Baby its Cold Outside... WHAT?

Yes it actual does get Cold in Cebu.

So as the winds are picking up and the air getting brisk. 

 The wife is breaking out the sweats and socks to wear around the house.  We added few more blankets to the bed.  I bet if we had a fireplace it would be fired up.  You would think it is time to put away the flip flops and shorts for the jackets and jeans.  You know it is the middle of January and winter is upon us now.  So as I sit back and chuckle with grin about my face.  I know that it is only 65 Degrees (18 degrees Celsius) and the winter storm to end all storms will pass.  Then once again it will be our regular 85 degrees.   So for those back home in Sugar Land Texas you enjoy winter and I will enjoy a nice spring day.  

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For all you computer newbies check out my other Blog.

Click to Visit Computers For Newbies

Access for Free Website Unavailable While Abroad

Virtual Private Network (VPN) While Abroad

A virtual private network is a secure connection between you and the server then to the internet.  You are sending your data to a server in the US which then sends you data back out to the internet.

 You Philippines --------------> VPN US ---------------> Internet

Thus when you access the internet you have a Geographical location of the US. Sites use this to target you for pricing, availability and advertising.  Example is Skype charges you more for US phone service if using a Philippine internet protocol (IP) address vice a US address.

If you have ever visited Hulu and received this message:

Then you will understand the frustration of accessing the internet while you are abroad.  

Being and expat on a budget I am always looking for ways to save a little money.  I have located another free service that does not have the traffic limits.  You can watch those Hulu shows or you can access those Youtube videos.  With a VPN you are hidden behind servers in the US and are able to do these things. 

SPOTFLUX

The installation of Spotflux is simple.  There is no spyware no malware and only one advertising link that you can uncheck as you are installing if you wish to not have it.  There are no bandwidth restrictions and my favorite part is its free.  So if you are interested then head over to SPOTFLUX and download the program. I am not affiliated with any of these products nor am I collecting on any affiliate links.  I just am providing something I want to share that I use daily.   If you like this post check out my posts on:
Google Free 2013
Calling the US for Free

 

Technology blogs

Being Poor in the Philippines

What does it mean to be poor in the Philippines

Philippine Slums

When I first came to the Philippines I did not understand what being poor was all about.  Being from the US I really did not understand the concept.  See in the US we are lucky we have a safety net to catch us if we fall.  It is not a rose colored view of what I am saying either.  

Children with meals

In the Philippines there is very little in regards to social programs that take care of the poor.  Yes they have programs and they do have some things.  Yet they will not feed if you are hungry or house you if need a home.  They will not give you money nor pay for your hospital bill.  

Public Hospital for the Mothers to be.

Being poor in the Philippines is not something I would ever want to experience.  People live here day to day.  When it rains, there is no work for the many that live this way.  How do you explain that babies go hungry or with out food.  Or that they have little or no clothes to wear.  They do not wear diapers not because of want because they can not afford.  

Field workers after a rain

This is a country where the daily salary in Cebu is 250 pesos a day. That is $6.25 dollars a day.  That amount of money goes to feed more then just themselves but the extended families.  Commodities in life are no cheaper here then the rest of the world.  So people do without.   Many would say get a Job or work and they can provide. With unemployment around 7% and underemployment at 23% (underemployment is defined as earning 1 peso or more a month but want a better job). It makes life very hard for those that live it.

I am thankful I have a Government in the US that protects it people and ensures they are fed and cared for.  I know that people abuse it however the alternative could be far worse.  

If you like this check out my Blog on my Hospital Experience 

Society blogs

Filipino Infection

I think I am becoming infected

As I live here longer and longer I find myself doing things that are just so Filipino. You just can not help but picking up traits and mannerisms of your host country after several years here.  

Couple of things I have done as of recently:

The wife asked me where the diapers for the babies were.  Well instead of pointing with my finger or just saying on the chair.  
I proceeded to pucker my lips, raise my eyebrows and nod my head in the direction of the chair.  To make matters worse she asks me did I hear her.  I said yes I answered you.  

The wife and I are heading out for a day of shopping our normal ritual on the first of the month.  I then ask her where my slippers were.  Now slippers where I am from are something you wear in the morning around the house.  Here however they represent my shoes for the day or Flip Flops.

I no longer refer to the bathroom as a such.  It is now a comfort room or in typical Filipino fashion I just say CR.  

I ask for tissue even when at a restaurant for when I miss that big target called my mouth. I never ask for napkin as that refers to sanitary wipe women need to use once a month.

I no longer say to-go when at Mcdonalds or other fast food restaurant.  I just save myself the heart ache and say take out.  

No longer to I refer to my favorite Ritz Crackers as Crackers.  They are now a Biscut you know that wonderful bread product that you get at KFC or Hungry Jack style.

When I first arrived here I heard "Hey Joe" a lot. I would always turn around.  I tend not to hear it as much anymore.  Though every time I hear "PSST" (sound made by puckering your lips and blowing air through your teeth. A typical Filipino way of calling) I flip my head in that direction.  

Things when I first got here were hard to over come. Yet I did manage though it seemed there were some laughs along the way.

When I first met my wife I asked if she wanted a mango.  Of course she did what fine upstanding Filipina would not want a mango.  Lets just say in Texas we do not have a plethora of Mangos and prior to my arrival had never had one. Well except maybe in a can.  So doing what any red blooded american would do I peeled the mango. I then scrapped all the mango off into a bowl and served it.  The wife was a real trooper on this and did not even laugh.  Little did I know your suppose to slice it in half and use the bottom and top halves as a bowl which you spoon out the Mango.

Of course I know better however I was preparing rice and shortly after the whole mango thing.  My wife asked me if I washed the rice. Now just thinking back to the mango.  I had to pause as I looked at the Joy sitting on the sink.  Now in the back of my mind I knew this is not what she meant.  Lucky for her I asked Hun " Do you mean rinse the rice"?  She replied "Yes Hun wash the rice".  I managed to deduct that wash meant rinse.  

Need more of a Humor Fix:
Why I Live in the Philippines

Travel blogs

Watch NFL Super Bowl Abroad

Do Not Miss the Big Game Being an Expat FREE

There is one thing that I missed when I first moved from Sugar Land Texas was American TV.  

There was just something I had to see and it was an addiction.  With the age of the internet there are options that make this free.  Yes free to watch all your Free to Air stations in the states.   

Click Here To learn more

I have tried so many things to watch TV in the states.  I have had programs I bought and programs I created.   Some worked good and some,,, well not so good.  

I am not paid to endorse this product nor am I using an affiliate link.  I just think for free you get 5 stations you could get back home free over the internet is cool.    They have various subscription packages and honestly I have not tried any of them. I am just happy with the Free to Air TV.  Yet with time zone shifts and such having a DVR at your finger tips is nice.  

If you like free stuff and who does not check my post out on Google Voice.

Google Voice Free 2013

Calling US Free

Keywords: Tim Potter Sugar Land Texas, USMC Retried, Free TV, Internet TV

Travel blogs

Moving Abroad and Jealousy

Moving Abroad Prepare The Family 4 Tips

I started this blog primarily because I have a Cyber Stalker.  This individual once lived in the Philippines though I have never met him.  He was unable to adjust to life abroad and unable handle the day to day pressures of living abroad.  This must have made him a bitter man and I feel sorry for this guy.  As he wastes his life chasing after people that have the life he so longs to have.  I now live mine in Cebu a long ways from Sugar Land Texas.

The reason I bring this up is there where will be people that do not understand why you choose to do what you do.  You should be prepared to answer these questions prior to just up and moving.  This is a destination you will be at for a while.  It is not like you can hop in your car and head down the road.  Families and Friends need to be prepared not to see you for a while.  

Here are 4 tips to help you through this time:

1) Your family may be dumbfounded at your decision.  

  This is to be expected no one moves half way around the world to live another life.  They can not figure out why you would want to do such a thing.  Additionally they will then do the compare game.  What is wrong with here?  What do you not like about here?  So prepare.  They may even resort to guilt trips to make you stay.  You need to be firm with your decision.  

2) Try to tell your loved ones before you tell anyone else.  

   Is there nothing worse then finding out from a third party what a family member is about to do.  So before you share this down at the local Pub share it with your family.

3) Expect a million and one questions from your family.

  I like to play the what if game.  I will ask myself the questions if I was presented the situation   I write down both the question and the answer.  Thus I am prepared and do not look hesitant about this life altering decision.  

4) Come up with a plan of how you will communicate.

  There are so many ways to communicate. I use Google Voice and Video chat. I can talk for hours and hours to land lines or cell phones for free.  Google Voice Free 2013 is a good article about this.  

If you enjoyed this read:

Expat 101

Living Abroad

Links to Other Blogs

Tim Potter Sugar Land Texas

Losing Money at the ATM

Spending more they you need to

I recently had to change my bank do to Philippine Hospital Situation.  

While reviewing information about banks I discovered a few things. I had been using a prepaid Master Card from Western Union.  Reason was they only charged 1% for foreign conversion fee and $2.00 ATM fee.   I have now USAA the charge the same 1% foreign exchange fee and no fee for first 10 ATM withdrawals   What I found was some banks charge up to 3% foreign exchange fee and $5.00 ATM withdrawal fee. The reason for change was the amount I could withdraw daily as I recently had an issue with that.  I was limited to $500 dollars a day and now its double that.  Plus a better customer support if I needed more.

The foreign transaction fee (aka international transaction fee) is the fee charged to your credit card for making purchases overseas, and is generally between 2-3 percent of the amount of each purchase you make. For example, if you make $1,000 worth of purchases while traveling outside of the U.S. on a credit card that has a foreign transaction fee of 3 percent, you will be charged a $30 fee. This can add up to a lot overtime, so it may be worth applying for a credit card that does not have a foreign transaction fee before going on a long trip abroad, or if you travel frequently.  For more info click here

For More Tips Read
Expat 101
Living Abroad
Philippine Travel

Keywords:  Tim Potter, Sugar Land Texas, USMC, Retired, 

Avoid Being a Tourist Target

Will being a Tourist make you a Target in the Philippines

One thing I notice  are peoples experiences ranging from the good to the awful.  They go from  experiences in taxis to hotels and local people.  Normally these revolve around money and the thinking of a Kano Tax.  (Kano is short for AmeriKano)

First you must remember you look different then the locals.  So you are spotted no matter where you go. Additionally your plane ticket here was more then most make in a year.   So those two factors make you a target for the less desirable and thus they try and apply the Kano tax.

Second thing is that just because expat A says you can get this.  Does not mean you will also.  People in this country are so non-verbal.  Your body language and your tone of voice will determine if you will get the same service and have the same experiences.  There is not set rules for anything.

Third thing is no matter how upset you become you must never ever lose your cool.  You must always try and resolve issues in a smiling happy mood.  If you lose your cool and raise your voice you will normally lose in a situation.  This is probably the hardest thing to learn.  However you being there expressing displeasure in a reasonable tone. Will get you what you want when the realize you are not going away. 

Lastly there are no rules to what will happen.  The rules are determined by you and your reaction. If you react in such a manner as being a rude guest. Well you will be treated as such.  They can smell new meat and know if you are a guest or a resident. 

The thing to remember is these are not just for the Kano it is for the culture that everyone lives in here. Filipinos are targets also.  Handling it correctly in a Filipino manner of displeasure will get you more miles for your Peso. 

If you Enjoy this:
Read Expat 101 or Life as an Expat


keywords: Tim Potter, SugarLand Texas, Living Cebu Forum, 

Rentals Rentals Rentals

Finding a place to Rent

It is very difficult to find a place to rent. They do not advertise like they do in the west. So boots on the ground get you the best deals.

During my time here one question always seems to come up.  How much can I rent a place for. I have seen places that range in price from 2500 pesos or $60.00.  However does that mean you want to live there.  Figure out what the going rate for a place is and what you need to feel comfortable. The basics in life are water and electric.  So that will move your spear up to 5,000 peso.  Now I am looking at this from a Metro Cebu point of view. As prices when you move farther from the city hub get cheaper and cheaper.

What would you get for 5,000-10,000 pesos.  You would get a basic  apartment.  No shower and small water closet that has a bucket and dipper to shower with. It could be two or one bedroom. Yet the rooms would shrink accordingly.  This would not have a conventional kitchen but a dirty kitchen.  It would be 100% unfurnished. No Fridge or hot water.  It would have no A/C.  Your electric outlets would consist of maybe one in each room. They floors may be tiled though unlikely and just painted concrete. The Sqm would be up to 25 for the size of the place.  The rooms and such would be unfinished so you must paint and add decor.  This would be a range that most would feel uncomfortable with coming from a western society.

Typical 6,000 a month place

Dirty Kitchen

Typical Restroom

The next price range is where most people fall. When they move here.  The 10,000-20,000 peso range.  Improvements that you will see are a regular kitchen yet with out appliances. Tiled floors and finished rooms.  Though depending on age this may be very dated.  You will have a shower head in the bathroom and a toilet seat. Yet it still will be a water closet and small. Still this will come with no hot water.  You may get A/C in several rooms or none at at all.  You will get a few more sq feet of living area around 30sqm. The finished nature of the place will be more complete. Living conditions will be much improved and location could also be better.

Kitchen Dining Area

Molave Home 15K 28sqm

The next range is where you start to really see an improvement towards western standards.  You will be able to find a western home for the 20,000 to 30,000 range. It would be more adapt to living like in an small home or apartment in the west.

Hope this helps.

keyword: tim potter, Sugarland texas, USMC Retired, Living Cebu Forum, Tropical Penpal, Cebu expat

Philippine Hospitals Pay Before Service

No money No Service Philippine Hospitals

This may seem like a odd concept to a western society and that goes beyond cruel.  

However I will tell you about our recent experience prior to the birth of our second child.  We went to the hospital emergency room for my wife.  She was running a fever and had been sick for several day. So we get to the emergency room and after about 4 hours they decided to admit her.  I paid the emergency room fees of 5200 pesos ($160.00).  Then per policy they require that I pay 80% of the approximate bill prior to admitting her.  She was 7 months along in her pregnancy and was having contractions.  In addition to running a high fever and low blood iron levels.  They required at 4pm (4 am east cost time) on a Tuesday I pay 30,000 ($750.00 ) pesos to admit her.   Considering I just drew out $200 dollars for the emergency room and my credit limit on my cards was $500.00 this placed me in a situation.  I tried to explain to the hospital that I was unable to draw additional money till noon the next day. I could not call to get my credit limits lifted to draw money out as it was 4am US time. 

They knew the fact that they were placing mother and child in danger.  Yet refused to admit them till I had the money to pay prior to service.  Actually told us to leave and come back when you get the money.  They knew she needed a blood transfusion and knew she needed an incubator for the baby.  She also had contractions and 101 fever.  They used this to calculate how much cash I would need to admit her. 

I was very lucky friends and family came to my rescue to help with the initial fees and allowed her to be admitted to the hospital.   All was well and the baby was born as scheduled not early.  Yet it should be a warning to all that visit the Philippines.  Hospitals require 80% estimate fees prior to admission.

If you planning to visit or live here check out my Expat 101 article. 

keywords: tim potter, Sugarland Texas, USMCRETIRED, Norseman, Hospital, Cebu, Philippines

Life As an Expat

Sugar Land Texas Town Square

Expat Life from Sugar Land Texas to Cebu Philippines

Cebu City Philippines

When I run into people from all walks of life, if they are new to here or back home in the US the first question is what is it like to live in the Philippines.  My first reaction is how do I answer that question.

Living in this country has been one of the most wonderful things I ever did.  However at times it has been the most trying thing I ever did.  I guess the biggest adjustment is getting use to people that never complain.  They will allow some of the worse things to happen and just not complain.  You can be at the restaurant and there are flies and such.  People covering their food with napkins yet not a one will complain.  They will buy merchandise that is broken when they arrive home and they will not request a refund.  I think it has something to do with saving face on the part of the shop owners and restaurant managers.  I really do not know why.  This can be annoying and think if people complained a little more and demand service it would improve.

The next thing that has been a change is family. The size and closeness of the family is really a change.  Though the society is poor for the most part. It is not uncommon to see families that have 7 or more children.  Then you will see generations of families living in the same house.  The house grandma and pa had 40 years ago.  The world will stop for celebrations of a birthday or other event.  People here feel there is nothing more important then that celebration.

With the size of families does come the detractors also.  You will see school aged children begging in the streets and kids not going to school. It is a travesty to see such poverty.  Kids without any hope of a future because they have no education.  You feel for them yet you know there is really nothing you can do.  Do not give as there are crime elements just as the movie "Slum Dog Millionaire" here.  If you need to give find a orphanage or school donate supplies rice, shoes, clothes, paper, pens or something that will be used. NEVER MONEY.

The poverty level affects everything in daily life here.  If you go to the grocery store finding higher end items becomes challenging.  The selections become limited and getting what you want becomes harder. This is not to say it can not be found.  Though hoping down to your local store for a nice bottle of wine and cheese just will not happen here. Planning your days and planning your life becomes a way of life.  No 24 hour stores or restaurants outside the Metro Cebu area so be prepared.

I deweled on the negative a little long however knowing them prior to arrival would have saved me a few heartaches along the way. One thing I found that is so nice you will never go hungry.  Go to any families house and instantly you will have a plate of food.  You will have something to drink and they open the doors up to you.  This is not a foreigner thing it is a way of life.  They feel if you came to their house they should do their best to make you feel welcome.  Hope you like rice.  It will become a staple of your diet.  Walk down the streets and people will say good morning. People will actually respond to when you talk to them.  They will answer you.  It never seems they are to busy to stop and say hello.  Little kids will come and want to practice English and they want to talk to you.  You will laugh and smile as they say good morning at 7pm or want to know everything about you.  I think they see it on TV and never really met a person from there.  The kids are so wonderful they will talk to you and ask you questions that are so simple yet something you have not thought of in years.

I know that people talk alot about crime here in the Philippines. Maybe in Metro Cebu you will find the crime rate higher then alot of other places.  So just keep your wits about you.  I always remember the time I was waiting on the V-hire and was fumbling around in my pockets for something.  Out fell a 500 peso note.  I had not known it fell out of my pocket.  Two kids ran up to me and returned my 500 peso note to me. I was knew here and really shocked by what had just happen.  I reached in my pocket and gave each one a 100 peso note for returning it to me.  I looked over and mom was yelling at the kids when they showed her the money.  I had to explain to her what good kids they were and that they had given me my money back.

I guess in the end what makes this place what this place is, are the people.  The time they will take to make you happy and comfortable is second to none.  The day is never to busy or have to much to do just to show you, your welcome here.  With everything in life it is a give and take.  Some good and some bad.

If you like this article Check-out 101 tips for success.
101 Tips for Success in Living Overseas

Keywords: Tim Potter Sugar Land Texas, USMC Retired, Norseman, Living Cebu Forum, Tropical Penpal, 

CUTE FOOD NAME IN THE PHILIPPINES

FUNNY FOOD NAMES IN THE PHILIPPINES

I thought, I would take a few minutes and write about the strange and unusual food of the Philippines.  Filipinos no matter what seem to keep their sense of humor even if eating.  So here are my strangest of the strange.

Adidas -  Chicken Feet

Chocolate Pork - Blood soup

Neck Tie - Neck and Thigh

Walkman - Pigs Ears

PAL (Philippine Air Lines) - Chicken Wings

Beta max - Square Blocks of blood

Helment - Chicken head

IUD - Chicken Intestines

Now if I have not made you hungry by now.  There is one dish that is served here in the Philippines. Balut it is an unhatched duck egg, boiled to perfection.  You can get this in the 17, 19 or 21 day variety. What that means is how old the egg is before they boil it and serve it to you with some vinegar and hot sauce.  

Now you Enjoy

Little more humor check out 99 Reason I live in the Philippines

keywords: Tim Potter, Living Cebu Forum, Tropical Pen Pal, USMC, Retired, Philippines, 

Expat Living Outside the Big City

EXPAT ESCAPING THE BIG CITY OF CEBU

In the years I have been here I have found that province life has made me happier and more complete as a person.

Reasons I say that is I have found joy in simpler things in life. I can not go to the store and find that western snack or western food. Yet I find that I can be more creative in cooking. I can make something I crave or make something as sweet or delicious. When things are to easy you enjoy it but I find being a bit creative you can enjoy it more.

Another reason are the people. People outside the city are not so exposed to the expat and negative expat culture. They are more accepting and just enjoy being in your company. The preconceived notion you are rich because you are white is not such a factor. The materialistic world of Cebu is not playing apart in the thinking.  

I almost hate when I have to travel over the mountain on my way to Cebu. The smoke pollution and congestion drives me mad.  The people are begging for a living not because they have a need or can not work. They send their kids out while they eat to earn a living. It makes you look down on the poor. I know now being here in the province there are people that just can not work or can not do some type of labor. Their plight is genuine and not just an act to milk me for a 5 peso coin. I still never give money however food.

I had an old blind man and his wife come to my gate. They sing and play an instrument.  I gave them a cup of rice and some canned meat. The lady always has a smile and says Salamat to us. She once asked me if we had cooked rice or prepared food. They were hungry and not just out to take my money.  I never had been exposed like that in such a way in the city.

Kids are different also.  They will not just beg for money. They have a value system. They have morals that equal that of any culture. Yes I have groups of kids that come to the gate wanting money. However they know we will have odd jobs they can do. Sweeping

Glancing Back at Cebu (Photo credit: Storm Crypt)

 or washing the motorbike. They have an appreciation that the peso is not free if you just ask. An example we had a group of four kids come to the gate looking like rag-a-muffins. The wife said you go get cleaned up come back. We will have a treat for you. 30 mins here they came all showered and clean. Amazed. They actually listened and understood why she said it and had respect for what she said. 

Well examples abound however if you have never left the comforts of Cebu or surrounding areas you are missing out on a joy that could be second to none. 

keywords: Tim Potter Sugar Land Texas, USMC, Norseman, Living in Cebu Forum, Cebu Expat Forum, Tropical Pen Pal

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• Life As an Expat
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EXPAT 101, "19 TIPS to SUCCESS"

Success is based on you and your decisions

World Globe

Do not kid yourself its hard.

Beware of moving overseas! It’s tough, confusing, disorienting… and ultimately, extremely rewarding.  So take it one day at a time and learn to walk before you run.

Living overseas will not solve your problems

 It may distract you for a while but you’ll likely find that once you’ve been overseas for a while, old habits and patterns begin to re-emerge and you’ll find yourself with all the same problems, just in a different place.  Your problems could only get worse if you run.  Face them prior to leaving.

Eliminate baggage

 Becoming an expat is not only physical, geographical, and logistical it’s also emotional. Your priorities change. Having these things back home will make you miss them.  Then when you return home you may question why you left to start with. It was such a distant memory.

Bring Money

When you arrive budget is out the window as you try to settle in.  So you must have more money then you thought.  Plan for the emergency that may arrive and be prepared.

Visit First

 All the reading and understanding does not explain the culture.  There is nothing that compares to boots on the ground.  A book and words mean nothing in real world situations   So visit for a while and see if it suits you.

Be Flexible

Be prepared to be flexible about specific destinations. A lot of research on a city that you  think you would love. After a couple of days of getting there you may realized it wasn’t the kind of place you wanted to spend more than a week let alone a life time.  You are not married to one place so do not give up.  Just move to another city.

Have Goals

 Know where you want to be and set a time frame.  Know that you must sacrifice in the short term to eventually reach those goals. If you come up short set the goal again.  

Governments problems can be compounded

You need to be patient with the documentation procedure,  be open and understanding with different languages and culture.”

Research

Research, research, research

Have a support structure

Dedicate time to spend time with people of similar culture to bounce ideas and thoughts off.  It will keep you grounded.  It will allow you to be open to talking about your fears and frustrations.

Have interests that the country provides

 Do not be one dimensional when you move to the country.  You must have genuine interest in the country you are moving to. Enjoy all the sites and sounds of your surroundings. 

Water and Condoms

Don’t drink the water and use a condom.

Do no accumulate to much stuff

When you first arrive you will want the creature comforts of home. Yet you need to give it time before you settle into your life 100%.  Ensure it is the location you desire as moving again would be of significant loss. This can be an emotional and physical drain if you must relocate.

Eat and speak local

Live outside your own little bubble.  Get out Eat foods that you never thought you would, Take in the culture and learn the language.  Push your self to the limits and then you reap the rewards.  

Its not your home country

Your values and your idea of right and wrong belong in your home country.  Adapt to the surrounding and try to be an Expert of life there.  If you try and compare it will frustrate you and soon you will be packing.

Be a tourist

There is nothing wrong with being a tourist.  It actually gives you an excuse when you make an error. Slow down take time and just enjoy this new life. After the honeymoon is over then settle into that new life.   

You will miss family

People that do not travel frequently become home sick. They miss the close family support structure. This life changing decision can not just be undo instantly.  It would be very costly to head back home.  So you should consider this aspect prior to any move. 

It is a move not a vacation

This is a step to a new location and new life.  It will not end after a month so understand the dynamics involved. Do not think it is an extended vacation.  This will be your life from today forward.

Dream or reality

As long as you sit at home and dream about this.  The farther away it becomes.  The only way to make this happen is to do it. Then it becomes a reality.  Talk is cheap and dreams happen every day.  Reality is when you step off the plane and you have arrived.  To make this happen you must take the steps in the direction required and do what is required.  Every step forward is a step towards making this a Reality. 

Enjoy

keywords: Tim Potter, Sugar Land Texas, USMC-Retired, Norseman, Tim-Zol, Living Cebu Forum,