Fresh Perspectives

I never thought I’d experience an earthquake AND a hurricane in my first three days in paradise, but it’s already made this journey unforgettable.  Thanks to the Weather Channel, we knew Hurricane Flossie was on the way…predicted to hit the south side of the island of Hawaii.  (Hilo, where I live, is on the Eastern side.)  So, to be safe just in case the power went out for a few days, my roommate and I took a trip to Wal-mart to stock up on bottled water.  And as always…we were in for a few surprises when we got to Wally-world.

We were walking down the aisle with school supplies when suddenly…pencils, Elmer’s glue, and notebook paper began falling from the shelves.  The ground started to shake and everyone braced themselves.  The quake lasted about 20 seconds and it was only afterwards that I realized I had just survived my first earthquake.  It wasn’t a strong one and didn’t do any damage, but it was still quite an experience.

When it was all said and done, Hurricane Flossie died down right before it hit the island.  So, we just got a lot of rain.  Hopefully, we’ll have some normal weather in this next week!

P.S.  I was just informed that we are currently under a tsunami advisory! Oh joy!

Posted by Kendall at 09:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in [Columbia] anymore... 

As I type this entry, I am sitting at the gate of terminal 31 in Oakland, CA and reality is just kicking in.  No longer is the airport spotted with t-shirts representing familiar names and places:  Panthers, Salty Dog Café, even a few Gamecock logos.  I’m on the West Coast now.  Destination:  Hilo, Hawaii.

My journey officially began this morning when I stepped inside the sliding doors of the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport at 6:00 a.m., pulling behind me a suitcase ‘decorated’ with silver duct tape.  I regretfully attempted to shove  just one more belonging into my bag right before the trek from my grandma’s house to the airport when the lining right outside of the zipper ripped a third of the way down.  So of course we frantically ran for the duct tape.  When I sat my bag on the scale at the Delta check-in line, the lady looked at me like, “Are you joking?”  I gave her my well-practiced puppy-dog eyes that hopefully answered with, “Please, woman… rough morning…this is the best I could do.” 

Other than that slight problem, my flights have gone rather smoothly.  I napped, read, actually considered purchasing a few random gadgets from the Delta Sky Miles, and listened to Dr. Phil in the seat in front of me attempt to solve the problems of his older sister.  Dr. Phil: “Claud….you’re getting walked all over.  Divorce the BLEEP and move on.  I’m sick of seeing you like this.  You’ve aged ten years in the two you’ve been married.”  YIKES.  (Claud…there’s always botox.)

Anyway, if you’re wondering why I’m a USC student on my way to Hawaii….re-read the entries from January 31, 2007 and March 21, 2007.  I would take the time to explain now, but 1) that’d be redundant and 2) I have a plane to catch!

Boarding for my flight to Hilo begins in the next few minutes.  Wish me luck!  Next time you hear from me….I’ll be on the sandy shores of the Big Island.

ALOHA!

Posted by Kendall at 02:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)