2011 - A look back...

Yippee!  I've done a pretty consistant job this year posting about me and life on my blog! =D Hopefully you've been following along and reading about my adventures!

So... First I'm going to pick my favorite blog from each month... Then some quick reflection about the year and perhaps 2012.  Of course, this is the perfect time to write this blog, its 2245, I've had plenty of ice tea as well as 1/2 a bottle of wine... so the words will be flowing like the bubbly will tomorrow!

Alright... My favorite blogs:

January - riding a bike...

February - maui wowie

March - cafe latte and cappuccino

April - ribbit

May - en paris... (part deux)

June - Major Accomplishment

July - Flores... Tikal... Guatemala

August - Hawaii... First 72 hours!

September - 2011 Honolulu Century Ride

October - Before I Die...

November - Monthly Challenge - 11082011 - High School Formals...

December - Christmas Bash 2011

Top 3 most viewed blogs:

2nd runner up - Show some love... (read this one! =D)

1st runner up - 2011 Honolulu Century Ride Photos...

Winner - Dumb American moment...

2011

I seriously can't believe the year is almost over.  I am in disbelief the things that have happened this year... taking the year off from working, traveling the world, graduating from college, doing research in Guatemala, participating in the Honolulu Century Ride and getting my 50th passport stamp!  All of this while being blessed to have the company of great people around the world and the support of my friends and family.  

2012 

A new year with a new set of adventures.  Well, ringing in the new year on the Big Island!  Then getting ready for the move to Florida!  One of the reasons I am moving is I need an aspect of "uncertainty" in my life.  Some people are scared of uncertainty and I think I thrive with the unknown - having endless possibilities and a chance to explore and try something new.  

My favorite gadget this year  

(TIE) Dell Venue Pro and Blackberry Curve.  (yup - sold the iPad) Yes, these are both mobile phones, and they really have changed my life this year.  My unlocked blackberry curve allowed me to travel throughout Guatemala and Ecuador while keeping in touch with everyone new I met and everyone back home via email.  I really like my Dell Venue Pro - which runs Windows 7.5 OS - the streamlined OS has both iOS and Android beat.  (seriously)

My top 3 favorite foods this year:

Cafe Latte in Roma

Dessert after hiking miles in France

Street food in Xela.

My top 3 favorite pictures:

Ecuador

Brunch with friends!

While hiking in France

2011 - may it have brought you everything you wanted and may 2012 bring you everything you want.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Happy Holidays from Hawai'i!

Aloha everyone!

Hope you had an awesome holiday season.  Hopefully you received everything you wished for and more.  This holiday season has been beyond phenomenal for me.  Some downs but countless ups that has made me realize how lucky I am.

On Christmas day... I spent the day frolicking in the ocean and sun bathing.  Also, went to watch Mission Impossible 4 (what a great movie!)  I'm blessed to have such awesome presents this year - way beyond what I was expecting! 

This week has been great weather-wise.  Slightly chilly and cloudy in the AM (so you can sleep in a little bit) and then it gets nice and warm!  I've been pretty much outdoors every day this week.  From hiking Kuliouou ridge, going around the island, getting tanned at many beaches, eating delicious food! 

Lucky me.  Perfect weather & awesome friends.

I'll be spending my NYE on the Big Island! A new adventure for me to start 2012 - just one of many upcoming adventures! 

Have an awesome NYE! 

Have fun! 

Christmas Day - Ala Moana Beach Park

My Christmas Presents - Lucky me!

Macadamia nut pancakes from Boots & Kimo's

My slippahs - Waimea Bay

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

HI to FL - It's Official!

Aloha everyone!

HI to FL is a new blog section - that chronicles my move to FL (get it?! hi to FL?!)

Yesterday, I shipped my first things to Florida... via Media Mail.  Over 24 pounds of books and only $11.89.  From what I understand about media mail, you can ship everything that you can find at the library.  Books, Magazines, CDs, DVDs, etc.  I'll be shipping more things via media mail tomorrow. =D

I've been really emotional lately - perhaps underlying emotions about the move? perhaps already missing Hawaii? perhaps emotional due to the holidays!? 

It's amazing the viewpoint you have about a location when you realize you have a finite time left.  I've done more exploration and driving of the island in the last month than I have this whole year combined.  I went hiking on a trail that's 5 minutes from my house for the first time ever - Kuliouou Ridge.  Yesterday, went to a part of the beach, I've never been to - below Makapu'u.

Amazing.

What would you do if you have a finite time at a place?

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Christmas Bash 2011

My Christmas Bash was a huge success - thanks to everyone for taking the time and effort to spend some time with me! 

So... I was thinking about it this morning... yes around 5ish in the AM... what are the signs to a successful party?!

Meeting new people...

Great spread of food! YUM! (Hooray for potluck!)

Lip Gloss - new inside jokes!

Wines - bottles and bottles of wines 

Uncontrollable laughter

People passed out - during the party

Someone spends the night!

Everyone pitches in to clean up! <3 you guys!

Unforgettable memories! 

Great company!

A special thank you again to my friends... 

Hopefully next time, I'll be able to have all my friends under 1 roof!

Almost everyone - group photo!

Place witty caption in comments. o_O

The Lucky Winner!

Hope your Christmas parties are a successful event as well!

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Grades

Wow... It's official.  I've passed all of my classes this semester and with flying colors.  

Actually, flying with colors for quite some time - since Fall 2009.

Looking back at my stint at UH-Manoa, I've had an awesome opportunity to be with great instructors.  I actually remember all of them... Hmm.. Let me see... 

Fall 2009: Norton, Roussev, Conred, Thompson and Glenn. Spring 2010: Arno, Yano, Wood and Krattiger.  

Fall 2010: Beaule, Blake, Yeh and Ferguson.  

Spring 2011: Bae, Pietrusewsky, Beaule, Hasager and Lid. 

Summer 2011: Cunningham and Petersen.  

Fall 2011: Bayman, Arno, Saethre, Brunson and Saethre...  

Special thanks to all of the teachers who have help mold this mind (which really isn't easy to do!)

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Happy Graduation To ME!

Who would have thought?  Today, I am officially a college graduate.  Yes - a recipient of a Bachelor Degree in Anthropology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  

Yes, today is the ceremony and instead of walking the stage and receiving my diploma, I will be volunteering at Ward Warehouse - wrapping presents to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Quite interesting really - do I feel any different today? No... yet, somehow I'm a better member of society for obtaining this piece of paper -  which of course doesn't arrive in the mail for another 10-12 weeks.

Well, if I can do it - you can as well.  Actually, its really interesting the dynamics of the classroom when you are older.  I am not afraid to speak up in class - I'm quite sure my classmates would wish that I STFU. o_O

Sorry so short, I really wanted to write a longer piece about this, and perhaps I will, but I have to get ready to volunteer.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Christmas Tree

Wow... I am beyond in the spirit of Christmas that I am so happy and beyond excited for the holidays.

Today, I had a final 0730 this morning - though I was in awake and studying by 0430, then I decorated my tree with the help of Summer (of course whilst listening to Christmas music), had Greek for for lunch, after we went snorkeling and swimming, watched a Christmas movie - Arthur's Christmas (3/5 stars)...

Sooo... back to the Christmas tree.  This is my first ever real christmas tree so I was quite nervous - as you can see from the before picture but nonetheless...

Here is the final product.  I can't believe how awesome it looks!

Looks way better in person! =D

Before

Decorating the Christmas Tree!

After

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

First Christmas Present - 2011

Just received my first christmas present!

Thank you Maria - my sister!  =D

It looks so yummy!  

Also thanks for all the Christmas cards!  Got my first International christmas card - Thanks Amber!

Speaking of Christmas presents...

Are you coming to my Christmas party on the 23rd?  

If you are, chances are you have a present from me! 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

2011 Honolulu Marathon - #334

Its a perfect day for running a marathon, its currently 0901 - about 4 hours in the Honolulu Marathon (starts at 0500) and it is nice and cool outside, breezy and its cloudy as well!

This may not be the perfect day for people who want to go to the beach, but it is a great day for marathoners - no rain as well!

I've been ill the last 3-4 days and I was hoping for a quick recovery - unfortunately, that isn't the case.  

This would have been my 4th consecutive Honolulu Marathon...

I am really disappointed, I didn't fully train 100% or even 75%, or even 50% for this race, but its still a race I would have been able to complete - had I been healthy.

People ask me why? or how do I run marathons?  It's quite easy actually... A marathon is one of those things that you do not experience until you do one.  You mind might tell you its hard, its easy, its crazy... but until you actually experience the actual marathon through the movement of your body, you will not experience many things... the race itself, the people cheering for you, the communitas if you will with other racers - pushing each other to get to the ultimate goal, no matter at what speed.

When I mean pushing - not literally - its actually illegal to receive any kind of physical aid to propel you forward.  With that said, when you run with a large group of people it really motivates you... whether it is pacing with someone at your speed, going a little bit faster because you don't want this person to pass you, saying kind words to someone ahead of you who started walking (or vice versa), the experience of the marathon is one I enjoy - no matter what time I finish.

The sweat running down every orifice of your body, every part of your aching body doesn't compare to the feeling of crossing the finish line.  I still get emotional after crossing...

Well, there will always be next year... =D

Here's a pic of the last 3 finisher medals. 

My bib #334 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

College Advice - Part I - Save $$$

I can't believe it!  I am finally graduating in 9 days and who would have thought that I would be a college graduate?!  

I've always been rather resourceful and thrifty... I managed to save a lot of money by doing a couple of things, and since I am graduating... I wanted to share some tips for you to save some $$$...

Tip #1 - Buy your Books EARLY!!

Most of the books are already listed for the spring semester - what are you waiting for?!  Buy them online - shop and compare!!

Head to: UH BOOKSTORE (CLICK HERE FOR LINK!)

Select your classes... and voila!! a list of books will be presented! Note: you will have to recheck this at least once a week as some professors wait until last minute to publish the book list (which feel free to email them as well).

Shop online!  My top 2 choices are: Amazon and Barnes & Nobles - each of these shops have a used sections... pretty much all you have to do is cut and pate the ISBN number and shop!

Let's compare a couple of books!

Example #1 - A required textbook for ANTH 484

From UH Bookstore:

 From Amazon (with free shipping if you spend $25 and no TAX!)

Example #2 - ANTH #151

From UH Bookstore:

From Amazon ($3.99 for shipping!)

Those 2 books alone - you just saved $30!

Tip #2 - Check out scholarships!

While this is not theoretically saving money, its free money you didn't have before!  Yes! Log onto your star account and apply to those scholarships!  Deadlines are normally February (FOR THE FALL SEMESTER! APPLY EARLY and get ORGANIZED!)

Also, check out ASUH portal for more scholarship opportunities - everything ranging from GRE/GMAT prep, field schools research grants, and tuition payment!

This also ties into my next blog... College Advice - Part II

UPDATE: CLICK HERE for Presidential Scholars Program - FULL RIDE + Monthly Stipend

Tip #3 - Student Discounts

With student discounts you can save on everything from your cell phone bill, travel, activities, etc.  Just be smart about it.  Example... Google "Sprint Education discount"... the link http://sprint.p.delivery.net/m/p/nxt/dev/wdyw.asp should be the first link... You just click on it... add your school email and voila... you're given access to saving 10% off your recurring bill.

Ha, I could seriously write more about saving $$, but I'm sure you're already being resourceful!

Off to study for finals!

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Strong

You know... I've been posting a lot of things recently, mostly light hearted stuff... 

Which is normally a reflection on my mood and my current stage in life.  

Well, today, I watched this youtube video and I was touched.

For those never bullied - you'll never know how it feels.

The pain, the loneliness, the self-doubt.

Watch this video and congratulate this young man.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Blonde...

A few of you guys made some comment about me being a blonde...

Refer to previous blog (CLICK ME!)

I was inspired by your words and hey... why not?!

So as of today... I am a blonde (again!)

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Book Banter - The Body Silent - Robert F. Murphy

I normally don't write about books - which is really odd considering I read A LOT.

So, I'm going to start writing about a book I've read, just finished reading or in the process of reading.

Today, you guessed it - The Body Silent by Robert F. Murphy.

Murphy is a anthropologist who becomes disabled - he chronicles the process of his disability, providing insight into his transformation from losing more abilities that he was accustomed to having.  Power dichotomies, anthropological theory, struggle for identity are just few of the issues that are in the book.

While, I do have some critique of the book - primarily there are many anthropological theories in his prose - however, none are analyzed deeper than the surface level, this book left me with a few tears and many thoughts which can be summarized with one sentence from his book.

'We live within the walls of our own making, staring out at life through bars thrown up by culture and annealed by our fears' - p.230.

We like to think of disabled people as not having the capacity to take care of themselves - which really isn't the case.  We are uncomfortable by the unknown - the chance interaction with our own fears. 

Yet, we all create our bars.  Congratulating others about things we would never consider possible for ourselves.

If this book has taught me anything - its perhaps the people who live the mundane life that are the most disabled - the ones that do not feel pain, dispair, hope and triumphs.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Monthly Challenge - 11302011 - Glasses

Ever had your favorite thing? That you pretty much wore everywhere...

Doesn't matter when, where it was something you wore...

For me it was these Oakley glasses - who unfortunately is no longer with us.

I bought these glasses at the Oakley outlet in DC.

I've worn them around Oahu, different islands and even overseas.

They were my old time favorite.

Miss you! (^__^)

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Monthly Challenge - 11292011 - Beaches

One of the things that Hawai'i is known for worldwide is our beaches.

While most people recognize our white sand beaches...

We also have other colored sand beaches.

Green sand and black sand beaches - which can be found on the Big Island.

Pics of me and beaches in Hawai'i.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Monthly Challenge - 11282011 - Sisters

Ha... I've posted so many pictures this month and I really haven't posted anything to embarrass my siblings.

Soooo... Here are some pictures of my sisters!

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Monthly Challenge - 11272011 - Christmas Mode INITIATE!

What gets you in the Christmas spirit?

Is it the weather?  The shopping?  The decorations?  The food?

The gift wrapping?  The ringing of the bell outside your grocery store?

Well, at Chez M&M - Christmas has commençe.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.