As a collective bunch, tourist, in general are a very funny group. And it's not just in Kona.
I know Europeans make fun us Americans by the things we do when we go there. Truly, it's really everywhere. When we visit a place, as a majority (and these are all going to be generalizations), we don't assimilate at all to the local culture. We look and act just like we do at home, therefore sticking out in a different place.
Chain restaurants. I'm not personally a fan. Good thing about chain restaurants: USUALLY, you know what you will receive. The quality and consistency of food is the same. There is safety in that. HOWEVER, you can eat that at home. WHY oh WHY my dear tourist of Kona, would you come ALL THE WAY TO HAWAII and eat at Bubba Gump's Fish place. Please tell me why?? It's near the pier - I get that, so are 100 other places to eat. On cruise ship Wednesday, all the tourist off the boat are in town. I get it, it's crowded in town. And then you buy your son the Forest Gump t-shirt from Bubba Gump's? Okay, maybe you don't have one of these in your town. This is the first one you have ever seen. Please just for me, next time you come to Kona, have lunch at the Fish Hopper across the street. Or at Huggo's on the Rocks - it's just a little further walk. Great local places, incredible food and a very fun atmosphere. Please. You are trying a new place to visit, try a new place to eat.
What is with the matching clothes? I'm talking about the women here. Men, have we really taken away all your self-respect? The couples in matching clothes. Okay, that's KINDA cute - and I mean kinda. The lady in her dress made of the same material as the husband's Hawaiian shirt. BUT, to the three men in matching shirts with their wives. Really? I just shook my head. No words really to write.
Ask a local. Ask a local ANYTHING. Where do you like to eat? What is a local fruit I can't find anywhere but here? What's the island known for? Go to the farmer's market. Try some leikes, try some Portuguese sausage. Try some poke.
I applaud you for being out and seeing new things. Try some local things too. Please, just for me.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
We've STILL got it
Granted, I REFUSE to believe I don't look as young I used too. And I know, "I wouldn't understand" Of course. I didn't understand either.
My, this story could get complicated, but really, it's one of the best stories ever.
My BFF comes to town. And truly, as those of you who don't know, she is the best friend ever. And for those of you whom know us, well, you know us.
Long story short. And way too much of a story to still be repeating - I got my heart broke. But not really, he wasn't mean to me. And quite honestly I broke HALF of my own heart. I thought he was something he wasn't. I will take responsibility for half my heart. And the other half..... I would do it all again.
What cures a heartache? Time. Ugh!! Time sucks. Sometimes it goes SO slow.
And of course, the GODS were looking out for us. Carolyn's trip was planned to Colorado in July for her arrival in October. THANK YOU GOD. (If you want to thank your GOD for her, please do, she's been a blessing in mine)
We go to Vail. We are THE ONLY PEOPLE at our hotel. How fun is that. Granted, it's a small hotel, but still. When I told my sons "We were the only people at the Sitzmark. And they left the pool/hot tub open for us." The look of envy on their faces was priceless.
It's DEAD in Vail. It's Off-season. There is not enough snow. Not enough hiking trails.
Red Lion is CLOSED for a private party.
Dear German Woman at the Door:
Thank you for turning us down and not letting us in. After all, it WAS a private party.
I told you we would be back.
Thank you for trying not to smile as you told us we weren't allowed.
Thanks for not laughing at us after we knocked on the windows and they let us come in. :-)
THANK YOU, for being nice as we ordered drinks from the bar. Well, we told you we would be back...
Thanks for the new friends we can banter with for years to come.
Oh the friends I've met in Vail.
Thanks for adding a few more to the Rolodex (OMG - that word just came up on Spellcheck)
And THANKS for my thirties........
My, this story could get complicated, but really, it's one of the best stories ever.
My BFF comes to town. And truly, as those of you who don't know, she is the best friend ever. And for those of you whom know us, well, you know us.
Long story short. And way too much of a story to still be repeating - I got my heart broke. But not really, he wasn't mean to me. And quite honestly I broke HALF of my own heart. I thought he was something he wasn't. I will take responsibility for half my heart. And the other half..... I would do it all again.
What cures a heartache? Time. Ugh!! Time sucks. Sometimes it goes SO slow.
And of course, the GODS were looking out for us. Carolyn's trip was planned to Colorado in July for her arrival in October. THANK YOU GOD. (If you want to thank your GOD for her, please do, she's been a blessing in mine)
We go to Vail. We are THE ONLY PEOPLE at our hotel. How fun is that. Granted, it's a small hotel, but still. When I told my sons "We were the only people at the Sitzmark. And they left the pool/hot tub open for us." The look of envy on their faces was priceless.
It's DEAD in Vail. It's Off-season. There is not enough snow. Not enough hiking trails.
Red Lion is CLOSED for a private party.
Dear German Woman at the Door:
Thank you for turning us down and not letting us in. After all, it WAS a private party.
I told you we would be back.
Thank you for trying not to smile as you told us we weren't allowed.
Thanks for not laughing at us after we knocked on the windows and they let us come in. :-)
THANK YOU, for being nice as we ordered drinks from the bar. Well, we told you we would be back...
Thanks for the new friends we can banter with for years to come.
Oh the friends I've met in Vail.
Thanks for adding a few more to the Rolodex (OMG - that word just came up on Spellcheck)
And THANKS for my thirties........
Swimming
The water makes everything right in the world.
You are weightless. There is no stress on your joints, your bones, your body. You are just one with the water. Oh and the fish, and the turtles. My favorite fish is the "trumpet fish" - skinny and long. Very strange looking, but beautiful.
With swimming you are alone with the water. Alone with the world. Yet, one. There is no noise in the water. You can hear the chains that are attached to the buoys. They clink. They sound likes bells under the water. Nice deep bells. Not annoying at all.
I understand how people can be scared of the water. A few years back, while competing in a triathlon, I had a panic attack. I started out too fast. There were too many people and I panicked. I was able to recover by flipping over on my back and got my breathing under control. For the first time in my life, I understood how people could be scared of the water. Until that point, I never understood it.
Water is a powerful force. You are completely NOT in control. After my surfing accident last summer (read Ocean Water Rescue) I was humbled. I was never scared and no Nolan, I did not cry. It made me aware. Aware that I wasn't in charge.
I'm simply amazed at the number of adults whom don't know how to swim. Everyone needs to learn to swim. EVERYONE. PERIOD. This planet is made up of more water than land.
Swimming is amazing. Water is incredible. And it's calling my name.....
You are weightless. There is no stress on your joints, your bones, your body. You are just one with the water. Oh and the fish, and the turtles. My favorite fish is the "trumpet fish" - skinny and long. Very strange looking, but beautiful.
With swimming you are alone with the water. Alone with the world. Yet, one. There is no noise in the water. You can hear the chains that are attached to the buoys. They clink. They sound likes bells under the water. Nice deep bells. Not annoying at all.
I understand how people can be scared of the water. A few years back, while competing in a triathlon, I had a panic attack. I started out too fast. There were too many people and I panicked. I was able to recover by flipping over on my back and got my breathing under control. For the first time in my life, I understood how people could be scared of the water. Until that point, I never understood it.
Water is a powerful force. You are completely NOT in control. After my surfing accident last summer (read Ocean Water Rescue) I was humbled. I was never scared and no Nolan, I did not cry. It made me aware. Aware that I wasn't in charge.
I'm simply amazed at the number of adults whom don't know how to swim. Everyone needs to learn to swim. EVERYONE. PERIOD. This planet is made up of more water than land.
Swimming is amazing. Water is incredible. And it's calling my name.....
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Working hard or hardly working
Most times, when you look at another persons life - we are usually envious. Envy. Jealously. I think those are sins. Other peoples lives always look better - or worse.
Although we don't always pay attention to the worse. We might catch it. It might become part of our lives. But when someone is living better than us - we feel sorry for ourselves. How come they get to live that life??? What about me???
A child with cancer. We aren't envious of them. If fact, most people think "Thank God, that isn't me". Come on be honest. I track two blogs from moms whose children have cancer. Quite honestly, I LOVE their blogs. No, I do not love the fact their child has cancer. I love their RAW, HONEST and brutal comments. Life is SO sugar-coated these days.
Life can suck. Life can be depressing. When we look at another persons life, it's easy to look at all that is good in there life. We don't look at the hard stuff.
I read a quote from Dylan McDermott one time and it said (and I'm paraphrasing) "you get 20 bad years in your life, I just got mine out of the way". He was referring to his childhood. If you look at it that way in life - take your 20 years. Truly, as a child, what you think is bad, isn't really all that bad (most of the time) - so go ahead and get it out of the way. Of course, these are rambling generalizations.
The point of the story is: another persons life ALWAYS looks better/worse than ours.
We forget about behind the scenes:
Although we don't always pay attention to the worse. We might catch it. It might become part of our lives. But when someone is living better than us - we feel sorry for ourselves. How come they get to live that life??? What about me???
A child with cancer. We aren't envious of them. If fact, most people think "Thank God, that isn't me". Come on be honest. I track two blogs from moms whose children have cancer. Quite honestly, I LOVE their blogs. No, I do not love the fact their child has cancer. I love their RAW, HONEST and brutal comments. Life is SO sugar-coated these days.
Life can suck. Life can be depressing. When we look at another persons life, it's easy to look at all that is good in there life. We don't look at the hard stuff.
I read a quote from Dylan McDermott one time and it said (and I'm paraphrasing) "you get 20 bad years in your life, I just got mine out of the way". He was referring to his childhood. If you look at it that way in life - take your 20 years. Truly, as a child, what you think is bad, isn't really all that bad (most of the time) - so go ahead and get it out of the way. Of course, these are rambling generalizations.
The point of the story is: another persons life ALWAYS looks better/worse than ours.
We forget about behind the scenes:
- No, the actors didn't walk on stage and perform that - they practiced.
- The Ironman winner - training is 40 hours per week.
- The single mom - yes she has her freedom, but she has her lonely nights too. Or maybe she doesn't have her freedom.
- That event you attended that everything worked out perfectly - what went into that?
- The woman whom doesn't have to work, has a nanny, and her kids are almost grown - her husband is gone M-F and has a girlfriend.
- You work remotely, and sometimes remotely is from Hawaii. It's still work and conference calls happen at 3am.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
A local whom doesn't live here
Are you here for business or pleasure? Do you live here or work here? Yes. That is the answer. It's both business and pleasure. It's living here it's not living here, but knowing people and knowing where to go. Yes, I also work here - only all my clients are on the East coast.
For years, I've claimed to be "A local whom doesn't live here" in Vail. I LOVE Vail. Of course, I love to people watch. There is no better place to people watch. I know the great local places. The great tourist places. Where to go for the best specials, the best foods and where not to go. A local - only I don't live there.
Back in Kona. Ahhhhhhhh. An avocado was $1.29 at the DRUG STORE today - AND it was the size of a grapefruit. No, I didn't buy it - I get them for free on the tree around the corner. Poke (pronounced Po - kay) - fresh tuna sashmi style - $2.00 for 4 ounces - caught fresh TODAY. Yum. Only eat out at Happy Hour. Everything is cheaper then. Yummmmmm.
The funny thing about being in a place where you live somewhere, but you really don't is really the people. We all know bartenders and wait staff have seen it all. When you are in a tourist town, they have really seen it all. What happened to me last night is usually the opposite of what happens.
In Denver (and probably most towns), if you go to the same restaurants/bars - they recognize you. You get a little better service, they know how you tip and to watch out for you.
In new city, people don't know you. But what about the city you living in, but you don't live in? Here is where the difference begins. I knew the bartender and a couple at the end of the bar. I remembered them from my summer adventure. They didn't recognize me. (Maybe it is the fact that I didn't have a black-eye this time. ;-) )
Tourist towns - the people must all begin to look the same. All the stories are different - in a way, but yet all the same.
Today, Timeshare Paul recognized me. He even gave me a hug. I had tea with the people whom live in "my house". They recognize me.
I have friends here, but I don't. I know people, but I don't really know people. And I'm just here for a short time. BONUS: I haven't gotten lost once. I know my way around. I'm a local whom doesn't live here.
For years, I've claimed to be "A local whom doesn't live here" in Vail. I LOVE Vail. Of course, I love to people watch. There is no better place to people watch. I know the great local places. The great tourist places. Where to go for the best specials, the best foods and where not to go. A local - only I don't live there.
Back in Kona. Ahhhhhhhh. An avocado was $1.29 at the DRUG STORE today - AND it was the size of a grapefruit. No, I didn't buy it - I get them for free on the tree around the corner. Poke (pronounced Po - kay) - fresh tuna sashmi style - $2.00 for 4 ounces - caught fresh TODAY. Yum. Only eat out at Happy Hour. Everything is cheaper then. Yummmmmm.
The funny thing about being in a place where you live somewhere, but you really don't is really the people. We all know bartenders and wait staff have seen it all. When you are in a tourist town, they have really seen it all. What happened to me last night is usually the opposite of what happens.
In Denver (and probably most towns), if you go to the same restaurants/bars - they recognize you. You get a little better service, they know how you tip and to watch out for you.
In new city, people don't know you. But what about the city you living in, but you don't live in? Here is where the difference begins. I knew the bartender and a couple at the end of the bar. I remembered them from my summer adventure. They didn't recognize me. (Maybe it is the fact that I didn't have a black-eye this time. ;-) )
Tourist towns - the people must all begin to look the same. All the stories are different - in a way, but yet all the same.
Today, Timeshare Paul recognized me. He even gave me a hug. I had tea with the people whom live in "my house". They recognize me.
I have friends here, but I don't. I know people, but I don't really know people. And I'm just here for a short time. BONUS: I haven't gotten lost once. I know my way around. I'm a local whom doesn't live here.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Passion
Webster defines passion as "the state or capacity of being acted on by external forces. Intense driving feeling or convection.
Many times in life we confuse love with passion.
Love is defined as "strong affection" Or as a verb, "an object of affection"
The difference being strong vs intense. Passion being ruled by external forces. Most people LOVE lots of things. LOVE lots of people.
PASSION - now this is where the numbers dwindle. How many people do you know whom have passion in their life? Are passionate about something? I LOVE watermelon. Not passionate about watermelon.
And we confuse the two.
If we are lucky, we know passion.
An acquaintance of mine from years ago was recently told she could no longer practice judo. Several diginitive discs in her neck and back. She's devastated. Not only does she LOVE this sport - it is her passion. She feels like the doctors have told her they have to remove a part of her. And in truth, they do.
Think of all the opera singers, the musicians, the athletes whom LOVE what they do. Actually, some of them might not love it, but they are good at it. Others, it helps them breathe. What about the teachers - the instructors of anything (musical instruments, singing, 4th grade math) whom are truly PASSIONATE about their job. What's the old saying? "Love what you do and you will never work a day in your life"
My youngest son was fortunate enough to make the 7th/8th grade boys basketball team at school. He's the shortest player on the team. He probably sees one minute of playing time every OTHER game. BUT, he's very very lucky.
The head coach is a mom at the school. She played women's basketball at Princeton. Then she coached there for a bit. Her husband is the men's basketball head coach at Denver University. He has the opportunity to learn from someone whom is still very passionate about basketball. So passionate in fact, she was ejected from a game for yelling the referee. Yes, that's right - yelling at the referee at a 7th/8th grade basketball game. She was ejected and suspended for a game.
The entire scenario made me laugh as it unfolded. First of all, she was right. The ref was wrong. And she knew it. And she couldn't let it go. It's not a matter of right and wrong at that point - it was the passion.
My son has this great opportunity to be coached by someone whom truly is passionate about what they are teaching.
What do you love from 10 years ago? From when you were a child? Those things are harder to remember. We love lots of things in our life. Only a few know true passion.
Love comes and goes - passion is forever. Go find your passion.....
Many times in life we confuse love with passion.
Love is defined as "strong affection" Or as a verb, "an object of affection"
The difference being strong vs intense. Passion being ruled by external forces. Most people LOVE lots of things. LOVE lots of people.
PASSION - now this is where the numbers dwindle. How many people do you know whom have passion in their life? Are passionate about something? I LOVE watermelon. Not passionate about watermelon.
And we confuse the two.
If we are lucky, we know passion.
An acquaintance of mine from years ago was recently told she could no longer practice judo. Several diginitive discs in her neck and back. She's devastated. Not only does she LOVE this sport - it is her passion. She feels like the doctors have told her they have to remove a part of her. And in truth, they do.
Think of all the opera singers, the musicians, the athletes whom LOVE what they do. Actually, some of them might not love it, but they are good at it. Others, it helps them breathe. What about the teachers - the instructors of anything (musical instruments, singing, 4th grade math) whom are truly PASSIONATE about their job. What's the old saying? "Love what you do and you will never work a day in your life"
My youngest son was fortunate enough to make the 7th/8th grade boys basketball team at school. He's the shortest player on the team. He probably sees one minute of playing time every OTHER game. BUT, he's very very lucky.
The head coach is a mom at the school. She played women's basketball at Princeton. Then she coached there for a bit. Her husband is the men's basketball head coach at Denver University. He has the opportunity to learn from someone whom is still very passionate about basketball. So passionate in fact, she was ejected from a game for yelling the referee. Yes, that's right - yelling at the referee at a 7th/8th grade basketball game. She was ejected and suspended for a game.
The entire scenario made me laugh as it unfolded. First of all, she was right. The ref was wrong. And she knew it. And she couldn't let it go. It's not a matter of right and wrong at that point - it was the passion.
My son has this great opportunity to be coached by someone whom truly is passionate about what they are teaching.
What do you love from 10 years ago? From when you were a child? Those things are harder to remember. We love lots of things in our life. Only a few know true passion.
Love comes and goes - passion is forever. Go find your passion.....
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Fasinating Person #1 2012
My theme for the year is about the people I meet along the way. And I MEANT the people that I met along the way THIS YEAR, but as we know not everything works out the way we want it too.
I never met you. Met, yes, past tense. I was not fortunate enough to meet you.
5 years ago today someone decided to commit suicide by police and took you AND 5 others with him. A random senseless act of violence. (Google her name - you can read the story. Or click here for a direct link). This happens to OTHER people.
Although you are no longer with us - you have effected our lives. My life. My sons lives. I want you to know what you have been doing, while you are not here.
One of my dearest friends was married to you. He misses you every single day. I have felt his hurt and pain and know that only you could help this. To see someone hurt the way he hurts. I feel helpless. Not something I feel on a regular basis. This instance, I can't "fix". I can't make it better. I can't make it go away. Almost the feeling a mother has for her child - please, just make it better. You have taught me that some pain will never go away. It will lessen with time, but there will always be a scar.
You have INCREDIBLE friends. INCREDIBLE. There are no words for our mutual friends. I now have the joy of your friends in my life. The Russo and Streeter kids are growing like weeds. There are some new additions too. And Petey even has a girlfriend.
I somehow missed meeting you in life. So did my sons. The year after your death we went to your house. And after our trip I told them your story. I want you to know every year on your birthday and the day you died, my sons reach out to Rich to let them know they are thinking of him. In fact, they ask me, if they have the date correct. (I don't think they know MY birthday, but they know yours). They are now 12 and 14 year old boys. Not many boys know compassion like you have taught my sons.
For whatever reason, I got back in touch with your brother in-law after many a years - literally 6 months before you died. He was out of shape, over-weight and I told him he had to do a half-marathon with me. If you hadn't died, he wouldn't have done it. Thank you. (He should thank you too, but well, he's not good at those things). Now I have a memory of a weekend on Catalina Island, that I would have never had, if it hadn't been for you.
Even though we never met - this is what I do know about you:
- You lived life to the fullest
- You have incredible friends
- You liked music that is embarrassing to admit to like, but you liked it anyway ( and I REALLY like that about you)
- Strey Dog and Jackson Dog are lovable (you raised them well!)
- And for you to have loved Richie, well, we know you are even more special. ;-)
We are here celebrating you. Thank you. Rest In Peace
Vanessa Antrobus Quinn February 8th, 1978 – February 12th, 2007
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