Fridges

When we were in Hawaii an interesting phenomena would occur daily. We were staying in Waikiki overlooking the canal (for those who know the island). Directly behind us there was a street that ended at the canal. On the corner of the street stood a fridge. All by itself. hmmmm I thought, what on earth? In this land of tourists, surely someone will trip when they walk by? Or bump it in the road causing a head on collision with some poor fella from Okapokie who's just rented a nice shiny car... and then, by the end of the day the fridge was gone. One day there was a washer and dryer combo on the other side of the street. Gone as well. Give it 24 hours and they ascend into appliance heaven or wherever it is good appliances go.

One night we had been out a little later than normal (10 ish) and were walking back to the condo when we saw a fridge coming towards us. On wheels with a little man pushing it from behind. He got it to the curb and then couldn't get the wheels up onto the sidewalk from the road. He started asking innocent bystanders for help.

We got out of there fast. Chris had visions of liability issues dancing in her head when all I could think of was 'what about if I hurt my back' how could I explain that? "Well, you see it was like this, I saw a fridge walking down the road and as a responsible human being trying to do my part on the planet I decided to give it a hand and lift it to the curb where it could socialize with all the other fridges".

Anyways, it was still there when we left. Apparently it was left on the wrong side of the road for fridges.

It's a Good Life

This time last week we were getting ready to leave Hawaii. A flurry of housekeeping, packing of suitcases, last minute checks of tickets, luggage, carry-on do's and don'ts, waiting for shuttle bus, it all happened so fast. Before we knew it we were on a plane heading home.
I always go through a time of adjustment when I leave my beautiful island. Every time I get on the plane going home I ask God, why? Why can't I live here all the time? I love it so much.

I have my life here and it's a good life. I'm very blessed in so many ways. Sure there have been rough times and times I'd rather forget and that really bad time in the 90's when I lost everything and felt my life was over, but these days my life is good.
I'm glad to be home again. It's been a busy week, I've worked every day and then some OT on top of the day but I still have a little part in my heart that will always miss Hawaii until the next visit.

I'm glad that I got to show Chris some of it, my favorite places to eat, places we used to hang out in college days, beaches we suntanned at, it all seems so long ago now. A different life.
So, back to work this week and everyday life. Have a good week everyone and take time to appreciate the ones you love.

Aloha!!!

Well, after a bumpy plane ride home, we're back. Very tired but feeling very thankful for a wonderful vacation. I'll blog more later but just want to post some photos for now.

One of the places we spent a lot of time was the rooftop lanai of Becky's building. It was on the 37th floor and had an awesome view.

One day we took a drive out to the Waianae coast and enjoyed some beach time at a beautiful resort there.

We even got to see one of my fave TV characters, although he was looking a little flat that day, LOL!

We treated ourselves with a night out...a sunset dinner cruise and then the magic of polynesia show. Both were wonderful and well worth the money spent.

From Hawaii...with Aloha

Here we are in Hawaii....the sights, the sounds, the smells, it's all so familiar and yet strange in a way. It's been so many years since I've lived here and called this island home but yet it still feels like home to me. This trip is special because I'm here with Chris and sharing my love of Hawaii with her.

We've done some sightseeing and lots of walking. Today we spent the day with a friend that I met for the first time last year, Dana. She's a great tour guide and gives a great historic tour of the island. We enjoyed a lot of laughs with her.

Not sure what the rest of the week will bring, the time goes by so fast. We don't want to waste a moment but at the same time are here to relax and just take it easy.

Aloha...will post pics when I get home.

Before I Go....I Have One More Post

I saw this on someone else's blog and know it was meant for me! If you've ever seen me in the morning you know it's true. I don't function until after I've had my coffee. I used to smoke too so then it was really bad. I'm even bringing my own little personal coffee maker to Hawaii just because I know my friend only drinks iced tea and won't have one. Of course Timmy's coming along.......how Canadian is that!

Hawaii No Ka Oi

Not sure how much time or availability I will have to blog but we're leaving tomorrow for 10 days in Hawaii. I am praying for a good rest and rejuvenation for both of us as well as sunshine! I'm so looking forward to just getting away, especially from the snow that's lying outside my window right now.

Aloha nui loa

Seniors

I'm getting old. I feel worn out and tired. All the time. Recently I got together with some of my old work buddies and although I'm the youngest of the group I feel as old as they do. One of them sent me this photo. Pretty practical I think.

Bryce

1 year ago today Chris had the difficult decision to put down her beloved cat Bryce. He had been her cat for 9 years and they 'belonged together'. She always called him her rock. He was loyal and faithful and had a big attitude. I had never lived with a cat before and Bryce won me over to his kingdom.


Chris always talked for Bryce, like she knew exactly what he was thinking. His favorite word was 'dammit'. After he died we thought we might name our next cat Dammit. You know, "Dammit, get down right now". "Dammit, you're late again", it goes on and on.

We didn't but we thought about and laughed about it lots, knowing that Bryce would definitely approve.


We've been blessed with 2 little bundles of joy since but today we take a moment and remember Bryce, the handsomest man cat. Here's to you bud, dammit!

I Don't Know This Dog

....not my dog but it could be.

7 More SLeeps

It's been a busy week of driving the DART around town. The thing I really enjoy about the job is meeting different people all the time. Today was one of those days. I met a lady at the Hospital who owned a motel in Surrey. Her and her husband have owned it since 1972. She told me they'll never retire because they enjoy their lives so much. I thought 'what a change - to hear of someone who's happy with their life'. So many people have so many complaints, especially when you're picking them up from medical appointments. Here she was, getting her stitches out from a knee replacement and she was telling me what a great life she had.

At the end of my day I picked up a lady in a scooter who told me she was 53 and had MS. We chatted all the way to her place and she told me about all the good things in her life.

I'm amazed at how different we all are, how God created us all so individually. So often we get defeated by what life has dealt us and yet a day comes along when I'm surrounded by people who are thankful for what they have and it's a pleasure to hear their words and listen to their stories.

One More Week

Stolen From Barb's Blog

1. Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, and find line 4. What does it say?

"Clay has no apparent value of its own in a raw state; yet it can be made into objects of great value."

2. What was the last thing you watched on TV? New Year's Eve in New York

3. With the exception of the computer, what can you hear? Chris and the sound of Maggie biting her nails (not Chris's)

4. When did you last step outside? What were you doing? Coming home from visiting my mother.

5.What are you wearing? sweat pants and grey tshirt

6. Did you dream last night? Not that I can remember.

7. When did you last laugh? at my mom's this afternoon.

8. Seen anything weird lately? rash on my body.

9. What was the last film you saw? Dream Girls.

10. If you became a multi-millionaire over night, what is one of the first things you would buy?
A ticket to somewhere warm and tropical.

11. Tell me something about you that I don't know. Sometimes I pick my nose.

12. Imagine your first child is a girl, what would you name her? Amanda or Rebecca

13. Imagine your first child is a boy what would you name him? Richard James.

14. Would you ever consider living abroad? If so, what country would you choose? Absolutely. The Netherlands

15. What do you want God to say to you when you reach the pearly gates? Good to seeya