Kama'aina at last!

I feel like I have been given a backstage pass to the island. Seriously, I feel a certain glow around me. Why, might you ask? Because I am an official kama'aina. Today I got my Hawaii driver's license which entitles me to discounts on all of the good stuff around the island. The islands. For instance, I'm going to a luau when I get back and the kama'aina rate will get me the front-row seating with table-side service for less than a regular seat. Yeah, I'm pretty pumped.

I've been thinking all day of how Kauai needs a slogan, "The Wettest Place on Earth" with the whole Disney feel. You know, smiles and happiness associated with what this place radiates--rain. I don't remember it raining so much before I went home for Christmas, but ever since I've been back it's been raining cats and dogs. Not all day or every day, but a majority of the time. Today I was working in the field and my feet made that indistinguishable squishy noise that just makes you feel uncomfortable. Luckily, our boss felt sorry for us in the rain and sent us home early (allowing me to become a true Hawaiian citizen).

Other news--I applied for a research associate position and was a little nervous to tell my current bosses but they were really supportive. It seems as though they were expecting me to move up here and am glad that I'm staying (why would I leave after only 3 months). I haven't had an official interview, but it is a position I am interested in and will have an interview when I get back form the Learning Institute. From what I gather I am the top candidate at this point. I will keep you posted.

I think that I have failed to mention I will be heading back to the Mainland in a few short days. I will be in Des Moines the 15th-20th for a work conference, the Learning Institute, with 4 Hawaiians. Well, 1 Ohioan, 2 Hawaiians, and a Filipino. But you get the drift. Should be a good time showing them around and they're really pumped about the pending snowstorm.

There's more to tell--my life has been so busy and overwhelming right now--but I have to head to paddling. More to come again soon.