The Road to Paris

Hellooo!!!! Greetings one and all!

I am currently in pursuit of my latest of many crazy endeavors. Despite a chronic neck and back injury I have signed up for a half marathon in Paris France. Working around my injuries has been challenging but a good exercise in balance, discipline, and determination. Everyday is different and I've learned to be sure and take advantage of the moments when I feel good! I've had unrelenting support from the most amazing workout buddy. I've never realized so fully the roll that the encouragement of the people around us plays in our lives. I wouldn't be the person I am today without the people that are in my life!

I keep trudging forward hoping to tackle as much mileage as I can as the weeks pass. I think this has been one of my more challenging races I have prepared for. I can't wait to cross that finish line and look back on the journey that brought me there! :)

Well thanks for stopping in whoever is reading this and I will keep you posted as the weeks progress.... My check list to prepare for the trip is growing by the minute... mail in passport to have extra pages added since I filled it on the last trip, run, run, and run some more, find good cold weather running gear in Hawaii, do my physical therapy exercises, run some more, dream about Paris.. etc

Big Plans

Well... I was thinking that the month of November would inspire me to blog more. I had planned to take time out everyday or so to express what I'm thankful for AND...... it didn't happen! :) I have so so so many things to be thankful for. I can start with the standard, family, friends, freedom, employment, a car that is running, and a roof over my head. BUT looking at my life I don't take those things lightly. They are all amazing treasures from the Lord! Now I need to spend more time telling those people in my life what I appreciate about them!

Lessons from Life's Experiences

Three months ago I was a passenger in a car accident. A friend and I were going over to Lahaina from Central Maui. There was a point on the highway where traffic backed up due to road construction. The man driving behind us wasn't watching the road and slammed into us traveling about 50 mph. Were were launched into oncoming traffic. Eventually we were able to retreat to safety and the recovery process began from there.

Passing these months have been challenging as I enter different phases of my rehabilitation. My focus has turned towards battling physical and emotional hurdles. The recent weeks have fostered some progress in the recovery of my neck and back. Praise the Lord!

About a month ago I was driving and was unable to take my eyes off the rear view mirror. Every vehicle that encroached on my "comfort zone" would give me a spike in my adrenaline levels. More than once I found myself needing to slam on the breaks because I wasn't watching what was on the road in front of me.

I realized at the time that is how I run into trouble in my relationships. So often I cant take my eyes off what has happened to me in the past. I speed down the road staring in to life's rear view mirror; completely unaware of what is in front of me.

Im hoping to shift my attention to driving majority of the time with my focus pointed at what is in front of me. My rear view mirror is only intended for a darting glance at what's behind.

Funny Childhood Memories

Do you have any funny childhood memories that pop into your head once in a while? I have no idea what made me think of this today but... :) My great aunt Gladys when I was little, had wall paper that had pictures of big fruits on it. And it reminded me of the old school Willy Wanka and the Chocolate Factory movie... every time I would go over to her house I would walk by in wonderment! :) I was certain that she had the Willie Wanka wall paper.. till one day I got brave and when no one was looking I took a taste.... I'm sad to say there was no fruit flavor at all.

Which then makes me think of my recent trip to Bolivia! :) he he he he... I know you might be thinking... "oh my random" :) I took this three day tour through Bolivia in a Land Cruiser with 6 other people.

One of the nights we stopped out in the middle of the desert and stayed in a hostel made entirely out of salt. The walls, beds, tables, chairs, floors... everything!

There was some speculation in the group because it just doesn't seem possible... there was only one way to find out... yes you guessed it... the second time in my life where I have licked a wall... this time... I was not disappointed... It was absolutely, positively made out of salt! :)

Crossing the border....

This is the immigration office between the borders of Chile and Bolivia! Let me tell you every second in Bolivia was a real adventure! :)

Return to Alohaland

Greetings one and all! :) After traveling 13 months I have finally returned to Alohaland! :) Maui is my favorite little island in the middle of the Pacific ocean! :) I've had the most amazing homecoming welcome possible. A million calls from my wonderful friends, sunshine, and a MONSTER swell on the North shore! :)

On Maui when the big waves of Jawz graces our island the traffic makes it almost impossible to travel to that part of the island. In preparation for this historic swell a friend and I went out to Haiku Sunday night and slept in our car.

Its like those people who camp out in line for tickets to some music venue or sporting event. Except we were in pursuit of WAVES! The waves of Jawz 2009!

Settling in for the night we tell tales of adventure as we are serenaded by a chorus of confused roosters. Just as we were about to attempted to sleep a security guard informs us that its 1am and the parking lot is closed. Moving on to another spot we snooze until discovered by a couple curious drunks at 3am.

Once again we return to the Haiku parking lot. The roosters were finished disturbing the peace and one Haleakala bike tour company was opened for business. This allowed us to use the parking lot for the second time in this nearly sleepless night. I'd like to give a shout out to Haleakala Bike Co. in Haiku for the amazing Aloha extended to us at 3am! Free coffee and the use of their bathroom!!! :) You guys are No Ka Oi! :) Approaching 4am we were finally able to slip into an uninterrupted slumber.

I woke a little before 7am feeling not so refreshed when a truck pulling a jet ski passed us. Instantly my heart jumped into adrenaline mode truck+jet ski = BIG BIG WAVES!!! I fired up the car and we were on our way!

Arriving at Jawz there was an unbelievable energy in the air. The sonic boom-ish crashing of the waves could be heard from miles off shore. We hitched a ride from a passing truck and in a few moments we were experiencing JAWZ.

I don't think its possible to exaggerate the size and grandeur of the giants passing before our eyes. Wave after wave emerges from the sea. The wonder of this natural phenomenon is enhanced by the fact that there are tow-in surfers charging down the face of these waves. With each one the wide eyed, breathless crowd witnesses feats of superhuman ability.

There was an uncanny unity that swept over all observers. We gasp in terror with each wipe out. We cheer with exhilaration for every surfer's trek down these mountains of water. Our hearts well up with emotion. Do I let the impending tears of elation escape my eyes? Not a chance... I can't miss one second of the wonder before me! :)

Missing home

Hello! :) Found some old photos in my computer and it made miss home today! :) Look at this little guy... he has got the cutest face! :)

Catching up

Went to Mendoza... spent a few days.... then went to Santiago Chile for a couple weeks.... then took a bus 22 hours back to Buenos Aires.... don't feel too bad for me... the seats laid all the way down... they played movies and served us amazing meals. :)

I have been in Buenos Aires since August 1st. I have been taking a Spanish course and enjoying my time here. It feels like I hit the ground running when I stepped off that bus... I don't think I've stopped since then. :)

I have 8 more days here .... then off to Peru... after that back to the USA. Can you believe it? I know... some of you thought maybe it would never happen! :) It doesn't quite feel real yet. :) I am going to miss this life on the road. :)

Well I better be off to sleep.. tumbling on... :)