19 April 2009

"the way some people think...

...is that you need something different in your life to make it special. but isnt it already special? every day holds something new. it might be as little as a sparkle in the pavement or it might be something as large as winning 172 million dollars. it could be as insignificant as a ladybug or as priceless as a golden sun, falling below the horizon. whatever it is, embrace it and remember it because it might just be these little things that make life worthwhile."
-enola reverof (south pacific)


18 april 2009
1043 (10:43a)

good morning from the mv explorer!

though the temperatures have increased, the clouds are back. i suppose the sun will shine later, but i am glad to have some cloud cover; i need to focus on school work today. i have a nutrition quiz this afternoon and then plan to work on upcoming papers.

its hard to believe we'll be in hawaii in the morning! i've never been, so i'm excited. i'm sure that i will want to go back! two days does not seem like enough time to experience all that the islands have to offer. global studies touched on the fact that while hawaii is the 50th state, there is a unique culture to hawaii; separate from that of the mainland.


2315 (11:15p)

off to bed for this girl, but a few quick thoughts before i head to bed.

when i think of hawaii, i am brought back to a book that we used to read before bed, when i was about 5 or so. a gift from family friends who'd visited the islands and had sent us a big package filled with hula skirts, coconut tops and a book entitled, "the legend of the laughing gecko." i had to do some creative research to find the title of the book, i emailed mom and dad and asked them to google the book for me. i have a vivid picture of the cover in my head and remember the basic story line. it was always my favorite bedtime book, because there were lots of words and it would make my story last longer; so i could stay up later, of course!

global studies focused on the hawaiian islands and then we got supplemental information in our combined logistical & cultural pre-port. we got a "green sheet" as we generally do in ports, with useful information about transportation, taxis and important phone numbers. the exchange rate is even listed; 1 usd to 1 usd! boy, will that make shopping easier!

we have to begin the immigration process early tomorrow, 0600! we will have to line up and show the officials our passport photos. the first seas will be called at 0600 and if we are late (ie they have to call us by name over the loudspeaker) we'll get dock time! that's serious!

there is not much of a game plan for tomorrow or for hawaii in general. my friend rennika is going to get quite the surprise-- her twin sister will be meeting us tomorrow! she has absolutely NO idea and we are so excited for her! (and a bit jealous!). so after the dust has settled, we'll come up with a plan. i would LOVE to rent bicycles; we'll see if i can get someone to join in!

off to bed, for i must be up very early.

at least i'll be able to see the sunrise!
(and i'll be able to call home, yay for having cellular service!)

1 comment:

mamabeard said...

good morning. Can't wait to hear your voice today!
mom