Density of Thought

(Decision-making spot- Hawaii to stay for a while)

Today was an all day affair on the boat. We were not cruising around with guests the whole day, which meant we had a lot of down time on the boat (once it was sparkling clean). I'm reading several books right now- High Infatuation (Steph Davis' autobiography), Saltwater Buddhas, sailing articles and reef guides. There is something about being on a boat all day that really allows for deep thought, regardless of how busy you may be. Maybe it has to do with the two books I am reading (labeled "the boat books") right now, but I have been deep in thought about impermanence, using the ocean as a direct example- ever-changing.

Today on the boat I could not help but think as I watched the waves roll by how small I am compared to the ocean and all of its incredible energy. Not insignificant necessarily, but definitely small. It made me want to try that much harder to make a positive influence on the lives of those I interact with, no matter how brief. I have realized it is all in the little things that you do every day that add up and end up making the difference.

I meet people from all over the world every day out here. Vacations, business trips, escapes, you name it. I am delighted to say most of them have left me with a smile on my face. People are genuinely happy to be on this island, away from the chaos of their lives and hardships. It is incredible to see what warm sand and clear water does for people's souls. I am so thankful to live here.

I have discovered in life that things just happen. The universe is chaos. I believe in karma, but I also believe that random things happen that have nothing to do with anything else. It is through a series of chances that I am where I am right now. I am so thankful for the randomness.

To my friends still in school, do not be discouraged if your school careers are coming to a close. Do not be afraid of the unknown ahead (or maybe you have everything figured out, in which case, eff you...jk). Be so excited for the journeys ahead. Don't stress out, it's a waste of energy, I promise. You truly are in charge of your next steps.

Ok enough with the deep advice from a crazy chick working on boats. I am exhausted from the all-day sunny adventures and am calling it a night (yes it is not even 8pm here)- a whole new type of island time- sleep early and rise with the sun.

But first...I may or may not be eating yummy chocolate covered mountain macadamia nuts while listening to John Mayer...some things will never change, no matter where I am.

Sending love from me to you,

Be well.

Aloha nui loa,

M.

PS. Please don't forget to embrace the day. I don't know what it is about this place, but it has made me thankful for every single day.

PPS. Wear sunscreen. It is awkward when you get a sunglasses tan line.

<3

Whale Season

A lot has happened since I last updated this thing, I promise I will try to be more consistent.

I'm on a boat. It's official. I am working my butt off on the boats (and the beach for the time being) (overtime ftw). Time's a-flying and I am exhausted. I am the rookey on board, but have been holding my own. I would like to take a moment and say that climbing has helped me out immensely on the boats. Flaking rope/line, bowlines, clove hitches for the win, thank you climbing gods. The crew is already getting used to my music choices when we are cleaning up the boats or sailing them home. The Pirates of the Caribbean theme song may or may not have made an appearance on the boat the other day while we were sailing her back to port... Aside from that little moment, the captains have not complained about my tunes- who knew a bunch of guys from Hawaii would be fans of Mumford and Sons and Bon Iver...I was surprised.

Beauregard the sailing schnauzer and his master (the propeller)

I had my second familiar face show up on the Big Island a couple of weeks ago-Jared Mednick and his lovely gf, Emily. I am thrilled to say they got their booties on the boat and had a whale of a time drinking pink pirates and watching the whales go by. Coincidentally, we also saw a 12' tiger shark out there as well...wow...I hope to never meet up with one of those guys while I am swimming in the mornings before work, talk about a day-ruiner. It was nice to see a familiar face and be able to show them around a little bit.

(Coffee date with my favorite man in the world-my dad)

Thank someone Almighty, I have found a taqueria on this damn island. Sure it's on the other side of the island, obviously, but the burritos are huge and delicious and worth the journey (provided I get a day off to trek that direction)...it actually would hold it's own against taqueria SC I am surprised to say. Speaking of food, I have found a hippie-dippie store here on the big island. Bulk food, organic eggs and good chocolate. I have slowly been easing my coworkers into the world of trail mix, granola, quinoa and mason jars...ha! It's awesome. I feel like I'm really getting through to them...hahaha. They, in turn, have been teaching me the best fish to eat and how to prepare them...I'll get back to you on that one.

(SOJA at King Kamehameha Hotel, Kona, HI)

SOJA, The Green and some other chick...

First concert on the Big Island- it's going to be hard for other shows to measure up to the epicness that was this show. Outside venue, on the coast, in Kona, with the handsome drummer from SOJA and the early release of their brand new album. The crowd was amazing, the bands were incredible and the night ended with me not getting a ticket on my car for parking not-entirely-legally. Happy camper!

(Henry or Henrietta the humpback)

Friends on mountain tops please stay safe, catch a snowflake for me (now that it's actually snowing) enjoy every moment.

Spam count still at zero.

Be well, aloha nui loa.

-M.

When the tides of life turn against you and the current upsets your boat, don't waste your tears on what might have been, just lie on your back and float.

-anonymous