I'm Back in Hawaii!!! Aloha!

Aloha! I went back to HI for a few days to see Richard. I just couldn't wait until the end of Feb. to see him again. We had a wonderful time together, as you'll see below. It's now only weeks until I move there. It's so exciting!

The first night I was there, Rich picked me up from the airport and we went off on one of the dirt roads to watch the sunset. It was incredible. The sunsets there are so beautiful. I can't believe I'll be able to see them all the time!

Friday we went down to Lopa Beach. It's on the East side of the island and takes about an hour to drive there since it's a red dirt road with a million pot holes and ruts. You have to have 4-wheel drive to get there. This is a very special beach to us since this is where Rich first took me when I was there in September.

I was so amazed to see this peacock. I had no idea they were on the island. We also saw a few spotted deer.

This beautiful church has been abandoned for a while, but there is still something special about it. It's about half way to Lopa, and it was also founded on Rich's birthday. What a coincidence...

So, we decided to camp at the beach. It was two of the best days I've had in my life. I believe we had almost every one of our meals at one beach or the other. How fabulous is that?

This is our "campsite". There's the firepit we used, and shared with some locals, our tent, the "Pig", and you can even see the waves from the ocean.

Our first day there we laid around on these lounge chairs for

a while. Then, as you can see below, I had to take a nap. I was

"too sleepy already".

While I napped, Rich took these pictures, got firewood, and

started cooking dinner. We had steak, baked potatoes, and

baked beans. It was delicious! And the ambiance was to die for!

Lopa is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been in my

life. This picture of the sunset doesn't even do it justice and it's

gorgeous!

So, we slept in the tent, with an air mattress that had a leak in it, but it was still a great nights sleep. There is no sleeping in when you camp, and thank God! Otherwise, we would have missed this sunrise.

Here we are, the Saturday night at Lopa. This night we ate chicken,baked beans (mmmmm, we love those beans) and macaroni andcheese. Whoever thinks you can't eat great while camping doesn't know what they're doing.

Sunday we went to Sarah's b-day bash at the "Hotness's" house (aka Carl). As you can see, it was a gorgeous day. I was so happy not to be in Chicago weather...wouldn't you? 0 degree weather vs. 75? I'll take 75, thank you!

Monday was such a fun day. We went 4-wheeling around the island. First we took a trial run down to the Garden of the Gods and then we went up into the mountain. Below are some of the pictures. I can't tell you enough how beautiful the island is.

Here we are on the ATV. We were ready to roll. It was so much fun. I can't wait to drive one myself!

Here we are at the top of the mountain. What more could I ask for? It was

a beautiful day...the sun was out (atleast at this elevation), we were out in

nature, and I was with Rich. That's all I need.

Here's the dirty side of ATV'ing on red dirt. This is a tissue with all the dirt I cleaned out of my ears. Yuck huh?! But I'll do it again in an instant!

And here I am...on my last day, heading to the airport. Rich gave me this t-shirt, and it says "New Jersey only the strong survive". I had to wear it back to Chicago.





Well, it was an amazing trip with many memories. And it's so crazy to think that I will be moving there in just a few weeks. I'm very excited, but I am also going to miss so many people. I hope you all enjoy this blog as much as we enjoy putting it together. I know it will be a way for many of us to "keep in touch". With that said...mahalo for all the memories over the last few years. Aloha!

"Stone" in Lana'i

Rich and Jimmy's friend, Slade (aka Stone) was in town for the week. He worked in Alaska with them. They camped down at the Hulopoe Beach and spent a few days in Maui.




Here they are...Slade, Rich, and Jimmy...getting ready to head down to the beach. Thanks for the 2 Liter bottle of Coke!





Here they are down at the beach...with the cooler of food to grill on the fire pit.










Here are a couple of outriggers paddling around in Maui. What a beautiful sunset...









The Westin in Maui has flamingoes, who would'a thought?











Weeeeeeeeeeee!! Rich going down the water slide. How fun!






The gorgeous pictures below are from Maui. What a beautiful island!

And the best for last...the gorgeous sunsets. I can't wait until I get to see these every night.

National Sales Meeting 2008

Last week I was in San Antonio for our National Sales Meeting. It was a great time seeing everyone for, what might be, the last time. I've been with Ventana for 5 1/2 years and there are many things I will miss...especially when we all get together. Here are a few pictures from the week.

This is one of my oldest and best friends from Ventana. I've know Christina Reita since 2002...can't believe it! We have a lot of memories. She just moved to Philly with her husband Ken. You know I'll be visiting when Rich and I are back in the East! Love ya girl!!

This is me with Bill Davidson. I've known him for quite awhile and he actually ended up as one of our managers for a short time. I'm gonna miss you Big Bill!

AAAHHH, one of my closest friends at Ventana...Miss Dana Spears. We've known each other for a few years, but have become great friends in that short time. We've had many memorable times...I won't forget any of them. LOL sweetie!

WOW...look at these beautiful ladies at the awards ceremony! These are the girls of the North Central, Christine, Kelly, me, Dana, and Allison. Allison is going to be my replacement in Chicago. And she's going to rock!





We had a chance to take a boat ride on the River Walk. That was a great time! We had some crazy moments that day, didn't we girls?

Our last night in San Antonio was a costume party. The theme was heroes vs villains. We decided to go as greeks vs geeks from Revenge of the Nerds. You've got your Adams College Cheerleaders, a few Alpha Betas, Coach, and the fantastics nerds of the bunch. Excellent!




There are many things I'm going to miss about working for Ventana. I've learned a lot from so many people. Thank you for all the great times and memories!

Snorkeling in Manele Bay

I gave Rich an underwater camera for Christmas, and he's started putting it to good use. These pictures were taken at Manele Bay which is a protected marine sanctuary. It's a gorgeous bay where spinner dolphins come to sleep and the coral is so close to the surface.

Can anyone identify this fish?

The picture below is a little disorienting, but I really like it. It's interesting. I might have to buy a book about the marine life. Then I'll be able to give you the names.

Look...it's Sweetheart Rock. Did anyone Google the story? What a beautiful day! This rock will probably end up in our blog all the time. It's one of the best views in the bay.

I can't wait to do a little snorkeling myself. Maybe the dolphins will be out. (Rich loves the dolphins) I know you all want an underwater picture of me, so I promise...I'll post one after my trip in a few weeks. Don't you worry. Aloha!