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.

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!

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!!!

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!

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!

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?