HI to FL - Last and First.

Yes, this blog segment is called Last and First... 

(disclaimer, i'm recovering from lack of sleep and a small kine hangover - starting to become a recurring theme... o.O) 

This will be updated with more pictures later... 

Last day in Hawai'i.  

First day in Florida.

What did I do in my last day in Hawaii!?  Quite a lot really.

First, breakfast with my roommate.  I still can't believe we worked together for 6-7 years and live together just as long... 

So where would we go!? Zippy's of course!  Portuguese sausage, eggs and rice.  So delicious...

After our hugs and goodbyes, it was time to get in BEAST packing mode.  More or less it was cleaning everything out (which was mostly already done) and then packing everything else into the boxes.

Then I picked up Maya and headed off to our lunch!  Nothing says, delicious lunch than putting on a hat and sipping on some tea - at A Cup of Tea in Kailua.

I've been there once before and it was as cool as I remember, good sandwiches, great tea, scones were yummy (especially with their jam)

When lunch was over, it was time to head over to my house and pack up!  Maya and I took everything out of the house and into the pickup truck.  

Weird part is, it started to sync in... I won't be coming back here for a while... 

Well, there wasn't much time to think, it was time to head over to Maya's house, drop off the luggage, and head over to Hawaiian Parasail.

Long story short (for this section anyways), our appointment was at 1400.  We got there at 1355. We left at 1425 - with no parasailing involved.  They were running behind and our schedule didn't allow for tardiness.

Yes... so... heading back to the house and loaded up luggage to pickup truck, dropped off Maya and headed to Alamo rental car.  I'm not sure if this is foreshadowing my experience in the mainland, but I was rather disturbed looking at the situation now.  Basically, I had lots of luggage (7 bags total - 2 carryons, 4 check-in and a bicycle).  I took all the luggages out of the truck into the front of the building, then onto the shuttle, then off the shuttle, then onto 2 airport carts, through agriculture, to the United check in line.  All with no help and people just staring at me.  It was sort of weird, because thinking about it now, I would have offered help.

Then I ran into a United agent, I was like yes... then she instructed me to weigh everything and make sure it was underweight.  3 of my luggages were overweight by 2-3 pounds.  Yes, she had me open the boxes and redistribute things.  Sad part is, all of the United agents were in the back with no customers, just staring.  

After that debacle and I finally got in line.  I ran into a familiar face, but someone I've never met before.  After a hug and hello, she saved my day.  A random act of kindness.  When I was checked in, I went outside to try to find a cigarette and I got quite emotional.  I guess just with lugging everything around, someone helping was all I needed to get me in the emotional roller coaster.

Morales then picked me up at the airport for some Japanese food (which I had udon immediately and took some sushi for the plane).

The flight wasn't really anything exciting to write home about.  Standard flight, my flight landed when my connection started boarding in another terminal... (oh I did sleep most of the flights... LOL).  With the short connection in Chicago, my luggages didn't make it on the flight, cool part is - they delivered them a couple of hours later.

Yup, officially moved into my new home, cool part is, reuniting with my friends - we didn't skip a beat, it was as if nothing happened. 

I'm sure I'll be writing more about our new adventures...

For dinner, we went to a scmancy restaurant with good food and bad service.

Yup, then off to a bar named Detour.  Drank way too much, entered a contest, had way too much fun, and still paying for it.

[insert picture here] lol

Cool part is. Taco Bus was open - delicious food at all hours of the day or night.

Mahalo for reading. 

 Until next time.

HI to FL - Why I never say goodbye...

Why I don't say goodbye...

Funny thing about goodbye parties... I always tend to have more than 1.  I've had a going away BBQ, Last Supper, my 2nd last supper tonight, a going away breakfast.

I say this with all my heart, I may be leaving, but I am taking a part of my friends with me.  I have had quite the transformation since I first reached the islands of Hawai'i 2.2.2000.  I've become a happier person, I don't think I've had a meal which didn't include laughter in recent memory.  I've become a more patient person and I've learned to conquer my fears.

hmmm... I don't say goodbye, because sooner or later - our paths will cross again.  Whether its here in Hawaii, or somewhere in the mainland, I don't doubt that we will see each other soon.

A special thanks to my friends who came out for my 2nd going away dinner at Cafe Laurel.  I'm truly touched (yes and somewhat tearful) that I get the pleasure to see all your bright smiles one more time before my departure. 

I truly love you all.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

HI to FL - Last Supper

The title is not to be taken completely literally nor taken into consideration with its religion overtones, but merely my last supper here in Hawaii.

This took place at one of my favorite places to eat - Little Village.  Yes, I wish everyone could make it, but I do understand!

Before Little Village, we had martinis at Indigo's!  I enjoyed my cosmos, while everyone else had their Lychee Martinis...

I can't believe we ate so much food - then again, if you've eaten at Little Village you'd understand why.  The food was D-LISH!  2 orders of lettuce wraps, an order of crispy won-tons, 2 orders of honey-walnut shrimp (yum), salt and pepper pork chops, orange chicken, mushroom and green beans, scallop and onions, fried rice... and that wasn't even the best part...

The best part was the company.  We wined, talked, chatted, laughed about nearly anything and everything.    

(SCROLL DOWN)

Well before I get to the announcement, I can't believe I ate this much!  I had lunch with my 2nd set of parents... yes - they are completely awesome... At Assagio's.  In fact, I still have leftovers.

Oh yeah... the announcement, well, I made an announcement at the dinner table - that guess what?!

I changed my plane ticket.

I'm not leaving until Friday... though this time for real, I even got a rental car... LOL

Yup, so we will be having the last tailgate this Thursday night!

Quick review of Little Village:

Food - Affordable and D-LISH

Service - Quick and Meticulous.

If you're craving Chinese with a modern twist - this is the place to be.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Weekend Extravaganza - Scuba Certification Edition

How was your weekend?  Seriously, this past weekend was so crazy awesome, I'm still in disbelief really.  Though someone is typing this blog... hmmm... might as well be me.  (disclaimer: quite exhausted - if this doesn't make sense, I'll update at a later point in time)

Disclaimer - this will be a lengthy blog.

How do you celebrate your last Friday in Hawai'i (in the near foreseeable future)?  Happy Hour of course!!  There's no better Happy Hour on the island than Dave and Busters (M-F 1630-1900, Su-Th 2200 - closing)!  All the hard liquor and mixed drinks are 50% off.  That's not even the best part - the location, watching the sunset at the roof deck of DnB while having a Cosmo is really where its at - especially when you're in the company of awesome friends!

What do you when Happy Hour is over? Play games of course!  After playing tons of games for tickets we didn't redeem.  What's next?!  Time for the next bar.  (seriously).  I don't think I've been to 2 bars in one night since 2006? 

Well, we lost one on the way to Hula's.  Hula's was fun, it hasn't changed much in years, great relaxed environment with people that are easily approachable and a bit of dancing to be had - and dancing we did.

One part of this experience that was a bit of a sour note, was the fact that I knew I had to scuba dive the next day at 0730 - at Electric Beach on the east side.  Basically, I needed to be up and out of the house by 0600 the next day.  The ironic part is I took the written part of my NAUI scuba exam online on Friday - that stated you shouldn't drink nor smoke before you dive.  At the end of the night, I had a bit too much to drink, but I spent roughly 2 hours drinking heaps of water, coffee and dancing.

After a quick power nap, it was time to head to Electric Beach for my first dive in the ocean.  Now, you guys know that I am scared of open water, so I had a bit of anxiety, but fortunately - I was too tired to really have any fear.  In fact, I feel asleep in the back of the pickup truck on the way there (and even on the way back).  We performed two dives this day.

Electric Beach at sunrise

Group Briefing - apparently I'm not listening.

Hmmm... I thought I had a lot more things to say about scuba certification, but the thoughts really allude me at this time.  Let me just write about some technical aspects.  The certification process requires 5 dives (including 1 freedive - without gear).  Each dive requires performing tasks that must be completed - cool part is, its the same tasks we did in the pool the Tuesday and Thursday night prior.

Scuba Gear

Actually, thinking about it, having taken this class, it has made me feel a lot more comfortable in the water.  Even learning basic skills like clearing your mask, different ways to dive underwater, and just the experience of being underwater - 3 hours and 23 minutes underwater has really opened my eyes that there really isn't anything to be scared of - as long as you know your abilities and respect the water.  Yes, I am not going on some 200 ft. dive anytime soon, but yes, I'll go on some shallower dives.

I'm NAUI Scuba Certified - shut the FRONT DOOR!  Will post a copy of the ID upon receipt in a week or so.

Me underwater...

Oh yeah, this past weekend too, a lot of my things have been sold, the extra TVs are gone, bed, desks, etc.  Tomorrow, the car will be sold and hopefully the bike as well.

PS. Fuji XP20 sucks underwater.  I think it would be good for snorkeling or the pool, nothing deeper than 5ft.  Oh yeah, I saw 4 turtles today. lol where's that honu picture?

Sorry so short... ha ha... I'm brain pO.Oped.

PPS.  Thinking of getting certified?  I highly recommend the company that handled my certification.  They are (very patient individuals) really cool people who just love what they do.
Check them out: Pearl Harbor Divers.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

HI to FL - Crazy Busy.

Wow. I last blogged on Tuesday and yup, so much has happened.

Well, I'm leaving Hawaii in less than a week. Seriously?  Seriously... Seriously!

Ok... so what it do?

It did a lot. o.O

First on Wednesday I had my MBA interview with UH - Manoa.

I didn't realize - how different I was than the other candidates until this interview.  The interview was one on one, but the questions that were asked really made me think about me and the choices I have made in my life.

I recall one of the interview questions was - "What is your biggest accomplishment?"  

I answered - "learning how to ride a bike at 29"

He was in disbelief.  I explained my situation and more or less, it was this moment that I knew I could do anything.  anything I put my mind to.  Fear is not experiencing the unknown and I learned that I facing my fears has really changed my life these past couple of years.

I told him from there, I started doing it all, swimming, surfing, snorkeling and now scuba diving.  Yes, scared 'ol me of the open water (yes Summer - insert outer Hanauma bay face here).

My MBA interview outfit.

Well, after the interview - Jen picked me up from UH and we were celebrating her birthday - so we spent the whole day together.  First was a quick errand and LUNCH time! (Nom nom nom).

I was really quite nervous about the interview, so I didn't eat anything.

For lunch, we went to Sam Choy's - it was yummy.  I had the bento, and it was crazy huge.  This is a Sam Choy bento.

After that, we went to Target (with Starbucks of course - to counteract everything that I just ate), and went back to Kailua, said hi to the doggies (hi tank, tai and toby!), took a power nap, and a couple of hours later, it was dinner time.

Went to Zia's and it was a great mini reunion.  I hadn't seen Leilani in forever!  Yes, stuffing my face with pupus, wine, pasta, garlic bread and dessert. o.O

Well, after that - its BOWLING TIME.

Seriously!?  how FUN is bowling!  I can't believe I hadn't bowled in FOREVER!

I think it may have been over 5 years.  

Weird thing is, I'm a decent bowler. lol I think it was the Corona's after the wine.

I bowled a 124 then a 136! (shut the front door!)

Wow this blog is getting lengthy.  After that, it was almost 10, went back to Jen's place, watched Project Runway - All Stars, passed out.

Next day, had breakfast at Cinnamon's in Kailua.  Took the bus home.  Found a buyer for my car. Went to Scuba Certification (from 1800-2320), then to Jack in the Box (ha ha).

Alright... the next couple of days are crazy busy as well.  It's crunch time!

Hmmm. Reminds me of a picture.  

A friend is a friend that knows - when you say you're ok, to give you a hug and tell you that its going to be ok.  because they can tell that you're not.

I'm ok. 

o_O

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Conquering Fear - Deep Water

 Who would have guessed I would be talking about me entering the deep water!?

Well, I've made great strides the last couple of years to really enjoy the water.  Learning how to swim, learning how to surf, snorkeling, kayaking, and now... scuba diving.

Today was the 1st (night) day of scuba certification, and supposedly the hardest, getting to know the gear was the easy part.  There was a swim test!  It was so hard since I hadn't really been swimming and such.

So the test:
-Swim 200 meters non-stop (not too bad, sorta sucked without a warm-up)
-Swim 50 meters underwater - with 1 breath (pretty easy - I have great lung capacity)
-Tread water for 10 minutes (this sucked so hard)

Treading water for me is the hardest - for those of you (Team Jet) who have trained with me in the water - especially the UH pool, know that I just sink to the bottom, it was really really hard for me.  Everyone else was talking, playing games, while I was there struggling staring at the sky trying to stay above water.

After that the rest was easy.  It was assembling out gear, getting in the water and going through exercises.  Breathing with the apparatus, finding the apparatus while underwater, how to remove water from your mask while underwater, completely filling your mask with water and clearing, removing your mask completely and putting it back on and clearing. then helping our your buddy who is out of oxygen, then getting use to having all the gear and finding your buoyancy. 

Sounds short, but our session today was from 1800-2230.  I was so cold in the water.  Weird part is, I wasn't cold anymore when I left the water.

I'm finally home, blogging and exhausted.

Eeps!  MBA interview tomorrow - wish me luck!

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Childhood Recollections & MORE Adventures

Growing up, one of the things I never got to experience was celebrate a birthday at Chuck E. Cheese - and I still haven't, but the next closest thing is to go for Rowena's 30th birthday!

Yes, I acted like a big kid (yes - probably like I normally do) and ate pizza, drank coffee, played games and of course... rode in the rides

 Who says you're too old to have a great time at Chuck E. Cheese?

Thanks Eric and Aubrey for driving and Rowena for celebrating your b-day there (what an awesome idea!)!

The next day was crunch day (today) with the special help of a special help (no that kind of special) of Michelle Morales.  We whipped through my things, sorted out many things, packaged many things, even had time for lunch and a power nap.

Of course, that was exhausting... what better way to treat yourself to relaxation than a Deluxe manicure and pedicure at Sophisticated Nails.  Yes, she got all the calluses out of my running feet!

Then off to Himalayan food!  How delish... I think it helped that it was B.Y.O.B. and we had lots of bottles of wines!  Needless to say that the food was gone.

As if that wasn't enough... it was time for a late night movie - at the Movie Museum... Not just any movie - a French movie, Monsieur Batignole, movie was great, quick summary, it was about a man (reread title) and Jewish boy during WWII - watch it, it is a touching and endearing story.

All these activities during the weekend!? Banana boating (see previous post), BBQing, eating dim sum, Chuck E. Cheese, Mani/Pedi, Himalayan Kitchen, Movie Museum.  All of these things are great, but one of the things that I am starting to realize are all of the amazing friends I will be far from once I move to Florida. 

 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

HI to FL - Adventure and BBQ!

 What an awesome day (01142011).  Beautiful weather, great adventure, awesome friends, fabulous food - seriously?  What more could I ask for?

Sunrise

The day started with a first for me - Banana Boat Ride.

Seriously? I didn't think it was going to be this much fun.  I had a gift certificate that I won from an auction in 2010.

Umm... yeah if this is setting the tone for 2012 - it is going to be one fun, crazy, amazeballZ ride!

Here are some pics (over 160+ pics - here are 5 I chose)...

Best Dismount Award

Insert witty caption here

What you got!?

The last 6 minutes of the ride was caught on video and posted here for you to see.

That was just the start of our day!  After a quick stop a jamba juice, it was time to go home, relax for a small bit and get ready for the BBQ.

BBQ was great, small group of friends, lots of food and laughs. (not to mention, sold a few things and gave away a lot of things!!) 

Special thanks to Michelle Morales (<3 you!).

 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

HI to FL - Food Porn

Food. Food and more food!  Yes, so many places to eat at before I go and last night was a great experience with 2 awesome friends. Aubrey and Eric.  First, an awesome meal at Kobe Steakhouse - Lobster and Steak.  

Of course, that wasn't enough! What to do for dessert!?

Well, Sarento's was next door!? So why not!? 

The rest is here below.  We just had 2 desserts and yes - don't they look delicious!?

Seriously!?

Aubrey and I - Eric took this picture!

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Review - 3660 On The Rise

It has been quite some time since I've written about food and restaurant dining, so tonight - you are in for a treat!  Yes, I will be writing a quick review for 3660 On The Rise. 

Though this isn't my first time dining at this restaurant, the long gap since my last visit has made me realize what an exquisite restaurant this establishment is.

Basically - yes, the service is phenomenal - so is the food.

Besides eating Kobe potstickers, calamari, ahi sashimi... the caesar salad was better than any out there... and so is the Miso butterfish. YUM!

Miso Butterfish. YUM!

Of course, if you just happen to have room for dessert - which is really hard since all of the food is delicious.  I'd suggest the chocoholic - only if you LOVE chocolate, the one of the left is very decadent.  The middle one is a chocolate sorbet on top of chocolate funnel cake.

Price range of this restaurant is $10-$20 for appetizers, $20-$35 for entrees, and roughly $10 for dessert.  All worth it, but I reserve this place for special occasions.  I think the food is better than 12th avenue grill and Sarento's.  However, it lacks the pizzazz and the view of the latter.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

HI to FL - Hello and Goodbye

One thing about moving is that you have to spend heaps of time sorting through things.  Things worth keeping, things to be thrown away, donated or even sold.

Interesting thing happened while I was sorting through my old cards - yes I've kept every greeting, thank you, birthday, christmas and congratulation card - I realized that I was a very mean person to someone particular.  After 5 years I called and apologized - I was not in the right place to receive this person's love and attention.

So why is this blog called hello and goodbye?  Well, I'm a fan of Lisa Loeb and yes, for a birthday present, I received a signed Lisa Loeb CD personalized for me - CD aptly named Hello Kitty.

I guess in the process of moving as well, you realize there are certain relationships that are toxic and must be disposed of.  Of course, this song came on whilst cleaning.  Old but still a goodie.

Goodbye - Lyrics - Save Ferris

Goodbye

I never want to see you again

Goodbye

I don't want to be your friend 

So long

Now we've reached the end

Time for me to turn that bend

When time has run away

And there's no need for me to stay 

And lose myself to you

And be abused by you

I don't need the pain

From your mind games

When you try them again 

I won't be there for them to work

Anymore

Goodbye - Full song

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Nook Friends!

Aloha everyone!

Got a shiny new Nook and wish you had some books to read?  Well, you've come to the right place! 

Just post a comment at the bottom with your email and let's get a thread started!

There you go! New Nook Friends - New books to read!

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

6000+ Views

Wowsers!  

It was merely 2 months ago that I passed the 5000+ view mark.

Hmmm.. I must be doing something right.  o_O 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

HI TO FL - Last Month in Hawaii

Yes, its crazy busy time?!  What am I doing?! I'm not really sure - but hey here's a calendar!  

Let's make some plans!

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Big Island Adventure

Note to self: Buy a waterproof camera.

Staying somewhere without cell phone reception - check.

Being intoxicated on New Years Eve - check.

Realizing the next day (I'm too old for this shit) - check.

Having wine later that day - check.

ha ha. a lot of things happened on this short trip to Hawai'i.  Being bit by mosquitoes, driving around the island, meeting new people, reuniting with old friends, staying at a bed and breakfast, hiking, snorkeling, kayaking to a snorkel spot, hiking up a mountain, eating awesome homecooked food, laughing like there are no problems with the world.  

I am seriously blessed, I had an awesome trip to the big island and got to participate in some awesome activities - I wish I could share some of them with you (see note to self - up top), then again, its probably one of those things that you need to see for yourself.  or go google it - Kealakekua Bay.

We even stayed at a bed and breakfast 1 day - check it out!  http://www.alohaguesthouse.com/ - this place is beyond gorgeous and I can't believe its my 4 or 5th time staying there!

Well, enough rambling for me.  For me, it was great to get away from the city and be in the company of a good friend.  I really didn't miss having my cell phone - I actually might disconnect it when I move.

Alright - picture time, I know most of you are visual people... so here are some pictures.

Plug in - My blog name!

Those evil cosmos on NYE!

A view from Aloha Guest House

Me hiking in the mountains.

Not sure what's so funny. o_O

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

2012 - Happy New Year

Wow... what a way to start off the new year. 

The last day of 2011 was a day that was very well spent.  I am currently in the country of the Big Island - with no cell phone reception, 3500 feet above sea level.  However, when I arrived, the weather was nice and warm - surprisingly Hilo was warmer than Honolulu.  Immediately, after a quick breakfast break Summer and I went to the beach - not just any beach, a beach accessible after a 2.5 mile hike through the jungle.  Needless to say it was completely worth it.  Here are some pictures!

Here is a picture of us enjoying a coconut - one that I opened with my bare hands.  Which isn't too hard actually.  The coconut with its husk is a huge coconut, you want to hit both ends along a shark rock to soften it, you'll need a bit of physical force to peel off the husk - then to access the juice, you strike the widest part of the coconut against the rock - not super hard, but enough to create a crack on it and just follow it around. and voila!  You get some juice and lots of yummy coconut!

After the beach... thai food, a long 1.5 drive - which of course, I napped the whole time... it was relax time, and of course party time.  What a better way to ring in the New Years than with a small group of people and of couse cosmos and green apple martinis.

(MORE PICTURES WILL BE POSTED UPON RETURN TO OAHU)

Happy New Year everyone!

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.