Happy New Year to all from the islands ~ I am currently living my 10th month on the island and time has flown by so fast, maybe even faster that the island trade winds – lol lol Its been a very hectic holiday season here on the island with work and my APA leadership of volunteering in December (what did I get myself into, being a volunteer APA Board member ?? LOL LOL ) I’m going to apologize for those that I was not able to see while I was in SoCal over Christmas, but my trip again went by very fast with being in SoCal, going to SLO for the holidays and then back to SoCal to work for the week, on top of having a congested cold while there – it was a bit exhausting!!
~~~~ Hope everyone had a wonderful holidays and have started an empowering 2008 !!! I flew back here to Oahu on New Years Day – just in time to watch the University of Hawaii in the SugarBowl – the island fans for UH are definitely diehards – if you caught a glimpse of the bowl game, you will understand how loyal they are, traveling thousand of miles to go to NewOrleans – for Hawaii, it was a historical moment, since they were 12-0 record, and have never been to big bowl game. Unfortunately they lost, but my co-workers expressed a great time they won’t forget.
~~~~~~ Anyways, being back to island life, winter season on the islands tops off around 80-81* for the high but it has gone down to low 67* last night. Ya I know, it’s not winter compared to Cali and the rest of the states. My 2 sweaters that I have out here, have not really gotten any wear & tear – lol But, probably my most clothing type expense are my flip-flops – I’ve got all the flip-flop colors to match my outfits !! LOL LOL You can’t beat the island weather !! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT !!
~~~~~I still have my lingering cold that I had while in Cali for the holidays, but it hasn’t stopped me from keeping up on my golden Hawaiian tan - I had some relatives recently here last week, and we got some good tan color last week J J Actually, I’ve felt the best ever, after a few good solid hours under the sun – Just doesn’t seem right does it, being able to layout and get dark in the month of January, does it ?? Believe it – check out my tan in one of the pics below – LOL LOL
~~~~~Nicholas & Nambe are doing well and they missed mommy much over the holidays --- I think they have adjusted very well to the island weather and it will be an adjustment for them when they move back to Cali.. I know, you’re thinking “is Lea coming back to Cali” or what -- Well, as some of you may know, the answer is YES --- I wanted to at least fullfill my 1 full year commitment, which comes up at the end of March. My experience here has been the most incredible ever the past 9 months and I hope to continue to experience until the day I official move back --- I know the beautiful weather and the tropical ambiance are what I will miss the most here, but nothing beats living close to family & living close to all my friends in Cali :) :) Some say, that I need to stay longer living here, to get a better feeling of the island living, but I think I am DONE with island living--believe me, I've gotten the "feel" of living here. The one thing, is that I my thoughts have not changed about Hawaii – I will definitely continue to come and visit the islands as much as possible still, as I did prior to living here. Geez, I’ve got the local “Kama’aina” ID card, that is good for 5 more years, to get the “local rates” on hotels and restaurants – How can I not come back ?? LOL LOL I will miss all the great foods here, fresh fish and the fresh poke ~~but I know, that I have learned to make some of these island dishes that I will cook at our next Lea BBQ – lol lol
~~~~~ A few links that I wanted to share, is I found the corporate office for Maui Divers Jewelry here, and they actually give tours on how their jewelry are made -- they are known for their pearls & coral. Beautiful rare looking Tahitian pearls seem to be my favorite – I may just need to place a hint to someone, to get me a Tahitian Chocolate Pearl ring – lol lol Here is the link à http://www.mauidivers.com All their jewelry have a lifetime guarantee, if it ever chips or looses color, lifetime to exchange - not a bad deal !!
Another link that I wanted to share, is for my friends that are football fans (yes, that’s you “familia boys’” -- > http://www.nfl.com/probowl The NFL pro-bowl is hosted here in my island, Oahu @ the Aloha Stadium --- go check out the links, this could really, really be a good time to come out !! I am planning to go check this out, since I’m here !! Anyone interested to come out ? Nicholas & Nambe would love to have you visit :) :)
~~~~~~I have no scheduled flights to Cali right now – I just want to soak up as much Hawaii as I can (yes, that means more sun !! lol lol ) Probably won’t really start looking at moving until March comes around -- There are things that I need to think about and considerations in the next 2 months, on my decision on “where” Nicholas ,Nambe & I will live if its in LA Beach Cities/or back to the OC..... OR even the possibility of expanding our family living arrangements OR just keep the living arrangements the same, just the 3 or us -- who knows what will output will come.... we are up for the adventure back to Cali !!! (gosh, got a little excited about my adventure back to Cali !!! ) "" Stay tuned ""
~~~~~~As always, my Oahu Ohana home is open to all of you, if you are still considering in a visit to the hawaiian tropical ambiance, before I leave or I may just have to plan a trip with you, after I move back :) :) (Remember, I've got the "local Kama'aina rate discounts" for 5 more years - lol lol ) I know I have a few of you, that are “re-visiting” the islands before I leave – again, right now targeting to be here, at least until March 31st and possibly keep my place here until end of April or so. Check with me first, and I'll check Lea's B & B calendar if available --- I will do my best to update this blog more frequent in my remaining months here ~~ MISS YOU ALL & ALOHA ~~ Lea ~~
