11.11.07 Lea's Still Got Her Aloha Tan in November

Aloha to all !!! Hope everyone is doing well, and that your Thanksgiving holiday plans are up and running ~~ Today, had breakfast at the ShoreBird Café( it’s the breakfast place on the Waikiki beach, with the view of Diamond Head—which I’ve taken most of my visitors there ) with my friend Ron & his girlfriend and our ol’ classmate Julie Hynes who currently lives on the BigIsland. After breakfast, of course I had to go get my island beach time in – was there for about 4 hours today, its still in the 84-86 degree range, low 75 --- LOVE IT !! still able to layout in the “Fall Time” !!! “My tan is still lookin’ da kine” LOL LOL ~~~~~~~~~~~
Regarding island life, its bout the same…. Same Hawaiian people here… same “Hawaiian laid back attitude”…. I ran across an old email from when I first moved here, that a friend had forwarded to me regarding Hawaiian Business here – Sometimes I’ll go back to it and read it and how it “validates” how to deal with the Hawaiian businesses here… How I’ve tried to adapt and still continuing to learn the culture here – Here is the article, and go check it out … it will give you an understanding of how I’ve tried to adjust to the Hawaiian clients that I have been working with and its pretty much on target--> go copy and paste the link --> http://www.hawaiibusiness.com/archivearticle.aspx?id=1581&qr= ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ceridian work has actually been very busy and on the crazy side, with two of my immediate co-wrkrs have been gone to Japan for 2 whole work weeks – Being short handed a couple of folks, got me a little on the crazy side, where I thought often, “I wish I could go to maggianos” ~~LOL LOL They are back this week, so I’ll have them back to go to Monday Night Football with. Another subject that’s kept me busy is being involved with APA (American Payroll Association) Hawaii Chapter – I think I may have mentioned it to some of you, my fellow HR/Payroll industry friends… ya, I got myself involved in leadership as a Secretary for this chapter – LOL LOL So, my leadership entails me in coordinating the Holiday Chapter events – (I have a feeling, this is going to cut into my “beach-time”) Go get a laugh, and check out my island photo --> go and copy paste the link --> http://www.apahawaii.org/officers.htm Good island photo ? Eh’ ? LOL LOL ~~~~~~~~~~
I did get a chance to go check out the Island of Molokai – was there, when there was all the news of all the “rain storms hitting the island” (It actually, only rained 1 full day—nothing drastic, as the news explained it) The island really, really had the “vibe” of island living – there was only 1 street light which was by the airport—crazy! The main attraction that we did, was that we took this mule ride down to the historic leprosy colony to this park called Kalaupapa Park—yes, I did say mule ride … it was a very, very STEEP mule ride, down about 3,000 or so feet down – there is no roads that connect to this place… it was strange… I guess, you can take a tour plane that lands at a tiny airport, which was costly – so, we opt for the mule ride—it was an experience…. Will I come here for the weekend again? --- Probably not, but its worth the mule ride, island day experience --- Want to come and o the mule ride ? LOL LOL ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The update on the Hawaii SuperFerry continues.. there is still controversy on its launch from operating from the other island of Kauai and Maui – I just wish they would let it run, so I can get a chance to bring my car to Maui !!! As soon as it runs, my Honda-CRV is headed to Maui, to Halekakala !!! LOL LOL ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I did go check out this Hawaiian Craft Fair yesterday, before I went to the beach -- I guess, around Nov-Dec and pretty much year-round, a lot of the Hawaiians gear up for these craft fairs. I’ve found that it’s a big deal, for people here on the island to do their “holiday shopping” at these craft fairs --- The one I went to yesterday was in Hawaii Kai area, which is about 8 minutes from my house on the Mauka (mountain side) of Diamond Head – It was a huge craft fair, with over 200 booths – found some really cool looking island stuff… good Christmas island ideas… or maybe island stuff for me to decorate my place, for when I move back to Cali – LOL LOL Not only is there crafts, but they have food vendors that want you to taste their special salad dressing sauces and marinade sauces and their samples of their yummy breads and island cookies !! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hope this gives you an update as of today ~~ I’m in processing right now, finalizing Thanksgiving week travels (boy, its so been up in the air !!) , of what exact days, that I will be on CA – my days in CA will be limited during my Thanksgiving travels, so I apologize now, if I do not see you OR you might actually get a surprise, to see Lea !! Keep checking the flights to HNL (Oahu) … they still seem to be some reasonable prices out there ~~ Lea’s island B & B is pretty open right now until the end of the year (as a reminder, the Association Surfer Professionals competition starts Dec 8th until Dec 20th , come check out the 20-30 ft island waves and get your Hawaiian tan !! (FYI… I will be in CA for Christmas Dec 20 time for the remainder of the year—anyone want to stay at Lea’s place ??) 2008 B & B schedule has only the first week in January booked so far… first come, first serve-- LOL LOL A few new pictures below to share below ~~~ Aloha Thanksgiving to all of you, until the next update !! Miss ya all !!

11.11.07 Nicholas & Nambe "Island Living"

11.11.07 Molokai Mule Riding

<-- Going down the steep mountain -- I think, it was about 2000 ft mule ride down.. crazy!!

11.11.07 Japanese Tradition of "Yakidoshi 41st Birthday Party??"

<-- My co-worker Shari -- These photos were at a party she thru for her brother's "Yakidoshi 41st Birthday Party " -- Not really sure, but in Japanese tradition, the men and women have "special" birthdays to celebrate during their lifetime. Shari had organized a surprise party for her brother, and went all out !! Ya know, how the Island folks LOVE vegas... welll, Shari rented a "Vegas On The Go Casino" for the party, where everyone got $ 2000 in play money, and the top 14 players that had the most money, got to select gift prices ---it was like we were in vegas!! These hawaiians got soooo-- into the gambling with fake money--- I can't even imagine how they get with real money in real Vegas town !! LOL LOL it was very interesting... got a little "cultured" in the Japanese birthday traditions.

10.14.07 Update on "Island Life"

ALOHA to my "ohana" in Cali !!! Sorry, to have not updated this blog site, but I have been to Cali on 2 trips since my last update -- so, I figure you didn't want to hear about my Cali trips, you want to hear about Hawaii !!! ~~~~~ Its been a busy few months - I think, more of exhausted of the traveling back and forth from Oahu to Cali 2 times but definitely worth it :) My latest trip was a combination of NoCal and SoCal trip… was in NoCal for a wonderful family birthday party with my family and then went down to SoCal and got to spend a little time in the OC, my ol' hood - LOL I do apologize if I didn't even get a chance to call when I was there last the last trip, but I was only in SoCal for a short period of time. ~~~~~ Returning here to Oahu, weather is getting cooler and I have not had good quality beach time much… or should I say, “not laying out for 5 hrs at the beach within a day” --- LOL LOL I guess, it doesn’t feel as “humid” much since I’ve been back ---- There are some of you that I’ve shared the latest of my work ceridian news, but if not there has been some changes to my current Ceridian Honolulu District, which has future changes to my position out here ……. Due to this, It has made me make some decisions on my longevity here on the islands with the work changes.... Will have to tell you more about it, the next time we talk or see each other… Every day, I think how I have been very lucky & blessed to have gotten this opportunity to experience what the islands has to offer and have followed one of my dreams to follow myself here ....There have been alot of "self-evaluating" that I've done while I've been here, which I feel was needed and what a better place to do so, on the islands,one of my favorite vacation spots(yes, lots of beach time no doubt, which I love!!) .... and I realize that I am a "TRUE Cali Gal", missing my mom, my family, Mark, ALL my friends and that I WILL be back, sooner than some of you may think... ( I know, I know... you guys will believe it when it happens - LOL LOL) I guess, I miss the gatherings that we all use to have … whether it’s a last minute meeting date at Maggianos OR a last minute BBQ at someone’s house OR last minute work happy hour gathering OR at my place OR the last minute road-trips (yes, I miss driving for 2hrs straight-LOL LOL) ~~~~ Since I've been back, getting myself back to the island mode and hope to get to catchup with all of you via phone very soon, or via email ....Since the weather was crappy today at the beach ( only a 1-hour beach session today), I've been looking into what other things I want to do in the next few months... I STILL have LOTS to explore while I am here :) :) :) The latest, I'm getting myself to start checking out the ASP websites, and I do plan on getting EVERY chance I get to go and watch the upcoming 20-25 ft waves on the NorthShore and hope to get a chance to get a picture with Kelly Slater ! LOL LOL --- Here is the ASP link (Association Surfing Professionals) that I've been following--> http://www.aspworldtour.com/2007/ ~~~
They have just finished the ASP tour in Spain, and they go to Brazil then the ending FINAL #10, here in Oahu, the NorthShore Pipeline --- Can’t wait !!! Its Interesting, Kelly Slater is all I ever knew and followed (the cutie pie, that he is !!) but there is a guy named Bobby Martinez, that is also USA, as Slats, who is from Santa Barbara,CA -- did you even know??? Anyways, go check out the link… shows all ASP surfers profiles, that seemed quite interesting to check out… So, if I happen not to be returning calls in December 8- 20 , you’ll know, I’m at the NorthShore watching the Banzai Pipeline Masters !! ~~~~ Regarding Christmas, I am due out to LAX on December 22, then going to mom’s for the holiday in SLO --- will be back down to SoCal and most likely working from the Fountain Valley office (tis the season of Year-End ) and targeted to fly back to oahu 1/1/2008. ~~~~ Another thing, that I will be doing is getting a chance to attend the NFL ProBowl 2008, which is Feb 10th…. I am researching on the other smaller Hawaiian islands of Molokai and Lanai , where I’ll be planning on traveling there for extended weekends in the next month---- So far, I’ve been able to go to Maui, Kauai and BigIsland for day trips and for work related trips as well -- Its strange, that the outer-island flights are only 20 mins flights !! Hey, has anyone heard about the “DRAMA” on the SuperFerry that was supposed to be functioning out here ? If not, here are a couple of links that can fill you in, and let me know what you think: http://www.hawaiitravelnewsletter.com/transportation/hawaii-superferry-articles-2007.htm -------------- http://www.hawaiitravelnewsletter.com/transportation/hawaii-superferry.htm ------

------Okay, hope this gives you an update on what I’ve been up to and sorry, no pictures right now ( camera was one of the items that got stolen, with my laptop – ugh!! ) I do plan on getting a replacement camera VERY SOON, so I can share more pics of my Hawaii adventure with all of you !! ~~~Just been relaxing and taking in the paradise weather ~~ I continue to enjoy having friends/family come and visit, and be part of my Hawaii adventure --So. If you haven’t visited me yet OR are planning on “re-visiting”, plan it now and give me the dates, and I can check the B & B schedule ~~MISS YOU ALL ~~~~

08.17.07 ~~ Six Month Update of Living on the Island

Aloha to my friends, my Cali "Ohana" (hawaiian for family) !! Can you believe I am currently living my 6th month here on Oahu ?? Time has just passed by !! So far, the hawaiian summer has been wonderful !! Nothing beats the steady island weather 80-85 degrees for a high, with lows in the 75 degree for a low ~~ cool trade winds ~~ warm waters in Waikiki !! Sorry, its taken 2 months to update this blog, but it has been somewhat of a revolving door, at "Casa DeOcampo" and I love you all for coming to visit me this summer !!! With visitors here @ my B & B, I am continuing to experience new places to take them, and new restaurants to check out !! ~~~ I have survived the forecasted Hurricane Flosse, the BigIsland 5.3 earthquake, and the Tsunami warning, that happened this past week ~~ even on an island, there are still those weather conditions to be aware of !! ~~ Yesterday, I went to a a "Made In Hawaii Festival" - they had vendors visit from outter islands, with booths of all kinds of Hawaiian art you can imagine !! Also, lots of food tasting, with the different hawaiian sauces and breads, and of course, all kinds of macadamia nuts dipped in dark, white chocolates and freshing baked -- warm cinammon macadamias are my favorite right now !! ~~ Right now, I'm about 50/50 about the idea of living here ~~ its a very different culture here, as I've mentioned before-- yesterday was another state holiday, called Admissions Day (can't keep track of all the state holidays here)-- the day Hawaii was admitted as the 50th state ~~ very different "vacationing" here versus "living here". My co-wrkers here continue to be very welcoming & teaching me to understand the island ways, as I continue to learn from them. The latest word learned this week from my co-wrkrs, is the Hawaiian Name for Filipino --> "Bok-Bok", and that they call Japanese "Hon-Hon" -- I am currently looking to taking a Hawaiian language class and attempt to sign-up for Hula lessons !! ~~~ If you do not know, I am very much looking forward to coming back to visit Cali at the end of this month, and will stay there until Sept 12th -- Planning on staying up north for the beginning of my trip, then going to SLO for Labor Day and then plant myself in the OC -- will end up working from my Fountain Valley office that week ~~~ I really hope that I get a chance to see some of you this trip, and if we don't I am flying back to Cali at the end of September, will be flying directly to NoCal for a family 50th bday, then possibly going back down to OC the week after. ~~~ Miss all of you -- and I miss Maggianos, In/Out Burgers, DelTaco, good authentic MexicanFood, TraderJoes, Target, Wine Tasting....~~ I guess its due, that I come get my Cali fix for these items that I miss ~~ Overall, I'm doing okay and continuing to adjust to the island life & culture out here (does the adjustment period ever end?? ).... I guess, its really not that bad.... I am very happy to have gotten this opportunity to "live the island life" for now ~~

08.17.07 Lea Loves The Hawaii Sunsets (**reminder, you can double-click on photo to enlarge **)

Just a few sunset photos ~ love the island sunsets !!

08.17.07 Views of Oahu ~ Catamaran Sail & Kaneohe

* ** The view with the clouds, is a snapshot of Kaneohe Bay, which is located on the NorthEast side of the island -- very green and beautiful and there's a couple of lush golf courses on that side


*** Found my favorite Catamaran sail - so, if you come out, we are going on a sunset Catamaran sail !! These are some of the pics from the sail ~~

08.17.07 Northshore ~ Pipeline

here are some photos from the NorthShore, at pipeline, where I watched the sunset............

6.17.07 ~~ Living Oahu, a little shy of 4 months ~~

Aloha my friends !!!! I figure its about time I updated this blog, don't you think?? I've been so busy catching the island sunrays !! LOL LOL ~~ My trip back to Cali at the end of May was a nice visit, but may have been too soon to visit, as I did get a bit homesick being back~~~ I ended up working more than expected while I was out there, and that is one reason that I was not able to see some of you on this trip :( :( (really sad bout that) ~~ Next time, I'll make sure to see those I missed visiting this trip. Being back in Cali, was a bit strange... I did frequent my ol' stomping grounds, Maggianos, and working in Fountain Valley and was able to stay at some friends when I was in the Orange County, when I wasn't up in the Valley at Mark's (Big THANK YOU to you all-you know who you are :) ) ~~~ Seeing mom on Mothers Day was a good trip and she was very happy & the trip up to SLO area was relaxing, as always! ~~~~ Now that I'm back to my "island home", I really am going to focus on embracing living here - After being here 3 ½ months, it still hasn't felt that I truly "live" here - maybe, I'm still in denial or something.. But, I'm going to learn to begin living here, and embrace every day, that I am here and soak up the sun and continue to enjoy laying out at the beaches and to continue to “carmelize” my body – LOL LOL -- I don't want a whole year to go by quickly, and I still haven't done what I've wanted to do. ~~ Going to maybe take a look at joining an outrigger club and maybe check out some hiking clubs or something... a chance I guess, to meet new friends here. I really haven't met any new people, but thats okay... My co-wrkrs continue to be wonderful and they are the ones that I've done the happy hours with :) :) Actually, going to hit a Kareoke bar with this this week – lol lol ~~~ I do get very excited to have friends continue to come visit, and I want all of you, to keep looking into coming to visit !! You have an island place to stay !! ~~~~ Nicholas & Nambe have fully adjusted to the island weather, but they really missed "mommy" when I was gone !! I did notice, that the weather has gotten a bit warmer since I've been back--its now averaging 85-87* during the day, and the evening a nice 75* --island paradise weather!! ~~ I am planning on meeting Mark in July, but will be flying directly there ...looking at Vegas or NoCal... ~~ Have a set of visitors coming mid-July and late July and I'm excited about that :) :) In begining August, I'm going to spend a weekend in Kauai and watch my flip brother, Aaron do a 130 mile cycling ride to cheer him on !! So, for SoCal and SLO, it will more than likely that I'll be out there sometime between mid-Aug - Labor Day weekend. I’m sending a few pictures out on this update as well ~~ I’m going to attempt to be more on top of updating this blog this summer , so I hope you all keep checking in ~~ scroll down, and check out the latest pics that I've uploaded ~~ Aloha & Miss you all !! ~~~ Lea

6.17.07 Nicholas & Nambe Got Lei'ed !!

ALOHA , from Nicholas and Nambe !! Come visit us soon, while we are island kittys!!

The kids have fully adjusted !! they are now island cats' for now :)

6.17.07 ~ Lea with White Wine @ Dukes

@ Dukes with my white wine ~~ With the hot weather, red wine has not been really on my list lately... come and visit soon, and for sure, I will take you here !!

6.17.07 ~~ Island Pics ~~

Here's a few snapshots of where I would take you, when you come and visit --> the famous NorthShore to go check out the waves ~~ HanamaBay, to go snorkel and we'll catch a sunset over some cocktails !!

6.17.07 Mini '89 Class Reunion ~ Ron, Lea, JT & Arlene @ Oahu

This is a picture of my friend Ron, who lives here in Oahu ~~ He's the one that has helped me alot, in my move here ~Ron has moved here in '92, as his mom lives here. We got him to come out with us a couple of nights, when JT and Arlene came to visit a couple of weeks ago ~~ We laughed and talked "story" about our ol' junior high and high school years !! We made our own little class of '89 reunion !!!!

6.17.07 Lea Island Pics

Embracing the island for all it has to offer !! Have been to Polynesian Cultural Center, Dole Plantation and Chinaman's hat !!

4.15.07 ~ Its Been 7 Weeks Since I Left the O.C.

Aloha my friends ~~ I cant believe its been 7 weeks, that I have lived here on the island of Oahu ! It sure has been a day to day experience, and continuing one !! I still don't really feel that I am truly living here..still feel on an extended work trip or something. If you can believe, this is the first weekend that I did not venture out to the beach -- I think i needed a little break of getting darker -- lol Work has been very busy, and learning the whole new job role out here, very different but enjoying the learning experience that goes with it.

Last week found a place to go kayaking on the East side of Oahu in Kailua area, where you kayak to the Mokulua islands --they are 2 small islands that have cool tide pools on one side and white sand beach on the other - you can bring a picnic and layout. They are islands that are about 4 football fields in distance from the island- the trick is to go in the morning, and beat the wind coming back in early afternoon (not fun getting tipped over on the kayak and trying to get back on, which happened to me -lol )

Mark has visited his 2nd trip here so far last week and helped me get a futon sofa bed for the 2nd bedroom as you friends come and visit :) :) I have a few friends coming in later at the end of this week, and the following week as well, which I'm very, very much excited !! The B & B room awaits you !! I'm waiting for the visitors to come in, so I can go continue and explore the island with them !! So, have you looked into your visit yet ??

If you asked me my favorite part of living here so far, it be the weather of course and the fabulous fresh fish - whether it be sushi or cooked fish. My co-wrkrs have introduced a few good fish and sushi places. My favorite fish right now is this island Butter fish that is very, identical to SeaBass -- LOVE it !

I've learned a few phrases --> "Polynesian Paralysis" = nap ; "Pao Hana" = done working ; "Aloha Friday" = everyone seems to cut work 1/2 day on Fridays - lol ; "Lunch" = lunch time is longer than 1 hr, could be up to 2 hrs -- lol

Anyways, I am doing fairly well, actually better than expected with everything, work, personal & relationship wise--- But it is not the same, to call up a friend and meet at maggianos :( :( I'm still scheduled back for a trip to Cali in May -- will let you know the exact dates, as I may schedule my trip a week earlier, but yet still tbd-- will let all of you know & hope to get a chance to see you !! What I do know, you will find me at my ol' stomping grounds of Maggianos ! My ol' local hangout that I do miss !! Miss all of you, and hope to hear from you soon !! See some updated photos of my place below ~~ ALOHA !!

Lea's B & B Room is Ready for you !!

Nicholas & Nambe Relaxing in Oahu !!

Lea's Kitchen & Living Area Photos

Have updated a few things in my place ~~ Still planning on keeping things "simple" at my place -- the only next purchase I will probably do, is get a small love-seat type futon for the living area, where you see the card table. Then, I'll move the card table to the 2nd bedroom for the office. Can't really fill the place too much, remember its a 550 sq.ft place - lol

3.25.07 ~ Kareoke, Ahi Tuna & Beach This Weekend

Yes, its true - Lea actually did a couple of Kareoke songs last Thursday - It was only suppose to be a short after work HappyHour to watch the end of the March Madness with 3 of my female co-wrkrs. The bar is called "HenryLouises" and its is about 2 blocks from the office. Well, come to find out they have Kareoke there every night & my cowrkrs LOVE their Kareoke. (JT --> totally thought of you and in your honor, I sang your favorite, "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" by Pat Benatar !!!) It ended up being fun singing with them, and decided to sing another song ! LOL I have a feeling there will be more Kareoke stories to come! Sorry, no photo moments of me doing Kareoke at this time - lol

The next night, my co-wrkrs invited me to a BBQ PotLuck at a friend of theirs, named Singhi, who had worked at Ceridian for over 30 years. They gather at Singhi's house every so often to eat & "talk story" as they would call it here in Hawaii. I had a good time & experiencing "Ceridian family" gathering! we had steak bbq, homemade Korean Kimchi, King Crab Legs apptzr portions, lumpias, rice, shrimp and my favorite was the make your own Hand Roll Sushi with fresh Ahi Tuna, with all the trimmings and sauces!! I discovered the host of the party Singhi, always prepares fresh Ahi Tuna sushi and has all the trimmings with sushi seeweed wrap and makes the sauces - He was teaching me how to make my own Ahi Tuna Hand roll, and you can really tell that the Tuna was sooo-- fresh!!! sooo -- good !! On the lines of feeling like a family gathering, I was introduced to their kids to me as "This is mommy's new friend at work, she's your new Auntie Lea" - I thought it was cute, & made me think, they are truely making me feel like home, with their "aloha style- everyone is all family".

And yes, it was another beautiful Sunday beach day - was going to venture on the other side of Diamond Head but there was crazy traffic out that way, with some festival by the zoo. So, I detoured to layout in from of Dukes again - Was there for the majority of the afternoon, and listened to the band @ Dukes for awhile.

BTW, my car finally did come in and I had to get this dumb Hawaii Safety Inspection sticker label that had to placed on the rear bumper of the car AND had to switch to Hawaii car insurance -- there was no way of getting around using my ol' Cali Insurance card (and yes, the ins. is a bit higher out here--couldn't believe it is costing more than Orange County!!) ~~~ aloha ~~

Another Beach Day @ Dukes

Check out these surf boards !! Didn't see the surfers that owned them, I must have been napping & relaxing in the 80* wonderful weather for about 4 hrs today... This was my photo from today's beach day - LOVE the beaches here !! My base tan is starting to look pretty good !!

Make your own Ahi Tuna Hand Roll !!

The host, Singhi, was showing us (well, primarily me...the new gal!) how to make the Ahi Tuna handroll ! Singhi also shared with me, that there are different types of Ahi Tuna grade and that there is a type of tuna, that is caught in Japan where they sell the sushi for about $ 30-40 per sushi !! (per sushi = 2 pieces of tuna pieces over rice !! crazy!!) There is a japanese term for this "upscale japan tuna" but don't remember...maybe I had too many wine glasses already!

Lea's New Kareoke Buddy

This is a photo of one of my new co-wrkrs and new Kareoke buddy, Shari Fujisaki , taken from Singhi's house. I met Shari, when we had our first Ceridian district function in Palm Springs back in 2004. Shari is crazy, and maybe thats why we got along so well -- lol -- She LOVES making frequent trips to Vegas and likes to bet on all sports....and yes, she places her bettings to Vegas, from Hawaii !!

Photo with Singhi "Japanese Sushi Man"

Lea's new "Oahu Ceridian familia "~~ Co-wrkr Scott on the left, me, and Singhi "Japanese Sushi Man", who put the Ahi Tuna spread and hosted the BBQ last Friday night.

3.18.2007 ~ Lea's 3 Week Aloha Recap

Aloha !!! Can you even believe, its been already 3 weeks that I've been living in Oahu?? I'm still feeling a bit in transition mode & processing the relocation to the island ~~ Feeling that I'm on an extended work trip or something... Work life is good ~ adjusting to my Honolulu District ways of their implementation processes, on their district's specific installs --very, very different ... And at the same time, learning my new Project Manager role, with the Hawaii accounts. I've already got a few PM accts assigned, no wasting time , thats for sure!!! My new co-wrkrs have been wonderful and so very helpful to me, when asking questions on driving directions to get around & questions on "island life" here.

Daily personal life is okay, and like I said, its an "adjustment process" -- I think the 3-hr time difference that happened last week, REALLY tripped me out and realizing, that all of you in Cali are usually in bed by the time I get home to unwind... and I can't call :( :( :( So, let me know, if its okay to call you after 9pm your time, and you will more than likely hear from me !!

Last night went to a St. Patricks Day block party near the Aloha Tower -- it was fun, there is 2 irish pubs across from each other, and they blocked off a couple of blocks and had food/and drinking of course. Reminded me of Hunting Beach Oktoberfest scenario.... The thing that bothered was the weather -- it could be clear for a minute, and pour crazy rain for like 10 mins--then clear again, then pour.. well, my hair was not liking that idea... and everyone there seemed to be okay with it -- people stayed in the streets in the rain.. talking and drinking beer and the rain didn't even faze them!!! crazy! I guess, I’ll soon adapt.....

I am trying to get into a routine, and that Sundays will be my day to go explore -- so far, last Sunday and today I've gone to the beach and love it !! Actually, today felt a bit colder not quite as warm...but I think, I still got some good color -- lol Today, I actually found my parking garage, that I will be using -- its a flat daily rate of $ 7.00 -- which is cheap! The usually parking rate for parking garages at the big hotels run about $ 20.00 for a full day, if not more. This parking area that I found is kinda hidden and it was a recommendation from someone -- its right behind the International market place, which is then across where Dukes is located !! I layed out in front of Dukes today, and actually hung out to watch the sunset -- it was beautiful ! They had a live band that started around 4pm and of course, there was plenty of tourist around, and a few locals at the bar that I talked to ~~ Its been fun talking to all the tourist and seeing where they are from and sharing my story of relocating here for work. Overall, its all good ~~ working on my tan, don't worry !!

Nicholas & Nambe have fully adjusted to Oahu-- they have acclimated themselves very well, and are playful with each other. The funny thing, is that when they chase each other, Nambe is always sliding around with the laminate floors and his head always hits the door or wall. God, I hope he doesn't end up with a concussion anytime soon! Nicholas doesn't run fast, so he's not sliding around...my fat Nicholas cat....

Below are some pictures to share ~~ enjoy & hope to chat with all of you soon ~~ Send those emails or give me a jingle sometime :) :) Miss you all ~ aloha !! ~~ Lea ~~

Aloha from Nicholas & Nambe

Meow, meow aloha !! We love our new home ~~ when will you come visit our mommy ?? She's left us alone again, and she's gone to the beach

Lea's Favorite Beach in front of Dukes so far

This is where I was hanging out today ~~ this beach is right in front of Dukes ~~ I think, this will be my new beach hangout !! When you come and visit, I will be taking you here to soak up some sun and we can watch the band @ Dukes and watch the sunsets.

Oahu Sunset

Come visit soon !! The sunsets are waiting for you !! This pic was taken at a restaurant that's called "Top of Waikiki" -- its one of those revolving restaurants that overlooks the entire strip of Waikiki hotels. When you come and visit, we can come here too !!

2.25.07~ Cats & Lea Have Arrived in Oahu

The cats and I safely arrived last Friday, 2/23 in the afternoon - Mark drove us from CM to LAX and Nicholas and Nambe were not very happy -- they meowed the entire drive time, even Nicholas who never meows, unless he's really upset! The check-in for the cats was pretty smooth, but they did ask for ALL the crazy paperwork, and thank goodness I was prepared ! The airport quarantine check-out was smooth as well, I only had to wait about 1 1/2 to get the cats ready to leave and come home with me :)
When we arrived at our new apt home, Nambe kept meowing as ever and Nicholas found my bed and hid under the comforter until now--Nicholas has not eaten but I do see him coming out and exploring this morning, which is a good sign :)I was extremely exhausted when I arrived on Friday, and could not even go to dinner with my classmate Ron, who lives here by me. My classmate Ron has lived here in Oahu since 1991, and we have been in touch here and there, and reconnected with him, last December. I have known him since Junior High and H.S. -- This relocation would not have gone as smooth, if I did not have my friend Ron help me from day one, when I was looking at places to live, to picking up the boxes that I have shipped over, prior to my arrival date.Yesterday, I unpacked my 12 boxes and got my new home a little organized~ Today, I slept in and plan relaxing and putting this blog website together. The weather has been around in the 80*degrees and it did pour for 2 hrs yesterday, and then sunny again. It low temp has been around 70* last night. Tomorrow will be my first day @ ceridian honolulu district & I'm very excited !!

I hope to use this website, to share my upcoming Hawaii experiences with all of you! You can dobule-click on each photo to enlarge. Keep this url link in your favorites and you can view it as often as you'd like and post comments. I will be updating memorable pictures to this site as well.

Lea's Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Weather is amazing and trippy here ~~ sunny skies one moment then a couple of rainbows the next~~ this is a photo from my lanai(balcony) from yesterday afternoon

Nicholas Hiding

Nicholas has been in hiding since we arrived ~ still mad at Mommy

"Been on a 5 hr flight- of course, I'm upset"

Nicholas not very happy when arriving to his new aloha home~~ It took today, Sunday, for him to come out and eat some food and water ~~ I think he will be okay~~ he is now an island cat !!

Nambe Relaxing In New Aloha Home