"I'm Just Saying......"

AWCIPA "a way to pray"

2010-01-04T14:41:00.000-08:00

So I've been reading this book by Miles McPherson "Do Something"......Miles is the Pastor from "The Rock" Church in San Diego, CA. and I wanted to post this from one of the appendixes.
Pretty soon we will be going over this book as part of my Small Group future series.

so it goes:

AWCIPA is a simple prayer format to help focus your prayer time. Here's what it stands for:
A............Admire
W...........Wait quietly before God
C.............Confess your sin
I..............Intercede for others
P.............Petition for yourself
A.............Admire and thank God

The key is to spend a given amount of time in each category. Have a pen and paper, and a Bible with you. When God speaks, you need to write it down. Another tip: Avoid jumping around from one topic to another. For example, for Admire, you could read Psalm 8:9 and spend 3 minutes simply admiring and thanking God for all the great things He has done in your life. Do not ask for anything, do not confess any sin----just thank Him.
Do something similar for each letter of AWCIPA. If you spend 5 minutes in each category, you will have spent a half hour in focused prayer. When is the last time you can say you have done that? Here are more suggestions:
For "A", read Psalms 8:9 and spend three minutes simply admiring and thanking God.
For "W", read Psalms 46:10 and then sit quietly and listen to God speak to you. Write it down.
For "C", read 1 John 1:9 and then confess your sin to God.
For "I", read Philippians 1:3-6 and pray for other people.
For "P", read Psalm 51:10-12 and then ask God for a pure heart.
For "A", read Psalms 8:9 and then thank God for everything you can think of.

Note: Feel free to use your own verses for each prayer category.

Now, back to me......OK peeps, so this was a simple suggestion. Prayer is something we all need in our lives. God speaks to us in various ways (like when we read the Bible)......and the way we speak to Him is through Prayer. Communication is the "key" to a healthy relationship. We text, email or talk to people on the phone every day right?.........are you texting, emailing or calling Him on a daily basis? or is it only when you need Him?

City of El Cajon Community Clean up....

2009-12-11T09:17:00.000-08:00

Here's an old video from an event that took place last September. I'd like to point out that I'm just posting these videos to share with everyone the great opportunities God allows me to be a part of.

I am involved with this community as well as City Heights. There's some sort of attachment to these cities..... My heart loves sharing with El Cajon and City Heights so I take every opportunity available. If you care to be a part of it.......contact me.

Church website: Experience Church

Video Link......

San Diego Food Bank Event....

2009-12-11T09:03:00.000-08:00

Here's a short Video from a month ago.....we had the great pleasure to participate in this event. It was a blast, too bad the camera was following me around (I could have scored on lots of stuff)

Here's our Church website: Experience Church

Video Link.....

Beyond US: Things We Should Care About

2009-12-11T08:36:00.001-08:00

Beyond US: Things We Should Care About

Posted using ShareThis

Sharing some Good Words from Max Lucado

2009-12-11T03:41:00.000-08:00

Here's something I enjoyed reading this morning....

Pursue the Virtue of Contentment
by Max Lucado

A businessman bought popcorn from an old street vendor each day after lunch. He once arrived to find the peddler closing up his stand at noon. "Is something wrong?" he asked.

A smile wrinkled the seller's leathery face. "By no means. All is well."

"Then why are you closing your popcorn stand?"

"So I can go to my house, sit on my porch, and sip tea with my wife."

The man of commerce objected. "But the day is still young. You can still sell."

"No need to," the stand owner replied. "I've made enough money for today."

"Enough? Absurd. You should keep working."

The spry old man stopped and stared at his well-dressed visitor. "And why should I keep working?"

"To sell more popcorn."

"And why sell more popcorn?"

"Because the more popcorn you sell, the more money you make. The more money you make, the richer you are. The richer you are, the more popcorn stands you can buy. The more popcorn stands you buy, the more peddlers sell your product, and the richer you become. And when you have enough, you can stop working, sell your popcorn stands, stay home, and sit on the porch with your wife and drink tea."

The popcorn man smiled. "I can do that today. I guess I have enough."

Wise was the one who wrote, "Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income" (Eccles. 5:10 NIV).

Don't heed greed.

Greed makes a poor job counselor.

Greed has a growling stomach. Feed it, and you risk more than budget-busting debt. You risk losing purpose. Greed can seduce you out of your sweet spot.

Before you change your job title, examine your perspective toward life. Success is not defined by position or pay scale but by this: doing the most what you do the best.

Parents, give that counsel to your kids. Tell them to do what they love to do so well that someone pays them to do it.

Spouses, urge your mate to choose satisfaction over salary. Better to be married to a happy person who has a thin wallet than a miserable person with a thick one. Besides, "a pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life" (Prov. 13:7 MSG).

Pursue the virtue of contentment. "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Tim. 6:6 NIV). When choosing or changing jobs, be careful. Consult your design. Consult your Designer. But never consult your greed.

Toys for Tots...Part 2

2009-12-09T14:25:00.000-08:00

This is probably not a good post...but I have to share it.......

Just received a message from Brooke (the crazy woman). You may not know, but Brooke is not the only person doing Toys for Tots.....

Brooke received a message from her friend "Xochitl", a girl who also collects and distributes Toys for Tots at City Heights [just different area]

After Toy sorting and bagging, the place got broken into.....[yeah that sucks]

Xochitl had collected toys for at least 100 families..........

Although this may cause hate or even bring horrible thoughts to our heads......let's focus on Prayer. Yes....prayer. Let us not get filled with hate, assumptions or bad thoughts. Let us pray for those involved in this incident. Let us pray for those that took the extra time and put effort to make Toys for Tots happen. Let us pray that, the energy and vision will continue.

I'm not sure what caused this to happen, or what the motives were behind this......but overall, these motives were wrong or twisted.

Lets focus on a positive outcome and move towards prayer. Yes I know it's difficult....but hate or bad thoughts are not part of this holiday season.

"I'm just saying"..............

We will get these families something this year.

Toys for Tots Part 1

2009-12-09T07:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Tuesday December 8th.....

We attended The City Heights CDC to help with the unpacking, sorting and bagging Toys for selected lucky families around the City Heights area in San Diego.

Brooke Grtitters did an outstanding job [once again.......!]. a CHP report came later that evening.... stating that a crazy woman was spotted on the 15 fwy driving a U-Haul truck wearing en Elf hat.....local authorities have video footage of this crazy woman collecting Toys @ various locations then mysteriously vanishing......

Yet by the end of the day, her mission was accomplished! (ok, ok......there was no report....or crazy driving, but you get the picture).

I have to say that this year's donated toys were awesome. I actually wanted to keep a Tony Hawk skateboard (there were 14 available.....come on now!) but Brooke caught me as I was trying to hide it under my jacket [so maybe next year].

I don't know who donated these toys, but may God bless their hearts. With rough times and a bad economy, these toys are probably the only toys these kids will see.

I will post some pictures later......

For me...the highlight of the night was trying to play with a hula hoop, riding a tiny bicycle and Brooke's baked goods......"I'm just saying....."

Raiders upset the Steelers?

2009-12-07T10:32:00.000-08:00

Really? They call this an upset? Steelers were coming from a 3 game losing streak.....to face the bad ass Raiders on their own turf (Heinz Field) and the media calls it an upset.

As I sit and watch the sports highlights I get sick or somewhat upset......these "sport experts" point out the Steelers "lack of communication", not having Polamalu, bad reads and so on. The reason for the loss.

So....what about Raiders good performance? Raiders 3 touchdown passes on the 4th quarter to win it? 3 TD's on the 4th hasn't been done since 1979....but we don't hear that.

Yes Raiders have a bad reputation.......and it's been a rough 6 years for me. I'm not even counting the 16 years from 1984 to 2000.

They call it an "upset"........but I just smile.

As if it was expected for the Raiders to lose. Raider football is changing and will continue to change, good or bad.......but will change. The way I see it.......anything can change on any given Sunday.

To all those that hate The Raiders, just take a minute.....one minute......sit back and try to think of a good reason as to why you hate them. One good reason. If you're a Charger fan.....take a look back at the last 5 years......the chances have been there......and you can't blame the Raiders for these opportunities.

I'm just sayin'........

October

2009-10-26T12:27:00.000-07:00

So I haven't posted anything lately....I need to get back in action. Lots of things to post....but one step at a time. Excited about a new project with the City Heights Community here in San Diego. I will be working (teaching in Spanish) on a project that allows low income residents get plugged in with Technology. We live in a World/Society where Technology is a must. I am glad that City Heights has given me this opportunity. Each resident will get a computer (FREE) ready to go after they complete an 8 hour course (taught by me). In reality, I thank Brooke G. for putting this together. Her tremendous heart makes stuff happen. I Will post more soon.

Friday....

2009-05-22T08:10:00.000-07:00

I got up this morning and came across this article, I don't know who wrote it, wasnt me. but it looked interesting and wanted to share.

The Explanation For Our Difficulties

If you are going through a time of isolation, seemingly all alone, read John 17 . It will explain exactly why you are where you are— because Jesus has prayed that you "may be one" with the Father as He is. Are you helping God to answer that prayer, or do you have some other goal for your life? Since you became a disciple, you cannot be as independent as you used to be.

God reveals in John 17 that His purpose is not just to answer our prayers, but that through prayer we might come to discern His mind. Yet there is one prayer which God must answer, and that is the prayer of Jesus— ". . . that they may be one just as We are one . . ." (John 17:22 ). Are we as close to Jesus Christ as that?

God is not concerned about our plans; He doesn’t ask, "Do you want to go through this loss of a loved one, this difficulty, or this defeat?" No, He allows these things for His own purpose. The things we are going through are either making us sweeter, better, and nobler men and women, or they are making us more critical and fault-finding, and more insistent on our own way. The things that happen either make us evil, or they make us more saintly, depending entirely on our relationship with God and its level of intimacy. If we will pray, regarding our own lives, "Your will be done" ( Matthew 26:42 ), then we will be encouraged and comforted by John 17, knowing that our Father is working according to His own wisdom, accomplishing what is best. When we understand God’s purpose, we will not become small-minded and cynical. Jesus prayed nothing less for us than absolute oneness with Himself, just as He was one with the Father. Some of us are far from this oneness; yet God will not leave us alone until we are one with Him— because Jesus prayed, ". . . that they all may be one . . . ."

Long Day.........

2009-05-12T18:34:00.000-07:00

nothing to write today........

So I emailed God this morning......

2009-05-11T10:04:00.000-07:00

I got up really early in the morning [just like every morning] and wrote an email to God. I read that every email goes to God and Jesus at the same time. They share the same inbox.

I'm not sure if my emails are all in the "Bulk" folder or considered "Spam", but for the past 26 years, I've been emailing Him constantly....[not every day though]. The cool thing and yet funny thing is that I have other people around me emailing Him the same email too!

This past Saturday I received a text message from my good friend Kat, she wrote: "Hey I emailed God this morning, I hope all is well". Last Thursday I saw my Pastor email Him...and I know my pastor along with others are constantly emailing Him......Yes...The same email I send Him every day.
Yes, there has been times in the past where I wondered if my emails are even getting read! 26 years? are you kidding me?

Some people have waited for 40 years....some have waited and waited and the "No Reply" was the actual answer. Could the "No Reply" be my answer? Hmmm.....I don't know, but I am not going to stop emailing Him.

Wait a minute....maybe it's not 26 years after all. I have to deduct 14 years out of the 26. Yes, there was a point in my life where I chose to stop sending Him emails. I chose to stop hanging around with Him. I chose to stop all gatherings and all fellowship with that circle of friends and family.
I moved away from all my friends and decided to venture on my own.
I said to myself.....I am Not going to delete Him or my friends completely from my address book. I know that He and my friends will always be there. So I just told my friends and family that I was not going to hang around with them for a while. I felt I needed a change or find myself on my own.

I was not Lonely, I just wanted to be alone. I was not sad inside, I just wanted to find my own happiness. Not being happy with myself was not allowing me to be at peace with myself and the people around me. I needed to be content, I needed to be confident and I needed to be certain that I was heading in the right direction.

If I could change the above and add "I thought" in front of "I was".....It would read something like this:

I thought I was not lonely, I just wanted to be alone. I thought I was not sad, I just wanted to find my own happiness.......

Moving from L.A. to the Bay Area was not going to bring me happiness. Moving from the Bay Area to San Diego was not going to bring me happiness. No matter where I went....happiness could not be found.

I was lacking happiness inside. Not being happy, content, confident and secure...were actually stepping stones in my Life. These things stopped me from appreciating the friends, family and things around me.

I still had God's email address with me. So one day....one afternoon....I decided to shoot Him an email. I don't remember the exact date or the exact words, but it read something like this:

"Hey there God, it's been a long time....it's been 14 years. I'm really sorry for not being in contact with you. There's alot going on in my head right now. Even though we haven't communicated, I know you been watching me. My friends and family have been giving you updates on me. They've asked me to put my pride aside and come to you. I don't just want to write this email and move on. I really want to start this friendship/relationship again. Please accept my apologies and hope to hear from you soon."

Well, it's a good thing He is a forgiving and loving God because He did replied to my email with a quickness. He gave me that peace I was searching for. He gave me that security I was searching for. He allowed me to strengthen my Faith. He allowed me to move on accept all my faults.
He brought blessings in my life. He brought new friends in my Life. He allows me to share the joy and happiness with my old friends.
I hope that someday they will come and share this joy. I am still sending God emails to watch over them. But it's my responsibility to Go Out and Seek those that are Lost and share His promise. It is my duty to share His message with my friends, family and YES, strangers.

I still send Him emails for those that seek Direction and Happiness.
I was once there.......
Just because He brought me into a better place....it didn't mean Everything in my Life is all Perfect now. I still fight the Challenges. I still struggle with Pride, Forgiveness and every distraction outside. I make sure I email Him everyday though.
All I know is that I could Not have done this Alone and on My Own. God allowed me to connect and be part of a congregation.
Took me 14 years to realize that. How Sad is that? My selfishness, My Pride, My Stubbornness and The Lack of Happiness inside of my Heart were preventing me from His Blessings and Love.

I Still wait for my Email reply though. So God....come on Now!
I know He's working on that reply....I know He's in Control....and I just can't wait to open that email!

Yes, He also blessed me with a wonderful, God loving, God Fearing Wife.

What if Jesus was on Twitter.....

2009-05-11T09:11:00.000-07:00

I recently came across this posting..... I think it's just a funny thought and had to share it. I recently got invited to join the "Twitter Community". I tried it, but it didn't work for me....so decided to pass.

Here's the Posting:

"Do you think Jesus would have been on Twitter if it was available while He was on earth? Interesting question with an unknowable answer. But if had been on Twitter I would love to read His “tweets.” I’m sure they would have been much better than the ones I will propose. Actually they would have been perfect. But here is my goofy, hypothetical shot at it:

“Been hanging at the temple for the last 3 days. Mom and dad just found me. They’re ticked.”

“40 days without food. Satan doing a full court temptation press. Does he really think he can win?”

“Made a whip, flipped some tables and drove out a ton of religious rip offs. I love my job.”

“Just healed ten lepers,only one came back to thank me. Nothing worse than ungrateful ex-lepers.”

“5 loaves + 2 fishes x the power of God = Fish and Chips for 5,000! Thanks for your lunch kid!”

“Want to make Pharisees mad? Heal a guy with a withered hand on the Sabbath or just preach truth.”

“Got laughed at because I said a dead girl was sleeping. Guess what? She just woke up!”

“Judas just got upset that a former prostitute ‘wasted’ expensive perfume on me. He doesn’t get it.”

“Revealed my glory to 3 disciples. Moses & Elijah showed. Peter wanted to set up a tent. Crazy Pete!”

“Rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Sure, they’re waving palm branches now. Give them a week.”

“Just rose from the dead. Can’t find my disciples. I heard they all went fishing. Go figure.”

“Showed Thomas my scars. He’s not doubting anymore.”

“Watching my disciples as I ascend to heaven. They look helpless. Will send Holy Spirit soon.”

Okay, so we don’t actually know if Jesus would even be on Twitter let alone post Tweets. And if He did they would be much better, thought provoking and powerful than the ones I posted. But either way it is an interesting thought."

So, just wanted to share this posting. In reality, Jesus was on Twitter, we can find his postings in the Bible....They are in "Red". Pretty cool huh?

Prayer.....can I get a side of Faith with that too? Don't Supersize it...

2009-05-04T10:10:00.000-07:00

Yeah, make that To Go please! I gotta rush home to catch 24, The Dodgers, check my email and get on Google Talk to see who's on.
Yeah I fell on that cycle and I'm still struggling.

This week we celebrate Prayer. I sometimes wonder why do we need to set reminders to celebrate something that should be a part of my every day life.

I mean, it's not like we need a reminder to eat, sleep, or even shower. We do what we do because our bodies give us a sign. Our bodies [stomach] tells us "I'm hungry", so we eat. Our bodies tells us "I'm thirsty", so we drink water. If we feel stinky, we take a shower or 2! we can fix these symptoms.
These are natural signs given to us and naturally we know how to fix them.

So what about the things we cannot fix or even hope to fix? How do we go about taking care of what's around us? For example some may wonder: The Job we want, The healing we need, for the singles: Meeting that Special Someone, our purpose in Life, The protection of our hearts against Greed, Spiritual attacks, lack of direction....and even Wisdom.

I feel guilty at times praying for requests that involve "Results" or "Final Product".

What I need to focus in my prayers is "How to Go about", or "Lord Please Guide Me" to reach my "Result". We ask, we ask and we ask---We want, we want and we want.
We live in a world where we want to see "Results"....and we want them now.

The thing is, God knows what we want [Matt 6:8]. Some of us may think: "Well if He knows, then why do we bother asking?" and that's a very good question.

The answer to that is: Prayer express our Trust in God and is a means whereby our Trust in Him can increase. We need to put our Trust in Him and know that He is in control.

If I feels cold....my wife can hug me, she can offer me a blanket or even a sweater. This can be one thing I can control, or something my wife can help.

But, what about when we feel "down", "Lost", "Needy", "Confused" or even "Depressed". What do we do about these symptoms?

My wife or friends would not be able to help me, unless I "communicate".
The key here: "Communication". When we fail to Communicate, we lose Connection. Our Prayers are a "Connection" with God. Failing to pray, will lead us to a disconnection between us and God. We must constantly Pray and Trust in Him.

You see, it's not just about "prayer".....Let us understand that when we pray, we build a "fellowship" with Him. We Connect with Him! We hang around with Him.

When we truly pray, we as persons, in the wholeness of our character, are relating to God as a person, in the wholeness of His character.

We all have heard: "Through Thick and Thin".....Yes, when we Pray, we give Glory to Him...Through Thick and Thin.
Many of us forget to pray when things are OK in our lives. We seem to pray when we are down, low or needy. Let us change that!
Let's give Glory to Him, regardless how things are in our lives.

How would we feel if "our special friends or family" would only come to us [communicate] when things are bad....or in times of need? [money, support, shelter, companion......]

Our human and sinful nature will sometimes get in the way. We Pray so that our hearts remain faithful and protected from pride, greed, selfishness and hatred.

We focus on Him......and we can try to stop worrying about "Final Results".
He will lead us.....show us how to get there....when we fully Trust in Him.

My postings are "just postings"......"I'm Just Saying"....never intended for anyone. I always like to share my thoughts.....that's all.

Sunday Morning.....

2009-05-03T07:25:00.000-07:00

Just woke up. Still feeling a little tired, but with a good warm shower, a hot cup of coffee...I'm sure I'll be fine. It's been a long weekend, nothing much to write. Spent time with Darlynne on Friday [well my wife did]. I got to meet one of her coolest friends. We talked and talked for hours---from Sports, Restaurants, Life Styles and Dive Bars.
My goal is to get to know people outside of my circle. So I scored last Friday.

Friday was the End of Career Day at City Heights. Everything went well, and felt good. Darlynne [The UCSD Student...Skater Filipino Pinay] did an outstanding Job. The students bombarded her with questions left and right. I got to see Brooke's presentation as well. I must say....I learned some stuff I didn't know.

Saturday went to a birthday party in the City of Poway CA. I got to ride a old Locomotive [a real train that goes around the park....yes a steam engine train] with the birthday boy and 30 other of his friends. The beach in the afternoon, sports [NBA and then Dodgers at night], worked around our place [replaced and old faucet], and today Church. I'm excited, just tired though.

OK, well that's all for now....see you guys on my next blog

The Rolling Sound.....

2009-05-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

The funniest thing happened to me yesterday.....Let me start with this:

For about a year, we been hearing a noise in our car every time we drive it. It would annoy the heck out of us. It's not the engine or the tires.....it's more of a "coin", a "marble" or a "screw" kind of sound. We'd hear it when we break, turn or accelerate. I think that sometimes we would get annoyed so bad that by the time we'd arrive to Church, Trader Joe's or anywhere....our mission was to just get out of the damn car.
So last year, me "Mr. Mechanic" or wanna be "Handy Man" took some time off to fix this matter. I mean my father was a Mechanic...I figured, it runs in the blood. [yeah right]. I searched in the back of the car for coins, marbles or screws and "nothing". I dismantled both back doors. I mean I took the door panels off! I opened the trunk and went inside [many of you are thinking....."did you get any flashbacks when you first crossed the border?" The answer is "NO"] I searched under the back speakers, from inside the trunk and outside through the back seat. "Nothing"....
We even did the "Asian Style" driving.....That's me sitting in the back seat while my wife would drive. I was like: Go fast, Ok Ok Stop, Turn Right....Turn left....Stop Again....Ok Accelerate fast. We could both hear the rolling coin, rock, screw.....whatever! After a year this sound became normal.
So yesterday, I picked up my friend Taylor and set off to City Heights for tutoring and career week. Taylor notices the sound right away, but he doesn't say anything. On our way back...he turns to me and says" "Hey I hear this rolling sound, like a coin, a marble or a screw....Do you hear it?"
I said yes, that rolling sound has been with us for a bout a year. We gave up trying to find it. Taylor turns his head to listen closer.....then I hear "I found it, I know where that sounds is coming from". I was like what? You Did? How? He reaches up with his left hand to the small light at the very top from us......a.k.a. "The Dome Light". Yep, there it was guys! We could both see the loose screw through the plastic light cover [it's transparent]. I busted out laughing. I told Taylor the whole ordeal and we were both cracking up. My D-A could not figured this out.
I haven't taken out the screw yet. I'm debating.....because I feel that if I do take it out, I'm going to miss it. :)

Career Week

2009-04-30T22:08:00.000-07:00

Some of you know I volunteer my evenings at "City Heights" tutoring Junior High and High School kids in Math and Science. City Heights is a large community in the eastern part of San Diego, California, known for its ethnic diversity. Along the main streets (which include University Avenue, El Cajon Boulevard and Fairmount Avenue) one can find Hispanic, East African, African American, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian businesses.

Socially and economically, City Heights has a high concentration of lower income businesses and households, resulting from the newly arrived immigrant communities. Businesses tend to be smaller and wider spread than to the north and east. Like other urban mesa neighborhoods north of Balboa Park, City Heights has a high rate of pedestrian activity, relative to the rest of San Diego

This week is "Career Week". The Week has been a success!! We asked friends and co-workers to visit us and share their "careers" and put an emphasis on the importance of Education. We had speakers with careers ranging from Teachers, Engineers, Pastors, Military, L.A. County Sheriff's, UCSD Students and Project Coordinators. Seems like we achieved our goal. The kids have been super cooperative and full of questions.
I volunteered today and was a bit nervous. Even though the kids see me on a normal basis, I was given the opportunity to share what I do.
I wore my reflective vest, Hard Hat, took my "goodies bag" [my tools that I use on the field]. I also shared a short video a friend of mine made a while back. The kids were pretty quiet, for a while I felt a little weird......then the questions rolled in. They asked questions that involved my career, personal matters and my cultural background.
I love these kids. They give me an inspiration to continue to come back to help. The same help I was provided when I was their age. I had teachers, coaches and families helped me. I am thankful and blessed to be here, to have the things I have and to share the Love inside my heart.
I am grateful that City Heights has a Community Development Center to offer these programs for these kids.
All I know is......God was watching over me from way back when.
These kids are the future leaders of tomorrow, and they need to keep hearing that.

Road Trip to Hana

2008-09-11T00:54:00.000-07:00

Hana: Take 1
Today is our second day on Maui and we are just loving it. I honestly feel like a local (maybe because this is my third time here, or because I'm a darkie and well.....Maui is not a big place to begin with). The plan for today was to drive on Hwy 36 and make pit stops along the way to Hana (that was the plan). We took a detour and decided to explore a little bit of Kihei, but honestly there was nothing exciting to even park. We both looked at each other and decided to stick to the plan!
Hana: Take 2
We jumped on Hwy 311 and headed towards Kahului. We stoped at Borders for a quick restroom break. While at Borders I saw the best board game "The Office".....trivia and stuff you know. I took a picture and emailed to Concha because she loves that show too.
The drive to Hana is an all day ordeal. Seriously, the views are awesome but the trip is long......way long. You have to remember that when Maui's Department of Transportation decided to post signs that read "Narrow Bridge"......it's a freaking One Way Bridge. I also notice that people here drive according to the speed limit if not below! The locals are way too relaxed here, so come on....speed it up or get off the road. (I'm not complaining....I'm just saying)
Hana: Take 3
After borders, we decided to make a quick stop and walk on the trails of Iao Needle. My wife loves this little trail. The trail is paved and the hike it's not hard. While hiking, you can hear the creek adjacent to the path. Locals seem to find this creek suitable for a quick swim or a refreshing bath. My wife says this place is sacred due to the history behind it. I have to agree with her. I mentioned to her that I felt the same way when I visited Chichen Itza in Merida Yucatan. So we walked the loop. The path contains a small pedestrian bridge that crosses over a small creek. Being the Structures people that we are, we found ourselves inspecting the beams, the decking, the bents and the abutments. Yeah.....we were bored. We just love bridges. We left and headed towards Hana
Hana: Take 4
So we jump on Hwy 32 to Hwy 36 on our journey to Hana. We made a pit stop on the little town of Pa'Ia on Baldwin Ave and decided to take a walk. I like this town. Unique shops and friendly peeps. I noticed a mexican restaurant "Fiesta Time". I wanted to play food critic and decided to get a carne asada taco (just one). The restaurant is small (just as any local joint). I met the owner "Nestor". The taco came with 2 regular size tortillas, a small amount of meat, onions and cilantro. I added green salsa. The meat was NOT cut as it should have been. The carne pieces were way too big and the carne had very little taste. The green salsa gave it a good taste though. I guess the salsa was good. I would NOT recomend this place. I'd stick to Maui tacos....yummy!(my favorite Mexican joint here in Maui). We ran into a Gelato joint and we bought a scoop. This Gelato was thee bomb, but not as good as the one in San Diego (Corner of Washington and India St.) As we walked towards the car, we stumble onto The Mambo Cafe. This joint is very cool. The interior is decorated with local art. The cafe provides a gorgeous Full Size bar with High Chairs and Tables. This place also provides regular tables for groups of 4 to 6. Mambo Cafe shows DVD movies on a projector screen every Thursday evenings. How cool is this? You can get your dinner, your cocktail drinks or a cold pint, popcorn and chill! This would be a cool place to go in San Diego.
Road to Hana Officially canceled
So we finally decided that maybe driving to Hana was not the best decision and decided to head back to Ka'anapali.
Ka'anapali: Take 1
I had been wanting to drive back to Ka'anapali on Hwy 340 instead of the usual Hwy 30 ever since last year. Last year I almost made it, but had to make a u turn due to gas (not me....the car was low on gas). This year, I made sure the tank was full.
So we headed back to Kahului and my personal GPS (i.e wife) forgot to tell me to turn right where I was supposed to. So here I am driving on Hwy 32 towards Iao Needle back again. I kinda knew that, but I was hoping to hit Hwy 340. My wife and I clashed! She gave me the maps and basically told me to figure it out myself. I drove a few blocks and busted the GPS on my phone and figured out the exact location and where to go to get Hwy 340 (I guess I should have done that in the first place, but I prefer the personal GPS because she's better looking, she smiles at me and she feeds me Wheat Thins while I drive).
After a long hour and plus minutes...we arrived at Ka'anapali. We were both tired, hungry, sticky and sleepy (ooooiiii). We had made dinner reservations at Kobes Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar for 7:00 PM. I decided to call and switch dinner to 5:30 PM instead (we were both really hungry). I also switched our scheduled Kayak Tour from Thursday to Friday because we plan to just chill tomorrow by the water (due to high winds, this was a better decision)
Kobe's Restaurant is just another version Beny Hanas. I have to say that this dinner was excellent. The chef was able to put a good show and the food was super tasty (except for the fried rice....my wife and I agreed that it was cooked with too much garlic). The price was reasonable and we both highly recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Maui. I even tried SHRIMP as my appetizer. He cooked it in front of us.....and my mouth was all watery. The shrimp was served with a ginger sauce on the side. For dinner I ordered the Steak and Chicken combo. I recommend the upgrade of the steak to a Fillet. We walked after dinner to downtown Lahaina and purchased souveniers for our friends and family.
The day was great, everything worked out. The icing on the cake was: Dodgers won AGAIN and they are now 3.5 games ahead.....such a good day.