We are Definitely Family

The timing of my trip to Michigan was somewhat extraordinary as I was able to see so much family in such a short period of time. Cousins from far off places, new additions, and an uncle I couldn’t recall the last time I saw. Everytime I visit I find new ways to appreciate my family. I am more in tune I feel to the hurts of the past, and the way they affect the happenings of today. But this visit was one that brought me to a new place within myself. I love my family, with all of its scars and their gems, their quarks and their brilliance. By loving them I am finding new ways to love myself, for I am indeed cut from the same cloth.

Changes Every Day

The happenings on the Big Island are still on the forefront of my mind. I check pages and posting regularly to keep up to date with all that is happening. I often feels like I am following the characters of a soap opera.

My favorite way to get information is through the maps that are posted. They have a been a fantastic help to me as I have been explaining all of the events and changes that have occurred over the past few months.

Thanks to all those who are working to produce these maps. You are the unsung heroes catering to the needs of the graph/map/visual aid community.

 

Northern Michigan

 

I recently learned there is some debate as to where Northern Michigan actually begins. I had no idea that Michigan covered 5 latitudinal lines or that there was such a distinction between the parts in the north of the Lower Peninsula. All this was revealed to me as I continued my mainland travels by visiting my aunt and uncle in Houghton Lake, Michigan.

Growing up as a kid, we would drive up to the Houghton Lake area to go visit my grandpa and grandma. The memories from childhood always seem so much smaller than what you remember. This was no exception as my aunt drove us though their old neighborhood.

Memories flooded in on more than one occasion of exploring the woods at the end of the road or biking around the neighborhood. Now everything was just closer.

We did venture out further taking a day trip up toward Traverse City and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. I got my workout climbing up the massive dune. With each step I traveled half the distance as the sand slipped beneath my feet. The climb, however, was well worth it as I enjoyed some beautiful views from the top. The trip down is really where all the fun was a I could help but slide down as if I were skiing on snow instead of sand.

My aunt and uncle have always made me feel like I am their favorite niece as this time was no different. My uncle pulled out all the stops cooking some fantastic meals. Thanks you two for reintroducing me to Northern Michigan.

Golden State Weekend

Nothing fills a transitional period like a little traveling and time well spent with and old, dear friend. My mainland adventure started with a few hiccups as my flight from Kona was delayed which caused me to miss my connecting flight to San Jose. Laura, being the amazing friend that she is, worked on the fly and drove to pick me up at the San Francisco airport instead. This set the stage for a beautiful drive down the 1 along the coastline, stopping along the way to explore shorelines, the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, and the quaint town of Pescadero.

The weekend had a great balance of city and nature. Canoeing, geocaching, and having a reunion of the Maui clan are only a few of the highlights. I too was introduced to the Nintendo Switch and found myself hooked to Overcooked. This chaotic, co-op cooking game really focused on teamwork instead of competition and it was such a refreshing spin on the video game world.

This I feel will be my last visit to Mt. Hermon. Change is in the wind for Laura as she is looking to move closer to the east coast. I am excited for her, but also a little sad as I have been to visit her here so many times it is hard to imagine her living anywhere else. Next time she will get to show me around her new city and see where our newest geocaching venture will take us! Thanks for your friendship and wonderful hospitality Laura!

Surprise Legacy Project

Almost 2 years and 11 months ago I started working at Pacific Quest. The journey has been one that I never would have imagined for myself. It has pushed me to emotional levels that I probably would never have ventured to otherwise. Each day unpredictability was expected. Thinking of the fly, managing your own needs and emotions while helping others do the same was the daily norm.

Since August I have been out of the field and working a slightly less stressful position filling empty gaps here and there. Changes in the structure of the company as well as they layout of the building have been developing and coming to fruition. I was asked to make a simple sign to help one manager have a few less eruptions in her day as people are trying to figure out which new door lead to which room. This request started the chain of events that led to the creation of my legacy project.

I will no longer be walking the halls of Pacific Quest, but my signs will be there adding a splash of color and helpful information. Mixed emotions reign as I will definitely miss aspects of my job, but I also am excited for the prospects ahead as I move into a teacher’s assistant position at a public charter school in early August. The PQ chapter has officially ended. Time to start the next chapter.

37 Years in the Making

Another birthday has arrived. I haven’t even figured out what being 36 means and here I am turning 37. I started the day having a beach to myself and ended the day with one of my favorite activities. Line dancing at the Elks definitely keeps me feeling young. I thought I would make it through the evening with no one knowing it was my birthday, but it leaked. I am so thankful for this community. Like going to a family gathering each week, they have turned in to part of my extended family. My local Ohana.

4th of July Rodeo

Headed to Waimea this morning to experience the 56th Annual Parker Ranch Rodeo and Horse Races. With our early arrival, the crowd trickled in for the event on this beautiful day. The pace quickened as the first steer was released for the Po’o Wai U event. With keiki barrel racing, team roping, and horse races woven in between my long, holiday weekend kicked off brilliantly. Thanks @hmatthews4 for joining the fun. ❤️ #bigislandbliss #hannahsfirstrodeo #happy4th #parkerranchrodeo2018 #throathurtsfromcheering #horseracingissothrilling