Feeling reflective

Just watched my DVR recording of Oprah's interview with Jay Leno, regarding the whole Conan O'Brien/Tonight Show thing. I have always been a bigger fan of Conan, and was really looking down at Jay Leno for what this whole thing appeared to be. After hearing his side on Oprah, I'd still choose Conan, but have a new appreciation for Leno's side too. I don't agree with all his choices, but the big picture moment for me is that NBC owns The Tonight Show, not Leno. He's a business man, and show business is not about feelings. Corporate strikes again; they call the shots, the people below them take the hits. Sucks for both of them, but I'll be watching Conan wherever he ends up - hopefully Fox.

Tonight we had a catamaran ride on the Ali'i Kai as a youth group activity with our church kids. Sadly, my honey couldn't go because of work. We tried to get him with us, but at the last minute they called him in for sure. The good thing about it was that I had to be outside of my comfort zone since he wasn't there by my side. I would rarely volunteer such a position, but I worked with it as best as I knew how. I'm just thankful I didn't get sea-sick. I have an average tolerance for the motion of the ocean, but you never know. The food was good though, and towards the end, there was much dancing. It was organized as part of the program for all the guests, so less pressure for everyone to just go with it and shake their booties. Really fun, and really cool to see most of the kids get down too. Plus, our team (Bus #2) won the chant/team spirit contest...because we're awesome.

What I love about working with youth is that moment where you realize that your presence does matter to them. Not that you should do it to feel good about yourself, but for me, I know often doubt that I'm making a difference or an impact. Those sparks of realization that they do know you care and they do value the time spent fuels me for the next times we meet. It doesn't have to be a deep connection, because seeds are small, but they can grow once they're planted.

Hawai'i is home too

My last day in Seattle was so nice. I got to hang with so many of my ladies and it felt good to catch up and just be present with them as we celebrated one of my bestie's engagement and birthday. We went to the Seattle Wedding Show and walked around downtown. Being downtown in Seattle is almost indescribable for me. Not because it's an overwhelming feeling, but I guess it feels good in the way that I love city vibes, and the familiarity of those streets and those lights and those buildings. Later, we got ready together for the birthday dinner in Bellevue: a table full of 12 young women, eating and sipping wine for hours, laughing and taking pictures as often as possible. I like.

So we got back safe and sound on Sunday afternoon. We could feel the heat right off the plane and it felt great! Of course, I wanted to nap when we got home and J went to try and surf. I was successful, but south shore didn't have much to offer my boo. I can't wait for summer swells over here.

Being back after visiting again, feels different this time. I can feel Hawai'i becoming more and more a part of me and what life is for me. As much as Seattle will always be my hometown, I find myself calling this place "home" as well. And with my other bestie coming to move here in the next couple weeks, that will probably have some effect too. :) Not that I don't see us moving back, as planned, but as relationships grow and life flows I can find more comfort and connection with Hawai'i.

I can't forget to mention as well that my honey and I are now open for business in the baby department. We'll have to wait and see when God says yes. I am just as scared as ever but even more excited since we're in agreement that we both want to try now. Yay!

I'll keep ya posted...

I like being home

As cold and as rainy as it is here, I got mad love for Seattle. I honestly don't look forward to living in these temperatures again when we move back, but I am very happy to think of the day when I'll be closer to my family and friends again.

Our gathering on Tuesday was nice; very low key with just a few people. I got an absolutely beautiful memory scrapbook from my three close friends that I will treasure forever! It included pics and notes from many of my friends - I'm feelin' the love fo' sho'. I only wish more people could've come out to see us and/or that we had more time to make for those we haven't seen. *sighhhh*

We went shopping on Wednesday at Alderwood Mall. It's weird how even hometown malls are that much more nice to shop at, just knowing your surroundings better and how the stores are I guess.

We went snowboarding for the first time for me yesterday. We went to Steven's Pass; me, J, B, K, and Ai. I almost didn't go, but glad I did since the conditions were ideal for a beginner like me. It was cold enough for fresh snow to fall, but warm enough that I actually took off a couple layers - me (the cold one)! Had a good time, but of course I sucked. I may try again, but I'm content with just my surfing for now.

After cleaning up a bit, we met back at J's parents' house and watched American Idol auditions, followed by karaoke with the Magic Mic. As any good karaoke session goes, there was gut busting laughter and even some hoarse voices afterwards. I want a Magic Mic!! (**Magic Mic is a karaoke system where you punch in the song number from a directory, then you are scored on your performance - most commonly found in Filipino homes. J's mom brought one back from the Philippines. Yessssss!) To both mine and my husband's surprise, I sang a lot. I didn't give it my all, but I was audible and included some awesome dance moves. And even his sister and future brother-in-law really threw down and came out of their shells. I love it.

Just got my hair cut by my favorite (and currently, my only) hair stylist at 7 Salon. I can't imagine where I'd go with out her, lol. Tried and considered growing my hair, but it's back to the usual slightly bob cut, off my neck and framing my face.

Gotta finish up here, gonna go visit my sister and other family tonight. :)

Feels Like Home

Well, we're ending our first full day of visiting Seattle. It...is...cold. I forgot how cold you can be just walking to and from your car over here. My ears have been hurting since we got off the plane. Despite all this, as we drive around, everything feels like home. The familiarity of this city is comforting - and if I wasn't so cold, I would feel relaxed, lol.

The other side of it all is that Honolulu is also our home now. It's a home away from home. It's warm, and it's where we've lived, worked and played for more than 6-months now. (Feels like longer.) We're building relationships and routines that will be missed when we eventually do move back here to Seattle. And of course, nothing will replace surfing anytime we want.

The flight here this time was fast: 5 hours. Thank goodness. I like flying Hawaiian Air, nice experience. My parents picked us up right on time and we went and ate some good Mexican food up north. I loooove my tacos al carbon! The cats were happy to see us, as usual. Thankfully they aren't over us, cuz I still miss them a lot, especially TURTLE. He's the cutest ever. So sad to have to know I have to leave him again.

Got a visit from one of my besties today. She's recently engaged and I finally got to hear the whole proposal story - so excited for her wedding! Gonna see many more of my darlings on Tuesday for a gathering at my mom's, can't wait.

My mom and stepdad saved their tree and Christmas lights for us to see since we missed Christmas time over there. I like. J got to see their new house for the first time, and his sister's apartment. We're staying at his parents' house tonight, and will be snowboarding in the morning. I've never tried snowboarding or even skiing so it will all be new to me - keep me in your prayers! We'll have a good size group, and at least one other girl will be with me on the bunny slopes. :)

Restaurant list through tonight:

La Palmera, Everett

Red Robin, Seattle (Northgate Mall)

By this time tomorrow...

We'll be back visiting home town Seattle by this time tomorrow (hopefully sleeping at this exact hour, of course). I'm excited but that's not why I'm up. Just was packing tonight and spent some time chattin' it up with my friend that lives near by. Good times.

Apartment update: We got out of the lease for the bad apartment and are already moved in to the awesome apartment! God is so good to us, I am still amazed as if it's for the first time, lol. Praise 'em!

I really should sleep now. just wanted to share.

Good night.

**Happy New Year**

It's 2010! And obviously, the end of 2009 smacked me in the back of my head because I haven't made an entry since 11/16/09...yikes. So much has happened, but a here's a bullet-point update for now:

End of November

-Surfing small waves on south shores, prepared with snorkel gear in between sets.

-Watching big waves on North Shore (beaches closed at Waimea).

-Had Thanksgiving dinner with my boss and her family. I was so thankful she invited us and that J didn't end up having to work.

Pre-Christmas December:

-Billabong Girls' Surf Camp, Maui...that's a loaded one that I'll save for another time for a full explanation. Long story short, had a good time staying at The Ritz, meeting awesome women who surf, made some friends, surfed the most beautiful spot so far Honolua Bay.

-Returned from my trip to a house full of guests: 2 friends, 1 sister-in-law.

-Multiple santa hat surf sessions. :)

Christmas!

-Weird to be away from family during this holiday; I'm not a fan. But we had a good Christmas and God reminded me of just how important I am to Him through the little things.

-Spent Christmas Eve with J's family and Christmas day just the two of us after opening presents via webcam with my parents.

-A santa surf session until the sun went down, of course.

New apartment :(

-We just moved right before the end of December, because we were hoping to save a little and get a place that let's us bring our 5 surfboards inside. Too bad we got a place that turns out to have quite a bit of roaches. Currently we are trying to get out of our lease (after 3 days).

New Year's Eve

-J worked, so I went to Nanang's on my own until my friend came by to hang. (Funny story is that we graduated same high school same year, and ran into each other here about a month ago - small world.) Kalihi is bananas on New Years and it was awesome!

TODAY

-Went to church and I needed it! I'm feeling very discouraged because of our living situation. I woke up very negative. The youth pastor preached since our regular pastor was out sick and it was a timely message for both J and I - God just knows! :) Then had a good time with the youth, very refreshing as usual. I ask anyone who got to the end of this entry to join me in praying for another place to live and that our landlord will give us minimal hassle to get out of the lease we just signed. There is already a potential location that would be extremely ideal, but we're waiting to hear back if it's even available for rent.

Please, oh please, I hope, I hope...