Last night my family that lives in Utah, sans dad, came to our house for dinner! Michael couldn't be there because he had to work so he decided to make the food. He made one of his favorite dishes, spaghetti. He is really good at making a yummy sauce. Friday night he got it all ready so yesterday I could just heat it up and make noodles to go with it. The family loved it! I love family time!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Hawaii :: Day 9
Well, a little more than one-month-to-the-day after the trip started here's the last post from our Hawaii trip. Man, I (we've) got to think of a better way to do this next time. Needless-to-say it has been a rather drawn out experience for all of us (including you).
We started the day with a session at the temple. The Laie temple was under renovation for quite a while and was rededicated in November. So we really arrived in the area with perfect timing. I can't really remember a lot of detail from what things used to look like but I can say this: It's beautiful inside now. We were asked to be the witness couple which was an added, special moment to the experience. I remember feeling really calm and at peace during our time there. It's a special place for me.
I learned two things after we left: 1. I like to dillydally whereas Oriah is the much more efficient of the two of us. For example: When we exited the main doors I turned right down the walkway and headed for an open gate that I never remember seeing open before during any of my past trips to the temple. I just wanted to see what was behind the gate or on that side of the temple. Oriah said to me, "Of course you take us to the place we shouldn't go" or something along those lines. I was just curious! Afterall, with all the renovations I wanted to see if I could tell what had changed, or what was new, etc. Anyway, yes, Oriah is the A->B type where it doesn't really matter to me. Well, I guess it does. If I'm in a hurry I can be very efficient. But if I don't have any constraints then I'll meander around taking the scenic route, or making a scenic route, and kind of putz along.
The second thing: 2. There are twelve, tall palm trees that line the main walkway leading up to the temple! Like 12 giant guardians, or sentinels, leading the way...providing safety and protection. Felt very symbolic of the Quorum of Twelve and their role in our lives.
We left and drove a block, or so, to the Hukilau cafe...which was also closed. Strike 3. First the Flea Market, then Diamond Head and then Hukilau. Bummer. So much for that other 6-month long held expectation.
We headed back to the rental to change clothes and head to the beach one last time (or maybe this was our first time...) I took us to one of my favorite spots on the windward coast. The water is shallow and really pretty colors. You can also see the coral below sometimes on more calm days. This day was a bit breezy. We ventured out about mid-waste but didn't go much further mainly because it was chilly but we also thought we saw a corn shark (poop) floating around nearby. That kind of killed things for me although I did run back to grab the camera and ventured out in the water again trying to get a picture of it but I didn't see it again.
Back to the rental and time to pack up, tidy up and check out. It was an ok place. If and when we go back I feel safe saying we'll look for somewhere else to stay next time. Headed back to the Dole Plantation once more and looked into grabbing some pineapples to send home but their options for sizes and packaging weren't going to work all that well with our plans. So, sorry everyone. No pineapple samples. While we were there we had to snack on their pineapple ice cream treat, of course! Pretty tasty stuff.
By this time it was late enough to head back to Pearl City and do some final shopping for gifts and souvenirs before taking the car back and heading to the airport for the flight home. We drove to a few of the Wal-Marts in the area, naturally, and picked up the goods.
After the shopping was complete we headed to Waianae (west) side to finally catch a sunset unobstructed into the ocean. The sunsets on Maui were great but were blocked by Lanai. The sunset at Turtle Bay had potential but too was blocked by geography. We stopped at a beach park near the south and west end of the island to see the glowing orb of fire settle into the big, deep blue. No landmasses to get in the way this time :) And...success! It was very pretty and quite romantic complete with a sailboat in the background.
Alas, all good things come to an end. Nature's fireworks ended and we figured it was a good time to grab dinner. We headed back to Pearl City near the apartment towers where I used to live and parked in a strip mall listening to Ohio State almost lose their bowl game - again - to Arkansas on the radio before snagging dinner at a Panda.
Time to face reality and go back to the airport for the flight home. I've never had much success sleeping through a red-eye flight and I swore them off the last time I took one. But here I found myself...another red-eye. Ugh. It wasn't too bad. I think both Oriah and I were able to sleep a little bit. All I know is that in the time we were gone Utah had not warmed up at all. In fact, I think it had gotten colder. It was brutal coming back to the snow and cold after all the sun and fun. Not to mention that I was scheduled to be at work at 8a the morning we got back into town. I think I made my appearance at the store around noon, if I recall. Good thing I've got a nice boss who let's me get away with quite a bit without harassing me too much.
That's all folks! Our 1st anniversary trip to Hawaii. It was a great time! Looking forward to many more anniversaries and trips!
We started the day with a session at the temple. The Laie temple was under renovation for quite a while and was rededicated in November. So we really arrived in the area with perfect timing. I can't really remember a lot of detail from what things used to look like but I can say this: It's beautiful inside now. We were asked to be the witness couple which was an added, special moment to the experience. I remember feeling really calm and at peace during our time there. It's a special place for me.
I learned two things after we left: 1. I like to dillydally whereas Oriah is the much more efficient of the two of us. For example: When we exited the main doors I turned right down the walkway and headed for an open gate that I never remember seeing open before during any of my past trips to the temple. I just wanted to see what was behind the gate or on that side of the temple. Oriah said to me, "Of course you take us to the place we shouldn't go" or something along those lines. I was just curious! Afterall, with all the renovations I wanted to see if I could tell what had changed, or what was new, etc. Anyway, yes, Oriah is the A->B type where it doesn't really matter to me. Well, I guess it does. If I'm in a hurry I can be very efficient. But if I don't have any constraints then I'll meander around taking the scenic route, or making a scenic route, and kind of putz along.
The second thing: 2. There are twelve, tall palm trees that line the main walkway leading up to the temple! Like 12 giant guardians, or sentinels, leading the way...providing safety and protection. Felt very symbolic of the Quorum of Twelve and their role in our lives.
We left and drove a block, or so, to the Hukilau cafe...which was also closed. Strike 3. First the Flea Market, then Diamond Head and then Hukilau. Bummer. So much for that other 6-month long held expectation.
We headed back to the rental to change clothes and head to the beach one last time (or maybe this was our first time...) I took us to one of my favorite spots on the windward coast. The water is shallow and really pretty colors. You can also see the coral below sometimes on more calm days. This day was a bit breezy. We ventured out about mid-waste but didn't go much further mainly because it was chilly but we also thought we saw a corn shark (poop) floating around nearby. That kind of killed things for me although I did run back to grab the camera and ventured out in the water again trying to get a picture of it but I didn't see it again.
Back to the rental and time to pack up, tidy up and check out. It was an ok place. If and when we go back I feel safe saying we'll look for somewhere else to stay next time. Headed back to the Dole Plantation once more and looked into grabbing some pineapples to send home but their options for sizes and packaging weren't going to work all that well with our plans. So, sorry everyone. No pineapple samples. While we were there we had to snack on their pineapple ice cream treat, of course! Pretty tasty stuff.
By this time it was late enough to head back to Pearl City and do some final shopping for gifts and souvenirs before taking the car back and heading to the airport for the flight home. We drove to a few of the Wal-Marts in the area, naturally, and picked up the goods.
After the shopping was complete we headed to Waianae (west) side to finally catch a sunset unobstructed into the ocean. The sunsets on Maui were great but were blocked by Lanai. The sunset at Turtle Bay had potential but too was blocked by geography. We stopped at a beach park near the south and west end of the island to see the glowing orb of fire settle into the big, deep blue. No landmasses to get in the way this time :) And...success! It was very pretty and quite romantic complete with a sailboat in the background.
Alas, all good things come to an end. Nature's fireworks ended and we figured it was a good time to grab dinner. We headed back to Pearl City near the apartment towers where I used to live and parked in a strip mall listening to Ohio State almost lose their bowl game - again - to Arkansas on the radio before snagging dinner at a Panda.
Time to face reality and go back to the airport for the flight home. I've never had much success sleeping through a red-eye flight and I swore them off the last time I took one. But here I found myself...another red-eye. Ugh. It wasn't too bad. I think both Oriah and I were able to sleep a little bit. All I know is that in the time we were gone Utah had not warmed up at all. In fact, I think it had gotten colder. It was brutal coming back to the snow and cold after all the sun and fun. Not to mention that I was scheduled to be at work at 8a the morning we got back into town. I think I made my appearance at the store around noon, if I recall. Good thing I've got a nice boss who let's me get away with quite a bit without harassing me too much.
That's all folks! Our 1st anniversary trip to Hawaii. It was a great time! Looking forward to many more anniversaries and trips!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Two Things:
First, I may have one of the cutest nieces ever. Check this out.
Second...
GO COUGS!
Michael and I went to the game last night. This may be the biggest game the Marriott Center has housed. #9 BYU beat #4 SDSU by 13 points! It was a great game. We were down by one at halftime, but about halfway through the second half we got on a roll, well JIMMER got on a roll and we never looked back. We took our new camera with us so I'll show you some shots I took. Enjoy!
Second...
GO COUGS!
Michael and I went to the game last night. This may be the biggest game the Marriott Center has housed. #9 BYU beat #4 SDSU by 13 points! It was a great game. We were down by one at halftime, but about halfway through the second half we got on a roll, well JIMMER got on a roll and we never looked back. We took our new camera with us so I'll show you some shots I took. Enjoy!
Tip-off:
The Coaches:
Somewhere in there is Jimmer... and somehow he made the basket:
The students rushed the floor:
The game was great! We are very glad we were both able to go.
Oh, and you can go here to enjoy a slide show by our University Photographers!
Oh, and you can go here to enjoy a slide show by our University Photographers!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Hawaii :: Day 8
Monday morning started with a trip to Duke's for breakfast. Duke's is named after Duke Kahanamoku - who is credited as the "Father of Surfing" - and is located on Waikiki Beach. You can eat breakfast and look out on the surfers and Diamond Head.
The plan was to meet Aaron for breakfast and once more the joy was ours to search out parking downtown. Luckily it was early enough in the morning that we found a nice parking meter spot. One problem: No change. We went into an ABC Store (one of the larger rip-off spots of all time) and gathered up a few items to pay for and make change in the process. Another problem: The store didn't have any change to give back. So, we called Aaron and he directed us to a hotel parking garage which just happened to be behind us 1/2 block. Sweet! Some creative driving later we're in the parking garage with the promise of validation soon-to-come. Not-so-good news...Aaron isn't able to make it...something with work.
Oriah and I enjoy breakfast and decide to drive over to Diamond Head for a quick hike and to check out the view of the city from the top of the old crater! As we drive up to the tunnel a sign says that the trail is closed for maintenance! LAME! First the Flea Market is closed and now Diamond Head trail is closed. Bad timing! We park at a view spot and snap some shots when this little, mower-sounding thing pulls up. A couple rented a car for $100-ish for a couple hours and they're getting around town in a Hello Kitty car. It was a pretty classic moment. I'm sure people reacted to them just as we did everywhere they went...snapping pictures and laughing.
After the Diamond Head bust we head into town a bit to visit President Watanabe at his flower store: Watanabe Floral. His father started the business and now's he's the man in charge! He gave Oriah a tour (which was much more extensive than any tour he ever gave me before!) and we chit chatted the whole time. It was good to spend time with him. He's such a good man. Afterwards, we headed back up to the North Shore along the windward side for the Polynesian Cultural Center!
We got there just in time to catch the Canoe Pageant at 2p. Some of the guys on one of the floats decided to toss the float pusher off the float and into the waterway by rocking the float. These weren't small guys either! It was pretty funny. After the pageant we headed to the Samoan village - the best village, in my opinion - and watched coconut husking and tree climbing and such. Then we walked around to the Pioneer/Early Mission part of the place. I learned a lot about Laie and it's history and the people that kind of started it all for the church out there! Then we hit up the IMAX and watched a movie...I've forget what show we watched.
Finally! It's time for the luau dinner! My favorite part. Actually, it's just the kalua pork that's my favorite part :) So yummy! I'll have to make it one day. I snagged a recipe from my Chief on the boat before I left. He was part Hawaiian so it's authentic, for sure! During the dinner show, the lady hosting asked all those celebrating their anniversary to stand. So, we stood. Then she invited all of us down to the stage. And I looked at Oriah like, "What have you gotten us into!" Hahaha! We get onto the stage and she's shoving the microphone in our faces asking where we're from and how long we've been married. And then she tells us that we're going to dance in front of every one while the band plays a nice, slow song! Why didn't I remember this part of the show before?!?!?! So, Oriah and I had probably our first slow dance ever, together, in front of 1,000 strangers at a Hawaiian Luau.
Classic!
There was about an hour break from when dinner ended and when the night show was to start. We hopped on the tram that takes you from the PCC to the temple and Visitors Center. We recognized some of the Sister Missionaries that we saw the few days before in our stops there over the weekend. We chatted with a couple from Tennessee, I think. They were nice. Asked us a few questions about the church. Came back to the PCC and found our rockstar seats for the show. The show is a different one than what I've associated with the night show from past visits. It was a nice change. Entertaining. But, of course, one of the best parts about the show is the $5 ice cream and pineapple dessert during intermission! This place just sucks money out of you from the moment you show up. Oh, I forgot to mention the $20 we paid for a picture of the two of us taken earlier in the evening before dinner. Yeah, total tourist trap!
Towards the end of the night it was so nice thinking about how during this entire trip there was the feeling of zero responsibility. No work. No HOA. No nothing. What a great feeling. For sure, I didn't want to leave!
Oh, this was funny to me (only because I think I won the bet). There was a difference of opinion as to how long it took to get from our rental in Turtle Bay to Laie. Oriah claimed it was roughly 15 minutes. I said 10. I thought she'd be inclined to lean toward my side since I was driving and we'd made the trip some dozen times or more. But she was most certain it was a 15 minute trip. And maybe it was 15 minutes if we got stuck behind a slow car, or something. But we made the trip in 10 minutes once and I wasn't even speeding!
Tomorrow is the last day! The plan is to go to the temple and grab some eats at the Hukilau cafe!
The plan was to meet Aaron for breakfast and once more the joy was ours to search out parking downtown. Luckily it was early enough in the morning that we found a nice parking meter spot. One problem: No change. We went into an ABC Store (one of the larger rip-off spots of all time) and gathered up a few items to pay for and make change in the process. Another problem: The store didn't have any change to give back. So, we called Aaron and he directed us to a hotel parking garage which just happened to be behind us 1/2 block. Sweet! Some creative driving later we're in the parking garage with the promise of validation soon-to-come. Not-so-good news...Aaron isn't able to make it...something with work.
Oriah and I enjoy breakfast and decide to drive over to Diamond Head for a quick hike and to check out the view of the city from the top of the old crater! As we drive up to the tunnel a sign says that the trail is closed for maintenance! LAME! First the Flea Market is closed and now Diamond Head trail is closed. Bad timing! We park at a view spot and snap some shots when this little, mower-sounding thing pulls up. A couple rented a car for $100-ish for a couple hours and they're getting around town in a Hello Kitty car. It was a pretty classic moment. I'm sure people reacted to them just as we did everywhere they went...snapping pictures and laughing.
After the Diamond Head bust we head into town a bit to visit President Watanabe at his flower store: Watanabe Floral. His father started the business and now's he's the man in charge! He gave Oriah a tour (which was much more extensive than any tour he ever gave me before!) and we chit chatted the whole time. It was good to spend time with him. He's such a good man. Afterwards, we headed back up to the North Shore along the windward side for the Polynesian Cultural Center!
We got there just in time to catch the Canoe Pageant at 2p. Some of the guys on one of the floats decided to toss the float pusher off the float and into the waterway by rocking the float. These weren't small guys either! It was pretty funny. After the pageant we headed to the Samoan village - the best village, in my opinion - and watched coconut husking and tree climbing and such. Then we walked around to the Pioneer/Early Mission part of the place. I learned a lot about Laie and it's history and the people that kind of started it all for the church out there! Then we hit up the IMAX and watched a movie...I've forget what show we watched.
Finally! It's time for the luau dinner! My favorite part. Actually, it's just the kalua pork that's my favorite part :) So yummy! I'll have to make it one day. I snagged a recipe from my Chief on the boat before I left. He was part Hawaiian so it's authentic, for sure! During the dinner show, the lady hosting asked all those celebrating their anniversary to stand. So, we stood. Then she invited all of us down to the stage. And I looked at Oriah like, "What have you gotten us into!" Hahaha! We get onto the stage and she's shoving the microphone in our faces asking where we're from and how long we've been married. And then she tells us that we're going to dance in front of every one while the band plays a nice, slow song! Why didn't I remember this part of the show before?!?!?! So, Oriah and I had probably our first slow dance ever, together, in front of 1,000 strangers at a Hawaiian Luau.
Classic!
There was about an hour break from when dinner ended and when the night show was to start. We hopped on the tram that takes you from the PCC to the temple and Visitors Center. We recognized some of the Sister Missionaries that we saw the few days before in our stops there over the weekend. We chatted with a couple from Tennessee, I think. They were nice. Asked us a few questions about the church. Came back to the PCC and found our rockstar seats for the show. The show is a different one than what I've associated with the night show from past visits. It was a nice change. Entertaining. But, of course, one of the best parts about the show is the $5 ice cream and pineapple dessert during intermission! This place just sucks money out of you from the moment you show up. Oh, I forgot to mention the $20 we paid for a picture of the two of us taken earlier in the evening before dinner. Yeah, total tourist trap!
Towards the end of the night it was so nice thinking about how during this entire trip there was the feeling of zero responsibility. No work. No HOA. No nothing. What a great feeling. For sure, I didn't want to leave!
Oh, this was funny to me (only because I think I won the bet). There was a difference of opinion as to how long it took to get from our rental in Turtle Bay to Laie. Oriah claimed it was roughly 15 minutes. I said 10. I thought she'd be inclined to lean toward my side since I was driving and we'd made the trip some dozen times or more. But she was most certain it was a 15 minute trip. And maybe it was 15 minutes if we got stuck behind a slow car, or something. But we made the trip in 10 minutes once and I wasn't even speeding!
Tomorrow is the last day! The plan is to go to the temple and grab some eats at the Hukilau cafe!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Hawaii :: Day 7
It’s Sunday! I’m so excited to see so many familiar faces at the old family ward in Aiea (the only town in America spelled with all vowels…or so I’ve heard.) After chilling on the lanai and watching the golfers go by we get ready. Really isn’t much to do so we take off a little bit early and drive around BYU-H campus and then to the temple. We planned to go to a session Tuesday morning and I’m excited for that also. The Laie temple has been under renovation for the last year, or more, and so I’m really interested to see what the inside looks like now.
We head back south again to Pearl City and pull into the chapel parking lot. As soon as we walk in we meet Josh Horita at the door – he’s in the Bishopric now (and I realize I’m talking to you as if you knew who he was…). Next I see Brother Purcell (I never did learn his first name) and he gives me the biggest smile and bear hug. I love that guy! Needless to say I could carry on with a list of names but that wouldn’t do much. It was wonderful seeing all those familiar faces and visiting with them even if just for a short time.
The Newtown 1st Ward has been the best family ward I’ve ever belonged to (a close second would be the Hanford Wards in California.) I still feel like family every time I go back for a visit. My former Bishop’s wife told me “once a member of the Newtown 1st, always a member.” Truth.
I do remember seeing a gal sitting on the front row. I knew her. I want to say her name is Sunny…not sure. Anyway, I do remember her as being married while I was in the ward but she didn’t have children at the time. I also remember her being the embodiment of her name – Sunny. She was always smiling and so, so happy. But that morning, while she was sitting on the front row with her family – she had two children with her – she was not so Sunny. In fact, she was quite stormy and rather short with her kids. It struck me how remarkable the change was in her countenance and disposition. As I shared this with Oriah, Oriah was quick to suggest that she may be experiencing postpartum…very valid. Whatever was going on that day…it caught my attention. Anyway…
After the block of meetings we headed back north for the Singles Branch in Wahiawa and to see my former Branch President. Background: About one year into attending the Newtown 1st Ward word was put out that the Stake was starting a Singles Branch. And so I went. That’s where I got to know Russell Watanabe. The man has had a significant influence on my life, thoughts and perspective. I’ll always be grateful for his kindness and service during those Navy years when times weren’t great. While at the Branch we grabbed dinner at the “break the fast” since it was the first Sunday of the month. I saw a few other familiar faces while we were there. Great day!
We headed home and stopped at the temple again. We walked into the Visitors Center and I realized someone was behind me trying to get my attention. It was Brother and Sister Chandler – from the Newtown 1st Ward! Except they had moved to Laie so they were no longer living in Aiea. It was so great to see them and hear what they had been up to over the past few years.
I’m sure Oriah’s head was spinning once the day was done having met so many people – with all of them seeming to know her and with her not knowing any of them :) But I was glad to share with her all of these people that mean so much to me.
We head back south again to Pearl City and pull into the chapel parking lot. As soon as we walk in we meet Josh Horita at the door – he’s in the Bishopric now (and I realize I’m talking to you as if you knew who he was…). Next I see Brother Purcell (I never did learn his first name) and he gives me the biggest smile and bear hug. I love that guy! Needless to say I could carry on with a list of names but that wouldn’t do much. It was wonderful seeing all those familiar faces and visiting with them even if just for a short time.
The Newtown 1st Ward has been the best family ward I’ve ever belonged to (a close second would be the Hanford Wards in California.) I still feel like family every time I go back for a visit. My former Bishop’s wife told me “once a member of the Newtown 1st, always a member.” Truth.
I do remember seeing a gal sitting on the front row. I knew her. I want to say her name is Sunny…not sure. Anyway, I do remember her as being married while I was in the ward but she didn’t have children at the time. I also remember her being the embodiment of her name – Sunny. She was always smiling and so, so happy. But that morning, while she was sitting on the front row with her family – she had two children with her – she was not so Sunny. In fact, she was quite stormy and rather short with her kids. It struck me how remarkable the change was in her countenance and disposition. As I shared this with Oriah, Oriah was quick to suggest that she may be experiencing postpartum…very valid. Whatever was going on that day…it caught my attention. Anyway…
After the block of meetings we headed back north for the Singles Branch in Wahiawa and to see my former Branch President. Background: About one year into attending the Newtown 1st Ward word was put out that the Stake was starting a Singles Branch. And so I went. That’s where I got to know Russell Watanabe. The man has had a significant influence on my life, thoughts and perspective. I’ll always be grateful for his kindness and service during those Navy years when times weren’t great. While at the Branch we grabbed dinner at the “break the fast” since it was the first Sunday of the month. I saw a few other familiar faces while we were there. Great day!
We headed home and stopped at the temple again. We walked into the Visitors Center and I realized someone was behind me trying to get my attention. It was Brother and Sister Chandler – from the Newtown 1st Ward! Except they had moved to Laie so they were no longer living in Aiea. It was so great to see them and hear what they had been up to over the past few years.
I’m sure Oriah’s head was spinning once the day was done having met so many people – with all of them seeming to know her and with her not knowing any of them :) But I was glad to share with her all of these people that mean so much to me.
Surprise Date Night
For surprise date night I got tickets to the Ryan Shupe & The Rubber Band concert on BYU campus! They always put on a great show. So upbeat and positive and fun!
They started the show off with "Hey Hey Hey."
And then they played probably my favorite song of theirs: Even Superman. The song just sits in my vocal sweetspot and I love belting it out at the top of my lungs!
A few memorable events: During a break in between songs, the bass player stood at the microphone and said, “This is the awkward part of the evening where we will invite anyone who wants to propose to that special someone to come up. You have 60 seconds. Don’t worry, we’ll wait.” Sure enough, in true BYU fashion, some yahoo ran up to the stage with a girl in tow and proposed. The band had to remind him to kneel. Only at BYU.
Next, Ryan had his son – all of 2 years old – come up on the stage with the band with his little fiddle and play around on stage during one of the songs. Can’t say I’ve ever seen that before. The crowd went nuts. Talk about starting the kid off early for a rock’n’roll lifestyle!
This was Oriah’s first time going to one of their shows. She’s now been indoctrinated to the Corndog song.
I had a few moments during the concert reflecting back on my BYU days – mostly hanging with Taylor and starting our business and all those memories. Good times.
They started the show off with "Hey Hey Hey."
And then they played probably my favorite song of theirs: Even Superman. The song just sits in my vocal sweetspot and I love belting it out at the top of my lungs!
A few memorable events: During a break in between songs, the bass player stood at the microphone and said, “This is the awkward part of the evening where we will invite anyone who wants to propose to that special someone to come up. You have 60 seconds. Don’t worry, we’ll wait.” Sure enough, in true BYU fashion, some yahoo ran up to the stage with a girl in tow and proposed. The band had to remind him to kneel. Only at BYU.
Next, Ryan had his son – all of 2 years old – come up on the stage with the band with his little fiddle and play around on stage during one of the songs. Can’t say I’ve ever seen that before. The crowd went nuts. Talk about starting the kid off early for a rock’n’roll lifestyle!
This was Oriah’s first time going to one of their shows. She’s now been indoctrinated to the Corndog song.
I had a few moments during the concert reflecting back on my BYU days – mostly hanging with Taylor and starting our business and all those memories. Good times.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Hawaii :: Day 6
Ah, the weekend. I don't remember what time we woke up but there were leftover donuts from the evening's festivities that would serve well for breakfast. We're about to dive in when...
Bugs.
Everywhere.
Everywhere in the sense that they were all over the donuts and donut box. Tiny things. Loads of 'em. A trail from the wall partition along the counter to the donuts. I guess they thought donuts would be good for breakfast as well.
We didn't notice them when we checked in and were putting things away in the kitchen but they must have been there all along. The trade off for living in tropical climates, I suppose.
So, the breakfast idea was short lived. I unleashed a massacre upon the unsuspecting scavengers. Oriah was totally grossed out.
The big morning plan was to make it down to Aloha Stadium for the Flea Market and pick up some things for friends/family. Got down to the old, stomping grounds and as we drive by the stadium...nothing. Not a soul. No flea market. How could it be closed? It's Saturday. It's New Years. Everybody and their dog should be out this morning? So much for that idea...
Plan B: Drive Oriah around to some of the less traveled parts of the island. We head up the West coast to Waianae. I was always warned to be careful on this part of the island in that the locals don't care for the Haoles (white folk.) While my experience never reinforced the expectation during the few trips I made to the area I've always kept that in the back of my mind. It was a nice drive. A long drive. We passed a tent city that I never noticed before which was strange but I guess the homeless people and squatters need somewhere to go. We finally made it up to the western tip of the island to a beach and took some pictures.
Next, I drove us to the north and west coast side of the island along Farrington Hwy and past Dillingham Airfield (where I went skydiving!) to the place where I unknowingly stumbled upon the filming of the first episode of "Lost." That's right! I was just out for a drive to see what I could see and I noticed a big, jet engine on the beach. I remember thinking to myself: "Self, you haven't heard any news on the radio or on the ship about a plane crashing in the area." Turns out it was all for the TV show. So, Oriah got to see "Lost" beach as I now call it.
After that we headed for the Dole Plantation in Wahiawa and then mulled around the shops in Haleiwa. We stopped at a fresh fruit stand along the side of the road and picked up some guava and papaya, I think, and snacked at a beach park. Then we hit up another fruit stand which was much better than the first (both in variety and cleanliness.) We got some real coconut at this place and headed back for our place.
We made our way to the bay to catch the sunset and we bring the coconut with us. Oriah has the camera and she's snapping away. The sunset is hidden by an outcrop of land but it's still pretty. And we start to eat the coconut.
I've been deceived! Real coconut isn't sweet!!! It has a rather plain flavor, actually. All these years, I had no idea. The food companies have been pumping me full of artificial sweetness thinking that coconut was something other than it really was. Sounds like the great deceiver himself at work. There were a lot of lessons playing out for me at various levels during this experience. Anyway, now I know what real coconut tastes like.
We then headed to McDonald's in Laie for dinner. Man, that place is dumpy. I called the customer service number to complain about the conditions of the dining area. Turns out the place is scheduled to be demolished this year. Makes sense that they're not sinking money into the place for repairs and upkeep.
I'm excited that tomorrow is Sunday and that I'll get to see all the Ohana at the family ward and my former Branch President at the Singles Branch and of course introduce them all to Oriah!
Bugs.
Everywhere.
Everywhere in the sense that they were all over the donuts and donut box. Tiny things. Loads of 'em. A trail from the wall partition along the counter to the donuts. I guess they thought donuts would be good for breakfast as well.
We didn't notice them when we checked in and were putting things away in the kitchen but they must have been there all along. The trade off for living in tropical climates, I suppose.
So, the breakfast idea was short lived. I unleashed a massacre upon the unsuspecting scavengers. Oriah was totally grossed out.
The big morning plan was to make it down to Aloha Stadium for the Flea Market and pick up some things for friends/family. Got down to the old, stomping grounds and as we drive by the stadium...nothing. Not a soul. No flea market. How could it be closed? It's Saturday. It's New Years. Everybody and their dog should be out this morning? So much for that idea...
Plan B: Drive Oriah around to some of the less traveled parts of the island. We head up the West coast to Waianae. I was always warned to be careful on this part of the island in that the locals don't care for the Haoles (white folk.) While my experience never reinforced the expectation during the few trips I made to the area I've always kept that in the back of my mind. It was a nice drive. A long drive. We passed a tent city that I never noticed before which was strange but I guess the homeless people and squatters need somewhere to go. We finally made it up to the western tip of the island to a beach and took some pictures.
Next, I drove us to the north and west coast side of the island along Farrington Hwy and past Dillingham Airfield (where I went skydiving!) to the place where I unknowingly stumbled upon the filming of the first episode of "Lost." That's right! I was just out for a drive to see what I could see and I noticed a big, jet engine on the beach. I remember thinking to myself: "Self, you haven't heard any news on the radio or on the ship about a plane crashing in the area." Turns out it was all for the TV show. So, Oriah got to see "Lost" beach as I now call it.
After that we headed for the Dole Plantation in Wahiawa and then mulled around the shops in Haleiwa. We stopped at a fresh fruit stand along the side of the road and picked up some guava and papaya, I think, and snacked at a beach park. Then we hit up another fruit stand which was much better than the first (both in variety and cleanliness.) We got some real coconut at this place and headed back for our place.
We made our way to the bay to catch the sunset and we bring the coconut with us. Oriah has the camera and she's snapping away. The sunset is hidden by an outcrop of land but it's still pretty. And we start to eat the coconut.
I've been deceived! Real coconut isn't sweet!!! It has a rather plain flavor, actually. All these years, I had no idea. The food companies have been pumping me full of artificial sweetness thinking that coconut was something other than it really was. Sounds like the great deceiver himself at work. There were a lot of lessons playing out for me at various levels during this experience. Anyway, now I know what real coconut tastes like.
We then headed to McDonald's in Laie for dinner. Man, that place is dumpy. I called the customer service number to complain about the conditions of the dining area. Turns out the place is scheduled to be demolished this year. Makes sense that they're not sinking money into the place for repairs and upkeep.
I'm excited that tomorrow is Sunday and that I'll get to see all the Ohana at the family ward and my former Branch President at the Singles Branch and of course introduce them all to Oriah!