Our New Ohana (Family)

When was the last time you tried something for the first time?

Speaking of new beginnings, did I mention I joined a martial arts class. Well, I did. And it's one of the best things that I've done in a long time. I've only had two classes but I find myself qualified enough to share with people that I do martial arts. Not only is it something new and challenging, but we have practice on the beach. Yes, just like this guy here (a picture I found off google), we meet 3 days a week in the mornings at the beach. I found myself getting in a routine and not experiencing new things. I never saw myself doing something like this and when I sit back and think, man, i'm in a martial arts class, i chuckle a bit to myself. But that's okay. I'm trying something new and it is a rewarding feeling. My first day of class was a killer! My teacher asked me if I could do man push-ups. (Which by the way, I don't really like that they are called man-push ups. I think that's sexist. What... only men can do full push-ups? pff.) Anyway, I told her no and she said well just do them anyway. Oh really teacher? I ended up doing about 50. No they were not complete push-ups but I wasn't on my knees and that's a huge achievement in itself. Hopefully, by the time we leave hawaii i will have abs like this guy below.

Another great part about this class is that everyone is really close and have become our Ohana. A majority of the class is actually related, and the others are so close to each other you would think they were related. They told me that they do everything together and to expect them to invite us to everything. After knowing them for a few days, they invited us out Friday night to watch one of the students play in his band down in Waikiki. Ryan and I haven't gone out late at night much because of my job and we thought it was funny that it took a group of 40+ year olds to make us stay out till 1am. We went out to eat and then went over to Jimmy Buffets to watch Mark's band.

They even brought their grandma who is 92! We all went out to the dance floor and she would come with us. I hope that when I'm that age I can go out late at night with the young folks and party it up still. That must be her fountain of youth. She went out to the dance floor and performed a hula dance for everyone. This is something I have to learn while I'm here... and Ryan too of course. 92 years old! it's hard to believe i know.

Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Club

The New Year means new adventures. Ryan and I are officially members of the Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Club. We meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays for paddling out in the ocean. We will be the first to admit that 1.) it is so much fun and 2.) you will be so sore.

Today was PERFECT weather. Let me define what I think is perfect weather. First of all, it's sunny but occasionally the clouds will provide some shade. You have a nice breeze to keep you cool but not any more than that because you want to be feeling the sun on your skin. Am i right or am i right? Well, that's exactly how it was today.

On our ride today we went out to the Twin Islands a.k.a. Mokulua's. The water was 100% crystal clear. You think that the turquoise clear water only exists in pictures... but you can actually see it in real life too!

We paddled around the islands and pulled up on the small beach on the island. We were able to rest and soak up the amazing view!

*These photos were not taken by the blogger. Only posted to provide readers with a visual. Although the man in front of the canoe does bear some resemblance to Ryan. jk.

Pali want a cracker?

Ok. Lame title for the post. I'm laughing at myself for writing that. Just trying to make it a little more interesting besides just saying Pali Lookout. How boring is that?

Nuuana Pali Lookout is a "MUST SEE" on the windward side of Oahu. Here is some history if you are interested. For those of you who aren't, just keep on scrolling down to see the pictures :)

It is believed to be the home of Kamapuaa, a Hawaiian demi-god who is half-man and half-pig. It is also up here at the Pali lookout where in 1795, King Kamehameha and his invading army pushed the Oahu defenders over the mountain’s sheer cliffs, thus becoming the new ruler of Oahu. In 1897, when the first Pali Road was being built, 300 skulls were discovered at the bottom of those same sheer cliffs.

Have you ever been somewhere and some one sees that you want your picture taken and they say,

"Do you want me to take your picture? "
"Yes, please. Thank you so much."

You might think to yourself what a nice gesture for them to offer becaue that's what I was thinking when a guy took this picture... but then after the picture they say...

"Oh can you take mine now? Thanks."

Well, this is one of those pictures.

Senior Pictures!! HA!

Check out the great view!!

I'm not just talking about Ryan people. :)

STRIKE A POSE!

AND ANOTHER! :)

 Beautiful Day! In this picture you can see the town that we are living in. We are right of the two mountains in the back right corner. Unfortuantely, the mountain on the right is blocking our neighborhood.

 

Ch-Ch-Ch-China... TOWN

On Saturday, the weather was a little more on the gloomy side. We thought we would head to town (Honolulu) and walk around China town just to say we did it. We tried out some food and drinks and bought some groceries! We couldn't even tell we were in Hawaii.. it felt too much like China. First comes first, lets hit the bakery. Eh... not too impressed. I was probably just wanting a donut or something and got mystery thing. Did not satisfy my sweet carb tooth.

 

 I got a hair clip and I wanted Ryan to take a picture of it. Then he made fun of me because I said, Dang my hair looks really good in that picture. You have to understand, i just threw my hair up really fast and i thought it looked professional. Dont you? :) Ok, you're right, I exaggerated a little.

Do you want to buy fresh fish? or cookies? Why not both?

Bringing in the New Year

Rita with her sparkler!

We had some friends come over for a game night. I don't think Ryan and I should host parties anymore, or maybe just not take any pictures of the party because our guests either look:

A: Pissed

B: Tired

C: Bored

 or D: like a Pedophile

 

But, no. All in all, we had a good time. Despite what the pictures may show.

Ok everyone. Get together and look happy!

We lit off some fireworks. Rita ended up waking up and she came out and had some ice cream with us. She stayed up till 1:30! She's a party animal.

For a non-smoker, you can always count on Ryan to have a lighter on him.

No one likes doing yard work...

Funny story. Ryan and I had a little tiff and decided to give each other a little space to cool off. I was in the kitchen doing dishes when lo and behold this is what goes right by the kitchen window.

Ryan decided to go mow the lawn. I'm not sure if he thought it needed to be cut, or if he discovered the sitting lawn mower and wanted to have some fun with it.

 I had to go take some pictures. I don't know why but I couldnt stop laughing. He looks like he is really hating cutting grass with the weather and view he has to put up with. Ha.

Seeing the sights.... we are so not tourists

Ok, so technically we're not really tourists because we are living here now... but people can still point us out easy enough when we are going to all the touristy places. Here are some we've checked out. :)

Apparently this is the best place for shaved ice on the island. Up on the north shore. Yes, the shaved ice here is amazing.... but that's because I'm used to the Snow Shack in Rexburg.

MATSUMOTO'S

Mark my words... one of these days I will be standing on that island

MOKOLI'I a.k.a.

CHINAMAN'S HAT

I was tempted not to put these pictures up because we actually didn't reach the end of this hike.

This is our second hike and we didn't learn from the first hike not to go the day after it rains.

We also forgot to wear mosquito repellent. We learned that from out first hike too.

It was so muddy our feet were slipping everywhere so we ended up heading back. Stay tuned in and eventually we'll put pictures up of the end. I also dont remember the name of this hike so I'll post it next time.

Best Guava Pancakes in the World!

I actually didn't order the guava pancakes, but I did have a bite off my friend's plate and they were good!

CINNAMON'S RESTAURANT 

This is the hawaiian Jamba Juice... Even though they do have Jamba Juices here. I think this one is better.

LANIKAI JUICE

Just throwing this on here because you see it everywhere. 

Apparently this is the original restaurant that the movie 50 First Dates got their restaurant idea where Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore meet and do the whole waffle house thing. Anyway, they got the name of the movie restaurant from this cafe. And you can't really tell but this little cafe is right in the middle of a neighbord. So awesome. This was one of the days I went running with a camera. See? It's so useful to go running with a camera. you should all try it.

HUKILAU CAFE