Just Another Day In Paradise

I must say, it's really disappointing how having a "real" job interferes with the very things that I hold near and dear to my heart, the things I consider to be the very essence of my being - frolicking in the sunshine and chatting with my friends and family online. I'm now into my 3rd week of working and it's really putting a damper on this little "pretend" vacation I've blissfully been on the past 3 months. It's not that I don't like working; I do. I like the sense of accomplishment of learning something new, meeting new people, and making a bit of money. However, I don't love what I do and that makes it hard to be excited to go there for 8 hours per day. Another thing that slightly bums me out about having a job is that it means I'm putting down roots here, 6000 miles away from everything and everyone I know and that makes me want to mess my human suit! Seriously, it's some scary stuff. As I mentioned earlier, there is no driving from here to there. There's only a 15+ hour plane ride, and that is not so fun for the hiney.

The very first thing I did today after getting out of work was drive home, take the work clothes off, put the beach clothes on, grab my book and a towel and drove the 2 blocks to the beach. All of this happened in a matter of 15 minutes - like a caged animal let out at feeding time...it was that sense of urgency! (Normally, I would walk, but it was already after 4pm and I needed to consume every possible ray of sunshine that I could.) And it wasn't even that I was really so hot and needed to go directly into the water, but I threw my towel down on the sand, not-so-carefully throwing my phone and keys into opposite corners so as to keep the wind from blowing it up and away, and headed straight into the water. Now, I'm willing to bet that most people get that "eek, this is chilly", suck in your tummy, jump up so the incoming waves don't go past the equator bit. Well, if you don't, then you're lucky. It was probably about 80 degrees and I still did this water dance! But, one wave was just high enough to hit above the equator so there was nothing left for me to do except dive into the water, and then stand up, facing the beach (so no big rouge waves blast me in the face as I open my eyes - that sucks), and quickly glancing to make sure the bikini is still where it should be - on, and covering the necessary parts (it was). And then I frolicked just long enough to catch a breeze and get chilly, so I got out and went to the towel (still intact), read my book and relaxed. It was perfect. Another perfect day in paradise.

In case you're reading this, wondering "Wow, it sounds pretty great. Are there any downsides of living in Hawaii?" Let me tell you, there are. Take for example, my very first unpleasant experience that I had here. It was probably about 3 weeks after arriving on the island and I was making my trek - the 1.7 miles - down to the post office to send out another batch of post cards. I had gotten a late start so it was nearly 5 by the time I got there and decided to turn around and come straight back to the house instead of moseying around any of the little shops. As I'm walking back home, I pass a juice store, touristy shops, Salvation Army and bank. Now, I do the proper bit and stop to look and make sure no cars are coming out of the drive-thru lane (I prefer not to get hit by any cars, if at all possible), and what do I see? There were no cars, scooters or trucks, but there was something frightening that caught my eye. There, in the very corner of the bank drive thru lane, facing the main road, was a man relieving himself, looking at me as I walked passed. It was so creepy, perverse and dirty! It was like a slow-motion train wreck in that I didn't want to look, but I couldn't not look! I immediately felt the need to shower with clorox upon arriving home because Johnson's Body Wash just wasn't going to cut it. And all I could think was "Seriously, dude. I don't know what your situation is, maybe you're homeless and that is sad and I feel for you. BUT, your kibbles and bits are NOT homeless. Those puppies should be kenneled inside their Wranglers at all times, especially during daytime hours. Nobody (ie: me) wants to see you watering the bank's bushes....eww." I mean, jeez!

And so to the conclusion...yes, even though I love being here in beautiful Hawaii, there are some downsides (public urination and exposure to some random dude's junk). And for that, I give NH 1 and HI 0. After all, I've never seen anyone peeing in the drive thru of Mascoma Savings Bank.

Spirit of Aloha !

The "spirit of aloha" is more than just a phrase. It's something that (it seems) many people living here take very seriously. The people I've met, for the most part, believe in living and spreading the aloha spirit. What does this mean? It seems that people living the aloha spirit tend to be very warm, outwardly friendly folks who seem to realize they are very lucky to live in such a beautiful place and don't take it granted. Most everyone I see, whether they are moseying down the street or sitting in the shop they work in, seem to genuinely happy people. This just confirms my belief that living where it's warm and sunny makes me a happier, less cynical person...and I love it! While I'm clearly not a native to the island, I am trying to live the aloha and be a warmer, happier, more accepting person. I mean, jeez, I've even gone so far as to trade in most of my dark colored clothes for happy, lighter hues! If that isn't making an effort, than I don't know what is!

Below is a list of random things that I've learned in the past 3 months while living here in Hawaii. Some are hard to explain unless you're actually here, but I'll do my best. Try to keep up as I explain some of the important "local" info that one should know before coming to the island.

H!, H2, H3 - The three main highways in O'ahu, uniquely named.

Likelike - Don't let anyone hear you call it the "like like" highway. Big nono. It's pronounced leaky leaky, as in "my kitchen faucet is very leaky." If you call it the "like like" - as in "I like you very much" - you might as well pack your bags and go back to the airport to catch a flight back to the Mainland b/c you will be shunned, effective immediately.

Pali - Pronounced "Pauly" - but not in the NYC/Bronx/Brooklyn accent way. The Pali and the Likelike are the two most common highways from Kailua to Honolulu. Well, those are the two I use anyway and since this is my blog, I get to label them as I see fit. :)

Manapua - "Mahn-ah-puah". The following description will probably sound as appetizing as "fresh baked diaper cake" but it's one of those things you have to try before judging. I tried my very first manapua over the weekend and it was SO good! Nothing could have prepared me for how tasty this island treat really is. It's essentially a Dunkin' Donuts-consistency-glazed donut, filled with shredded pork. And it's about the size of a whopper. See what I mean? Sounds gross, but don't knock it 'til you try it!

Hawaii (the word), with a decal profile of the State of Hawaii (the island chain) - Apparently, geography isn't taught in this state. Why else would one need to have a decal outlined profile of the state and its name plastered on their cars (Pride, perhaps)? At least in NH/VT we show our state pride in a more original way...two words - gun racks.

Traditional Hawaiian names - Kamehameha, for instance - I'm willing to bet right now you're trying to sound this one out. Am I right? It took me about 2 weeks before I got this one, and it's only because I asked Joe numerous times. It's pronounced "Ka may ha may ha". Seriously, there are too many "k's" and vowels in most of Hawaiian words I've come across. Good thing I work in a hospital where I get to try and spell these names on a regular basis.

And I'll wrap this post up with the two best things about living in Hawaii.

1. Spam. It's everywhere. Did you know that there are over 6 types of Spam? And those are found in only one store! And in case you're wondering, they are: Regular, Low-sodium, Tabasco, Cheese, Turkey, Chipolte.

2. Dog the Bounty Hunter & Co. Because he's not ashamed wearing leather vests (moobies -man boobies- may or may not be showing), leather or cargo pants, HUGE belt buckles, cowboy boots - everyone knows those are the most practical when chasing down convicts, sunglasses with long, dangly decorations and finally...those luscious locks. Who else can rock such a sweet mullet?! Additionally, there are two two things I am convinced of. The first: I will meet the Dog. The big bad Dog. The bounty hunter. Secondly: The State of Hawaii is going to create a state holiday in his honor and perhaps even hold a celebratory parade. It shall be named "Day of the Dog."

Hope everyone is doing well, staying safe and healthy. Thanks for reading!

Confessions from a Dashboard Hula Girl

Today, after another very long morning of interviewing, we went on a drive to North Shore to check out the ginormous waves. And by we I mean me and the dashboard hula girl. It was my very first time driving around the island all by myself. It was slightly boring because Joe wasn't there to chat with, but I did come up with ways to keep myself entertained. I'm fairly certain dashboard hula girl was pretty amused, as well.

As I was driving on the H-3 over to the other side of O'ahu, I found a good radio station that was playing top 40 type music, which created an amazing platform for me to work on my airband skills. That was all fine and dandy until I had to merge, then I actually had to concentrate on driving. Safely. I had all the windows down, curls flying everywhere, and I was belting out tunes in my finest "I'm a great singer...in the shower" voice, occasionally making up lyrics as I go (who hasn't done that). The sun was shining, no snow in sight - everything was going great - until, I hit traffic.

Luckily, everyone was still moving, just at a slower pace. And then I hear it. "I can feel it, coming in the air tonight. Oh lord. I've been waiting for all my life. Oh lord." Phil freakin' Collins! Hearing this throwback song, I lost all self control and began airbanding. Not just a casual air band. No no. A full on, drum solo like I was in concert with Phil and the rest of Genesis. My first thought was that my excellent drum solo rivaled Mike Tyson's. However, upon sitting in traffic, because I was compelled to beat those non-existent drums for all I was worth, singing at the top of my lungs, there is no competition. I would kick Mike T's airbanding-drum-solo's @ss! And then I realized all my windows were down. Whoops. I'm sure the other drivers sitting alongside me in traffic were wondering to themselves "How a Muppet got a license to drive??" , as I'm fairly certain that my air-banding moment of glory likened me to an out of control Muppet.

Nothing really exciting happened after the bit of traffic. Drove through the Dole fields, down through what look like Christmas tree farms (surely this cannot be what they are), and finally saw the ocean ahead of me. And it was especially awesome because I didn't use GPS or a map! I went with road signs and my gut feeling. I mean, seriously, if I took a wrong turn, where could I end up? Certainly not in Kansas. And I must say, even though I've driven across the States twice now without using GPS, it really still is just as exhilarating knowing that I can get to where I want to go without depending on technology! Sadly, upon arriving in North Shore, all radio stations were lost. Where they went, I don't know. Needless to say, all airbanding was halted, much to my dismay (and dashboard hula girl's dismay, I'm sure).

Sitting on the beach was nice and relaxing, as always. I was watching all the ridiculous people who thought it was a good idea to be frolicking in the ocean with 30+ foot waves. Every time the Lifeguard's voice came bellowing out of the speakers attached to his little lifeguard hut, he sounded a bit more annoyed. Seriously, how many times do people need to be told to stay out of the water if they aren't wearing fins?! Eventually, the inevitable happened and he had to make a rescue. Lifeguard and dumb@ass swimmer made it back, safe and sound.

Why is this relevant to anything? Because as I was watching the swimmers fight the current it made me stop and think. I went to college and obtained a degree. Which, this is what every guidance counselor in the world says you should do. It took me forever, but I persevered and graduated. Somehow along the way, I realized, I stopped pushing myself to be better. I currently spend countless hours searching for random jobs. But here's the kicker - they aren't even jobs I want. I've just been trying to get some easy, dead-end job doing what I've always done because I'm good at it, and it's comfortable.

Then I had an epiphany of sorts. I'll never have the career I want unless I get out of that comfort zone! Genius, right? Wish I could take all the credit for that little nugget, but I can't. Joe and I had this very discussion a few days ago and he questioned my motives. He said (spot on, mind you) to me "you always come up with these great ideas and goals, but you never follow through with them. You need to get over those hurdles and get out of your comfort zone! Stop saying "one day" or "I want to...." and just do it." Damn that Joe for making me realize I was letting the brick wall win all these years.

As I thought more about this conversation, and my little epiphany, I came to wonder if everyone goes through this? Does everyone, at some point or another, question how they've gotten where they are? And, if they aren't happy, do they find the courage to stand up and change? I mean, seriously, WTF have I been doing all these years?! When I heard "you have cancer" I was scared out of my whits. I challenge you to find a scarier assembled set of words! If I had let that fear stop me from fighting, I would probably be the main course at a worm buffet by now! Why, then, have I been gliding through life doing what is easy instead of what I want!? It's pretty freakin' ridiculous, right?

So this is my promise to myself. I conferred this with Dashboard Hula Girl (she agreed) and then came up with a solution. If I blog the things that I AM going to do, then I will be held accountable by everyone who reads this. It's pretty scary, but exciting! Below is my list of goals for 2010. They aren't resolutions to be forgotten in 3 weeks time, but actual goals that I fully intend to cross off my list this year. Want to know what they are? Okay, here goes.

1. Take the time I usually spend reading celebrity gossip and instead read more actual news. (I have even gone so far as to delete all my fav gossip website bookmarks from my toolbar.)

2. Become a bartender. (Why, you ask? Answer: Why not?! Who doesn't like a perfectly mixed drink??)

3. Leave my "career" comfort zone (Sorry Kenny Loggins, it's not the same Highway leading to the Danger Zone), by studying to become a professional wedding planner. Sound cheesey to you? Suck it. It's my dream, not yours. :)

4. Stop letting fear of the unknown make all my decisions. I kicked cancer's ass and I fully intend to kick down every other brick wall with the same determination!

5. Skydive. I have hope that it'll cure me of my fear of heights. (corresponds nicely with 4, doesn't it?)

6. Write more letters by hand and send via USPS. It's surprisingly refreshing receiving an actually letter, not just an email.

7. Wear a bra less often. (Just making sure you're still paying attention. Seriously people - it's not 1974 anymore. Fence in those sweater cows!)

7. Run more. I used to run all the time BC (before cancer), but stopped during treatment. Additionally, I will run, as a way of training for the race I plan to sign up for this year. Details yet to be determined.

8. Run more. No, this is not a mistake. Different reason - I will run more this year because I CAN. I have two perfectly good legs, and live in beautiful Hawaii. If I was still in NH, I would be bitching about the cold, doom & gloom of winter. There is no excuse now that I'm in HI.

9. Lose 10lbs and keep it off. In case you're wondering, this isn't as easy for me as it is for most. Being a 29 year old girl with the hormones of a 50 year old woman does not make for easy weight loss.

10. Love and appreciate every day that I'm blessed with. And I hope on the days when I'm pissy and being a crankasaurus, I remember to stop and do this.

And on that note, below is a quote I found while reading Jodi Picoult's "My Sister's Keeper". It's a perfect way to summarize this entry, and I think Dashboard Hula Girl would agree...

"That the people you love can surprise you every day. That maybe who we are isn't so much about what we do, but rather what we're capable of when we least expect it."

Intro to a Fascinating Life (and it's all mine!)

So, if you are reading this blog, then you presumably know who I am, but for those of you who don't, read on to discover a bit more about me. The basics: I'm 29 years old, grew up in NH - where the majority of my friends and family still reside (miss you guys), currently live in HI (YAY - sun, not snow!), have a crazy English Springer Spaniel named Hershey who I love dearly, although I'm not sure he would say the same thing about me since I make him wear ridiculous doggie outfits and put his long, curly haired ears into pigtails for my own amusement, and the most basic thing anyone who ever met me knows, I hate cold weather!

Still interested? Keep reading. I'll try to make it more of a nail-biting, page turning (I guess page "scrolling" would be a more accurate term??), post. By now you're probably saying "Okay, so the title is Intro to a Fascinating Life, but where the heck does the fascinating part come in - is the girl crazy?" Well, let me tell you the reasons why I'm a pretty fascinating person.

At age 25, I was diagnosed with Stage 2b breast cancer. My first thought: Seriously? Breast cancer? WTF, I'm only 25?! But alas, the biopsy was correct and so I went under the knife a few times, had four months of chemo (in case you're wondering, losing all your hair is most convenient in the wintertime, especially if you live in a cold region, because nobody questions why you always wear a hat), 7 weeks of radiation and that was that. I had an abundance of curls when I went bald, which, I was sad to lose them all. But, being bald somehow made me appear taller (this is what some people have said anyway), and it most definitely highlighted the fact I have an amazingly beautiful and evenly shaped head (thanks mom for not leaving me lying in one spot while my head was in its formative stages!).

Another thing is this: when I was in the 7th grade going into 8th grade, I met a boy, who, the instant I was introduced to him, I thought to myself "I'm going to marry this guy someday". Fast forward many, many years and that little 7th grade cute boy has since turned into a 30 year old hottie and is currently sitting behind me at his desk in our little slice of paradise. While we're not married, and may never get married, we are just as together as anyone who has signed that little piece of paper. It's really amazing; I honestly believe that sometimes you can want something SO much that you can really will it to happen. I guess you could say it's a facet of the power of positive thinking.

Let's see....other things...hmm. For one, I've been compared to Carrie Bradshaw on more than one, or 5, occasions. We have many striking physical similarities, although she has a much more svelte body at this particular time (pfff. stupid SJP and her skinny body). Aside from physical features and similarities, there are many, many episodes of SATC in which I act just as neurotic as Carrie. There are a few big (no pun intended) differences, and they are this: 1. I do not like Cosmopolitans. I have tried them and I just don't like them. I'm a beer girl. 2. I do not use my oven as sweater storage. I love to bake! 3. I could NEVER spend $400 on a pair of shoes (sorry Manolo) 4. She's a city girl. I'm a country girl. I think that is a pretty good summary of the Sara vs. Carrie comparison.

For all of the aforementioned fascinating stories, and many, many more to come, I hope you return to my blog for more riveting details of my fascinating life, and perhaps even a bit of entertainment!