Goodwins In Paradise: Lost in Transition

It has been quite a while since I posted. Most likely due to work, traveling back to the mainland, settling on a doc for Eric, and moving to a large place.

WORK

My new territory (Sanofi Diabetes) for work has been a bit challenging. Learning the main streets is a challenge as I am accustomed to a linear or square street system, aka Texas. Being on a round island equals no 90 degree angles. If you miss one turn, you might have to head up a mountain 6 miles in order to turn around. Not that it actually happened or anything (:-o)! Most street names start with a K or W, so you have to learn quite quickly how to recognize and pronounce such words as:

*Kailua, Kapiolani, Kaneohe, King, Kauakini, Kalanianaole, Kamehameha, Kuhio
*Waipahu, Waileke, Waimea, Wailuku, Waianae, Waianuenue, Waimanalo

Also, getting to know many of the MDs, who are primarily either Chinese or Japanese. Also, having to wait is considered very rude, so I will have physicians apologize if I had to wait more then 2 minutes for our schedule work appointment. This is my favorite part of my new territory!

My coworkers are half locals and have mainlanders who moved here over 15 years ago.

TRIP TO MAINLAND

We also took a trip to Colorado to join Sarah Townsend & Eli DeSouza marry at the base of Vail Mountain. There was a direct flight from HNL to DEN...thank goodness, though a red eye. A 2 hour drive up toward Vail Mountain will keep any tired travel awake and invigorated.

We enjoyed the change in environment as well as cool nights. It was great to see the "girls" - Justine, Meghan, Marie, & Kate.

We had time to visit the top of Vail Mountain (Talon's Deck) in the summer as we drank cocktails at 12,000 feet...yikes. We rode the tram up/down to see the great views of the mountain. Don't underestimate Colorado as just a winter time destination or you will miss 50% of the this beautiful state.

I can see why Sarah moved so many years ago to make her home Vail. Good thing because she met Eli with whom she would marry on 8-10-12!

WHAT IS AN AVERAGE WEEK LIKE?

Enough about work & doctors, let's talk about our fun adventures. On most weekends, we are doing one or more of the following:

HIKING ALONG THE COAST

Pillbox Hike Entrance

Half way to the top

View of war bunker - lower

At the top - North view of Kailua town

At the top- South view of Waimanalo Bay

At the top- East view of Lanikai and The Mokulua Islands

VISITING PET FRIENDLY BEACH PARKS

Kailua Beach Park -http://www.gohawaii.com/oahu/regions-neighborhoods/windward-oahu/kailua-beach

Kaʻaʻawa Beach Park - just north of where we live; smaller more private beach front

We also spend time working on our "tans", visit weekly farmer's markets, re- furnishing our home,& b-que with our great neighbors

WE MOVED ALREADY....

We have moved a bit north from our original landing spot, Kailua. We are now up in Kane'ohe, which is known for its windy bay, sailboats, cooler weather, and ocean/mountainn views. Double the square footage, an upstairs, 3 lanais, and extra 1 1/2 bath was the deciding factor. I will be sending out change of address cards as well.