~~~~ Lea's Hawaii Adventure ~~~~: April 2007

Aloha my friends ~~ I cant believe its been 7 weeks, that I have lived here on the island of Oahu ! It sure has been a day to day experience, and continuing one !! I still don't really feel that I am truly living here..still feel on an extended work trip or something. If you can believe, this is the first weekend that I did not venture out to the beach -- I think i needed a little break of getting darker -- lol Work has been very busy, and learning the whole new job role out here, very different but enjoying the learning experience that goes with it.

Last week found a place to go kayaking on the East side of Oahu in Kailua area, where you kayak to the Mokulua islands --they are 2 small islands that have cool tide pools on one side and white sand beach on the other - you can bring a picnic and layout. They are islands that are about 4 football fields in distance from the island- the trick is to go in the morning, and beat the wind coming back in early afternoon (not fun getting tipped over on the kayak and trying to get back on, which happened to me -lol )

Mark has visited his 2nd trip here so far last week and helped me get a futon sofa bed for the 2nd bedroom as you friends come and visit :) :) I have a few friends coming in later at the end of this week, and the following week as well, which I'm very, very much excited !! The B & B room awaits you !! I'm waiting for the visitors to come in, so I can go continue and explore the island with them !! So, have you looked into your visit yet ??

If you asked me my favorite part of living here so far, it be the weather of course and the fabulous fresh fish - whether it be sushi or cooked fish. My co-wrkrs have introduced a few good fish and sushi places. My favorite fish right now is this island Butter fish that is very, identical to SeaBass -- LOVE it !

I've learned a few phrases --> "Polynesian Paralysis" = nap ; "Pao Hana" = done working ; "Aloha Friday" = everyone seems to cut work 1/2 day on Fridays - lol ; "Lunch" = lunch time is longer than 1 hr, could be up to 2 hrs -- lol

Anyways, I am doing fairly well, actually better than expected with everything, work, personal & relationship wise--- But it is not the same, to call up a friend and meet at maggianos :( :( I'm still scheduled back for a trip to Cali in May -- will let you know the exact dates, as I may schedule my trip a week earlier, but yet still tbd-- will let all of you know & hope to get a chance to see you !! What I do know, you will find me at my ol' stomping grounds of Maggianos ! My ol' local hangout that I do miss !! Miss all of you, and hope to hear from you soon !! See some updated photos of my place below ~~ ALOHA !!