Words alone can do the trick.....

Do good guys always finish last? Do they even finish? Or even get to the start line?

Where is the finish line? what does it look like or feel like?

Some days these thoughts cross my mind and I find myself without an answer. But I don't make a huge deal of it, just move on I suppose. Then you have "one of those days". Most people experience "one of those days" as if it were hectic, crazy and just plain off. Today, Monday, I had "one of those days" but just the opposite.

It started with a morning swim at the Kona Pool. I was in the company of a good friend. She wanted to follow a certain swim workout. I agreed to swim the same workout and hang with her as we increased our set time ending in an all out 150yard sprint. (45minute workout 2000yrds total) During our sets she was almost maxed out and she didn't want to deviate from the plan, push as hard as you can on the last sprint 110%. She could have very easily said I'm done or swam fewer yards but she pushed through with a positive attitude. In the end she said "it was one of her best swim workouts since moving to Kona." I too had a great workout but it was the company that I enjoyed the most. Simply put you never really know how wonderful & kind hearted people can be at times. (even if your heart rate is pushing 180 and you are sweating in a swimming pool)

We talked story after our workout, sharing our experiences on work & life. We part our ways and upon returning to my car I find a note on my windshield.

A simple note reminding me "not to let life get the best of me and that situations are only temporary and keeping your head held high will only bring true togetherness before you know it". I read the note two times and smiled. What a good listener she is. Perfect words I needed to hear at the right time. The note is now posted on my mirror so that I can see it everyday!

Brooke Myers, mahalo nui loa for the kind words. Your little note means so much to me.

Your heart is warmer than any Hawaiian sunset!

After swimming, I proceed to Ali'i Drive to my favorite surf shop. Gotta purchase a swim rash guard to protect my skin from UV rays. Pacific Vibrations is tucked away on/off Ali'i Drive. Everyone knows of this place and its owners. It's almost a hangout place instead of surf shop. I try on a few different brands of tops. I notice the price, not bad! I proceed to pay and he gives me a nice discount (kama'aina rate) however I come up short on cash$$ and told him I will pay with my credit card. He said wait, how much you got? I told him and he made the sale anyway. I was short and he gave it to me for lot less! I said no, that I will run out to my car and get the extra cash for the total sale and he told me "NO, Patrick you are one of the last true good guys on this island and it's the least I can do for you, don't worry abou it." I was so taken back and almost at a loss for words when I chimed in and said "but don't forget good guys always finish last". He laughed and said, don't even listen to that shit!"

Thanks Mike McMichael, YOU ARE the true GOOD GUY of Kona!!

Amazing how words alone can really make your day "one of those days"!!

I sure hope I have more of these days!! I have a feeling I will :)