New year, new job

Aloha and happy new year! I have been 'crazy busy' since Mike went back to the mainland on Jan 12th. It was great to have him here. Christmas was very strange since it never really felt like Christmas at all - no snow, no parties with friends, no family gatherings, only sunshine and snorkeling. (I know all of you in Washington had more white Christmas than you cared for!) Because my job at the library had ended I was able to spend time vacationing with Mike. We took a short visit over to the big island, did a fair amount of snorkeling, 'beaching', relaxing and even got a little maintenance done around the condo. I was applying for jobs while he was here but no one ever called me for an interview. Like elsewhere, people are cutting back so there are not a lot of job openings and many applicants. As much as I didn't want to start a new job while Mike was here, I did have panic moments about not getting any call backs. As it turned out, the universe was just listening to my wish. 4 days after Mike left I started a new job. Early Thursday morning, Jan 15th, I responded to a job announcement I received online and within 30 minutes they called, I interviewed that afternoon, and started work Friday Jan 16th. Once more, I am SO amazed and grateful how life unfolds. So, I'm sure your asking, "Well, what are you doing?" and I am so glad you asked. Head to this site: http://www.mauiprincess.com/ I am working in the office part time (just what I hoped for) doing accounts payable and receivable. One of the perks is being able to go out on the boats any time. Because of the economy and the decrease in visitors to the islands right now they are having their struggles like many companies. I was impressed with their longevity in the business and with the people I met in the office so I am happy to be a part of the company and hope to help them stay afloat until the economy begins to turn around. After my experience at the library here, I am glad to be surrounded by people who care about the work they do and the company they work for. It is so much healthier! As of today I am officially part of the state of Hawaii because I finally got my driver's license changed over. I can now get the discounts offered to the "kama'aina's" (officially translated as 'native born' but used to refer to locals). It is humpback whale season and I did some training in December at the national humpback whale sanctuary here in Kihei. I am hoping to do some volunteering but, with the training the last two weekends at the new company (to be listed as LCC (Lahaina Cruise Company) in this and future blogs) and getting all the quarterly and year end work done for my other bookkeeping work, I haven't had any spare hours. But, it may begin to shift into a kind of flow with a M-W-F schedule at LCC and the other bookkeeping in between as needed. With that flow, I'm hoping space will open to go hang out at the whale sanctuary and learn more. Friday morning I'm heading out on a whale watch tour on one of our boats. The whales are abundant right now so I'm looking forward to seeing them up close. Here are a couple sunset pictures and one moonset picture to end this post and this day. Blessings to you all...