Maui 2008

Jon and I have been lucky enough to attend Sierra Health Services annual sales conference for the last six years. Every year, except one, we have been in Maui, Hawaii. Last week we went back, thinking this was probably our last year (because of the buy-out of United). Our weather was perfect and the "aloha spirit" once again entered our bodies and we had a relaxing, fun filled week!

What is the "aloha spirit"? Let me describe it this way. When we arrived, we were driving from the airport to the hotel, and it felt like everyone around us was in slow motion. They were in a different gear than we were. Jon was passing cars, still in the "hurry up, I've got places to be and people to see" mode. By the time we were driving back to the airport to leave the island, we fell in line with everyone else, and in a different gear ourselves, slowly and more patiently returned to the other side of the island. Hence, the "aloha spirit".

In years gone by, Jon would spend several of the days we were there, getting up early and golfing 'till two or three in the afternoon. This year, one of his favorite golf buddies Don, recently had eye surgery, and without Don or Dr. Marlon to partner up with, he found himself without the usual schedule. I was a little concerned about what he would do Tuesday to Friday, when his golf rounds would begin. No need for worries, it was great to do some fun things together; beautiful morning walks, breakfast, swimming, working-out (i guess i only did that once :), and more!

Each year I try something new while on the island. After four years I wasn't sure what was left. But while we were on our morning walk, we made our way to a golf course :) and Jon got it all checked out. This year, I played golf with Jon for my new experience. Well, I didn't really play, but since the fee to ride around with him was reasonable, I got to join the fun. After one morning, just the two of us and a few mowers on the course, lots of birds and wildlife, surrounded by beauty everywhere, I got a little feel for why Jon enjoys it so much! Later that afternoon he went back out for another round, some good deal for two rounds in one day, and I joined him just before sunset for a few holes. What a GREAT time! I even documented one of the holes...video footage to follow.


interesting trees for hawaii don't you think?



sunset on the course! pretty reflections!



I started trying to upload my last post of the calm waves outside our hotel early on in the week. I never succeeded until I arrived home (i love my mac), but I think I kindled the anger of the WAVE gods or something, because the next day, red flags appeared and the ocean was filled with surfers and big, crashing waves that could rival days gone by at Newport Beach! In all of our years there, I had never seen anything like it!





Well, the week was wonderful; lots of sunshine, good company, good food, beautiful surroundings, and the continual sound of the ocean. Sleeping is difficult...it's three hours earlier there, but that seemed to be the only problem:)! I leave you with pictures of some pretty flowers that just grow naturally there. ALOHA!





P.S.- a shout out to my daughters, who have learned to take good care of each other in the absence of their parents. they were happy when we called, the house was clean, the laundry was done...it really was amazing. thanks kristen, mike and sadie for helping out as well. we couldn't find the "aloha spirit" if things were "out of control" at home. we love you all!!!