thanks for all the lunches, gossips and help here at work.
Deo

From: Fox, TrishSent: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 10:52 AM
To: Maniago, Rey
Subject: RE: AEROLITORAL ORDER U95143
Well good luck to you! I have enjoyed working with you and wish the best to you and your family.Trish

From: Herold, Greg Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 11:00 AM
To: Maniago, ReySubject:
RE: Rey's lunch
Enjoy yourself Rey and have fun.
gh
See you on the web

From: Ladwig, George Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 1:29 PM
To: Maniago, Rey
Subject: RE: Rey's lunch
Rey –Congratulations – and best of luck. I’m sure you will be very happy and am very glad for you.Take care and enjoy! I’ll check up on your website.


Here are the comments/wishes/greetings on the two cards I was given during lunch last Monday.

Best of luck to you, your family, your new home & new life. Enjoy every moment. Barbara Fraisl

Adios Amigo, I’ll miss you & your wife. Manny Gomez

I’m so happy for you! Good luck and God Bless. Ernie Morelos

We’re gonna miss you. Sol Cruz

It’s been a pleasure, good luck. Ron Wilson

Best wishes for you on your retirement… Best of Luck. Carlos Hernandez

Best of Luck! Roberta Harris

Good luck and Best Wishes. Giang Nguyen

Good Luck. Fernando Moreno

Have a fantastic time. We will miss you. Demi Nguyen

We’ll miss you. Steve Flores

It’s been wonderful knowing you, you’re a great person. Have fun on your new venture. Judy Loera

It’s been fun. Have a great time working for your wife. GET A HAIR CUT! Jayson Tello

Have a well deserved retirement in the Philippines. Relax! Enjoy forever! Subbu Shanmugham

Best of luck in the future, you lucky guy! Richard Kidd

Best of luck and we’ll miss you. Yash Shah

Have a great retirement and we will miss you over here. Jose del Real P.S. ‘Carry on son’

What a happy moment! Good luck! Enjoy! Jignesh ‘Jiggy’ Patel

Good luck, have a nice one. Jaime Armenta

Best of luck. Jim Tallon

It’s been great working with you Rey! Wish you the best – congratulations! Vince Fry

Good luck and enjoy. Larry Doty

It has been a pleasure to work with you. My best regards to both you and your family. Be safe & keep in touch & thank you for all your kindness. Meleah Zarate

Have a great life. Mindy Donahue

Wish you the best & happy retirement. It has been a pleasure to work with you. Afshin Bazshushtari

Best of luck. George Ladwig

Good luck in your new adventure. All the best and thank you for your dedication. Pat Trujillo

It was a pleasure working with you. Good luck in all your future plans, God Bless. Jim Gonzales

Best wishes for you and your wife! Have fun & enjoy. Martin Villareal

Good for you and your family. Best wishes. Rudy Mejia

I will miss you the most. Sharon Mislang

Over many years it’s been a pleasure working with you – you deserve it. Best of luck. Tony Powrzanas

Best wishes! Pleasure working with you! Sonja Drazenovic

Best of luck. Paul Walsh

Have a great retirement. We will miss you. Jose Del Real P.S. “Carry on son”

Enjoy your retirement. Dary Zeigler

Best wishes & congratulations! It’s been a pleasure working with you. Kent Walker

Best of luck. Doug Twait

It has been a pleasure to work with you over these many years, Best of luck and congratulations to you and Donna. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Kevin Naylor

Best wishes for you and your wife. Alicia Van Blair

It has been a pleasure working with you. Best wishes to you. Rod Kaz

Good luck with your new endeavors. Darren Welson

God bless you. Kevin Wang

Buena suerte. Jaime Alvarado

Best wishes! It’s been a pleasure working with you. Eunice Tsen

I envy you! I hope to make it to retirement or enjoy life a little bit more. It’s been a pleasure working with you. Wish you the best health always. Mario Gutierrez

I’ve worked with you many years and they were my pleasure. Good luck & keep in touch. Ernie Caraza

Buena suerte old amigo. Lou Calderon

Wish you the best. Good luck. Bumalik ka para may karamay kami! Deo Co

Thanks for all the patience & understanding throughout the years. Enjoy yourself & have fun! Greg Herold

Dialysis Farewell Pics

Goodrich Farewell Pics

Monday, Feb 20, 2006

There was excitement in the air this morning. I knew there was some kind of luncheon/send off for me but it still felt as if it was some kind of surprise somehow. Sharon detoured the lunch out and put together an in plant luncheon instead. At around 11:10 Donna called saying she’s on her way and again a few minutes later to say she’s stuck in traffic. I told her to take her time and she should make it. I got through a couple of ‘projects’ that I did for Kevin and finally it was 11:30. Judy paged for me to go down to the lobby. I thought Donna was there but they just wanted me to go ahead of the food line. There already was a pretty big crowd lined up. There were long tables set up and a small table in front with two chairs. On the wall by the small table, someone put together a big picture of mine and two small ones on the side one of which was taken the firswt time we started wearing badges. Suffice it to say, that picture was taken quite a long time ago because I had short hair! There were balloons all over. They had some Chinese restaurant cater for lunch. Barbara fixed Donna a plate since she hasn’t shown up yet. Lunch got started without much fun fare. I felt uncomfortable sitting by myself so I joined Kevin and them in one of the long tables. Donna came a few minutes later and we sat together at the small table. Mid way through lunch, Kevin delivered a short speech about me; how I started in 1982 earning xxxx per hour and that now I get paid so much I’m ready to retire! He handed me a couple of greeting cards with everyone’s good wishes for me and Donna. There’s even cash in one of the envelopes. Las Vegas here we come!!

A heartfelt ‘Thank you’ to Sharon along with the Goodrich girls for putting a wonderful lunch together.

I'll have to download the rest of the pictures tomorrow.. too tired.

Thur-Sun Feb 16 thru 19, 2006

I ended up not calling in Thursday and went to work instead. I actually was able to accomplish a lot of things both Thursday and Friday.

Quite a few things happened these last few days. Kong Paing’s angiogram turned out to be good – no major blockage and no surgery needed. Kong Orling however is a different story. It was found out that he does indeed need heart by pass surgery but due to his being a Jehovah’s Witness, which forbids blood transfusions, any major surgery is basically out of the question.

The lunch out organized by Sharon with my co-workers tomorrow (Monday) has been changed into some of kind of a ‘send-out’ at work. Donna was able to request to sneak out from work for a couple of hours around noon to join us.

Donna and I have been doing quite a bit of shopping, going to different places here and there. I got a pair of jeans and several pairs of shorts what with the warmer weather coming up in the Philippines. We also got a bunch of chocolate candies to give away as pasalubong in the Philippines. In one of our sprees at Mervyn’s in Cerritos Mall, we met Sharon and her family. The kids have grown quite a bit. She called Rudy on her cell and she had me talk with him, something about a brother interested in buying the Tacoma so I gave him all the information he needed. He said they wanted to take us out to dinner before I go back. Sharon reminded me about Monday and that she’ll pick me up if need be!

I’m booked to leave for the Philippines via EVA air on Thursday, March 2nd and Friday February 24 is officially my last day with Goodrich but I sent Kevin a request to take off Thursday and Friday so this Wednesday will be my last work day with the company.

Armin basically assured me that the final drawings would have been completed by the time I arrive in March so we can start with the construction on the new house.

Rai-rai went to church with us today at the 11 am mass. We picked up some Chinese on the way home and he had lunch here in Norwalk. Starting tomorrow he and Rachel are going on a week long vacation, before she starts her new job on Monday the 27th, to Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and San Diego.

Friday, Eph and I bought a web cam for my lap top. We tried it once we got back and it worked great! I just have to practice and use it more to get the hang of it. I tried it while chatting with Mike in the Philippines and he said it’s really clear. Rai-rai and I tried Skype as well and that worked fine too. So I’m all set when I’m back in the Philippines.