Kailua-Kona, Big Island of Hawai'i

About three weeks ago, I left the tropical fruit farm on Puna side for a work-trade gig at a youth hostel in Kailua-Kona. I've been working the front desk from 8am-Noon, five days a week. I moved here because the hostel is in the center of town and I figured it would be easier to get a paying job. I haven't had much luck thus far. I've applied for about 20 jobs, all within my grasp as far as job experience is considered. I guess the economy is as bad as everyone says. Living on farms and not working in the mainstream culture I miss a lot of what is going on. Which I don't feel is such a terrible thing.

A friend of mine introduced me to a realtor on Kona side, who in turn introduced me to a massage therapist that performs body work by walking on people at the local farmer's market. I'm planning on heading down to his booth tomorrow to learn some techniques and get some work done. He makes roughly $250 a day when the tourists are pouring in! He took me to a local pastors home for dinner and worship which was very interesting. Totally different from my normal routine and I found talking with the people there to be very nice. The only person to ask me about my religious views was a 12-year old girl who then told me she was having doubts about "her parent's religion". I went to the dinner hoping to make some job contacts but ended up talking with the young girl, attempting to give her a positive role model to look toward.

I found a job posting on Craigslist last week seeking gardening/food prep/animal husbandry work that pays $11-15 an hour (with avg 40 hours a week) including food and board. I made a resume specifically for this job, which was the first time I've listed my farm work in any one place! I've worked with seven farm and gardens! I got a call from the owners today and they are picking me up Friday to take me to the property to check it out. I'll post more info as I know it!! This seems absolutely perfect! To be able to live off the land, farm, work and get PAID!

I've summited my application to work with Clean Vibes again this year, only this time I'll get paid. Typically a crew member works 10 hours a day for about two weeks. Which includes camping, meals, water and a ticket to the event. I've been thinking about going back to mainland for a visit and to take on some quick paying jobs, there's so much more than in HI! CV would give me a chance to do several of the things I love; recycling, educating, festival life, travel, camping and GET PAID!

In writing this entry I feel so money oriented. I hate that money controls everything that we do. I'll be happy when I fight off the travel bug and can just buy/lease/trust/manifest some land to care for good.