These Days...

Now that I've had a few days of working, I feel ready to give my opinion on it all... Frankly, it's not that wonderful :( The job itself isn't bad. I really enjoy being around people, meeting and serving all types of people from all over. So far I've had the chance to work at two different 'outlets' within the hotel, a really nice restaurant called Kamuela Provision Company (KPC) and one of the pool bars. I've definitely preferred the pool bar (Kohala Pool...the other pool is Kona Pool) mostly because of the laid-back atmosphere and there's a lot more to do! The times I've been at KPC it's been very slow, and not many people go there just to get a drink...mostly they have reservations at the restaurant and come straight for that. Since I get paid minimum wage, a lot of my income depends on tips, so having no customers is a big problem! My main issue with the job, however, has to do with the hotel employees being a part of a union. Since I'm the newest employee, if the hotel is slow (which it is) I get less scheduled shifts and more on-call days. The last two weeks I've had three schedules shifts, and next week I only have two...not good enough for us!! I've been getting reassurance from others around that the hotel will pick up this summer, usually July and August are the busy summer months, but it's still very disappointing to us. I've continued to keep my eye out for possible jobs in the classifieds, and actually heard back about a resume I sent to Head Start (preschool/daycare) down in Kona. I will probably interview sometime the week of June 9th. I'm just trying to keep the door opened to whatever God might have in store. Michael came and visited me at the pool one day this past week before he went to work and took some pictures of me in my lovely uniform...



Yes, I know, beautiful ;)


Anyway, I know things will work out like they already have! We are always positive and try to stay focused on today. In fact, just today Michael got his schedule for next week and he has five scheduled shifts, where he's only been getting four for the last month or so, so yea! God is faithful and provides all we need.

That's it for now, we have quite a lot of new pictures, but I will spread them out instead of posting them all in one day, so keep on coming back for more! Love and hugs!

p.s. I'll try and take some pictures of Michael in action as a barista for you all to see! :)

Pololu Beach and Valley

Mother's Day 2008

Happy Mother’s day to all of you moms! I want you all to know how much I admire you, whether you’re in the middle of the game with kids scrambling around your feet, in the beginning with your little one still inside of you, or on the other side with grown kids and maybe even grand- or great-grandchildren. You are all amazing, and deserve this day of recognition! I only hope that the appreciation of you extends beyond this single day of celebration, because motherhood certainly is 24/7 for the rest of your life.

Most of you know that my mom passed away about 6 ½ years ago (October 23, 2001), and as she was such an important fixture and person in my life, this day is a pretty hard one for me. I’ve had a few moments since being here in Hawaii where I feel as though I’m mourning over the loss of her as if it just happened. The sadness and pain are newly raw and hard to bear. Michael is so great to just hold me and let me soak his shirt. This morning, however, he’s at work and I’m struggling against my emotions and the tears sitting on the edge of my eyelids. I definitely went through a normal ‘mourning period’ right after she died, with family and friends around to help support me and each other. At first it hurt more to drive around town and remember seeing my mom at the shops and restaurants that we frequented or in certain spots around the house, but as time went by those images became more of a comfort to me, as if I could connect with her by seeing us in those places. Having the aforementioned family and friends softened the hurt as well, while we all grieved the loss of this special woman. But I don’t have those places here. And those people are about 3,296 miles away. Please don’t misunderstand me, Michael is wonderful and caring and supportive and loving and encouraging…but it’s just not quite the same. Perhaps it will always be like this, the ups and downs in emotions; laughing at the memories of her total electronic device illiteracy or how every song was her favorite, and the next moment sobbing in yearning of her wise words to tell me what to do and her gentle touch to show me that she’s there, loving me all along. For now, I rest in the assurance and knowledge that she’s nestled safe and snug in our Father’s arms, and hoping that she’s looking down on me, proud of the woman I am and still am yet to be.

Thank you for allowing me to be vulnerable in sharing my heart with you. Enjoy looking at the pictures of my mom and remembering what a remarkable woman she was. I invite you to please leave a comment of a story or memory you may have of my mom, or any other words you’d like to share.

Again, happy Mother’s day to the momma’s and HAPPY DAY TO BE ALIVE to the rest of you!

Lunch guest

We had a *little* visitor while having lunch and playing cards on our lanai today...isn't he cute??

Da Beach...

Hello! We are here! We haven't fallen off the edge! ;) We are doing well, and having fun. The car has so far been trustworthy. We're believing it's a good one! Michael just had the last two days off (Tuesday and Wednesday) after working six days in a row, so we had a little weekend in the middle of the week. It was nice to be able to just chill together.

We have found a favorite beach to visit, and I wanted to post some pictures of it. It's called Waialea Bay, but the locals call it Beach 69 because it used to be right at the number 69 telephone poll...it's not anymore, but you know, old habits die hard. Anyway, it's a small beach with lots of shade from funny curved trees and not a ton of people. It is a pretty quiet beach and so relaxing. We just love to go there in the morning before Michael has to work (he always works the closing shift) or for a longer time on his days off...sooo fun! Enjoy the views!