KALEIDOSCOPE: 2014 Almost Over, 2015 Almost here

KALEIDOSCOPE: 2014 Almost Over, 2015 Almost here

2014 Almost Over, 2015 Almost here

Today 12/30/2014 is one of those days where I am so bless to be home even just for a day.  

Our home is a place of solace, laughters, commotion, craziness, serenity, arguments, name it you will find it here yet LOVE abounds thus I always want to be home even if it means less rest for me.

It also gives me time to be on my PJ all day without worrying of being called to be at the airport anytime soon.  Blessings on a day to day basis.  The best is playing with Einstein and goofing with JD.

Yes I called times like this my "Stinking Day!"

With all of that it also gives me time to remind myself  to think of others, to be in touch with friends and family, to catch up with communicating and remembering those in despair, in pain, in suffering.  By doing so it also catches on knowing life is vulnerable and must not be taken for granted.

As what a friend said and this applies to what I believe, be thankful and grateful for every good memory, laughters and lessons 2014 taught me.  I am very grateful to met new friends, established new relationships and make existing ones stronger, fortified those that are close to your heart and rekindle old ones.  I travelled and lived in multiple countries and places growing up and my younger years but 2014 gave me another opportunity to experienced fabulous places around the world.

From a Flight Attendant to becoming an International Purser I inherited responsibilities that are challenging yet full of rewards.  A career that developed my inherent people skills and love of human contacts, a career that gave me the opportunity to be involved in multiple charity works that are supported and generously provided by American Airlines.

My life changing experienced with UNICEF/AA Change for Good Program open my eyes to the meaning of little can be gigantic, small steps can bring a dying community back to life.  My first assignment as an Airline Ambassador that I failed in so many reasons yet when it happened I met the one of the most loving girl who waited 16 years to get that medical treatment to live a normal life.  The volunteering with Wings Foundation knowing it benefits my fellow Flight Attendants is another way of giving back a little.

There were millions of things happening in the world, in our country, in our community and even in our own household and at times difficult as it is to comprehend, it gives us reason to get involved and play a role that you are gifted with.  Even just exercising your right to suffrage can change the world.

I am not as eloquent as many but by writing what's in my heart will probably compensate for that.

My wishes for all :

May the tears of 2014 pave the way to more laughters in 2015

For all the grieving and heartaches of 2014, may 2015 brings joy and complete healing

For those memories that you wanted to fade and never remember in 2014, allow 2015 bring memories that you can cherish for the rest of your life

Those days of miseries in 2014, may 2015 you see rainbows and brighter days

All the sufferings, relationships lost, material losses in 2014, may 2015 replaced it with abundance in blessings, relationships that is encouraging and defies

For every good things that 2014 gave you may 2015 be even better.

To my friends and families my very best wishes for 2015 to bring us all peace, joy, stronger belief in what is pure, human and right.  May 2015 be the year of giving more kindness, more of thinking about yourself and your neighbors, more of being trustworthy and honest, more of many laughters and fun days, exploring, being healthy and most of all LOVE yourself and possess those qualities so you can share it with mankind.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR

OLGA LOPEZ

10/23/2014

I am home this day and like any going home day I love to catch up with girlfriends and do girly stuff.  Gail Newman and I got a date for Mani/Pedi day and who knows what after that.   Went to her house and Margit Schloesser was there too another great girlfriend.   It was a beautiful day having coffee at Chateu Newman Garden.   We were interrupted from when my phone rang.  Olga was on the other line.  It truly gave me goose bumped she sounded like a voice from graveyard.  Is this a halloween joke?   She wanted to see me and talke to me.  I told her I am at the Newman's and Margit was there too if it is ok for her to come over or I will drive back home to see her.  She said ok.   It did not take long the door bell rang and came right in front of us a beautiful creature wearing a beautiful wig.  The rest was history.

Olga is diagnosed with 4th stage cancer!!!!  She said it is now in her liver and bones.  She wanted to give up and tired and weak.  Her 2 daughters requested her to continue and as a mother she dont want them to think she is giving up.

Olga been with me and JD and been a faithful, trustworthy, loving, caring househelper of ours since we moved to Atlanta.   A lot of our friends complained on the quality of her services which is understandable and gave up on her and her sister in law Adriana.   We did not for we saw in them thhe true meaning of loyalty.  They are in many occassions proved to be dignified ladies.  There being poor have never been a hindrance to be generous in giving whenever there were occassions for charity or someone in need.  They contributed more than some of our neighbors that are rich and not short of money.

Olga and Adriana gave from the heart not wanting any recognition nor accolade.  Truly they are not perfect but are we.  They may not have anything materially but they are richer than anyone I know of.

Olga and Adriana's heart are both flowing with generosity even if it hurts their own pockets, even if it is a hand to moouth existence, they will part with it with no hesitation to extend help to someone.

I tried very hard for me not to be the focus of this difficult time, not to let anyone how broken hearted I am, not to let anyne knows the tears and emotion I am controlling.  Not just the possibility of losing OLGA but the thought of losing Jeni and Elaine's mother that they so adored and depend on.  A mother and a father to them, the only sole bread winner that wanted nothiing but to make them responsible Christian adult.

The past 2 days have been nothing but trying to organized and reached out to all friends to at least lay out her wishes and try to help them in the best way we can as her friend, extended family and moreover as our dearest OLGA .

OLGA trusted me with so much of her pain and joy, her struggles and triumph.  She trusted me with her deepest feelings knowing I will keep it very close to my heart.  

As days pass by I am lifting her to our Almighty God.   

UNICEF Field Visit to Colombia with American Airlines

From June 22 to 27 of 2014 a total of 7 American Airlines Flight Attendant travelled to Colombia.  Four of us were chosen for this life changing event.  I became a Champion for Children volunteer when I learned what they did to my motherland when it was hit by devastation during Super Typhoon HAIYAN where an entire community was wipe out and children left with nothing.  It was a timely action to reached those kids.



REFLECTIONS  on UNICEF Field Visit to Colombia with American Airlines

June 22-27, 2014

By:  Carmi Daniels, AA Flight Attendant  

As part of the American Airlines Champions for Children volunteers we recently travelled to Colombia to visit the UNICEF Country Program , American Airlines Supported Water and HIV/AIDS projects.  This post shares some observations from the trip and general thoughts about the value of site visits .

The Project:

Environmental Protection School:

To recap,  the project consists of 18 school campuses in the rural zones of the municipalities of Santander de Quilichao and Buenos Aires in the Department of Cauca where  the overall objective is to generate sustainability for healthy environments in the areas of water, sanitation and environmental protection.

During the Field Visit we learned the Department of Cauca has the second  highest poverty levels in Colombia, 5th place with the level of inequality.  43% of population are ethnic group (indigenous or afro-descendants).  Each of the educational campuses there were no basic hygiene products like soap, toilet paper ,  insufficient toilet bowlsTaps and wash basins and even urinals are shared between boys and girls, There is no adequate system for the disposal of solid waste nor an educational program to educate and encourage the very simple practice of hand washing with soap and water.

UNICEF collaboration with the community, children, adolescents, parents, teachers, government and other local institutions  have improved environmental and sanitation infrastructures,  formulated and implemented hand washing strategies and established  integrated disaster risk management plans. 

Promotion of sexual and reproductive rights:  prevention of pregnancy and HIV among adolescents and young people:

The program aims to increase the opportunities of Colombian children and adolescents  especially the most disadvantaged and vulnerable which includes the internally displaced population affected by violence, those living in rural and poor areas and the indigenous and afro-descendants communities.

Based  on the information gathered,  Santander de Quilichao with a population of less than 100,000 residents faces the prevalence of infectocontagious diseases.  It was also identified as one of the municipalities with the greatest risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to sharing of syringes associated with drugs like heroin among young population aged 10 and 25.

During our visit,  we saw adolescents and young people from Santader de Quilichao increase their capacity for genuine participation in initiatives that are designed to prevent early pregnancies, transmission of HIV and consumption of psychoactive substances.

General Thoughts on the Value of our Field Visits

As a Champion for Children volunteer with  American Airlines,  the Field Visit impacted me in so many ways:

- It helped  me develop a fuller picture of the context of why we are collecting donations.

- It gave me a deeper appreciation of the tremendous work UNICEF does in research, collaborations and implementation that I did not understand from afar.

- The amount of time we spent with  the UNICEF staff, local authorities, other donors as well as all the unstructured times on the site, the long road trips, eating meals together built camaraderie, trust and strengthened our mission.  We asked questions on a personal level that we cannot do over the phone or by email.  Those times build relationships that will in the end solidify our common goal.

- The Field Visits is a reality check, extremely eye- opening and replaced my previous  assumptions.

- Lastly,  the emotional connection from  being among those children is a testimony to the work we all do and means  we cannot GIVE UP!   They showed us despite their conditions and no reason to go on they do  anyway.  They do not feel they belong and have been discriminated  against and carried the stigma even in their adolescent lives. They  choose to go on anyway.   Their families and neighbors die and they  live a life of poverty and struggle every day of their life, but they rise up anyway.   Despite those conditions they sincerely showed us their appreciation, they shared to us their meals, they showcased their artistic side, their innovations, their talents and skills and  gave their all to us.  We parted taking with us their dreams of a better tomorrow.

Been three days and I am back to my normal routine but the faces of those children remain in my vision. The poverty and way of life is beyond my comprehension.  I heard from one UNICEF staff what they have is luxury compared to Africa or other countries.  I came from the Philippines and I thought the poorest of the poor in my country was the worse.  Heart breaking as it is , I only hope that those in a position to give even a little of what they have will at least alleviate if not totally improve the life of these children.   I am proud of my own family that followed our legacy of GIVING even when it hurts our own pocket.  For that I am grateful and will never wish for a better family.    

To JD, JR, Vlad, Vic, Mark, Beejay, Calie, Matet, Butch  .... continue to share your blessings to those that are less fortunate than us.  Find in your heart to always be a cheerful giver.  Giving does not always constitute material things.  I learned on this trip how the community come together, how parents binded and how those small kids contributed to better their lives and those of their neighbors and community at large by simply giving their time, talent, skills and loving LIFE and being thankful what little is given to them.

 

UNICEF Field Visit to Colombia with American Airlines

I became a Champion for Children Volunteer when my company American Airlines through UNICEF donated all our November/December collections to my motherland the Philippines due to the devastating effect of Super Typhoon HAIYAN.  I felt the need to pay forward but moreover remember my Mom's legacy -  "None of us own anything in this world, those that are given much, must share more and those that are given less still must share what was given.  Everything can be taken away in blink of an eye" and she continues , "be always a cheerful giver either your wealth, your time, your talent and skills, for it is only then you will know your true value!"  Mdm. Bienvinida Arcilla.

REFLECTIONS  on UNICEF Field Visit to Colombia with American Airlines

June 22-27, 2014

By:  Carmi Daniels, AA Flight Attendant  

As part of the American Airlines Champions for Children volunteers we recently travelled to Colombia to visit the UNICEF Country Program , American Airlines Supported Water and HIV/AIDS projects.  This post shares some observations from the trip and general thoughts about the value of site visits .

The Project:

Environmental Protection School:

To recap,  the project consists of 18 school campuses in the rural zones of the municipalities of Santander de Quilichao and Buenos Aires in the Department of Cauca where  the overall objective is to generate sustainability for healthy environments in the areas of water, sanitation and environmental protection.

During the Field Visit we learned the Department of Cauca has the second  highest poverty levels in Colombia, 5th place with the level of inequality.  43% of population are ethnic group (indigenous or afro-descendants).  Each of the educational campuses there were no basic hygiene products like soap, toilet paper ,  insufficient toilet bowlsTaps and wash basins and even urinals are shared between boys and girls, There is no adequate system for the disposal of solid waste nor an educational program to educate and encourage the very simple practice of hand washing with soap and water.

UNICEF collaboration with the community, children, adolescents, parents, teachers, government and other local institutions  have improved environmental and sanitation infrastructures,  formulated and implemented hand washing strategies and established  integrated disaster risk management plans. 

Promotion of sexual and reproductive rights:  prevention of pregnancy and HIV among adolescents and young people:

he program aims to increase the opportunities of Colombian children and adolescents  especially the most disadvantaged and vulnerable which includes the internally displaced population affected by violence, those living in rural and poor areas and the indigenous and afro-descendants communities.

Based  on the information gathered,  Santander de Quilichao with a population of less than 100,000 residents faces the prevalence of infectocontagious diseases.  It was also identified as one of the municipalities with the greatest risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to sharing of syringes associated with drugs like heroin among young population aged 10 and 25.

During our visit,  we saw adolescents and young people from Santader de Quilichao increase their capacity for genuine participation in initiatives that are designed to prevent early pregnancies, transmission of HIV and consumption of psychoactive substances.

 General Thoughts on the Value of our Field Visits

As a Champion for Children volunteer with  American Airlines,  the Field Visit impacted me in so many ways:

- It helped  me develop a fuller picture of the context of why we are collecting donations.

- It gave me a deeper appreciation of the tremendous work UNICEF does in research, collaborations and implementation that I did not understand from afar.

- The amount of time we spent with  the UNICEF staff, local authorities, other donors as well as all the unstructured times on the site, the long road trips, eating meals together built camaraderie, trust and strengthened our mission.  We asked questions on a personal level that we cannot do over the phone or by email.  Those times build relationships that will in the end solidify our common goal.

- The Field Visits is a reality check, extremely eye- opening and replaced my previous  assumptions.

- Lastly,  the emotional connection from  being among those children is a testimony to the work we all do and means  we cannot GIVE UP!   They showed us despite their conditions and no reason to go on they do  anyway.  They do not feel they belong and have been discriminated  against and carried the stigma even in their adolescent lives. They  choose to go on anyway.   Their families and neighbors die and they  live a life of poverty and struggle every day of their life, but they rise up anyway.   Despite those conditions they sincerely showed us their appreciation, they shared to us their meals, they showcased their artistic side, their innovations, their talents and skills and  gave their all to us.  We parted taking with us their dreams of a better tomorrow.

I thought growing up the Philippines is a very poor country but all is relative.  To my family JD, JR, Vlad, Vic, Mark, Beejay, Matet, Butch, Calie ---- continue our family legacy of  being a CHEERFUL GIVER even if it hurts our own resources either in kind, in time, in your talents and skills and pass it own to your family.  One day you will be delighted when we all achieved a goal of no child should be denied of a decent living let alone of the basic necessities to survive.

SUMMER 2012

There were the heat wave, the 3digits temperature, the sun, the surf, the blooms of summer , the yard picnics,  political campaigns, new beginnings, recreation, milestones, families. friends, travels and nostalgia that brought a life of heated wonderful summer blues. 

JD and Einstein started their annual road trip to upstate New York while I finished my work to also
head to the Far East.   Before my big trip I set aside to be sure I will be present in celebrating my
great friend Stephanie Watson's birthday at Eleanor's.   I was able to manipulate my schedule in a way that I can be free that night.  Once again the phrase if there is a will, there is a way worked!
What a great celebration and my favorite was her singing balloon which is really annoying! (I gave that to her.)   Following day was another milestone to our great neighbor and family friend Herbert & Margit Schloesser in celebrating their citizenship.  They are now an official USA citizen!  Hurray!!!!

A flight distance of approximately 9, 600 miles travelled by car, plane, train and foot.  Left USA on 14th of August and arrived Singapore on the 17th of August.  It took me 3 days to reach the Far East, Japan and Singapore.   It was planned way ahead for our group of special friends to get together and celebrate Ian's life .   It was also a birthday  month for Cris that played an important role in her life.
Unexpected turmoil happen in the Philippines where many parts of the country were affected by the storm and flooded.  My family were not exempted but unhurt.  For that we are very grateful.  Unfortunately our friend Vicky and her family not only got flooded but also lost her Dad.  Other's personal life took a toll on them.   "When one or two are gathered in my name!"....   I lifted this trip to HIM knowing that Em have made arrangements for our arrival despite the fact she herself been inundated with family gatherings and other social and family obligations.  Moreover,  I so wanting to spend time with Cris and celebrate her birthday too.

Another great memories been created.  It was a blast!  Thank you to Bill Butler for the nice room at the Grand Hyatt Hotel and a very impressive impeccable customer service.   How can you not smile remembering those moments, how can you not shed tears of the past,  how can you not rejoice sharing our tribulations and struggles,  how can you not relax when you can open your heart and bear your soul to your true friends without worries.  Then the reality strikes, time to say goodbyes.... although there was sadness, there is also that connection that whatever the future brings there will be a permanent place of each other in our heart. 

It was another long journey to be reunited with JD, Einstein and our NY family and friends.  I survived and joined the gang in NY.   Family reunions, friends reunions,  catching up and picked up where we left behind.  The best part I get to spent time with Cindy Near, my first best friend in NY.
I love her to the point that it bothers me when I see her sad looks and make me sad too!  I believe in her and she will just be fine.  There is no greater joy than joy itself when you spent time with all those that means a lot to you...  my sister Donna and her family and Cole.....  our baby!  Aunt Flav and her family, our darling friends John & Missy,  Sue & Dave,  Joe & Kathy,  Andy & Toffie (North Carolina)......  and saying goodbye never get easy, ugh!

There is no place like home!!!!   and sumer ends.   We now welcome the BER months!

My first stop to the Far East Tokyo, Japan

Singapore watch out to these Exotic beauties!

SINGAPORE SKYLINE

Wining & Dining to celebrate Cris Birthday at Ku De Ta, Singapore

This is the boy that stole everybody's heart..... COLE !

Our family in New York

Einstein buddies in NY .....  ANGEL  &  MORGAN

OUR AUNT FLAV AND HER FAMILY

FRIENDS REUNION IN SPAGHETTI WAREHOUSE, SYRACUSE

BFF CINDY NEAR

ANDY AND TOFFIE'S LAKEHOUSE IN LAKE NORMAN, NC

 

MY CALIFORNIA FAMILY

Santa Monica Beach, CA

EINSTEIN DANIELS

She is like any other canine, spoiled to the extreme but at the same time will give you so much laughters and melts your heart to her tenderness.  She is always aware when we are not happy and not conforming to her actions.  Instead of fighting back she will in her power get to you to give her a hug.

She is a very calm dog and we thought will be great to be a theraphy dog where she and JD can volunteer in the hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions that needed one.  They both went to classes and on two occassions they both failed.  We laughed at it and thought for sure it was not Einstein!

Today while walking with Einstein in the neighborhood as always we need to stop many times to say hello to neighbors .  Einstein loves the attention and she have always been good and polite for that matter.  We have been walking for an hour and I was getting tired.  As we passed on one of the sidewalks there was a baby coing in her stroller while the parents were loading stuff in the car.  I guided Einstein to get off the pedestrian to pass through the stroller.   Just a few steps away from the stroller, EINSTEIN pulled me and I pulled her back and said "let's go!".   She jumped on me not once, not twice but three times.  I was surprised for it was not her to do that!  Her tail wagged crazy and most of the time it's because she is happy or she wanted your attention.  She got mine and she stepped back so do I,
the baby was having a seizure, her eyes were all white!   I screamed to the parents and the Mom immediately came to the rescue.  I told them Einstein called my attention.  They were aware and very
quick on what to do.  I offerred to cal 911 but they got it under control and immediately left to ER they said.    They were very very thankful to Einstein's  perseverance on letting me know something is so wrong!

It was very creepy for me.  It was my very first experience of a canine alerting a human that someone needs help!

I will never forget today and forever will be grateful to all the canine in this world.  It only shows every living creature on this earth got a purpose.  We all co-exist and we all need each other.

CHALLENGER, THE PRIDE OF AMERICA (AMERICAN EAGLE FOUNDATION)

A PRICELESS ENCOUNTER WITH CHALLENGER

In life we encounter very important people, celebrities, politicians, icons.  We considered those encounters moments in time and we will not forget and we will tell stories over and over to friends and families.  Yesterday was different, my moment in time, my encounter was up close and personal and I consider yesterday a once in a lifetime opportunity and a part of history.  Let me give you a glimpse:

Challenger, The Free-Flying National Anthem Eagle

Yes an  "AMERICAN PRIDE"  ....    Led by Captain TOM BUTTON and First Officer Doug Cook, my fellow Flight Attendant Marissa Laursen and myself transported Challenger, Mr. Al Cecero  President of the American Eagle Foundation and one of the Wildlife Coordinator from Atlanta, GA to Knoxville, TN on CRJ900 Flt.4080 5/29/12. After we landed at the destination we were given an opportunity to personally meet CHALLENGER.

MERRY MONTH OF MAY 2012

For we all know May is the month of flowers where colors abound around us.  It was only yesterday when I saw on my eyes the miracle of nature place on the bountiful colors of flowers when we went for dinner at our friends house, Gail & Dave Newman. 

A sumptous dinner of the best kept secret of Newman's BBQ 

An evening of delight  and sheer laughter as we send them wishes of fun travel to Peru.

Looking back on the early part of May there were jubilations and emotional moments.   

May 4, we celebrated the union of two people so much in love , Grace Lin and Daniel Sklar.  It was very special for me for I was given the opportunity to be their wedding planner.  It was so much fun working with them.  They were both enthusiastic and very artistic.  They were involved in the entire process.  Indeed it was an elegant memorable evening!!!!

It was also on this day that we bid goodbye to CHICO beloved schnauser of Herbert and Margit Schloesser.   Margit was so heartbroken that it was not easy for me what to say or not to say.  CHICO was a lovely family member that captured their heart as well as ours. 

May 5, Cinco de Mayo.  We went to Monterey Mexican Restaurant with Janet Wilson, Gail Newman, Margit Schloesser and myself to listen to the music of our friend Doug Gazlay and met others there celebrating the occassion.  We thought by taking Margit to a lively athmosphere will somehow lessen her sadness.  But as the night darkens so was her heart.

The night was beautiful with the perfect full moon.  As I gazed to the beauty, there was also the magical question of what was up there aside from what our naked eyes can gazed.

STEPHANIE WATSON  -  EVA DUVALL  -  CARMEN DANIELS  started as friends that came together with a common goal.  Volunteers for charity organizations.  Fund Raisers for March of Dimes, Survivors of Disasters, Local Community, Churches,  Hospice and Nursing Homes.  We are now venturing and brainstroming a movement we call IGIFTED through the help of Daniel & Grace Sklar.  I will blog more on this as we progress.

May 6,  THE CELEBRATION OF HOPE GALA for the Huntington Disease Society of GA.  This was the last year that our dearest friend Eva Duvall organized the event and she will also be passing the baton as President .  It was a very successful event and it turned out the way she wanted it to be. ELEGANT and her speech came from her heart.  It impacted every single soul that was present.  The volunteers were few but effective.   Everything turned out perfectly.  The venue Glenridge Hall in Sandy Springs does not only gave us all history but in itself was a sight to behold.

May 12  A joint birthday celebration for Helene Marshall & Margit Schloesser.  Girl's Lunch at Houston's Restaurant ,  We then proceeded to the Steve and Helene Marshall's home for cake and champagne.

May 13, Mother's Day and we celebrated at Peachtree City with Mom Cherry, my sisters Amy, Kathy and Beth together with our nieces.   Week after that they came over for the weekend and fun we had as always.... the Happy Family!

May 23, we went to Little Falls NY to celebrate Dad Daniels 92nd Birthday.  We also visited Aunt Flav.  On our way back to SYR Airport we stopped at Michael and Erica's home and played with Cole.  He is a very sweet lil gal!  I love him to death! 

May 27, we are celebrating our friend and neighbor daughter's graduation.  Uli and Thomas Topps got 2 beautiful daughters that grew up so pretty and nice girls.... Vanessa and Isabel. Vanessa will be in College coming school year and Isabel will be driving in another year or two!

Some snaphots for the month of May.