Birthdays, basketball hoops and gecko poops....

Baby Elliana's first picture

So it has been awhile since my last blog, and since then, life on my island has been crazy busy but fantastic none the less. 

For starters, we have a gecko that pays us regular visits in our house.  Since he (I am guessing "it" is a "he") eats mosquitoes and cockroaches, we don't mind him hanging out, (lots of bugs here in the tropics) and since we have no "bug issues" I assume he has been doing his job.  The problem is, perhaps he is doing his work too well.  Why, you ask?  Well he has recently been walking across the exposed beams through out the house and dropping "bombs" in random places.  To be fair, I guess I always new geckos pooped, I had just never seen it, and until I had to clean it up, I really did not pay much attention as to where this function was taking place.  But now, all that has changed.  It is full on war, I am hunting geckos, and so far, (as Charlie Sheen would say) I'm winning! 

When I am not doing my Elmer Fudd imitation and chasing small lizards around the house, I have been working on my basketball project.  My goal is to build courts and introduce basketball to the kids of western Fiji.  In an area that Rugby is basically the only sport that is played, it has been tough, but this past Thursday I had the best turn out I have had yet.  Over 50 kids showed up to play.  We have two hoops (If you can call them that) and the five basketballs I brought for "practice."  About half the kids have no shoes, but their enthusiasm for sports is amazing and their desire to learn makes it such an exciting process.  Building the foundation of this program will take time, but by the time it is done I would love to be able to field a few teams and help kids gain exposure and education through athletics. I have also been working with the Fijian government trying to get permission to build and basketball complex in an old park.  It is going slow, and I will have to come up with the money as this country is poor and the government will not pay for it, but I am confident that it will all come together.  If you or anyone you know is interested in being involved, let me know, I can use all I can get.

So that covers the Gecko poops and basketball hoops, so now onto birthdays!  I am one year older today, and while for the past 37 years that would have been reason enough to celebrate, this year I have far greater reasons to be happy and count my blessings.  I recently found out that we will have a baby girl joining us in August, and that is a "birthday" that is in my mind 24-7.   It is funny how the concept of time changes over the years.  When I was a kid, if someone told me about an event that was to take place in four months, it would have seemed like a lifetime, but with the news of the baby, it feels like the time is flying by and there is so much to take care of every day until she arrives.  (Especially when living on a remote island in the South Pacific that doesn't have places like "BabysRUs or Target.) That being said, it is still MY birthday, soon I will log off and hop in the pool and reflect on how much has changed over the past year and contemplate what I will be writing at this time next year.  Of course, I cant tell the future, but hopefully it will involve a happy, healthy little girl, a growing basketball club, and a house free of of Gecko poop.

Hope all is well in your lives, cause life on my island is GREAT!

Tsunami clarity



Just before the sunrise and waters were calm...  (exhale...)



It has been a little while since my last blog, and truth be told I had planned on writing one the other day, but as I (like much of the world) sat with my attention fixed on the TV looking at the damage that took place in Japan, I did not feel like anything I had to say really mattered much at all.  Of course shortly after the broadcasts began we got our first "Tsunami warning" and I started trying to figure out our plan of action if there was a "Big Wave"coming our way. (Living less than a block off the white sand beaches of the Pacific all of a sudden did not seem to be as great as I normally consider it to be.)  Needless to say, that the "Big Wave" never arrived, but the night of no sleep that we sat awake preparing for it did not go to waste, nor did it pass without some clarity and a lesson or two to be learned. 

A couple things that became very obvious were:

1)  Whether living in the States or here on My Island, preparedness is not something to do at the last minute.  Scrambling around grabbing documents and putting anything that we might need into easy-to-carry bags took far more time than it should have.  (Maybe I can blame it on being kicked out of the Cub Scouts, but more than likely, as Jimmy Buffet said, "Its my own damn fault.") I was NOT prepared.

2)  The "things" I really NEED are few.  Opportunity for absolute clear perspective are few, value them and treasure the revolations of clarity long after the moment passes.  We will all be better off if we can.

3)  The hardest part about chaos is not being able to comfort the people that you care about most.  Whether they are here and scared or halfway around the world and worried, nothing is worse than not being being able to take those fears or concerns from them. 

So as the sun came up and the cell phones and internet seemed to get "un-clogged" I got on facebook and was overwhelmed by the number of messages from people sending their support for us if the wave should come our way.  When reading the messages, I wanted to say or reply with something clever or poinient, but the words just never really seemed to capture the true gratitude I was feeling or how blessed I (once again) realized that I am to have such amazing people for family and friends.

So simply put, for those of you who skyped, sent emails, FB messages, or texts, "Thank you!"  And for those of you who may not have but are reading this, "Thank you too for your lifetime of friendship". 

I am embarrassed that it took a Tsunami to remind me of how lucky I am to have each and every one of you in my life.  Thanks, I love you all.  Good night.

Don't tell me, show me....

It has been a great week on my island.  So much going on, yet so much time to relax, such an odd way to live, but I am definitely getting used to it.  I had planned on writing this blog about my road trip to the other side of the island and doing a bit of braggin' about the beaches I'd hit along the way.  (Figured it would be fun since everyone in the USA seems to be getting snowed in...)  But, after a fantastic week, and some even better beaches I might add, I am once again reminded how fortunate I am, and how lucky anyone reading this blog is.  We are the chosen ones, we do not come from a world that lives day to day and has to worry about food, education, or opportunity.  We hit the geographical-socio-economic lottery.... 
As I drove through village after village and I thought about how "cool" it is that I can buy anything I want for pennies and literally do anything I want, I am reminded of my responsibility as a human being (and my failures overtime) to make every interaction I have a positive one for the other person and to leave the place better than it was when I got there.  Admittedly, I have not always done that.  I've spent alot of years thinking about me with no regard for my impact on others or the world.  Maybe it is age, maybe it is travel or life experience.  What it is, I do not know, but the years have changed my perspective and this week has re-enforced my commitment to lifting others up around me and I challenge each of you to do so as well.

Rugby Practice

I was fortunate enough to have a great family, the best friends, live in a supportive community, and have the opportunity for education, work, and life experience. That is not the case for so much of the world, and as if I have not realized it a million times before, it once again hit me like a ton of bricks while watching little kids on an ungroomed field practice rugby with the same hopes and dreams I had at their age of being a professional athlete or at the very least a successful business person.  The reality is most of these kids will never leave this island., less than half will complete high school, and few will ever have the opportunity to know much about the world other than what they see on the 12 TV channels (if they can find access to a satellite tv).  So I have to ask, "why not?"  There are great athletes and great minds here just as any other place, and all they need is an opportunity. 
I do not want to preach, but I do want to challenge each of you to ask yourself if you are doing all that you can?  Even the smallest of gestures can change the world.
As for me,  I am starting another business.  It will be a not for profit venture that will do just that, offer opportunity.  Whether it is academically, athletically, or any number of other venues, we will support the betterment of those who may not have the resources that we do.
I am not hitting you up for anything, I will not even mention the name of  the company, but I do have one request; ask yourself if you are dong all you can.  If you answer "no" then find a way to do something.  You can be the difference in not only one persons life, but in the history of the world.  It is easy to talk about, but more difficult to do.  Be a do-er!

Life is good!

Alright, I know I sound like I am preaching, so keep this in mind, I won't stop braggin' about my beach-life or the great fun I am having on my island, and most likely, unless it is something major, this will be the first, and last time I blog about this topic. So if you want more, contact me directly.  In the meantime, here is where I spent my day, and how great life on my island is!  Come visit, and we will take you to this little hidden beach we discovered today. 
Talk to you again soon!

Sun, Sand, and "The Sportsman's Beer"

Welcome to my backyard.  Fiji Bitter : "The Sportsman's Beer"

Another week in the books and Fiji just keeps getting better.  "Fiji time" took on a whole new meaning when I was trying to get a satellite connection to get television.  The company that had the equipment I needed told me that they had no more of the parts I needed to get the link, but who would of guessed it, I was sharing my story with a friendly local and he had exactly what I needed.  Not only did he just give it to me, but he became a friend along the way.  What culture I tell you!  Everyday, the people seem more friendly, and the weather keeps making me wonder how I ever waited so long to come here, and quite frankly why people ever leave. 
Normally, the connection to TV would not have made me quite so happy, but I must admit, the guys that were working on my roof and figuring out the system could not have planned it better.  I had the BBQ going with Australian Steaks almost ready, a "Fiji Bitter" (AKA Happiness in a stubby bottle) in hand, and I had just gotten out of the pool when my sound system boomed the ESPN announcers and the St. Marys vs SD State college hoops game.  I ran in the house to check it out and was quickly reminded that no matter how heavenly my life has become.  Of course, "Home" will always be where my family and friends are, but this place is tough to beat! (Although we will settle for your visits as a "fix" for our desire all things American.) 
It is crazy to me, here I am half way around the world and I have a life people dream of, and my only "regret" is that I do not get to share it with my family and friends as often as I'd like.  I know there are plenty of you whom have the travel plans pending, and just so we are clear, we cant wait to share our little slice of paradise with you!
Okay, on to other things... 
As an avid Coug fan, it is hard to follow them from here, (and I do have the WSU flag flying) but that doesn't mean I have not been trying, and to all my Alumni friends, there are a TON of super athletic Fijian rugby players that are being indoctrinated( by me, so feel free to post updates!) to Cougar hoops and football. 


Bula!

 We need some recruiters here.  Giant, athletic, humble, and ready to play.  This place is a goldmine for athletes.
Admittedly, I doubt this will go down as an entertaining post, perhaps it is more informative this time, an update of sorts.  The "Life is good, the beach is great, and we wish you were here." type of post.  So, take it as just that.  Get online, find a flight, and come visit.  We have plenty of rooms and family, friends, and Cougs are always welcome.  At the very minimum,  I guess I will just have to promise you this, come visit "The Palace" enjoy the steaks, pool, beaches, (College Hoops) beers and "Bula" atmosphere, and if it isn't enough, we will find some entertainment for you!
Talk to you soon.

Bacon, Butchers, and Birthdays.

It has been about a week since my last post, and quite abit has happened here on my island.  The Packers won the Superbowl, had a visitor from the states, got a new car, made some new friends, found a butcher, and Jenn celebrates her first birthday in Fiji, turning 35 today.  (Not necessarily listed in order of importance.) 
Of course Jenn's birthday is a big deal, and while shopping on my island can be a bit challenging as there is no such thing as Costco, Target, Nordstroms, or even a mall for that matter, we managed to find a few items at a local store, and in a mini-celebration, I made a breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast, and fresh OJ.  Not exactly gourmet I know, but when followed up by a dip in the pool, and and afternoon headed down the coastline together, I gotta say, not a bad way to spend the day.  That being said, as a guy, this week presented me with an awesome gift.  (and its no where close to my birthday!) I met a Butcher, and the title fits him well.  He is a huge, muscled up Fijian guy, covered in tattoos, bald head (Looks like the Rock, but shorter.) and he owns and runs his own shop that is "hidden" under a discrete sign that simply says, "The Butcher", and better yet, when I said, "Hello, I am Casey."  He replied with, "Nice to meet you, I am 'he Butcher".  (He has a title, not a name, kind of like a meat-cutting-superhero!)  You are probably asking why this is important, well I will tell you.  I am a carnivor, and while I have had my share of great steaks, few match or compare to the AWESOME cuts at this guys shop and I am pretty sure his unique personality, at some point will end up with him in some sort of action movie.  (Ok, maybe not, but it could easily happen.)  The icing on the cake is his fresh cut bacon, 11/2ft strips of lean bacon with little fat, and filled with all that makes pig sooooo good!  It is official, I have found my favorite store in Nadi! 

A flower for the birthday girl!  Happy Birthday Jenn!

Needless to say, while I thought that my attempted to deliver a couple kilos of bacon as a birthday gift, (with other items from the previous days shopping of course) was an amazing plan.  Surprisingly, Jenn was not nearly excited as I was, but none the less she  appreciated my efforts as a chef, and our day is off to a great start.  As I think about it, our lives are full of gifts everyday; great friends, great family, sunshine, palm trees, beaches, and paradise.  Everyday is a cause for celebration.  Of course everyday can't be filled with bacon, but all in all, I got nothing to complain about!  Hope everyone is having a great weekend. And most importantly, on this special day, "Happy 35th Jenn,!!"  I hope your day is fantastic!

Mead HS flashback in Fiji! (Tagged in this blog: Pat Tyson)

I'm sitting half way around the world and watching the Packers beat the Steelers with our new friends David and Sybil from Arizona, I was once again reminded of how small of a world it is that we live in.  Filling my self with "Superball food" (That is right, "The Superball" is what they call it here in Fiji...) I was thinking of how far I was going to have to run to work off the grease from the fries and burgers.  Since I have never been much of a runner, it doesn't take much to talk myself out of going, but staying in "beach shape" has been motivation enough so far.
Anyway, I digress.  Somewhere after halftime our discussion turned from football to family and our "past lives"  (as it inevitably always does) and Sybil, began talking about her son that runs cross country and what a great coach he has and how influential the coach has been to him.  Of course I then chimed in and began to brag, (For the record, I did completely disclosing the fact that I was never involved with and had absolutely nothing to do with it other than having friends on the team) that I went to Mead HS and our XC program was second to none largely because of the amazing coach/teacher/mentor Pat Tyson.  Then, out of nowhere, Sybil, with a look of disbelief on her face explained that the same coach, Pat Tyson, that I was talking about was the person she was referring to, and that Tyson is her son's coach at Gonzaga!  What a small world.  (I still maintain that all good things come from North Spokane!)  Of course we swapped stories.  She told of how Tyson helped her son through some tough times as he entered college and has helped him grow, and I told of Tyson's legendary ability to be inclusive of EVERY student, not just the runners and explained how he "created" champions with his sometime quirky, but always genuine concern, passion, and ability to care for every kid that crossed his path.
I was never a XC runner at Mead, and Tyson had nothing to gain by mentoring me, but as his TA one semester, he pointed out all the reasons I could be better than I was, and how setting goals and leaving the negative influences behind was the key to success, and while difficult was what I needed to do.  His passion for success, not only in XC or track, but in life, made his words resonate and gave him credibility where others had lacked..
Pat Tyson is famous in his own right and is known the world over as a great distance coach., but that is just a small portion of what he does.  Here I sit, on an island in the South Pacific nearly 20 years later and I am listening to stories of Pat Tyson's impact from people I had only met a week ago.  His legacy in the running world will be tough to match, yet after hearing the stories and reflecting on my own experiences and those of my friends, I know that it is only a drop in the bucket when compared to the impact he has had on the lives of countless kids (and adults) over the decades as he has inspired people to be better than even they believe they can be.  I know he is a coach at GU now, and I doubt we will cross paths again, but for whatever it is worth, (if someone should forward this on to him) "Thanks Tyson"  You are a builder of champions, and a portion of my life's success is because you took the time to inspire me.  The world needs more Pat Tysons, and I am lucky to have been influenced by such a remarkable person.
Alright, I know this was a bit off from my usual blogs, but admittedly the trip down memory lane was a great one for me.  So now, as the tropical afternoon rain subsides and the clear blue waters are only matched by that of the cloudless blue and sun -filled sky, I am headed home where hopefully the pool guy has already stopped by, the steak will be marinating and ready for the grill, and a cold brew waiting for my hand, after I go for a run of course.... 

Fiji time...

Got into "The Palace" Friday night, and despite the normal move-in issues, how could I complain?  Finally the long awaited unpacking began and lucky me, Jenn set up the entire house.  Well, that is to say the entire house in terms of the items we brought, and those were mostly just clothes.  But as anyone that has tried to fill 3500sqft with clothing knows, a big house requires a lot of furniture, so we needed to fill it up!  The floor plan is open, and the "outdoor living" space leaves a lot of options, and somehow I hit the jackpot as Jenn went to Fiji's version of Best Buy, (amongst other places) and hooked up the entire house.  Ironically, while the amount of coin we threw down may have had something to do with it, the stores actually delivered all of our items that afternoon!  If it would have only ended there.... 
The problem was, EVERYONE else was on what the folks here refer to as "Fiji time" which basically means that you take the agreed upon appointment time, then add + or - 3 hours and hope they show up at all.  I guess it would be fair to say that the people here have a very pliable relationship with time.  As far as any "sense of urgency"...forget about it.  So when the work crew that was supposed to arrive at 11am showed up at 3pm, and the gas company guy that said he'd be here at 10am arrived at 4pm, and the pool guy that was to be here at 12pm never showed and called about 6pm and said how about he shows up on Tuesday, needless to say, I was about at wits end.  Then, as if scripted, the home theater install guys finished and the music started bumpin'!  The furniture was all been unpacked and had been placed in position, and  suddenly, it became very clear, (once again) I looked around and thought, "What the hell do I have to be stressed about? Life here is awesome!" 
The music was boomin', the pool was calling my name, and as the sun went down, Jenn and I meandered up to the marina had a great dinner, met some fun people, and watched the sunset over the blue waters of the Pacific.  As we finished dinner, the waitress asked if we wanted anything else and I said we were finished, then Jenn said, "grab another beer."  And as I mentally reviewed the list of all that still needed to be done, I realized, why would we hurry, nobody else does.  The band was playing great music, the beers were cold, and the breeze was perfect.  We are in Fiji, I'll be setting my watch (if I should ever decide to wear one) to Fiji time, and I'll be maximizing every second of time here in paradise.
On a side note, the picts will start coming soon, now that we are getting settled in.  But keep in mind, by "soon" I mean with in the week.  I am on Fiji time....