My first digital camera

I bought a camera. It is my first digital camera. I decided on a Waterproof/Shockproof Digital Camera with Built-in Flash.

Sealife SL321 ECOshot 6.0MP Digital Camera.

Here are some photos:

La Perouse Bay

here is my online photo gallery:

http://picasaweb.google.com/bclarkey

mY life...

so this is what I do on my day off.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=47QYJriJybI

Maui Video of my day off...

7/30/07
Back from the dead…

So a guy drowned in the pool today. His daughter saw him go to the deep end of the pool – he went down – then came up. Then went down and after about a minute - she thought he can not hold his breath that long. So her husband jumped in, pulled him up to the top of the pool then 2 guys around the pool helped get him on the pool deck. There were 2 doctors within 20 feet. They started CPR and brought him back. By the time I got there – he was lying on his side and barely breathing – but he was breathing. He then started to wake up – and the police and fire department was there in about 10 minutes. They took him to the hospital on the other side.
You go on vacation in paradise and die. That is such a crazy thing to happen.
3 physicians and a nurse within 20 feet of you when you drown. That is truly a miraculous thing…
Here is my new thinking – No one dies on my shift. That is what I hope for.

8-4
My boss told me to get a haircut. He told me on two separate occasions. I knew I had to get a haircut – so I used a #2 guard on a set of clippers and cut my own hair.

8-7
I had lunch with my boss and the yoga and Pilates instructors. It was fun – they were great to talk to and to get to know. I got a hug from each of them when lunch was over. They liked the Southern Gentleman in me :) – but were sketchy of the fact that I like surfing.
I had a managers meeting today. It is all of the Department heads of the hotel and we talk about what is going on. As it turns out, the director - of - fun is actually an executive level position. I am a department head of the hotel. Front desk, security, food and beverage, engineering, HR, sales, banquet, (and more…) & FUN.
My boss said he liked my haircut. Then he asked me what size shoe I wore. I took my shoes off and looked at the tag and told him an 11. He likes to ask people what size shoe they wear, and then he goes and buys them a pair of shoes.

Back to work tomorrow – another day at the pool.

Magical Maui...

8/22 - Today was an interesting day. 1 of our roomies had some friends over from the mainland. We took them surfing, hung out all day, invited the guy that bought a 1 way ticket to sleep on our couch in the garage (aka lanai), and next thing I know is some dude who is passed out on the couch is getting the water hose sprayed on him.
After I got done laughing (which was about 30 minutes) – I realized what was happening. One of our roomies was spraying down a drunk individual to make sure he was still alive.. He was questionable for a while. But the garden hose gave a lot of answers quickly…
I was called in to be the gentleman that made sure that the young damsel made it home safely. I was more than happy to do the job. I was grateful that I had a job. I was ecstatic that the 2 women I knew that lived in my house understood that I would be the one to make sure they made it home. Ultimately, I was the one they trusted…
I was happy! I knew I made more friends. I knew I made more friends that I could trust – because they trusted me… When the situation got tough – and you need a gentleman – who u going to call??
BRIAN!!!
It’s good to know that some things never change…

On another note…
I wonder if anyone can beat me on job title? I am the “Director of FUN” Seriously – does anyone even want to compete? I will be happy to entertain all contenders, but I am going to win in the long run… FUN is in my title!!!
Director
Of
Fun
I could not have dreamed of a better job… - yet I got it!!!
Life is such an extraordinary thing. Sometimes you dream and it comes true… Sometimes things change – but remain the same… Sometimes you have the courage to change things… and sometimes you are too scared to do anything… I know who I am – who are you?

8/23 - I was late today... My boss called & woke me up at 10AM. That is the worst feeling - being late - and your boss calling to wake u up... I hope I do not do that again. Worse even yet is talking to the owner - then him concluding by "So you had a sleeping problem today?" - My response - "Yes sir. I apologize. It will not happen again..." Enough said. End of conversation...

8/24 - I was officially named Director of FUN today!!! At the manager meeting - the owner of the company said I was the Director of Fun - and would be replacing my manager. Life is grand! (can u tell I work with some Irish chicks?)

8/25 - I got a call today from the VP of the company. He said they were working on my compensation package. He said I had not been forgotten. I said thank you.. What I really thought was - now that it has been announced that I am replacing my boss - and have been named as such - that I AM the one in control. I have the title - now they have to PAY me... Does that make since to anyone?
I think I am in a good position. I think I have room to negotiate...
I will let you know how it goes. I hope I am right.

I miss yall! I hope I can inspire you to have some "FUN" in your life. I know
I am...

8/26 - Another day at the pool… I had 2 of my Irish chicks working today. One of them told me they got a $5 tip – so I decided to make her day better. I asked her if she wanted to sit in on an activity. She had the choice between Lei making and Hula lessons. She chose lei making – and she was ecstatic that she could make lei’s for an hour, talk to guest, and get paid to do it. I was happy to make an employee happy.

I have the best job ever

Tonight I was in the lanai (aka the terrace, balcony, or in my case – the garage…) and five of us said we the best job ever. How many times have you heard that? Five people – each of them claiming that they love their job and each of them claiming they “Have the BEST job ever?” Turns out that 4 of us work at the pool at a resort at Ka`anapali. We all come home – ask how work was – and say “It was just another day at the pool…” We ALL know what the other means – we all know how the day was. How great is that?

The other chick in the lanai worked at a pizza place. NO way she wins – I worked for a pizza place for 10 years – and I KNOW that does not even come close to working at the pool….

I got my picture taken today. I am going to be on the wrap = the newspaper print that my resort places on the outside of the Maui News each morning. I am going to be claiming – that I have the BEST job ever! I am going to be endorsing my favorite activities. I am going to be in over 500 rooms a day! I smiled the whole time they were taking my picture. I KNOW I have the best job ever!!! I am the Director of FUN!!!

So – on a more serious note – you need to click on the picture from my previous post. It took a certain brother of mine over a week to figure out that if you click on the picture, you will see A LOT more… A Bra – click on the picture…

I found a link to a view of my office. You can even control the webcam and move it where you want. You can zoom in and out. You can escape your drab, dreary day at the office – and enjoy my world – just imagine another day at the pool….

THIS IS MY LIFE!!!
Amazing how you can change one thing – and change everything…
How u stay?
http://www.seehawaiilive.com/sm-cam.cfm

SO I got a package today... My brother Jon sent me some cigarettes. The box was postmarked June 6. It arrived July 14th. That is a slooow boat. I was happy to see it. Jon had given up hope - he thought it got jacked - and swore he would not send anything else. I still had hope. I knew it would arrive.. I projected positive thoughts during his negativity - and it came the next day.

He also sent me a DVD with out pictures from our vacation on it. I have a special treat for you. I picked out some of my favorites and uploaded them to the web.
I hope you enjoy my first week of vacation as much as I did....

Why I stayed in Maui....

Today was an interesting day. It was the first day that my boss was back. She asked me how it went and I gave her the book that was signed to me. She smiled and agreed. I spent the whole day in the office – more or less an internet café. I made one report (the hard way), made documents on the computer, printed them, laminated them and then posted them. It took all day.

I had lunch with my boss and 2 concierges.. The concierge sure can talk. They talked nonstop during lunch.

There was 7 weddings today – 7 weddings on July 7, 07. 7 weddings on 7.7.7. Crazy stuff huh?

I grew a new toe! 7/10/07

So I took my bandage off today. I left a Band-Aid First Aid Advanced Care band aid on for the last 2 days. This “super Band-Aid” is supposed to let bacteria out and reduce the appearance of a scar. I have to agree – it worked! I grew the end of my big toe back with it. So – when I took the band aid off – I noticed it was peeling the scab off – and then I noticed the new, baby skin that was underneath it. It was so soft it reminded me of a baby. It was so shiny, it looked like an old mans bald head. None-the-less – I was happy to have spawned a new big toe. It also made me appreciate how much dead skin I have on my toes.

Work is going well. I am in training to be the Director of FUN!!! What a great title. I never in my wildest dreams would have, or could have dreamed of putting “Director of Fun” on my resume. Like I said before, all I need is my foot in the door and I WILL succeed!!!

I opened a local bank account. I am too cheap to pay the fees if I need money. $2 here and there adds up. I would rather pay 4 bucs a month for maintenance fees than 2 each time I take money out. They offered me $7000 in a personal loan just since I opened an account. I was pre-approved – no application was needed. I declined. I could buy a car – but I am making it by on a POS jeep.

I am constantly amazed at how well the island provides you with what you need. It is an amazing thing.

• I am grateful that I grew a new toe in only a week.
• I am grateful for all of my experiences that have led me here – and for all of the experiences I have yet to create.
• I am grateful for my friends & family.

Life is good. I have a great tan. My hair is turning blonde – and it has not been blonde in 15 years – so I am pretty stoked.

Aloha!

Another day at the pool....

. So life has pretty much been work, poker, and sleep. My job is going well. I spend the whole day at the pool, talking to the guest and making sure they are happy. What a GREAT job. Last Saturday I went to the Tiki Bar next to our resort with some coworkers and had a few drinks, talked to some women and had some more drinks. When I got home, no one was around, so I went to Mulligans (the Irish pub) to have some more drinks. I borrowed a bike to get there and to get home – which in hindsight was a mistake. I made it home – but I fell off a couple of times, ran into a couple of things, and more or less cut the end of my big toe off. Yeah – it hurt. I am glad my 2 days off were spent lying around the house and sleeping. One of my roomies gave me some spray band aid, which I sprayed on my toe – and then almost passed out. I got tunnel vision and then I saw some freaky colors – it was kind of like zooming in to a picture and all you see is pixels. Needless to say – I slept all day.

The Fourth of July and fireworks were AMAZING. I walked to the beach, which is about 2 blocks away – and watched the fireworks go off over the Pacific. It was the best fireworks show that I have ever seen and it was GREAT!

I got a tip today. A lady gave me a book which she wrote and wrote on the cover page to me something along the lines of – thanks for the great service and treating me like I was the only guest in the hotel. Tell your boss you need a raise and promotion! I thought that was sweet. Turns out she is a judge. Pretty cool huh?

Sorry I have not been posting daily. I have been working, hanging out with some roomies and friends, and playing poker. I hope the mainland is treating everyone well. The island is treating me well. Aloha!

Monday Morning Bonus:

Good morning to all of my East Coast friends. I am just about to go to bed…

I trained the last 2 days for an Assistant Manager position – I am going to be enforcing the “wrist Band: policy. I get to work at the pool, and have 5 women working beneath me – that I am in charge of. This is cake- I get to talk to guest at the pool, and tell 5 women what to do!!! OOO – and I am going to Have an Assistant Manager. I am going to have my own ASSISTANT! I have always found that the best managers always hire people who are smarter than them – that way they can work less.

I am also going to hit overtime this week. I have worked 20 hours in 2 days – and I have 4 more days to go! I kind of miss riding the clock – you get to make your own hours – and when u do it right – u get paid $xtra….

I have learned to appreciate Reggae sine I have been here. My new favorite song is by Ziggy Marley – and is called a “Beach in Hawaii”. I love his whole album – maybe because “Love is my religion” – or “a Lifetime” is simply never enough to love you.

I LOVE Hawaii! I miss my friends and family – but I know that we are on a path – and this is mine. I hope that yall are brave enough to go after what you want – and that you recognize that when opportunity taps you on the shoulder – you respond – and most importantly - you ACT. Act involves doing something. Take action. Set dreams into the correct place so they become reality. What do you want? What do you wish for on your birthday? What do you HOPE comes true – but are afraid to share with anyone? What does your life hold for you? AND how will you make that come true?

Aloha!

I got PROMOTED!!!

Thursday: I had my interview for the Asst Manager of the pool deck today. I met with the Manager and HR director at 2PM. It went well, it lasted about 45 minutes. At the end, they let me know that I was meeting with the President at 3PM. I waited 15-20 minutes and then met with the Prez and owner of the company. I had some advice before I went in.

1 – Answer a question and move on. Do net dwell on it. Get right to the point and answer specifically.

2 – Do not smoke before you meet with him. Very good advise. I was glad the HR told me too….
The interview went well. I gave a little background of my career and why I was on Maui. My questions to him were:

Q1 – It seems that everyone I talk to, when your name comes up, they seem to hold you in just high regard and esteem. How did you achieve this with your employees?

Q2 – How did you get started in this business?

A1 – I doubt that everyone thinks so – but it is kind of you to say that. I think it is probably because no job is beneath me. I was out painting last night because it needed to be done.

A2 – I started by selling sunscreen. I started in Vegas and had the opportunity to go to Hawaii – and then I cam to Maui and was selling sunscreen at the resort.

Friday: I went snorkeling with Paul and Holly today. We went to Honolua Bay – and met one of the curators of the land. He told us that there were dolphins out there swimming today – and he told us that there was a white turtle on the left side that had turned white because of old age. It is estimated that he is 250 -300 years old. All of our jaws dropped. That is simply amazing that any creature can live that long. Let alone in the wild ocean - where getting eaten by a shark is a real possibility - especially to a turtle..

The water was clear – and we heard the dolphins, but we did not see them. We saw 5 turtles lying together. It was pretty cool.

I got the job as an Assistant Manager – I will be working on the pool deck making sure the people who use the pool are registered guest and giving them armbands. I will also be teaching snorkeling lessons and leading other activities for the guest. Basically my job is making sure the guests are happy and hang out with them at the pool. And hiring, firing, scheduling of my co-workers. Pretty cake huh? I get PAID to hang out at the pool. I start tomorrow and am probably on the fast track to a promotion. Pretty good for working 2 days huh :) All I need is my foot in the door and I create my own opportunities. If I can’t – then it is time to move on.

Today was also recycling day. We make 5 cents for each can, plastic or glass bottle we recycle and take to the redemption center. We always buy beer with our proceeds and share with everyone in the house. We made $18 today. It was 9 days worth of recyclables. We bought a12 packs of Natural Light and 2x12 packs of Natty Ice. Last week we made $32 for over 2 weeks of recyclables. We bought 2x24 packs of Keystone Light last week and a pack of rollies – rolling papers and tobacco to roll your own cigarette.

ALOHA & MAHOLO!!!

BIG compani@$&k

So here is my new thought… Big Corporations suck. They are too big to take care of all the things (both big and small) to be reactive to the ever changing world in which they operate. They negate the small things so they naturally negate the important decisions, - such as to who is the right candidate to hire. Take me for instance…. All I need is my foot in the door – and I will succeed. I will surpass everyone’s expectations. I will show that you are grateful that someone with my talents, ability, education, people skills and street smarts – walked through your door and wanted a job with your company. I will make you look more competent than you are because I am smart. I have always known that the difference between a good & GREAT Manager is the people they hire. A GREAT Manager always hires people who he KNOWS is smarter than them. He knows that his employee will him look good – if not great!
Here is my current situation. I am a cabana boy @ BAM. I went into my interview with my roommate – who had his ID stolen – and does not have any form of identification – but he is from NY. He dropped out of high school at 15. He previously worked at a cook in 2 restaurants here in Lahaina. He is a great guy and good friend. WE both had our interview at the same time – so that we could start working within the week and make some $$$. I then had an interview with a Manager that was one on one, was all she was looking for and then some. She even told me so – twice… I showed up and started working after talking to the VP – who said he wanted me to meet with the President. I talked to the manager today who said that she wanted to meet with me and the HR director tomorrow. I called the VP today before I talked to the manager – and got his voicemail. I left a message and I did not get a chance to talk to check my messages until 6 tonight. He said he defiantly wanted to meet. I returned the call and said I was planning to be at the office tomorrow and meeting with the manager and HR guy – so let me know if that was a good time for him. I think it transpired pretty well – how about you. Here I am willing to work as a cabana boy doing physical labor – and I am SO over-qualified… Is that not the employee you want to hire? So I am meeting with the manager, HR, VP and President tomorrow. Pretty good for 2 days on the job huh?
AND that my friends, is the rest of the story as to why big corporations suck.
Wish me luck!!!
PS here is the impersonal letter that I got after going to an interview with a Fortune 500 company..

Dear (My name)
Thank you for applying for the position of MIS Manager-LAH000047 (Hyatt Hotel Properties/Hyatt Regency Maui Resort). After careful consideration of your application, we regret to inform you that you have not been selected for this position. We will retain your profile in our database and inform you of jobs matching your criteria if you selected this option. We also invite you to visit our web site regularly and apply online to other jobs that may interest you.We thank you for your interest in Hyatt and wish you all the best in your career. Best regards,Human Resource Department

Human resources department? I never talked to the hr department. I talked to the Engineer of the entire resort. I talked to him in person for 2 hours. I even called and thanked him for interviewing me – and re-expressed my interest in the position. I NEVER talked to the HR department – why are they sending me an email? Is it because the guy I actually meet choose not to hire me? I can accept that. I would welcome that. What I do not accept is some random letter from HR blowing smoke…

I am truly grateful that small companies appreciate what comes their way - and are willing to take a chance. I am grateful when someone gives me just enough rope – to choose my own destiny. I know the outcome – and they are smart enough to give me a chance and watch me make them look smart. All I need is foot in the door….

Aloha & happy summer solstice. Today is the longest day of the year! It is also my brother’s anniversary – HAPPY ANIVERSARY to my brother and sister! I love yall – and I will see you soon!

Aloha!

Ya Ya – I know I have not posted in a while. My Bad. To tell you the truth – I was tires of writing. I have been going to bed early (some nights) and blogging was not on the top of my list of things to do. So here are some highlights:
I quit my job as an OPC (Outside Public Contact). I got tired of working for free. I worked 10 days and made roughly $65. That comes out to $6.50 a day, or 92 cents an hour. I know I am worth more than that – so I just didn’t show up for work one day.
I got a new job as a cabana boy working for Beach Activities of Maui. Yesterday was my first day. It went pretty smooth. I spent most of the day trying to look like I was busy. The other part of the day was digging in the sand setting up umbrellas and carrying chairs to the people who rented them. The part that was really tough was dragging the cabanas in after people left for the day. I have to tell you that yesterday was probably my first day actually working for a living. I have never sweated so much or done so much manual labor in a day of working. It was not too bad. What really sucked was the diaper rash. It was hard to walk and painful. I learned an important lesson – always carry baby powder with me.
The upside of my new job is that I have interviewed for other positions in the company – an Assistant Manager position that will basically involve walking around the pool, talking to guest, and doing activities like teaching snorkeling, bocci ball, cliff jumping, etc. I had an interview with the Manager of the position last week – and it went extremely well. I am meeting with the President of the company tomorrow – and I hope that goes well too. I know it will…
Last week I took the bus to the other side (of the island) to go to Walmart with some of my housemates. I had to get some white shoes for my job as a cabana boy. We spent 22 minutes inside Wal-Mart – and the bus ride was 3 hours!. That was a long day!
The Irish invasion has begun. It seems that Hawaii has a worker visa program for Irish kids where they come to Maui and work for the summer. So there are about 300 Irish kids in Lahaina for the summer. I met 2 girls that I work with and they told me they had 30 roommates in a 4 bedroom house. They said that rent was roughly $120 each per week. That comes out to $3600 a week for the house – or $14,400 per month. Does any one think that rent here is expensive?
I hope everyone is doing well. I am having a great time and enjoying my new life in Maui. Talk to yall soon.

The last 2 days

Thursday:
I had my interview today. It was at a hotel/ resort at Ka’anapali. I showed up a little early (as normal) and stood in the lobby. I had no idea who to looks for, but I had my portfolio so I was hoping I would stand out. I was truly impressed by the resort. It was more or less Embassy Suites style with an open interior and lobby – and no it was not the Embassy Suites. I noticed 2 guys come out of a door – and I knew it was them. They talked for a couple of minutes, then they noticed me – because of my portfolio. We started walking towards each other at the same time and after introductions were made – I joked that I was hoping to stand out because of my portfolio (leather covered legal notebook holder.) We got some coffee and made chit chat and they let me know that the interview was very informal, and that we all would have a chance to ask questions. I was happy to hear that – but I kind of all ready knew it was the most informal interview I had ever had, because we were all in Aloha shirts – and it was my first interview that I had not been in a full suit. I sure do like the Hawaiian spirit – no suit and ties – just a Hawaiian shirt. I did notice that they had their shirts tucked in, which I had never seen – but I made a mental note of it….

The interview went well – I was impressed. The previous IT manager had the philosophy of “do not call the IT department – because I will NOT fix it.” So needless to say, he did not EVER get any support calls. That is defiantly one way to reduce the number of calls to the IT department. Not my way – but it is one way to do it… I learned a lot – and things were going well – I told a couple of stories of my career highlights – including being asked to stay in London for 2 weeks because I was liked so much and was so good with the users. In hindsight, this was an EXCELLENT story – because they in turn told me more about what they wanted and needed – and it seemed to fit everything I had just told them. It was not like they told me what hey wanted and I rebutted with what I had done. I talked first – and then they told me were looking for. I think it went well. I know tend to say that on all my jobs, but I REALLY hope I get this job. I know it would be a challenge, but I also know that I would have some freedom to do things to improve the IT support, infrastructure for both the hotel and the corporation. I really hope I get this job. I hope everyone wishes me well and thinks ALL positive thoughts! I know if enough people think positively, then the universe has no choice but to respond….

After my interview, I went to Puamona Beach and just watched the waves and appreciated the beauty of Maui. I am so grateful that I live here. I am grateful to be able to enjoy the beach, waves and the mountains. I sat at the beach for at least 20 minutes, just being thankful and grateful for the opportunity to live in just a wonderful place as MAUI!!!! Maui No Kai Oi!!!
So about 10 AM I was back home and wondering what I was going to do on my day off – I figured either snorkeling or surfing was in my future – and it was. Jason – one of roommates, wanted to do something – so I said lets go snorkeling – to which he agreed, We got Eric (another roomy) to go with us. We ended up going to Honolua Bay up north. Neither of them had been there, so I was excited for them and for me to be taking them. Eric has been here 3 and a half years, and had seen much of the island (he later told me that the had seen more of the island in the last couple of weeks than he had ever seen – this made me happy – I was glad to show him the island and let him know what I knew of it.) If yall remember, Honolua Bay is one my favorite spots to snorkel, but it is a LONG swum back once you are done. Eric had only been snorkeling twice – once with me at Red Sand beach, and one other time. After we swam out – Jason and I were together and asked where Eric was – and I thought it was a good idea to go swim with him since he was not too comfortable. I tried to share with him some of my secrets of snorkeling – and I felt better knowing he was not alone. He was not too comfortable diving down deep because of the pressure in his ears – so I told him what to do – and tried to dive down and make him feel better. He pointed out a quarter on the bottom and challenged me to get it – so I did – and then I hung out on the bottom to show it to him before I swam up. We saw 5 turtles chilling on the bottom and is always great to see such a magnificent creature. After my whole hand was wrinkly – I told Jason and Eric that I was going in. On the way in, I dove down 20-25 feet to touch the bottom (and to try to make Eric feel more comfortable diving down.) I made it to the bottom – and had to go up immediately – I NEEDED a breath and kicked HARD to get up and get one. I was grateful when I breached the surface and took a long deep breath…. We swam to shore and left after drying off. What a beautiful day – I saw blue coral, turtles, puffer fish, a mini rain forest, parrot fish, coronet fish, tangs and more fish that I do know the names of yet.

Friday:
I woke up this morning and Jason was outside. He wanted to go surfing – so I said lets go… Jason, Eric, Paul and I all went surfing. Now I have been surfing a couple of times, but the paddling is tough. I am doing something wrong because I paddle, paddle, paddle and do not seem to go any where. I am tired by the time I get out – and today there were hardly any waves, so it was not too much fun – other than the upper body workout. I like waves. I like when the waves are plentiful. I like when the waves are plentiful. Today was not one of those days.

I worked today. I was at a different booth and there was more traffic so it was a better day. I still did not sell anything, but I am starting to pick up on what I need to do. I had a couple of opportunities today of people who knew it was timeshare promotion and did not have a problem it. I now know that I need to close them. I need to wave my magical wand in front of them and do what it takes to get them to agree. I need to close. I need to ABC it. ALWAYS BE CLOSING!!! This is my first time in sales – and I am learning. I am learning that sometimes I need to apply pressure in order to close it. Pressure – while at the same time selling the benefits of why they should agree. I get it. A sale is different. I need to hook ‘em and close ‘em. Today was a good day. I learned that I need to take advantage of the situation – especially when they are on the hook.
It rained tonight. It rained for about 20 minutes. It was the most rain I have seen in Lahaina in 6 weeks. I enjoyed it.. I always like the rain – it is peaceful. I hope everyone has a good day on the mainland. I am going to Haleakala tomorrow with Eric. It is a 10,000 foot volcano – the highest point on Maui. It is a moon like landscape, so it should be interesting.

Aloha!

My interview adventure

I took the “push mobile” to the other side (aka the other side of the island) today for my interview. I had one of my roommate go with me for security sake. We made it to Wally World (aka WalMart) so I could get some dress shoes so I looked professional for my interview. Eric and I went in to Wally World and did some shopping, then came out and hopped in the Jeep. She did not start. We waited 5 minutes then tried again and still no start. After 10 more minutes, time was getting tight, so we started walking to see if I could find a car rental place. LUCKILY, No Kai Oi Moters (roughly translates to The Best or #1) was across from Wally World. I was excited because that was were J&J and me got a rental car when we first came on vacation & I knew it would be cheap. They had a car – 96 Toyota Tercel for $115 a week. I took it. It is defiantly a Maui cruiser, but it starts on demand and runs well. We proceeded to Haiku and were about 45 minutes early and found the company that I had an interview with so we decided to go in the local grocery store that was in the same building as the company as I had an interview with. There was a Hot blonde walking in as we were walking in and I could not help but to notice her. I went to get some water – and she was there again. I went to the deli to get a sandwich – and she was there again. I went to cash out and she was standing in front of me. Someone called out her name, and I asked if she worked at the company I was interviewing with – and she was. I introduced myself and told her I had an interview with her at 1PM. She looked at me like I was crazy. I then asked if there was another “same name” at the company and she said yes. Surprisingly, she turned around and said – that is her… So I introduced my self to her. She replied, “I was so impressed with you resume that I figured you would be in a suit and tie…” I explained that I would be, and was early on purpose and had a change of clothes in the car.
After lunch, a bathroom break and changing clothes in the parking lot – I went to the office and asked for her. I was told that there was an application to fill out, and then Lisa would meet with me. I filled out the application, turned it in, and then we met at the picnic table outside. It was an easy interview and she expressed her concerns that 1 – I did know about Hawaiian art and 2) I did not know about pre-process color printing. To make a long story short – I have never been so happy not to get a job. She told me her concerns and was honest. She was SO VERY nice and HONEST that I was grateful. She gave me the name of a recruiter she used and suggested that I contact him. She also suggested that I contact some other companies and said that if I had any questions, concerns or just needed to talk – to PLEASE call her. I have never been on an interview where I knew I was not going to get the job and been so HAPPY and GRATEFUL to meet someone who really cared and wanted to help! I was also happy to hear that she was impressed with my resume (that is always good to hear :)
After the interview, Eric & I took the long road back. We Went to Wailuku to see if Eric could get an ID and so that I could get a Social Security Card so I could get paid for being an OPC. I successfully applied for my card, and Eric successfully got denied on his ID. Next we went to Iao Valley since he had not been there. (Ioa Valley was the last hold out of the Maui warriors when King Kamhemaha unified the islands of Hawai’i.) The coolest part of that trip (other than the fact Eric never had been there) was seeing a native Hawaiian jump from the 30-50 foot bridge into 6-8 feet of water. I was truly amazed – and grateful to see it.
We went back to Wally world to see if the push mobile would start – and we could not get the freaking door open. There was no way I was going to drive it if I could not get out in an emergency and was about to abandon it -when the door opened. Luckily, we made it back safely with me driving the push mobile and Eric driving the rental (that I have for a week).
Wish me luck on my interview tomorrow – it is THE job I want…
Aloha & Mahalo!

Day 2 in a booth as an OPC

Today was my second day in a booth as an OPC (Outside Public Contact). I had 1 guy that was interested in some activities for his family of 5 – and even mentioned that he was interested in buying some properties – but he wanted to drive by the resorts to check them out before he would book the activities. That was the best lead of the day. I spent the other 6 hours and 45 minutes saying ALOHA to try to get people to come over and talk. I had a party of 4 that was from Sydney, Australia (who did not qualify) that was looking for a helicopter tour. There is one company that only comps you if you book a tour, so I tried and tried – but they did not book at retail – they wanted to look around. I had another young couple from California who did not qualify – and I informed them of the best way to save money on activities (answer yes to all the questions that the agent asks.) So I sat in a booth for 7 hours and did not sell a thing. I felt A LOT better when the manager told me that only 1 tour had been booked.

I know it is only day 2 in a booth as an OPC, but I am beginning to question if this whole commission thing is for me. I am quite happy making a set hourly wage – but showing up and filling a booth and making ZERO – I question that… I have also discovered that I do not miss working – I miss making money $$$

I took the Jeep out for a drive today to see what would happen. One of my roommates wanted to go to McDonald’s – so he came with me. I was glad to have a passenger in the car (so if it died he could push it out of the way…) I am glad he went. We were at McDonald’s drive thru – next in line to get our food – and it stalled. He pushed me to the drive thru window to get the food – then we pushed it to side in order to not block the 1 lane drive thru. While we were waiting (which normally helps for the POS – aka Piece Of Shit) to start – I saw one of my managers from LTC come out. I was kind of embarrassed, but I explained the situation. He said it was probably something simple – and let me tell you that was a HUGE relief – since we both obviously know JACK about cars. After about 5 minutes (time for Eric to eat a double cheeseburger – and time for me to smoke) old Stall-out-er started. I knew how to drive her now. When you slow down – put her in Neutral, left foot on the brake, right foot on the gas. NO EXCEPTIONS!!! Otherwise – you will pay – and how long you have to wait to restart is up to her. I created my lovely Jeep Cherokee Sport a new nickname today. I was pretty impressed it with it – and I had only had < 1 drink. THE PUSH MOBILE. What do you think? I think it fits my JEEP perfectly. You never know when it will die and have to push it. I think it is also best to be on the buddy system – have someone riding shotgun so if she dies, you have some one to push it. Granted, I do have to get out to let the buddy out (because the passenger side door hinge was not welded properly – or is that re-welded?) Now you can get in and open the passenger side door – but you run the risk of not having a door if it falls off the hinge. So I tend to leave it to my passengers as to what is more important – crawling over the drivers seat to get in & out – or rolling the dice and possibly not having a door on your side. Take your chance – I don’t care. The worse case for me is that my door falls off and I put the door in the trunk. The worst case for you is you are riding shotgun with no door… Either way – I have a door protecting me :)
From my research on the internet – the fuel filter is not the problem, because it only happens at idle, and or slow speed – which is the exact opposite of the cause of clogged fuel filter. If anyone has suggestions, then please, PLEASE let me know…

I saw the sunset tonight. There was a huge cloud that the sun went behind, then reappeared before it went down. There were also clouds on the horizon, so no green flash tonight… Although, it was the first time that I REALLY appreciated the mountains (and the clouds that were being accented by the setting sun.) Which taught me an important lesson – when you are enjoying the sunset (or anything beautiful) never forget to do a 180 and look behind you – it may be more magnificent than what you are looking at…
MAHALO!!!!

My adventure driving my Jeep for the first time...

I had an adventure today… I become a certified OPC (Outside Public Contact) – aka Activities salesman. I start in a booth tomorrow. I went in @ 10 AM – and I had finished my test by 12:30 – so I had most of the day free – so I decided to get brakes and rooters on my cruiser. The main reason I decided this is because I have an interview at a company on Tuesday on the other side of the island. I am excited – I hope I get it. I would be in charge of the outsourcing to India and get to travel back and forth to India and Maui. I think it sounds interesting – I can’t wait to learn more. Speaking of India, was there a Seinfeld episode that George went to India and did not go pee the whole time he was there?

Any way – I have been on way too many interviews with no offers to get too excited – back to my adventure… I have owned but not driven my Jeep for about a week or so now, so I decided to take her to the other side (Kahului) to get her some new shoes. She started right up and I hit the highway. Every thing was fine till I cam to the first stop light about 3 miles down the road. I put on the brakes to stop – and she died. She would not start up for about 3 minutes – so I had a nice little line of traffic behind me. I knew the brakes were bad – but I made it to Midas. That is I found the way to the shop – turned on the street to get in to the shop – then she stalled again and would not start. Luckily I parked her on the street – and figured I was at a garage which was a good thing. When the mechanic went out to start her up, she would not start. He came back and asked if there was a trick – and I said NO. He told me to start it up and bring it into the garage. I turned the key and she started right up so I thought the dude was crazy. Then I went to flip a bitch (aka U turn) and she died and would not start. After 5 minutes – I got her started and went into the parking lot to turn around and she died again. It took 10 minutes before she would start again. I got the Jeep over to the shop and they proceeded to replace the rooters and brakes. This is where things got interesting….

I drive here out of the shop and make it 3 blocks down the street and she stalled and would not start. A Hawaiian and a paramedic (in an ambulance!) got out of there cars to push me into a parking lot. I was grateful. Extremely Grateful. She still would not start – so I looked under the hood and saw nothing (since I am not a mechanic…) – then I noticed the left rear tire. It did not look quite right – so I looked at the other tires. Much to my surprise, the idiots had NOT replaced the LUG NUTS on the back tire!!!! My tire had fallen off!!!! I walked the 3 blocks to the shop and asked if they had taken the back tire off to check the rear brakes. The manager said yes – and then I informed him that they had not replaced the lug nuts. He apologized and sent a mechanic down with a jack in his truck to fix it. So here we are, in a truck with a jack and a lug nut wrench and I am missing 5 lug nuts. Can u guess what happens next? He takes 1 lug nut from each of the wheels to replace the nuts on the wheel that has fallen off. Did any one see that coming? I know I did. I then follow him to NAPA so he can buy some replacement nuts. They only had 4. So Jeff the mechanic bought them then we went to the shop so u could use the air gun. He got them on – and then my little Jeep would not start. After about 5 minutes – she started. So I headed home on the other side of the island. I do have to confess that I did learn a new way to drive an automatic car today – I learned that when I saw a stop light to put it in neutral, give her gas with the right foot and brake with the left. It was quite the adventure…. After a couple of more stall outs, I made it home…

I am grateful that I did not get hurt by not having any lug nuts on my tire.
I am grateful that no one else got hurt.
I am grateful that I was not on the mountains when the tire came off.
I am grateful that a native Hawaiian and a paramedic in an ambulance pushed me into the parking lot. THANK YOU so very much!!!

I guess I am going to have to rent a car to get to my interview on Tuesday…

After I got home – I realized that I should probably be mad – or have gotten mad – but I didn’t. I have yet to get mad on this island. Instead of being mad – I was thankful that no one got hurt. Maybe if you can control your attitude you can do miraculous things… I was happy to have made it home safely (and in my Jeep.)
Aloha!

Memerial Day Photos

Jim, Eric, Jason, Julio, Paul (me taking picture:)

RAINBOW on the west side Maui mountains. It always appears there @ about 4PM every day.

Another day of training to be an OPC

I have been slack on posting lately. I know that. Part of it is because I have made friends at the house. I come home and rather than type – I hang out with my houseies (aka roomies.) I apologize – but sometimes I play poker, sometimes I have a few beverages- and sometimes I just don’t give a fuck…

Today was interesting – I showed up at work @ 2 PM (which I had been told) and waited out front till 3 fucking 30. Now I have to tell you that I am ALWAYS on time, with one exception – I was purposely late for 1 year at a previous job because I was trying to get fired. I was at least 30 minutes late very day for a year – and NO ONE said anything. Not a thing…. The way I figured it, was if no one cared enough to say anything, then why should I show up on time? I stretched it sometimes – I was 1 and a half hours late a couple times. I received a call once – which I had honestly overslept. But it was still no big deal.

So for an employer to make me wait 1:30 on a training day – was totally unacceptable. I thought about walking many, many times – but I did not… We had computer training when the ‘manager’ was ready. I was about 8 feet Away from the 19” monitor, and I learned it. Cake. Software is all about playing and figuring it out. I did this for a living - so I have a pretty good idea of what I am talking about. I found 4 bugs in the system in 20 minutes. It is written in VB (aka Visual Basic) so I understand the limitations…

We had 3 = 30 minutes breaks after the training started… After the last break around dinner time – I was told to go ride a booth (go watch what an OPC = Outside Public Contact – which is my new title….) during the shift. Basically that boils down to sitting in the booth and either jerking it or cat calling the tourist. I was glad I landed with a dude who preferred to sit back with his feet on the desk and wait for tourist to approach. We had 1 couple come up that wanted some activities. He managed to talk to them for 45 minutes – 35 of it was after they learned it was timeshare. He did an excellent job – I was impressed. He took BS and SSLLOOWW talking to a whole new level (but it did make me realize how desperate some people are for human contact and an interesting story…) While the happy couple was at the booth – a couple came up to me and asked about the $20 snorkel trip. It was good for me to practice on them since they were from Germany and had NO chance of getting the discounted price. Now I understand the importance of asking “where ya’ll from? Question… I can immediately tell them how the “promotions” work on Maui. You have to own a home – and make 50K+ a year. So the couple ended up walking after :45 minutes. He confessed to me later that he had all the feelings of regret – If I would have done this – or that they would have booked it. It is always good to hear the thoughts of doubt coming from someone else – we all have the same thoughts running in our head after rejection – but it always comforts me to know that other people have them too… We ALL do – we hate being told no. We hate not getting what we want… But to hear someone else EXPRESS it – makes me feel better. – it makes me know that I am human – and that hindsight is 20/20.

I am still curious as to how I will do on commission only. It is SCARY - but also exciting. I wonder which thought in my mind is going to wind up winning the battle??? Or will FREE activities win me over??? Time shall tell – and I will let u know…

I am Grateful for the friends I have met…
I am Grateful for the opportunity to take a chance…
I am Grateful to live on an island…
I am Grateful for my family, extended family (that I do not see too often) and for my mainland friends….
I am Grateful that I am an excellent saver…
I am Grateful for beer (and alcohol) – it is proof that GOD wants us to be happy… (Benjamin Franklin)
I am Grateful for the Plumeria tree in my front yard…
I am Grateful to live everyone’s dream..
I am Grateful for family & friends coming to visit (even though it has not happened yet….)
I am Grateful for life…

Mahalo!

I am so Grateful...

I have noticed that a lot of my friends have a habit of saying "I am so Grateful...."

It is always amazing as to what people are greatful for. Some people are greateful for a ride home, some for moving to Maui, some for life - and on it goes. What I think is the amazing part is that people are also grateful for the hardship they have endured. They could have been through the most un-imaginable thing you and I could both think of - and they are thankful that have had it so easy. They are greatful that they had it easy and that things are not worse.

I have learned to smile and appreciate what friends choose to share with you well they say "I am so grateful." You never can predict how the sentence will conclude - or what an individual is happy about.

So to everyone who is reading this - I am GRATEFUL for all of you in my life. I am grateful for the happy times we have shared and for the times we WILL share. I am Grateful to be alive and living in Maui. I am grateful for all the experiences I have enjoyed and all that I have yet to experience. I am grateful for friends.

Mahalo!

So what are you grateful for?

Resort Promotion... day 1 on the job....

SO I showed up for my first day on the job as a "resort promtionalist" - aka time share activities salesman. So my job is to sell activities to tourist who are qualified. And in return I am well compensated. And by well compensated, I mean that I can take a cut into my commissions in order to sell more activities. I have never worked/ lived on commission alone - so I am willing to see what it is about. Maybe I will kick ass and sell a butt load - and make the other "independent contractors" eat it - maybe I will choke from the pressure - but I am up for the challenge. 30 days in the commission business may do me well. Maybe I can cut it - maybe I can't - but the busy season is coming up (aka SUMMER) - so lets see what happens. I have already talked to a couple of my "enterprising" roomies - and some seem as if they can help. I am always willing to kick some back to make some more...

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!!

some of you celebrated by camping, some of you drank at home - while I started a new job - on commission only!!! This is a leap for me. But I figure the one thing Front Street is missing is a dude from the South saying "Aloha!!!" to the tourists. How can you not love a Southerner who has embraced the Aloha spirit?
O -O - O - & I get to do activities for free. - aka COMP. aka complimentary. So while you are dreaming of taking a helicopter ride - or going to a Luau, or biking down the volcano - or taking an off road ATV ride - I WILL BE!!!! HA-HA. So who is going to be the first to visit me? Who wants to go on the adventure of a lifetime - FOR FREE??? I got a $100 for the first friend/ family member that takes me up on it... I am trying to bribe y'all... Who is the lucky one??? Who is the brave one??? Who misses me the most??? :)

I miss you all - please come visit - some of you have wanted to come to Hawai'i your whole lives - some of you have dreamed it years - some of you WANT an excuse to escape the rat race.. SO DO IT!!!

A couple more days in Paradise...

SO I took the weekend off. I decided not to blog any. So here is what has been happening:
Thursday - I went surfing. Paddling sure is tough. I made some muscles sore that I did not even know I had. The top of my stomach (top row of my six pack - if I had a 6 pack.) and my shoulders. Needless to say - I did not stay out too long.

Friday - good question - what did I do on Friday - Oh yeah - I got a job. I am going to be selling activities - aka resort promotion - aka timeshare. It was the easiest interview I have ever had. Basically it went like this:
Boss: Do you have any sales experience?
Me: Nope.
Boss: Well we like to give people a chance - and you have the "boy next door" look - so when can you start.
Me: Monday.
Boss: See you Monday at 3.

Saturday: I woke up early today (9:30) and went and watched the Parade from the International Festival of Canoes. It is amazing what the carvers accomplished in 2 weeks. They went from a 5 foot wide tree log to a canoe. My favorite part of the festival was the Tahitian dancers. They really could shake it. I could have watched them all day. I ran into David and Maile at the parade. It is always good to see people you know.
In the afternoon we went to Baby Beach. Some one was having a party and their was a DJ - so it turned out to be pretty fun. On the way to the beach, I blew a tire on my bike, so we ended up driving to the other end of Lahaina. We went to Moose's (bar) after the beach - and I had a wee bit too much to drink - but I had fun. I ended up hitting on some girl who had a boyfriend - but I got her number - so I guess I did something right...

Sunday - recovery day from Saturday. Played poker again and lost. I think I may need to change my strategy because I keep losing...

Monday - I woke up and went surfing with some roomies. I managed to paddle out OK. My muscles were not sore - so it was fairly easy to get out. It was kind of crowded and not many waves, but I managed to catch one on my knees, one on one knee and one foot up and the last one I managed to stand up, but my little piggies were bent the wrong way, so I fell. I have to tell you that surfing is addictive. You always want one more wave. One more good set to roll in. I can't wait to go again. I also understand the whole surfer body thing too - It is quite a workout. I am sitting around waiting to go to work. I have to go in at 3. I wonder if there is going to be any training or if they are just going to put me in booth on Front Street. Guess I will see - and I will be sure to let you know how it goes...

Aloha - I hope everyone has a wonderful day....

I bought a beater - and went surfing

May 23
I went to Honolua Bay with Paul today and went snorkeling. It was incredibly murky. You had to swim out about 200 yards before it got clear. You could still see the reef and the blue coral- but I have seen it on better days. We saw 2 turtles on the reef. One of them was just chilling underwater – and the other one was swimming. I followed him for a little bit. It sure is cool to swim around a turtle. Watching them move is interesting.
An interesting thing happened after the sunset. I went to Foodland to by a 30 pack of beer so I could save $11. I put it in my backpack and peddled home. It was heavy. Then – Paul’s chain broke – so I had to tow him home. So here I am carrying a 30 pack of beer and towing Paul and his bike. It was quite a workout. I was sweating profusely. The beer sure help cool me down:)

May 24
I woke up today and Jason – one of my housemates – was knocking on my door. He got the title to a Jeep he bought – and sold it to me. Yep – I now own a Maui cruiser. I am the proud owner of a 1993 Jeep Cherokee, 2 Door, Blue, with 114K miles. I have to have the breaks changed, and get her registered, but I own a beater.
I went surfing today. There are 2 boards in the garage – 1 that no one knows whose it is – and the other is Jason’s. So me and Paul took them out today to see if we could surf. Paddling sure is hard. I kept paddling and paddling and it felt as if I was going no where. My first wave was kind of big – and I ended up going over the nose when the wave broke and flipped the board over. I did a couple of underwater flips then came to the surface. I think it was a good thing because I am not afraid to go after the bigger waves. I rode the next wave with one foot up and on a knee. It was a fun ride, but paddling back out sucked. IT IS HARD!!! So I never stood up today– but that will come.
I watched the sunset at BreakWall. It is a rock wall that protects the Lahaina harbor and it has some pretty good waves for surfers. The colors in the sky were beautiful.

I know I have been a little slack – I did not post in the last two days. No need to worry – I am fine, just been a little lazy and did not want to edit my pictures.
Sunday I went to Black Rock snorkeling. It was very merky. You could not see more than 3 feet while you were on the surface. When you dove down, you could see a little bit further, but not much. So I was out swimming and noticed a school of fish beneath me. I dove down in to them and they swam away. As I was about to come up, I saw something huge in front of me. It was a turtle that was about 3 feet away from me and he was coming to the surface. It kind of freaked me out, but when I realized it was a turtle, and he was not swimming towards me, I calmed down. It was neat to see him so close. Nothing like seeing something big in the water – then realizing you are OK.
I watched the sunset at Black Rock. It was cloudy. After the sun goes down, the sailboats come in and land on the beach. It is fun to watch all the tourists that are on the boat try to get off. I especially enjoy seeing the ones that are dressed up and then they are surprised when they get wet because a wave come in and crashes on the beach. A little humor for me at sunset is a good thing.
Monday I went to Baby Beach. I met some of my housemates there and had a good afternoon. I went to Mala ramp to watch the sunset. I am sure you can see the collapsed pier in the pictures.
I have been playing poker with my housemates at night. The stakes are normally 5 bucs, so it is not too steep. I have been on the island 30 days now, and in the house about 22 or so – and I have not won Hold’em once. Well I finally won last night. I won $10 - then I lost it on the next game. Oh well easy come easy go…. Sometimes you get the cards and sometimes you don’t.

May 19 Hawai'i Sunset

Another day in paradise! I went to the beach (505 Front Street) and found a lounge chair. It was the first time I had laid in a lounge chair on the beach and I have to tell you, I highly recommend it. I think I finally got some sun on my stomach and chest. I also pulled up my board shorts and got some sun on the white part of my thighs. I can feel the burn now…
Today was my Dad’s 60th Birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! I wish I could have been there to help you celebrate. I am drinking Coors Light tonight just for you. ($10.99 for a 12 pack) I also talked to my Granddad and he was talking about coming out to visit. I hope he does. I would LOVE that! That would be an amazing time for the both of us.

I talked to a couple of friends today – and for the most part everyone is VERY supportive. They are jealous and wish that they could/ would have moved to a tropical paradise. I always ask what is stopping them? If you want something – go and get it – go and do it. Life is short – you might as well live where you want and do what you want to do. The ones that are a little less understanding – are just worried for me. They are afraid that I have jumped off the deep end and are scared that this is something that is irrational and that I have not thought through. BELIEVE me – I have thought it through. I know why I am here. I know what I must do in order to live and survive. I am smart enough to survive – and get ahead. I have always heard that if you make it in New York City – you can make it anywhere. Well, to me, if I can make it in Maui, Hawaii then I KNOW I can make it anywhere. I believe in abundance and there is plenty of abundance and opportunity in Hawaii. I am grateful for the chance and opportunity! I do miss my friends – but I am also making some great new friends and learning A LOT.

SO back to me… I have am down 2 notches on my belt. I will have to punch another hole in it soon. I have lost about 20 pounds in weight. It is amazing what the sun and exercise will do for you. I have a great tan. My knees are the darkest part of me. They got burned when I went SCUBA diving with Jon & Jan. I rode in the front of the boat and got burned. I got burned so bad that J&J went to get me Aloe and a pint of rum to help with the burn. The rum was for my inside – the aloe for the outside… I am not sure which one worked better – but it worked most excellently. I put on 15 SPF sunscreen today and I think I get more sun when I use sunscreen than when I do not. If someone can explain that – then I would love to hear the answer.
The crescent moon is next to the planet Venus tonight. I always love when the moon is next to a planet. I watched the sunset at 505 Front Street. Clouds were on the horizon – but it was pretty. I hope you enjoy the pictures. I know I did! Aloha!

Oh - and by the way - I have a new bitch in my life. She is a sweaty pie. She is brown and sure likes to use her tounge. Nothing like wet kisses... She is so FOXY!!! I thought yall may like to see a picture of her - so here she is...

This is FOXY Brown. She was the landlords dog - but he moved out and can't have dogs - so I think of her as a "house dog". She is a good dog. Every one loves her. I like her rhinestones :) I think she is a little sweet on me...

May 18 Hawaii Sunset

Another pretty sunset. Clouds on the horizon so I have still yet to see the "green flash". http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/atmos/redsun.html

I played horseshoes on the beach as the sunset. I ended up winning. I threw 2 ringers and 1 leaner. It always feels good to win no matter what you are playing.
Not much to write about today. I am going to bed early. Enjoy the sunset:)

The Crescent moon did not turn out so well. It kind of looks more full than crescent and a little blury too.

May 17, 2007

Lahina at night:

THE Banyon Tree:

I went to the beach today. I decided I am not dark enough – so I need some more color. I also shave off my goatee. While I was at 505 Front Street I noticed they brought chairs out to the sand. That can only mean one thing – someone was getting married. They asked the other people on the lounge chairs to move, but since I was on the opposite side and I was lying on the sand, they left me alone. It was a small ceremony. 8 chairs on each side with about 4 people standing. It was a beautiful ceremony. Their were 2 Hawaiians – one was the minister who united the happy couple in matrimony and the other was playing the ukulele. He played and sung beautifully. It was not the traditional “here comes the bride…” - rather it was a love song - something along the lines of “you and me together forever…” I enjoyed it. I also wondered if they would remember the hairy dude (me) lying on the beach trying not to be noticed. Mahalo for them allowing me to enjoy the ceremony. I laid flat on my back and tried to appear that I was not watching – but I was. It was a short ceremony – at the most it was 15 minutes – on the beach – in Hawaii. And to tell you the truth, I would have been more upset at the chainsaws from the International Festival of Canoes than I would have been by some hairy dude laying 15 feet away. I tried to catch their name as the Hawaiian minister pronounced them – but all I caught was Seth. So to Mr. & Mrs, Seth – I think you had a WONDERFUL ceremony, and I wish you both nothing but happiness.
After the ceremony I smoked a cig, then headed to Blue Lagoon for $2 tacos and beer. I met a local who had a serious problem with the super ferry. He proposed a couple of excellent good points that I could not deny. He said that drugs and prostitution would increase on Maui because of the super ferry would allow the drug lords to increase business. I also learned that there is an inter-island tax (of roughly 30%) that would make this more than feasible. He said the opportunist (aka drug lords) would be more than happy to transfer the goods for 30% under the market value and then sell for 30% above market value. It made perfect since to me. I would if I could make a 30% markup.. I never knew that all imports went first to Ouhau – and then were shipped to the appropriate island. That explains why things are so expensive…
Anyway - I will explain more of the things of the Free Hawaii that I have heard later…

Enjoy the pictures from the next post...........

More Hana Pictures

Hana - a picture from the Hana Highway:

Shari's Front Yard and Camp site:

Palm Tree Island:

Koki Beach Sign - we decide not to go out - it was way too rough:

Sunset on May 16, 2007 in Lahaina:

Hana the rain forest

Hana was absolutely beautiful. It was my first trip to a rainforest. It is a good 3 hour drive from Lahaina. One and a half hours are treveled over a curvy raod that is only wide enough for a car and a half. The bridges are only wide enough for one car. It is the curviest road I have ever been on. It has over 500 sharp curves and 50 single lane bridges. Some of the curves are blind, so you have to honk your car horn as you are approaching the curve to alert people that a car is coming.

We camped at Haleakala National Park at Kipahulu. The camp ground is located on a rocky cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean (south east side of Maui.) The seven pools in Oheo was only about a 5 minute hike. The fresh water from Haleakala (the highest mountain on Maui) runs down the mountain and into the ocean. On the way down, the water has created some magnificent water falls and fresh water pools. While it is called 7 pools – there are actually more than 7 pools. This is a picture of the bottom 3 pools with the one lane bridge at the top:

Our first day at camp, we went to the bottom 3 pools and did some swimming. Walking on the lava rocks is a challenge. The only way I was able to walk was with my Teva’s on. It sure did make a difference and helped to absorb some of the pain that is incurred when walking barefoot.

After a swim in the cold water, we decided to go hiking. It was a 1.8 mile hike through the rainforest across varying terrain. You pass all of the pools that are above the bridge on the trail. We came across a bamboo forest on the trail. The height and thickness of the bamboo was incredible. It grows so straight, and blocks out about 90% of the daylight, but we did find some good walking sticks to help on the trail.

While we were hiking on the way up, I wondered what the end of the trail was. What were we hiking to? I think it took about 1 and a half to 2 hours to reach the end of the trail. It was a waterfall! We had reached Waimoku Falls! It was a 400 fot water fall. It was the first time I had seen a waterfall that close. It was the first time I had seen such a BIG waterfall (I guess I should clarify that – I have seen Niagara – so it was the biggest waterfall in Hawaii I had seen.) The temperature was about 15-20 degrees cooler than when we started the hike. We hiked up hill almost the entire way. We took a short break to cool down and enjoy the beauty of the falls. The hike back was a heck of a lot easier. Downhill and we knew the path, so it was not too bad. It was still quite a hike and I could feel it in my legs, but the beautiful Waimoku Falls made it all worth it. Here is a picture of the falls:

It turns out that I am a snorer – and a loud one at that. Paul and Eric were my tent-mates – and I snored so loud that they did not sleep at all. They got up (well, actually they were already up) and went to watch the sunrise. I decided to get some more Zzz’s. After the sunrise, they same back and slept for about an hour. I woke up to Eric proclaiming that he going to walk to the country store in Hana. I knew it was 30 minutes by car, so I decided I would get up since he was so determined to get some food. We went to the store and ran into the Hippies that we had met the day before at the store. We decided to meet up at Red Sand Beach later in the day.

We went back to camp and went for a dip in the fresh water pools. We looked for Shari – our other house mate, but could not find her. We decided to go out do some more exploring of Hana and while waiting for traffic to pass at a one lane bridge, we spotted her and Eric yelled out her name. Turns out she had hitch hiked to the store and was on the way back. She was carrying an 18 pack of beer and a nice tourist couple had picked her up and gave her a ride for a beer. It is amazing what 1 beer can get you…

We went to Red Sand Beach. It is not marked, and you have to walk through a school to get to the trail. The trail is basically on the side of the ocean with cliffs that go up and down. It is not a bad hike, but it does pay to have 3 points of contact at certain points on the trail. We rounded a cliff and saw the beach. It was the first time I had seen a red sand beach (actually it was more like tiny rocks.) It was beautiful. We made it down the trail and were greeted by our hippie friends that we had met. One of the hippie guys was naked. No one had mentioned it was a clothing optional beach, but no biggie. If he wanted to walk around naked on the beach, then good for him – but I sure was glad when he put his clothes on. We settled in and then went snorkeling. It is a protected cove, but the water was stilla little rough because outside of the rocks that were protecting the cove, the ocean was rough. There was not much to see while snorkeling. One piece of coral and some fish – but nothing of any significant size.

Paul and I went back to the beach and had a beverage, while I happened to look over and see a breast. Sweet! The naked beach is much nicer when you are looking at breast rather than balls. The naked girl got up and got in the water. It was then obvious that she was pregnant. Now I hope you all do not take this the wrong way – but I think pregnant chicks are hot. There is just something about them that is sexy. So I stared at here the rest of the day.

Now I got a kick out of several things while there. The first was the father that was playing with his son that talked to the naked chick for at least 30 minutes. I especially liked when she started putting on sunscreen. I waited and waited for her to apply it to her breast. She waited until her conversation was over with the father and his son. Then she did it. I think the anticipation was better, but I still enjoyed it:)

The other thing I got a kick out of was when the little kid broke his little pink bucket that he had been putting water in. When he broke it, he started crying immediately. Daddy fixed it almost right away, but he continued to cry. I miss the simple days that all you cared about was playing and if the toy broke, you got so upset you started crying. Ahh, the good old days. Kids have a way of making us grown ups appreciate the little things in life.

The next stop was Black Sand Beach at Wainapanapa State Park. We went to the fresh water caves first. The fresh water comes directly out of the mountain and fills a little cave. I was the last to jump in. It is supposedly the coldest water on the island and I was a little hesitant, but I finally jumped off a 5 foot rock into the 7 feet of fresh water. It was COLD!!! There was a little cave that you could swim into. It was amazing. It was the whole reason I jumped in. Being in the cave and looking out into the main pool with the sun was cool. The one down side was it really smelled in the cave, it smelled like farts – and lots of them – so I did not stay in the cave too long.

Our next stop was at black sand beach. There was a little cave off the beach, so we went in and then climbed out of a blowhole in the cave. Here are some pictures from the cave:

It was a beautiful day. I saw so many sights – so many different beaches. After we made it back to camp, we went to Shari’s front yard. She set up camp down the path over looking the cliffs and ocean. It was cloudy, so I could not see the sun set over the mountains – but I did manage to see Venus set over the mountains after the sun went down. The colors in the sky were pretty – so many pinks and blues.

Here are my camping friends: (L to R) Eric, Me, Shari and Paul:

You learn so many things about people when you are camping. I am not a big camper – this was only the second time I had been – but I made it through it and I am glad I went. It was a great experience. Hana was beautiful. The waterfalls were beautiful. The pools were beautiful. Red and Black Sand beach were beautiful. Another beautiful couple of days in paradise:)

Thoughts for the Magical island...

Dear Mother Maui,

I love you. I respect all of the beautiful and grateful things you have given us Hawaiians. I know you respect the fact that I do not litter and desecrate your land. It is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen and I promise you my respect.

I realize how powerful it is to put a thought into the universe, so I humbly ask you to consider my request in your ultimate plan of the island.

I wish to meet the most amazing woman ever.
I hope she is in to me.
I hope I am in to her
I hope we fall in LOVE.
I hope she is the one & only.
I hope it is meant to be...
I hope your plan provides a good life for us.
I hope you can have everything you want.
I hope you are happy.
I hope the respect I have for you is enough and that you honor it.


Mahalo

Saturday night,,,

Maile called me tonight. I was just getting ready to go to bed and she called and asked if I wanted to go to a Reggae show. How could I say no. We went to see Pato Banton. It was an AWESOME show!. One of my favorite parts was that the band warmed up for Pato. They did an excellent job of warming up the crowd. I thought they were head lining the show - that is until Pato walked on stage and took over and commanded attention. It was by far one of the best shows I have seen. It was a small venue, and Pato and the band were extremely happy to ne in Maui. Who would not be!

Maile was on the band guest list - and unfortunately it was just her - so

i had to pay a $25 cover to get in. When I went to buy a drink, it was a $20 minimum to run a tab. Needless to say, I drank vodka and RockStar (no red bull). It was a great show - I wish Pato Banton and the band all the luck and happiness in the world.

Anyway, I am excited to go to Hana next week. I have never seen a REAL rain forest. I know it will be amazing. So there will be no BLOG update Mon- Tuesday (and maybe Wednesday),

I do have a lead on a digital camera - so maybe my worries will go away and I will not have to buy a digi at full price

I know I promised - so here are some sunset pictures...

It was overcast all day. I had hoped that the sun would appear and cast the green shadow/ glow - but it was overcast as you cvan see...

ALOHA! I hope you all have a HAPPY MOTHERS DAY :)

I called Momma before I went to bed to wish her a Happy Mothers Day- so it was early on the East Coast - and late in the Pacific. She was happy :) - so was I!