maui mama
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Stanford Symposium
Two coworker friends and I were able to attend the Stanford Symposium on Emergency Medicine this year, it was held on our island. It was from Wednesday and lasted until today.
I learned a LOT, had lots of fun, and most of all, got to score lots of free pens, big bags, and frisbees from the drug reps. Also scored a couple of jump drives and insulated coffee cups.
One day, during coffee break, a bigwig from the conference came to talk to us, and we told him he should run a Wilderness Medicine Conference here because we were interested in that (he runs those too) He said most of those people don't want to spend $200 a night on a hotel room here. We said we'd let them stay at our houses if we got free registration fees. He laughed and said "Come to the conference in Montana and I'll waive the registration fee."
That's FOUR HUNDRED dollars.
EACH.
We said we'll be there! Whoo hoo! I can't wait.
These past three days the ocean cooperated and we got a nice small swell on that side and got to go surfing after the conference each day. That's my idea of of a fabulous time.
Driving home one day we encountered a couple of whales putting on a show so we pulled over to take pictures. That's one BIG whale tail, we are pretty far away from it. The baby is there too, that little spot on the right. I think you can click on the pic to make it bigger. Purty, huh?
Vacation is coming to an end....*sniff* 
I learned a LOT, had lots of fun, and most of all, got to score lots of free pens, big bags, and frisbees from the drug reps. Also scored a couple of jump drives and insulated coffee cups.
One day, during coffee break, a bigwig from the conference came to talk to us, and we told him he should run a Wilderness Medicine Conference here because we were interested in that (he runs those too) He said most of those people don't want to spend $200 a night on a hotel room here. We said we'd let them stay at our houses if we got free registration fees. He laughed and said "Come to the conference in Montana and I'll waive the registration fee."That's FOUR HUNDRED dollars.
EACH.
We said we'll be there! Whoo hoo! I can't wait.
These past three days the ocean cooperated and we got a nice small swell on that side and got to go surfing after the conference each day. That's my idea of of a fabulous time.
Driving home one day we encountered a couple of whales putting on a show so we pulled over to take pictures. That's one BIG whale tail, we are pretty far away from it. The baby is there too, that little spot on the right. I think you can click on the pic to make it bigger. Purty, huh?
Vacation is coming to an end....*sniff* It'll be really hard to get back into the whole work/school routine for all of us.
Anybody have any good April Fools pranks to share?
¶ 8:21 PM 8Mana'o
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Conquered!
We all had the greatest time in Tahoe.
The older boys tried to make an igloo the first day but didn't know how much work it would be so it just has about two layers on it. First and third boys from left are sons' friends we brought along.
¶ 1:18 PM 11Mana'o
The twins loved the snow, especially having snowball fights
The older boys tried to make an igloo the first day but didn't know how much work it would be so it just has about two layers on it. First and third boys from left are sons' friends we brought along. The instructions to the house said not to leave out food because there's a problem with bears. Faced with the prospect of possibly being confronted by bears made us worried and excited at the same time. Naughty hubby and my friend conspired to leave food out at the NEIGHBORS house so we can see them from a safe distance. ROFL. No, of course they didn't...
I spent the first two days skiing down only the easiest hills. BUT I CONQUERED getting off the lift. My problem was that I sat waaay back (because I am terrified of heights so I clung on for dear life and sat as far back as possible) Therefore, when I tried to get off the lift, I had too much trouble getting up and fell. When I realized that all I had to do was scoot forward first, I felt pretty stupid.
I spent the first two days skiing down only the easiest hills. BUT I CONQUERED getting off the lift. My problem was that I sat waaay back (because I am terrified of heights so I clung on for dear life and sat as far back as possible) Therefore, when I tried to get off the lift, I had too much trouble getting up and fell. When I realized that all I had to do was scoot forward first, I felt pretty stupid.I also learned to slow down and turn. FINALLY. Now skiing is really fun!!!
On our last day we met up with a bunch of friends from home and had the best time ever. My friends' husbands convinced my friend and I to go to the top of the mountain. They said they'd go with us. They said there was only a "small steep part" and that the rest was easy. Do you see in our group photo that I am only wearing my long sleeve t shirt?? (the green one) That's because I just came back from the top of the mountain that took me ONE AND A HALF HOURS and I had sweat dripping out of every pore. The "small steep part" was sooo steep I kept falling so I gave up and slid down that part on my butt instead. I cursed them most of the way down but after having done it, felt so good that I accomplished it.
This is my friend and I at the top of Northstar. That's the last time I smiled for the next 1 1/2 hours. lol. 
See the black diamond signs behind us? Nooo, I'm not even close to doing that. Just pretending, hehe
The twins took lessons on two days. They look like little marshmallow men, so cute. They loved it and are on level III now.
5 of us got on the first flight home but me hubby and the twins were stuck overnight in Sacramento. (My friend accompanied the older boys home) We went to rent a car and just approached random people about activities to do with the kids. A lady suggested Fairy Tale Town and we took the kids there. They really enjoyed themselves. Here they are Robin Hood and Little John. (Did I ever mention their obsession with Robin Hood?)
Then we ate at the Olive Garden then went to Target. I loooove Target. So I'm kind of glad we got stuck over one night because we got to do some fun things.
On our last day we met up with a bunch of friends from home and had the best time ever. My friends' husbands convinced my friend and I to go to the top of the mountain. They said they'd go with us. They said there was only a "small steep part" and that the rest was easy. Do you see in our group photo that I am only wearing my long sleeve t shirt?? (the green one) That's because I just came back from the top of the mountain that took me ONE AND A HALF HOURS and I had sweat dripping out of every pore. The "small steep part" was sooo steep I kept falling so I gave up and slid down that part on my butt instead. I cursed them most of the way down but after having done it, felt so good that I accomplished it.
This is my friend and I at the top of Northstar. That's the last time I smiled for the next 1 1/2 hours. lol. See the black diamond signs behind us? Nooo, I'm not even close to doing that. Just pretending, hehe
The twins took lessons on two days. They look like little marshmallow men, so cute. They loved it and are on level III now.
5 of us got on the first flight home but me hubby and the twins were stuck overnight in Sacramento. (My friend accompanied the older boys home) We went to rent a car and just approached random people about activities to do with the kids. A lady suggested Fairy Tale Town and we took the kids there. They really enjoyed themselves. Here they are Robin Hood and Little John. (Did I ever mention their obsession with Robin Hood?)Then we ate at the Olive Garden then went to Target. I loooove Target. So I'm kind of glad we got stuck over one night because we got to do some fun things. I can't wait to ski again!!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Go, Go, Go!
Busy, busy, busy. Yesterday a coworker friend and I were on Oahu for a Critical Care conference. It was aimed for "new critical care nurses" so I thought it would be pretty easy, but much of it was new to me. I had brain overload. We then went shopping and had a great time. I also got to see my brother, since I stayed over at his house, met up with my cousin and her daughter from San Diego since they were in town, AND went shopping with my niece there too. a day and a half of reunions. Oh and can anyone say anything good enough about The Cheesecake Factory? Holy smokes, it was DIVINE.
Came home to 4 eBay packages, love that! The twins loved their new snow suits so much they insisted on sleeping in them. I had to peel them off their sweaty bodies an hour later when they were sleeping.
In what I think is a secret plan by older son to get us to let him get his drivers license as soon as possible, all his friends come over almost everyday and wait for a ride to surf. This day there were like, ten kids over at one time (some there to play with middle son.) I had come home from Costco and they immediately came to help unload all my stuff into the house. It felt great, I thought to myself, these are moments we will remember fondly...
Then Saturday came along, and after having worked the entire night before, all I wanted to do was sleep but that was not to be had, with ten kids over running around playing tag and everything else. ugh. It was the complete opposite of great and I thought, this is ALSO something I will look back and remember, my miserable days of no sleep!
¶ 7:56 AM 6Mana'o
Came home to 4 eBay packages, love that! The twins loved their new snow suits so much they insisted on sleeping in them. I had to peel them off their sweaty bodies an hour later when they were sleeping.
In what I think is a secret plan by older son to get us to let him get his drivers license as soon as possible, all his friends come over almost everyday and wait for a ride to surf. This day there were like, ten kids over at one time (some there to play with middle son.) I had come home from Costco and they immediately came to help unload all my stuff into the house. It felt great, I thought to myself, these are moments we will remember fondly...
Then Saturday came along, and after having worked the entire night before, all I wanted to do was sleep but that was not to be had, with ten kids over running around playing tag and everything else. ugh. It was the complete opposite of great and I thought, this is ALSO something I will look back and remember, my miserable days of no sleep!
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Time to Smell the Flowers
Two waterfalls
view from the top
Stairs on the ridge. Some areas were only a few feet wide so not very forgiving, if you slipped, you'd be in big trouble. I was terrified.
Ohia Lehua blossom (it's believed that if you pick the blossom, it will rain. I didn't pick it, and it rained a little anyway)
So many times I wanted to quit, it was so physically demanding and just showed me how out of shape I've gotten. (I had to pause every 10-20 steps, no kidding)
¶ 4:23 PM 16Mana'o
Most days off, I spend washing the piles of laundry that accumulate endlessly, make runs to the grocery store, and other assorted mundane things.
I've been jealous of the traveling nurses that come here and talk about how they hike, snorkel, kayak, etc on their days off. It doesn't make sense that I LIVE here and don't see half the things they do.
Needing to get out of the house yesterday, I picked the twins up from school and decided to just take them to the beach by my house to play in the sand. It's not a nice beach and it's usually windy but it's very close by. I considered bringing my camera but thought "ah, why? It's just another windy day."
As we parked we saw whales splashing right past the surf. They were so close it was unbelievable. A mommy and calf plus some pals were having a whale of a time (hehehe) jumping out of the water, waving their tails, slapping their fins, it lasted for a good 45 minutes. At times the mommy and calf were doing synchronized moves, it was so adorable. I sat there thinking of how close I was to missing that, had I just headed home instead to do the nothing that we usually do. I've resolved to stop letting life pass me by and to stop just plodding along like life is just made up of one chore after another. It's the little things that make life enjoyable, but you can't see them if you're not looking.
Today, a friend and I went on a 5 mile hike, 2 1/2 of it straight up a mountain. It was a fantastic hike
In the forest
view from the top
Stairs on the ridge. Some areas were only a few feet wide so not very forgiving, if you slipped, you'd be in big trouble. I was terrified.
Ohia Lehua blossom (it's believed that if you pick the blossom, it will rain. I didn't pick it, and it rained a little anyway)
So many times I wanted to quit, it was so physically demanding and just showed me how out of shape I've gotten. (I had to pause every 10-20 steps, no kidding)Two hours and many a deep breath later, we made it to the top. I really couldn't believe it.
(sign says End of Trail. Whew! What a sense of accomplishment!)
After this picture, a cloud moved in and we had very little visibility for a while. But that was really cool to be in a cloud. It took almost as long to get down as up and it hurt different muscles too. No rest for the weary. ( I thought going down would be a breeze)
(sign says End of Trail. Whew! What a sense of accomplishment!)
After this picture, a cloud moved in and we had very little visibility for a while. But that was really cool to be in a cloud. It took almost as long to get down as up and it hurt different muscles too. No rest for the weary. ( I thought going down would be a breeze)Yeah, then I had to take a two hour nap with the twins and recuperate for a little while but soon, I'll be ready for my next adventure : )
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Hey snow, can we be friends?
Hubby was able to move his vacation up one week so that we can all go snowboarding during Spring Break AND I can attend a conference for work that I didn't want to miss the next week.
I'm spending every available second hunting down items we need before we go. We have a suitcase full of snow clothes the boys USED to fit. Why do they have to grow so fast? lol.
I'm looking forward to the trip but at the same time dreading it, because I am just SO BAD at skiing/snowboarding. Everyone is riding the black diamonds and I am still on the bunny hill. I even eat it everytime I get off the lift. Splat, right on my face. I keep trying because I figure one day, I'll get it. One of these days...
The twins are so excited they keep putting snow gear on and wearing it around. Z took his nap today with nothing but his underwear and a pair of gloves on.
The doc that taunted me endlessly about my old turtle tattoo went and drew a tattoo of his own on his leg as a joke, and I happened to have my camera that night:
Yesterday, I took oldest son and his friends to their favorite beach. I usually just drop them off because it's a rocky shoreline and a short hike to get in. This time, I had the twins and they wanted to get out so I walked with them and let them throw stones into the river. There were three little kids playing there by themselves by a makeshift tent by the bushes. The five year old came to play with my boys and talked to me, said his name was Turtle and that they lived there, that his parents were sleeping. My heart went out to these kids, the littlest one still in diapers. I felt the sharp contrast of my just planning an expensive trip that will be shortlived and just for fun to the fact that they didn't even have a decent roof over their heads. For all the talk I do about doing missions, I sure don't live like I care about others.
Ouch.
That's all. ¶ 3:50 PM 12Mana'o
I'm spending every available second hunting down items we need before we go. We have a suitcase full of snow clothes the boys USED to fit. Why do they have to grow so fast? lol.
I'm looking forward to the trip but at the same time dreading it, because I am just SO BAD at skiing/snowboarding. Everyone is riding the black diamonds and I am still on the bunny hill. I even eat it everytime I get off the lift. Splat, right on my face. I keep trying because I figure one day, I'll get it. One of these days...
The twins are so excited they keep putting snow gear on and wearing it around. Z took his nap today with nothing but his underwear and a pair of gloves on.
The doc that taunted me endlessly about my old turtle tattoo went and drew a tattoo of his own on his leg as a joke, and I happened to have my camera that night:
And yes, you are looking at the new substitute school nurse! It's only whenever I am available, no pressure. AND I can do field trips with my kids.
Yesterday, I took oldest son and his friends to their favorite beach. I usually just drop them off because it's a rocky shoreline and a short hike to get in. This time, I had the twins and they wanted to get out so I walked with them and let them throw stones into the river. There were three little kids playing there by themselves by a makeshift tent by the bushes. The five year old came to play with my boys and talked to me, said his name was Turtle and that they lived there, that his parents were sleeping. My heart went out to these kids, the littlest one still in diapers. I felt the sharp contrast of my just planning an expensive trip that will be shortlived and just for fun to the fact that they didn't even have a decent roof over their heads. For all the talk I do about doing missions, I sure don't live like I care about others.
Ouch.
That's all. ¶ 3:50 PM 12Mana'o
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