But I wanted my water cold

We started the day the same with a run/walk on the beach yet today was much brighter in terms of climate as well as our progression toward our goal. When we got back to Karen's home everyone was still asleep this time. I tried to outwit the hot pan handles this time by immediately placing hot pads on them which was a success, one could say we are adapting to our surroundings.

We left the house early today to get to Honolulu on time. Not knowing how traffic would be despite being after rush hour, we alotted 1.5 hours for transit and arrived in 30 minutes. With an hour to explore, we drove through Waikiki. We found many common home town restaurants that were on the upscale strip amongst shops and hotels (Chili's, Red Lobster, Tony Romas to name a few). This does not include the Sizzler near Karen's house, we didn't know those still existed. We also found the running paths through homeless park that we will most likely avoid. Granted the natural scenery is a fine place to venture but the abundance of homeless camps would deter my entrance into this park. Although if you had to be homeless, on a beach in Hawaii would be a mighty ideal location. Eventually our self-guided tour had to come to an end and Jeff had to suit up for his interview. I very patiently waited the 1.5 hours in the car on pins and needles(he did at least crack the windows in the car for me). We were pretty confident Jeff would have no problem with his experience yet one never knows. In true Jeff fashion he had a poker face as he reached the car and I could only worry for the worst, maybe homeless park is not so bad afterall. Turns out his interview went very well and was offered a day time position consisting of 4 ten hour days which results in a 4 day weekend every five weeks; not so bad. The dealership appeared to have a lot of incentives, a good crew of guys where Jeff will fit in nicely. It is not your usual midwestern shop due to the limited space and therefore necessity to stack cars three high on both the show lot as well as inside. I wonder how often someone pushes the wrong button and crushes a new car? It would also appear that regular exercise will not be tolerated at this dealership as cars are brought to and from your stall by way of walkie talkie. When you need parts, you type the request into the computer and BAM they are delivered. All in all it seems like a great opportunity.

Rental search continued today with a couple of strike outs. One place was horribly outdated and the cochroach in the shower is a sure turn off, really? The next place we looked at was very nice inside as well as the feel of a tropical treehouse. Unfortunately it takes several flights of stairs to reach your tree top escape. We have several more viewings left and are still very optimistic. The viewings did lead us back to Kona Brewery to enjoy a new pizza slice of the day and salad. Do you think they will notice when we eat there every day this week?

If you recall the negative Illionis couple from a post or so ago, we had a parting discussion with them prior to their departure. I did not get into the details ealier but you have two very distinct reactions when you tell people you are moving to Hawaii. The optimistic supporter and the shear buzz kill. I imagine it is not a surprise that the Illionis couple told us that we would not find jobs, living expenses are "ludicrous", and housing costs are "obscene". I have gotten very good a zoning this type of conversation out which is far easier in Hawaii as I fade into the views of water, sun, and mountain ranges. Regardless, before they departed they inquired on our job interview status in which they were very impressed with Jeff's job offer. Then when they heard I was interviewing at a hospital and asked what I did for living the facial reaction was priceless. They had a quick realization that we were not two silly naiive 20 somethings that had not thought this journey through.

Our Karen moment of the day: the refrigerator temperature battle has now begun. Karen comes through the room when we are gone and tiddies up which is fine. Pretty sure she crossed the line today with trying to regulate our refrigerator temperature which Jeff had intentaionally turned up in order to keep our water cold (Having the fridge on max cold instead of medium for 7 days must really break the bank). Mind you this fridge is not out in the open but located behind a door which is also our clothes closet in our room. Kinda makes you wonder what else she is rummaging through. Karen's place is great don't get me wrong, but it is mighty interesting as well, seems there is never a dull day when Karen is on the loose. Tonight as we were eating dinner by the pool, Karen's two antelope also kept us quite entertained as they barked and scurried after imaginary objects.

Hope all is well back on the mainland at 1 AM : )