2010 has got me wondering about answers to many of my questions. One was answered today. We were approved for a loan modification which should make cost of living a bit closer to the “affordable” category. This makes me feel hopeful, and with a little more adult-take on things now, I want to do my best to get a lot of debt under control. I believe this decade will crescendo to that critical period of effectiveness for my generation. Here’s to our failures and successes. Let’s not fear either from here on out.

Speaking of my son, I’ve had a lot more time to bond with him on the days which Dar goes to her classes. Sometimes, I wonder how she does it. It can be difficult playing the single parent, but it boils down to sticking to his schedule. Making sure he gets his naps and food and is changed ever couple hours. I sure freaked out this week. I had him try on a winter jacket at Sams Club and told him to go over to his mom. Well, that jacket restricted his movement and by movement, I mean balance. So there were roughly about 2 steps that were followed by a face plant. Crying ensued. I picked him up and tried calming him down only to discover he had a bloody mouth. All I could say is “he’s bleeding!” I felt terrible. He had split his lower lip and probably hurt his poor little teeth. We cleaned him up and he has since recovered 100%. To make it up to him, I picked up a cool zip-up hoody that’s fleeced inside, but is thin and has a +2 balance.

So I’m trying to figure out how to get back onto this schedule again. The only problem is my stomach. If it weren’t so set on lunch at noon I think I could sleep right up till 4pm, which would be perfect. I did get some blackout curtains from Target which will be tested out today. It says it has some energy-saving benefits to it, but that remains to be seen. Dar recommended I wake up normally on my first workday and take naps to get through the first day. I think I wil be staying up as long as I can and crashing. Maybe I need to sound-proof a room and crank out some karaoke since I will no longer be able to do that with friends on Saturday nights for a while. I did think about hitting the gym which would help me stay up and then help me crash as my body would be recovering. I will try out these ideas to see what works best. For the record, when I first had this 6pm to 6am shift, it always burned one day off (Sundays). My co-workers say they stay up for football. That one way I guess, but I was never a fan. Oh well. I’m going to start of with cleaning tonight. See how far I can evolve this Death Star of an office. Therefore, I must bid you adieu.

This time the family and co-workers, Mike and Jared, went back to the same trail and went beyond the of last week’s midpoint to see Hoover Dam and the Bypass Project.

The extra distance to the parking garage from last weeks midpoint was more challenging as there it was riddled with hilly terrain. Translation: I almost died trying to tow Edison on the way back. It was a good challenge.

And on the way back, we got a treat as we saw close to 10 Bighorn Sheep, Nevada’s official state animal, traversing across our trail along the steep mountainside. All in all, it was a great ride and this time, fully explored.

So the family woke up as early as we could and headed out toward Boulder City. I’ve been wanting to try out a bike trail that went though some old abandoned railroad tracks that have since been converted to a multi-use trail. More history about it here. In total it was about 6 miles round trip.

I was lugging Edison in the bicycle trailer and the incline was bearable. I don’t think I’ve biked since Dar’s birthday. I do recommend you have knobby treads as it helped immensely. Careful on this trail as there are no rails and steep drops on the side of the mountain.

I give this trail 2 thumbs up for the recreational rider for the gradual incline, the interesting tunnels and the history associated with the trail. You also get to see the Lake Mead marina. We topped it off by stopping by the Coffe Cup Cafe, chowing down on a pork chili verde omlette. Good stuff.

• hanging out with family we don’t usually get to see on the regular can be really enjoyable
• I’d like to adopt the same Aloha spirit of generousity that received my family
• Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is simply the most fun activity that I’ve done in a long time (plus it’s a great workout!)
• Living in a desert, I envy those who have access to the ocean as its benefits are far and wide
• I miss listening to the island music in my car as it must be the cure to road rage

I found that after getting over the humidity, I really enjoyed being outdoors with the trade winds in my face. Something that I rarely feel like here in triple-digit hotness. We really explored Oahu for the first time, hitting many touristy spots and cruising around the island. Good times, indeed.

My wife and I made the decision to visit him June 12. That day, we were able to book last minute flights for us, baby, my parents and brother on Omni Airlines, a most punishing flight. It didn’t help that space was very cramped and I had an extra 25 lbs of carry-on in my lap the majority of the way. Oh yeah, and the lack of sleep. When we got here, we went to the hospital where my grandfather was in good spirits. He recognized everyone there in addition to my Uncle, Aunty and only cousin. He even recognized his great-grandson for the first time, as we had tried to send lots of pictures to him in the previous 9 months. Although, he can’t say much due to his shortness of breath, he whispered “nine…nine” to me, which is Edison’s birthday.

I have to say that my son has been a champ this whole trip. He’s got two big teeth protruding though his upper gums and is having a hard time with that. Plus, the humidity and jetlag are not helping either. But he’s been giving us all the levity to brighten up these sad days. Although I knew how important this was, it was seemingly, a difficult decision to make. Knowing that there were no babies/children allowed in the ICU, we came anyways. A special exception was made for us that allowed us to bring him in. I can’t tell you how very lucky a break that was.

He’s up now and I have to go feed him. We are here in Aiea. As a family. And I couldn’t be any prouder in a most difficult time.