XTERRA trail bike ride

 On Saturday afternoon, we went on a bike ride with Tim & Tina. This was my first real trail ride since the knee surgery and I did OK. I walked all areas that were a bit too tough, but managed to go up the hills. Those weekly  spin classes are helping. We first went down wireless trail and down to Jeffrey's beach before we rode toward Egigi and Hochiminh. Russ took Tim & Tina to the WWII Japanese field hospital, which they had never seen before.

 This farmland is in the area where we call "Hochiminh" as it resembles a different country with nicely developed farmland and a Chinese farmer toiling the soil.

 There, they grow bitter melon, corn, lettuce, peppers and various other vegetables. At the Sabalu market on Saturday morning, you can see an increasing number of farmers selling their crops to the public.

 Although I won't be doing XTERRA this year, I look forward to watching the pros on 3/24.

Marianas Kids Cup

 I forgot to post these last week when Saipan held the Marianas Kids Cup at the Fiesta beach. Russ has been working twice a week coaching these young volleyball players and it was nice to see over 120 players participating in the tournament. Pictured above is Team ATAC, who won the 15-17 yr group. They came from the losers bracket to play the beat the team in the winner's bracket twice.

The 14 and under winners did great as well. Our friend, Hunter, is in the second row middle. Soon, he and his family will be moving back to the mainland.

A big thank you to all the organizers and volunteers who contributed to the success of the event.

20th Annual Marianas Pro-Am Cup

 This year's Marianas Cup had 25 men's and 16 women's doubles teams. Misaki, who is already 14.5 was the youngest player to play and we're proud to say that he made it all the way to the semi-finals!

 Misaki is an all-around athlete and plays not only beach volleyball, but soccer, baseball as well as surfing and snowboarding.

 The women were doing quite well and the Japanese beach volleyball players dominated.

 Minami is now 8.5 yrs and a surfer girl as well. She and Harley enjoy a nice photo shot.

 Russ and Cramer were on the mic all weekend, MC-ing the event.

 Misaki's partner was former AVP pro, Jeff Carlucci. Together, they did the best they could and beat a lot of other great teams. Both Godfather Russ and Papa Jon were proud!

 The four time winners were Daisuke and Junki from Japan (semi-pros) who defeated AVP Pro Ty Loomis and his amateur partner, Matt, a military helicopter pilot from Guam.

Congratulations to all who participated and to all the organizers, volunteers and sponsors for another fantastic event of amazing sports in Saipan!

Celebrations

 On Saturday evening, Elly & Ioulia invited us to join them for their farewell gathering at the Restaurant 360 right around sunset. We spent a few hours there and rotated at least four times. Elly and Ioulia are now into their last week at PIC and although we will miss them terribly, there are new, exciting adventures ahead for both of them.

 We enjoyed our time, reminiscing about our time together at PIC and in particular, Sales & Marketing. We are all so blessed to work with such a great group of people. I wish Elly & Ioulia a wonderful future ahead, filled with joy and success!

 The celebration didn't end there that night. I joined Russ at Joe's Steakhouse for Boni's birthday with her family and ME friends. What a fun evening!

Boni & Wayne, we're proud to be your Steps parents. You're an awesome couple!

Marriage Encounter Valentine's Ball

 

Saturday was a big day. In the evening, we went to the Hyatt for the M.E. Valentine's Dinner. We had such a great time with our M.E. family with food, fun, games, dancing and raffles. 

 

Juanette and Linda are our steps co-facilitators and are part of our family. We thank them for their tireless love and friendship.

 

We joined the first game of the evening where we had to unwrap and eat a Snicker's candy bar with our hands behind our backs, using only our teeth. We didn't win, but enjoyed the Snicker's bar. The next game was the toilet paper roll and stick game where the ladies had to pick up the two rolls with their knees and then place them onto the sticks which the husbands were holding between their legs. Elly and Oleg were the big winners! 

 

 This is our current Steps Group: Zina & David, Sisi & Ray and Lawrence & Jennifer. We've completed 7 steps so far and have grown closer each week.

 

We were so happy to see Mishel & Dennis from our last group. They were enjoying themselves at the party and we hope to have a reunion dinner with them in the next couple weeks.

At the end of the evening, those who were left took a group photo. The live music, local food, games and most of all, the people made the evening so special. It was great to get together to celebrate Valentine's with our loved ones.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Billy!

 

 Billy, our Godson turned 3 on February 16th and we celebrated his birthday on Saturday at his grandmother's new home.  Unfortunately, Billy was ill and wasn't able to enjoy his party very much. This year's theme was "Toy Story".  Great job, Angela & Bill, on another fun party!

  

 He liked his cupcakes from Sweet Escapes as well as everyone else. 

Uncle Russ ran into Dallas Camacho. He's a 10 yr old, quick-witted kid who loves to joke around.

Thank you, Sales & Marketing!

 Each year, the Sales & Marketing team (now combined with Reservations) celebrates the year with a New Year's party in February as we're all busy in December and January with high occupancy and holidays.  This year was special because we were able to celebrate a particularly wonderful team. At the end of this month, Ioulia and Elly will leave PIC and move on to new paths. We will all miss them terribly but realize that change is inevitable and that great opportunities should be taken.  We can't fault them for wanting to grow in their career paths.

 Our "dream team": Heejung & Evan, Young & Brett, Otsuka san and Mami san, Kyung, Liz...

 

 Suren & Sergei, Marz & Zoe, Elly & Oleg, Ioulia and Adam and Russ & me.  We missed Anastasia as she had to work that evening. I would like to thank our team and their spouses/partners/friends for their support.  I will always remember this spectacular group of people who not only work well but care about each other like family.