Visitors are coming soon.

Well, another week has come and gone. Its one month from today that Jane will be coming for the whole summer! And then two days later, Elizabeth and Alexandra are coming down. We are super excited to have visitors. As much fun as we are having here, its still hard to be so far away from everyone.
Last week was fun...Thursday was my first sailing class. The Hickam Harbor Wet Hens meet every Thursday at 9AM for 9 weeks. We had a short swim test and then learned how to recover from a capsize. The swim test was fine, but let's just say that I am still recovering from my capsize! We had to learn to right the boat and then climb our way back in...I am covered in bruises. I actually look like I was in a car wreck. My arms and shins are bright purple!
Its been a challenge to find shirts to wear ever since that keep my arms hidden.
The class was super fun and challenging. I almost gave up trying to pull myself in the boat, but with teamwork, I made it on in! I can't figure out why they make us climb the highest part of the boat...It would have been much easier to climb up the back side. I have sailing manuals to read and homework to complete by this Thursday...plus I have to practice tying knots. But at the end of all of this, I will be a certified beginning sailor!
Jason didn't have to work on Good Friday or the Monday after Easter (today). So, he has had a nice little break.
Friday we went to all of our favorite spots in Waikiki and had a great time. We actually decided to stop in the Ruth's Chris Steak House and have an appetizer. It proved to be a good move! The bartender asked where we were from and guess what...he's from KY too. He is actually from Lexington. He has lived in Hawaii for the past 10 years or so. He majored in Hospitality Management and came here to find a job. He was very nice and we had lots to talk about. There was discussion about Keeneland, UK basketball, and missing the changing of the seasons. We plan to go visit with him again soon.

Thursdays

This week has been rather uneventful...The weather has been so-so. Rain, wind, and a little sun...today its nice out and I am inside doing laundry.
Jason is "supposed" to get finished at 3PM on every Thursday, but he has yet to make it home before the normal 5:30 timeframe. Maybe it will work out today.
But, on a good note, Jason doesn't have to work on Good Friday and we are waiting to hear if he has to work the Monday after Easter...a potential 4-day weekend?!!?
I just signed up for a beginning sailing class. Its given by a group of military wives who volunteer to teach other military wives. They call themselves the Hickam Harbor Wet Hens.
Its a 9 week course that meets once a week for three hours. We start next Thursday. I am excited! And I think Jason is happy that I am getting out and meeting people.
So, be on the lookout for my updates about the class...I hope I don't make an idiot out of myself!! Thankfully, its a beginner's course.

Our Weekend

Well, our weekend was lots of fun. Jason didn't have to work on Friday, so he surprised me with an Atlantis Submarine tour. We went under and visited several different artificial reefs...one Japanese designed, one Univ. of Hawaii designed, and then some sunken airplanes and ships. The fish were awesome...there were tons of little tropical fish and we also saw green sea turtles (endangered) and spotted eagle rays. Thankfully, no sharks or jellyfish...
On Saturday, we booked a whale watching tour. We knew there was a chance that we wouldn't see any because right now is the end of the season. And, we didn't...bummer. But it was neat to go out on the water and ride around...the waves were huge and choppy...there were several people who suffered sea sickness, but Jason and I made it through.
On the whale tour, we got to see a new perspective of Diamond Head...it truly is a picturesque sight. I have pictures, hopefully I will upload them soon.
Sunday brings us to "Double-Movie Day"! Jason and I love going to the movies and watching one feature, walking out, buying tickets for and watching another movie. This particular day, we started with "I Love You, Man" and followed it with "Duplicity". Both were good.
We went to Wahoo's and had some yummy food in between. Nice day and a great weekend.

We're Even...

Well, this week finds us in a state of turmoil. We found out that a friend has passed. So sad and much too soon.

But as we all know, spring is upon us, which can be turmoil in itself. The only sign of it here is the lack of rain and chilly breezes, but I am sure we have a ways to go.

Jason and I have discussed numerous times about feeling guilty here...we are enjoying this beautiful place and all of these good times, yet we have no family or friends to share them with. We so want everyone to see and feel what we do. I guess its one of those times that people refer to as "bittersweet".

And one of the many times that I send out photos...oh I hope you aren't getting sick of them!

While we are watching the tides roll in, rainbows appearing out of thin air, and seeing the brilliant colors of the Pacific Ocean, most of you (in KY) are seeing the grass turn green again, flowers starting to bloom, and smelling that special fragrance in the air...not to mention the thrill of the horse races about to begin.

So, I guess we can call it "even". Hawaii is apparently "nearly" the same for all seasons. Its been green the whole time we have been here; there have been hibiscus and a few plumeria blooming since we arrived. By the number of people that are in the ocean, you would think that its HOT out there.

We can only imagine that feeling of warmth on your skin from the Spring sun all the while there is still a chill in the air...oh a KY spring. Some things are hard to let go of....But before nostalgia takes over and ruins this beautiful day, I must say that you can only imagine wearing flip flops and t-shirts in January, February, and March...need I bring up the ice storm?

We're even...That's what I would say...Nonetheless, we miss you all and we miss KY, but Hawaii will do for now.

Spring is here!

Well, time seems to be flying. I guess that's Spring for you...it always went so much faster than any other time of the year for me.
I can't believe that its mid March! That means we will have visitors very soon. Alexandra and Elizabeth are coming on May 15 and Jane is coming soon thereafter. We are so excited!
The weather here has been a little weird. Some days are beautiful and hot, but almost all days there is a shower or storm.
Today is no exception. Its gray outside...everywhere! Apparently there is a weather mass moving over...its causing snow and freezing rain on the Big Island. That still cracks me up to see.
It doesn't seem possible.