White paper – 1 page typed, 3 hand written
Dear mom: here’s another adventure:
There are a lot of activities on the island for the tourists (diving, golfing, jet skiing, parasailing, etc) that are free or at a reduced price for locals. For PIC employees, helicopter rides are free!! I’d arranged to go on a Saturday (foregoing my usual Saturday hash) afternoon since it was a clear, blue day with lots of great color. I was lounging by the pool writing letters (another of my favorite activities) beforehand when my manage came up and asked if I was still going to Coral Ocean Point Resort for the helicopter ride because Coral Ocean Point (COP) had called to ask for an American man and woman to come be photographed for COP advertising. Sweet! Bill the beverage manager was working out by the pool so I snagged him and we headed over to COP.
We had been slightly led astray because we weren’t going to go up in the helicopter at all, but model for Japanese Golf Digest. I was laughing at this point and decided to be game for it. What the heck, I had Sunday off too and could go on a helicopter ride then. The photographer and editor spoke very little English and with us speaking very little Japanese, it was a riot. They put Bill in a COP golf shirt and me in golf shoes (yes, me in spikes!) and we hopped in a golf cart as the photographer started clicking away. They took 10 rolls of film at 2 different holes of us talking, drinking and putting – pretty weird. They wanted us to be a “sweet couple” and kiss. Bill loved this since he’d been after me for 6 months when I found out kissing was part of the day, I asked for a beer – funny thing was, they had one for me.
Now, this is the golf course that overlooks the ocean toward Tinian so the views were spectacular. We’ll be in the January 19th issue of Golf Digest (Japanese version) and I wasn’t clear if it’ll be an advertisement or an article about COP. But they said they’d send us a copy. We got a voucher to eat at COP, golf shirts, and socks. Now I just need to learn to play golf!
So on Sunday I was planning to take my helicopter ride, it was rainy and miserable. I decided “what the heck” and went anyway thinking I’d go another day as well when it was clear. I wish I’d taken my camera anyway because it was incredibly exciting. Even though it was overcast, the water color was amazing; I didn’t know there could be that many shades of blue! Saipan was more beautiful than I thought. We flew around the whole island and I was in awe of the rugged coast line, the water, and all the trees. Boonie looks a lot different from above than when you’re stomping through it. The grotto looks different from the air too; we saw a shark outside the gotto, probably waiting for its Sunday scuba brunch! There were old WWII ships and tanks in the lagoon near Managaha that I never knew were there. After the ride, I felt so high I was bouncing all over PIC. That was a great time.
In the afternoon, I walked along the west coast up near the northern bunch of hotels and collected seashells. Found some rad shells and a piece of Chomorro pottery. The sunset was the perfect end to my day off. All day, I wished I had my camera but I guess some days are just meant to enjoy oneself.
Once again I’m lounging by the pool waiting for the Hash to begin – gotta save that energy! I did high impact aerobics for the first time since I’ve been here. My back is officially healed and it feels good. The weather has cooled a couple degrees so it’s not a blast of heat when you leave the indoors. I don’t mind the blast of heat but it’s been nice to have it cool to 80 degrees. I like having blonde hair on my arms. Did you get the 2nd video? I’m trying to figure out who I can borrow a video camera from to do an island tour for you.
Thank you for the $50. That will probably pay for 4-5 nights of accommodation in Bali. Housing and food are inexpensive in Bali so every bi gives me more $ to play with. I want to parasail maybe while there. PIC has a golf course in Bali that I might go look at – unfortunately there’s no hotel there.
This is the first holiday season that I’m not depressed. I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy for such an extended period in my like – ok in my adult or conscious life.
Yes, I applied and interviewed for my new job. I knew I wanted to stay a couple extra months and didn’t want to be a clubmate forever so I went for it. I really like having a schedule, flexibility, and better working conditions.
Rolling over on my belly to get sun on my back.
The picture you sent was great – it promptly went up on my wall. The only home picture I had posted was the one of me & you, my car, and Matthew. Even though I could tell you had pain, you still looked beautiful. I had to show everyone. They all had to hold the picture up to me and “yep, you look alike.” I could have told them that.
Great, started sprinkling and drove me under the buoy bar.
Three dive assistants were certified as dive masters so we had a huge beach party for them. What I like about it was the fact that I got a half day off to go play on the beach (only after I had to procure all the food for it!)
PIC occasionally sends staff to Tokyo for promotional stuff so I’ve let my director know I’d really like to be considered to go next time. I’d love to see Tokyo. If that doesn’t happen, the next time my friend Hiroko (whose house overlooks LauLau Bay that I sent you a picture of) goes to visit her family, I’ll try to go with her. It’d be nicer if PIC paid for it though.
Shows are going really well. Some nights I think I really did poorly but when I see the video of it, it’s not bad. I say hey, I’m pretty good! It’s a good feeling. I know I’m a good aerobics instructor too. I’m working off all my strengths here.
I’d be packing now if I hadn’t extended my stay. Hmmm.
They finally hired 2 more brunettes – thank gawd. I walked up to a flock of blondes and said “you guys are just too blonde!” My wrinkle quotient is increasing with my hours in the sun. Such is life. I’m keeping my bangs in front but letting the top grow out. I wish my hair was thicker but again, another such is life.
Time to get dressed in my thrashed clothes to go to the Hash. I bought a pair of LA Gear shoes to Hash in – they’re really cheap here since they’re Korean made. I keep my USA Aviva’s for aerobics though. The Autry’s you bought a long time ago were finally retired – holes in the toes and no tread. Hashing thrashes anything you wear.
So, thanks for writing! I really like hearing from you even though often you’re in a lot of pain. I’m thinking of you and holding warm feelings. Love you.
