Double Date

A much needed double date night out with my Mistress & her hubbs. The evening started out with dinner for Gabe & I at PF Chang's. He picked the restaurant fine by me I didn't mind. I didn't know he'd never been there before. Down in Waikiki the wait times are long on the weekends so we phoned ahead making reservations only to find out when we got there they weren't busy at all. We were quickly seated & shortly after chowing down on our dinner.

While we were at dinner Nancy & her other half were enjoying the night dancing away at their Welcome Home Ball. (yup from the deployment the guys got home from almost 2 months ago)

After they were done we met up at the Hale Koa Hotel were they were staying and from there made our way down to the Yard House. A popular restaurant & bar right in the center of the Waikiki strip. It draws loads of locals, military, & tourist from all walks of life. Never fails when ever we go there we always run in to people we know. Tonight was no different a group of guys from Gabe's company were there enjoying a few drinks..........a few might have been a understatement.

We got lucky & a couple was leaving from the bar area when we walked in so we quickly snagged their seats. We enjoyed a few drinks, great conversation and some crazy people watching before we called it a night and headed back to our car & them to their hotel. It was a simple night out, but a fun reason to get dressed up. Not to mention getting to spend the evening with a awesome couple. Going a whole year with out your other half is hard & you really rely on your friends to get you through those ruff & tuff times. I met N right at the beginning of the deployment & so our hubbies had never met. (NOTE~ this was NOT the first time they'd met they met right when they all got back from Iraq) Thankfully they hit it off right away, I knew they would seeings they are so alike.

Skinny Picking

After a yummy mexican dinner at a famous local joint called Cholo's down in Haleiwa, my spouse had a crazy idea.

Looking at me she asked are you up for a adventure.....sure I told her what the heck, why not.

Then it was convincing the mistress to go along with it as well. We told her it would involve water and getting wet but that was about it. We made our way further down the North Shore & parked at Sunset beach. By this time its about 9:00pm and completely dark out side and not may cars on the road. (thankfully)

We finally caved & told Nancy what we were doing and she was all in. Skinny dipping in the ocean at night were it was completely dark. (OK were still had our bras & undies on) But only one problem, N wasn't wearing a bra. Now this is typical for her, depending on what she wears she doesn't wear one. I know crazy right, but that's a whole other story. (PS: I'm sure she loves me airing her laundry out there lol.)

We Found a area down near the water to leave our things & we slowly made our way in. Completely freaked & kinda nervous but it was so worth it. Lined side by side the three of us locked arms and walked out in to the ocean. With the waves crashing hard up against us and not being able to see what was under us made it all that much more exciting. We managed to brave it up twice & make our way in for a swim. Cracking up along the way we had so much, fun another item marked off the list.

(the only crappy part was we had no towels in my car, other than a very VERY small brown one that we all tried sharing.)

Driving back home Sarah lets us in on a little goal she had while living in Hawaii. One I had never though of but seemed very daring. She wanted to pick aka steal a Pineapple from the Pineapple field that just so happened to be to the right of us as we were driving back home. OH DEaR lord I though, you have got to be kidding me. All I kept thinking was my husband would about KiLL me. The whole way driving back to post she kept ON and ON about it, so finally once reaching the next red light I made a U~turn. Heading back down towards the ocean & then again another U~turn trying to find a safe spot to pull over on the side of the road so she could get out and get her freaking pineapple. When it comes to stuff like this I'm a chicken shit and so told her and N that I would sit in the car & be the get away driver. We waited till the road was clear from both ways & they went falling over the mound of dirt. (you know the one that is suppose to keep you out) Waiting & waiting for them I said screw it I can't be the only one that didn't go down there so I went. Myself falling over the mound of dirt trying to meet up with them. At this point S had already managed to find one P. and was searching for another. Cars were starting to come and of course I freaked and ran back to the car and jumped in the passenger side causing dirt to get all in my car.

They were left ducking for cover waiting for the cars to pass so they could come back up. All while doing so S was laying in a ant bed being eaten alive. (probably serves us right lol) Just for a stinking PINEAPPLE that ended up being half the size of one you can buy at the store. I have to say it was a first (& last) for me but it was so funny. I have come out of my shell quite a bit over the years but there is still apart of me that has not, & part of that was tonight.

While we driving back to post FINALLY I kept going over in my head how I was going to explain to Gabe why we were all muddy. (wet from the ocean still & muddy from the field) When we got to the house & went in I told him..... he just looked at us and said "your crazy." I expected alot more lol he is a "don't break the law" kinda guy. (picking a pineapple in Hawaii can result into a not so small fee)

All of that for this...............

...............but the memories we made that night were well worth it.

(needless to say there were no pictures taken from the beach adventure)

Zumba

Tonight was my 2nd night at Zumba and let me tell you it was a workout. I have always wanted to try it but being the quiet shy girl that I am and super nervous going places were I don't know anyone. Last week my friend S was finally able to get me out of my shell and I attended a class at a local church here. I didn't catch on to each and every move that they were doing but I wasn't the only one still trying to learn. I wasn't completely on beat with the music and moves that the instructors were teaching but neither was everyone else. Still super nervous and very self conscious I managed to finish my first class, about a hour long I would say and I was pumped and ready for another hour. I really did have loads of fun just as everyone says it is. I was still nervous but it was a small group of people and so I think that helped a little.
S has a friend who is one of the instructors and I mentioned that she needed to give us private lessons because boy was she rocking it out. Some of the dances that she was doing I just stood there for a moment with my mouth open thinking "really I'm suppose to catch on to that".

Tonight was night two and when we got there they had already started, we were a tad late but it didn't stop us N and I jumped right in and started busting it out the best we could. Looking at each other laughing every so often because we were trying to figure out what was going on. We still had a blast with it. I was able to pick up on some of the dances quicker this week after doing them last Wed. So that made things nice and I didn't feel so out of place. There were quite a few more people there this time then last but everyone seemed to be in their own little world dancing and working out the best they could. At first I was super nervous again and didn't wanna make a fool of myself. But that quickly change and I tried my best not to let the other people in the room get to me and freak me out. I always feel like I'm being watched were ever I go (not like spied on) but just in general with everything I do. Or being judge for say and so this situation was no different, I think that is why I have a hard time putting myself out there. One because of failure and two simply because I don't wanna be the talk of the group / town or room. So to avoid that all together I simply remove myself from any environment that would allow that to happen.

I hope within the next week or so I can bring myself to attend the Zumba class that is offered on post. What could I loose..... I mean the class is free and I found out I don't have to sign up or register or anything like that. So even if I got there and didn't feel comfortable I could walk out and not feel like I wasted my money. (although I'm sure with as much as I enjoyed the first two classes that wouldn't happen.) Only time will tell, I have got to put my fears aside and put myself out there more. I have nothing to loose but time and unmade memories.

SO HERE'S TO TRYING NEW THINGS &

BEING MORE OPEN TO CHANGE!!!!

More S'mores Please

After the lovely rain clouds continued to mess with our weekend plans, we were determined to make the most of the day. Beach plans with a few friends were set for this afternoon, down near Dillingham. With the clouds looming over us we had to quickly come up with a solution aka plan B. Vic, the host that she is suggested making S'mores on the beach.....ummmmm are you kidding me..... you don't have to ask me twice. I can't even remember the last time I had a S'more, I was totally all over this idea. I quickly sent out a text to everyone with the change of plans and everyone was in. A quick stop by the commissary on the way out for MARSHMALLOWS and we were good to go.
After we all arrived at Vics. place we chatted a bit, the hubbs realized he was the only guy there out of 5 of us girls and opted to head back to the house. It turned into a girls outing. Even the 4 kiddos that were there were lil girls. We walked the 1/2 mile down to the beach from V's house and set up the mini grill and started a fire. Trying to keep the kiddos busy and out of the goods......aka the MARSHMALLOWS was harder then I though.

But once the fire was up and going we were roasting away.

Making melt in your mouth S'MORES, I was in heaven. I miss making bond fires and roasting MARSHMALLOWS at our river house back home. It was always a wonderful way to spend the night after a day on the water. Sitting there on the beach slowly watching the sunset chatting away with some of my fav. chickas I was having a fantastic night.




It's times like this that I will miss when the time comes for us to PCS when ever that maybe. There are plans in the works for another s'more making evening. :) I can't wait just the though of them makes my mouth water. :)

Here are a few pictures from our ride back to post in N's new car. Her convertible blows my sunroof away. We had a great time jamming out to her hubby's work out music :) I was tucked in the back with Madi holding little Jack Jacks car seat but it really wasn't to bad at all, we got some good laughs. (even more going through Lyman gate since she doesn't have decals yet.)




I absolutely couldn't imagine my life with out the friends I've made here in Hawaii!! I'm so grateful for each and every single one of them.

Rain Drops falling on My Window

When we set out this morning for out weekend hike the sky around post looked very blah. I was a tad nervous and semi bummed because I was really looking forward to this hike. My husband being the more mellow one had higher hopes than me that the area we were going to would be nice. I crossed my fingers and hoped he was right. The closer we got to were we were going the more it started to clear up and the sun started to shine through the clouds.
As soon as we parked the car and started walking to the trail head (passing about 5 "No Trespassing" signs) it started to sprinkle on us. Great just the way I wanted to spend the day, walking in the rain NOT. I looked at Gabe & asked him if he still was up for the hike and he said of course. Well them OK, off we were making our way down a large rock backwards holding on to a rope. (I didn't get pictures of this area bc I was worried about falling & was going to on the way back but we went a different way up)



Following the path deep into the valley along one of the muddiest trails I had ever been on. I was careful were I stepped at first trying to keep my shoes clean and not make a complete mess of myself but that quickly change. There were points along the trail that were so muddy and you couldn't help but step right in it. There was no way around, unless you wanted to go straight down the side of the mountain. Now not by choice but this did happen to me a few times, well not all the way down the side but I though that's were I was headed. I was doing really good for the longest time and then one miss step and I was doomed for the rest of the day. I must have lost my balance or simply just stepped in a slippery part but I slid right down falling on my booty. I was so scared because I had to quickly find something to grab ahold of so I didn't go any further. Gabe stopped and turned around standing there for a few seconds looking at me. I was like "hello why are you just standing there", he says "oh I though you had it" really "if I had it I wouldn't still be sitting here". He just laughed and held his hand out to help me up. From then on I was a muddy mess from head to toe REALLY.



It continued to rain the entire way to the waterfall were we were headed, it would rain hard and then slow down to a slight drizzle but still it rained enough to keep us cool and the mud wet and squishy. I fell two more times on the way to the falls and three times on the way back. They always say third times a charm, I really didn't at all do it on purpose. When we finally reached the falls I was in awh. It was so pretty and refreshing something about the rushing water coming off the mountain tops is so peaceful. Plus I took the opportunity to wash off and clean up a bit. We enjoyed the view for a while snapped a few photos all in the rain, then headed back to the car.






We had a great time along the way, my pour husband having to make sure I was careful and not fall off the side of the mountain. I don't think it would have been the same with out the rain, although it probably would have been a wee bit easier.

Hale'iwa Farmers Market

Sunday morning Gabe & I got up bright & early, my husband really loves me to get up @ 5am in the morning so I can go running. Now I'm sure you are wondering why in the world he had to get up so early if it was just me going running. Well see we were headed down to the North Shore so my sweet friend Vic and I could run together. She has a sweet lil one & since daddy is away right now for a month Gabe so kindly offered to watch her while we ran. How sweet of him on his last day to sleep in before returning to work from block leave. I tell you that man will do anything for me and I just love it.
Lucky for him when we set out on our 6 mile run Gigi was fast asleep snoozing like a champ. So my love was able to kick back on the couch with Izzy (their 4 legged baby) and play around on the Ipad. Gigi loves her Uncle so it would have been a wonderful surprise for her waking up to him. BUT, that didn't happen......leaving Vic's house right @ 6am we got back just shortly after 7:15 and the lil monkey was still fast asleep.
We cooked up a 5* breakfast thanks to the lovely hostess being the rock star that she is. With a assortment of fruit courtesy of yours truly & scrambled eggs for me along with eggs Benedict for Gabe & Vic. topped of with a side of brown sugar / pecan coated bacon and we were eating a feast. Mean while the little one was STILL asleep going on almost 8:30 now. Craziness she never sleeps that late but she got to bed later the night before so maybe that had something to do with it.
Just before 9am we went in and checked on the lil squirt she was asleep in the middle of her floor, at some point in the middle of the night she had gotten out of her big girl bed and never got back in. (thank goodness for her blankie she drug with her)

We spend the next half hour playing and chit chatting with the girls and just having a wonderful relaxing morning. It was so simple but I loved every minute of it because we were with the people we love to hang out with. Being able to watch Gabe with Gigi just melts my heart he is so great with kids and there is just something about him and her playing together that is so sweet.

CONVO~ Gabe: Gigi wanna go rob a bank?
Me: Gigi say no thank you.
Gigi: NO THANK YOU
Gabe: but we can sing songs
Gigi: my mommy says no (mom wasn't in the run at the time)

OMG yes he is going to be a great dad that is what everyone keeps telling me. lol He'll have our kid thinking that robbing a bank it the next greatest thing to do.



We then set out for the local farmers market were we continued our morning with the W family. Looking to get some fresh veggies and whatever else we could manage to snag as well. While in Maui we bought some really yummy coconut candy & we wanted to try our hand at making it. I have search every were and online coming up empty handed with a place that sells it on Oahu. So a coconut was a must find while at the market. Just in luck walking past one of the vendors I looked down and there was a cooler full of them. Only 3 bucks what a deal that's a heck of alot cheaper then at the local grocery store. Gabe told the gentleman what he was going to be doing with it and he helped him pick one out that would work just right.



We stumbled across some of the ripest tomato's & avocado's that were just beaming at me to purchase. I looked at Gabe and suggested we make guacamole one of our favorite afternoon snacks. He is not a man to turn down a suggestion on chips and dip. He was on it picking out the tomato's, peppers, onion, avocado and told me to grab a lime. We were set with everything we needed and best part we helped out lots of local farmers.



I'm not a big fan of pineapple, I will eat it in small amounts when its cooked in something else but not alone. However these little guys were so cute, I was tempted to get one but then again it wouldn't get eatin at our house. (well the hubbs would have but he wasn't interested) So I snagged a picture for memories :)



It was a successful trip to the market we had great company and taste tested some yummy local fixins. Looking forward to going back again next weekend to see what else we can stumble across. This is another favorite about living in Hawaii, the outside farmers markets run by the locals and there home grown produce. It just doesn't get any better than this!!!!!

Free Flowing

Set out on another adventure we were on our way, on a lovely scenic drive to our final destination. Taking on the world around us each and every mile we passed. There are hidden gems every were you turn on the island, some are super easy to find & then others are like trying to find a needle in a hay stack. I am a very determined person & once I get my heart / mind set on something I will not give up. No matter what it is, weather it be something I want or some were I wanna go. I am NOT a quitter I push to the end and give my all 100% plus some.
When it came to our weekend weekly hike I had just the perfect one in mind. After lots of research I managed to find a local hidden secret that many keep hush hush. A 40-foot cascade waterfall spilling from the Ko'olau's Mountain. Just as spectacular as describe and even better in person then the pictures I'd see from others.




Only a short 30 minute hike along a rocky dirt road climbing ever so slightly but enough that your body will fill it for sure. Standing under the falls feeling the chilly water run off my face was the most refreshing feeling after a good work out. After relaxing a bit and taking a few pictures we headed back. We passed a few people along the way but what I liked most about this hike is the quietness of it. It was not overly crowded and nestled in the back of the mountains.




There is a swimming hole along the way & I can't wait to go back with the girls and take a dip. It looked so inviting and refreshing, we were headed for some shopping after so we opted not to take a dip. Over all a great day another one marked off the list and put down in the books. Looking forward to next weekends hike.....We are still deciding which one we are gonna take on.

Hiking Hawaii

Off on another adventure reaching new heights mountains above sea level. Each hike we do just amazes me more and more. When I first moved out here I never would have thought that I would have enjoyed it so much but now that's our weekend tradition. Seeing the island from sea level is simply breath taking but seeing it from a couple hundred feet or even a thousand feet above sea level is just amazing. On our hike this weekend we took our pooches. They had a blast running along the trail smelling everything they could get their noses in. We've taken them on a few before but it's be awhile. I'm so happy we brought them along.
It was a perfect day out with our little family. Once we had almost reach the top Gabe didn't think the dogs could make the last little stretch so I went ahead while he waited. Thank goodness to because I'm not sure they would have been able to make it. A very narrow slippery path led the rest of the way to the top. Holding on to the ropes pulling myself up hoping I wouldn't step wrong and fall. Finally making it to the top I was rewarded with the most fabulous views ever seen. Some body pinch me was all I kept thinking "I made it, I did it and didn't fall or get warn out."
Moments like these are the ones I'll always remember years from now. Here are a few pictures I snapped on our adventure.

Dingo waiting for daddy to come back from reparking the car :)



This was the top of a tree swing that we came across along our way.



Stairs stairs Stairs & more stairs, from this point forward there were tons.



As soon as I got to the top I parked it for a moment to take in the view.









Making our way back down the mountain.



All in all it was another wonderful day in the Land of Aloha!!!!!!!

Honu

I just absolutely love the Sea Turtles here in Hawaii also known as Honu. Here are some resent pictures I have managed to snag while out and about around the island. I just can't seem to get enough of them. They are definitely the giant creatures of the sea. S & I went swimming with them a couple weekends ago and well lets just say the waves were super strong that day so it was quite comical. We have plans to go again soon and take another dip at it. But for now with out further adieu................

*The first picture is two new pieces of art work we got for our wall in the living room.


* Just happen to be in the right place at the right time, told you I love these guys & gals.









* These next two are ones I took on our dolphin excursion.

*These next few were taken by the photographer that was on board the boat when we did our dolphin excursion.