A Year in my life...

Day 142: Bus Doors Anyone?

2010-01-28T06:31:00.000-08:00

Sunday, January 24

You know how when you are on a cruise, you never know who you might end up sitting next to at breakfast? Well, that was this morning at the hotel. Last night was the hotel’s grand opening and there was a GREAT party that lasted well after I went to bed at 3 am, so the hotel was booked to full capacity last night. Making the breakfast buffet this morning also packed.

When Dorreen and I met up for a bite before another day of shopping, there was only one table available and it was really for about eight people. Dorreen and I were sat on one end, another lady on the other, and a gentleman in the center. Pretty soon, the four of us were chatting it up.

The lady was from Germany and is traveling all over India for work. She works for a Germany car company called Continental. I’ve never heard of it, but didn’t mention that part to her. The rest of her collogues had gone to the Taj today, but she wasn’t feeling a 100% after the party last night and opted to stay at the hotel.

The gentleman, who is also from the States, Chicago to be exact, is here for work too. His collogues had gone to the Taj as well and he stayed behind. He was an interesting fellow and after a few minutes told us he was a bus door salesman AND India has a huge market for bus doors! I about shot coffee out my nose trying to not laugh. I mean, really, just the doors?? I wanted to ask what there slogan was, “You bring the bus, we got your door” or “Fold’em, Roll’em, Open’em wide?”

After breakfast, we went to go to Delhi Haat, a craft fair sort of market. The whole way there we were looking at the buses to see if we saw ones that needed doors. Actually, it seems there might be a market for bus doors. We didn’t see very many buses that still had doors. Now the question is, do his bus doors come in “extremely dented” so they match the rest of the bus?

Ok well only two more weeks to a I get on plane! Until tomorrow…

With Love,

Eli
Countdown to Home: 15 days…

Day 141: A Shirt Full of Sunglasses

2010-01-28T06:28:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 23

Well today was an adventure as every shopping trip is! We went to another open market place that I haven’t been to before. I would tell you the name of it, but seeming as Dorreen and I refer to it as “the market that starts with S and ends in nagar” that really isn’t an option!

I was able to get a few good deals on some jewelry and other souvenirs. I bought Devin a “real” (I doubt it) Italian leather belt for Rs. 100. I didn’t real plan on getting one, but when I got him down from Rs. 600, it seemed wrong to just walk away. Plus, it really is a nice belt, even if I don’t believe it to be really from Italy. The best moment of the day came about mid day however.

Unfortunately, an easy way to make a few extra bucks is to steal goods from an actual vendor and sell them to passerbies. And of course since you didn’t have to pay for them, anything is a profit. Now, if I could have shaken my morals, I could have walked away with a killer deal!

Anyway, Payal and Doreen were looking in a stall at some jewelry. I wasn’t really interested and it was pretty crowded, so I was just standing outside people watching. This guy walks up to me, looking in both directions as he did, and drops his eyes to his side. I follow his gaze out of sheer curiosity to see a very nice pair of Ray-ban’s. Based on the way he was acting, I was pretty certain he had jacked them from some else. So I asked him, “Who’d you steal those from?” He laughed and continued showing me all the great attributes of the sunglasses. I’m not expert, but I’m 95% sure they were actual Ray-bans and not a knockoff.

I couldn’t really just walk away and leave my friends, and he wasn’t scary or pushy so I let him show them to me. Honestly, they looked pretty nice, but again those darn morals got in the way, even when he came all the way down to Rs. 150 (~$3). I started looking for a way to get out, so I pointed at my glasses on my head and said I don’t need another pair. I’m not sure what he thought I was saying, but the next thing I know, the man was lifting up his shirt and pulling out a whole bunch of different shapes and colors! And this whole time I thought he just had a little middle age belly going on!

At this point, I lost it and began laughing so hard I think the entire market shut down for a second to figure out what was wrong with the crazy American! Here I thought he had jacked a pair or two and was trying to make a quick buck. The next thing I know he is pulling out different styles from everywhere. He didn’t steal a pair, she ripped off an entire store!
Anyway, while I did buy lots of different things, stolen sunglasses was not one of them!

With Love,

Eli
Countdown to Home: 16 days…

Day 140: Two Down, Two to Go

2010-01-28T06:27:00.000-08:00

Friday, January 22

Well, I made it through week two! The kids are making great progress and asking good questions. I’m really proud of how far they have come in these past two weeks. When we first went live, I was truly concerned that four weeks was not going to be enough time for floor support. However, now that we are halfway through our time together, I think they will be ok.
After work, two of my co-workers headed to the mountains for the weekend. I was invited of course, and wish I could have gone, but I wanted to go get some shopping done and I’m running out of weekends. Plus, it would be a lot of hours in a car and I’m not so good with curvy mountain roads. So I decided to stay behind.

Tomorrow I’ll be going shopping with a couple other coworkers and that should be fun. I have a whole list of things I would like to pickup. And of course I’m looking forward to haggling down to the price I want to pay. Oh I’ll miss that back in the States! Anyone think I could start a trend at Target? Hehehe!

Ok well, I’m out for tonight, I’ve got an early day tomorrow!

With Love,

Eli
Countdown to Home: 17 days… Getting Excited!

Day 139: Things I’m looking forward to coming home to…

2010-01-28T06:24:00.000-08:00

Thursday, January 21

So it seems that making top ten lists are my new favorite thing to blog about. Just call me Letterman and enjoy! ;-)

10) My own desk! As silly as this might sound to some people, I love working. As much as I love training all day, I miss getting my hands on something. I miss the sense of accomplishment that comes from having a mile long to-do list and crossing it all off one by one.

9) Giving back my Blackberry! I know my husband will be disappointed to hear this, I’m pretty sure he thought I would come home so addicted I would agree to get them for us! No such luck! I spend entirely too much time on Facebook and email because of this thing! LOL!

8) Driving! Don’t get me wrong, all the catnaps in the car as someone else drives is nice. But I look forward to being a little safer, I mean slower, in control of my own travel experience. I also look forward to being able to control the temperature in my car! Oh and driving on the correct side of the rode…

7) Biscuits! Ok actually this one comes as a surprise to me as well. Seeing as I don’t really eat biscuits that often at home, who would have thought I’d miss them this much! But, when there is no way, no substitute, nothing similar, a small craving turns into a burning need faster than you thought possible! Plus, I didn’t get my fix at Christmas and I’m not going to make it eleven more months till my next Christmas breakfast!

6) The rest of my cloths! I’m so sick of wearing the same cloths. I want my huge closet full of all different clothes in prints and colors. I look forward to have more than four pairs of shoes to choose from too. And even though I always the same earrings and necklace, I look forward to the choice to wear some of my other jewelry!

5) My phone! I miss being able to pick up the phone whenever I want to call whoever I want. I miss being reachable by all my family and friends too. Oh and I miss text messages! And the simplicity of a phone that is just a phone!

4) Mexican food! Bring on the tacos, fajitas, burritos, chips, and salsa! For a food type that I would typically have some form of once a week at home, I miss it! While Indian food defiantly has the spice I love so much, the curry just isn’t the same as good ole cumin and chili powder!

3) Brooks and Addy! I miss my sweet puppies so much! I can’t wait to take them for walks, play ball, and just love on them as we snuggle on the couch. They are so sweet and now that they are over a year old and will have spent three months with Grandma Dee, the trainer, let’s just hope they are a little better behaved. (Devin's note- a 'little' better is the key word here...)

2) Friends and Church! I miss my church family! I miss being in the Lord’s house and worshipping with fellow believers. I can’t wait to see all my friends that God has blessed me with in KS. They have all been so supportive and taken such good care of my hubby. I can’t wait to catch up and hang out!

1) Devin! Really, did you think anything else would be number one! ;-) I can’t wait to be back in the arms of the world’s most amazing man!

With Love,

Eli
Countdown to Home: 18 days… Whoa!!

Day 138: A Thousand Tomorrows

2010-01-28T06:23:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, January 20

I love Karen Kingsbury! Big surprise I know, LOL! Anyway, I just finished my latest reading endeavor, A Thousand Tomorrows by Kingsbury and as expected, I loved it!

While the Rodeo has never been a huge point of interest for me, I found myself totally captivated by the story of Cody Gunner as he deals with the angry he’s had since he was a little kid watching his daddy drive away forever by lasting eight seconds on the back of a deadly beast. Cody uses his built up anger to become one of the best in professional bull riding, but no one really knows him. He keeps everyone at arm’s length, much like barrel racer, Ali Daniels.
Ali has her own secret in the rodeo arena. She too doesn’t get close to anyone and spends most of her time with her horse, Ace, or in her trailer with her mom. She is at the top of her game much like Cody and has no intention of letting anything change that.

A Thousand Tomorrows is the story of these two loners finding a friendship that blossoms in to so much more than either of them every thought their life could include. While this is no doubt a love story, it is by no means only a love story. Kingsbury does a great job showing the importance of forgiveness and acceptance, as well as meaningful friendships and trusting in God’s plan.

Unlike many of Kingsbury’s books, this one doesn’t have any scripture references, which is one of the things I love best about her books. But even without those, she does a wonderful job bringing Godly truths in a more subtle way. Yet again, Kingsbury knocks it out of the park for me!

With Love,

Eli

PS Happy Birthday Amy Lynn! I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for your big 3 - 0! I love you so much though!!
Countdown to Home: 19 days…

Day 137: Just when I thought it couldn’t get worse….

2010-01-28T06:21:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, January 19

The fog was even worse tonight than it was last night! YIKES! I beat we say 20 cars parked on the side of the road with their flashers on. I’m not sure how the driver was able to continue, I was scared to death! It took about four times as long to get home tonight in comparison to the average night. I’m so ready for the crazy fog to go away. Really, the air is so thick you have to drink to get any oxygen! Enough about the nasty fog….

So my day was pretty much the normal kind of day I’ve gotten used to having. I spent my workday racing around, answering questions, explaining workaids, and trying to ensure everything is being done to company standards. I think I ended up with about 25 emails throughout the day about different payors, getting clarification about how they should be worked.

Luckily, I’m actually floor support for my old billing center in Jackson, and since this is the process that I do back home, I know a little bit about some of the payors. It helps, but for every payor I know, there are at least 5 I don’t. It’s a process and I’m learning as much as the folks here, so it’s a good thing I suppose.

I still haven’t heard about the promotion I put in for. As of the last time I checked, they had not made a decision and would let me know either way. That was about three weeks ago, so I’m trying to decided if I should check back again. I don’t want to be a nuisance, but I’m so ready to know one way or the other! LOL! I think I’ll sit tight for a bit longer, maybe I’ll hear something tomorrow! We shall see…

With Love,

Eli
Countdown to Home: 20 days…

Day 136: Fog, Fog Go Away (A 'lost' Blog)

2010-01-28T06:20:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 18

And don’t come back any time soon! No really, the fog season here is CRAZY! It is so foggy when we leave work most nights that you can’t see three feet in front of you. I give it to the drivers; they seem to be use to it and are able to get us safely back to the hotel. They go slow, turn on their flashers, and have the route memorized. I would stay home if it meant I had to drive in this nonsense!

The fog is what delayed Devin’s flight so much, but I’m being told that fog season is ending now and my flight should not be a problem. Cross your fingers this will be the case! While an extra night in India won’t be so bad, sleeping in the airport is not how I would like to start my long journey home.

Speaking of coming home, three weeks from right now I should be sitting in the Chicago airport, waiting to board my plane to home sweet home. As much as I’m ready to be back in my house, with my hubby and puppies, and drive my car to my office, I have made so many amazing friends. I’m really not looking forward to the goodbyes. Goodbyes are not a strong point for me. In fact, I pretty much stink at them!

Well, I think I’m going to call it a blog. I have a grilled cheese sandwich waiting to be eaten and a good book ready to be read. Until tomorrow…

With Love,

Eli
Countdown to Home: 21 days…

Day 135: T Minus Three Weeks (A 'lost' Blog)

2010-01-28T06:18:00.000-08:00

Sunday, January 17

I’m not sure what my deal is, but I’m so ready to go home it makes me no fun to hang out with. Well, maybe it just makes me have no fun…

I’m ready to get back to my life, my hubby, my puppies, my church, my office, my life! I’m not sure what the deal is, but whatever it is, I need it to go away. Three weeks is a drop in the hat in compared to the 11 I have already been in India, and I still want to have fun with my new friends.

That is the weird thing about all this. I never in my life thought I would fly to the other side of the world and find friends that I’m this close to. I really thought I would fly over here, do a job, see some sights, and fly home unchanged. I realize, now, that is not the case.

I’ve seen the poorest of poor among the BMW drivers with their Gucci bags and D&G shoes. I’ve seen one of the Wonders for the World, TWICE! I’ve touched fine marbles and dirt floors. I’ve used fancy toilets and a hole in the ground. I’ve stood on top the oldest fort in India and beside the world’s largest cannon and cried when I could do nothing to help the children running between cars to beg. I have worshipped in a small little church with a handful of fellow Christians and found myself rejoicing in the good God can do with my lost Bible. I’ve made friends I’ll never forget and would always be welcome in my home!

My heart has been touched, permanently, by this country. I will always remember my time here as a blessing. I am forever grateful for the amazing country I call home and my family and friends that have continued to love and support me, even from the other side of the world. I’m ready to come home and share all that I have learned. I’m ready for a chance to live a more thankful life in the land of plenty!

Well, what do you know, I’m not nearly as grumpy and sad! With a thankful heart I’ll call it a night! And no worries, I’ll be boarding a plane, USA bound in three weeks from right now!! ;-)

With Love,

Eli
Countdown to Home: 22 days…

Day 134: Another Tearful Goodbye (A 'lost' Blog)

2010-01-28T06:16:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 16

So today I put yet another friend back on a plane, USA bound. Linda was the twelfth person for me to put on plane since I arrived in India. She was also the seventh person to arrive after me and leave before me. I’m going to have to start to really deal with loneliness. Linda was my buddy. We had lunch together most days and shared a cab for work.

I rode with Linda to the airport to drop her off and say goodbye. It was the first time I have actually been to the airport since I arrived in India. I didn’t think I would be sad, but I was. I even teared up a little bit and for those of you who know me at all, that is a big deal! I never cry! (Devin's note- yeah, right!) I think it was just the overwhelming desire to get on a plane myself. As much fun as I’ve had, as much as I love India, I’m ready to go home!

When I got back to the hotel, I called a good friend of mine back in Jackson and had a nice long chat. Thanks to Mama Rickett, I am not nearly as sad. It really does amaze me how a good conversation with a great friend really can make your day. Thanks Mel!!

Ok well, I’m out for today! I’m totally into my next book and it’s a Kingsbury so you know I love it! Later guys!

With Love,

Eli
Countdown to Home: 23 days…

The 'lost' Blogs: Day 133: Remember Me?

2010-01-28T06:14:00.000-08:00

Friday, January 15

The most recent books in my Indian reading spree was Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella. If you have never heard of Kinsella, she is the author of the books that inspired the movie “Confessions of a Shopaholic.”

Remember Me? is the story of Lexi Smart, a young women in London, who wakes up to find out she has no memory of the last three years of her life. The last thing she remembers is a night out with her three best friends when her teeth were crooked, her hair frizzy, her clothes cheap, and her body on the soft side. She wakes up in the hospital after a car accident and has no clue how she became the complete opposite of all she remembers. Her teeth are perfect, her hair shiny and beautiful, her clothes designer and two sizes smaller, and her friends are nowhere to be found. Added to that, she’s married to a super cutie who also happens to be a millionaire and you got yourself an incredible story line.

The book is Lexi’s journey through self discovery and second chances. The mystery of how she maked a complete 180 from who she remembers being to who she is told she is today keeps you turning the pages. And the underlying story of falling in love all over again with the man you have always loved adds a little romance to make this book have a little of everything.

Kinsella did an incredible job keeping my interest and left out any uncomfortable love scenes. I will say I’m glad this was something I actually read instead of listening on tape. There were several words that I just had to skip over. But other than that, over all, a fantastic book. Go pick this one up! Good times!

With Love,

Eli
Countdown to Home: 24 days…

The 'lost' Blogs: Day 132: So Tired!

2010-01-28T06:13:00.000-08:00

Thursday, January 14

Ah! I have no idea why, I’ve been sleeping a good eight every night. I haven’t gotten back into the habit of sleeping twelve hours. And yet, I’m so tired! At work, I felt like I was going to fall asleep if I sat down.

Other than being exhausted, today was a good day. Nothing terribly exciting, but sometimes that’s a good thing….

I realize this is short, but based on the title alone, I don’t think anyone will be too surprised! Good night folks! ;-)

With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Home: 25 days…

The 'lost' Blogs: Day 131: A Whole Lotta Love…

2010-01-28T06:03:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, January 13

As my time in India is quickly coming to a close, I thought I’d take a few minutes to talk about the top ten things I love about India. So here goes…

10) The food! While the food does not always settle quite like I would like it to, it almost always taste delicious. I love all the spices and flavor and the way nothing, not even the rice, is bland.

9) The job! I had no idea how much I love training other people until I came to India. I love talking someone through the process and getting them to think through the knowledge they have to come up with the correct answer. I feel like such a proud mama when the light bulb goes on and they finally understand something they’ve been struggling with.

8) The hotel! Ok I realize that I haven’t given the current hotel the most rave review, however, I will say things have gotten a whole lot better. And even at the worst, I still have had excellent customer service and have always been well taken care of.

7) Naan! Yes, I realize I already mentioned the food, but this yummie bread gets a category all to itself. Make it butter, garlic, or good ole plain, I don’t care, I love it all!

6) The traffic! What’s not to love? Even though it takes you an hour to get almost anywhere because of it, the adventure that it insures is always a blast! Not to mention, where other than in Indian traffic can you be offered some Jack Daniels from the three guys riding a single motorcycle.

5) Jaipur! I’m sure you all are sick of me ranting and raving about this single city, but I love it! Its rich history, beautiful architecture, and royal style just make it one of those places I can’t get enough of!

4) The fabrics! Everything is made out of bright, colorful patterns that make you happy to look at them. I love how it doesn’t matter that your sari is hot pink, your blouse red, your sweater orange, and your shoes Oscar green. Everywhere you turn, you can see all colors of the rainbow!

3) The culture! There are not many places in the world that you will find a stronger sense of family than here in India. I love the importance placed on honoring your father and mother and elders in general. It’s amazing how much people with sacrifice for the betterment of their family, even when it’s not what they would ideally do!

2) The shopping! Shopping has always been something I enjoy, but being the penny pincher that I am, I always struggle with the prices of things. Here in India, if I don’t like the price you state, I tell you so and offer you what I’m willing to pay. I love the back and forth of haggling that comes with shopping in India. Not to mention the prices that make anything in India at least half as much in the States, in many cases even more than that! And the number one thing I love about India…

1) The people, of course!! Seriously, I can’t believe how polite, kind, and loving they all are. I have been treated like part of the family since I arrived and as my time to head home quickly comes, I can’t even begin to think how I’m going to say goodbye.

Yes, this truly has been an amazing experience that I will remember and cherish as long as my memory holds out. Until tomorrow….

With Love,

Eli
Countdown to Home: 26 days…

The 'lost' Blogs: Day 130: Windfall

2010-01-28T06:01:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, January 12

Sorry for the lack of book reviews. Between Devin being here, being sick, and starting a new process I got a little behind on my reading. However, I’m back and better than ever! Well, at least back…

Windfall, by Nora Roberts, is actually two shorter books in one. The first story, Impulse, was way to Harlequin like for me, and just when there started to be more of a story, the book ended. Luckily, it was only around 100 pages and not something I was forced to consider as too much of a waste of time.

The second book, Temptations, turned out to be really good! Which is a good thing, I was about to give up on Nora as an author after two of her books didn’t leave quite enough to the imagination in some areas!

Temptations is about a socialite princess, Eden, that met an untimely fall from royalty when her rich father passed away and turned out to not be so rich after all. After selling off the family estate and most of her personal belongs, she invested what little was left into an all girls summer camp with her best friend. Luckily, she was great with numbers and had been raised around horses and thus was the camp’s accountant and equestrian instructor.

Eden of course also served as the one of the camp staff responsible for keeping all the girls in line, so when a few of the camps most mischievous campers wonder into the neighboring apple orchid to climb a few trees, Eden is the one to go looking for them. Eden finds the girls up in a tree, munching apples. With orders to report to the kitchen for mess hall cleanup duty as punishment, the girls are sent back to camp.

Eden has to climb the tree to collect a hat left by one of the girls and once up in the tree branches, decides to take a little personal time to relax and reflect. Eden’s whole life has changed overnight, she lost her only parent, her social standing has plummeted, and her fiancé dumped her because of it all. Lost in her own train of thought, enjoy a crisp, fresh crisped apple, high up in a tree top is how Chase, the orchid owner, finds Eden. And so begins the story of a women finding her own place in the world, a man learning how to help her, and two of them discovering a love neither of them knew existed.

This is a sweet story that keeps you turning the pages to see what Chase will try next. It’s a light read, but filled with life truths about the importance of money, or lack thereof, and the meaning of true love. I give Temptations two thumbs and a recommendation to enjoy!

With Love,

Eli
Countdown to Home: 27 days…

The 'lost' Blogs: Day 129: My Day as an Indian Princess

2010-01-28T05:58:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 11

Today was Go Live for the new process I will be working for my remaining time in India. Go Live had already happened for the process that I originally came for so this was my very first one to be involved with. As I said yesterday, I bought a traditional sari to wear today and spent my day dressed as a princess!

It all started with a call to the front desk of the hotel for help in getting my sari draped. Now, Indian women are able to do this themselves and do not require any safety pins or such to hold the dress in place. I, on the other hand, ended up having a total of three helpers and seven pins to turn me into a sari wearing beauty! LOL! Oh, and it took about 45 minutes for the sari to be draped properly. Part of the problem is I’m about a foot taller than the average sari wearer, and a good ten inches taller than any one of the three that helped me get dressed.

Once the sari was on, the bendi placed, and the bangles shoved onto my big ole American hands, it was off to work. From the time I walked out of my room, till the time I returned over 10 hours later, it was one compliment after another. A few of my favorites…

The two grandmotherly ladies in the lobby of the hotel gushing at how well I “carried” the sari and telling me I looked like a queen.

The guard at the gate at work who speaks VERY little English saying “Stunning” and smiling really big while I signed in. Side note, this was the first and only English word I have ever heard him say in the ten weeks I have been here.

One of my good female friends from work telling me she was jealous, she’s been trying her whole life and can’t pull off a sari as well as I did. And my all time favorite…

Our driver that picked us up after shift telling my co-worker that was already in the car “Wow, beautiful” as I was walking to the car and grinning like a school boy the whole way back to the hotel!

Needless to say, this was the best confidence builder I’ve ever had. I might just take up wearing a sari everyday! Oh wait, I don’t typically spend 45 minutes getting ready, shower and all….

With Love,

Eli
Countdown to Home: 28 days…

Devin's note: I'm not sure how I feel about these other little Indian people calling my wife 'stunning' and 'beautiful'. I mean, she is. But someone may get hurt here!

The 'lost' Blogs: Day 128: My New Sari!!

2010-01-28T05:55:00.000-08:00

Sunday, January 10

So ever since I found out I was coming to India I have wanted to purchase a sari. For those of you who aren’t sure what a sari is, it is the wrap around dress that is traditional India formal wear. Typically, they are worn with a mid-drift type shirt underneath, no matter your age. But for me, I want what’s called a “long” blouse. In other words, a shirt that doesn’t show off my entire midsection. But these have to be stitched and I don’t have time for that, unfortunately…
So after yesterday’s less than productive shopping day, I was on a mission. I was well rested and prepared for it to take all day if needed. But I was NOT coming back to the hotel without something traditional to wear, even if it meant I had to get a kurta and tights!

We went to one of Delhi’s many amazing markets and Payal, one of the wonderful ladies from here, took me to a sari shop. I had decided that I should get a black one with silver sparkles. I figured that since I didn’t have time to have a blouse made, but I had a black shirt I had brought with me that would work, this was my best color choice. And the shoes I bought when Devin was here are silver, so that would be one less thing to worry about. It wasn’t what I thought I wanted, but it would have to work.

Anyway, so Payal tells the shop attendant what I’m looking for and he pulls out five choices! I must admit I was a little shocked. I’ve looked at tons of sarees since being in India and I have NEVER seen a black one before. Granted, I thought I wanted a bright pink or turquoise one, so maybe I just hadn’t been shown a black one before, thus I really thought it was a long shot to find one that would work with the things I already had. But here I am looking at a pile of choices and I see THE one! It was like shopping for a wedding dress when you look in the mirror and realize this is the dress you’ve dreamed about since you were a little girl! LOL, ok maybe not quite that dramatic, but anyway…

Before the attendant can pull out any more out, I ask to see the one I’m already in love with. Luckily, this is a fixed price store so there is no harm is letting it be known that I like the piece! He drapes it on me (this is how you “try on” a sari) and I look in the mirror with awe! It’s draped over my blue jeans and t-shirt and I still haven’t felt this pretty since my wedding day!
I couldn’t believe we found the PERFECT sari at our first stop, in the first group he shows me! And, even though it’s not what I thought I wanted, it really is exactly what I want! (Devin's note- that is how my wife is all the time...I gether what she SAYS she wants only to find out what she SAYS and what she MEANS are not the same. So confused...)

After spending the rest of the day hunting down the perfect earrings, bendi (forehead sticker), and bangles to complete the outfit, it’s off to the Hard Rock for dinner with my Indian family and back to the hotel. Tomorrow is going to be a huge day with the Go Live and such. I need a good night’s rest so we will call it a day!

With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Home: 29 days…

The 'lost' Blogs: Day 127: Oh my, WOW!

2010-01-28T05:51:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 9

So I’m totally on the hunt for a traditional outfit for Go Live on Monday for the new process I’m going to be working. I really wanted to find a sari, but was willing to take what I could get. Unfortunately, I didn’t even really have a chance today, even though this is what we were supposed to be shopping for today.

I meet up with all the other work folks that are here and several of the local friends we’ve made for a fun filled day of shopping. First, we drove all over Delhi to a friend’s cousins house to pick up some kurtas (Indian tops) for one of the other ladies. Then, after fighting traffic to the other side of Delhi, we meet up with the other car of folks and I witnessed one of the CRAZIEST things I have ever seen.

Now, remember, I have two holes in each ear and a hundred years ago I got my belly button pierced. But in all above cases it was with a needle or piercing gun and a lot of antiseptic was used. Oh and I was sitting/laying down.

So today, two of the ladies decided they wanted to get some piercings done. Keep in mind that nose piercing is more common than not in India and two holes in each ear is what most girls have before they learn to walk. Anyway, so we go to the shop where this kind of thing is done here and it’s just your normal ole jewelry store, India style. Interpret, crowded, tiny, and a shoved in a hallway! There are three guys behind the counter helping whoever shoves the hardest to the front.

So the lady I’m with makes it to the front and tells the guy she wants to get her nose and inner ear pierced. By inner ear, I mean that tiny piece of ear that kind of sticks out over the ear opening. The guy has her pick out the stud she wants for her nose, cuts the long stem with a pair of wire cutters, dips it in some kind of Vaseline looking stuff, AND SHOVES IT THROUGH HER NOSE!! No chair or nothing, he just leans over the counter and pops the stud in. Then, he takes another pair of pliers that look like the ones my dad once used to rewire things, and twist the stem inside her nose so it doesn’t fall out.

I am not grossed out easily, but this was more than I wanted to see. I knew I didn’t want to see how he got the hoop through her “inner” ear. I went down stairs and hung out with the rest of the group. Evidentially, the ear thing hurt worse, she threw up! Glad I stepped out!
Well, needless to say, I think I’ll come home with the same number of holes I left with! LOL!

With Love,

Eli
Countdown to Home: 30 days…

The 'lost' Blogs: Day 126: Only a Month…

2010-01-28T05:49:00.000-08:00

Friday, January 8

First and foremost, Devin is back in the States! He should be home safe and sound by the time I wake up in the morning. It was amazing to hear his voice again and a huge sigh of relief to have his phones working again. I’m a little upset with Verizon. They told us our phones would work fine internationally, and well, they don’t.

Devin did have quite a different story from the duty manager at the airport though. Evidentially, Devin was never offered a hotel room and in fact was told that he could not leave the airport at all. India has a very strict security policy. Once you go through “customs,” they won’t like you back out unless it on an airplane. I was asking my Indian friends how this works if there is an emergency and you need to leave, they said there is no exceptions! Crazy, but ok…

Well, tonight was my last as collections floor support. Monday, I will be switching to another process and a whole new group of people to meet! I love meeting people and I’ll be working on the same process I do at home so my knowledge base is a little better too! I’m actually really excited about it. Plus, starting this process marks the beginning of my last month in India. Actually, I head back to the States a month from today! ;-)

Please don’t be mistaken, I have LOVED my experience, but after putting Devin on a plane, I’m ready for my turn. Who would have thought that I would be homesick AFTER my wonderful hubster came to visit me! LOL! Oh well, my days are numbers and I’ll be back in his arms soon!

With Love,

Eli
Countdown to Home: 31 days…

The 'Lost' Blogs: Day 125: Where in the World is Devin San Diego?

2010-01-28T05:47:00.000-08:00

Thursday, January 7
Warning: Technically this blog starts on the 6th, but it’s the only way the rest of it will make sense.
So I just finished reading Devin’s version of the past few days. Let’s just say he seriously down played my illness. I was bed ridden expect for my runs to the only other room in my hotel home. My entire body ached all over and I had a terrible fever. I missed work yesterday and knew I needed to go in tonight. I kissed Devin a teary good bye and headed to work with a couple crackers and some chicken broth that seemed to be staying inside.
Unfortunately, that didn’t last long enough for me to make it through my entire shift, so I headed back to the hotel.
On the way home, it was so foggy I began to worry about Devin’s flight. I had some friends make some calls and found out his flight indeed was delayed. Since it was delayed over ten hours, my friend, Prashant volunteered to try and go get him from the airport since I’m still feeling rather yuckie. Keep in mind that neither of Devin’s phones would pick up service here in India and thus we had no way of letting him know we were trying to pick him up.
Well, Prashant gets to the airport and the airline tells him that all passengers have been sent to a local hotel. Ok, no worries, Prashant heads to the hotel to see if they can find him there. The hotel says he hasn’t checked in. Prashant heads back to the airport, only to be told by the airline that Devin never checked in! I’m absolutely freaking out! My hotel is saying they dropped him at the airport, the airport is saying they don’t have him, and I’m just feeling worse and worse with every passing minute.
Prashant, being the superman that he is, spent the next few hours working through the airlines, security, and finally to a duty manager at the office to find Devin. After six very long, very nerve wracking, hours, we finally were told Devin choose to stay at the airport and was asleep in the transit area.
I’m not totally sure if this is the truth, or just what poor Prashant is being told in an effort to get him to leave the airport and quit bugging everyone! I have no choice but to hope for the best and trust the Lord that Devin is ok… (Devin's side note- I was in the airport, NOT Asleep and was never told anyone was looking for me!)

Later in the day…

So after spending hours myself with all the different airlines, and getting nowhere, it was late enough to call Aunt Fay. And of course, Aunt Fay saves the day! She finds out that Devin’s flight from India is indeed taken off and is Germany bound. The problem, the flight from Germany to the US that he is suppose to be on will have left by the time he gets there so we have no idea when he will be back in the US. Nor do I have any idea when I will be able to talk to him again.
Now its Facebook’s turn to be the superstar! I happen to get on fb during my lunch break at work and there is a message from Devin!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is spending the night in Germany and will be leaving for the US tomorrow! Praise the Lord! I still can’t actually talk to him, but at least I know he is safe and homeward bound, now I just have to be patient and wait for my turn….

With Love,

Eli
Countdown to Home: 32 days…

Day 124: The Doctor is in

2010-01-11T13:19:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, January 6

Another day, and I still have a sick wife. Today is my last day…I actually leave for the hotel at about 10 pm to catch my 2 am flight.

Since she still isn’t better and now hasn’t eaten in 3 days, we decided to call the doctor. He makes hotel room calls here, and informed us he went to school in Moscow. Not sure how comforting that is…

He was here about 5 minutes, asked a few questions, gave my wife a shot in the rear end that now has her seeing flying monkeys and pick elephants, and sent out for a script. When they delivered it to our door they said it was charged to the room…and when I saw the price I just about died! 20,000 rupees for these drugs! Plus the doctor Visit and shot…

And to top it all off, I found out that KC is about to get hit with snow, so I may not be able to even get home. This has been a great trip but certainly isn’t ending as I’d like. I have to leave my sick wife in a foreign country by herself and have a good chance of being stranded in an airport of the first time in my life. Oh, God, help! No, seriously!

The next blog will be from Eli when I am hopefully back to the States. I know she has some interesting news to share about work… Well, India has been fun. Now it’s off for home, wifeless .
With Love,

Devin, on behalf of Eli
Countdown to Devin leaving: 1 day…

Added Note from Elizabeth:
Luckily, Devin can’t read Indian numbers and the meds were 200 rupees, not 20,000. Devin also forgot to mention that in the few minutes the doctor was here, he said I have food poisoning, I think! His English left quite a bit to the imagination! ;-)

Day 123: Rethinking the hotel

2010-01-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, January 5

Well, the biggest event of today was the fact that in taking a shower the drain worked even less than normal, and the whole bathroom flooded!

My wife is sick in bed and can’t eat anything that doesn’t come back out within minutes. I don’t feel great but am better than she is. I decided to go down to lunch and found hair in my lamb dish, which only made me feel worse. I’ve decided that tomorrow I am going to see if I can talk to Matthew, the GM here, and give him some friendly advice to make things better, or soon they won’t have any guests in the place at all!

The hotel itself looks quite nice. But they polish it with diesel fuel, so the whole place reeks. And then the bathroom issues and the food, I know this isn’t America, but this is an American brand!
Well, Eli is sleeping and I’m going to watch some of 24, season 7! I love this show and am so glad to finally have a chance to catch up. Tomorrow is the last full day, so hopefully it will be a great one!

With Love,

Devin, on behalf of Eli
Countdown to Devin leaving: 2 days…

Day 122: Hotel Days…

2010-01-11T13:16:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 4

Today Elizabeth and I slept in, had lunch, and then she went to work. Really, that was it until about 11:30 pm. I spent my time alone doing some reading and some school work—I’m working on my masters for those of you who don’t know. Well, sometimes I am working on it, sometimes I am ignoring it!

Then about 11:30 I started to feel a bit funny and soon got a call from my wife, wanting to know how I felt. Turns out she, too was feeling less than well. Soon she’d returned to the hotel and we decided to be miserable together.

So now that we’re medicated up, it’s off to bed.

An impressive day, I know!

With Love,

Devin, on behalf of Eli
Countdown to Devin leaving: 3 days…

Day 121: It DOES Rain in India!

2010-01-11T13:14:00.000-08:00

Sunday, January 3

Today we rose early, but not for church. That’s right, I’m playing hookie while in this country! Don’t tell. ;-)

Our early departure was to the city of Jaipur, one of my wife’s favorite places. I can see why. Once we made it there (after 6 hours of driving) we went to the Amber Fort and saw the world’s largest cannon. The Fort was hundreds of years old and was really cool, except for the trash that is everywhere and the smell of pee that we couldn’t get away from. The fact that it was raining was a serious drag, because it made wandering around much harder and very smelly (due to the sewage and trash)...But, I was glad to know that even in India, it does rain some!

I did like the experience of Indian driving on a one lane road winding up and then back down the mountain, which is to say I’m thankful we didn’t roll off the mountain!

Once in the city we hit the streets, enjoying a native meal and seeing a few sites. The beggers where everywhere and followed us constantly, wanting money. I thought about offering a few of them jobs, just to see how they’d respond, but thought better of it.

Shopping was another experience. In one store, I was looking at a very nice piece of jewelry that I was willing to pay a fair price for…but the guy gave me this ridiculous amount and I said no. He tried to sell me on how nice it was, etc…and I told him he was crazy and turned to leave. That’s what you do here, you get the price and when you don’t like it, you leave. If they follow you, you know the door is open to haggle.

Here it was, and the man told me that ‘For you, I will give you my best price!” My response was why hadn’t he given me that first, to which he said with complete honesty, “You are an American in India!” I wanted to laugh so hard at his comment.

By the time we were done, I had negotiated a price that was 60% less than his initial offer and was exactly the price I was willing to pay. I left happy and he left richer. After that, I stood back mostly and watched my wife work her magic as she got gifts for people back home and trinkets to remember our time here.

After the shopping, we took the long ride back to the hotel, which I am beginning to wonder about… the shower doesn’t drain, the sink doesn’t drain, the toilet bowl leaks, and I honestly think there is a security camera in the air vent!

With Love,

Devin, on behalf of Eli
Countdown to Devin leaving: 4 days…

Day 120: To Dance on a Woman’s Grave

2010-01-11T13:13:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 2

Well, this was quite a day, but it was all in a short spurt. The Taj was very interesting and an inspiring sight to see. However, when we left for what should have been a 5 hour drive, the fog was so thick that visibility was only a few meters in front of us…so it took more like 7 hours to get there.

However, once there I understand why this place is one of the 7 wonders of the world! It is beautiful and grand. I’d always thought it was a palace, which in a sense it is. The place was built by one of the last emperors of India when his favorite wife (note favorite, not only) passed away giving birth to their 14th child! The building is made of pure white marble and precious stones and took 30 years to complete, all being done by hand!

Friends, they just don’t make ‘em like this anymore!

After the structure was completed, the emperor had the hands of all the craftsmen cut off, so that they could never build something more magnificent! Now that is a bad deal, in my opinion.
Inside the Taj itself, there is no artificial light. Everything comes from natural light outside…so if you go at night, don’t expect to see much. In the corners have these giant areas that are cut out, almost like dinning rooms. People in line where getting up there to take pictures and Elizabeth wanted me to get up there and dance with her.

Apparently, I am no longer in the running for husband of the year, because I refused! The reasons are these: the place is a tomb, not exactly somewhere I want to be celebrating. Secondly, there were a lot of armed guards, and I am a larger (even larger compared to these small people) white American. I could just envision being thrown in prison for defiling a historical landmark. Although, now that I think about it, there was one corner where the natives where dropping their pants and leaving their mark on the site, so maybe a little dancing wouldn’t have been so bad!

Afterwards we did a little shopping, which is much different than home, and rode our camel wagon back to the car for our long drive home.

With Love,

Devin, on behalf of Eli
Countdown to Devin leaving: 5 days…

Day 119: Experiencing India

2010-01-11T13:12:00.000-08:00

Friday, January 1

It’s a brand new year! How exciting to be starting it off with my wife in a brand new country. As I write this, I realize it is actually just now becoming the new year in the good old USA, but this day has already been busy.

I had the honor of meeting Elizabeth’s favorite driver, Ashok, who gave me a grand tour of the city of New Delhi. I got to see the president’s house…which is about as big as the town I grew up in by itself! Seriously, this place isn’t like the White House. It’s more like Fort Knox with architectural charm. The building was amazing and made of stone. Near it was the Parliament building, which makes the Capital look something like a play house. I must give kudos to the people here, they know how to build on a grand scale.

Leaving the seat of power, we traveled to a monument called the India Gate. It’s their war memorial. To get to it, we first had to park and wade through a bunch of kids trying to sell us junk. There was also a real life snake charmer. I would have taken a picture, but he would have required payment for that…which I wasn’t willing to give. It would have only encouraged the ‘entrepreneurs’ to sell harder, knowing we had cash on hand.

My favorite part of the experience was crossing the street! With no real traffic laws (just suggestions) we couldn’t just wait for the light—people ignore that here if they don’t feel like stopping. So both going to the gate and coming back we dodged traffic. I wish I could say it was with speed and grace, but I was too afraid of becoming a hood ornament to have paid much attention to the way we looked!

After an early dinner it is now off to an early bedtime. We have to be up at 4am to head to the Taj!

With Love,

Devin, on behalf of Eli
Countdown to Devin leaving: 6 days…

Day 118: First Impressions

2010-01-11T13:11:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 31

This is Devin, coming to you live from India. Elizabeth has asked me to blog for the next few days, mostly because she can. It is true that when I arrived she scared the devil out of me by jumping out of the closet in the dark. I’d just gotten into the room and was waiting for my bags, I was tired from the long flights and had walked from a lighted hallway into a room that was black, except for a few candles. Seeing the candles lit, I knew she was in the hotel somewhere, because they were tee light candles, so they wouldn’t have lasted very long. But I figured she had gone down to greet me and we’d missed each other on the elevators… Alas, she was in hiding trying to send me to an early grave.

After some sleep (I won’t bore you with the details of unpacking, etc…J) we awoke on this, the last day of 2009, with the intention of seeing the sights of New Delhi. However, we soon discovered that some of Elizabeth’s co-workers had decided to go around the schedule and head out to party without telling anyone, effectively stranding us at the hotel. I didn’t think this was so bad, after all the Marriott is a nice brand and this hotel is so new it still shines!

Together we enjoyed a meal downstairs, where I met Matthew, the GM of the hotel. He is a very nice man and took some time to get to know me, suggesting we see Delhi together if time allows. Then Elizabeth gave me a tour of the hotel. The pool is awesome and has a natural overflow which turns into a waterfall. It is very neat. However, while 60 degrees is not cold compared to Kansas and the foot of snow, it is too cold for me to venture out in my swim suit!

In the evening Elizabeth and I rode to work so that I could meet the crew. I won’t pretend to say I understood most of their names, but they were all very nice. Traffic wasn’t nearly as bad as my wife has made it out to be, although she said that I’ll know what she means at some point!
We returned to the hotel and had a nice dinner. The hotel had a New Year Buffet which was fabulous! Some of the best tasting treats my mouth has ever enjoyed. There was lobster ravioli, some excellent grilled fish, lamb which just melted in my mouth… I could go on, but for your sake I won’t. After dinner we went up to the hotel club, which was playing music. Being New Year’s Eve we decided to be customary and have a drink to toast the last decade. Now, for those of you who tend to be more prudish when looking at the lives of your pastors and families, I do mean “A” drink. Unless water counts, too, in which case I had more like 5 drinks!

After welcoming 2010, it was off to bed, which I will say the second night was not as comfortable as the first!

With Love,

Devin, on behalf of Eli
Countdown to Devin leaving: 7 days…

Day 117: He’s Here!!

2010-01-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, December 30

India is now my favorite place in the world! My sweet Devin is finally here. He arrived at the hotel a little after midnight. I was able to go into work at 3 this afternoon and get off at 11pm allowing me to be here when he arrived. I’m very sneaky though and he had no idea I was here!
I had gotten Devin a bottle of his favorite, impossible to find in the States, cologne as a Christmas present. I had it wrapped and sitting with a little note, apologizing for not being able to meet him until after work. I also said there was another surprise in the closet.

Unfortunately, somehow Devin missed the note and the fact that I was in the closet. He couldn’t figure out how to turn the lights on and all the candles I had light all over the room wasn’t enough light for him to see the present and note. I’m in the closet listening to Devin talk to himself about how he can’t turn the lights on, trying not to laugh hysterically, and hoping he finds the note soon. I didn’t know what I was going to do if he didn’t find me. It was getting hot in the closet and I couldn’t exactly jump out and shout surprise. I’d give the poor fella a heart attack!

Well, finally, he decided to explore the room, however, he still hadn’t seen the note, and therefore had no idea I was in the closet. He opened the door to the closet and looked like he seen a ghost!! It was one of the funniest things I have seen in a long, long time! He jumped about three feet in the air with his hands in front of him like that was going to protect him from the boogieman in the closet!

Luckily, the boogieman was his wife and once the shock wore off, our India adventure began! Well, I’m off to spend time with my Hubby Wubby Doodle Bear!

With Love,

Eli
Countdown to Devin: 0 day… YAY!!

Day 116: Anticipation…

2010-01-11T13:09:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, December 29

Anticipation is an interesting emotion. It leaves you unable to sleep and eating a challenge. When it’s something you dread, time fly by. However, if you are in my shoes, and you are so excited you can hardly think, it makes time stand still. If I had a dollar for every time I’ve looked at a clock only to discover that a mere five minutes have passed, not the hour I was sure was gone, Devin and I would be able to retire! LOL!

Speaking of Devin, he is somewhere over the Atlantic as I type. He should be landing in Frankfurt in about five hours. After a couple hour layover, he will be boarding a plane, Delhi bound! He is set to arrive in Delhi at 10 pm local time tomorrow night. Only a few more hours…
I usually work from 6:30pm till 3:30am. However, tomorrow, I’m working from 3 pm till 11pm, but Devin doesn’t know this! I’m hoping that I will be able to get to the hotel a minute or two before him and surprise him when he comes into the hotel room! When I landed in India, it took about 2.5 hours to get to the hotel from the time I got off the plane. In other words, my plan should work! I’ll let you l know tomorrow!

Ok well since I am going into work three hours earlier, I have to get up three hours early so I got to call it a night! Or at least try to go to sleep! Good night!

With Love,

Eli
Countdown to Devin: 1 day… WHHHOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAA!!! :-D

Day 114: I Still Love Sundays

2009-12-28T15:32:00.000-08:00

Sunday, December 27

I don’t have anything incredible to report today. It’s been a lovely day, but nothing terribly exciting. Nonetheless, a lovely Sunday in India. And the fact that it is the first day of the week that my hubby will be here, even better day!

My day started when I finally woke up around 1:30 pm. I hung out with my friend Meredith when she knocked on the door. Somehow we ended up looking at my wedding pictures. It was so nice to relive my beautiful wedding. Although, seeing pictures of Devin made me miss him even more.

Meredith headed out to go shopping, but I stayed back. I needed to get caught up on some things here in the hotel room, including my reimbursement paperwork that needs to be completed. I did run downstairs for some lunch, but other than that spent the afternoon working in my room.

After giving my lunch a couple hours to settle, it was off to the gym for my daily workout. Due to the holiday, I missed a couple days and Monesh, one of the personal trainers, reminded me quit quickly the importance of not missing a day!

Once the tail whooping was over, I ran back upstairs for a quick shower. I went to dinner with a couple of the other ladies from work. We went to TGIFriday’s and man was it tasty! I love Indian food, but that doesn’t change the love for what taste like home!

Now, it’s back to the room for some R & R before going back to work tomorrow. I hope you all have had a wonderful weekend and are ready for the last few days of 2009. I’ll catch you all on the flip side! ;-)

With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 3 days…

Day 113: Hot Ice

2009-12-28T15:31:00.002-08:00

Saturday, December 26

So I just finished Hot Ice by Nora Roberts. I have been a Nora Roberts fan for years and have enjoyed many of her books over time. However, this one was not my favorite.
The book was about the daughter of a billionaire, Whitney, that longed for something other than the world on a platter and a high class thief that made business partner with the wrong bad guy. Doug Lord, the thief, had gotten his hands on a French diary from the French Revolution with the promise for treasure fit for a queen.

Doug met Whitney when he jumped in her car on a street in Manhattan running from the Dmitri’s thugs that are out to kill him. Whitney quickly learns about the treasure hunt and views it as an adventure that she’s willing to front the expenses for half the treasure. And so the unrealistic, yet extremely exciting, adventure begins. After jet setting off to Madagascar via a trip to Paris, they set off on a foot, only a step or two ahead of the thugs.

Of course, they fall in love, always got out of the impossible situations, and never went hungry for too long. Eventually, they found the treasure, but were quickly captured by the bad guys, at least Whitney was. Doug on the other hand, went to go find her and tries to rescue her. Naturally Whitney is rescued, but not by who you think she would be. Doug makes it out alive as well and as with any happy ever after book, the bad guys go to jail.

Not surprisingly, Whitney and Doug go their separate ways, at least for a month or two when they realize they can’t possibly live without each other. Doug shows up to propose nonetheless. So predictable!

The book itself was ok. A nice level of adventure to keep you turning the pages. Unfortunately it was only to find out that you were exactly right in guessing what was going to happen next! Also, while a little kissing and hugging is ok, I’m not a fan of Harlequin and Nora got a little too close. All in all I give the book 2.5 out of 5 stars. Hopefully the next book will be a little better!

With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 4 days…

Day 112: My Unforgettable Indian Christmas

2009-12-28T15:31:00.001-08:00

Friday, December 25

Merry Christmas!! I woke up early this morning and went to the Christmas service at the church I attended a few weeks ago. The service was beautiful and it was so nice to have so many others that understood what today really is about. The service ended with a communion service that was unforgettable and lovely!

After church it was back to the hotel for a delicious Christmas buffet lunch. I had turkey, prawns, sushi, mashed potatoes, grilled mixed veggies, and a dessert plate to make anybody jealous. I discovered Yule log and Partole, a divinity type dessert that has a strawberry in the center. Ah so good!! Yummie!

Next, it was off to the spa for a little Christmas pampering. I had a little “threading” done first. Quite the experience! It’s an alternative to waxing and while it’s a little more painful at the moment, it’s a lot less harsh than waxing. Yay, no burn marks! Next I had the best pedicure I’ve ever had. The guy got his workout for the day sanding off the months worth of flip-flop wearing callouses that previously inhabited my feet! Lastly, it was off to for my one hour massage. The best part, all of this cost less than it would have cost to get any one of these treatments in the States! I love India!!!

Again, back to the hotel for a shower and to get ready for my first Indian house visit. A friend from work, Nitin, invited me to join his wife and family for Christmas dinner. Nitin’s mom is so very sweet! She reminded me of going home in the States. She kept trying to feed me more and more even when I wasn’t hungry at all. And that was before dinner! LOL!

Nitin, Soloni, his wife, and Nitin’s brother took me to enjoy some Indian street food! Oh my YUM!! I had seeki kebabs, seeki rolls, and the best lamb chops I have EVER had!! All I could think was where have Seeki kebabs been all my life! And how much Devin would love the lamb chops. Add to that the great time Soloni and I had just being girls and the great conversation with my new friends, all in all, a great night!

Once back to the hotel, I got to talk to many family and friends back in the States and wish them all a very Merry Christmas. While I wish I could have been with my family and Devin of course today, this was truly a Christmas I will never forget! I’m so blessed for such an amazing day to celebrate the birth of my Savior!

With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 5 days…

Day 111: Christmas Eve!!

2009-12-28T15:30:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 24

Poster Note: Sorry these got out of order.... Devin

Well, it FINALLY looks like Christmas in India! It’s so weird, in the US the Christmas decorations make it up in every public place no later than the day after Thanksgiving, although many retail stores have it out before Halloween. Not in India my friend. Even the American hotel we are staying at waited until this evening to put up the tree. Which is quite pretty, Grandmother would approve, everything matches beautifully!

At work, all of the kids spent the evening decorating the bays and painting their faces, an Indian way of celebrating any holiday. I’ve never seen so much fake snow and glitter in an office building! There was even a visit from Santa! LOL! It was hysterical to see one of the kids with fake snow taped to his face and balloons shoved up underneath his red jacket. I had a blast and laughed most of the evening. Well, when I wasn’t working of course! ;-)

This wasn’t a normal Christmas Eve for me. I mean I’m use to working, but I wasn’t able to make it to a Christmas Eve service since I didn’t leave work until 11:30 pm. And my Christmas Eve dinner, Pizza Hut! Not quite the same as finger foods at a friend’s house or Prime Rib at Aunt Fay’s, but pretty taste nonetheless!

Well, I am headed to bed so I can enjoy my Christmas tomorrow! I have plans to head to church, lunch at the hotel, and then over to a friend’s house for dinner. Should be a great day! Merry Christmas to you and your kin!

With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 6 days…

Day 115: Is it Wednesday Yet?

2009-12-28T15:22:00.000-08:00

Monday, December 28

I don’t even know what to write. I’m beside myself with excitement that I get to see my precious husband in only two more days! I realize that because you are my family and friend, you too are excited for me. However, I also understand that you must be sick of listening to me be mushy and anxious for Devin’s arrival. LOL! Thank you for loving me anyway! I really can’t help it!

With all that being said, all in all today was an ok day. Work was a little frustrating. I had several questions that I know they know the answer to and one guy that ask for help and then wanted to argue about whether I was right or not. PS the answer was right in front of him!

I did have my fourth interview for the promotion at work. I think it went ok, but it wasn’t nearly as long as the previous interviews. I feel like I’m giving cookie cutter answers even though they really aren’t. I’ve just given the answer four times so I’m worried that I sound a little rehearsed. Well, I guess in this case, that’s ok. At least I’m consistent!

Also, I went to the gym before work. Simple cardio today and tomorrow is supposed to be a rest. I ask if it was ok for me to come tomorrow so I can take a rest while my hubby is here. Monesh said ok, Parkesh wasn’t there, I’ll probably get in “trouble.” Oh well!

Ok enough pointless rambling that I’ll call my blog for the night. I’m going to call Devin and go to sleep. This will be the last time I get to talk to him before he boards a plane, Delhi bound! Please pray for safe travels for Devin and for no delays! He is making such a short trip, even a little delay could serious cut into what little time we have together.

Thank you for all your love and support!
With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 2 days…

Day 110: One More Week!!

2009-12-28T12:18:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, December 23

Warning: This blog maybe viewed as extremely mushy and may cause extreme romantic thoughts!

So my hubster will be here in one more week. By the time he gets here, it will have been two month since we have seen each other. On the way to work this evening, I was sitting in the car with my coworkers, talking about all the reasons I’m excited to see my husband. I decided that I would dedicate tonight’s blog to the top 10 reasons I’m excited that my HWDB will be here!!

10) Hot Tamales and Tuna fish! Ok so I realize this might seem odd, but Hot Tamales are my favorite candy and do not exist in India. And tuna fish is kind of a staple food that is needed to survive a foreign country, and I’m out of the original that I brought.

9) Changing up my clothes! I am so sick of wearing the same fifteen shirts over and over again. Devin is bringing me some clothes from home to exchange out with the ones I’m so sick of wearing.

8) I get to talk to his face instead of a small electronic device. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very thankful that I’m able to take to Devin every day, but to talk to his sweet face instead of through my blackberry, priceless!

7) I can introduce Devin to all my new friends. I have met so many amazing people here and I look forward to having Devin here to meet them too!

6) Someone to share my meals with. I have the occasionally meal with the other folks from work, but I miss sitting over a wonderful meal with my wonderful hubby and sharing wonderful conversation! The romance of staring into each other’s eyes as we share a rich risotto or creamy cheesecake makes my heart melt! What can I say, the way to a Lusk heart is almost always through their stomach! ;-)

5) I get to show him India and not just with pictures. There are so many amazing and or crazy things I have seen here. Pictures don’t show the traffic and the view from Amber Fort just can’t be captured with a simple click of the Cannon. I look forward to having this experience together! It will truly be something we will remember forever!

4) Snuggled conversations! One of my favorite times of the day at home is when we crawl into bed and lay all snuggled together and tell each other all about our day. Back to the lack of face to face conversation, I look forward being snuggled up and telling each other everything on or minds!

3) Kisses…. Haven’t had any in two months! I’m very, very much over due. And Devin is a great kisser! :-D

2) Hugs! I’m very fortunate in that I have had a hug everyday from one of my friends from work. But a Devin hug is the best out there. Bhavisha gives great friend hugs, but her hugs don’t make you feel safe and secure. When Devin gives me a hug, it’s like nothing in the world could get to me! His hugs make me feel like a protected and cherished princess, not to mention warm and fuzzy all over! And the number one reason I look forward to my hubby being in India…

1) Seven days of quality time with the most amazing man I’ve ever known!!!

Thanks for putting up with the mushy stuff!! ;-)
With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 7 days…

PS from Devin-

What am I looking forward to? NO SNOW!!! HAHAHA

Day 109: Typical Tuesday

2009-12-24T10:38:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, December 22

It’s interesting to me what a creature of habit I can become. I doubt it will come as a surprise to anyone that I flourish under a routine. After all, it’s my personality! But, it still amazes me how much better I feel now that I have myself back on a regular routine.

Remember how just a week ago I was complaining about how all I want to do these days is sleep, but I wanted to not feel so sleepy all the time. Well, the solution, it seems was actually to sleep less. I was sleeping way too much. Once I started getting up at 1 pm every day, the bags under my eyes have greatly reduced! So now that I have a new routine, I thought I would share it with you! After all, I know you can’t bear to not know my every move! (Said with extreme sarcasm!!)
My day starts with a 1 pm wakeup call that is no longer a sweet voice but is instead an automated voices, ugh. But the wakeup call is still proving to be more effective than the alarm ever was. After a quick brush of the teeth, it’s down stairs for a visit with my friend Parkesh. After anywhere from an hour to an hour and half he finally finishes torturing me, I mean encouraging me to get healthy, and I run back upstairs to my hotel room for a super quick shower.

After throwing on some cloths, it’s another race downstairs to catch the free lunch buffet included in my room charge before it ends for the day. After surveying my options, I try to decide on the best for me, least likely to upset my stomach, delicious meal I can create. There is the option of a salad, but the lettuce here seems to upset my tummy, so I have to avoid that if possible. I try to go for a little protein, a few carbs, and a lot of veggies. Once I have finished my main course, I order a cappuccino, no foam (they don’t know what a latte is, evidentially that is an American term or something??) and get “dessert.” While there are lots of options for dessert, I try to stick to pineapple and watermelon and maybe a miniature tart if they have favorite flavors, like caramel or chocolate!

After signing the bill, it’s back up to the room, for my second favorite part of the day. I curl up under the covers and read/take a cat nap until 4:30 pm. At 4:30 pm, I turn on Biggest Loser and get my motivation to go back to the gym tomorrow! During commercials, I get my room ready for housekeeping, fix my hair, do my makeup, etc. Once Biggest Loser ends, I start packing up for work and head downstairs to catch my ride at 5:45.

Once the 45 minute commute is complete, it a non-stop adventure at work for the next nine hours. Technically, there is an hour lunch in there, but this too offers excitement as we are never quite sure what we are going to get! At the end of the shift, around 3:30 am, it’s back to the car for the 15 minute drive back to the hotel. Yes the traffic makes that much of a difference! Depending what time we actually leave work, we get back to the hotel anywhere from 4:00 am – 4:30 am. Then it’s time for my favorite part of the day….

I call Devin and we chat for about 30 minutes. We have to tell each other all about our days, discuss family business (read bills), and spend the rest of our call talking about how much we miss each other and can’t wait for him to be here/me to be there. Usually while on the phone with him, I fix a small bite to eat so I can take my Malaria meds and once off the phone, I type my blog and email it to him. Sometimes these things are in a different order, but you get the picture.

With the meds taken, the teeth brushed, and blog done, it’s off to bed to start it all over tomorrow! And now you know the routine! ;-)

With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 8 days…

Day 105: The Wedding

2009-12-24T10:22:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 18

Book number four of my Indian adventure was “The Wedding” by Nicholas Sparks. This was another fictional story, set in Eastern North Carolina, always a plus. I was left misty eyed with a big smile by the end of the book and ever so anxious for my own prince charming to make his way to the Land of Curry.

“The Wedding” starts with Wilson, the main character, forgetting his and his wife’s 29th wedding anniversary. As his wife cries herself to sleep, he realizes what a huge mistake he has made and becomes absolute terrified that he is about to lose her forever. Wilson, a self proclaimed un-romantic, workaholic, knows that forgetting his anniversary was just the most recent of many missed opportunities to love his wife. He decides then and there that something has to change and that something is him.

Wilson sets out to spend the next year developing a plan to make Jane, his wife, feel like the love of his life that she has always been. Wilson invokes the whole family and all their friends to pull off one of the grandest surprises of all time! With the help of his father-in-law, Noah from “The Notebook,” Wilson learns how to be the romantic that Jane grew up watching her father be. Watching Wilson throughout the year work to rekindle the love that started their marriage reminded me of all the sweet things that Devin and I do for each other and made me want to make sure we never stop!

As the family plans for the wedding of their eldest daughter, Wilson has something up his shelve that is literally a year in the making. Wilson surprises even himself when he is able to pull of the greatest anniversary gift this wife could ever have imagined in the mist of one of the craziest weeks in the life of his family! I don’t want to give the surprise away, but I highly recommend this book to any man looking for some idea of how to blow your wife away! Ladies, you will enjoy the sweet way Sparks paints the picture of Jane and Wilson falling in love all over again. All around, a great read and a precious reminder of how wonderful true love is and how important it is to make every day count.

With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 12 days…

Day 108: Halfway There….

2009-12-22T10:13:00.000-08:00

Monday, December 21

Well, so long restful weekend, hello week number 8! I’m half way through my India stay and on the downhill slope to my return home! Exactly 7 weeks from today, I will be on a plane, USA bound! Don’t get me wrong, India is great! I’ve loved every minute of being here. I’ve learn so many wonderful things about another country and culture. I’ve grown as an employee and trainer. And best of all, I have made so many wonderful friends that have each touched my life in a special way.

Not to mention, I have gotten back on track to being healthy with the help of my personal trainer. I went to the gym this morning after my weekend off. I had to work my tail off as I have come to expect and almost enjoy. I also asked them to start working with me to get me running again. Once upon a time I actually enjoyed going for a run. Why I stopped, I’m not sure. But I have tried several times to get back into the habit with no success. Seeing as I came to love running with Staff Sgt. Cheeks running next to me screaming with all 350 lbs of muscle that made up the 6’5” man, I thought maybe having similar “motivation” from a personal trainer might get me back to that point! I’m sure Brooks and Addison would love for Mommy to take them for a run every morning!

Oh Brooks and Addy! I miss those puppies! Grandma Dee is spoiling them rotten, but I hear good reports. I think Devin is missing them too. He said he was probably going to go get them when he gets back from India. I think this is a GREAT idea! This way, they will be there when I home and Devin can email me pictures of my little furry rug rats!!

Speaking of Devin, only NINE more days till he will be here!! Yay, it’s down to single digits! I’m so excited to see him and show him everything. I wish we could have more time, but I will take what I can get. I miss him so much and even a day would be better than nothing. I need some quality HWDB hugs and kisses! Those are impossible to come by in India! ;-)

Yes, this has truly been an amazing experience and I will cherish every minute I have left. But on the other side of the coin is the reminder of just how wonderful home is….

With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 9 days…

Day 107: Sunday… The Day of Rest

2009-12-22T10:12:00.001-08:00

Sunday, December 20

At that is exactly what I did today. I can’t believe the bum I was! Although after my exciting day yesterday, maybe I needed the rest. I started with meeting a coworker, Linda, for breakfast. We sat and chatted about work and such for over an hour.

Next, back to my room for some reading and a nap. Once I woke up, I went back downstairs with Linda for some lunch. Again, we sat and chatted about life, work, friends, and family for well over an hour. Since I literally hadn’t done a thing since breakfast, I wasn’t very hungry but the lunch buffet is free and I didn’t want to be hungry later and have to pay for it! LOL!

Anyway, guess what I did after lunch? I came back to my room and took a nap! I did read a few chapters in my newest book, but ended up falling asleep. Once I finally woke up, it was defiantly time for a shower. After a long hot rinse off, it was time for more reading, although I managed to stay awake this time!

I started getting hungry and opted for some chicken from room services and massive amounts of Friends reruns. Ah, as “boring” as today may appear, it was so relaxing and refreshing. Tomorrow will be back to the gym, back to work, and back to my normal routine. I hope you all have had a restful and enjoyable weekend too!

With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 10 days…

Day 106: The Thrill of the Bargain!

2009-12-22T10:10:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 19

My day started with a knock on the door from one of my Indian friends. After Nivedida rushed me through the dressing process, it was off to the mall for two of my favorite things, coffee and ice cream with my friend, George! There was some lunch and shopping in there too!

Today was George’s last day. George became kind of like a second dad for me while over here. He was born in Hungry, moved to Argentina, then Australia, and finally the States. He is a 55 year old tri-linguist that has great stories and even better jokes. He is also the last of the folks that were here when I got here. I have officially been here longer than anyone else, and the worse part, I’ve watched two leave that arrived after I did and will watch four more do the same before it’s my turn.

Don’t feel too sorry for me, I’m so excited that Devin will be here in a little over a week! I can’t wait to show him everything this amazing city has to offer. In the meantime, I’m being catered to every meal, my bed is made for me every day, and I have a driver that will take me wherever I want to go whenever I want to go! ;-) Oh and I get to work with incredible people every day!
And then there is the shopping! I went to Connaught Place, affectionately referred to as CP by the locals, with a friend from work, Sahill, and his friend, Summer, who works in the Indian fashion industry. We looked in ever shoe hut that CP had to offer looking for shoes big enough to fit my size ten feet. I found ONE pair of decent, acceptable to my new gay fashion friend, and the crazy guy tried to charge me TRIPLE what the shoes were worth. He wouldn’t bargain at all, and didn’t even call back to me when I walked out! Agh, it was like shopping at home!

I did have much better luck with some really pretty pillow covers for my couch though! The lady had small one that she was selling for Rs. 25, but the next size up, she wanted triple, and they weren’t that much bigger! Sahill started to bargain for me and I told him I had this. I offered Rs. 100 for two and walked away when she said no. She quickly said “ok, ok” in English, and then something in Hindi that Sahill wouldn’t translate for me. He laughed and told me that he was impressed and I was a better bargainer then he ever imagined. I decided to take it as a compliment!

After a cup of coffee and a few more stops, it was back to the hotel for a restful evening. I watched tv, read, and went to bed “early” too! All in all a great day!! Until tomorrow…

With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 11 days…

Day 104: And the Winner is…

2009-12-18T09:16:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 17

The sweet Indian accent reminding me it’s time to get up work for a second morning in a row! I made it to the gym around 1:15 pm and Prakesh was there with a smile, ready to work me like a camel. He decided that a circuit training routine is the best course of action. After a quick warm-up on the treadmill and some mild stretching, the “fun” began. Oh My Goodness! That man went all “Biggest Loser” on my tail!

He had me doing biceps, triceps, quads, calves, hamstrings, back, chest, shoulders, and abs all in rapid secession. When I say rapid, I don’t mean the actual exercises, no those were slow, drawn out, muscle draining movements. The rapid part came in to play when moving from one exercise to the next. I guess that’s why they call it circuit. Once the circuit was completed twice, it was back to the treadmill for some cardio. Tomorrow is just cardio, but I’m pretty sure he has plans to get my heart rate on up there!

Work was a lot of fun tonight too! The questions are reducing which is always a plus, and means that the floor support has done their job. But at the end of the shift, the entire collections team went downstairs to the new part of the building for some R&R.

First off, the new part of the building is very nice and is where I will be for the last month of my time in India. But beyond that, we got great news, had some interesting activities, and saw some great kids get recognized for their hard work.

The great news, both Christmas Eve and New Years Eve are going to be half days! This is super exciting, especially the Christmas Eve because I should be able to make it to mid-night Christmas Eve church service! Plus, since the days change while at work, I would have had to actually work the first three and half hours of Christmas morning!! I was lucky enough to get all of New Years Eve off since Devin will be here, but nonetheless, it’s nice to know I won’t be missing as much work and that everyone else will get to welcome 2010 with their family and friends.

The best part of the evening though was the arm wrestling completion! Never in the States would such a thing take place, partly because the office is mostly women, but man these Indians know how to have a good time! It was hysterical to watch these 19 to 21 year old boys see who the machoest of them all was! I haven’t laughed that hard in a long, long time!

Needless to say, today was truly a great day! I’m not sure if my abs are sore from “The Light” or from the laughing, but either way, I’m happy. Add to that the fact that Devin will be here in less than two weeks, and I’m on Cloud Nine! ;-)

With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 13 days…

Day 103: Prakesh… It Means Light!

2009-12-17T09:19:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, December 16

I did it!! I made it up at a decent hour and, get ready for this, FINALLY made it to the gym! And, I signed up for personal training too! I guess the sweet little Indian accent reminding me to get out of bed really did help. And no one commented on my dark circles tonight either, so I must have looked better too! All around a good thing!

Once at the gym, I met Prakesh the director of the gym and my new personal trainer. Today was spent talking about my medical and health history; I don’t think he believed me when I told him I use to run three miles a day. He messed with my bad ankle to get a better understanding what I could and couldn’t do. And of course we had to talk about what I currently weigh. I will say the number is a little easier to swallow in kilos!

Next Prakesh ask me what I want to accomplish in the time I have here. While I wanted to answer “a Tyra Banks body” I stuck with just to develop a routine and get as in shape as I can. He seemed pleased with this answer and excited to tailor a plan to do just that. I was quickly informed that today would just be cardio and we would start the hard core training tomorrow, after he has had some time to think up all kinds of fat burning, muscle toning moves! I’m not sure whether to be scared or excited. I think I’ll stick to both!

Prakesh put me on the treadmill and set the timer for 30 mins. He set the speed as well and it seemed really slow to me. Seeing as he is the expert, I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and leave it on what seemed like an easy speed. And it was for the first five minutes until the incline went into high gear and I climbed the equivalent of Mt. Everest! WOW! My hindquarters are feeling the burn! After the treadmill, it was the bike for 15 mins, which wasn’t a big deal at all.

Once my “easy” cardio work out was completed, Prakesh came back to talk about tomorrow. He asked if I had two hours to work out, I do so I couldn’t lie. Oh dear! And then he told me his name means “light.” It was a rather interesting statement to make after telling he was going to literally work my tail off for two hours! I guess he thinks I need to see the light of day or maybe that he is the light to lead me out of being overweight? I’m not sure, but for as long as I live I will think of my trainer, the light!

I’ll let you all know how tomorrow goes!
With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 14 days…

Day 102: The Curious Case of Elizabeth’s Sleep

2009-12-15T15:19:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, December 15

So since my temporary move to India, I seem to have messed my sleeping schedule up so bad that it is beyond repair. Back in the States, even on the weekends, I usually only sleep 6-8 hours. A night that I get eight hours is really considered “sleeping in” for me usually. So how is it that in India, 6-8 just seems to be impossible?

I have been trying for WEEKS, literally, to get up in time to go to the gym before getting ready for work. This really shouldn’t be a problem. Just like at home, there are 24 hours in a day, approximately 12 of which are used for work related items, including preparation time, transportation, actual work, and lunch. My body should not require the remaining 12 for sleeping! But for some reason, India has brought out the Queen of Sleep in me!

And who knew that too much sleep will give you bags under your eyes!! I have NEVER in my life had dark circles around my eyes, even when I’ve not had enough sleep. Why are they ever so apparent when I am sleeping like an infant??

I have set alarms to no avail. I manage to turn them off without even waking up. I have even put the alarm on the other side of the room so that I have to actually get out of bed to turn it off! Haha! I get up, turn it off, and crawl right back into bed. So I have a new game plan, wakeup call! Let’s see if having someone with a sweet Indian accent telling me to get my butt out of bed will motivate me to get up on time!

Knowing that I wouldn’t have all the responsibilities of home life, I had all the plans for what I was going to do with all the “free time” I am having in India. While I have read several books, I have yet to some much as open my GRE study guide nor grace the doorway of a gym. I am getting some exercise due to all the walking work and weekends includes, but come on, I was suppose to come home with a Julia Roberts body! ;-)

So the wakeup call is set and the personal trainer at the gym is just waiting for me to give him something to do, so hopefully, tomorrow I will actually make it up after eight hours of sleep instead of 12! And maybe the eye bags will disappear along with a few pounds!
Until tomorrow’s report…

With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 15 days…

Day 101: Dalmatians…

2009-12-15T07:50:00.000-08:00

Monday, December 14

LOL! I couldn’t resist! Get it, 101 Dalmatians! Like the movie! Ahhhhh, it was a rough night at work, cut me some slack.

No really, tonight was filled with me being pulled in 101 directions for eight solid hours! I’m not sure what the deal was, there was only one person that went home this weekend, and these guys should be mostly self-sufficient. I guess they all just had a case of the Mondays!
Other than work, I really don’t have much to talk about today. After my wild and crazy weekend and only about 6.5 hours of sleep in about 48, I crashed hard when I finally let myself go to bed last night. I feel asleep around 3:45 am and didn’t get up till about 4:45 pm! I haven’t slept that much without being sick in years! Like 25!!

I don’t even have any cool “this is what I ate today” things to share. But 101 days is how long I will be in India! I will be halfway through with my “tour” at the end of this week! Honestly, it really has gone by fairly quickly. And I have learned so very much! I will always remember this experience and I’m thankful for everyday I get to spend here. Even the not so fun ones like today!

Hopefully tomorrow will bring more to talk about!
With Love,
Eli

Countdown to Devin: 16 days…

Day 100: Amazing Celebrations!

2009-12-13T10:31:00.000-08:00

Sunday, December 13

One hundred days as a Kansasean!! Too bad I’m not actually in Kansas to celebrate! LOL! Oh well, today was one of my favorite days in India thus far and I’ve been looking forward to telling you guys about it throughout the day!

My day started rather early, especially since I have only slept about six and a half hours in the past forty-two. Two of us drove to the other side of New Delhi to meet up with a guy from work to attend church. Talk about an eye opening, amazing experience! The church itself looked about like what I expected, but the service was just what I needed and didn’t even know it. Of course the whole place was decked out for Christmas, but in addition to that, there was a children’s play that was one of the cutest I have ever seen. Then the service started and I found myself tearing up.

There is a reason Jesus instructed us not to forsake the assembling of His people. I didn’t realize how much I missed church. I mean I knew I missed the people, but how much I missed being in the house of the Lord surrounded by believers, my heart surged with every moment. I look forward to going back next week! Other than losing my favorite Bible somehow, one of my top India experiences! And if I am going to lose something important to me in India, I want it to be my Bible; this country needs it so much. My only prayer is that it ends up in the hands of someone that God can use it to change lives! FYI, Devin, a new American Standard would be a fantastic Christmas present to bring me when you come to India! Guess we will see if he reads my blogs! ;-) No cheating friends!!

After church, it was off to the mall for lunch and a movie! Lunch didn’t work out quit like I thought it would, but it’s all good. And the movie was GREAT! The movie theaters make the ones back home look like dumps!! Huge leather seats that recline fully, tons of leg room, and the best part, all for about $5! Man I love India!! Well, minus the fact that the popcorn left something to be desired…

After getting back from the mall and the movie adventure, I meet up with one of the ladies that didn’t go to the movie with us at the hotel restaurant. I wasn’t hungry at all, not until an hour or so after she finished eating and everyone else had joined us. We ended up sitting around talking for hours. We talked about everything from Mohawks to the state of the modern church and everything in between.

Now I’m back in my room playing the stay up late to get back on my “normal” schedule game once again. Luckily, I have a few things I need to get done so it should take up most of my time between now and 4am. Ok well, I hope your day was as wonderful as mine! Until Monday….

With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 17 days…

PS from Devin- I POST all these blogs, cause my wife is to cheap to buy internet service over there...so of course I read them! :-) And with a collection of over 200 Bibles, I'm sure I can find a NASB around this office somewhere...crazy woman!

Day 99: Deck the Halls!

2009-12-13T07:40:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 12

So my plans to learn to cook Indian food today fell through. Kumar was with us for our Delhi adventure, and while I have not been to sleep yet, he on the other hand went home and crashed. We are going to reschedule sometime for a less eventful weekend! ;-)

Once back to the hotel, it was to the lunch buffet for a bite. I had some taste of Indian dishes, a slice of tenderloin (I love being at an American hotel, they even have cheeseburgers!) and some mashed potatoes! Unfortunately there were no green beans, but it was still pretty tasty!

After lunch, I headed up to my room and to a second care package! This one was from the church back home. They sent me cups of soup, lip gloss, granola bars, flavored splenda, a homemade Christmas card, a plethora of Crystal Light, Christmas M&M’s, and a Christmas CD!! I fixed a cup of apple cider, cranked up the Christmas music, and decked the halls! Ok so really I decked the window with Christmas cling-ons, but nonetheless I decorated for Christmas and loved every minute of it! All five of them! ;-)

I’ve spent most of the day with my knee propped up, sitting on the couch watching Maid in Manhattan and a new show, Royal Pain. Call me a bum if you must, but remember, I got out of bed at 4:45 pm yesterday, and it’s currently almost 7pm today!

At this point I’m just staying up long enough to talk to Devin! I already had dinner and said good bye to my dear Joy, crazy girl made me tear up. The rest of the evening looks like it going to involve watching America’s Got Talent and continuing to baby my beat up right side! ;-)
Tomorrow is church and a movie which will be a lot of fun after a great night’s sleep! So I think there is only one thing left to say, good night! ;-)

With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 18 days…

Day 98: Its Friday Night, Oh My!!

2009-12-13T07:39:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 11

Tonight was the craziest night I have experienced in years! I don’t want to give it all away, but let’s just say it involves motorcycles, merry-go-rounds, and eight hours with eight people in a minivan! What started as a few hours of hanging out after work to give Joy a fine farewell, turned into an all morning adventure!

After work, it was a quick run to the hotel to drop off all things work related. Once back in the van, we went to pick up a couple of friends from work. Next, off to Jas’s for Joy to get a motorcycle ride! A few others took turns and the rest of us jammed out to the radio station in the parking lot. Next, a sunrise tour of the greater Delhi area! Who knew how much fun seat dancing to Indi-Rock while wedged in the middle seat could be so much fun! Insert mild sarcasm….

Now that the sun was up, the bellies were growling! Where would one stop to grab a bite to eat at 8:30 in the morning? McDonald’s of course! After a picture of with the Ronald (pic posted on Facebook) it was inside for a lovely American breakfast. While there were no biscuits, there was Sausage Egg McMuffins! Other than not being able to get my usual pack of mustard to go with it, it was just like home. I was amazed how wonderful McDonald’s could taste for breakfast considering how much I HATE having it for dinner!

Next on the list, more Delhi touring and a trip to a genuine Indian Resort that I think must have been close to the coast as long as it took as to get there. But it was so amazing! When we pulled into the parking lot, there was the left over decorations from a wedding that were beautiful. Next, it was inside for a guided tour of the whole resort. Past the crystal blue swimming pool, it was to the full service spa. We saw all the different rooms where you can have everything from a full body massage to a hot stone treatment. They also have a couple massage room I’m thinking Devin and I should check out when he gets here!

The tour continued around the grounds. We had our picture made with a camel and even got to pet the sweet animal. We saw more of the wedding decorations that a small army was working on taking down. And then, the Mecca of the resort as we know it… the playground!

Imagine seven adults enjoying a swing, slide, monkey bars, see-saw, and merry-go-round! At least until I got flung off the merry-go-round and rolled about 10 feet before coming to a stop against another piece of playground equipment. I totally busted my hip, elbow, knee, and far right pinky toe! I have a lot more velocity at 26 than I did at 11, the last time I was on one of those things. My knee took the blunt of the trauma, but I think I will survive. Actually, I’m rather proud of myself. I’ve been in India for six weeks and this is my first notable bruise. As you know, grace is not my strong point so I think this is the remarkable feat!

After finishing the tour of the beautiful resort, it was finally back to the hotel, to complete our eight hour Delhi adventure! Seeing as tomorrow is already here, I’ll go right into my Saturday blog…

With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 19 days…

Day 97: Boo Hiss Brown Cow

2009-12-13T07:38:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 10

Oh Friday, dear Friday, where for art thou!? Why is it that Thursdays seem like the longest day of the week, even longer than Mondays? At least in Elizabeth world…

Part of the problem is I have exciting plans for this weekend! Saturday I’m going to go over to one of the guys from work house and his wife is going to teach me to cook Indian style. Very exciting! Sunday morning I’m going to church with one of the few Christians I’ve met while here and then going to see New Moon with some of the girls from work. Should turn out to be an adventuresome weekend! Far superior to last weekend when I spent the weekend in bed wishing it didn’t hurt to breathe!

Nothing spectacular at work to write about and nothing really that exciting outside of work either. Unless you want to count the McDonald’s from last night making me sick and causing me to miss sightseeing, but I really don’t think any of this counts as exciting. Thus, I’m opting to use this blog to respond to some of the comments you, my faithful readers, have left! ;-)

Aunt Jane, I don’t know about the gym here yet. I was so sick when we moved in this past weekend, I wasn’t interested in looking. I have spent most of this week recuperating. Hopefully, by Monday I will be ready to rock-n-roll! And yes, knowing the hotel manager on a first name bases is proving to have its perks! They now have popcorn on the room service menu!! Oh, and a Cheeseburger at my favorite house of Lynnhaven drive sounds remarkable!!
Mama Rickett, the stair might be great exercise, but they are creepy as all get out! I think I’ll keep my exercise to the treadmills!

ECarter, I LOVE that you wanted to be Solid Gold Dancer! I do know what it is and I look forward to the day I get to see you show off those MAD dancing skills! ;-)
I love you all so much! And we’ll talk again tomorrow!

With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 20 days…

Day 96: Just Another Day in Indian Paradise

2009-12-10T09:30:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, December 9

As I look at all the pictures on facebook of snow and hear reports of below freezing temperatures back home, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to be in a sunny, lovely India. I mean once you get used to the dusty air and the constant sneezing, it’s a lovely place!

No really, it’s great; I hate snow so it works out well for me. At least it will when they finally open the new pool and I can go back to my daily sunshine treatments! ;-)

I’ve turned the hotel room into a mini home away from home finally. I’m looking forward to decorating for Christmas this weekend. There is a package, including a Christmas CD, which is going to be here on Saturday so I’m thinking Sunday I’ll play the CD and hang my window cling decorations. No tree this year, at least not in my room, but according to the hotel manager, there will be one in the lobby after this weekend! I wonder if I can get in on helping decorate!

Work tonight was work. I did get to try a homemade Indian dish and pickled mango. I wasn’t sure what it would be like, but I really liked it! It was an eggplant dish but it really just tasted like the spices and such. And the pickled mango, very interesting. Not at all what I thought something that had been “pickled” would taste like, but very tangy and tasty!

Ok well, I’m out until tomorrow!
With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 21 days…

Day 95: Hot Chocolate!!! WOW!

2009-12-09T11:07:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, December 8

So the longer we are at the new hotel, the more I am realizing it’s not so bad after all. Maybe it has something to do with the hotel GM that joined me for lunch today. His name is Matthew and he has worked for Marriot all around the world. He, his wife and two daughters have lived here in India for four years now and this is the second hotel that he has opened in Delhi.

Matthew had great stories about traveling all over Asia. And he is from Australia and told me all about Australian history as well as where to visit, just in case I’m ever in that part of the world. He was even at the Marriott across from the Twin Towers on 9/11. It was very interesting to hear his stories and just to talk to someone other than the work folks. Not that they are bad people, quite the opposite, I’ve just heard all their stories! ;-)

Plus, I learned about some of the things to come in the next few weeks as far as the hotel is concerned. There is a coffee shop opening in a couple weeks. As well as a Sushi bar in the new restaurant that should be opening soon! It’s kind of nice to know the guy that is making all the decisions about the hotel I have moved into for the next two months! And to drop a few hints on the things I would love to have added, like a microwave in my room!

But the best part of meeting the hotel general manager, I was introduced to the most amazing hot chocolate I have ever had in my entire life! It starts with fresh steamed milk in a very cute cup, served with three Lindor chocolate truffle balls on the side. You add the three truffles to the milk and stir like mad. Then, prepare to be amazed! I have never had hot chocolate that tasted this good! It was melt in your mouth, dream about another, fantastic!

Well, now that I have made your mouth water, and made me want another one, I better go for now! Have a great night and super thanks to everyone that has participated in my little questionnaire!

With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 21 days…

Day 94: Learning to Love…

2009-12-08T09:30:00.000-08:00

Monday, December 7

It’s weird. Some days I feel like I’ve been here for six years, other times, like I’ve been here for six day. But never like the true, six weeks that I’ve actually been here. I will say I love the Indian culture. It’s very family oriented and they take care of each other. It’s a beautiful thing!
The new hotel is slowly getting better, well maybe... It did take us almost an hour to get to the office because of all the traffic coming from this way. But other than that, and a few other little kinks that need to get worked out, it’s not so bad.

I have had a problem with my key not working every other time I leave my room. When I got home for work tonight, my key didn’t work. Since it was 4am, no housekeeping was roaming the halls so I had to go back downstairs myself. Not such a big deal except for the part where the elevators weren’t working! Ok, so down the three flights a super sketchy stairs that leads outside of the building. Once I finally got to the hotel lobby, I was a little feisty, but politely explained my key dilemma and problem with the elevator. Not only were they able to permanently (we shall see) fix my key issue, they also explained that they are working on synchronizing the elevator and that too should be fixed by tomorrow morning!

Laundry is yet another adventure! I sent some laundry on Saturday and just got it back today. Amongst all my size clothing, there was an XS shirt. Obviously, not mine! And I’m missing a shirt that is mine. Housekeeping is working on this, and I hope I get it back. It’s my favorite nightshirt, one of Devin’s old shirts that is as close to a hubby hug as I can get in this foreign country. Well, at least until he gets here in 22 days! Not that I’m counting or anything!

Ok well tomorrow is technically already here so I should get some sleep. Have a fantastic day and keep in touch! I’m really starting to feel disconnected from the home country!

Eli
Countdown to Devin: 22 days…

Day 93: Better…

2009-12-08T09:29:00.000-08:00

Sunday, December 6

So sorry for the super short blog last night. It was a rough day, but it really is amazing what almost 24 hours of straight sleep will do for a bad cold! That and some who-knows-what Indian cough syrup!

Anyway, I woke up this morning feeling considerably better although still quite stuffy. I went to the incredible breakfast buffet downstairs around 9:30 am. I ran into some of the other work folks and decided to head to the mall/store for a weekly restock of snacks around noon. After reminiscing over all we missed from our old hotel, we went our separate ways for a little bit.
At noon sharp, it was back down the sketchy, but getting better, elevators to take a cab out. We had planned on going to a mall closer to the new hotel, but the driver didn’t seem to have a clue of where we were talking about. We ended up going back to the mall at the Leela. Other than the feel of salt in a wound in seeing our precious hotel in passing, it was for the best.

I was able to hit up the atm, grab a cup of coffee, and go to the bazaar for some juice and cold medicine. Once back at the hotel, I felt drained. I laid in bed, not really sleeping, not really awake, until my tummy started growling like a bear in the spring. A sure sign that I’m getting better! Once again, down the slowly becoming more reliable elevator for some chicken and mashed potatoes! Yummy! So I think the food here is actually better! Maybe it’s the fact that it’s not quite as gourmet and a little more home like. Either way, at least that is one positive about this new hotel!

Unfortunately, it doesn’t make up for the leaky toilet and shower that doesn’t drain! But we passed a shanti town on the way back from the mall. I was once again reminded of how blessed and fortunate I am! I have a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, and only miss meals when I choice to not stop long enough to have one! Thus, I’ve decided not to complain anymore about the new digs.

That pretty much sums up my first weekend in the new place! Tomorrow is the start of week six! Only nine more to go! Good thing the hubster will be here in less than four!! ;-)

Eli
Countdown to Devin: 23 days…

Day 92: Sick…

2009-12-08T09:27:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 5

Sorry this isn’t much of a blog. I have a nasty cough and killer headache. I’m going back to bed…

Eli
Countdown to Devin: 24 days…

Day 91: Bye, Bye Princess Lair

2009-12-08T09:26:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 4

Well, today is moving day. Due to poor contract following on one hotel’s part, I am being forced to move out of my princess palace and into a commoner’s hotel. I will miss Ravi, my wonderful housekeeper. And Anish and Ruby my excellent coffee friends, and of course my Ankita who always tells me hello and have a good day! I’m not sure I can go back to the simple life of peasants, but then again, maybe a good dose of reality will make me more prepared for heading home. Ok off to packing, I’ll finish my blog from the other side….

Ten hours later…

UGH!!! One, I went from a little coughy to can’t hardly hold my head up at work tonight. I probably should have come back to the hotel sooner, but seeing as I had to move to the new hotel before falling asleep to not risk missing check out, I decided to stick it out. Two, now I’m at the new hotel, and it is exactly that, new! Don’t get me wrong, it’s very nice, it’s just not my Leela. The service is still trying to figure out there jobs, the elevators are hit and miss, and the bed is not broken in (read hard as a rock). Also, my poor skin went from sleeping with Egyptian cotton to 150 thread count exfoliating sheets, how will I ever manage??

Before you start making fun of me for being spoiled, remember I’m sick! Speaking of which, I’m going to go try to sleep off whatever this is that is making breathing a chore! One more thing, my travel plans have changed once again. I’m still in India till the beginning of February; I will just be staying in Delhi. No Mumbai of me, but it’s all good! I love Delhi!!

Until tomorrow…
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 25 days…

Day 90: Is Anyone Out There?

2009-12-08T09:25:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 3

Hmmm… So I’m beginning to wonder if anyone is still out there? I know my blogs are a lot more sporadic, and for that I apologize! I think I thought every day was going to be a lot more of an adventure then it has turned out to be, and maybe you guys did too. Oh well, at least I’m not bored, even if everyday seems to strongly resemble the day before! Who says you can watch too many reruns of Friends??

Anyway, in effort to bring some excitement to my otherwise dying blog, I decided to ask some questions. My request, if you read this, answer at least one question. Feel free to answer as many as you like, but please answer at least one, just to let me know you are out there! India’s kind of lonely otherwise ;-)

1) Pick a favorite hot beverage: cider, coffee, or cocoa?

2) While in India, what is the one thing I can’t go home without trying?

3) Which best describes your secret side: bananas, passion fruit, or eggplant?

4) What is the very first career you ever wanted? Think back to when you were four or five!

5) Favorite flavor of ice cream: Fruit and Nuts, Candies Galore, or Straight Shooting Chocolate?

6) Describe your dream vacation.

7) If you could be born in a different era, when would it be?

8) When I FINALLY get home, what should be the first thing I eat: Cheeseburger, sausage
biscuit, or blueberry muffin?

9) What is a bit of American news I have probably missed while in India?

10) Which would be hardest to live without: sugar, salt, or love?

Thank you to everyone that participates in my little link to the American world! I miss you guys and look forward to coming home!

With love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 26 days…

Day 89: Shades of Blue

2009-12-08T09:24:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, December 2

I finished book three of my India trip. One of my favorite authors is Karen Kingsbury, but I only brought three of her books with me, so I have to ration them out. Especially since I read the entire book in three days! Well, this isn’t going to be much of a review, seeing the book was from my favorite author, of course I loved it, but at least I can give a brief overview so you fall in love too! ;-)

The two main characters of Shade of Blue, Emma and Brad, were elementary sweethearts back in Wilmington, NC. First plus since I’m a NC fan myself! Add the fact that Emma graduated from NC State, and we have a real winner!! Anyway, Brad went to the “other” NC school and then moved away to NYC. He and Emma would have probably lasted forever, except for a poor decision they made the summer after Brad graduated. In an attempt to hide their mistakes, Brad and Emma make a decision that forever changes their lives.

Emma is left feeling guilty and alone while Brad goes on with his life, burring his past in the depths of his memory. That is until weeks before his wedding, when he stumbles across an old picture of Emma. The guilt for all that they did compounds with the guilt over the way he left Emma overwhelms him. After deciding he can’t continue with his future until he confronts his past, he explains it all to his finance and heads back to the Carolina coast to straighten out his twisted mess he left behind.

This book is a tear jerking reminder of the power of forgiveness and acceptance. The ending is realistic; as is the entire book, and leaves you feeling reassured about true love and more importantly God’s love. While not my favorite Kingsbury read, this book was very good and was an excellent light read after the Shack and Memoirs of Geisha back to back!

With love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 27 days…

Day 88: December! Say What!!

2009-12-08T09:23:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, December 1

I cannot believe its December! If I was at home the stockings would be hung from the chimney with care and tree sparkling with Barbie ornaments from here to there!! But India it’s a whole new ballgame. Supposedly they celebrate Christmas, but I am beginning to think I need to remind them what month it is. There is the slight possibility that the rest of the world doesn’t celebrate the Christmas holiday over a month period of time, and that they haven’t forgotten! Only time will tell…

Work is going well. I had my last interview for the promotion I put in for before moving from Jackson. If time can be used to judge, it must have went really well. The interview was almost two hours long! No really, I thought it went very well and the lady that interviewed me, who would most likely be my direct supervisor if hired, is awesome! She seems really nice, but beyond that her personality is one that I would work very well with. I should know something by next Wednesday, one way or the other. We shall see…

Other than that, life goes on as usual. I’m dreading the move to the new hotel. I’m really going to miss all that is the Leela Kempinski! But one can’t live life as a princess forever!

With love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 28 days…

Day 87: I HATE CRICKET!!

2009-12-08T09:22:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 30

Ok so I realize that hate is a strong word, but I think that about sums up my feelings for this insane sport. For those of you that know me at all, you know that I am by no means some kind of sports hating girl. I know the rules to most sports. ESPN is on channel 35 in India. I know the Super Bowl is played either the last weekend in January or first weekend in February, depending on the season, and all the number name combinations for March Madness. I even know the World Series is a seven game series! I love hockey and can enjoy the occasional wrestling match, and a perfect Sunday involves me and a Titans or Colts game. Needless to say, I like most sports!

With the exception of this weird game called cricket! Now, I realize that cricket is not a sport I grew up with, so when I discovered that there are literally FOUR channels devoted to 24 hours a day of the sport, I decided I should learn a little more about it. I attempted to watch the game several time, yea that was boring! So I thought I would ask someone the rules of the game. After all, maybe I was missing something.

No such luck! The point is to hit the weakly pitched ball, which is allowed to bounce off the ground, and manage not to hit these three little sticks out of this whole big field! Wow, so difficult! (Insert sarcasm) Oh and to make it even more “complex,” there are only two bases and neither of them is home, you just have to run back and forth as many times as possible before someone catches you. Ummmm fun!

Anyway, glad there are a few other channels to choose from! Who am I kidding, I have way more channels then at home! LOL! I love India!

With love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 29 days…

Day 86: The Paris of India

2009-11-30T08:29:00.000-08:00

Sunday, November 29

So I’m not sure why Jaipur is referred to as the Paris of India, or even if it is. Sometimes I think that people tell me things because I’m so gullible. Either way, I’m so glad we went. I think this was my favorite day in India. Even if it was a four hour drive there and five back!

My day started at 6am with a call from my hubby! Always a great way to start the day! I miss him so much and can’t wait for him to be here so I can get hugs and show him this amazing country. After a short chat, it was off for a quick shower and the race downstairs for breakfast. We were on the road to Jaipur a little before 8am!

Along the four hour drive, we saw monkeys, elephants, and lots and lots of camels. Delhi, where I “live” and work is very flat. All of the sudden, about half way to Jaipur, out of nowhere, appears a mountain. Well, at least very, very large pile of dirt. The closer we got to our final destination, both the size and number increased. As it turns out, Jaipur is in the mountains!

We visited Amber Fort first where we were able to take some very neat pictures of the city below. We saw the world’s largest cannon on wheels. And, we got to see an Indian puppet show! Super neat! I have so many pictures I look forward to when I get back to the States!

Next it was off to my personal favorite, Tiger Palace. This was the palace for the seven queens and two concubines, for a total of nine wives of the king, all living in the same house! The palace it’s self was spectacular with hand painted walls that have lasted over 300 years and separate dwellings for each of the nine wives. The stories that the guide shared with us… even better. There is a special enclosed walkway that was just for the king. The walkway allowed the king to travel between wives without causing unnecessary jealousy! HaHa! There is no way that would fly at my house! I’m the one and only type! (interjection by Devin- so she thinks! ;-)

We took a driven tour of the rest of the city, including a stop at a fabric manufacture to watch them hand print the beautiful fabrics! Oh and I tried on a sari! I didn’t buy it, it was a little out of my price range, but I am totally determined to find one now!! ;-) After a bite to eat at the mall, it was back in the car for the very long ride back to the hotel.

Today was truly an amazing day! Very worth the drive! The only thing that would make it better, Devin being here. But the good news, he’ll be here a month from today! ;-)

With love,
Eli
Countdown to Devin: 30 days…

Day 85: Another Perspective

2009-11-29T09:39:00.000-08:00

Nov. 28th

This is Devin, checking in as the month comes to a close. This has officially been the longest month of my life! I thought having Elizabeth gone would be almost fun, like before when i was single...so i could do all the things I did back them.

I am so boredit's crazy. The things that were fun at 21, 22 aren't as apprealing in my mid 20's. And lets not even talk about night time. I hate going to bed with nothing but my pillow to sunggle! :-(

It's not all bad though. I've been crazy busy at the church. I'm trying to get a computer check in system up and running. It's not working the way I want it to, so that's causing delay. Of course, it would be too easy for it to jus work! Such is life.

This coming week I am doing 2 chapel services and preaching in the adult service on Sunday the 6th. And I also work part time at Family Christian Bookstores for the holiday season. Apparently I thought it would be a good idea to have something to do...Now I'm just tired! I knew there was a reason I got out of retail-and the Christmas shopping season is it!

Thankfully I am going to be heading to india. At least I better be, since the tickets are bought. I don't think its a good investment to spend all that money and watch the plane fly off without me. So, for the scond time in my life I get to be an international traveler to literally the other side of the world! I won't be going until December, so I have some time to pack. Thank God! Usually I would let Elizabeth handle that, but this time that isn't really an option...

Well, that's all that's new here. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Until next month...
DR. K

Day 84: Memoirs of a Geisha

2009-11-27T17:44:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 27

I finished Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden several days ago, but I wanted to wait until after I watched the movie to share my thoughts. Of course, the movie was not as good as the book, but isn’t that always the case! On to the review…

This book is a sort of auto biography of the fictional character, Sayuri. Although born Chiyo-chan in a small fishing village in the early 1900’s, her family sold her to an “okiya” or geisha house when she was nine years old. The first third of the book is about the trials and tribulations that took this daughter of an old fisherman, to be one of the most beautiful geisha Japan had ever seen. The descriptions of the cruelty and triumphs this young lady underwent made this book next to impossible to put down.

Along the way, you find yourself wishing you too could become a geisha. To be dressed to the nines, made up every night, and paid to attend one fabulous party after another. About that time you have decided to move to Japan, you are reminded of what life as a geisha is really like. Flirting with men you find repulsive, being “owned” by the mother of the okiya for all the “debts” she feels you owe her, and the worse, having your most precious gift auctioned off like cattle at the livestock barn. I felt like I was a on a roller coaster of emotions as to whether I pity or envy the life of Sayuri.

After her “mizuage” went for the highest price in history, Sayuri spent years loving the man that had been kind to her as a child. The one man that was untouchable since his business partner and literal life saver is in love with Sayuri and desires to become her danna, or provider/lover.
The book takes Sayuri through World War II when she works as a cloth dyer for a kimono maker and to the reopening of the geisha districts. Once back as a geisha, the reader is drawn further into the geisha world as the American soldiers enter the picture and life goes back to being a constant party. As the book grows closer to an end, a trip to a vacation island, finds Sayuri at the turning point of her life!

This book is a wonderful display of self discovery and the power of positive thinking! While there are a few scenes that are on the mature side, I highly recommend this book for anyone over the age of 18. The history of the book alone is informative and intriguing, add to that a wonderful story line and I give this book four out of five stars!

With love,
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 40 days…

Day 83: Happy Thanks!

2009-11-26T16:42:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 26

Well this has defiantly been one of the most interesting Thanksgivings I have ever experienced. Of course the lack of Turkey and Dressing is a first, but no family time was really something I was dreading. However, today has turned out to be quite nice actually.

I “started” the day by staying up when I get home from work last night until the breakfast bar opened. So worth it! I had a rather random selection of foods, everything from a raspberry pancake to an Indian dish that tasted a whole lot like chili! And of course lots of coffee and juice!
After breakfast, I finally went to bed with the intention of only sleeping a couple hours and then getting up and going to the pool. I made it to the pool, but it wasn’t two hours after I went to bed. Once I finally woke up and got to the pool, I was in a form of heaven on earth! There are waterfalls that make a continuous peaceful noise. A pool attendant brings you a bottle of water and anything else you want! Oh yea, and there are huge fluffy towels and the most comfortable lawn chairs ever!

I spent several hours lounging and enjoying some sunshine. I read half of my new book, Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury. I finished Memories of a Geisha and I’m going to watch the movie tonight and do my “review” tomorrow. After the sun went down, it got very cool, very quick. I went to the spa to enjoy the hot tub and sauna.

After warming up, I got ready for dinner and met up with a couple of the other ladies. We headed to the mall for dinner at India’s version of an Applebee’s, a restaurant called India Joe. Food was pretty good and is a place I’d be willing to head back to again. On the way out of the mall, I had a scoop of gelato to finish my Thanksgiving meal. Ok if I can’t have pumpkin cheesecake and sweet potato soufflé then I can at least have a little ice cream! ;-)

When I came back to my room, there was a fruit crisp type of dessert on plate and written in chocolate “Happy Thanks.” I’m not sure if this was due lack of room for the rest. Or maybe a thought for what today is truly all about. Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks. Thanks can only be given with a joyful heart, otherwise, it’s not sincere. Maybe this wasn’t a “misprint” after all…
All in all, this has been a beautiful day! While I have missed my family and traditional foods, it is even easier than usually to think of all the things I’m thankful for while in a developing country! I hope you all have a wonderfully happy Thanksgiving!

With love,
Eli

Countdown to Mumbai: 41 days…

Day 82: So it’s Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T16:40:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, November 25

Today was somewhat of an interesting day. It started with the usually trip to the mall for a bite and then off to work. Interestingly enough, that it when things got interesting!

In our “morning” drill down call, we found out that we are going to be moving hotels. How do I feel about this you might ask? Well, I’m not very exciting about saying good bye to all my friends here at the Leela. And I will greatly miss the mall being so close with the KFC and quick access to movies. It figures that we are moving to the new hotel the day that “New Moon” premiers in India!

But on the upside, we are moving to the Marriot, read free hotel stay in the States thanks to Marriot points! Also, the Leela only has one restaurant open during the day and it serves the same menu as room service. The other two only open at night when we are at work. The Marriot has four restaurants, one of which is a café with sandwiches and coffee! From the pictures of the rooms, they look to be almost as nice as my current princess lair, but the verdict is still out on the bathroom. I couldn’t see enough of it in the picture to decide.

The best part of the move, we will be the some of the first guest to stay at the hotel. They are opening the day before we make the change. How cool will it be to be some of the first guests? Plus, Joy seems to think we will have lots of perks as some of their first guest too! Should be fun and I think the Marriot points alone will make it a better deal!

The next interesting moment, having Thanksgiving start while I was a work! It’s kind of weird because we work the same hours here that we work back home. However, due to the time difference we go into work on one day, and leave on another day. The same thing will happen Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve as well. I will say the other two should be more excited, but still it was neat to get all the Happy Thanksgiving wishes at midnight! Even if I did have to explain why we celebrate Thanksgiving and that turkey and dressing is not the same as a turkey in a dress!

Currently, I am trying to figure out how I want to spend my day off while staying awake long enough to go down for the breakfast buffet. The pool is sounding pretty good as an option and maybe even a movie, assuming that I can find one I want to see that is playing in English! I’ll let you know how it all turns out tomorrow!

With Love,
Eli

Countdown to Mumbai: 42 days…

Day 81: Exciting News!

2009-11-25T10:21:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 24

So today’s blog isn’t going to be very long. I don’t have a lot to share about my day except for my tidbit of exciting news but I’ll get to that momentarily….

Since my buddies went home, I have ordered room service and not left my room other than going to work. This is about as exciting as watching a oak tree grow, so I have made plans to go to the mall with one of the new ladies tomorrow. Hopefully this will lead to a little excitement or at least something other than the three beautiful walls and picturesque window of my princess lair.

I know that what I had to eat today is not suppose to be the point of my blog, but I had something new today. Room service has an option for grilled tiger prawns. I have eyed this multiple times but wasn’t sure it was going to be worth what they were charging for it. However, the need for variety outweighed my frugalness and I decided to indulge. SO AMAZING!! It came as two of the biggest shrimp/small lobsters I have ever seen, served on a bed of roasted veggies and risotto. It was very rich, but also very delicious!

Oh and then there is the exciting news! And you thought I forgot! I got a final interview for the major promotion I applied for back in August! I have the last interview on Friday. I am still a little in shock, but super excited of course! Say a little prayer. This would be a big step for me, but I’m ready!

I going to call it a night and get some rest! Thank you to each of you that has left messages and kept in touch! I really appreciate all the love and support I have received!
With Love,

Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 43 days…

Day 80: All The Things I Forgot to Put in Yesterday’s Blog

2009-11-25T10:18:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 23

I realize that this is a rather random title for a blog, but I when recapping my weekend at work today, I decided I had left out some rather humorous moments about my adventure with Joy. Yesterday was such a busy, exciting day I just couldn’t get it all into one blog anyway, so it’s a good thing that it’s going to be over two. That and the fact that other than the delicious Indian food, that was SOOOO much better than cold McDonald’s, nothing terribly exciting happened today.

So I talked about the insanely packed rail car on the Metro, but I forgot to tell about the ride back on the Metro. I’m not sure how it worked out this way, but when we switched trains to go back to where we got on, the car only had about 10 people, and five of them were my group. The hand rails on the Metro here are little red loops. They remind me of a sort of monkey bar set you would find on a playground back home.

Since we were all but the only ones on the train, we were free to move about the cabin. Linda decided that the handle loops looked like something that one should attempt to put their foot in. Joy is about 5’6” and Linda a little shorter. As the tallest by far, I was nominated to attempt to get my foot to the loop. The best part, I actually could get my foot that high!! LOL! I couldn’t get my foot into the loop, but I was rather surprised/proud that I could get my foot to even touch the handle bar!!

The other hysterical moment, me being offered my first Indian drink. Oh but it gets better, it was Jack Daniels!! I grew up 30 minutes from where that stuff was made and I’m offered a shot in India. But this story gets even more outrageous, the guy that offered it to me was one of THREE grown men riding on a single motorcycle going down the interstate and I was in my taxi!
When I caught this guy staring at me at a light, I gave a simple smile, the best way to handle those that stare. As traffic let up and we were back to driving 95 kph, he held up his bottle and mouthed “want some.” I started laughing and had to bust out the camera for this one! When I rolled down the window to take a picture, he held out his hand for me to shake! Keep in mind we are going at least 60 mph down the interstate in crazy India traffic. Now was this really a good idea!! I took the picture and rolled up the window, laughing till my sides hurt the whole time!
Well that about sums up the funniest moments of yesterday!

Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 44 days…

Devin's interjected thoughts: My wife is crazy!

Day 79: The Joy of Adventure

2009-11-23T08:28:00.000-08:00

Sunday, November 22

I woke up this morning with no alarm at all at 7:38 am. I have seen 7 am many times since coming to India; however, it is usually on the other side of sleeping. While this was crazy early, it was wonderful to watch the sun move across the morning sky.

I also was able to go to breakfast and have fresh squeezed orange juice! I ate blueberry pancakes, which had lots, not just one like my muffin, of blueberries. I also had fresh pineapple and roasted potatoes. Oh and French press coffee of course!

After a very relaxing morning, I meet up with my friend Joy from Jackson. She was actually the one that encouraged me to apply for the company that has now given me this amazing Indian experience. Linda, the new lady, and two other folks from work, joined us for a trip all over Delhi. So technically, we only went to one temple, a grocery store, and rode the Metro, but we managed to go all over the city!

After about an hour and half in the van, we arrived at a huge temple complex that had just been completed last year. I have no idea was god it was for, but it was all hand carved over a seven year time frame. They wouldn’t let us take our cameras with us, so all I have are pictures from afar. However, Joy and Linda had group photos taken so maybe I can get in out that action and posted on Facebook. We also had popcorn at the temple! Go figure! It was really good though! And the temple was beautiful, and incredibly detailed.

Afterwards, it was a trip on the Delhi Metro. Imagine the most packed train you can imagine. I mean every sit taken, every hand rail in use, every square inch has a foot on it. Got a good mental image of a human sardine can? Now add about 250 more people per car and that was my Indian subway experience! It really was quit hysterical! Every time the train stopped I had about 800 people leaning on me! We had the pleasure of being in the very back of our car! But I’m glad we did it. It really was something I will never forget!

After my adventure with Joy, it was off to dinner at the Indian restaurant. I had some amazing Murgh Makhni (a delicious chicken dish), a taste of Gosht Beliram (a mutton dish), rice, and of course Naan! So yummie! I might have a blister on my tongue from all the chilies, but oh man! It is so good!

Now I’m sitting in my room struggling to stay awake till my “normal” bed time so I can sleep enough to not be tired tomorrow night at work. Also, tomorrow I’m determined to get up and go to the gym. There are FREE personal trainers down there and I need to take advantage! I’ll let you know how it goes! ;-)

Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 45 days…

Day 78: Friends Are Friends Forever!

2009-11-23T08:27:00.000-08:00

Saturday, November 21

So today was spent with my new friend Monica before she left to go home. Monica is one of the sweetest people I have met in a long time. She reminds me so much of Amy, it really has made this experience easier to adjust to. Don’t get me wrong, Amy is a one and only, but Monica has the same sweet caring personality and is tall and blonde to boot! ;-)

Today we slept in till late afternoon. No sneering, remember, we don’t get home from work till around 4:30 am and it was well after 7 am before either of us got to sleep. We stayed up chatting and hanging out and then Monica had a little packing still to do.

After finally dragging our tails out of bed, it was off to the mall. We had a cup of coffee and I had a blueberry muffin. Ok so by blueberry muffin, I mean blueberry, not to be confused with blueberries. Tis true, there was one blueberry in my muffin. But it was still really good so no complaints.

Next it was to the Indian version of Sears meets Target with a touch of Barnes and Noble, a store called Reliance. They have a little of everything from books and ties to dresses and maps. Monica and I had fun finding a few more things for her to take home to hear family.
Once all the new items were stored away in Monica’s room, it was upstairs to the Italian restaurant for one more round of Pumpkin Ravioli. Yum! We decided to split an apple pie dessert. While quite tasty, it was not like any pie I’ve ever had. It was like a pancake with caramel sauce and very thinly sliced apples.

Once dinner was over, it was time for Monica to catch her ride to the airport. After a few tears and big hugs, she rode away to the catch a plane back to the States. I’m sad to have her go, but I’m excited for her to be back with her boys and to get to spend the holidays with her family.
Now, I’m up in my room getting ready to go to bed. Tomorrow is going to be sightseeing with Joy!

Until then…
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 46 days…

Day 77: Casual Friday

2009-11-23T08:25:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 20

There are few things in this world that make work as exciting as casual Fridays. I’m not sure what it is about not having to dress up and being able to wear tennis shoes to work that make me giddy inside, like a college girl. After dressing up all week, it’s just a day everyone “lets their hair down.”

Tonight was made even better by all the festive activities. First, tonight was my dear Monica’s last night here in India. Her team threw her a little going away party including a chocolate cake and tons of pictures. She also received several nice gifts from different people, including a beautiful necklace and a tea.

Next, George, one of the other floor supports, had promised some of his guys that he would grow out his beard and try on a turban. Tonight was the night. After a couple weeks of not shaving his face, he looked almost convincing as a native. Ok not really, but it was absolutely hysterical! I Literally, I was doubled over laughing till my sides hurt!

Lastly, they have started an incentive program at the office here. In an effort to jump start the program, they handed out gifts to the top producers on each team. It was really cool to see how excited the teams got for their winner. No jealousy, no animosity, just genuine pride in each other’s hard work! It was a refreshing take on the work world. I will say I’m sure it helps that the average age of the advisors is probably 22. Maybe they just haven’t been in the work force long enough to learn the cruelty of jealous coworkers. Or maybe that is just an American thing… Hmmm, something to think about!

I’ll think about it tomorrow, I’m going to bed for now! ;-)

With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 47 days…

Day 76: Is it Friday Yet?

2009-11-23T08:24:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 19

Why is it that no matter how good, or bad for that matter, a week is, we always look forward to Friday? This Thursday is no different. I’m not even sure I have anything specific that I’m looking forward to. In fact, I kind of dread this weekend because my two buddies are going back to the states. Lisa heads home tomorrow, tonight was her last night. And Monica leaves Saturday night. Nonetheless, once again I find myself in another Thursday wishing for the weekend.

I remember being little and Grandmother always telling me not to wish my life away when I would “wish” I was my sister’s age so I could do the cool stuff she did. With the exception of Thursdays, I tend to live by my Grandmother’s advice. It seems like my life, as it turns out goes by entirely too fast without any wishing!

Take for instance the fact that my ten year high school reunion is just over a year away! I’ve been out of college for five years already! I had my dream wedding to my prince charming almost two years ago! And I’m already three weeks into my India trip! I guess its true, time does fly when you’re having fun.

I’ll have to find some new kinds of fun come Sunday though, since my buddies will be gone. Good thing I have only watched one of the movies I brought and still have a slew of books to read. Plus, my friend Joy, that will be here till the beginning of December, has lots of fun things planned for the weekends. Too bad she’s the one that works such different hours during the week.

Ok well since technically it is already Friday, I suppose I will wrap it up and call it a night. I hope you all are doing well and know I miss you all!

With Love,
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 48 days…

Day 75: Hump Day

2009-11-23T08:23:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, November 18

Well its Wednesday, hump day. Nothing terribly exciting at all today. I’m sure I ate, but I’m not exactly sure what. I did have pizza for dinner, but it made my tummy upset, no fun. Wow, I’m kind of being whiny, and that is no fun to read! LOL!

On a more pleasant note, I’m over halfway finished with my Memories of a Geisha book. So good! What little bit of time that I’m not spending working or sleeping, I have my nose stuck in the book.

I have started making friends with some of the hotel staff. Everyone is so sweet and treats me like a part of the family. There is always someone willing to tell me something new about the Indian culture or a different place to go shopping. It’s not the same as having all my friends from home, but it sure is nice to have someone to talk to every now and then. With Monica and Lisa leaving this weekend, I’m glad to know I will still have other ladies to talk to. I guess that’s not really fair. There are other work folks, but they work different hours than I do so I only see them on the weekends.

Devin is working on getting his Visa so he can come to Delhi before I head to Mumbai. I look forward to him being here and being able to show him around to all the fun things I’m learning about. And feeding him Naan will be fun too! ;-)

Ok, well I think that is enough rambling for one day, until tomorrow…
Eli

Day 74: My Prince Charming

2009-11-18T10:37:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 17

There once was a prince named Devin who was from the Land of Corn. One day he was asked to move to a far away land. Little to Prince Devin’s knowledge, there was a fair maiden in this far away land that was in desperate need of being sweep off her feet, even though she didn’t realize this either. The Lord had a plan for Prince Devin and the fair maiden, but first, they each had to trust Him completely and follow His lead in faith.

Prince Devin suited up in shining armor and rode off to his new kingdom, Nashvilot, in the Land of Music. Once he arrived he set out to do the best job he could of running his little area of the kingdom and caring for the wee ones of the kingdom.

Now the fair maiden had lived in Nashvilot for a few years before Prince Devin came to town and she too worked with the wee ones of the kingdom. However, the fair maiden didn’t pay much attention to Prince Devin when he arrived. She had given up on finding her prince by herself and had surrendered completely to the Lord. The fair maiden was content in being a daughter of the Most High King and wasn’t dependent on a prince to make her a princess, she already was one. Don’t get me wrong, the fair maiden had kiss her share of frogs, but had learned the hard way that leaning on her Heavenly Father was far better than kissing frogs!!

One day, on the prince’s birthday, there was a party in the kingdom for all the wee ones. The fair maiden was there to help with the wee ones and for the first time the prince noticed the fair maiden and the fair maiden noticed the prince. The fair maiden prayed that the Lord would guard her heart and the prince prayed that the Lord would guide his heart and actions. This was the beginning of a beautiful courtship that lasted sometime.

After a few months of getting to know one another in the company of others from the kingdom, the prince finally asked the fair maiden to dinner. After the first dinner, he asked her to join him for dinner and such many times. The fair maiden was so excited, her prince had come!! He loved her so much and told her so often. Despite the fair maiden’s imperfections and mistakes, the prices treated like the princess she was and never failed to show his love for her.

Not long after, the prince asked for the fair maiden’s hand and promised to love her forever. She excitedly accepted for she knew that her Heavenly Father had sent this prince from the Land of Corn to Nashvilot to sweep her off her feet. Prince Devin and his fair maiden were soon married and the prince vowed to do everything he can to remind the fair maiden that she is a princess every day. Prince Devin has always kept this vow and they live happily ever after, even while the princess is now far away in the Land of Curry!

The End
Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 50 days…
PS At least my blog isn’t about what I ate today! ;-)

Day 73: The Start of Week Three

2009-11-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 16

Back to the grindstone, if you will, with another work day. I think I might have slept too much last night in an attempt to “make up” for the sleep I missed last night. Unfortunately, what they say about not being able to do this is true. I just felt groggy all day.

I did, however, manage to wake up in time for lunch at the buffet down stairs at the hotel for the first time. It was a decent selection of all kinds of international foods including Japanese, Thai, Chinese, “Western,” and of course, Indian. I had pizza, chicken curry, salad, stir fried veggies, and rice. While the access to veggies was wonderful, the true reason the others took me to the buffet was to show me the desserts! Amazing!!

It’s awesome because all the desserts are in petite form so even if you have five different ones that is only ten bites max. I had a chocolate cream puff, cheesecake, and a scoop of homemade ice cream. Have I mention how amazing the ice cream is here?? ;-) Luckily, the buffet cost about as much as we are allotted for one day, so it’s only an occasional treat, not an everyday kind of thing. Otherwise, I might have to buy a whole new wardrobe to accommodate the dessert butt I would be sure to end up with!

Work was work. We had something other than McDonald’s for dinner which was nice. And my team is getting the hang of it and doing well. I spent most of my time walking around verifying that what they were doing was correct and helping with their confidence.

Well, I suppose that about wraps up this blog. I’m about halfway finished with my book so another review will be in the works probably by next week. Hopefully you all are not too bored reading about my somewhat boring days!
Hoping for an exciting tomorrow…

Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 51 days…

Day 72: The Amazing Art of Bargaining

2009-11-15T10:21:00.000-08:00

Sunday, November 15

After a mere hour and half of sleep last night it was up for a trip to the breakfast buffet with the other ladies. Why so little sleep... for whatever reason I couldn’t get to sleep last night. After lying in bed with my eyes closed but my mind wide awake for about 45 minutes, I gave up and decided to do a little reading, thinking this would help me get to sleep. I got totally sucked into my book and accomplished the exact opposite! I ended up reading till it was late enough to call Devin after his first shift at Family Christian, his new second job to help pass the time while I’m away.

After finding out that he had a good time and saying goodnight, I turned out the lights and got comfy. Eventually, I feel asleep sometime between 6:30 and 7:00 am. But with my wakeup call coming around 9 am, I was a little on the sleepy side! But the pancakes and sunshine were well worth the lack of sleep!

After breakfast, and a little more reading, it was off to Delhi Hart, an outdoor craft fair type market. The week’s theme, “Jaut is Haute.” There were all kinds of fabrics, wraps, and other woven goods, everything from baskets to wall hanging, bags and furniture. While I didn’t purchase a thing, Monica showed me the true art of bargaining.

It was amazing! It didn’t matter how much she wanted the item in question, or how good the original price might seem, she would ask the price, say “too much” and walk away. Every, and I do me every, time the merchant would chase her down and ask her what she would pay. Here is where the art gets tricky. You have to give them a low ball price, but not so low that they think you are trying to rip them off. They counter offer and this continues until a price is agreed upon. You can get them even lower if you are buying several pieces from the same stall. Monica is quite good at this! And we were going to take a Native with us, but why when we have Monica!! ;-)

After our shopping experience it was off to TGIFriday’s for dinner. I had the same thing I would get at home, nachos, but they were completely different! Haha! They were really tasty, just tasted more curry spice then Mexican spice. Oh and of course, chicken, not beef! Honestly, I would have been happy with almost anything, as long as it’s not McDonald’s!

Now I’m trying to stay awake long enough to not totally screw up my sleep schedule which is proving much harder than preferable, but I will survive. I just got a call from Devin and it sounds like the condo is going to be rented by the end of this week. HUGE BLESSING!! Thank you for all the prayers! Ok well I think I’ll do a little TV watching and some more reading! Until tomorrow…

Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 52 days…

PS from Devin- Indeed the condo appears to finally be rented. We don't have a lease signed yet, but it should be done soon. And it's funny that I call my wife and she's soooo cheap (;-) that she won't answer, then calls me back on the same phone, just so we don't have to pay for it!

Day 71: Happily Ever After

2009-11-15T10:18:00.000-08:00

Saturday, November 14

Yet another wonderful Saturday of rest and relaxation! I slept in until 4 in the afternoon, had pancakes and coffee delivered to my door, and watched my new favorite show, American’s Favorite Dog. Kind of funny that I’ve never heard of this show in the States, but somehow I find it in India! Oh well…

I meet up with the other ladies to go to the mall for a little shopping, window only for me, but it was still fun to get out of the hotel for a bit. Plus, there was a Bali-wood star leaving the hotel when we were heading out. I saw the back of the Indian version of Brad Pitt! I know, you wish you were me! ;-)

After the mall adventure, we went to dinner at the hotel main restaurant. I have a rosemary chicken dish and baked potato. I was very tasty and the closest thing to home cooking I’ve had in weeks. I would do almost anything for some meatloaf and green beans, but that’s another story.

Now I’m back in my princess lair watching Enchanted. It makes me miss Devin so much. I know this sounds a little silly, but he really is my prince charming and knight in shining armor! I love the way he makes me feel like a princess everyday and safe every night! I am one lucky lady to get my happily ever after, I just look forward getting back to the States and back to living it every day! ;-)

Well tomorrow we are going to do some sightseeing and to Delhi Heart for some more shopping and India experience! Until then…

Eli
Countdown to Mumbai: 53 days…

Day 70: Friday Take Two

2009-11-15T10:16:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 13

I apologize for yet another boring blog. India is such an adventure on the weekends; however, my weekdays are filled with sleeping and working. I can’t believe how much sleep I get over here. It’s kind of nice, but I miss seeing the sunshine! Oh wait, there is so much smog that even in the middle of the day, there isn’t so much sunshine to be seen! LOL! Oh well…

I am having fun at work though. I really enjoy the working with people and sharing knowledge. I am learning so much everyday and working with amazing folks both from home and here in India. I even got a nickname, “Seb Gaal.” It means “Apple Cheeks” because my round little face always has rosy cheeks! Haha! I think it’s kind of cute! Maybe it will stick even when I get home...

The downside, I’m absolutely sick of McDonald’s. We had it all but one night this week! YUCK!! I’m beginning to think it might be worth taking my chances with the Indian food in the lunch room, even if it would never get more than a 50 if I were to inspect it.

Well that is my terribly “exciting” day in a nutshell. Hope life back home is at least this exciting! ;-)

Missing everyone…
Eli

Day 69: Interesting Emails

2009-11-14T09:25:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 12

Day 69: Interesting Emails

Today started as any normal day, but this story really begins a couple days ago when I received an email asking if I might be willing to extend my stay in India through January. I said I would think about it and get back to them. I thought at least I could see what Devin thought and go from there. At one point in time, I had agreed to stay for 10 weeks and Devin and I had talked about him coming over for a week or so around New Year’s, but then my return date ended up being December 27, so there wasn’t time.

I talked to Devin about it and we started weighing pros and cons. Pros, Devin would have the time to work out a trip to come see me, we could use the extra money, it is GREAT experience for me, and I am already missing Thanksgiving and Christmas at home, what’s another month. Cons, we miss each other an awful lot! After thorough discussion, we decided that a few more weeks won’t kill us and that the opportunities far outweigh the con, especially if Devin is able to come for a week.

After a quick email back that I would be willing to stay, the response was that I will be moving to Mumbai for the last 30 days of my now extended trip and my return to the States day is February 8, 2010. I’ll get to see the Indian Ocean and the fifth largest city in the world, thanks Wikipedia for that statistic. And most excitedly, my amazing and wonderful husband is working on a trip to come see me and this interesting county!

While I would be lying if I said I was thrilled to be away from home this long, I am very excited and thankful for this opportunity. I know that this isn’t going to be easy, but I know I have an amazing support team back home that loves me and is praying for me all along the way! I’m already counting down the days till I can see each of you and tell you all my fun stories!

Ok well I need to get some sleep! Until tomorrow…

Eli

Countdown to home: 87 days… Wow, maybe I should quit counting for a bit, 87 days sounds really long!

Day 68: Tribute…

2009-11-14T09:24:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, November 11

I have celebrated 26 Veteran’s Days in my life, but I think this one is the most special of all. Don’t get me wrong, all the parades and festivities that Col. Beck had us participating in all through high school were fun. And I have always been patriotic and thankful for those that have served. But I am starting to understand exactly what it means to be a native to “The Land of the Free, and the Home of the Brave.”

As I sit safely in my lush hotel room, outside the hotel gate there is poverty and crime. There are security guards at every public entrance and mayhem on the streets. While the people here are by no means in the same shape as some of the Communist countries, they don’t seem to have the same freedoms and rights that I have in America. As I’ve said in previous blogs, you really don’t know what you have until it’s on the other side of the world!

I’m not naïve enough to think that the freedoms I have at home are there because of chance or happenstance. It’s because for over 200 years, men and women in the Armed Forces have made the sacrifices necessary to ensure our continued safety and freedom. For that, I dedicate tonight’s blog to each of you. Thank you for serving, thank you for protecting, thank you for your sacrifice!

Eli

Day 67: Back to Food…

2009-11-10T16:04:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, Nov. 10th

Unfortunately today was one of those days like I talked about yesterday where all I seem to have to share is about what I had to eat today! Hang on, the door bell just rang, room service is here ;-)

Ok I’m back! Tonight’s meal, I decided to try the Thai vegetable spring rolls. What can I say; I’m getting a little desperate for some veggies. Not sure if they are any good yet, they are way too hot to try and eat at the moment, so back to the other meals of the day….

Meal one, KFC for the same thing I get each time, well almost same thing. They were out of my cheese crunch with is my usually pick over fries, but I had my “twister” otherwise known as a wrap. I also tried a drink they have here called a virgin sparking Mojito. Basically it is 7-up with lemon wedges and crushed mint leaves. It was really good and quite refreshing!

Meal two, McDonalds, again… I don’t like McDonalds that much in the States, when you get rid of the burger part and don’t even have grilled chicken as an option; it decreases in value even more. But I really shouldn’t complain, for every bite of my Mexican Chicken Wrap that I had, there are at least three beggars down the street that would happily eat that wrap. India really does have a way of bring out ones selfishness and ingratitude.

Meal three, eating those veggie rolls as I type, yummy! They have quite the kick, which I like. They aren’t grease, another plus. And they don’t contain any more chicken!! LOL! I think we might have a room service winner!

Hopefully tomorrow will provide a little more excitement! Until then…

Eli
Countdown to home: 48 days…

Day 66: The Shack

2009-11-10T16:00:00.000-08:00

Monday, Nov. 9th

PREFACE: Due to my simple routine Monday – Friday and my incredible amounts of free time to read, I have decided to give book reviews for each of the books I read on this journey. I can’t promise I will get through each of the books in the small library I brought, or that all of them will be worth writing a review. However, if nothing else, this will help my writing skills for the GRE and give me something to write about other that what I had to eat today! ;-)

The first book I have finished since arriving is The Shack by WM. Paul Young. If you are planning on reading it, GO READ IT!! NOW!! If you are not currently planning on reading it, I hope you will change your mind by the time you are finished with this blog! It is a great book!! If you are someone who hates to know anything about a book before you read it, stop here. While I will not be giving the ending away, I don’t want to ruin any surprises. And I’m one of those people so I understand! On to the review…

The story actually beings with the forward, where we meet Mackenize Allen Phillips, Mack for short, the main character, through the eyes of his friend Willie, the writer of Mack’s story. Right away you are drawn to know more and try and figure out what exactly happened to Mack and where exactly his story leads.

Soon enough you find out that Mack’s youngest daughter has been kidnapped and murdered by a serial killer. Her little body is never found and the only clue is her blood stained, tattered dress found on the floor of an old abandon shack. As any father would be, Mack is devastated and destroyed by his lose. As a man who has been through seminary and attends church regularly, he knows the Bible and in general who God is, but by his own admission, he feels himself separating from God after the tragedy. During “The Great Sadness,” he doesn’t think God could truly love him and especially not his beloved daughter to let something like this happen.

Sometime after the loss of his baby, Mack receives a note in his mailbox. The note is in a simple envelope with no return address or mailing address for that matter and simple invites him to come back to the shack and spend a weekend. The note is signed “Papa,” Mack’s wife’s favorite name for God.

Out of sheer curiosity, Mack makes the trip to the shack where his worst nightmare had taken place only months ago. What follows is an amazing illustration of God’s love and desire to have a relationship with each of us. As the Trinity is put into tangible forms and every preconceived notion of God’s physical appearance is thrown to the wind, Mack finds himself face to face with the God of the universe! As Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work in Mack’s live he learns the true meaning of love, relationship, truth, and final forgiveness. As you witness Mack’s journey through each of these, one can’t help but ponder each for yourself.

This book is a beautiful reminder that more than anything God’s love for each of us is awesome, more awesome than the human mind can comprehend. God’s forgiveness is all inclusive and without bounds. And most importantly, God desires an actual relationship with each of us, not just our words or Sunday mornings.

I high recommend this book to anyone or any age. I will not promise an easy read or a light-n-fluffy feel good book either. Nor do I promise this to be devotion or anything beyond a story. But I do promise a book that challenges you too think outside the box and search your heart for what you truly believe.

Overall rating: Five out of Five Stars

Next book: Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
Eli
Countdown to home: 49 days…

Day 65: The Life of a Princess

2009-11-09T09:22:00.000-08:00

Sunday, November 8

What a day of relaxation and pampering! My day started when I woke without an alarm. After a quick brush of the teeth and throwing on some cloths, I ran upstairs for a quick bite. It pays to befriend the hotel staff. Even though there were only minutes left and they were already cleaning up, my new friend Anikta made sure I had some fresh fruit and hot pancakes and coffee of course!

After breakfast, I came back to my room to be a big ole bum. I took a shower and lay around with a wet head in a plush, fuzzy, white bathrobe for hours. It was lovely! I watched High School Musical 3, a slew of Friends reruns, and part of a Hannah Montana episode. What can I say; TV in English while in India is not in wide variety.

I was finally dragged from my princess lair by my co-workers to head to the market. We were headed to the grocery store, but go side tracked by a mall. After walking around the mall, we realized that it wasn’t worth the trip, but at least it we got some exercise. We went to Spencer’s, which is the local grocery store. I bought some more sprite, a coke, and some snack stuff. I’m quickly realizing how much I need the occasional snack since I typically only have one, maybe two, meals a day. Good thing I brought health snacks with me!

Back at the hotel, it was upstairs to the Italian place. I had fish, asparagus, and risotto. It was tasty! And I was so glad for veggies!! That is one of the many things I’m starting to really miss about home. That and Devin and Church and some many other things….

Now I’m back in the princess liar with my comfy clothes, snuggled in my plush bed watching Father of the Bride! I have to try really hard to stay awake for another three hours so maybe I should be watching Sound of Music instead! ;-)

I suppose I will wrap up this for now and get back to my movie!

Eli
Count Down to Home: 50 days…

Day 64: Market Shopping! ‘Nough Said…

2009-11-09T09:14:00.000-08:00

Saturday, November 7

I love Saturdays! There is something rather nice about sleeping till you wake up and enjoying a restful day. After staying up way too late last night, or rather this morning, I slept till about 3:30 this afternoon. After grab a granola bar and some cheez-its, I know the breakfast of champions, it was over to the adjacent mall at the atm. The mall on Saturday is worse that Macy’s the day after Thanksgiving. I had to throw some ‘bows just to get to the atm.

After getting my Rs. 2000 (about $50) it was off to meet the others for an evening of market shopping. Talk about crazy fun!! We met up with several of our new local friends to help us with bargaining to help us avoid as much of the “white man tax” as possible. Without them, we would have had a hard time getting the amazing deals that we got! While I wanted one of everything, I was trying to be good! I did get a pair of sunglasses for Rs. 200 (about $4) but I can honestly say I needed them! I have been without sunglasses since I left Kansas and if you know me at all you know that I ALWAYS have my sunglasses!

The others got shoes for Rs. 175, kids drums for Rs. 100, purses for Rs. 100, and a wooden flute for Rs. 10. I can’t wait to go back when I have a little extra money! There are such great deals! And while not everything is quality, most of it seems rather nice! It was a lot of fun to watch Sumjat banter with the salesman for my glasses!! ;-)

After the open market, it was off to the New Delhi Hard Rock Café! It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a night club, but that it totally what this was like. It wasn’t like the Hard Rock Nashville or Atlanta that I have been to before, but I can’t complain! I miss Mexican food so much and I was able to get chicken fajitas’ that were amazing! As much as I like Indian food, it’s always nice to have a taste of home!

Ok well tomorrow is going to be a day full of sightseeing and since I’m supposed to be up by 9 am and it’s currently almost 2 am, I probably should head to bed! Until tomorrow…

Eli
Count Down to Home: 51 days…

Day 63: Everybody Knows Your Name…

2009-11-09T09:13:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 6

I made it through week one!! Only seven more to go before I’m headed home. I’m having a great time, but I really miss the hubster and the babies! Not to mention being able to just pick up the phone and call whenever I’m missing a loved one.

My hotel is doing a fantastic job of making me feel as at home as possible. I’ve had a rose left in my room, treats for Halloween, and a dessert when I got home from work tonight! Add to that that walking down the hall sounds that the latest version of “Old to Me” with the chorus of “Hello, Ms. Kroner,” “Good Evening Ms. Kroner,” and “How are you Ms. Kroner.”
Work is similar; just change the Ms. Kroner to Elizabeth. And at work, the hellos and good evenings are quickly replaced with, “Elizabeth, small query,” and “Elizabeth, quick, real quick, query.” It’s so cute! I love it!

There is a downside to such familiarity. Everyone seems to know my name, but there are so many that I don’t know yet. I’m trying to learn names of both the folks at the office and the staff at the hotel, but it’s so difficult. I hate asking their names again and again, but they are so different from the names I’ve grown up around so I have trouble pronouncing them correctly. But at least I’m trying! That has to count for something!

Ok well I’m off to bed!
Eli
Count Down to Home: 52 days…

Day 62: Pizza! Pizza!

2009-11-09T09:11:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 5

Today was another routine kind of day. My “morning” was spent ordering room service for lunch and hanging out at my little coffee joint upstairs until it was time for work. I ordered the chicken Caesar salad. It was quite tasty and they put the dressing on the side so it was totally drenched like is sometimes the case for with a Caesar salad. I was so thankful for some veggies that I could have eaten it without any dressing!

After a truly relaxing afternoon, it was off to work. It was so funny, I wore a jacket and put my hair up since I had been too busy relaxing to actually wash and fix it, and I had so many people tell me how much they loved my “up-do” and how pretty I looked. It was interesting seeing as I had literally thrown myself together. Maybe I should have a lazy day a little more often! I felt like a superstar! ;-)

Work itself was rather uneventful, following the same routine that the first three did. The only exception, after last night’s dinner we were determined to order in time. We thought we would give pizza a chance. We got it ordered in time and man was it delicious! Ok, so no, it was not Aunt Jane’s homemade, but it tasted of home and warm familiarity! It really is true that sometimes we need to have things taken away to know what we are really missing!! ;-) Who knew that would apply to pizza! Hahaha!

Overall, today was quite the relaxing day! While I know this isn’t the most exciting blog to be read, hopefully it has shown you that I am ok and doing well. I looking forward to coming home, but I’m enjoying myself and having the experience of a life time!

Have a great night!!
Eli
Count Down to Home: 53 days…

Day 61: The Routine

2009-11-06T07:47:00.000-08:00

Some how I have managed to get into a routine after being here for less than a week. This is a good thing, even though it sounds a little boring, at least I am sleeping when I’m suppose to be sleeping and eating at somewhat normal times. Please note that “supposed” and “normal” are quite relative terms. I eat “breakfast” at about 3:30 or 4 in the afternoon, lunch around 10-Midnight, and dinner, if I have it at all, when I get home from work around 4 am. But when you are working 6:30 pm – 3:30 am and sleeping from 5:30 am to sometime in the early afternoon, its all about right. Like I said, normal is relative for me these days.

Work has also fallen into a nice routine. It starts with a short, yet exciting, drive to the office. Standing around telling everyone hello and shaking hands with everyone as they come into work. I like this Indian tradition! Its very nice way to be greeted. However, I don’t think this would work back home, we would spend too much time chatting and not just a quick shake! ;-)

After all the greeting, they go to the desk and get ready to get started. This might take them a little bit, but it gives us floor support the chance to check our email and send any communication needed back to the home office, and prepare anything else needed for the day. Around 7:30 or so, the questions start and it can be rather non-stop. But it works, it makes time fly and before you know it one of us realizes that if we don’t hurry up and order dinner we will be eating Indian food and starts throwing around a list for all us American’s to write down our order. Our choices, McDonald’s, Subway, or supposedly Domino’s although we have tried to order this twice with no luck!

Tonight we waited to late and all three were closed so it was Indian for dinner. Two of us like it, but the other three it makes them sick, so I felt kind of bad. They ordered us butter chicken, which was good but not quite as good as the kind I had the other day after the Taj, Creamy Chicken, and Naan of course. They serve Naan with everything! I love it!! And the creamy chicken was also really good! I ended up eating such a big, and late, lunch that I wasn’t even hungry when I got home, so I’m skipping dinner. And all you thought I never missed a meal! Hehehe!

The rest of the night at work is spent in a meeting with folks back home and continuing to answer lots and lots of questions. Then its time to crawl back into our van for the much less exciting ride back to the hotel.

And that is my typical day! I just thought I would share to give you some idea of what its like over here!

With Love,
Eli
Count Down to Home: 54 days…

Day 60: What a Two Months!!

2009-11-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

Let’s just take a moment and recap the past two months….

Moved from Tennessee to Kansas. Started blogging. Started attending/working with a new church. Transferred jobs. Counted down for India. Moved buildings at said job. Worked new payors at said job. Made new friends at church. Made new friends at job. Counted down for India. Participated in a scavenger hunt. Attended a coffee night. Started helping Devin in kid’s church. Got lots of shots. Counted down for India. Did lots of packing. Attended several meetings. Shopped till I dropped. Left for India. Saw the Taj Ma Hall. Started yet another job function. Learned to sleep in the day time. Today!

Ok so that was defiantly a moment! But my point is this, these have been a very exciting two months and I have enjoyed my blog time and sharing all the excitement of my life with all of you! I can’t believe it’s only been two months though, it feels like more, but in a good way. Kansas is really feeling like home and I miss it. Not in the miserable way, just in the way one misses home after being gone for awhile, or as in my case, knows they will be gone for awhile.

As for my India adventure, today was a pretty “normal” kind of day. Back to the mall for another trip to KFC for lunch and then off to work. Because my team is doing so well, I didn’t have nearly as many questions today. I guess this is a good thing, but between that and not getting a good night’s sleep last night, it’s been a rough night. McDonald’s for dinner, I miss broccoli, and a meeting were the highlights, but again, I’m so proud of my team and how well they are doing!

Off to sleep, I’m determined to get on a schedule!!

With Love,

Eli
Count Down to Home: 55 days…

Day 59: The New Kid

2009-11-04T08:11:00.000-08:00

After forcing myself to stay up till 4 am, I was able to sleep till about 2pm. I meet up with my new friends and head back over to the mall for some grub. Today’s food court adventure was a "create your own pasta" place. I have ziti with corn, onions, mushrooms, and red sauce, not to be confused with spaghetti sauce, defiantly not the same thing. It was ok, but defiantly not my favorite.

Once back from my breakfast meal of lunch food eaten at dinner time, I ran upstairs for a cup of coffee. I feel bad that somehow I ended up in this Royal Club room, which allows me access to the lounge with lots of freebies, and no one else does, but I’m so thankful! Otherwise I would be going broke trying to have my cup of coffee every day. Everyone here drinks tea and there is a tea pot, with all kinds of tea, in every room. However, as you all know, this does me no good seeing as I’m allergic to tea. Anyway…

So tonight was the real reason I’m here, to be floor support for Group 8, Wave 3! After the “Go Live” Cake ceremony, which involved eating a piece of some of the most amazing cake, we were off! I spent my night answering questions and showing the employee of our sister company how to navigate our computer system. It was great fun to meet all these new folks and to help each of them excel at their job. I was very impressed with how well they did and hope they can keep up the pace! It was amazing how quickly the time flew by helping each of them! Yay!

I did have a little of a snag with some paperwork back home that I need to try and figure out, so I’m going to have to call it a night, or in this case a morning! ;-)

Until Next Time,

Eli
Count Down to Home: 56 days…

Day 58: Is it still Sunday If you don’t go to Church??

2009-11-04T08:07:00.000-08:00

Today was quite the odd day for me. The calendar says it’s Sunday, but I didn’t get up till 4 in the afternoon! Sundays are supposed to start early and involve going to Church! LOL!
So this morning, I got up in time to go enjoy some free breakfast. I was up at 10 am, quick shower (I think but honestly I’m not sure) and then down to the main dining room. Evidently I took a picture of my breakfast, it’s on Facebook, but all I remember is staring blankly into space and trying to stay awake. Eventually, I gave up, went back to my room, and slept until around 4 in the afternoon. In my defense, my body thought it was 3:30 am so if you look at it that way, I got up really early! ;-)
Once I was finally up, it was an adventure to the biggest mall I’ve ever been in. Its five stories with more stores than I have ever seen! Unfortunately, there is no India discount; they charge the same amount of money, just in rupees, for things back home. But still, it’s fun to have a mall so close!
Below the mall is the Bazaar, the India version of Wal-Mart. After purchasing lunch upstairs at the food court, who would have thought I would have to travel all the way to India to enjoy KFC, I picked up a few things for my room at the Bazaar. I got some Nutella, several Sprite, a Coke, and some juice. The hotel I’m staying at supplies me with lots of bottled drinking water so I didn’t have to purchase any of that. On the way out of the mall, there is a little gelato stand. I’m in love!! It’s about $0.75 for a small cup!
After hanging out in the lobby of the hotel for quite awhile with the other folks from work, it was off to dinner at the hotels Italian restaurant. It’s kind of funny to eat Italian food in India, but hey, it works!
Over all, today was very relaxing and gave me the chance to get to know several of the other people I’m with in this amazing country. Tomorrow is my first day at work so I should probably get some rest! Have a wonderful evening and know I miss you all!
With Love,
Eli
Count Down to Home: 57 days…

Day 57: The Taj

2009-11-02T12:43:00.000-08:00

Up way too early this morning since I went to bed at 5:00 am and got up at 7:30 am! I did find a cute little complimentary breakfast lounge with AMAZING coffee. They use a French press instead of an electronic maker and it is outstanding. The lounge overlooks Gurgaon, the suburb of Delhi where work and the hotel are located. Other the serious smog that the day light unveiled, the city is quite pretty. There are lots of very contemporary buildings with very neat structures. It was quite nice to have a meal that didn’t come out of a plastic wrapped airplane container! Even if it was just cheese, fruit, an egg, and some toast! ;-) I love this place!!!

Next, it was downstairs to meet the others. WOW!!! The lobby of the hotel is indescribable with its marble floors, plush furniture, fresh flowers everywhere, and water fountain ponds! I will have to post pictures to show it off!! I meet several of the team in Mumbai that flew up to visit the Taj Ma Hal as well as three others that are here with me in Delhi and two folks from our sister company here in India.

All eleven of us piled into the two vans and began the four hour adventure to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Ma Hal, in Agra, India. I say adventure, because that is exactly what it was. The streets here are about like a driveway back in country and the traffic lanes, laws, and lights are merely a suggestion. Everyone honks constantly. One little honk means “please get out of the way.” Two short honks, “get out of the way.” And if you really lay on the horn, well that means “I’m going to get out of this car if you don’t move.” It’s absolutely in sane!!

Day 56: Welcome to India!

2009-11-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

After the long flight, it felt so good to get off the plane and stretch my legs. Having my knees shoved in the seat in front of me for 14 hours was soooooooooo much fun, not! All donations to upgrade me to business class on the way home are current being accepted. However, I did get to really stretch my legs while I waited in this crazy long line for a “health check” and to go through customs.

While going through customs, the gentleman kept saying something about “not entered yet.” I was terrified! I thought he was saying my Visa wasn’t any good or something was wrong with my passport. I never did figure out what he was saying, but he waved me through, so I guess it wasn’t too important.

At baggage claim, I must admit, I was concerned. Due to my lack of layover in Chicago, I was so afraid they wouldn’t make it. When I saw my little neon TSA locks, my face broke out in a smile. I had everything and I was off to meet my driver. I felt so special when I came up the ramp to see a sign with Ms. Elizabeth Kroner and the fancy hotel logo! It was even better with my driver beamed at me with the biggest grin, like I was his long lost sister, when I walked towards him! I felt so welcome!!

Once outside of the airport, my nose was overwhelmed with the smell of a bonfire. Only problem, there was no fire. The pollution here is just that bad! The sky is so hazy! Once in the car, it was the roller coaster, I mean ride, to the hotel. The best twist, there was a cow in the middle of the road that we were head straight for. With no breaks involved, we turned right before hitting the poor thing! And the traffic, CRAZY!! I didn’t get out of the airport until around 1 am local time, but the streets were still buzzing!

Once to the hotel, it was serious sensory overload! I was greeted at the door with a traditional well wish and a smudge of war paint on my forehead. I was than whisked away by my personal escort to my living quarters for the next 2 months! When she opened the door, my breath was literally taken away! Real marble and hardwood floors, a rain shower the size of my bathroom back home and bathtub I would have thought I was a swimming pool if I was a few years younger! Not to mention one wall that is completely a window, a blush princess bed and a huge flat screen TV! Too bad I don’t get football over here! Well, not American football, lots of soccer though!

I also got to meet one of my colleges while here, Monica. She is great! Very friendly and reminds me of my Amy a lot!! Now I must sleep! I only have a few hours before it’s up and off to the Taj Ma Hal!!
Sweet Dreams to All!!
Eli
Count Down to Home: 59 days

Day 55 (official version) Fly, Baby Fly!

2009-11-02T12:33:00.000-08:00

This morning started with a wrap up of packing and checking, checking again, and double checking to make sure I have everything I could possibly needed for my month adventure. Devin and I then went to have brunch together before it was time take me to the airport. We went to Mimi’s Café and I enjoyed some of the best quiche I’ve had. It was wonderful, but then again, maybe I was just hungry! ;-)

After a quick trip back to the apartment to potty and put away leftovers, it was off to the Kansas City Airport for the biggest individual adventure of my life to begin. I suppose you could argue that this adventure began back in June or July when I volunteered, but let’s not be technical.
After the 40 minute drive, we arrived at the airport. Devin helped me carry my bags to the ticket counter and walked me to the security check point. Then it was time for a tearfully good bye and a frantic attempt to give each other enough hugs and kisses to last two months.

Security was a breeze and the WiFi was fun. The time flew by as I had to wait my two extra hours for my weather delayed flight thanks to Facebook. The flight to Chicago went by quickly too, but due to my flight from KC being delayed, I only had about 20 minutes to grab a bite to eat and race to the other end of the O’Hare Terminal. I made my flight just in time to board for India! The best part, insert sarcastic tone, we hurry onto the plane; they rush us to our seats, taxi us to the run way, and shut off the engines. Gotta love Chicago’s O’Hare!! After a “short” hour and a half, we were finally cleared for takeoff and the 14 hour flight began.

Surprisingly enough, so far the flight is not so bad. Dinner was edible although not flavorful, but my seat buddy is fantastic! She was born and raised in India but has been in the US for years. She is a wealth of India knowledge!
I guess I should try and sleep a bit! Next post will be from India!!
Eli

Days 55 & 56...Kind of

2009-10-31T08:38:00.000-07:00

Hey all, this is Devin. I didn't want the posting to get way behind so I am throwing something up.
A few updates:

Elizabeth made it, after a 15 hour flight and 2 hours sitting in the plane on the runway waiting to take off. Not the best experience, but then what do you expect from American Airlines where customer satisfaction is low and the charge 300 bucks to send your bags with you?

After arriving and getting settled in to her palace... I mean hotel room...she got a few hours sleep. It was night when she arrived so she didn't go to bed until late her time. It was about 5pm ours!
Around 9:30pm here she called and told me she had watched the sun come up on her marble floors and had a grand view. She was getting ready for her day and going with a group from Apria to the Taj Mahal.

I told her to take lots of pictures, so maybe at some point we'll see a few here, as I believe in the blog command center I saw a way to post them!

Anyway, that's all I have. She can't get Internet in the hotel without paying for it and was too tired to look into all that after unpacking. So hopefully sometime today (it is night over there as I write this) she'll be able to look into that.

Have a great day. More updates from Elizabeth will be coming soon, with much better detail than I can provide!

For now,
Devin

Day 54: T Minus 22 Hours...

2009-10-28T20:01:00.000-07:00

Honest answer... I'm so tired! As my last night at home in the states until after Christmas draws to a close, I think I'm starting to come off the emotional high that I've been on for a few days. It has been a roller coaster of feelings, but I'm at peace with my trip and I'm looking for the this amazing opportunity with great expectations.

I will miss Devin like crazy! But I'm so thankful for a husband that is supportive of me taking this wonderful career move. And for a church that has promised to take amazing care of him while I'm gone.

Ok, I realize that tonight's blog is quite short, but I still have to actually put stuff in the suitcases, currently its just all over the guest bed, and I would like to spend these last few hours focusing on my hubby!

I love you all and will blog from the airport tomorrow!!

Eli

Count Down to India: 1 day!!!!!!!!!!

Day 53: Let The Serious Packing Begin!!

2009-10-27T17:34:00.000-07:00

Work today was, well, work. And lots of it! One of the branch guys came in and asked my supervisor to do a "small favor." In an effort to be a team player, she agreed and got started. HaHa on the small part!! It took three of us till almost 7 tonight to get it finished!!! Boo Hiss!! But at least, one, its done. And two, it will help all our numbers go down which is a good thing, a really good thing since end of month is Saturday!

After work it was a race to Target to get my anti-Malaria and Delhi Belly Antibiotics from the pharmacy before it closed for the night. I get there at about 6:59 pm, run to the pharmacy counter, praying they won't be closed yet, and....

They are open till 9! Haha! I guess that is far better than me having the closing time wrong in the other direction!!

Now I'm home and my wonderful husband is cooking dinner for the second night in a row! I think I'm going to start telling him I'm leaving for India a little more often! Just Kidding! He is being so sweet and cooking so I can work on packing two months worth of life into a couple of suitcases. I can't believe how much room 15 shirts, 7 bottoms, 2 swimsuits, a bunch of undergarments, and just a few (wink, wink) pairs of shoes take up in a suitcase. And I still have to pack my entertainment library, toiletries, and emergency food supply. Folks, this could get interesting!!

Ok well back to the packing and preparing!!
With Love,
Eli

Count Down to India: 2 days....

Day 52: And Then There Were Three...

2009-10-26T19:06:00.000-07:00

So today was my last Monday in the office. Its rather crazy to think I only have two days left at the office here. I will say, however, today was quite a day! I got a call and a second interview for that promotion! Exciting!! Wonder what it will be like to do a phone interview in India...

After work, I ran over to my new friend's apartment to "shop" for books and movies. I'm borrowing Nora Roberts, Nicholas Sparks, and others, plus several dvds. Yay for great new friends with the same entertainment taste! There is NO WAY I'll be board while I'm away! Lonely, possibly, but board, never!!

My wonderful husband fixed an amazing dinner tonight! Rosemary Chicken, Rice, Broccoli, and sauteed baby bella mushrooms. Can we say yum!! Maybe Devin won't starve while I'm gone.

With a full belly and many additions to my miniature traveling library, I started working on the actually packing part. I'm not sure how on earth I'm going to get all this stuff into one suitcase, one carry on, and one personal item. Oh and the one suitcase is suppose to weight less than 50 pounds! I foresee a $50 secondary bag charge in my future... I wonder how much they charge for a third and fourth bag....

Ohh... So much to do and so little time! Until tomorrow...

Eli

Count down to India: 3 days....

Day 51: They Adventure in the Everyday

2009-10-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

I love Sundays! I love being able to see friends and fellowship. I love praise and worship and hearing God's word. I love a day of family time and rest. I love Sundays! And today was my last "normal" one for awhile...

Pastor brought Devin and I up on stage this morning and prayed over us both. Me for safe travels and time while India and Devin to not be too lonely. He prayed for the whole experience to be a positive one for both of us. It was so sweet, all the folks that promised to feed Devin and help "take care" of him while I'm gone. It was all very, very special.

After church, we came home and watched my Phillip Rivers put a whoopin' on the Chiefs! I hate that the Chiefs are having such a terrible season, but I loved watching my old college classmate do so well. Too bad is was such a slaughtering and not that much fun to watch, but anyway...

I am happy to report that I have NOTHING left to buy for my trip. I'm pretty sure Devin would tell you I have one of everything Target sells and two of the things that count. But seriously, I have a small pharmacy, a well stocked convenience store, and miniature library to take with me! Thank the Lord for some good deals! Otherwise, this trip would cost more than its worth! ;-)

To wrap up this lovely Sunday, Pastor and his beautiful wife took us to a fabulous restaurant called "Paulo and Bills" as a going away dinner for me. I had an amazing Tilapia dish with an out of this world potato cake and roasted green beans! Yum!! Beyond the great food, the discussion was quite riveting. We talked about everything from the state of today's church to mouthwash provided in restrooms. I love people that you can have intellectual conversation with but can also make you laugh till your sides hurt with silliness.

Ok well I think I will call it a night. Tomorrow should be quite the busy day with only having three days left in the office. I probably need all the rest that I can get! Until tomorrow...

Eli

Count down to India: 4 days..... Must start packing!!

Day 50: The Big 5 - 0!!

2009-10-24T18:58:00.000-07:00

So here it is, my fiftieth blog! I can't believe that much time as already passed. It really seems like last week I was driving from St. Louis to KC talking with Aunt Fay about starting this thing, and now I'm on day fifty! Honestly, I'm kind of amazed that I have made it this far, but I'm glad I did!! ;-)

Actually, I'm quite glad I did. Today, I went shopping with my new friend Hannah. I wanted to get some books to take on my upcoming trip. I went to Barnes and Noble (thanks to a birthday gift card from Aunt Jane and Uncle Butch I have been saving for just such an occasion) and bought a GRE study guide as well as a couple Karen Kingsbury's books. There are two writing sections on the GRE, so I'm hoping that all this time I'm spending putting my thoughts on the proverbial paper will come in handy!!

In addition to the bookstore, Hannah and I also went to check out a store called Half of Half. The concept is that they have name brand clothes for half of half price off retail. In other words, everything is suppose to be at least 75% off what you would pay at a regular department store. I'm sure this would be a shoppers dream come true if you have some extra free time on your hands, and I can't say that either of us walked out empty handed, but it was a little to all over the place for my liking. I think I'll stick with the outlet mall, Marshall's, and TJ Max!

Before all this shopping, Devin and I had some quality adventure time, starting at 8 am! The Fall Fest this morning went GREAT! We had amazing weather, not a cloudy in the sky and the temperature, while not short weather, wasn't too bad either! There was a good turn out and fun had by all!

One the way home, we swung by Costco's for a bite and to pick up my nonperishable food for the trip. I got dehydrated veggie chips (Thanks AF for introducing me!), Simple Fruit Roll-ups, and Fiber One bars. At the very least, I won't starve. And actually, if the packaging can be trusted, I will get a serving of veggies or fruit with each serving! Plus, Fiber One bars really are packed with fiber! I should survive!!

Well, tomorrow is my last Sunday service for awhile. I'm glad I will be in service and can just soak it all in. Other than Devin, I think church will be what I miss the most. Not having people that I know share my faith will defiantly be different...

Ok I'm off to bed!
Eli

Count Down to India: 5 days.... And nothing is packed....

Day 49: So Prepared!!

2009-10-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

I had a India Culture presentation today at work. I feel so much more prepared. They gave us important information that I didn't even know I needed to know. Like don't mess with the cows, don't make eye contact with the beggars, and have some Rupees (India money) with you when you get off the plane. I will need it to tip the guy from the hotel that takes me to my new home. Oh, and not to . hi, this is Devin. let anyone other than that guy with the sign from the hotel and my name on it to take my bags, I might not seem them again otherwise!

I also learned that my laundry services are reimbursable! HUGE YAY!! I was really thinking I was going to be washing clothes in the sink of my five star hotel! Or wearing dirty undies!! Neither sounded fun, so I think we will call this the highlight of my day! No, no, the highlight of my day was when my hubster brought Chick-fila and had lunch with me! But clean undies for two months is a close second!

Needless to say, while my day was not incrediblly productive as far as my work goes, it was amazingly informational for my trip. After days of fretting over all my questions, I truly feel like I am prepared, other than the few things I still need to buy. Now, all I have to do is pack! Good thing I have six whole days left! ;-)

Tomorrow is the big Fall Fest at church so we have to get up early in the A.M. I think I will call it a night! Until tomorrow...

Eli

PS Please excuse the interruption in my first paragraph. Devin just wanted to say hi!! ;-)

Day 48: One More Week....

2009-10-22T18:17:00.001-07:00

So today starts the "official" count down. Lift off can no longer be counted in months or even weeks. This time next week, I will be flying out of the USA, India bound! I'm not so sure I'm ready, but ready or not, India, here I come!

After work, I went to get my LAST shot! It hurt worse than all the others, but I'm done! That's all that matters! Next, it was off to the mall for round two of shopping. I was able to find several lightweight sweaters, two pairs of jeans, two pairs of dress pants, and a super cute denim jacket. Oh yea, and I got a make-over and joined the Bare Minerals club. I decided that if I was grown up enough to be sent cross country by my job, than I was probably also grown up enough to look professional. I still need books, a lap top bag, and a few other items, but for the most part, I'm done!!

Dee left this morning with the babies. They are now safely in IL with Grandma for the next two months. Devin keeps thinking its time to take them out to go potty. I keep looking around the house trying to figure out what trouble my little puppies are getting into. Both of us are missing them terribly and trying to remember that this is the best thing for all parties, but man I miss me some puppy kisses!!

Well, I think that about sums up my day. Tomorrow will be another long day at work, so its off to bed! Sweet dreams to all!

Eli

Day 47: Amen! Wow, I Have a Raccoon!

2009-10-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

My trip to India becomes more real everyday! My Blackberry arrived today. I feel so grown up! My phone has internet, email, and more things than I will ever learn to use. It takes pictures and lets me load them on to Facebook too!! The only problem is I had to call the IT guy to show me how to turn it on. You would think that this would be an easy task, however, the end button doesn't function as power button on this one. I sent a message to the IT guy that said "either my blackberry is busted or the operator is." Turns out the operator was the problem! The power on button is on the side, but you still use the end button to turn it off. Go figure!!

After work, it was the regular Wednesday race! Fortunately, Devin's mom is here and she made a delicious dinner. After which, it was off to church to hang out with some of the coolest kids I know! We continued our study for Exodus, western style, and learned how we each have our part just like the children of Israel in building the tabernacle.

Before snack, we always ask the kids for a volunteer to pray. One particularly cute little kid volunteered this evening. He said a very sweet little prayer. Immediately following his amen, he announced to the group, "WOW, I have a raccoon." We were having animal crackers for snack, but how he knew he had a raccoon when he was praying, I'm not exactly sure. This was probably one of those things that you just had to be there for, but I got a good laugh! And ask Devin to help me remember to use that phrase as my blog title. Anyway, it really was funny, at least for those there!

Well, Dee leaves tomorrow with my babies, I won't see them again until next year. :-( I'm going to call in a night and spend a little time with a couple of pups!

With Love,
Eli

Count Down to India: 8 days!! AHHHHHHHHH!! So much still to do!!

Day 46: So Much To Do... So Little Time...

2009-10-20T18:51:00.000-07:00

As the days tick away to my trip, I get more and more busy. Home life is crazy with packing, shopping, cleaning, etc. Work just seems to keep piling up with things that I need to get done before I leave. I did get my hotel reservations (check out https://www.theleela.com/hotel-gurgaon-the-club.html to see my room) and it really looks more like a vacation place than anything else!! Everything about the hotel is luxurious! At least maybe I will be able to relax once I get there, since I have been so uptight and stressed in the effort to get ready to leave.

After working a little overtime, I headed to Costco's to finish up the grocery shopping. I still need to go shopping for traveling snacks, but other than that I shouldn't have a grocery trip again until I get to go India style! ;-)

For dinner, it was beef strogonoff! Thanks to Edie for the amazing recipe, its become a favorite in this house hold. Its quick, easy, and delicious!

Ok well tomorrow is going to be another busy one with church and long hours at work. The good news, Mama Dee is here and has promised to fix dinner!! Gotta love it!

Sweet dreams!
Elizabeth

Day 45: Panicking Doesn't Solve Anything

2009-10-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

So I leave for India is 10 days! I can't believe how quickly time is flying by as my departure date grows closer. I'm starting to get a little stressed about all that still needs to be done before I leave. There is shopping and packing, work stuff and home stuff, and all I want to do is spend time with Devin and the puppies!

Devin's mom is here for the week to visit and help with the babies. She is actually taking them home with her on Thursday to keep them while I'm in India. Devin's schedule is so crazy, its just not fair to leave the puppies alone that much. So Grandma Dee to the rescue! The hope is that in addition to being taken incredible care of, they will come home better behaved!! Devin's mom is amazing with dogs and I know Brooks and Addy will be well taken care of, disciplined, and loved on!

Work is going well. The days are flying by as I have so much to do. I got the email today that my blackberry should be here this week. Things are coming together, but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to get everything done before I leave. I'm giving it my best effort though!!

Ok well I'm going to go back to being social with the family!

With Love,
Elizabeth

Day 44: Another Perspective Pt. 2

2009-10-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

Hello again all. This is Devin coming to you tonight from my still comfortable (but no longer new smelling) sofa! Elizabeth had such a hard day 'working' yesterday that she couldn't find the energy to blog tonight...so she asked me to continue my once a month commentary.

So, there are 11 days until my wife leaves me for another country...one that is warmer and doesn't have frost in the mornings when you walk outside. Can't say i blame her a bit! It was cold enough this morning to make me want to move to Florida. Yesterday Elizabeth had her friend Amy here from St. Louis. They spent more money that I thought was possible in the tame they had...and that was purchasing stuff on sale! Thank God she didn't decide to shop at Nordstrom's, or we'd have to leave her in India until 2020.

Seriously? she had a good time with Amy. That is until at church today some old guy went crazy in the hallway on her because I set up a table to advertise my Fall Festival (which I left her to run). Apparently, he had 'claimed' the table for something and felt like he needed to reclaim it. Some times I wonder why people go to church if they aren't even going to ACT like a Christian.
That reminds me of a story...but you'll have to talk to me in person for it, because voice and facial inflections are important to appreciate the humor in it.

Anyway, she leaves soon. Too soon if you want to know the truth. To be all alone here in the apartment for the rest of the year kinda seems like a bum deal. I mean, I'll have my new Assassins Creed 2 video game in early Nov. But video games only do so much. Not having my wonderful wife around to ignore while I'm playing it really just takes all the fun away! :-)

If you want to know the truth, I am sad that she's going, because I'll miss her and don't look forward to the holidays alone, even with great Church Family that has all promised to keep me fat and happy while Elizabeth is away. I know she doesn't like the idea either. So, why do it, you ask? Well, the answer is that sometimes God provides in ways we don't expect. And last time I checked His plans and My plans often don't exactly line up. I'm always playing catch-up trying to get myself lined up with Him. This is one of those times. In a sense, its about the money. But its not a dollar amount. I mean, if we were hard up for money I would just call my dad (hi dad!). Seriously, we're not poor (or rich!), we aren't struggling to pay bills...well, we will be now that my wife bought the entire mall, but that's beside the point.

We both want to be able to do a few things. In no particular order they are:
1)start a family. Although, I guess since we ARE married we kinda already did that. We do make a couple, ya know!
2) Get Elizabeth back into school. This requires us to pay off some other debts (cars, old student loans, etc...) so she doesn't have to work and can focus on her studies.
3) Be more supportive of our church and other ministries. We really want to support a few friends on the mission field and give strategically to the church for special projects and events.
4) Get the Condo rented out!

That last thing has nothing to do with India, but since it's STILL not rented, we are actually looking at making my wife's stay a semi-permanent one until we reach the $100,000 bonus mark... in July of 2051! (ok, not really)

Some people ask if I'm worried about her safety. I don't want to sound like a bad husband... but why should I?
'It's dangerous over there!' I am told.
Today in the KC metro area, according to the Internet and local news, there were over 200 car accidents. There were over a dozen people killed through random senseless violence. On person was hit by a car while walking their dog...the dog was ok. There were 7 home invasions and burglaries...do I really need to keep going? I mean really, should we just close I eyes, lock ourselves in a closet and not come out unless we have to pee? It's dangerous walking the dogs with frost on the ground, for heaven's sake! You get 80 lbs of puppy pulling you on slippery ground and you'll understand way.

In India, she'll have a personal escort everywhere she goes, who is trained and armed. She'll be in a secure facility to work. She'll be in a very nice hotel-which is no less safe than any hotel in Chicago, Miami, New York, or Nashville. The biggest problem she'll have is if she drinks the water! So trust me...it will be OK. I'm letting my wife go to work and get an amazing experience, I am not sending her to war in Hell with a water pistol!

Oh, and I get to go spend New Year's in India with her anyway...so really, it's all about me! :-)

Well, that's all for now. Hope you have a great month, and I'll see ya in November!

DR. K
(those are my initials, in case you are wondering!)