Earthquake on the Hawaiian Islands!!

A week of exciting weather here on Maui! Our weather is usually pretty boring... highs in the 80's/lows in the 60's. Well, not this week! Sunday, October 15, I was awakened by a rumbling sound and the whole house shaking. I live in the back of a large house and my place is on stilts. The shaking was quite violent and the sound just as alarming. Jack was as freaked out as I was! This shaking lasted approximately 20-30 seconds, but seemed like a lifetime. Our power was immediately knocked out which made it difficult to find out what was exactly going on or what to expect next. I called my mom who did some research online. It took several minutes before she was able to get any information. There was one radio station on the air in all of Hawaii during this time, an a.m. station on Oahu. Thankfully my beach radio is battery powered! It turns out the actual quake originated about 9 miles off of the west coast of Hawai'i. Maui is the first island north of Hawai'i, and I live on the south western coast of Maui. Our power was restored several hours later and my fears were calmed after many reports assuring that there would be no tsunami! I have never experienced an earthquake before. My first thoughts were to go into my bathroom because that's what you do in VA if there is a hurricane. Thankfully it didn't matter because there was no structural damage to the house. Now I know to go outside away from the house or at the very least to stand in a doorway. It seems kind of obvious now, but at the time it was like, "what is happening?!"

We had a ton of rain this week and now they are warning of flash floods thru Sunday. My poor baby car is so soggy. My back window doesn't close on my convertible, so it's hard to keep the rain out. I haven't gotten it fixed b/c it rarely rains here. (For real, Hagen!) Actually, on the topic of my car.. someone tried to steal it a few weeks ago!! I had to have it towed to a garage and they removed whatever object was broken off in the keyhole of my ignition. Thankfully they didn't steal it or do too much damage!! I live in one of the safest areas on Maui!

Here are a few sites with info about the earthquakes here in Hawaii. All of the major damage is on the island of Hawai'i (the Big Island) so I am lucky to be on Maui! Thanks for all of your concern about my well being. Aloha!

http://www.mauinews.com/story.aspx?id=24387

http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/news/10091734/detail.html

http://us.cnn.com/2006/US/10/16/hawaii.quake/index.html

The Na Pali Coast- The Kalalau Trail

Flew to Kauai last Friday with a group of friends. Had been planning our big hike on the Kalalau Trail for a few weeks. The trail is on the north shore of Kauai and is famous for its rugged terrain and it's length (11 miles each way). These are not 11 flat miles, that's for sure! Here is a website I found about the trail if you want to check it out: http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dsp/NaPali/na_pali.htm

We arrived in Lihue early in the evening, and checked into the cottage in Kapa'a that we reserved from a posting on craig's list. Cute cottage surrounded by lush rainforest. All of us commented on how much more green Kauai was compared to parts of Maui. Very beautiful all over the island.

We got a late start Saturday a.m. due to a few beers the night before and a few last minute purchases. We really didn't know what we were up against at that point or we would have gone to bed early and started at sunrise. We really goofed by not starting the trail until 10 am! We hiked 8 hours (including about 45 minutes exploring on the first beach we came to 2 miles in). We calculated that we were only moving about a mile an hour due to having to climb and follow continuous switchbacks on narrow trials. Our packs were heavier than they should have been even though we were all careful to pack as lightly as possible. You just have no idea how tough this hike is until you complete it!

We camped out about 8 miles in, and finished the trail Sunday morning. There was a super scary section around the 9 1/2 mile mark that really challenged us psychologically and physically. You had to watch your step on a very narrow trail on a ledge that seemed to go on forever! We finally arrived at our destination at the Kaulalau beach and set up camp. We relaxed for a bit, checked out the scenery which included a really nice waterfall to shower in. We needed it badly!

We hiked a 2 miles to some pools through a beautiful forrest because the 11 miles in weren't enough of a challenge (yeah, right). It was nice even though the water was really cold!!

The next morning a few of us boated out (a new experience with views we wouldn't have seen otherwise) and a few of us hiked out. We took a bunch of weight out of our friends backpacks so that the hike out was much easier.

Dan and I drove around Kauai a bit after we got to shore. I was so looking forward to a fresh bottle of water!! (we had to put iodine pills in the water we drank from the streams on the trail and it was yucky). We check out a lighthouse and bird sanctuary.. the link to this place is:
http://www.hawaiiweb.com/Kauai/html/sites/kilauea_lighthouse.html . I will post pictures soon but just wanted to go ahead and post this since it's been 2 weeks already!! Aloha. :) Susie

Going to Kauai in one week!!

Hi!! Hope this post finds you happy and well. I am lying low this Saturday evening in south Maui. Went hiking at Poli Poli park today with some girl friends. Just a light hike with my new hiking shoes on and my full backpack. A test run to prepare for our big hike on the Na Pali coast on Kauai next week!! Check it out at this site: http://www.hawaiiweb.com/kauai/html/sites/na_pali_coast.html

I have been to Poli Poli one other time (when I first moved here). The temp is cool and it is so majestic to walk with your head literally in the clouds. I will post pics soon. Got a new digital camera, so hope they turned out great!

We leave next Friday for our 4 day excursion on Kauai (another outer island). A group of 5-6 of us are going. I only know one girl well who is going and the rest are guys I've met once or twice. Should be an adventure. We are going to either hike in (11 miles one way) and camp or have one of the guys friends drop us off where we wanna camp (by boat) and then hike out the 11 miles. The latter is my vote as 22 miles over 3 days sounds hard core!! I am not a big hiker, but hopefully it will not be to crazy!! I will be taking tons of pics b/c I hear it is absolutely beautiful.

Better sign off for now. Keep in touch when you can!!

Aloha, Susie

Happy Bday Mom, Car is sold...

Aloha,

It's Sunday afternoon.. just in from Big Beach. Just a low key day.. beautiful weather as usual. Not to say I am taking that for granted.. it is easy to get used to. Trying to plan for my travel over the holidays and start thinking about whether I'll stay another year or not. Part of me wonders how I'll ever leave and another part of me misses certain things you take for granted on the mainland.

Mom's bday was Friday and she got my package on her actual bday!! Sorry, Jill, for yours being late!!

Dad sold my Honda today!! :) That was quick!! Thanks, Dad. I will make it to the bank to put that money in some kind of IRA or something this week.

Here is a pic from our camping night a few weekends ago. It's Maria, Me, Crystal, and Anthony at White Rock in Wailea. Not too much sleep was had that night.

At the end of the month I have a week off. A few girls are planning a hiking trip on Kaui and I'm thinking about going. I've never been there and it is supposed to be awesome. We'll see.. I just went to Oahu last weekend, so I probably shouldn't!

Talked to Tippy and Aimee earlier. It's crazy how little I talk to some of my mainland friends!! If this applies to you, email or call and let me know what you are up to!

Signing off for now. Cheers!

Fire in Maalea

A brush fire that started yesterday morning in Maalea (about 20 min north of me) has now burned approx. 2000 acres of land. It is still not under control. We could see it last night from my house...I wish I could have gotten a good picture of it b/c it was pretty amazing to see. Scary! Here is a link about it:

http://starbulletin.com/2006/09/02/news/story02.html

Can't find the Hokie game on t.v. Mom and Mike are there. Found the score and it looks like a blowout.

We were supposed to camp near where the fire is, so now we have to change our plans. Hope we still go. Planning a trip to Oahu next weekend. The flights are really cheap.

My Aunt Myrna has invited me to join her on a trip to South Africa. If I can pull it off, that would be so awesome!! Still trying to look into what it would cost, etc.

Have a good one!!

Aloha, Susie

ANDRE!!!

Yeah Andre!! I am so happy that he pulled it off. Twice this week he has cut it pretty close, but he did it. Can't wait to see him in round 3!!

http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/reports/2006-08-31/200608311157091634156.html



Looking forward to my 3 day weekend. We are going surfing Sat. morning, camping at the beach Sat. night, and otherwise relaxing. Probably play tennis on Sunday.

Even if you are not a tennis fan, you might wanna try to catch Agassi playing Benjamin Becker in the 3rd round. It may be his last match ever!!

Happy Aloha Friday to you!!

Bamboo Boogie

A guy I met on my ride home from VA, Mike, came to visit this weekend from Oahu. We went hiking at the bamboo forest with my friends Arien and Maria. It was fun! There were 3 waterfalls along the hike, and to get to the last one you had to swim down this little river. No major cuts or bruises for me thankfully! I actually jumped off a 20 ft. ledge by a waterfall, which is pretty brave for me! There were people jumping off of questionable areas, but I played it pretty safe. Almost chickened out, but had to go for it. Everyone else was doing it!! Maria actually fell the next day on a different hike and is a little banged up. Thankfully nothing serious, but some major cuts and bruises. Oweee!

We went to see Katch a Fire, a reggae band from New Zealand, Sat. night. That was fun. Saw a bunch of people from Tuesday night volleyball there.

Planning a trip surfing in Lahaina for Sat. am with my tennis buddy Christine. I don’t go enough to get any better yet, but I did ride a wave in all the way to shore last time all by myself!! Progress.

Work is good. I just do my thing in my room and try to ignore the incompetence outside of my room. My assistant is AWESOME and my kids are really high functioning. I do have a new student on the way, so this may change soon!

Signing off for now. Aloha to you.

Susie

A positive post!

I just realized that I haven't been posting much positive stuff with everything that has been going on!! I am excited to report that my job is going well, Jack is good, and I have a cute friend coming to stay with me this weekend from Oahu. :) We are going to a reggae show Sat. night.. can't wait!

Played tennis tonight with Kurt (he leaves tomorrow to move back to Michigan) and some other friends. It was entertaining to say the least (the guys insisted on playing me and my partner, Christine and got beaten BADLY!!).

Well, just wanted to be sure I reported some really good things for a change!! Have a good one!

Jack's Scary Episode...

I had a scare tonight with Jack. We went for our evening walk around 7 pm. He was fine. When we returned, he was sleeping on the floor at the end of my bed. He tried to get up and walk towards me, but was unable to stand up. He crawled awkwardly toward me, shaking and drooling. I got him outside in case he got sick, and every time he tried to stand and walk, he staggered and fell. He lied on me for a few minutes, still shaking. It was super scary. I called the vet and he agreed to meet me & Jack at his office.

Jack walked to the car pretty much with ease. He staggered a little in the car. When we got to the vet's office (Dr. Dressler), he seemed to have improved dramatically. The doc and nurse did an exam and took blood and feces. They asked me a bunch of questions. They wanted to be sure Jack didn't get a hold of a toad-- they are poisonous here. I told them I didn't think there was any way he had. They ruled that out based on the fact that he wasn't ruling excessively and continuously. One of the questions ended up linking an odd behavior to what may have happened. Two days ago, Jack peed on his bed. He NEVER pees in the house, and especially not where he sleeps. I just thought it was wierd and forgot about it. Now the Dr. thinks that since he experienced loss of bladder control a few days ago and then he had this weird episode tonight, Jack is having seizures (two this week?). I told him that Jack had gotten into some bad chicken a few days ago and asked if any of this could be related to that. He said that the tests would help to rule out the seizures if the problem was with a parasite, or with the kidneys, liver, etc.

Dr. D. just called and is convinced this is all due to seizure activity. I hope he is wrong, but fear he is right. The bed wetting I think happened before Jack got into the chicken if I remember correctly. Now he wants me to get up with him every 3 hrs. tonight just to be sure he's okay, which of course I will do. The idea that Jack is having seizures and just having to see him so helpless earlier really is hard to deal with.

Keep your fingers crossed that this was all just some wierd aberration. I am hoping he is fine.

Good nite.

Susie

Kurt's leavin', getting settled at work....sick already...

Hi. I write tonight with a head cold (sinus infection?)... Fun, fun. Only been back to work one week and already a head cold! Damn that was quick. These Hawaiian germs are different than the ones in VA!!

It seems that the numbers worked out at work and I'll be staying put. Thankfully, the worst case scenario was avoided. My kids are manageable and fun, my room is coming together quiet nicely (very well stocked with new materials), and having a/c is great. Sometimes it's a little chilly, but nothing a sweatshirt can't handle!!

I'm having a some people over Saturday evening.. pupu's (appetizers) and drinks on the lanai. Should be fun. I invited the couple upstairs from Austria, but they said they are nursing colds and will let me know. I feel the same as they do, so I hope I get better quick! I plan to go to the doctor tomorrow if I don't feel substantially better anyway. I can always reschedule if I have to.

My friend, Kurt, is moving back to Michigan next week. :( He is one of my good buddies here and is about the 5th friend who has left since May! This is such a transient island.. it makes it tough when you get to know someone and then off they go. I know we will keep in touch, but it won't be the same here without him. I know he'll be happier in Michigan so I want him to go.

My Great Aunt Stella's memorial service was yesterday. I haven't heard about it yet, I'll call my gramma this weekend. I know it is really a difficult time for her especially. Stella was an incredible woman. Very positive, upbeat, kind, and fun. She and my grampa were really neat people.

Have a great day!!

Susie

Easy like Sunday Morning..

Aloha. I am lounging around today with a sore throat and low energy. BUMMER! My great aunt, Stella, passed away yesterday. She was 89 years old and such an amazing woman. I got to see her when I was visiting NY last month, so I'm thankful for that. Poor Jack wants to go for a long walk and right now I just don't have it in me! Maybe later today!!

The family staying upstairs (from Luxomberg) leaves today. The family from Austria arrived last night. I hope to get to know this new family as well as the last.

Things look good for my job situation. The principal at my school told me Friday that she is confident that our numbers are good. That's a relief!!

Bye for now!

No definite answers yet...

The following is an email I wrote to Kathy Gontarek (Scott's mom) which sums up the latest with my job situation...



Kathy,
Thanks very much for your concern and your email. I really have been going thru a time with this non-sense. The DOE here is so messed up, I just never experienced it until now. It looks like my current position will be secure, but not guarantees until the 9th when the student counts are reported. Based on the numbers today, if one new kid can get registered by that time (ie. their parents get their TB tests, etc), and one of my enrolled students show (he's been out all week b/c his mom just had a baby) than it's okay. I hate that my stability is relying on so many factors out of my control. Thankfully, the early intervention job I was offered is still available and most likely mine if I want it. The only reason I don't just say to hell with it and take that job is that the current one is closer to my house, requires no daily travel (the other requires homevisits), and my time off is much better. My poor mother has gotten so many frantic phone calls from me in the past week, it's ridiculous. Argh!!

Enough about me, how was the cabin? I am sure it was great! I know that is a special place for you all.

Everything else has been going well since I've been back... there is a family from Luxomburg (sp?) staying in the upstairs of the house where I live. They invited me to dinner Monday night and it was great! they are very colorful, kind, well traveled people.They have extended an invitation for me to visit them anytime. I'm telling you, this house swap thing is where it's at! They leave Sunday and a new family from Austria is coming in. Hopefully I will get the opportunity to spend some time with them as well.
Have a great day and thanks for keeping in touch!!

Aloha, Susie

Are you kidding me?

So, today was the first day of school for students. I have 3 kiddos (2 who showed up today 1 starts next week) and they did well. HERE is the latest job related problem... There is a possibility that a Spec. Ed. position may be cut from this school based on low numbers. WHAT?!?! I overheard this and went to the proper person at the school and district levels. They are both supposed to get back to me ASAP with what this means to me exactly. Many factors involved, but I am NOT going thru this again. I hope the other position (outside of the DOE) is open, b/c if I don't have it in WRITING on letterhead by Friday that my position is secure, I'm out. I can't believe this. I heard about how screwed up the DOE is here, but are you kidding me? I have a master's degree and several years of experience in my field and I am pond scum b/c i am not tenured in this state??? I am trying not to flip my lid. Please send me an email saying something nice, b/c i need it right now. Thanks.

Susie

For Cindy

A pic of the adorable Ryan.. he was left out of the pics i posted from my trip home. Oops! anyway, i am just in from a long morning walk with jack. they keep getting longer and he insists on going on the beach now. not that i am complaining, but it just extends our long walk!! he seems to be doing much better now that i am home.

just checked out www.racerap.com to see how my dad did racing last night.. haven't talked to him yet. he finished 10th. i'm sure he had fun!! it was so good getting to see him do what he loves when i was home.

i have a tennis match at noon and that's all i have planned for the day.. the students come to school tomorrow so i'll need a good night's sleep!! aloha, susie

New job...

Aloha. I have struggled with my job situation and finally decided to take a preschool sped. position at Kamalii El. in Kihei. Originally this position was not offered to me. It is the same school that offered me a 2nd grade resource teacher job. The VP talked the prek teacher to switch with me (literally 30 minutes before I was supposed to make my decision on Monday). It threw me for a loop b/c I was basically going to take the early intervention job. ANYWAY, I have not heard from the DODEA (Japan job) yet, so I am content with what I have. This new school is closer to my house (3 instead of 6 miles!), is air conditioned (thank God!) and I have my own room. My co-teacher from last year was kind enough to help me move my stuff to my new classroom yesterday (our first day back). I had volleyball last night. I enjoyed seeing all of the people, but my game has not miraculously improved over the summer unfortunately.

Thank you for your support and suggestions in this short but stressful time since I've been back.

Sincerely, Susie

East Coast Pics

Here are some pictures of my family and friends on the east coast (and one shot from here...) ! Had a great trip home and I'm getting more organized in my new place here on Maui. Wanted to post a positive blog the crazy news I posted about the other day. Thanks so much for the emails of encouragement regarding my job situation. Enjoy the pics!

Life has thrown me a curveball!!

Aloha to you. I just arrived back on the island this past Wednesday. On my way home from VA, I got a voicemail from a principal of an elementary school in Japan (through the Dept. of Defense). He wanted to talk to me about a position teaching preschool Spec. Ed. on an American base outside of Tokyo. I called him back from Maui and told him I'd be in touch but that things didn't look so good b/c I start work here next Tuesday. Well.. then the next day I am informed that the position I had last year was going to to be taken by a tenured teacher. WHAT?!? Long story as short as possible, I now will probably accept a position as a resource Sped. teacher for 2nd graders at an elem. school nearby. I have to decide by tomorrow afternoon. Meanwhile, I am waiting to get word about an interview with the D.O.D. about the opportunity in Japan. I have no idea what the next few weeks might bring!!

I will keep the latest posted here. I may only be changing schools and grade levels, or I may be accepting a position in Tokyo and moving 12 more hours from VA. Keep your fingers crossed that the best thing works out for me!! The Japan job pays about twice what I am making now, pays my housing and bills, pays for the move completely, and is the opportunity of a lifetime. I LOVE Maui and I loved my job, but we shall see what the future holds.

Will be posting soon... Susie :)

End of my east coast visit...

Tomorrow is the last day of my month long visit to the east coast. I fly back to Hawaii early Tuesday morning from Norfolk. It's a bittersweet departure. My niece and nephew are so great and it will be the hardest leaving them. I have really had fun and have seen so many people on this trip. I'm exhausted! Jack has been boarded since last Thursday, so I'm sure he won't be speaking to me upon my picking him up. I am glad that it only had to be for a week.

Tomorrow I'll tie up some loose ends. Paying off the Honda and need to decide whether to sell it or park it at my mom's. Will pick up the kids after lunch and spend the afternoon/evening with them and my mom. Katie has really grown since I saw her in December and is really something else. Gavin, well, he just gets smarter every time I see him! He has decided now (at 4 and 1/2) that he is going to be an archeologist. (Not a paleontologist as Cindy thought).

Bonnaroo was great fun (dirty, but good times), the outer banks weather could have been better, but it was good to be with family (well, most of the time!), it was nice catching up with extended family in New York, and of course seeing family and friends in VA. Got to see my dad race last night.. he finished 4th. It rained before his race so I was really worried I wouldn't get to see him race at all, but thankfully it was just a quick shower. I'll post my favorite pics upon my return to Maui.

I will arrange and organize my new place when I get back, and start preparing myself for work. It will be tough getting up to an alarm clock! Also, the gym is calling my name. I know I've gained a few pounds on this extended trip. Mom's cooking is just too yummy!

Well, better get going. Thanks for the hospitality, the bed to sleep on, and the tasty meals. I'm sure if you are reading this, I probably need to thank you for one or all of the above!!

Much aloha,

Susie :)

Post Bonnaroo, Pre-Outer Banks...

Greetings from Newport Blues. I'm at my good friend Jamie's house after a late night out. Got to see a bunch of friends last night... it was a great time. Still recovering from the phenomenon they call Bonnaroo.. what an adventure that was! I just have to recap some of that experience...
Thursday afternoon I arrive in Nashville carrying my sleeping bag, pillow, and large duffel bag. Turns out the friends I was meeting (who were driving in) were way behind schedule and therefore not arriving at the festival for 6 or so hours after me. What was I supposed to do with all of my stuff in the middle of a farm in rural Tennessee for that long? Well, luckily, I met some guys from Richmond who gave me beers and food and let me hang out with them at their campsite for the duration! They were great people and whenever I download my pics I have to get some of them to them. Camped in my friend Kurt's tent for 4 days.. not too bad except you HAD to get up at 7 am b/c of the heat and then there were no showers to be had. Well, you could pay $10 for a shower, but that didn't seem worth it to me since I would have been filthy again within hours. I didn't have a real shower from Thursday am to Monday pm. I was pretty nasty! Now for the music... Stevie Nicks joined Tom Petty for several songs which was a treat. Bonnie Raitt put on a fabulous show. Elvis Costello, Damien Marley, Radiohead, and Donavan Frankenreiter put on great sets as well. But my favorite was Beck!! He really put on a theatrical extravaganza.

Bonnaroo

Let the fun begin! I am having Lisa's bday thingy this evening and then leave for Bonnaroo in the morning. It looks like it is not supposed to rain this weekend in Manchester, TN, so that is a good thing. I am not the biggest camper in the world but I am going to try to be a trooper. I have to pack!! My body is just about on east coast time. I never adjust as quickly as I would like.

Got to see Gavin and Katie a bunch since I've been home. They are sooo big! I will post pics of us in the Outer Banks after we go next week.

May your days be sunny and your nights be restful. I have to get going on my preparations!!

Happy early Father's Day.

Aloha, Susie :)