Braddah, Sistah, Keiki, Jen....

Well, it's over, it's done.  My time in Hawai'i came and went like a thief in the night.  So many new and cherished memories were made.  You guys, I want to tell you every single little thing, but there are hardly words......hardly words.  Even as I sit here and try to form a sentence to illustrate what is was like, I am drawing a blank.  Where do I even begin?  How can I tell you guys about the feelings that are harbored in Hawai'i?  Bullet points (best bet).

*Laki will be an entertainer when he grows up.....no doubt.
*My parents are fun, and so generous (they paid for me)
*I am aggressive.  My dad needs a chair when HE NEEDS A CHAIR...get to work, ushers!
*PCC is like a 2nd home complete with Aunties and Uncles who will always be Aunties & Uncles regardless of bloodline
*Laie holds one of the most special place in my heart
*There is no duplication for the Aloha spirit, none whatsoever
*The beach is my warm fuzzy, my fire on a cold stormy night, my bright & cheery morning, my diet coke with lime on a hot summer day, my way home
*Turtle Bay is the best place to stay
*Air conditioning rocks my world
*Hawaii's food is unmatched by any state, nation, kindred tongue, or people....unmatched ladies and gentlemen. UN-MATCHED
*The best investment for a 4yr old are goggles
*You can never take too many pictures in Hawai'i
*In Hawaii you get as many selfie freebees as you want, it's the law
*I'm still afraid of sharks, even when dad is swimming with me
*Ted's bakery and Kim Chee 1 really know what they're doing
*I enjoy watching the OG's put on a show better than the more recent generations.  The first generation of PCC has meaning, respect, grace, and nostalgia behind their moves.
*As it stands Hawaii is a Pepsi state, but there needs to be a revolution...Coca Cola where you at?
*I missed my Slim, and especially my Jack. 
*The new running trail between Laie and Kahuku was always packed...I loved it.  No shame. 
*Ling Hi Mui is still my fave.  It's an acquired taste for tourist, but it's like butter to me.
*Snorkling takes me to a different world.  I figured out it is my favorite pass time...ever. 

 

I know I've overloaded you with pictures, but these aren't even half of what I took.  I would go on this exact vacation again and again.  It was probably the best family vacation I've ever had...correction: It was the best family vacation I've ever had.  Oh Hawai'i, I love you more than you know. 

Happy life.

If we are friends on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter you probably know my whole life right now.  For those of who don't know what's going on let me fill you in. 

In less than 30 days I will be on the North Shore of Oahu.  I grew up in Laie, then turned right back around and went to BYUH.  While I was a student I worked at the Polynesian Cultural Center.  Best. job.of.my.life.  I wish I could sit here all day and tell you all about the adventures I had there and all the trouble I got into.  Those stories are best left for "catch-up lunches" face-to-face sort of thing.  I suggested to the Chief that we should go to the PCC reunion this year, and a week later he made it happen.  So, as it is, me, my dad, my mom, and Laki are going to their 50th reunion.  Ecstatic is a good word to use as a description of my emotions at this very given moment.  We're staying at Turtle Bay (best hotel on the island).  We will visit all our fave places to eat, we will go swimming everyday, and we will see so so so many loved ones.  Just a tad out of my mind with enthusiasm right now. 

Siaki and I took a little road trip down to St. George.  What a fun summer vaycay.  I love road trips with him b/c it's really a time for us to relax, spend a lot of money (my favorite thing) and laugh and laugh.  We have made some incredible memories on the road (wherever it is we happen to be heading).  We went swimming all day, and enjoyed a lot of food.  I wish I would've taken more pictures but I literally occupied the entire time.  Here's a few things that I LOVE about St. George: the air is crisp and clear, no inversion for them...not at all.  Red rock everywhere.....everywhere.  Every place you look is like a picture on a post card.  Loved ones.   It was a really fun, eventful trip.  I would do it over in a heartbeat. 

Slim the Pitbull is getting so big.  She is so good around the kids, and LOVES meeting new people.  She loves sleeping on the bed which I continue to cave into....I just can't help myself...I love the cuddles.  She is so obedient, and such a loving loving dog.  We are smitten with her.  We take her for walks in the coolness of the evening and she is just so curious and loves to run around. 

I just found out that the Sara Bareilles concert at Deer Valley in Park city is sold out.  My heart is literally broken.  I mean, I know I'll survive, but, bible you guys, I would do anything to go to her concert.  She is my fave singer in this world.  She beat out Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston about 6 years ago.  Oh my life.  Wishing....wishing.....wishing. 

Life is good.  It's really good. 

Puppy

We got a dog.  Not just any dog, a pitbull.  I know a pitbull sounds dangerous and scary...at least, those were my first impressions, but I was wrong as wrong can be. Let me explain.  When I very first started dating Siaki he always talked about how he wanted a pitbull.  "Ugh!" was always my mind's first thought.  He would tell me all the time that they weren't dangerous, and they wouldn't eat our kids alive, but in fact, that they were originally bred to be around children.  Fun Fact:  Helen Keller's companion dog was a pitbull, how many of you actually knew that?  Pitbulls are notorious for being fighting dogs, Michale Vick knows exactly what I'm talking about, am I right Michael Vick?  The fact is, it's how you raise you pit.  With all the love and attention we give Slim she'll be a very loving dog. 
Slim is so curious and busy.  She has to check every smell, sound, and moving thing out.  She has so much energy and is so fun to take on walks.  We potty trained her the first day we had her.  She's so intelligent and loving.  She loves to cuddle and give kisses.  She can be stubborn and a little bit of a diva when it comes to sleeping arrangements.  She loves to explore and she loves kids....she's so gentle with them I love watching her with my niece and nephew.  She loves to meet new people and gets really excited when we get visitors!
In the past I've been a cat person...go fig, but after Slim I can't imagine ever going back to cats....sorry fellow cat ladies. 

Happy Birthday to Me

Birthdays come but once a year.  This is a universal truth.  The good thing about getting older is.....um....the amount of experience you gain with another year under your belt?  I guess that's more of a question than a statement.  What I know this year:

*I am extremely blessed.  Ok, I know that even if it's not my birthday, but seriously guys....family, friends, and nail polish have been really good to me this year.

*Trader Joe's has unexpectedly brightened my life with their ready-made salads, organic olive oil popcorn (same caloric intake, no guilt....bc it's organic, duh), cookie butter, and their sample corner.  Thanks be to the Trader Joe's Gods for bringing it to Utah.

*I am even more shamefully addicted to reality tv than anticipated.  SHAMEFULLY.  My DVR list increases each season.  Don't judge. 

*I need wrinkle cream

*Living alone is not as lonely as everyone thinks it is.  Soul possession of the remote control is a serious blessing.  I.e. ESPN is not my fave.

*Walking around Target is my happy place.  I assumed my happy place was Laie, Hawaii where the beaches are perfect and where everyone wears Locals flip flops, I was wrong.  I can't go to Laie everyday...weird.  Thus, Target is my 2nd favorite happy place (if we're keeping tabs).

*Rugby isn't the same if Manti and Mikey aren't playing *gasp* did I really just type that?  Sacrilege.

*I only have eyes for Siaki.  The other day at Walmart I passed this guy who was obvi a Calvin Klein model but all I wanted to look at was my burley, unshaved, Tongan hottie who acts like he's white.  Who could ever want more?

*I am a lot more patient than people give me credit for.

*The outdoors is medicine to my soul.

*I still love Pink, in fact, on Wednesdays we wear pink.

*I am practically a professional chef....practically. 

Kneader's has the best breakfast I've ever had....like...ever

He changed our oil....talent people, talent

I don't know why I love this pic of Siaki, but I love it.  Maybe it's bc it's a candid shot of him, maybe it's bc he's gaming, maybe it's bc he looks like he's trying to be a model...I just don't know. 

Just a little somethin'

Ok folks, you want drama?  I'll give you drama.  Not really, but considering this is sort of a journaling outlet I like to be honest....I don't really mind people knowing my business....uh...well....most of my busiNASS.  I have had my degree for 6 months now, and I have yet to find a job.  I stopped looking in January just b/c I got so discouraged.   I recently began looking again and sometimes I get so annoyed with cover letters, resumes, letters of recommendation etc that I just have to quit applying.  Do you guys have any secrets or tips? 

My dad definitely has enough motivation for the two of us as it is the topic of our conversation ever MWF.  I spend my afternoons with my dad.  He is a great source of joy, and also a great source of frustration....I mean the kind of frustration where he makes jokes about you and you're like *haha sympathy laugh" you're so funny dad, but for reals I am trying to find a job so you don't have to make fun...kinda thing....anybody know what I'm talking about?  Honestly,  these past 6 months have been kind of like an undercover blessing.  Since I don't work in the day I can work out in the morning and spend time with my dad in the afternoon.  I mean, I'm obviously the favorite...everyone knows it so I don't mind writing it down, but I've come to love him and learn more about him than I ever thought I would.  Hmmphf, who would've known.

Siaki and I are still going strong.  I love him.  Do you ever have those times in a relationship where you're like "uh....is this who I'm supposed to be with?"  I had that ONE time in the beginning of our relationship.  I prayed about it (too personal?) and have known ever since.  I guess that's why I stick around after a year and a half....almost 2 years now...can you believe it?  Hopefully we'll get married by the end of the year.....fingers crossed, everything crossed.  I feel blessed to have him in my life.  We are literally exact opposites.   He is very logical and I am emotional.  He is extremely rational and I am irrational.  He fixes things I break things...no really, I'm super clumsy.  All in all....we work well together.  Lucky us. 

 

Laki & Leila watching the horses.  Laki protects Leila like a good big brother.

Me & Becci at her bday party.  19 years as best friends....cray

I seriously LOVE this picture.  She is somethin' fierce.

Me & Jeanette at Bridle Veil Falls

Out at Daybreak feeding the ducks with Papa.

I seriously love this boy so much

Laki learns a lesson from Daddy on how to BBQ.  He learns from the best.

I love this pic.  Look how small Leila looks next to her Grandpa. 

Family Dinner outside, perfect weather.