VA Loan Expert in Hawaii's Blog

How To Use A BUCKET!

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:46:51 -0600

Everyone knows how to use a bucket, right? As children we used buckets when we played in the sand box or on the beach making sand castles. As adults we use buckets to haul all kinds of things and occasionally we use them as something to sit upon. However, there is much more to discover about how to use a bucket!

Those of you who knew Bruce know he was notorious for using simple devices to teach or make a point easily understood.

One of the stories he shared about a bucket came from Frank, his dad. Frank was a man of few words and preferred to demonstrate than to explain things.

One day when Bruce was a young boy he told his dad he wanted to be a very important person when he grew up. He wanted to be the BEST at something special—to do things other people couldn't do. Frank told him it was good to have lofty ideas and goals, but they needed to be tempered with a dose of reality. Bruce didn't "get it." So his dad told him to fetch the bucket and fill it with water. Bruce did as he was told. Then his dad told him to make a fist, stick his fist in the bucket and remove it. Again, Bruce followed his dad's instruction. With a look of bewilderment on his face, Bruce stared at his dad. He wasn't sure what that was all about. His dad asked him if he noticed how fast the water filled in after he removed his fist from the bucket of water. Bruce said the water rushed back in on itself very quickly. His dad said, "my point exactly!" The lesson being, "To be the best and remain the best you must work very, very hard because there is always someone else that can fill your shoes very quickly!"

Frank also used a bucket to teach his son about the importance of character. He told him to fetch the same bucket and fill it again with water. He told Bruce this represented his storehouse of character—honesty, integrity, responsibility, loyalty, trustworthiness, excellence, etc. He wanted Bruce to understand that if he used his supply of character wisely his bucket would always be full. However, if he lied, didn't keep his word, didn't do his job well, betrayed a friend or didn't do his best, he would discover his bucket empty without any way to refill it.

So, every time I see a bucket I think of Bruce, the lessons we can apply in our business whether we are Realtors, mortgage bankers, loan officers, processors, consultants, loss mitigators, other professions as well as in our personal lives, from such a simple, ordinary item, and wonder at the wealth of ideas it can provide for us to draw upon.

I used "the bucket" idea with a different spin for a post on my blog yesterday. See link below.

If you have any other bucket ideas be sure and let me know.

If you haven't seen the film, The Bucket List, check it out. It's a terrific movie with Jack Nickalson and Morgan Freeman. A good take on living life to the fullest.

How to help our nation through the “rain”... one drop at a time

A beautiful day to celebrate!

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 22:45:31 -0500

What a beautiful day to celebrate the first anniversary of Bruce's flight into a world of joy! I took my kayak to Lake Grapevine near Flower Mound, Texas armed with a couple of Bruce's favorite things—Shiner Bock beer and a hot dog plus rose petals to scatter across the water at sunset. This was a venture for two this year... just Bruce's spirit and me on the lake.

Just before sunset a Great Blue Heron flew up on the shore. He looked straight at me, then turned to greet another Heron that flew up beside him. They took off and flew across the water together into the sunset. I thought my heart would leap out of my chest. It was glorious to behold—perfect.

After drinking the beer, eating some of the hot dog and sharing the rest with the fishes it was time for a toast..."Cheers my Love—well done!"

Here are a few photos...

All images are copyrighted by Linda Bourgault/lulugraphix@yahoo.com

Posted by Linda Bourgault

Celebration Messages from family and friends for Bruce Bourgault

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:33:30 -0500

Messages from family and friends:

Bruce was my brother-in-law and, of course, knew he was a great person. He made my sister very happy. He was a fighter and went through his ordeal with dignity and hope. Not many of us could have done that. He will always be remembered by us.

Phyllis Ralls, Spring, TX

Bruce showed me you can really be it all... a real man’s man, tough and Army strong! Always strong minded and willed, some could even say a bit stubborn. But I also saw the other side with so much heart and compassion for others, always wanting and seeing the best in everybody. I always looked forward to our working lunch where I would walk away with so much wisdom and life experience Bruce shared. And I’m a better person today because off that today. I’m truly grateful to Bruce and Linda for all the love and support that gave me.

Heidi Curtis

Bruce will always be in our thoughts at Century 21 Liberty Homes and I have crossed paths with many Realtors®, Mortgage Brokers and Loan Officers who constantly remind me why Bruce was remembered. He was one in a million (and still is!) of those in our industry who got out and down to offices to spread his warmth in personality and knowledge of loan programs.

And you my friend... will be strongly remembered by all... for your endurance and never ending love of your husband until his parting. Mahalo and Aloha for all you have given me... and many others.

Thanks Linda....

Sally Cheeseman, Mililani, Hawaii

Bruce A. Bourgault was my mentor. I met Bruce just as I was entering into the real estate profession and Bruce took me under his wing to teach me about VA Loans. For that alone, I have become one of the top VA Real Estate Specialists on the island of Oahu. I truly owe it all to Bruce who ALWAYS had time for my questions. It didn’t matter to him if I was asking questions for a client that was using him to do the mortgage or not. Bruce would always take the time to help.

We shared a common battle stomping ground as well. Bruce commanded the 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment during his service in Vietnam. The battalion was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks Hawaii which is the same battalion that I retired from in 2005. Bruce and I enjoyed a few conversations about Soldiers and Field Artillery which was an enjoyment for me.

He is truly missed and often thought of by me in my day to day operations.

David Kucic, Ewa Beach, Hawaii

Posted by Linda Bourgault

First Anniversary Memorial Celebration for Bruce Anthony Bourgault- 25 October 2008

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:31:00 -0500

Several days ago I was thinking about Bruce and contemplating how I would celebrate his life today, October 25, 2008. It’s the first anniversary of his death and his freedom flight into a new world. It isn’t just a celebration of his life--—it’s a celebration for all who knew him.

I don’t need to repeat what occurred during his last year—his challenges with cancer; his remission; or his death. Instead my purpose is to share a few of his, mine and our experiences that are dear to my heart. May these memories bring you laughter, insight or inspiration for your own life.

His voice—Anyone who knew Bruce recognized his rich baritone voice. They also knew privately he was a quiet man. However, when he stood before a group of soldiers, addressed business leaders at a conference or faced a microphone and television camera he became “Mr. Personality.” He commanded everyone’s attention. Bruce’s voice resonated trust and believability no matter what the subject. Hearing his voice for the first time, before I ever met him in person, sent me reeling!

Waiting—Once we decided to marry, Bruce came to visit with me in San Antonio. It was a vacation without any purpose other to share time together. Waiting for him at the airport that morning in June 1997 was a very long wait. I was pacing back and forth hoping, praying he was on the plane, but worried that maybe he had changed his mind...what would I do if that happened? The plane landed, I waited and paced some more... I anxiously looked at all the passengers disembarking - there were hundreds of people, but none of them were Bruce. I waited until I was convinced he was not on the plane... no one else seemed to be left, the jet way was empty, some of the flight crew were in the waiting area... yet I waited praying, wishing, hoping and yes, finally there he was walking towards me with a look of concern on his face while asking me why I was so pensive. I smiled, we hugged and kissed and I replied, “I’m not pensive any more.” All of my anxiety and waiting was forgotten. My prayers were answered, we were together and he wasn’t going any where for nine glorious days!

Responsibility—it was a part of his upbringing. Times were hard and both parents had to work. Louise, his mother, depended upon him at home with cooking and looking after his younger brother.
When Bruce was thirteen he went to work as a bus boy in an upscale restaurant in Seattle. He gave part of his earnings to his family to make ends meet. He worked his way up at the restaurant while attending college. The ROTC program at college peaked his interest... another way to earn a few dollars more plus the idea of adventure the Army offered was irresistible. By the time he married and graduated from college he was the youngest executive chef in Seattle with a baby daughter.

Independence—Bruce could have remained as executive chef in the Seattle restaurant sharing a comfortable life with his family. Instead, became an officer in the Army, traveled, continue to increase his family, served two tours in an unpopular war and completed an MBA. After twenty years of Army life he was ready for a new challenge. He retired from the Army on a Friday and began a new career as a loan officer the following Monday not knowing there were two “g’s” in mortgage.

On his first day at the mortgage company he asked a secretary to make photocopies for him. She promptly showed him how to operate the copy machine saying something to the effect, “Colonel your rank and medals won’t buy you a cup of coffee in this office!” Quite a comeuppance from having a helicopter, car, driver, boat, et cetera at the snap of his fingers.

Patience—I can hear Louise’s thunderous laughter shaking the lofty rafters of Heaven! Neither one of us are known for our patience unless it happens NOW! Patience is not a virtue for Bourgaults in general, but I discovered he had infinite patience with me or anyone that displayed any effort to learn something new.

Family—He was so proud of his family and their accomplishments. He was proud of Judy, his first wife of twenty-eight years, when she earned her degree and became a successful computer programmer. He was proud of her for raising three independent, resourceful and loving children while he was away during most of his Army career. Catherine, Jeanne and Robert are wonderful people and successful in their own right. All are married with families of their own who have given our family five delightful grandchildren. Even though Bruce’s children are not my own I love them and are grateful for them. Because of them our lives were richer and that richness continues in my life today.

Virtues, Mistakes, Gifts, A Few Words of Wisdom-—Bruce was imperfect, but he dedicated himself to be as good a person as he could be. He believed in community service and helping others. He was an active Rotarian and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship this year from the International Rotary Organization. He gave time, energy and money to people we will never know about. He mentored, he taught and he shared freely.

When Bruce became successful in the mortgage business he made a serious mistake. For too long he was enamored with money and being a big fish in a small pond. This was, at least in part, the demise of one the most important relationships in his life. It cost him dearly, but he learned and did not repeat that mistake again. Later when he saw a friend or co-worker making the same mistake he told them about his sorrow and regret that mistake created in his life... he didn’t want it to happen to them.

Frank, Bruce’s father, taught him to watch and learn from the turtle... essentially it means you have to take risks to succeed, i.e. if you don’t stick your neck out you aren’t going to get anywhere in life. It’s part of learning to live fearlessly and not allowing your fear to prevent you from living a full life.

He always said, “keep you eye on the sparrow.” I learned it as “keep your eye on the prize.” Which ever way you say it, it’s important to remember—to focus, visualize and believe you can achieve your goals and dreams. We practiced this together, it works and we lived/shared many of our dreams together.

He gave us the gift of laughter... he was a natural at telling jokes and stories. He was a good golfer... always played by the rules of golf and proved that age and treachery won over youth and skill! He was a gourmet cook, loved boating, cruising, reading and discussing politics. He believed his life had a higher purpose... he just didn’t know the higher purpose was intended for his next life!

There is always more that can be said, but I think it’s enough for those of you reading this to realize Bruce led a full life—a life to be celebrated again and again. So now it’s time for me to load my kayak on my car, take the flower petals, Shiner Bock beer and a hot dog to the lake to say “Cheers my Love—well done!”

LUCY! I'm home.............

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:25:10 -0500

Many of you knew Bruce and/or followed his blog. I filled in for him when he wasn't able - which wasn't often and he even fired me once! Anyway, it's been a challenging time since his death, but I'm back on Activerain and will be blogging from my own space. However, Bruce had a wider audience and I thought I'd use his space to jump start my re-entry into Activerain... and to thank all of you again for your support and encouragement - it has meant so much to both of us. Below is my first post as I re-enter my virtual home on Activerain.

LUCY! I'm home............. (edit/delete)

Well my name really isn't Lucy, but close friends call me LuLu. And I'm not really home because I don't have a permanent home now, so my home is where I am at any given time. For now and for some time into the future, my virtual home will be Activerain.

Some of you will remember me, but more of you will remember my husband, Bruce Bourgault. His battle with cancer and then his unexpected death on Oct. 27th, 2007, changed my life forever. Since then I have been met with many challenges, some of which have been successfully concluded, others are still in process or the outcome(s) is presently unknown. Over time I will address some of these challenges, but for now I just want to let you know, "I'm home and very happy to be back!"

If you remember many of you participated in Bruce's "Hot Dog Day" on November 17th last year. It's become an annual event now for many of us, so add it to your calendar's and enjoy a hot dog, a cold drink, kick back with friends and share the good times while creating more memories and stories to talk about.

Thanks again to all of you for your support, prayers and encouragement along the way.

I'll be posting again very soon.

Celebration of Life for Bruce Bourgault - "HOT DOG DAY"

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:16:48 -0600

Everyone:

Below is Bruce's obituary that ran in the Honolulu Advertiser and the Star Bulletin yesterday, Sunday, Nov. 11th. A shorter version ran in the San Antonio Express News.

BRUCE ANTHONY BOURGAULT, 66, of Ewa Beach, died October 25, 2007. Born in Winchendon, Mass. He was a vice president for Central Pacific Bank Homeloans. Survived by his wife, Linda; children, Catherine Bourgault, Jeanne Bourgault and Robert Bourgault; brother, Jack; 5 grandchildren. Memorial Mass 10:00 a.m., Friday (Nov. 16), Immaculate Conception Church, 91-1298 Renton Rd., Ewa. Contributions in his memory may be made to Armed Forces Children’s Education Fund, Inc. (AFCEF, INC), P.O. Box 44524, Washington, DC 20026. Military Honors 2:00 p.m. Friday (Nov. 16) at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Borthwick Mortuary.

I hope everyone will take a moment to remember our military members who bravely serve to protect our nation.

Our family thanks all of you again for your concern and support during this challenging time.

Aloha,

Linda & Family

P.S. We will scatter Bruce's ashes over the ocean at Waikiki on Saturday (Nov 17th) at sunset (6:00 p.m. Hawaii time), we will toast him with martinies (or beverage of choice) and hot dogs. Bruce's official "HOT DOG DAY" will occur at that time. We hope you will join us in celebrating his life!

Celebration of Life for Bruce Bourgault...initial plans

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 01:44:16 -0500

Everyone:

The following are plan's for celebrating Bruce's life:

November 16, Saturday @ Immaculate Conception Church, Ewa Beach, HI

9:30 AM - Blessing B's ashes by priest with family

10:00AM - Funeral Mass

11:00AM - Reception/Visitation

Jack Shull, from San Antonio, TX with deliver B's eulogy.

Our children will participate in the offertory to present wine and host for communion. They are also included (if they desire) to share a reading, story, or say something about their Dad.

Military Honors @ Punchbowl National Cemetery - (time may change) 3:00 PM - Army ceremony with Honor Guard, flag presentation and gun salute A marker will placed for Bruce where he will be reunited with his Army brothers who shall always remain twenty-six.

November 17, Saturday - Private for immediate family and close friends

5:30 - 7:00PM/Sunset - Scattering of Bruce's ashes over Waikiki accompanied by a bag piper, toast with martinis (or beverage of choice) andmini hot dogs (there's a story concerning the toast)

Flowers are welcome, but for those who prefer to make a donation in Bruce's name please contact:

Armed Forces Children's Education Fund, Inc. (AFCEF, Inc.)
P.O. Box 44524
Washington, DC 20026-4524

This is for Children of the Fallen and Patriot Guard. All of the donations to this organization go specifically to the children for education/scholarship purposes who had a parent killed in the war on terror. The fund was established in 2003.

Thank you to our family and Friends who have assisted in making the celebration of Bruce's life possible. I cannot thank you all enough for making this difficult time as comforting as possible. I will do my best to keep everyone informed as planning progresses.

B's obituary will be posted on Nov 11, Sunday in the Honolulu Advertiser and Star Bulletin. It will also be posted in the San Antonio Express News. Jack Shull and others from San Antonio are arranging an announcement in a professional real estate/mortgage publication. If possible, I will have it published in the Pacific Business News.

Plans are on-going, stay tuned as things progress. Thank you to all of you have posted recently concerning Bruce's passing. Each and every comment and prayer is appreciated and has touched me deeply. David Kucic, an active AR member, friend and associate in Hawaii has been a rock during the past few days - he's the best "go to person" around!

Aloha, Linda

P.S. More about "Hot Dog Day" very soon.

The Mortgage Muse is Named A. P. Retoro

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 17:09:18 -0500

I have been in this hospital for over a month and have at least another 2 weeks after my 3^rd operation tomorrow morning. While here they give me some go go juice and some thing to make you sleep so what follows may or may not be true but I swear it sure seems true to me.

In the deep dark of the morning I awoke to find this beautiful woman in a lacy red gown standing at the foot of my bed. She looked at me and said....................................

I am the Muse of Mortgages and for you to be successful you must do what I say:

+ Always be honest and always do what is best for your client.

+ Always ask for referral business at application.

+ During transaction keep all informed of what is happening every step of the way. All means all. Buyers Agent, Listing Agent, Escrow, Processor, Borrower and in some cases Seller.

+ Ask for referrals in the middle of the transaction..

+ Close on time and if you do not tell every one exactly why and do it ASAP.

+ Attend the closing if for no other reason than to thank all for their support in closing the transaction.

+ Ask the listing agent if there is any one else in the office that could use your service.

+ Add everyone to your contact list and manage your list.

I thought " Wow this makes sense to me" and remember back to when my first boss said the secret to being a success in this business is that every time you close a loan, you need to put 2 more into the system!

I can't vouch for any of the above but just thought I would share with you.

I will be off the net for the next 3 or 4 days as they operate on me again tomorrow at 9:45. This operation will take about 10 hours and will give me the ability to eat again. It will take about 2 weeks before I can have soups and such and about 3 months before I can have a steak. Considering that the last real meal I had was a MacDonald's qtr pounder with Cheese on Oct 12^th 2006, damn near any thing will taste fantastic. I have a Treo 650 and in the memo book on my phone I have recopies that I want to try and my menu for the first week I can eat whatever I want.

If you think about it tomorrow please send a thought or prayer my way as they will all be appreciated, needed and cherished. Please Pray for my wife as this is much harder on her than on me.

Good Luck, Good Lending and Aloha

10.25.2007 Our Most Momentous Day!

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 17:09:15 -0500

Everyone:

I have been remiss in posting as I have been concentrating all of my time on Bruce and our family. As many of you know he enter the hospital on Sept 5th. We had every hope and expectation of a successful surgery to remove the cancer and be restored to health within a two week recovery time in hospital plus a brief rest at home, return to work, able to eat and speak normally...essentially to regain his life full throttle. Nothing else was on our radar. We were both shocked by healing challenges and another very long surgery which resulted being in ICU for over two weeks.

Bruce Anthony Bourgault died today (Thursday @ 4:40 PM Hawaii Time) at Queen's Medical Center's ICU surrounded by family members, Linda and Judy Bourgault, Lisa Albright, Chaplain Scott from Queen's, Army Battalion Chaplain Inghilterra, his assistant Wellington, and ICU nurses - Josh, Swi Ming, Michelle, and Kay. Immediate and extended family, friends, associates, doctors, nurses and so many more were with us in spirit...as they have been with us during this past year during Bruce's challenge with cancer

As a family we decided to let Bruce go on Friday morning, but Bruce and God had a different plan. We responded with love and compassion to honor his wishes...everyone and everything fell into place = Divine Order. We had private time with him, his children called, they sent lovely Hawaiian flowers, my family called, the ICU staff prepared him with compassion and dignity, Chaplain Scott visited with us, we joined as one in prayer and scripture, Judy shared a special prayer of passage, Army Chaplain Inghilterra (a cancer survivor since July) and Wellington arrived, we joined in prayer again, I held Bruce's hand with my other hand over his heart...I felt his heart stop, he died peacefully, without struggle. Being with Bruce, knowing he was surrounded by love and God's grace with people who loved and cared for him, was the most beautiful experience I have ever witnessed. Even in death he continued to guide us gently, protect us and gave us "The Greatest Gift"...Love!

Preparing for this day has been the saddest, most heartbreaking and difficult challenge of my life, yet living/believing/knowing the life I share with Bruce and the reawakening of my Faith in God has given me strength to face this day ... I can't really express this experience in words. Just know from my perspective that the nearness of Bruce and God (and so much more) created this day as most momentous, beautiful day and will never-ever be forgotten and cherished in my heart and soul for all time.

Thank you to each and everyone of you for being with us as we appreciate your love, respect, steadfastness, and faith for one of the best human beings you will ever encounter...the most wonderful man many us will ever know.

We are now making plans on Friday for B's cremation and local/Hawaiian funeral mass service. We will celebrate his life and will let you know our plans very soon for local services and additional service to scatter his ashes. Stay tuned...I will let one-n-all know about local services when they are in place. Please continue your prayers for Bruce and our family.

My niece, Lisa, and I shared a toast of champagne to My Love complimented by a bright full moon celebrating his passage to his new Life tonight. We hope you will join us in celebrating Bruce's life as well. Please do not forget B's "hot dog" day via Activerain members. We need to set a date to honor him with hot dogs, beer or other beverage of choice.

David Kucic has been gracious enough to keep you informed until I was able to post again...and continues to help us through this special time...I cannot thank him enough for all of his timely and most needed help.

Mahalo (thank you) again to everyone for sharing this time with us.

All our love and Alohas,

Linda & Family

posted by Linda Bourgault

Never ever ever give up

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 18:40:39 -0500

In the deep dark of the morning I awoke to find this beautiful woman in a lacy red gown standing at the foot of my bed. She looked at me and said....................................

I am the Muse of Mortgages and for you to be successful you must do what I say:

+ Always be honest and always do what is best for your client.

+ Always ask for referral business at application.

+ During transaction keep all informed of what is happening every step of the way. All means all. Buyers Agent, Listing Agent, Escrow, Processor, Borrower and in some cases Seller.

+ Ask for referrals in the middle of the transaction..

+ Close on time and if you do not tell every one exactly why and do it ASAP.

+ Attend the closing if for no other reason than to thank all for their support in closing the transaction.

+ Ask the listing agent if there is any one else in the office that could use your service.

+ Add everyone to your contact list and manage your list.

I can't vouch for any of the above but just thought I would share with you.

If you think about it tomorrow please send a thought or prayer my way as they will all be appreciated, needed and cherished. Please Pray for my wife as this is much harder on her than on me.

Good Luck, Good Lending and Aloha

Ever Try and Cut Hair over the Phone?

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 17:29:13 -0500

I know we have had an ongoing discussion about doing loans out of state. I know many of you do them and do them very well. I happen to disagree and we left it at that. You do your thing and I'll do mine BUT, I was watching TV out of the corner of my eye and reading David Halbertstam's book "The Coldest Winter" ( Excellent history of the Korean War and for those interested I highly recommend it), when I saw this ad. I am not even sure who it is for but I believe it is either a Charles Schwab or Edward Jones ad or at least some financial advisor.

Ad shows picture of Dr in scrubs leaning up against a wall talking on cell and you can here him say "Make a 3 inch vertical incision between the 3rd and 5^th ventricle then................. Fade to picture of guy sitting at kitchen table with butter knife in hand and looking almost sick. He says "Shouldn't we be doing something this important face to face?"

If I were able to drink coffee I would have spewed it all over my bed as I laughed so hard. I do think this is the kind of decision that needs to be done face to face but will leave it at that. You guys continue to do it your way and I will continue to do it mine.

On a new subject, My Dr says that I have healed enough now that she can put in my artificial throat in preparation for my being able to eat and speak again. On Wed next week she will do this operation and I will have about 2 weeks recuperation and she will send me home for 6 weeks before she can put in the artificial voice box. It does appear that there finally is light at the end of this year long tunnel. It all began with a CAT scan on Oct 13^th last year. Thanks in advance for your many kind words, thoughts and prayers.

Good Luck, Good Lending and Aloha.

VA Condo Approved -- No sweat -- tell you in an instant

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 17:16:03 -0500

One of my Realtors asked me yesterday how to determine if a condo is VA Approved. Please follow these steps exactly and you will be able to figure it out:

+ Go to this web site; http://condopudbuilder.vba.va.gov/2.2/frames.html

+ Click on Condo Pud Reports

+ Line 1 Hi lite Summary Line 2 hilite both.

+ Line 3 under name insert *

+ Line 4 leave blank and line 5 enter your state.

Then Click on Submit and it will bring up all of the VA condos approved in your state.

You must also go to the HUD site and check to see if it is HUD approved because VA will accept a HUD approved condo with put regard to owner occupancy.

Good Luck, Good Lending and Aloha

Loan Officer minus 55 days and counting

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 22:07:27 -0500

Well If NASA can do it with an old bucket of bolts, why cant I do it with and old bucket of bolts too.!!

My spirits are much better now that I have gotten over the shock that I have been in the hospital for 27 days and still have at least 55 to go. My wife Linda and my daughter Jeanne helped point out to me that beating my head against the wall really just hurt the wall and did nothing for my complexion. So here I sit.

Linda is working on getting my TREO 650 set up so I can use the email function from my hospital bed giving me a bit more freedom. She is also bringing in a better radio so that I can catch Rush daily ( Kate that is for you ).

The good news ands the news I need to focus on is that I am cancer free. My Dr says with a change of oil and a tire rotation or two I should be great for another 100,000 miles and for this I am eternally grateful.

I do drive the nurses crazy though because I watch so much of the food channel. I tell them that I am living vicariously through the net work. Now they all tell me what they had to eat. Even my Dr came in last night to change the dressing and said that she had sushi for dinner as she had to come over here to take care of me.

How to make God Laugh -- Tell him what your plans are!

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 20:21:29 -0500

After the complications with my initial surgery, Plan A, I woke up to find God ROTFLHAO. My Team, Dr and Wife counselors agreed to try,Plan B, hyperbaric treatments. When that too failed I again woke up to find God sitting on the floor holding his side saying " Give me a break you are making me hurt from laughing so hard.

We Went back to Plan C. Plan C is the basic old school tried and true cure for this problem I have. It involves a long healing period to heal the tissue killed by radiation and chemo and then 2 additional major operations and 1 minor operation. All of this takes time. How much time no one will say but if you squeeze them hard enough you can get a date of around Thanks giving out of them with all kinds of caveats and wherefores and whereases and the party of the first part etc.

"When God Gives you Lemons, Make Pound Cake ...................... Or whatever" Not having a great deal of choice that is where we are. So for know, we are shooting for the 25^th of Nov as the date. My problem is that I do not feel badly ( any more so than any one else that just had his throat slit) but I must be tethered to a machine that continuously feeds my high protein gunk through a feeding tube. I am trying to figure ( and will) how I can contribute to my companies bottom line while all of this is happening.

I shan't boor you with the procedures or the history or the histrionics. This AM I was thinking about it and the last time I watched a world series from start to finish was in 1955 when I was in the 8^th grade. That is one of the things that I will do as well as watch a lot of college and Pro football ( again something I have not done since 1955).

I promise to be much more active in my blogging and as I get this wired down from the hospital may be I can do some research for you or what ever. We shall see. Please know how much I care about your all and how much I cherish your thoughts and prayers. I will still not answer you individually yet but shall again soon. Linda, thanks for sending the beautiful blog about our family reunion this last spring.

Good Luck, Good Lending and Aloha.

The Calvary has Arrived!

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 04:44:10 -0500

It's a great day...Jeanne, daughter from Baltimore, arrived today...to visit with Bruce and relieve me from a bit of hospital duty. She could not have arrived at a better time. After 22 days in hospital both of us are more than weary, BUT progress in healing is on-going. I know that Bruce will heal and achieve his goal of a complete recovery; it's just going to take more time and patience than we ever expected.

We are eternally grateful to Bruce's blogger fans, prayer groups and all of you who provide continued support for us...including the "Hot Dog Club."

Meanwhile, I'm taking this opportunity to go off subject...

Who enjoys the pleasure of wine and discovering of good deals? One of my most favorite wines is Italian Pinot Grigio...I recently discovered an absolute joy to the palette called Terramia Pinot Grigio 2006 (Della Provincia Di Pavia). It has a "light, dry, fresh taste...good w/ fish, poultry, and hard cheeses (taken from label)"...plus enjoying on the lanai watching the sunset with friends accompanied w/ fresh fruit, cheese, crackers and fascinating conversation!

Go to Foodland or the Navy Commissary for prices ranging from $7.00 - 9.00...full price is $11.99 or more depending upon where you shop.

More to share, but it's time to sleep.

Good Luck, Good Lending & Aloha

Posted by Linda Bourgault

The Ultimate Gift is Love

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 02:05:34 -0500

Love of family is just one of many gifts that are included in "The Ultimate Gift." We decided to share our "gift of family" with you. It's important to us to love them individually and collectively, and to share our love with others...and maybe a bit of self-indulgence to show off all of these handsome folks because we are very proud of them and all of their accomplishments.

This photo was taken during March of this year during a family reunion at Nimitz Beach. We cherished every moment because it's a rare occasion for this many of us to be together at one time. It was especially memorable since Bruce's cancer was in remission, he had regained his ability to speak, return to work and enjoy a martini once again!

So who are all of these folks?

Front row: Jacob (grandson), Rob (son), Cathy (daughter) and Catie Grace (granddaughter)Second row: Stacy (sister-in-law), Bunny (cousin), Jeanne (daughter), Linda, and BruceBack row: Anthony (grandson), oops-Michelle's brother, Michelle (daughter-in-law), Chuck (son-in-law), Ray (son-in-law), and Molly (granddaughter)

If I had not married Bruce I would not have any of these wonderful people in my life. His children are from a previous marriage, but I claim them as my own. Since I do not have children this has enriched my life tremendously and the addition of grandchildren has enhanced my life even more. I melt when one of them calls me "Tutu Linda." Some of our most precious moments are sharing memories with them, wondering how they will develop and what kind of people they will become. Without my love for Bruce I would not have experienced the additional gift of family!

Love comes in infinite forms, but love of family is one of the ultimate gifts one can receive. We are truly blessed and eternally grateful for these gifts. May all of you be blessed with the "gift of love."

We continue to thank all of you for your support and prayers.

Posted by Linda Bourgault

Progress...One Day & One Step at a Time

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 03:23:59 -0500

Progress...One Day & One Step at a Time

Bruce's basic recovery from surgery on Sept. 5^th was very good, but there was a complication we didn't anticipate, i.e. healing issues due to previous radiation and chemo treatments. The tissue in the neck area is abnormal from that treatment, thus the challenge of healing the tissue before progressing to swallowing and speaking issues.

His ENT surgeon decided that hyperbaric treatments would aid in the healing process and shorten the time needed to heal completely. He began these treatments without any complication and we could see healing taking place. Then another complication presented itself and the hyperbaric therapy was delayed indefinitely. Meanwhile, we have reverted to the tried-n-true method which requires more time and patience we ever thought possible. However, after several days of this therapy healing is definitely taking place.

We are now taking one step and one day at a time as we continue working towards Bruce's goals for recovery. On good days I'm with him several hours per day. On bad days I stay with him around the clock. Fortunately we have more good days than bad, but it's not an easy path.

We are so grateful for all of your prayers, phone calls and emails. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of your care and support. You have lifted our spirits and have made this incredible experience easier for us to accept...and stronger in body & spirit when we think we can't keep going.

We are reassured that a complete recovery will happen, just not as quickly as we had hoped!

I apologize for not posting for awhile, but all of my time and attention continues to be focused on Bruce.

One of our daughters will be here this week for a few days to be with her dad and lend us a hand. This will be some of the best medicine he can receive! We can't wait to see her and have a great visit.

Mahalo!

Posted by Linda Bourgault .

Hi This is much harder that I thought

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 20:58:54 -0500

This is the the 15th day of my realing and I am now whree where i wannt to be. My Dr getes back nexe week and we weill try and swallow and she is i can talk at al. I just want to get ao wsith my live. Please contunue to prayer fro me as you never can tell whene thereir will be a breakout. Please know that we love you and look foreared to behg back with your all again. Aloha Bruc and Linda

Hyperbaric Treatment to Aid Healing for Bruce

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 13:06:26 -0500

Everyone: It hasn't been the easiest of days, but a plan is in place beginning tomorrow for Bruce to receive additional treatment to fight an infection that manifested yesterday. Meanwhile, know that he is still hanging in here and anxious to receive the benefits from continued treatment.

Dr. Adachi noticed the infection yesterday and added a 2nd antibiotic to B's drug regimen. The swelling was down today, but she wasn't satisfied by that alone. Thus she ordered hyperbaric treatment (a bit more about that later) today to begin tomorrow for a series of seven treatments, but it may be more...only time will tell if he requires additional treatment, but we are focusing on best case scenario.

This came unexpectedly and even though coordination was done to get both docs together to discuss w/ Bruce...one arrived earlier than expected and one arrived later. Thus the backwards intro to this treatment resulted in a bit of an emotional turmoil. This was addressed and worked out. Everyone is now on track and target.

Hyperbaric treatment was (exposure to 100% oxygen in a special chanber with tightly controlled time periods) originally developed to treat deep sea divers that have not received the proper amount of oxygen to decompress correctly. Since that time it was discovered to have healing properties for diabetics w/ wounds that would not heal. It is now used for anyone requiring assistance in healing which includes people who have had cancer, cancer removed, and received radiation therapy.

Bruce is in the later category...needs assistance with radiated tissue to heal faster/better to give him best case of healing without additional complications. Due to this he will be in hospital a bit longer than expected, but it's vital to address this issue now as waiting will not produce the best results. So this is actually a very good thing to do even though it wasn't expected. This also promotes best care for Bruce which is imperative...they will transport him from hospital to University of Hawaii Health Care Center (UHHCC) and visa vie.

I'm very proud of him...he's very brave, determined and looking forward to each day that brings him closer to a complete cure and healing. We ask each of you to continue and, if possible, double plus your prayers and positive thoughts for Bruce.

We appreciate ALL of you so much. There's other stories to share, but this is the ultimate one and all I have energy to share at this moment.

Posted by Linda Bourgault (Written 09.11.2007, Tuesday)

CEO or messengar -- Does it matter

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:01:48 -0500

Please take a minute today to remember and pray and pray for where you were when thes dreadful attack occurred that changed our lives foe ever. Please pray for the fallen heroeos and their families and friends and for all af us that we may survive and bring strength that otherwise and that lest we forget and to have the strength -to relieve thus year by year and pass it on as much the way our fore-Fathers haved passed Pearl Harbor, The A la0mo, The Maine. Khe, San The Bulge, The Marne. Etc. on to us.

On a another topic. I wolk up this morning and was rarninging to go. I had a great nights sleep and my mind had been going a bvizillion miles a minute. WE were going to establish mutual goals, coaching teams, a little loggerheadding coaching tor a couple not gettingit . A little exctra training for thos that were and then I justg about had God Talked into giving me one those weeks he had taken away back to me. . All and all a very productrive morning. AND THEN .....................................................

Her coems the lady for your daily sponge bath. Talk about going from feeling liked the CEO to the messenger boy in the office mail shop. The funny thing is the lady that gives the Sponge Bath makes you feel so durn good and you can remember all you ha=d planned to do and so by golly I will.

I am feelin so much better day on day. Still need a little pep and being able to eat and drink woulf be marvelous. This hospital has taken wornerful care of me and I do appreciate ti so verry much.

Good ulck, Good Lending, And Aloha

Frequent Flyer or high Roller?

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 18:02:26 -0500

I have made fun of this hospital but in fact it is extremely well run and the nursing staff is just superb. I have been very impressed with all that work here. I can't comment on the food or drink because I can't have any of that stuff, but in all other ways it is great.

My Dr came by last night and said she had got me upgraded to a private room. I guess it is like being a frequent flyer or getting comped as a high roller in Las Vegas. They will be moving me here in about an hour. I would guess that she qualifies as the frequent flyer and I know when I and my insurance companies get the bill for this we will have qualified for the high roller upgrade.

Good Luck, Good Lending, and Aloha

Don't Judge others by your pocket book

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 15:49:07 -0500

In Mar of 1987 I bought a brand new Mercedes 300 E and paid cash for it. Picked it up on a Friday and had a hole in one at golf on Saturday (but that is another story). The following Monday I pulled into the parking garage and saw that my boss too had bought a new Porsche (about $85,000 then).

We were drinking coffee and I said" Francis what were you thinking buying a car that expensive with a wife and 2 kids?" He looked at me and said "It's not expensive, you just can't afford it!" What a lesson I learned from that message. And if you stop and think about it, Tiger Woods can buy a $100MM yacht without blinking an eye.

In the same vane of not judging a book by its cover, we were working on the 2^nd floor mezzanine of our bank in Pearl Ridge. There were 6 of us. We were looking down at this guy talking to the branch manager on the platform and she was pointing up at us. The guy was dressed in a ratty t-shirt, surfer swim suit and flip flops. Sure enough when he came up in the elevator I drew the short straw. To make a long story short he ended up buying a $2.25 Million Dollar Home putting $1 Million down. One of the cleanest loans I have ever done. Moral for today - Don't judge others by your pocket book and don't judge a book by its cover.

Good Luck, Good Lending and Aloha

I've was summarily Fired today...and I couldn't be happier!

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 00:30:10 -0500

Bruce fired me today...my blogging on his behalf has come to an excellent end. I couldn't be happier. Why? It means that on 2nd post-op day he is capable of driving his on blog-bus! See previous blog written by the Colonel himself.

I must admit I have enjoyed maintaining contact for him AND getting to know all of you. It has been a fun, rewarding and humbling experience. Sooooooo, it's time for me to get back to my own AR blogging which is greatly lacking compared to Bruce's energetic level.

Here's today's update...After another restorative night's sleep I returned to hospital this morning to visit my dearest heart. He looked even better than the day before. He was completely in charge and exerting his independence with the nursing staff. He was hungry and received his usual liquid diet, but that's OK as he knows by month's end he will be able to eat soft food normally. Some of the tubes were removed, back on normal meds again with pain meds decreased as discomfort level is down to .5 on a scale of 1 to 10 (w/ 1 being the lowest on the scale). He read all of his emails, blogged and commented...read the newspaper, played a new electronic game, worked several crossword puzzles and followed every golf move on TV.

He has unbelievable healing power and hell bent to be "back in the saddle again!"

By early afternoon he was ready for me to leave...so I did just that as he is receiving excellent care. The late afternoon plan was for him to sit in a chair and walk a bit to get his circulation moving at a higher level.

His ENT/surgeon was in earlier today to evaluate his condition and was very pleased. In the next couple of days she'll be back with his speech therapist. They expect him to speak immediately...and w/ time, exercise and a lessons his voice will be restored. It's amazing what faith, determination and technology can do!

I am very proud of Bruce, thankful for all of your prayers/support, appreciative of his medical care and grateful for all of our blessings...and so much more.

It's time to log off and move onto emails. Thank you again for all you have done and do for Bruce.

P.S. Looking forward to Bruce's AR Hot Dog Day!

Good lending, good luck and aloha

Last post by Linda Bourgault

YIKES -- I'm rusty and I can't even talk!

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 16:29:45 -0500

First and foremost i would like to complement my lovely bride for covering for me. I am amazed at how good I feel Wed nite after 9 hours of surgery I was not sure I was going to make it. But after a pretty good nite sleep I woke up to not to much pain and have been able to manage pretty well sense then. Thank you all for your kindness, thoughtfulness, and prayers. You have no idea how much we cherish them.

Dr Adachi (my ent lady) said she wold bring my new voice either today or tomorrow. She said i wll sound like a cross between AOL's "you have mail" and my old self. I do miss being able to talk. Just try and go for a couple of hours to get a feel for what it is like. You look up and see a beautiful cloud and want to point it our but you cannot so you internalize it and miminize your enjoyment of it. That's why I wan t my voice back. Dr Adachi remind me that I will again be able to eat soon and that too rings my bells.

My Bride has been a saint in coverig for me and I have a great Lady LO out here covering for me. I would highly recommend Tami Simonea to anyone.

Good Luck, Good Lending and Aloha

Gratitude, Goodness & Joy...components of a great life

Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro (Central Pacific Homeloans) — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 03:26:49 -0500

It's time to trash stinkin' thinkin' and embrace your positive power within for a great life. We are essentially positive people, however, due to the many challenges we have faced over the past year we have struggled to maintain our appreciation and rewards of life.

The good news is that all of us can help ourselves to embrace life to the fullest by taking advantage of the "Law of Attraction." The Law of Attraction is all about knowing what you want and discarding what you do not want. When you focus on the negative whether personally, locally or globally your life will not change for the better...you become ill, struggle with bills, flounder professionally, your spirit starves, and the world suffers unnecessarily. When you focus on the positive you can heal your life and spirit, your life is rich, your struggles cease and the world is a better place.

How do you do this? Be grateful and express your gratitude, embrace every goodness and live a joyful life. Visualize very specifically what you want and do not think about what you do not want...."see" the end result and don't worry about trials and tribulations. Feel good about yourself, your family and friends. Believe in the magic of life! Value your imagination. Live in hope, joy and gratitude.

An example of this is that we are focusing on Bruce's healing. We are leaving the disease to his doctors to look after. We do not focus on pain. We are focused on living a completely healthy life. We are also focusing on the abundance of the Universe and celebrating life.

There is more than enough goodness to go around for everyone. We all have the ability to write our own story...the pen is in our hands. We all deserve happiness and it is our choice to create it.

All of this is a simplification...yet it isn't complicated or rocket science because the power is within all of us.

We choose to be grateful, enjoy goodness and celebrate a joyful life. What do you choose?

Good lending, good luck and aloha

Posted by Linda Bourgault