Still in Hawaii

I haven't written

I know it has been awhile since last I wrote. Nothing much has changed
her on Oahu. The weather is still beautiful most of the time (even if
overcast frequently). My work (9+ hours a day) continues to be much
boring waiting punctuated by short intense periods of activity. Now
that Cindy's visit is past I am feeling more and more lonely. I miss
the boys, my wife, my own bed, and the comfortable routine of family
life. Hawaii without someone to share it with isn't much fun.

And I still have a week and a half to go!

Time for my morning cup of Starbucks.

- Tim A.

Longer stay

Well, after much reflection and consideration I have decided to extend
my stay here in Hawaii. Work has wanted me to stay until May 8 since
we knew this activity was originally planned. I had said no. But there
really isn't anyone else to represent my software.

Over the weekend with my wife here with me we talked through this
decision. I know work wanted me to stay, but I don't like the idea of
being away from my family so long. The boys are already unhappy that I
have been away so long. But after we talked it out we decided together
that it would me okay for me to stay the extra week.

Work is happy about it. I'm not real happy about it, but this is a big
deal for my software. So I'm stuck here for another two weeks. I am
getting pretty tired of eating out.

- Tim A.

Dinner drinks

Cindy and I each got one of these, a pineapple filled with Pina Colada
(non alcoholic, since the Mormons run this place).

Cindy shopping

Actually cindy made the fish from woven coconut leaves, and was just
trying on the hat here in the Polynisian Culture Center. We are taking
a little bit of a break to get out of the sun.

Parade of canoes

Dancers on canoes from each of the island chains.

Polynesian culture center today

We at the PCC today, for the whole day.

Shopping mall - Waikiki style

This is a very upscale shopping mall right along the main drive along
the Waikiki beach. Cindy's here so of course we have to hit all these
kinds of places.

Okay - to be fair I was already here before Cindy came out. I was just
scoping it out for her... Really... Honest!

Starbucks on Waikiki

Starbucks is a popular place even on the beach at Waikiki, HI.

Oh - there are ugly things in Hawaii

Ugly, huh? I can't believe they have this in front of a hotel just off
Waikiki. Blah .

Late lunch/early dinner

Got off work a little early today, but missed lunch. So I'm treating
myself to a nice Linner. I'm at the Jimmy Buffet restaurant. It's very
nice and "theme" based. Time for some jerk chicken and a few mai tia.

Look who stopped by!

Just back in my room. Long day at work, lots to do requiring much
thinking. Most of my brain is mush.

Talked to my family on the phone, it was nice to hear that they are
doing so well. Also very nice get to chat with the boys for a few
minutes (I have been talking with Cindy everyday).

I was just about to head out and find something for dinner when I
noticed this little fellow on my balcony.

It rained

It rained last night, and more is on the way. At least the weekend was
beautiful. I hate the humidity though, it sucks.

- Tim A.

Another view of the beach

Just another view of the crowded beach from the sidewalk. Note the
statue. There are a lot of these all up and down the sidewalk in front
of the Waikiki beach. And each one has leis on them, placed fresh ever
day (or so).

Crowded beach

The beach got much more crowded as the afternoon started. No more
strolling on the beach until the crowds thin out -a lot.

Inside the Cheeseburger in Paradise.

Guess where I'm eating lunch.

Sunglasses in Hawaii

I don't get it. There is direct, bright, hot sun and yet the vast
majority (probably >80%) of the people in the beach and walking on the
sidewalks are not wearing sunglasses. I tried taking mine off and was
nearly blinded by how bright it is out here.

- Tim A.

Serious about the jellyfish

Found this one as I was just walking along the beach. It was still
twitching, but having been warned about the sting I wasn't about to
touch it.

Danger on the beach

Very few people in the water today due to the jellyfish warning signs
posted all along the beach. Weather is awesome though, so lots of sun
bathers.

Finally up and moving

Sunday morning and I decided to just rest in my room this morning. So
I'm only just now (10:00 am local time) getting out. This is the view
from the window at the elevators on the 33rd floor of the hotel.

A successful shopping trip

I bought a lot of stuff at the swap meet today. You like the hat and
shirt? Needed the hat to cover my head and keep from getting a sunburn
on the top of my head. I now own four new Hawaiin shirts as well. Only
$12 each, which I thought was a great price. And I picked up some
gifts as well.

Shopping at the swap meet

Cheap place to pick up Hawaiin shirts, and just about anything else!

Lizards

I just had the nicest little conversation with two older ladies. I've
been randomly walking down the beach front and stopping to just look
around. This time I stopped and sat at a slat bench that looks out
over a low rock wall and hedge onto a curve of the beach. I was
looking out at the sky, the beach, and the water when this older woman
quietly slid up and sat on the far end of my bench.

"do you see the lizards?" she asked in a highly Italian accented
English. I really could bare understand her. But eventually I realized
she was pointing out these little lizards living in the hedge and
rocks right in front of me. I hadn't even noticed them after sitting
here for at least five minutes.

When I started trying to snap pictures with my iPhone, another older
lady (this time an island native) started also pointing them out to
me. The three of us were having a good time locating them. We even
noticed the males puffing out their throat flaps (which are bright red
but can't normally be seen) trying to attract the smaller female
lizards. The ladies kept pointing out which ones I should take
pictures of. It was fun.

They have both left now, having other things to do. But I am left
wondering how often we all miss the little beauty, detai, and funl
right under our nose while we are looking at things too far away?

Good morning

Just sitting here on the edge of the beach, sipping my latte, and
letting the world pass me by. Joggers running behind me, these guys
setting up a beach volleyball tournement in front of me, airplanes
occasionally flying out from the airport, but I'm fine just sitting
and soaking it all in.

By the way, who in their right mind would heat up an apple fritter
(donut)? Both Starbucks I've been to here in the mornings has asked me
if I want it heated up. Weird.

View from my room

New hotel

I had to switch hotels here in Hawaii. We were staying in an
inexpensive hotel right by the airport, but it was "well used", a bit
noisy, and a LONG way from the beach or any real food or stores. Now
we are at a Hilton one block off the beach. This is a really nice room.

- Tim A.

Another day in paradise

Well, maybe not really paradise. It's a little too warm and muggy for
me. The winds have died down so there isn't a lot of air movement.

Then again, I'm working inside a sealed, windowless computer server
room. All day. And the air conditioning isn't strong enough to
overcome the heat generated by all the computing power in that room,
so it gets a little hotter every hour through the day. The only
sunlight I see is before and after work hours (7:30 to 5:00).

We did end up eating at a great place last night. Some of our "native"
coworkers suggested a place called "Buzz's". Great place! A decent
salad bar and an awesome filet mignon. It also has a great view. I
highly recommend it.

- Tim A.

Sucks to be in Hawaii

On the ground

Just landed. Uneventful trip. Made it through two full length movies
plus an hour of TV on my iPhone while in flight. Always nice to carry
your own in flight entertainment system!

- Tim A.

Boarded the plane

I'm on a Bieing 767. It's configured as two seats, isle, three seats,
isle, two seats. But the letter labels on the seats are A B C E G H J.
I can't think of any explanation for that.

Well, off to Hawaii!

- Tim A.

Leaving on a jet plane

On my way to Hawaii for work. Here's my plane.

I found it interesting that Hawaiian Airlines now weighs your carry on
bag as well as your checked bag. They don't allow any carry on to
weigh more than 25 pounds. Apparently they have had problems with
really heavy carry on bags popping out of the bins and hurting
passengers.

Of course, if they didn't charge me the extra $15 for a checked bag It
would be better.

Easter Sunday

At church on Sunday morning, Easter morning. This is the third service
- I ran the sound board for the first two, and Cindy is in the bell
choir which Is playing the second and third services.