More than you want to know about me

Here’s a main question folks ask of me after learning I’m the new editor of The Garden Island: Where are you from?

And the answer is … Idaho.

Idaho? Yep. North Idaho. Coeur d’Alene, to be exact.

Wonderful place. Lakes, mountains, bike paths and running trails. Three months of the year, the sun shines, the skies are blue and it’s spectacular. It’s the other nine months of the year that might make you insane. You must love wind, rain, snow, slush, ice, clouds and cold. They’re still shivering there, even in mid-April. At the my son’s baseball game last Saturday, it was something like 30 degrees. Ugh.

Enough of Idaho. After 20-some years there, I needed change. I found it on Kaua‘i. I’m here, and this is the short version, because of a terrific opportunity with TGI, a desire to try something new, and simply put, the chance to live in a crazy beautiful place. I mean, a job offer to lead a newsroom on a tropical island isn’t something that comes along every day. When it does, you take it. At least, I did (some say I’m crazy. I was warned of island fever, isolation, boredom, winter rains, sharks and spiders).

So, you wonder, who is this new guy and what’s his hurry?

A little background is in order.

First, a few facts: Born, raised in Seattle. One of seven children to Ray and Louise Buley. Married to Marianne, 28 years. Three sons, two daughters (one married and first grandchild on the way). University of Washington graduate. Journalist since 1988. Believer in God.

Now, a little on hobbies, personality and the not-serious side of life.

I first visited Kaua‘i, kicking and screaming, three years ago. My wonderful wife, for our 25th anniversary, surprised me by arranging a trip to this paradise. While most husbands would be thrilled and kiss their wife’s feet for such a deal, I whined and said I would rather go camping in Glacier National Park. Bottomline, we went, I ran on the Ke Ala Hele Makalae, was mesmerized, and vowed to return. Here I am.

Which brings up, running.

I love to run. I could talk about running 24/7, and actually, I have. These days, mornings, you can find me on the trails of Sleeping Giant.

Sundays and some evenings, on Ke Ala Hele Makalae. Other days, on the roadsides, steering clear of cars. I still believe, under the right conditions, on the right day, and the right place, and if he breaks his ankle, I can still beat my oldest son, Nick, in a race.

I’ve done a few Ironmans and shorter triathlons, but I’m a poor swimmer who fears deep water. My new employer warned me about the dangers of swimming here and I assured them I’ll be safe in the cove at Lydgate Beach Park.

And since you asked about my boyhood hero, I believe that yes, Pete Rose should be reinstated to Major League Baseball.

He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. I won’t rest until both happen. I will write an annual column calling for exactly that. Sorry.

Speaking of Glacier National Park in the northwest corner of Montana, if you haven’t been there, go. Its beauty, like Kaua‘i’s, is breathtaking.

Iceberg and Cracker lakes will wow you, as will the Going-to-the-Sun Road and the Highline Trail. Just watch out for the grizzlies. Don’t bother with those ridiculous bear bells, either. They’re only good for raising the curiosity of the griz, and you don’t want that. And don’t hike alone. You’ve heard the joke. You don’t have to outrun the bear, just the person you’re with.

Oh, and I’m a soft touch for old dogs. A few years back, we adopted two 10-year-old black lab brothers, Scar and Lucky. I’ll never forget the first time I saw them in the kennel. When they died, a few months apart, I cried.

Last year, we adopted two more old dogs, another black lab named Kelli, 12, and a shepherd-collie mix named Beethoven, who’s deaf (really) and a bit crazy, but what a good heart. I encourage others to adopt old dogs (just be patient when they poop and pee in the house. They can’t help it).

Those colored bands I wear on my right arm? They’re for my younger sister Nancy, who died of a brain tumor at the age of 49 on July 11, 2011. I wish you could have known her. She was beautiful.

I’m not known for my ability to sit still. I must be moving. My wife says it’s ADHD. I think it’s some kind of disease they have not yet named. Either way, the busier I am, the less annoying I’ll be.

And if you ever want to buy me a beer, I won’t refuse.

Now that I’m here, besides working at TGI and running, what will I be doing?

I plan to volunteer at the Kaua‘i Humane Society and walk dogs. I plan to hike take pictures, and explore.

I plan to learn about Kaua‘i and study several books, “The Ultimate Kaua‘i Guidebook,” “Best Easy Day hikes Hawai‘i: Kaua‘i,” and “Hawai‘i for Dummies.’”

I want to get out and meet people. So far, everyone, when I explain who I am and why I’m here, has been friendly and found my move from Idaho to Kaua‘i quite humorous.

Be patient if I mess up pronunciations, continually ask for directions and complain about the humidity.

Meantime, let’s have some fun. If you have any story ideas, please give me a call, 245-0457. I’m looking for reasons to get out of the office.

Aloha.

I mean, mahalo.