Autumn Adventures

Autumn is beautiful.  I love it.  There have been some recent changes in my life, I moved.  No more West Ridge Academy.  It was time.  The move was right. I moved to Farmington. It's a little further than I expected.  In fact, I didn't expect to be further north than Salt Lake City, but I like it.  I am in a little apartment that definitely needs a little love and attention, but I can appreciate that.  Slim and I love it.  Jack makes frequent visits because the food is unmatched, and so is the company.

Jack and I are able to schedule are days off together (which is the best part of our jobs) which means that adventure is frequently on the agenda.  I live right up against Farmington canyon, and right down the road from Farmington pond, both of which are hidden gems in this neck of the woods.  We took Slim and her bestie Kimber....I know you guys prob think that it's weird for Slim to have a bestie, but it's seriously so cute....on a hike and it was so fun, it was a gorgeous hike with gorgeous views we had such a great time, couldn't have ordered up a nicer day.  Here are some pictures from our adventure:

No pix, just some feelings

It's super easy to get down and out thinking of things I want, but don't have.  Actually, it's really easy.  I guess I'm human, which is weird bc I swear I'm given super human trials, but I guess it's just Heavenly Father's way of showing me I'm strong, or, in all honesty I think it's his way of showing me how blessed I really am.  Of course now that I'm venting on a public forum I feel really guilty....that's the natural order of things, or at least it's the natural order of my life.  I, for reals, feel really lucky that HF watches out for me.  Instead of a wish list I should be making a list of all my blessings *self-discipline is my strong suit.....false, it is not*
I have such a loving family, such amazing friends, a loving and funny boyfriend, and an adorable pitbull.  Don't ask me how I get down and out.  I blame China.  I guess I can't be upset that I don't have blackout curtains or an aztec rug (aztec is really hot right now, it's the new chevron), or a restoration hardware tufted leather couch (vintage classic) instead I am glad that my life is not a reality tv show (yet) and that I don't have to go through trials in the public eye, poor Kimye, I feel so bad for you guys (no, I do not).  I am glad that my puppy barks at the slightest noise outside my apt, especially at 2am in the morning when I am in the middle of a REM cycle, bc that extra added anxiety lets me know that, if someone actually did try to break in Slim would bark them to death.  That's the great thing about having a pittie.  They are loud, and intimidating, but when it comes right down to it she's worthless as a guard dog.  I am glad that when I ask Siaki to get jumbo sunflower seeds, that he gets three bags of regular seeds and thinks you can add them together to get jumbo seeds, it lets me know he is a free thinker, and really thinks outside the box, super blessed, right?  I'm glad, I'm glad that I'm glad.  Did that make sense?

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.