my eyes and ears on the lights and music

Hafa Adai Guests!

This comes radiating out of the water park speakers (in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean) prior to the start of any activity or Guam cultural show the hotel hosts here on campus (water hand-ball, basketball, aerobics) 'Because it's free and it's fun, hope to see you there!' As per prior entries it's been a jiffy bit since I've been on the blog, I am hoping to embrace the inner scribe and correspond weekly to my internetis bloggis. For it is rather therapeutic and amazing to reflect on the experiences here and to relive my recent memories with critique and awe. The work has been fun and continuously challenges my thinking when dealing with coworkers and international guests alike. The new languages creep their way into the back of my mind and thus far I have been able to pick up a few different phrases in Korean and Japanese and occasionally when doing so I try to teach English and Spanish while in extended verse, to international interns especially.  Getting to know all the people I live and work with has been a pleasure for everyone has radically different stories and back-rounds but many people seem to have something strangely in common which I think somehow brought us all together. Conversely, just as I have begin to meet some they are off to another country for travel or back to their homes and new open-minded fresh thinking people fly in and replace the bed of the just as unique individual before them. It is invaluable how incredible it has been to meet so many coming from so many different places making the world seem so accessible and connected.
Over the last two weeks I have had two days off and each one has been packed with adventure, curious roaming, and engaged leisure through active hiking, driving, diving, swimming, jumping, and leisurely sand encrusted rompings and relaxing. I also found the smallest Salvation Army Thrift Store I have ever stepped foot in, and without a doubt found more gems for a $15 total than in my past countless trips to the gargantuan stores in the States. Anticipating an outrageous Halloween.
Late last Thursday afternoon I went with a few friends to investigate the potential of a right point break that hits a reef at the end of a 1mi jetty and was astonished with the reeling waist high empty lineup. Didn't have a board and didn't have too much light but it felt really good to have something to look forward to on my next day off. I met some guys who have been living here for the last few years and have collected a range of boards they are kind enough to share with me when we go surf. Stoked!
I've been playing lots and lots of tennis, its definitely filled the surfing slot in my free time seeing as there is no ridable wave in front of the resort. Got my racket in the mail, I regripped it and had it restrung and even went out and got some super fly tennis kicks. Been going to yoga twice a week, vinyasa/flow yoga, perfect for me. Sensational to take a few hours out of my week to listen and respect my body.
I love seeing families who have new borns or young children and are interacting with them and showing them how to play and enjoy themselves on vacation. The looks on their faces when engaged in an activity here is priceless and knowing if I induced any of those positive emotions absolutely makes my day. Watching kids grow and learn to play with recreational equipment and other kids is a social construction I love being apart of. Plus, the food and weather have consistently been yielding smiles and positive vibes!

Time has the best of me and I must return to work, here's some photos!

a carnival of color, sound, and action

Yes. Made it to Tumon Bay, Guam. It's been 20 days since my arrival and loaded with adventure, people, water, weather, food, and entertainment. Training went by with haste and now I'm fledging barrels of arrows, squeezing my shammie (shamwow was left behind target in long beach), scrubbing-pulling-lifting, blowing my whistle, dancing-laughing-moving, meandering thoughts of the beautiful life and the glorious interaction with guests and fellow employees. Weather is beyond questionable doubt precisely what satisfies my desire to be outside. Water is in exemplary form with thousands of colorful fish and reef to convey. Ear is plugged but on the bright side its helping me hear myself before I speak and listen to others acutely not quite accurately.
Seen some surf spots, potential everywhere, following Lola around is one of few internet habits I have adjusted to. My day can range from sitting in a chair surveying water surfaces, to instructing archery, snorkeling through an aquarium, in the ocean, dancing and taking photos with extraordinary hotel guests, playing tennis, beach volleyball, learning Japanese and Korean one phrase at a time, and so much more that brings tough adversity in the workplace, and amazing moments of laughter and introspective joy to be where I am. Working hard, playing hard. Going to see more of the island on Thursday, OAMING is the key. On A Mission. (ing). Love and laugh

About to begin?

Just watched the Chargers turn it over a million times to the New England Brady's and am awaiting a bratwurst in Seal Beach, California with my good friends Willy and Lauren. So grateful to be where I am with the people I am with. The opportunity to enter upon this journey is unmatched to the pathetic loss we (SD Charger fans) suffered to the Expatriots. The newcastles and the buzz about this trip I feel complete my preparation. 1 1/2 days and I enter LAX with a mission. Let's go! San Diego, family, and friends you will be missed. And will also influence my experience across the...pacific?!