OVERDUE! I know...

I think it's about time for an update, don't you think??

I'm winding down for the night after a long couple weeks. As you know, I got pretty sick, which took all my energy away. But I had to return to work, possibly a day or two earlier than I should have, because I found out I was not getting paid for my time off after so many days. Not because of company policy (which actually states I should be fronted up to 40 hrs in advance my first year) but rather because Sheena, who went on her maternity leave early due to complications, abused the system and left owing hours...and not to return until September. Basically, consider it "one bad apple ruined the bunch". But I talked to the bosses and HR and insisted I am NOT leaving and I need that money for my rent. Still, I lost out on a day's pay from the week prior, which hurt me more than I thought it would. So last week I returned to work on Tuesday, and my friend David came in to visit Thursday night. Unfortunately that was not enough recovery time for me, and I wound up in pain his entire trip here. Not only was I back to work, but I was working 10 hour days to try to make up for the PTO (paid time off) I was going to need to use. I also spend this entire week working overtime, which only contributed to that PTO as well, so I will not see any more money, but I will be hopefully paying off that time that I borrowed. I'd rather see the money, but who wouldn't ;)

David's visit came at a great time. After being off work and stuck in bed for a week, I was starting to resent Hawaii and wanting to go back to Ohio as soon as I could get my sorry butt on a plane!! I was hoping, with having David here, that I could get out and see why I love it here so much - and I did just that. Going around to my favorite spots on the island, showing him the ins and outs that I've learned, and really feeling like I know my surroundings - it all helped me feel a little bit better about it all. Obviously I miss home and the people there - that will never go away. But I didn't want to resent Hawaii.

While he was here, I showed David the Spitters Caves down in Hawaii Kai, took him to Kona Brewing Company (the restaurant that has the MOST delicious kettle chip crusted mahi mahi), gave him a tour of North Shore (where there's a small stand that serves FRESH ahi and swordfish on delicious sweetbread), visited the Arizona Memorial, directed him to Ala Moana beach for his afternoons and the Punchbowl cemetery, showed him Waikiki Beach at night, and finally took him to the Moana Falls this morning before he left. I also made him go to Pier1 to find some furniture (No, I didn't get any) but that obviously wasn't a fun, touristy thing for him to do! I even found out how to get home from the airport - see! I do learn new things every day!

Needless to say, I'm exhausted. I felt bad; every day I'd come home from work, eat dinner, go running and do what I could with him but then it'd be a Vicodin for the pain when I got home, and a heating pad until I zonked out. Hopefully this all passes soon...

Not much else is really new. I have tomorrow off, then of course I work Sunday. My new schedule, since Sheena is gone, is Sunday through Thursday. So while you're all enjoying a yummy Easter dinner, think of me out here working my butt off at the hospital! ;) And enjoy some mashed potatoes for me- and ham. I'm craving it!!

I hope all is well back home. I apologize for being out of touch lately. Honestly, being in pain and stuck in my apartment - well I didn't really feel up to chatting. And with David here, it seemed rude to call and text and email people so I realize I have been slacking and I apologize. I do love and miss you guys, though!! I haven't forgotten about ya or the blog ....

And! Grandmother - I do hope you're feeling much better. I heard you were a bit under the weather and I've been thinking about you and Granddad - you take care of yourselves. I love you much.

And Pam!! You should just move out here and be my personal physician. Free room and board? :)

Thanks again for those who were concerned and checked up on me when I was down and out - it's nice to know I'm still in your thoughts all the way out here - and no, Mom, it's not annoying to get check-up calls from you while I'm sick :) It was awesome to hear your voice and have you motivate me to take care of myself (yes, it's sad I didn't do it myself, I know - I learned my lesson!). See! You teach me lessons even when I'm out here ;)

Okay I'm rambling! I've made some coffee and I'm settling in for a movie. Please keep the comments coming! I love hearing from you all.

me.

Oh! And I updated some pictures on the slideshow - and did you know - if you click on it, it will take you to the website with those pictures? enjoy! ( I have a ton more but I'd hate to bore you guys with pictures of a bazillion trees! )