INFINITY.

The last few nights have been quite restless, I’ve been actively solving CSI type crimes in my dreams that leave me a bit more exhausted the next morning. This morning is no different, and since it’s been a few nights in a row, I’m on the verge of transforming into Oscar the Grouch. I know myself well enough to halt the transformation: long shower to get the blood flowing, avoid rushing, an ice cold can of Coca Cola, and solitude. As I waltzed into my office a half an hour earlier than scheduled, I could feel it was going to be a long day.

As I routinely do, I booted up my laptop to check my email. I skimmed through the e-newsletters I receive from all of the social networks I insanely registered for but rarely use. There was one though that I had to read twice, not because it wasn’t well-written, but what it said:

“Just a quick update on the competition you entered with fuelmyblog. We are pleased to announce that you won a copy of Microsoft Expression Web!”

I submitted my post, “FuelMyBlog With Microsoft Expression” and I won! It was my first “blog competition” and probably my first individual writing competition. Immediately, the green of Oscar disappeared replaced by a smile wider than that of Elmo. Of course my first telephone call was to Lilinoe and she was equally excited so much so she said this, “All of those hours you spend on the computer are starting to pay off!” Err…hah? Actually, I know what she means.

• July 2007: Ryan Ozawa accepted my “application” to host INFINITY blog on HawaiiStories.com. I’m just kidding, there wasn’t a formal application, but I do recall sending an email as to how I would contribute to his website.

• October 2007: Guy Kawasaki offered me an opportunity to be a Truemorist on his website, Truemors.com. Visit Truemors, you’ll find a delicious variety of news and information. And, if you’re wondering, yes, I’m “InfinityPro.”

• November 2007: Evelyn author of Homespun Honolulu has graciously accepted my submission to the “Carnival of Aloha” for a second month. Her presentations each month combined with my vivid imagination truly make it a carnival experience.

• December 2007: HawaiiStories.com still hosts INFINITY blog, “InfinityPro” is a faithful Truemorist, the Carnival of Aloha featured my post “Laughter” and I have won my first blog competition at FuelMyBlog.com.

These small accomplishments are humongous in my eyes, and though my words express gratitude and humility, the opportunities afforded me are evidence that it’s also in my soul.

Evelyn, author of Homespun Honolulu was one of the first persons to post a comment on my blog that wasn’t related to me by blood, marriage or high school classmate. I enjoy reading her posts because she naturally writes from her soul, ignoring the apprehension most of us feel before publishing. She’s an encouragement for this new kid on the block.

Recently, she shared with the globe that well, sometimes she’s not too graceful. Anyone who knows me, would never use the word “graceful” to describe me. And I found Evelyn’s honesty in “Are You Violent? Do You Break Things?” to be laugh out loud funny!

Evelyn though does show her true grace in weaving together the fourth chapter of the Carnival of Aloha: “It’s a Carnival by Canoe!” So, we go, the canoe is heading out to the Carnival of Aloha.

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The third chapter of the Carnival of Aloha is taking its readers on a “Hawaiian safari!” Evelyn at Homespun Honolulu has prepared our minds for an adventure that’s sure to ease the recent rains, winds and electricity outages.

Once again, Infinity is a carnival feature highlighting “Our Roaring Weekend.” We’re enticed to trot off to Maui in “Reflections on Maui,” a love story. And, we’re shown exactly why it’s easy to fall in love with Maui when we visit, “Kepaniwai Park’s Heritage Gardens.” But did you know, “Best Halloween in Hawaii in Lahaina on Maui?”

From Maui we’re off to Kaua’i for a refreshing smoothie at “Banana Joe.” Before we head back to Oahu, let’s stop off in Hilo and take the challenge, “Move This 2 1/2 Ton Stone, and Rule Hawaii.”

Of course, what is a tour of the islands without stopping at the “other” island Las Vegas to visit Tita Lika as she, “Ms I-Wanna Hula.”

After all of that wouldn’t you love to find this “Secret Cove?”

Planning ahead, Auntie Pupule reminds us to support the “3rd Annual MWH Christmas Slippah Wish Project.”

Mahalo to Evelyn for bringing the Carnival of Aloha to our homes!