In 4 hours, I will be on a plane to Phoenix then to DFW. I don't really enjoy plane rides too much but the first flight to Phoenix is pretty much empty, which means I can sleep on a row by myself.
Also, On the Border, be waiting for my family. I'll be there for lunch.
See everyone in 18 hours.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Coffee Picking and Black Friday
So I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know I did here. And for those of you thing "what kind of stuff do Hawaiians eat?" - they have the same food as in Texas. We had turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, salad, bread, cranberry sauce, jello fruit dessert, apple & pumpkin pie. Lots of food for only 4 people, but we always eat leftovers anyways. I didn't take any pictures, but I should have.
I did take a picture of the school's lunch on Wednesday. The other teachers told us that we should try turkey lunch, b/c it's pretty good. One of the best lunches. Well I decided to try, first time to eat in the cafeteria all year long. Let me say, it's what cafeteria food looks like. Mashed potatoes were good, fruit was OK, and bread was fantastic. Turkey and pumpkin pie - I gave away.
So last week I went to Grandma's house. I finally learned how to pick coffee. I have been wanting to do this for a while, but I was sick, then Sandra was sick, then I was busy. Now that soccer season is over, I have lots of free time. So after school, I've been going to Grandma's to pick coffee. It's not bad, like everyone was telling me, 'once you do it, you won't want to do it again' is what I heard from at least 10 people. It's kinda like pickin' grapes of the stem, except it's never-ending. To pick coffee, I needed to bring a few things: old jeans, t-shirt, and bug spray . So I came with just that. Then I had to get my own picking supplies: basket (fitted to my waist), hook, gloves (to keep away the ants), and a hat - which I don't have any hats in Hawaii, b/c I don't wear them often. Below is what the coffee looks like, also the basket, hook, gloves, and a pic of me in the front yard.
This was the first day of picking and learning. Can only pick red (ripe), yellow, leave the green (not ready). I almost filled a basket my first time, took more than an hour. I also received mosquito bites on my arms. Guess I didn't slather enough on, more for tomorrow. Next day came back and picked an entire basket in an hour. I am improving on picking speed. Since I know how to pick now, I come over grab my basket, hook, hat and gloves and set out into the coffee to find where Clayton and Sandra are picking. The backyard is a HUGE place and there are tons of different plants, trees, flowers, fruits, bugs, and spiders.
Saturday, I went at 9am to pick. It was hot outside, sun beaming down on me, probably got a tan, a farmer's tan. So I filled up 3 baskets and dumped in the knapsack #478. Then Clayton takes the sacks filled with cherry (coffee) down to sell. 1 pound = $1.10, each sack holds approximately 100 lbs, give or take a few. Sometimes I will go to the treehouse to sell the coffee with Clayton. The ride we go in is ancient. Lots of fun though, it's 4-wheel drive and has to be to get up the side of the mountain. It's a 84 Suzuki something or other. He also has a Ford Bronco in the back.
On Black Friday, I woke up 4am and headed out to Sports Authority. They opened at 5 and first 100 people got minimum of $10 off. They had the running shoes I've been wanting on sale. Plus 10 bucks off and I had a $100 gift card. I also needed something at Walmart, but wasn't about to go there anytime soon. So I wasted time in Macy's. The sun was still not up yet. Bought me some clothes, plus found Haley a Christmas present. I bought a pair of winter pants SIZE 8 moving on down in the world and a couple of long-sleeve shirts for when I get back home and all I have are size 12 pants or shorts. I've lost almost 20 lbs since I have been here. I've got to start running because I don't want to gain it back when I am home for 3 weeks. Then I headed to Walmart to get the HP photo printer so we can still do pictures in Mexico, since Polaroids are out.
Sunrise from the Macy's parking lot on Black Friday. While I was driving home, the sun behind the clouds looked awesome, so I pulled over and took some pictures.
I did take a picture of the school's lunch on Wednesday. The other teachers told us that we should try turkey lunch, b/c it's pretty good. One of the best lunches. Well I decided to try, first time to eat in the cafeteria all year long. Let me say, it's what cafeteria food looks like. Mashed potatoes were good, fruit was OK, and bread was fantastic. Turkey and pumpkin pie - I gave away.
So last week I went to Grandma's house. I finally learned how to pick coffee. I have been wanting to do this for a while, but I was sick, then Sandra was sick, then I was busy. Now that soccer season is over, I have lots of free time. So after school, I've been going to Grandma's to pick coffee. It's not bad, like everyone was telling me, 'once you do it, you won't want to do it again' is what I heard from at least 10 people. It's kinda like pickin' grapes of the stem, except it's never-ending. To pick coffee, I needed to bring a few things: old jeans, t-shirt, and bug spray . So I came with just that. Then I had to get my own picking supplies: basket (fitted to my waist), hook, gloves (to keep away the ants), and a hat - which I don't have any hats in Hawaii, b/c I don't wear them often. Below is what the coffee looks like, also the basket, hook, gloves, and a pic of me in the front yard.
This was the first day of picking and learning. Can only pick red (ripe), yellow, leave the green (not ready). I almost filled a basket my first time, took more than an hour. I also received mosquito bites on my arms. Guess I didn't slather enough on, more for tomorrow. Next day came back and picked an entire basket in an hour. I am improving on picking speed. Since I know how to pick now, I come over grab my basket, hook, hat and gloves and set out into the coffee to find where Clayton and Sandra are picking. The backyard is a HUGE place and there are tons of different plants, trees, flowers, fruits, bugs, and spiders.
Saturday, I went at 9am to pick. It was hot outside, sun beaming down on me, probably got a tan, a farmer's tan. So I filled up 3 baskets and dumped in the knapsack #478. Then Clayton takes the sacks filled with cherry (coffee) down to sell. 1 pound = $1.10, each sack holds approximately 100 lbs, give or take a few. Sometimes I will go to the treehouse to sell the coffee with Clayton. The ride we go in is ancient. Lots of fun though, it's 4-wheel drive and has to be to get up the side of the mountain. It's a 84 Suzuki something or other. He also has a Ford Bronco in the back.
On Black Friday, I woke up 4am and headed out to Sports Authority. They opened at 5 and first 100 people got minimum of $10 off. They had the running shoes I've been wanting on sale. Plus 10 bucks off and I had a $100 gift card. I also needed something at Walmart, but wasn't about to go there anytime soon. So I wasted time in Macy's. The sun was still not up yet. Bought me some clothes, plus found Haley a Christmas present. I bought a pair of winter pants SIZE 8 moving on down in the world and a couple of long-sleeve shirts for when I get back home and all I have are size 12 pants or shorts. I've lost almost 20 lbs since I have been here. I've got to start running because I don't want to gain it back when I am home for 3 weeks. Then I headed to Walmart to get the HP photo printer so we can still do pictures in Mexico, since Polaroids are out.
Sunrise from the Macy's parking lot on Black Friday. While I was driving home, the sun behind the clouds looked awesome, so I pulled over and took some pictures. 
Sunday, November 23, 2008
End of Soccer
So it's the end of the soccer season here in Hawaii. I have been coaching 10, 11, 12 year old boys since the middle of August. Let's just say we were definitely not the best team, but we definitely could have been worse (but not by much). We finished with a record of 1-2-7 that being only 1 win. Here in Hawaii there is a league AYSO. It's all about sportsmanship and stuff and coaches and parents being positive.
So the very 1st game and the last 2 games of the season were the only games where the full team was at the games. Most of the time we had only 7 or 8 players. They only play with 9. So that was fun. But the kids are cool. AND the team ended up getting a gold medal for the sportsmanship award. So I guess we lost all the games but the boys really liked their first place medals.
On Saturday, we had a double header then the closing ceremony at night. It rained the entire day on and off. So I spent the whole day (from 9:30a to 8:00p) down at Old Airport Fields. The ceremony was cool. They had a banner contest, potluck (tons and tons of food), games, and trophies. I also bought the kids bags with their names on them. B/c they were always asking me where I got my cool Nike soccer backpack. So they got red backpacks, a trophy, a 1st place medal, team pics, and lots of food.
Two kids gave me and Jerome (other coach) leis to say Mahalo. Common in the culture. Also a gift card and soccer ball signed by all the boys. I will probably have a few of them next season, but the others move up.
Since the last update, I don't think that I have done a whole lot. Lots of school and stuff. I did go out and was planning on snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay but the water was a little too choppy and no one was out so I just took some pics.
Then I drove around random streets and ended up going on some one lane partly paved road. It went from the Bay to Puuhonua O Honaunau National Park. Some roads I turned down were a little too bumpy so I went back to the one lane road.
This is the sunset after I got home. Then a storm started to blow in.
I went last Saturday to help out with Operation Christmas Child. The church I go to here participates, so that was fun. We did about 800 boxes.
Hope you enjoy. Happy Thanksgiving! I'll be home in less than a month.
So the very 1st game and the last 2 games of the season were the only games where the full team was at the games. Most of the time we had only 7 or 8 players. They only play with 9. So that was fun. But the kids are cool. AND the team ended up getting a gold medal for the sportsmanship award. So I guess we lost all the games but the boys really liked their first place medals.
On Saturday, we had a double header then the closing ceremony at night. It rained the entire day on and off. So I spent the whole day (from 9:30a to 8:00p) down at Old Airport Fields. The ceremony was cool. They had a banner contest, potluck (tons and tons of food), games, and trophies. I also bought the kids bags with their names on them. B/c they were always asking me where I got my cool Nike soccer backpack. So they got red backpacks, a trophy, a 1st place medal, team pics, and lots of food.
Two kids gave me and Jerome (other coach) leis to say Mahalo. Common in the culture. Also a gift card and soccer ball signed by all the boys. I will probably have a few of them next season, but the others move up.
Since the last update, I don't think that I have done a whole lot. Lots of school and stuff. I did go out and was planning on snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay but the water was a little too choppy and no one was out so I just took some pics.
Then I drove around random streets and ended up going on some one lane partly paved road. It went from the Bay to Puuhonua O Honaunau National Park. Some roads I turned down were a little too bumpy so I went back to the one lane road.
This is the sunset after I got home. Then a storm started to blow in.
I went last Saturday to help out with Operation Christmas Child. The church I go to here participates, so that was fun. We did about 800 boxes.
Hope you enjoy. Happy Thanksgiving! I'll be home in less than a month.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Get Out and Vote
Since tomorrow is Election Day 2008, there is no school due to the schools being polling sites. This is good for me. I voted via absentee ballot in Texas. I am thankful this election is almost done, because I am tired of seeing the same speeches on tv and the canceling of shows due to nominee speeches.
Tomorrow I am waking up and going to my grandma's to pick coffee. It will be my first time. A lot of people told me once I do it once, it'll probably be the only time that I ever do it. Jeans and long-sleeves...I should lose a few pounds. Lots and lots of mosquitoes and they only bite me. I will have to take a bath in OFF before I go into the backyard. It is in the higher 70s here. It has been hotter in Oct/Now then it was in August. After I pick coffee for a few hours, I will get my snorkel and fins and head to the beach.
I need to start going more often, because I am starting to get my soccer tan lines back. No bueno.
My throat is killing me, probably starting to get sick. Gotta go eat a popsicle and watch Prison Break.
Tomorrow I am waking up and going to my grandma's to pick coffee. It will be my first time. A lot of people told me once I do it once, it'll probably be the only time that I ever do it. Jeans and long-sleeves...I should lose a few pounds. Lots and lots of mosquitoes and they only bite me. I will have to take a bath in OFF before I go into the backyard. It is in the higher 70s here. It has been hotter in Oct/Now then it was in August. After I pick coffee for a few hours, I will get my snorkel and fins and head to the beach.
I need to start going more often, because I am starting to get my soccer tan lines back. No bueno.
My throat is killing me, probably starting to get sick. Gotta go eat a popsicle and watch Prison Break.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Happy Halloween
So Friday was a ton of fun at school. We played geometry bingo. I had to keep it educational and at the same time it was a review for their test (the kids didn't know this).
So some kids dressed up. Here's the kids on my team that dressed up.
Tourist was a best costume
3rd period kids
1st period
2nd period
6B costume - Standard Board & EXPO markers
You may be wondering why I would want to be an EXPO marker. Well everyday we have to fill in the "standards board" for every subject so the kids know what they are learning for the day.
standards board I get the joy of filling out daily
At the end of the day was an assembly, fun, and games. I was chosen by the students to play pin the nose on the pumpkin. So we chose the students to participate in the game. Donut on a string, bubble gum in a plate of whipped cream, and tug-of-war. This last game was exhausting. 7 minutes of 4-way tugging. 6th v. 7th v. 8th v. staff TUG-OF-WAR for school bragging rights
pin the nose on the pumpkin
donut on a string
whipped cream plate
staff team
6B team
4-way tug of war
Let's just say. I had to go out Saturday morning for some IcyHot because I was extremely sore. Finally, I have recovered though still a bit sore. Last week was a good week.
See you all in 49 days.
So some kids dressed up. Here's the kids on my team that dressed up.
Tourist was a best costume
3rd period kids
1st period
2nd period
6B costume - Standard Board & EXPO markersYou may be wondering why I would want to be an EXPO marker. Well everyday we have to fill in the "standards board" for every subject so the kids know what they are learning for the day.
standards board I get the joy of filling out dailyAt the end of the day was an assembly, fun, and games. I was chosen by the students to play pin the nose on the pumpkin. So we chose the students to participate in the game. Donut on a string, bubble gum in a plate of whipped cream, and tug-of-war. This last game was exhausting. 7 minutes of 4-way tugging. 6th v. 7th v. 8th v. staff TUG-OF-WAR for school bragging rights
pin the nose on the pumpkin
donut on a string
whipped cream plate
staff team
6B team
4-way tug of warLet's just say. I had to go out Saturday morning for some IcyHot because I was extremely sore. Finally, I have recovered though still a bit sore. Last week was a good week.
See you all in 49 days.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Happy Halloween
Heleui, ho'omaka'uka'u or Happy Halloween
Working at a middle school is the best. The kids are cool but haven't learned to be jerks yet. Tomorrow the school is having a celebration for Halloween. Kids are encouraged to come in costumes. There are contests and challenges throughout the day for various prizes and school bragging rights. I don't think that I have ever carved a pumpkin. Maybe I have and just don't remember.
My English/Reading class has been writing to Lyndsey's 7th and 8th grade classes. The kids are loving it. Here are the kiddos in my class.
I've been bad about updating. Sorry. I'll try to do a post each week.
On Saturday morning, I will be up at dawn to watch Big 12 football.
Only 51 days until I return to Fort Worth.
There is a group of people in Niger, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Also, my good friend Bryant recently lost his Papa. This is the only bad thing about be this far away.
I love you all!
Working at a middle school is the best. The kids are cool but haven't learned to be jerks yet. Tomorrow the school is having a celebration for Halloween. Kids are encouraged to come in costumes. There are contests and challenges throughout the day for various prizes and school bragging rights. I don't think that I have ever carved a pumpkin. Maybe I have and just don't remember.
My English/Reading class has been writing to Lyndsey's 7th and 8th grade classes. The kids are loving it. Here are the kiddos in my class.
I've been bad about updating. Sorry. I'll try to do a post each week.
On Saturday morning, I will be up at dawn to watch Big 12 football.
Only 51 days until I return to Fort Worth.
There is a group of people in Niger, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Also, my good friend Bryant recently lost his Papa. This is the only bad thing about be this far away.
I love you all!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
College Football Saturday
I am a college football fan. In Hawaii, they are not so much football fans. Not really sure what sports they watch on tv. To see any games, I have to get up and it's still dark outside. But that is ok.
I was up at 6am to watch the Red River Rivalry. All I have to say is 'it was well worth it.' Another #1 team....defeated! Thank goodness, b/c I don't like Oklahoma. Nick finally got to go to the game (it's only his 5th year at Texas). Then onto the Tech Nebraska game. Another exciting game. That was on at 9. Go Red Raiders. Of course, the TCU game wasn't on here, but I kept tabs online (since Billy forgot to text me this time). They also won. So it's been a good day for Texas football. Now I am watching the OSU v Mizzou game and OSU is winning. It's great. Mom called to let me know that Trinity is #1 in the nation and Carroll got beat last week. It's about time.
After watching football for more than half of the day, Sandra (my aunt) and I went to take flowers to my grandfather's grave. It was the first time I've ever seen it. Then we went to lunch at the Coffee Shack. Really good food, small town cafe. I ordered pizza and didn't even eat a fourth of it. That's how big it was. But now I have some dinner for tonight.
The 2008 Ironman World Championships are here in Kona. So they close most of the streets in town, so pretty much I am stuck where I am at. The athletes started swimming at 6:45 am. They have a 17 hour cutoff, so they have to finish by midnight. Crazy. So with Ironman comes a bunch of other stuff. Tons of tourists from all over the world. On Thursday, I am thankful that I was not down on Ali'i Drive b/c they had a 5K, in undies. YUCK!
So that is what I have been up to today. Monday I go back to school. I've been out for the past week for fall break. Starting the second quarter. Good times, I'll take some pics of the kiddos and post them on here next week.
I was up at 6am to watch the Red River Rivalry. All I have to say is 'it was well worth it.' Another #1 team....defeated! Thank goodness, b/c I don't like Oklahoma. Nick finally got to go to the game (it's only his 5th year at Texas). Then onto the Tech Nebraska game. Another exciting game. That was on at 9. Go Red Raiders. Of course, the TCU game wasn't on here, but I kept tabs online (since Billy forgot to text me this time). They also won. So it's been a good day for Texas football. Now I am watching the OSU v Mizzou game and OSU is winning. It's great. Mom called to let me know that Trinity is #1 in the nation and Carroll got beat last week. It's about time.
After watching football for more than half of the day, Sandra (my aunt) and I went to take flowers to my grandfather's grave. It was the first time I've ever seen it. Then we went to lunch at the Coffee Shack. Really good food, small town cafe. I ordered pizza and didn't even eat a fourth of it. That's how big it was. But now I have some dinner for tonight.
The 2008 Ironman World Championships are here in Kona. So they close most of the streets in town, so pretty much I am stuck where I am at. The athletes started swimming at 6:45 am. They have a 17 hour cutoff, so they have to finish by midnight. Crazy. So with Ironman comes a bunch of other stuff. Tons of tourists from all over the world. On Thursday, I am thankful that I was not down on Ali'i Drive b/c they had a 5K, in undies. YUCK!
So that is what I have been up to today. Monday I go back to school. I've been out for the past week for fall break. Starting the second quarter. Good times, I'll take some pics of the kiddos and post them on here next week.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Kahua, Honokaa, Waimea
Today I headed out to Honokaa for the Kahua workshop for teachers new to the island. Two hours in the car enjoying the surrounding scenery.
The day went by quickly. It was fun and definitely helpful. I even learned some Hawaiian. On the way home, I could see the Keck telescopes up on Mauna Kea. Sweet. I stopped in Waimea, a small ranch town. Waimea does not have stop signs, instead they have WHOA. I went to the beach and found seashells. I accidentally brought home a mini crab.
Tomorrow I get to do it all again. Up at 5ish to catch the bus by 6:15 to go up to Honokaa for day 2. When I leave tomorrow, I will be $250 richer.
I have a message for everyone.
Some pictures taken today:
Clouds cover the mountain. The mountain is erupting.
In Waimea, there are decorated honu (turtle) in the food court.
WHOA = Stop
The Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea. Two of the world's largest telescopes are up there. There is snow on this volcano in the winter.
Stop at Old Airport Beach for seashell hunting for Haley.
The day went by quickly. It was fun and definitely helpful. I even learned some Hawaiian. On the way home, I could see the Keck telescopes up on Mauna Kea. Sweet. I stopped in Waimea, a small ranch town. Waimea does not have stop signs, instead they have WHOA. I went to the beach and found seashells. I accidentally brought home a mini crab.
Tomorrow I get to do it all again. Up at 5ish to catch the bus by 6:15 to go up to Honokaa for day 2. When I leave tomorrow, I will be $250 richer.
I have a message for everyone.
Some pictures taken today:
Clouds cover the mountain. The mountain is erupting.
In Waimea, there are decorated honu (turtle) in the food court.
WHOA = Stop
The Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea. Two of the world's largest telescopes are up there. There is snow on this volcano in the winter.
Stop at Old Airport Beach for seashell hunting for Haley.
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