Adjusting Back to Normal

It is nice to be settled back at my place, although I've had a couple of sleep challenges the past few nights (it's getting better). As I reflect back on my two month trip, I am thankful that everything went well and this was a good experience.

I was sitting on my porch the other night and realized the sun sets this time of the year straight out across the river above Eden Park. Although there are no palm trees, beaches, or ocean, it reminds me of my extended stay in Honolulu and the people I met there. Much as the sunset is the main event on Waikiki beach, it is now the main event on my patio. As I watch the sun fall behind that hill, I remember the same sun is shining brightly on Honolulu. It is the perfect reminder of the experience I had there and the people I met. Aloha!

Trip Home

I tried to prepare for the time change by getting up very early my final two mornings in Honolulu. The first morning I made a return trip to Makapuu to catch the sunrise. Unfortunately it was a bit cloudy, but it was still neat to hike that trail in the dark and get to the very edge of the island. The next morning I got up early again more out of necessity to pack up my things and get to the airport early to catch my flight.

We had a couple end of tax season/going away get-togethers. On April 15th we had a happy hour which was a nice end of tax season celebration. I went in to the office the next day to wrap things up and turn in my badge/parking pass. I happened to catch the two managers for lunch as it was the last day I would see them. The next day I went to the Hawaii Kai golf course driving range with the other associate and then met up with the other staff at BW3 on Ala Moana for some wings and beers.

The flight home was very long, but since I made myself so tired over the past two days, I was able to 'sleep' most of the way home. I use that term loosely as sleep on a plane is not the same quality as real sleep. My layover was in LA and I stopped for one last CPK pizza before the second half of my journey home.

Flying though the night was not enjoyable, but there's no convenient way to travel east through six time zones. I arrived home at about 7 AM, just in time for morning rush hour to get to my house.

Tax Day

When's election day!?

Lewers Lounge

One of my favorite spots I've found to hang out for a bit is called Lewers Lounge at the Halekulani Hotel. This hotel is one of the premier resorts on Waikiki Beach and I stumbled upon it as I was going in and out of a variety of hotels gauging the scene at each.

This lounge would not be anything to mention (besides the top notch food and impeccable service) if it weren't for the live music provided on Friday and Saturday evenings by Tennyson Stephens, a soulful jazz pianist/vocalist. This guy can play anything from the book at request while adding his own improvisation and signature to a tune. This is just a great place to go to enjoy something to eat and hear some great music.

Lefty Loosey

I correctly predicted that Phil would make a weekend surge to be in contention to win his 3rd Masters title. I incorrectly predicted that he would then proceed to blow it.

Congratulations Phil! and please convince your buddies at KPMG to declare "Phil Mickelson Appreciation Day" in recognition of your accomplishment. On this day all employees will be required to hit the links and reflect upon your contributions to make KPMG a great place to work and build a career!

Frozen Four

As soon as the Final Four concludes tomorrow, the focus of collegiate sports will shift back to Miami Hockey as they have again reached the Frozen Four.

After an exciting 2OT victory over Michigan, the Redhawks have advanced to hopefully reclaim what was left on the ice in last year's championship. The semifinal matches will be held Thursday night with the winners playing Saturday in the championship.

I was able to convince two coworkers to accompany me to BW3 to watch the game and eat some wings. Although neither are big hockey fans, they had a good time. We were even able to get the audio to play throughout the restaurant so that everybody could enjoy!

Sports in general are difficult to watch and follow here. With a six hour time change, it is necessary to begin watching a game right when you wake up or in the middle of the afternoon. If I have the opportunity to get outside, I would much rather spend that time in the sun than in my apartment in front of the TV.

Sport events during the week are not possible to watch unless you are a big West Coast NBA fan or don't work during the day. Since a prime time broadcast begins at about 2PM, all events are long over by the time I get home.

With the NCAA bball & hockey, Reds opening day, and the Masters tournament all this week, I will definitely miss out on some exciting moments. Please feel free to fire off some text messages to me with periodic updates.