Back to the grindstone

The trip to Hawaii was amazing. There was so much to do and so much to see that we didn't fit it all in and so we all have to go back for another round. Here some highlights to the trip. We went to a historic LA PEROUSE BAY Site of lava flow on Maui (1790's). In ancient times the area was known as a site where Huaka'i po, 'Night Marchers, roamed. These are restless spirits who are trapped on earth causing mischief at night. Every island has its tales about sightings of Night Marchers.

The most famous however is the Pipiwai Trail. Located above the Gulch, it is one of the best hikes on Maui. It is 4 miles round trip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. There are several great waterfalls along the route with the final destination fall being Waimoku Falls, falling 400-feet down a sheer lava rock wall. This was absolutely beautiful and more than well worth the hike and the drive on Hana highway which made both Nicholas and I car sick (me more than Nicholas).

The tree's are amazing. They are huge and look scary but the most massive things I have ever seen.

LAHAINA TOWN Once the whaling capital of Maui, this historic and colorful town is today the art center of Maui. There is this incredible tree in the town center with all these huge intricate branches that branch out to other trees in that same square.

The Croc's

Nicholas and I bought matching sandals to commemorate our trip to Lahaina town Hawaii.

McGREGOR POINT LOOKOUT - There were record number of Whale sitings while we were there and this was the funnest part for me I love watching the whales come up for air. See the blow hole.

Aloha

Ok so everyone there has been a lot that has happened since the new year in the life ok Nicholas and Rebecca Ballstaedt. First Koda is still growing and cute as can be. I know that I talk about my dogs like they are my kids and they are........

For the news, tomorrow we are flying on a jet plane to Hawaii for a week. Now the ironic thing is that the timing of things have fallen right into place. Nicholas and I were talking about my job and how maybe it was time for me to move on to greener pastures and fullfill a dream that I have had since I started in the fintess industry what about 7 years ago and that is to start my own little office with just me to be able to have the freedom to do what ever it is that I wanted to do. Thoughts like this have been twirling around in my head for a while now and we had this exciting offer to go to Hawaii which turned out to be a two weeks after I had told myself that I was going to give my two weeks to THF. So I quit THF we are leaving for Hawaii only to come back to my own little dream of having my own little office to be able to do what I am most passionate about. It also give Nicholas the opportunity to learn more about accounting and dabble in finances and running a business before he goes on the bigger ponds. I am so proud of him he has been nothing but the biggest support guiding me all the way in making good decisions maybe even putting out a few fires. I am forever grateful in the strength that he offers me all while he helps me live out my dreams. I hope that one day I can return the favor. Thanks everyone for all your support.

Rock Band

George Bernard Shaw said "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." We wanted dogs to help us continue to play. In the process we have learned some invaluable lessons. (The Dog Whisperer) Ceasar Milan points out that there are three basic needs that dog have. We found that Nicholas and I hve the same needs. First, to be exercised. Second, to have discipline, and guideline's. Third to recieve affection. So we take the dogs out for a wilderness hike where we can all get out and play, we come home and feed them, and this is the after math.

Every morning when I get to work I pull up a Calvin and Hobbes comic strip and they make me laugh. I want to share. SMILE if you cant read it just click on it and it will pull up a magnified view.