Once in a young lifetime one should be allowed to have as much sweetness as one can possibly want and hold. 
— Judith Olney
Friday, November 14, 2008
Quote of the Day
Once in a young lifetime one should be allowed to have as much sweetness as one can possibly want and hold. 
All I Want For Christmas
are my two front teeth. And an iPhone. And a new laptop. OH! And a gift cards for groceries.
For reals list...
Courtney's Wish List
Check back frequently as I update it often.
*disclaimer*
You'll notice that there are wedding books towards the end of the list. I love wedding books. I dream of someday being a wedding planner. But they work weekends, so that may never happen. So instead I dream of someday planning my own wedding.
updated 11/14
For reals list...
- iPhone
- a new computer (laptop or PC)
- gift cards for groceries (Safeway, Raley's, Save Mart)
- IKEA gift cards
- gift certificates to Eterna Spa for massages
- gift certificates for Alaska Airlines
- a bathrobe (preferably a short one)
- Target gift cards
- Money
- Photoshop CS4
- the set of golf clubs that Angie offering to sell me for $200
Courtney's Wish List
Check back frequently as I update it often.
*disclaimer*
You'll notice that there are wedding books towards the end of the list. I love wedding books. I dream of someday being a wedding planner. But they work weekends, so that may never happen. So instead I dream of someday planning my own wedding.
updated 11/14
Yank!
Call me brave. Call me crazy.
Today, after a massage I tried something new. I know right, I got a massage. It was great! The masseuse said I should come in ever 3-4 weeks because my shoulders were so tight and "full of toxins". We'll see.
But, after the massage... I... got... a... bikini line... wax. Honestly, it wasn't that bad. Seriously. For those of you who have had your eyebrows waxed, imagine that on a grander scale. But the pain still only lasts a couple seconds.
I just always been curious. And today I decided to check it out. That's all.
Today, after a massage I tried something new. I know right, I got a massage. It was great! The masseuse said I should come in ever 3-4 weeks because my shoulders were so tight and "full of toxins". We'll see.
But, after the massage... I... got... a... bikini line... wax. Honestly, it wasn't that bad. Seriously. For those of you who have had your eyebrows waxed, imagine that on a grander scale. But the pain still only lasts a couple seconds.
I just always been curious. And today I decided to check it out. That's all.
False Alarm
So I had to take this little test...
JUST KIDDING!!! Wow, had you worried there for a minute didn't I?
The false alarm is this...
Yesterday I got a call from my mom telling me I got something in the mail from the Superior Court in Fresno. When you get something like that it's never good. It means grand jury. Like, trials that can last months. Not good. I'm thinking shoot, poop, crap! I just got summoned for jury duty in Merced County, which I petitioned for postponement being as I'll be in Alaska at the time. All that was flashing through my mind was... Alaska in 2 weeks, Dennis is supposed to come down at the end of December, and I'm going on a cruise at the end of January. (I know, sounds rough doesn't it?)
Mom told me where my mail was at their house, which she wasn't home to open to tell me what it said. And they had already left the house so she couldn't drop it off at my work.
Now what really are the odds of being called in for 2 different jury duties within 2 weeks of each other?
I'm panicked all day. Asking people if they've ever served on a grand jury, or know someone that has served. I'm imagining myself having to drive (or stay with Paige or my aunt) for months, while working away from the office as much as I could and going in on weekends. Even though jury duty is an excused absence from will and I'll get paid to miss, there is no that I could be gone from my job for that long. Panic! Freak out! Stress! Chew a finger nail off!
So after work I find the mail.
It's from the Superior Court of Merced County with a Merced address. Mom and dad just read Superior Court, not the rest.
So basically they were confirming my postponement. I have to report for my civic duty February 10, 2009.
Phew! Dodged that bullet!
JUST KIDDING!!! Wow, had you worried there for a minute didn't I?
The false alarm is this...
Yesterday I got a call from my mom telling me I got something in the mail from the Superior Court in Fresno. When you get something like that it's never good. It means grand jury. Like, trials that can last months. Not good. I'm thinking shoot, poop, crap! I just got summoned for jury duty in Merced County, which I petitioned for postponement being as I'll be in Alaska at the time. All that was flashing through my mind was... Alaska in 2 weeks, Dennis is supposed to come down at the end of December, and I'm going on a cruise at the end of January. (I know, sounds rough doesn't it?)
Mom told me where my mail was at their house, which she wasn't home to open to tell me what it said. And they had already left the house so she couldn't drop it off at my work.
Now what really are the odds of being called in for 2 different jury duties within 2 weeks of each other?
I'm panicked all day. Asking people if they've ever served on a grand jury, or know someone that has served. I'm imagining myself having to drive (or stay with Paige or my aunt) for months, while working away from the office as much as I could and going in on weekends. Even though jury duty is an excused absence from will and I'll get paid to miss, there is no that I could be gone from my job for that long. Panic! Freak out! Stress! Chew a finger nail off!
So after work I find the mail.
It's from the Superior Court of Merced County with a Merced address. Mom and dad just read Superior Court, not the rest.
So basically they were confirming my postponement. I have to report for my civic duty February 10, 2009.
Phew! Dodged that bullet!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
I heart Yapta!
Who here travels? Wants to travel? Wants to save money on airfare while traveling?
ME, ME, ME!
Some time ago I stumbled upon the website Yapta.
You see, what Yapta does is track airfare. So you can go in, put in your to and from, dates, etc. It'll find airfare for different airlines, for many combinations of departure and return times. Then you can click to "track it". OR, you can track tickets you already purchased.
Here's the cool thing, Yapta will let you know when prices have dropped for your flights per your confirmation code. Depending on the airline you bought your ticket from, yapta will tell you how much of a voucher or a credit you are eligible for, and how to redeem it.
Today, I received 3, that's right, 3 e-mails regarding my flight to Alaska in 2 weeks. The first e-mail told me the price dropped by $25, the second told me it was down $44 from what I bought it at, and the last one told me it was down $106. That's right, $106 dollars less. Well, I jumped on that one. So I went through the process, and Alaska Airlines will be e-mailing me a voucher for $125 (rounded up to the nearest $25).
How sweet is that?!? You know it'll be used!
And, from the new flight price, Yapta will continue to track it and let me know if it goes down any more. And if it does... that's right, another voucher could be coming my way!
I heart Yapta.
ME, ME, ME!
Some time ago I stumbled upon the website Yapta.
You see, what Yapta does is track airfare. So you can go in, put in your to and from, dates, etc. It'll find airfare for different airlines, for many combinations of departure and return times. Then you can click to "track it". OR, you can track tickets you already purchased.
Here's the cool thing, Yapta will let you know when prices have dropped for your flights per your confirmation code. Depending on the airline you bought your ticket from, yapta will tell you how much of a voucher or a credit you are eligible for, and how to redeem it.
Today, I received 3, that's right, 3 e-mails regarding my flight to Alaska in 2 weeks. The first e-mail told me the price dropped by $25, the second told me it was down $44 from what I bought it at, and the last one told me it was down $106. That's right, $106 dollars less. Well, I jumped on that one. So I went through the process, and Alaska Airlines will be e-mailing me a voucher for $125 (rounded up to the nearest $25).
How sweet is that?!? You know it'll be used!
And, from the new flight price, Yapta will continue to track it and let me know if it goes down any more. And if it does... that's right, another voucher could be coming my way!
I heart Yapta.
They're Back
Welcome back Flitterbees!
I saw one of them just the other day. Now for the rest of the family to show up.
I saw one of them just the other day. Now for the rest of the family to show up.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Quote of the Day
Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.
— Anthony J. D'Angelo
— Anthony J. D'Angelo
It's beginning to look...
a lot like Christmas.
As I'm sure you know, every commercialized store in America has had the Christmas decorations up for months now. What, since August or September?
Since starting choir rehearsal last week for the Christmas service I've caught the bug.
I admit, this past Monday, I...started...putting up Christmas decorations in my house. There, I said it!
I don't have anything fall. At least not that I could remember. And quite honestly, I couldn't remember all that I have for Christmas. So I started pulling stuff up and putting it out. Kinda. I'm taking inventory, and making a shopping list. Garland is needed in a bad way.
Honestly though, I put my tree up about 4 weeks ago. I was tired of seeing it sitting outside in a box not big enough. Covered in dust, spider webs, grass clippings. It was time to just put it up. Although, the pre-strung lights that worked last year, don't work anymore. So maybe that will be this weekend's chore, removing the old and putting on the new.
As I'm sure you know, every commercialized store in America has had the Christmas decorations up for months now. What, since August or September?
Since starting choir rehearsal last week for the Christmas service I've caught the bug.
I admit, this past Monday, I...started...putting up Christmas decorations in my house. There, I said it!
I don't have anything fall. At least not that I could remember. And quite honestly, I couldn't remember all that I have for Christmas. So I started pulling stuff up and putting it out. Kinda. I'm taking inventory, and making a shopping list. Garland is needed in a bad way.
Honestly though, I put my tree up about 4 weeks ago. I was tired of seeing it sitting outside in a box not big enough. Covered in dust, spider webs, grass clippings. It was time to just put it up. Although, the pre-strung lights that worked last year, don't work anymore. So maybe that will be this weekend's chore, removing the old and putting on the new.
Friday Night Lights
Go Fresno! Go Reno! Go team go!
This past Friday I went to the University Nevada Reno vs. CSU Fresno football game. I had 2, no 3 reasons to go.
1. Visit Paige in Fresno...even though we sat in different sections.
2. See #10 of Reno play. #10 = Colin Kaepernick, brother of my friend/co-worker Devon, and son of the VP of Operations. #10 = starting quarterback that scored 2 touchdowns during the game.
3. See #85 of Fresno play. #85 = Bear Pascoe, brother-in-law to my (2nd) cousin, therefore a relative of mine. #85 = big guy that catches the ball and blocks the players.There was a crowd, all spread out, of people from Hilmar Cheese that went to the game to cheer on Turlock's Kaepernick. Face it, the game was closer than Reno, and warmer.
Devon, Chris, and I drove down early, kinda, so Chris could meet up with Paige and Coleman to get seats in the student section. (Somewhere in that picture (I think) by the aisle is Chris, Paige, and Coleman.)
The Wolf Pack beat the Bulldogs 41 to something 28, 31...I don't know. Devon was happy. So I was.
The night ended with the Montague's visiting the Cheesecake Factory for a very late dinner. Chris and I shared an appetizer and cheesecake. Chris then drove my car home while I slept.
At 1:30am I crawled out of the car and into bed.
Where I stayed for many hours.
This past Friday I went to the University Nevada Reno vs. CSU Fresno football game. I had 2, no 3 reasons to go.1. Visit Paige in Fresno...even though we sat in different sections.
2. See #10 of Reno play. #10 = Colin Kaepernick, brother of my friend/co-worker Devon, and son of the VP of Operations. #10 = starting quarterback that scored 2 touchdowns during the game.
3. See #85 of Fresno play. #85 = Bear Pascoe, brother-in-law to my (2nd) cousin, therefore a relative of mine. #85 = big guy that catches the ball and blocks the players.There was a crowd, all spread out, of people from Hilmar Cheese that went to the game to cheer on Turlock's Kaepernick. Face it, the game was closer than Reno, and warmer.Devon, Chris, and I drove down early, kinda, so Chris could meet up with Paige and Coleman to get seats in the student section. (Somewhere in that picture (I think) by the aisle is Chris, Paige, and Coleman.)The Wolf Pack beat the Bulldogs 41 to something 28, 31...I don't know. Devon was happy. So I was.The night ended with the Montague's visiting the Cheesecake Factory for a very late dinner. Chris and I shared an appetizer and cheesecake. Chris then drove my car home while I slept.At 1:30am I crawled out of the car and into bed.
Where I stayed for many hours.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Save the Chickens...?
If you're a warm blooded American, then you are fully aware that this past Tuesday was Voting Day. Across the country citizens voted for many things. Number one being President (I'll talk about that one later), and then state and local measures, propositions, House Representatives, etc. I voted (absentee) for what I thought to be right or best for my state and country. My votes weren't based solely on my feelings about each item on the ballot, they were based on what I think is best for society. Not only based on what I think, but also based on Biblically sound morals and values, and based on financial concern for the state.
What I can't fathom or understand is why we're so concerned about chickens, calves, and pigs. Concerned enough to put their "well being" on the ballot. I'm sorry PETA, but you shouldn't be pushing your views on everyone. Everyone already has the option to buy free range eggs, a majority of swine is raised outside California, and calves are tied up so they don't get loose. Most the time you come up with some weird stuff, like using mother's milk instead of cow's milk to make ice cream.
These are my thoughts and opinions, which I'm allowed to have... Freedom of speech, right?
What I don't understand is why California as a whole, where a majority of popular vote coming from the Bay Area and Southern California, approved Proposition 2. I totally respect those that have the desire to purchase free range chicken and eggs. But I'm sorry, why are those views being pushed on me now? A free range egg isn't necessarily a better quality egg, it's just a better quality for the chicken that laid it. Which now, by the way, will cost more. It'll cost more for those of us that like our cooped-up chicken eggs just fine.
And for those that are concerned for the well being of California's agriculture, many small farmers and ranchers will be forced out business due to the costs to make the mandatory improvements to their operation. I'm surrounded by these folks. The dairymen, the chicken farmers. My community will feel the hurt and devastation of this proposition.
This is what I think is going to happen. Farms will shut down, those that can will survive and make the changes. Farming operations will close, with that comes the lose of jobs for many people. We're already in hard times for the unemployed trying to find work, it's only going to get harder. "California grown" eggs will cost twice as much as they already do. The only way to get less expensive eggs will be to import them from another state, or from another country. Milk will cost more. Pork will cost more. All baked goods will be affected by this and will have to raise prices to cover their increase in costs.
I'm sure this will be petitioned many times. And there will be law suits and counter law suits filed by both sides. I just want everyone to stop thinking about the animals, that quite frankly don't have a long life span anyway, and think about what is best for the people of the state.
Maybe I sound heartless to those poor little fuzzy feathery friends of ours, but you can't think about their feels. You have to think of it as a process. That's something I learned from my dad, when I had to watch the slaughter process at the meat plant many years ago for a college project.
Ok, so maybe my plea is a little late. But if we're ever faced with this again, think about the people and not the animal.
What I can't fathom or understand is why we're so concerned about chickens, calves, and pigs. Concerned enough to put their "well being" on the ballot. I'm sorry PETA, but you shouldn't be pushing your views on everyone. Everyone already has the option to buy free range eggs, a majority of swine is raised outside California, and calves are tied up so they don't get loose. Most the time you come up with some weird stuff, like using mother's milk instead of cow's milk to make ice cream.
These are my thoughts and opinions, which I'm allowed to have... Freedom of speech, right?
What I don't understand is why California as a whole, where a majority of popular vote coming from the Bay Area and Southern California, approved Proposition 2. I totally respect those that have the desire to purchase free range chicken and eggs. But I'm sorry, why are those views being pushed on me now? A free range egg isn't necessarily a better quality egg, it's just a better quality for the chicken that laid it. Which now, by the way, will cost more. It'll cost more for those of us that like our cooped-up chicken eggs just fine.
And for those that are concerned for the well being of California's agriculture, many small farmers and ranchers will be forced out business due to the costs to make the mandatory improvements to their operation. I'm surrounded by these folks. The dairymen, the chicken farmers. My community will feel the hurt and devastation of this proposition.
This is what I think is going to happen. Farms will shut down, those that can will survive and make the changes. Farming operations will close, with that comes the lose of jobs for many people. We're already in hard times for the unemployed trying to find work, it's only going to get harder. "California grown" eggs will cost twice as much as they already do. The only way to get less expensive eggs will be to import them from another state, or from another country. Milk will cost more. Pork will cost more. All baked goods will be affected by this and will have to raise prices to cover their increase in costs.
I'm sure this will be petitioned many times. And there will be law suits and counter law suits filed by both sides. I just want everyone to stop thinking about the animals, that quite frankly don't have a long life span anyway, and think about what is best for the people of the state.
Maybe I sound heartless to those poor little fuzzy feathery friends of ours, but you can't think about their feels. You have to think of it as a process. That's something I learned from my dad, when I had to watch the slaughter process at the meat plant many years ago for a college project.
Ok, so maybe my plea is a little late. But if we're ever faced with this again, think about the people and not the animal.
Quote of the Day
Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning. — Gloria Steinem
Friday, November 7, 2008
Quote of the Day
Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you and scorn in the one ahead. — Mac McCleary
FAQs
I'm at a loss and I don't want to be there. I'm sure if I really stretched I wouldn't be at a loss.
So I need your help.
As my viewing audience, what about me do you want to know about?
Thanks.
So I need your help.
As my viewing audience, what about me do you want to know about?
- Do you want me to give my opinion on certain topics? What topics?
- Do you want to know more about my childhood? More about my upbringing?
- I'm sure you want to know more about Dennis. But anything in particular?
- Do you want more jokes?
- More about my family?
- Do you have any particular questions you want to ask me?
- ...
Thanks.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Plans for Black Friday...
Ahhh... The day after Thanksgiving. Tummies still full. Family still visiting. Everything is on sale. Crazy people are up at the butt crack of dawn to stand in lines. And what will I be doing?
I know you're curious.
Will I be sleeping in til noon or later? Because quite frankly I'll have eaten enough food the day before to last me all winter. I could hibernate like a bear.
Will I be hanging out with family that is visiting from out of town or out of state?
Will I be working?
I'll tell you what I'll be doing. I'll go to work around...8:30 or so. Go have a coffee. Decorate the office with Rylen. Leave work around noon or so. Get in a car. Drive to BART in Dublin/Pleasanton. Take BART to the San Francisco Airport. Where I will jet set on a plane leaving at 5:30pm and landing at 11:40pm. Where will I be landing, you ask?
Any guesses...
Ding ding ding! That's right! I'll be landing in the land of cold and snow and more cold. Oh yea, and Dennis will be there. So that'll pretty much negate the cold. Well most of it.
I'm going to Anchorage, Alaska to visit my honey for 4 days. Yep. I'll get there late Friday night and I'll leave super early Wednesday morning. In fact, if I'm not too tired, I might even work a half day on Wednesday.
I'm very excited!
I'm excited about seeing Dennis. Not about the cold. I plan on not going outside from the minute I get to his place until the minute I have to leave. Well, that's not entirely true. We'll go somewhere. Not sure where though. He's planning it all.
I know you're curious.
Will I be sleeping in til noon or later? Because quite frankly I'll have eaten enough food the day before to last me all winter. I could hibernate like a bear.
Will I be hanging out with family that is visiting from out of town or out of state?
Will I be working?
I'll tell you what I'll be doing. I'll go to work around...8:30 or so. Go have a coffee. Decorate the office with Rylen. Leave work around noon or so. Get in a car. Drive to BART in Dublin/Pleasanton. Take BART to the San Francisco Airport. Where I will jet set on a plane leaving at 5:30pm and landing at 11:40pm. Where will I be landing, you ask?
Any guesses...
Ding ding ding! That's right! I'll be landing in the land of cold and snow and more cold. Oh yea, and Dennis will be there. So that'll pretty much negate the cold. Well most of it.
I'm going to Anchorage, Alaska to visit my honey for 4 days. Yep. I'll get there late Friday night and I'll leave super early Wednesday morning. In fact, if I'm not too tired, I might even work a half day on Wednesday.
I'm very excited!
I'm excited about seeing Dennis. Not about the cold. I plan on not going outside from the minute I get to his place until the minute I have to leave. Well, that's not entirely true. We'll go somewhere. Not sure where though. He's planning it all.
Quote of the Day
I think somehow we learn who we really are and then live with that decision. — Eleanor Roosevelt
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Hawaii Days 7 and 8
Our last full day in paradise...
Today we went back into Kona. We still hadn't gone to Kona Brewery, and a couple of us wanted to do the oyster thing at Hilo Hattie. But first we hung out on the beach. Go figure! Who would have thought it?!? But after awhile we were off.
So we drove down the coast to have lunch was at Kona Brewery. We also signed up for their second tour of the day at 3pm. Lunch was yummy! I had a salad, thought maybe I should eat healthy at least one meal during the trip. I did not have beer, or a beer sampler like everyone else did. Well, everyone but Kaitlin.
After lunch we ran to Wal-Mart really quickly. Why you ask? I know, I know. But I will admit that this was a very nice Wal-Mart with a Hawaiian souvenir section. Dad was looking for one particular Hawaiian artist's CD, which Wally didn't have. But, they had a larger section of Hawaiian music than we do Latin music. After this stop we rushed back to Kona Brewery for our tour.
Tour over. Time for samples! Now, I'm not a huge beer fan. To me, just about all of them taste the same and they just about always taste like Coors Light. But Kona has some pretty good brews. And some of them you can only get if you're at the brew pub, like their Ginger something something beer. It was good!
Off to Hilo Hattie, where we were just a couple days before. I broke open an oyster. More like I picked out an oyster to be broke open. Double golden pearls for me! Since I got those mounted as earrings I was "gifted" another oyster. Yeah! A black pearl. Well, that would be pretty on a simple pendant. Since I got that one mounted I was "gifted" another oyster. Another black pearl. Stop. No more mounting. Are you catching on to their gimmick? I quit there.
We were done. Done shopping. Done walking. Done for the day. So back to the house we went. Once we got back we saw everyone on the beach, so we ran down there with our cameras to take family pictures and catch the sunset. Now we just have to decide what picture to use for the family Christmas card. I like this one...
Time for dinner. Time to pack and clean up. Time to enjoy our last night of crashing waves and geckos. So the guys, and mom, smoked cigars. Geez! Oh, I think Paige had one too...
We woke up early. Finished putting this away for traveling. Cleaned up the house. And sat on the beach for one last time.
It was a little bittersweet to be leaving. It's hard to leave paradise, but at the same time I knew that it would be time to return to reality at some point. I was actually missing work a little. I missed my dogs. I missed my bed. I missed my friends. I missed being able to talk to Dennis without family listening in, or giving me a bad time because I was talking to him again. Yea, it was time to return home.
After (what seemed like) a long flight, and a drive from the airport, we returned to our own little paradise where we were greeted not only by very happy doggies, but also by Coleman (Paige's beau) who drove from Fresno to surprise her.
Yes, it was good to be home.
Ok, I'm ready to go back now!
Hawaii Day 7 and 8 Album
Today we went back into Kona. We still hadn't gone to Kona Brewery, and a couple of us wanted to do the oyster thing at Hilo Hattie. But first we hung out on the beach. Go figure! Who would have thought it?!? But after awhile we were off.
So we drove down the coast to have lunch was at Kona Brewery. We also signed up for their second tour of the day at 3pm. Lunch was yummy! I had a salad, thought maybe I should eat healthy at least one meal during the trip. I did not have beer, or a beer sampler like everyone else did. Well, everyone but Kaitlin.
After lunch we ran to Wal-Mart really quickly. Why you ask? I know, I know. But I will admit that this was a very nice Wal-Mart with a Hawaiian souvenir section. Dad was looking for one particular Hawaiian artist's CD, which Wally didn't have. But, they had a larger section of Hawaiian music than we do Latin music. After this stop we rushed back to Kona Brewery for our tour.Tour over. Time for samples! Now, I'm not a huge beer fan. To me, just about all of them taste the same and they just about always taste like Coors Light. But Kona has some pretty good brews. And some of them you can only get if you're at the brew pub, like their Ginger something something beer. It was good!
Off to Hilo Hattie, where we were just a couple days before. I broke open an oyster. More like I picked out an oyster to be broke open. Double golden pearls for me! Since I got those mounted as earrings I was "gifted" another oyster. Yeah! A black pearl. Well, that would be pretty on a simple pendant. Since I got that one mounted I was "gifted" another oyster. Another black pearl. Stop. No more mounting. Are you catching on to their gimmick? I quit there.We were done. Done shopping. Done walking. Done for the day. So back to the house we went. Once we got back we saw everyone on the beach, so we ran down there with our cameras to take family pictures and catch the sunset. Now we just have to decide what picture to use for the family Christmas card. I like this one...Time for dinner. Time to pack and clean up. Time to enjoy our last night of crashing waves and geckos. So the guys, and mom, smoked cigars. Geez! Oh, I think Paige had one too...We woke up early. Finished putting this away for traveling. Cleaned up the house. And sat on the beach for one last time.
It was a little bittersweet to be leaving. It's hard to leave paradise, but at the same time I knew that it would be time to return to reality at some point. I was actually missing work a little. I missed my dogs. I missed my bed. I missed my friends. I missed being able to talk to Dennis without family listening in, or giving me a bad time because I was talking to him again. Yea, it was time to return home.After (what seemed like) a long flight, and a drive from the airport, we returned to our own little paradise where we were greeted not only by very happy doggies, but also by Coleman (Paige's beau) who drove from Fresno to surprise her.
Yes, it was good to be home.
Ok, I'm ready to go back now!
Hawaii Day 7 and 8 Album
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Hawaii Day 6
What was day 6? OH! I remember now. Day 6 was Sunday, the day we all got up around 6am so we could be in kayaks and in the water before the public beach opened. We didn't want them to see a cluster of kayaks in the water and wonder what was going on. Because on Sunday we decided that would be the best day to have our little service for Nana and to "dispose" of her ashes.
So we were up. We loaded up best we could. Poor Chris was kayakless, so he kickboarded his way out on a boogie board. We said our few words. My Aunt dumped. We were silent. Some tears were shed. We took "communion" of tic tacs, my Nana's favorite. Then we paddled back. It was just simple. (I'm sorry I don't have pictures. But I wasn't going to take my expensive out in the water.)
We got back. We swam and hung out on the beach. I eventually got bored of it. So I went back up to the house where I sat on the porch and watched the water, read, and watched family.
I was able to capture some good shots of a peacock gecko while I hung out.
Slowly my siblings trickled up, they were getting bored too. So we decided to head down the road a little big to a shopping center. But before going we took some cousin pictures. It's not very often the whooping 6 of us get together (2/3 would be my siblings and me).
(Ok, you've got to admit this is funny. Especially after today)
After shopping we all gathered back at the beach house. Had dinner. Played on the beach with cameras (there are some pretty fun shots...). Played with a glow stick and a camera. Played a game. I talked on the phone... I know, bad family member I am. Then we went to bed. It was Jaffray's last night before she headed back to California.
Hawaii Day 6 Album
So we were up. We loaded up best we could. Poor Chris was kayakless, so he kickboarded his way out on a boogie board. We said our few words. My Aunt dumped. We were silent. Some tears were shed. We took "communion" of tic tacs, my Nana's favorite. Then we paddled back. It was just simple. (I'm sorry I don't have pictures. But I wasn't going to take my expensive out in the water.)We got back. We swam and hung out on the beach. I eventually got bored of it. So I went back up to the house where I sat on the porch and watched the water, read, and watched family.
I was able to capture some good shots of a peacock gecko while I hung out.Slowly my siblings trickled up, they were getting bored too. So we decided to head down the road a little big to a shopping center. But before going we took some cousin pictures. It's not very often the whooping 6 of us get together (2/3 would be my siblings and me).(Ok, you've got to admit this is funny. Especially after today)After shopping we all gathered back at the beach house. Had dinner. Played on the beach with cameras (there are some pretty fun shots...). Played with a glow stick and a camera. Played a game. I talked on the phone... I know, bad family member I am. Then we went to bed. It was Jaffray's last night before she headed back to California.Hawaii Day 6 Album
Quote of the Day
Democracy is…the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people. — Harry Emerson Fosdick
Monday, November 3, 2008
Hawaii Day 5
Good bye middle of the island. Hello beach house!
Today we left Waimea after 4 nights to spend the last 3 nights in a beach house. A beach house that all you do is walk through a gate and you're on the beach. A beach house that you fall asleep to the sound of the waves crashing on the beach. A beach house with cockroaches and scorpions. Yea, I could have done without the last bit too.
As we were leaving Waimea, we noticed that it snowed the night before on the top of Mauna Kea. That's not uncommon. Believe it or not Hawaii does get snow.
Everyone changed once we got to the house. And we all took turns snorkling. Yes, I even snorkled. I remembered that at one point I liked snorkling. Then I was out there...alone... Claustorphobia kicked in. I found someone, stuck by them, then got out. Many colorful fishes were seen during the making of Claustorphobic Courtney. Paige enjoyed herself though. She went out many times a day.
You've got to go look through the album for the funniest Sports Illustrated male model. And there are pictures of the sea turtle that played in the surf where we were camped out. Hey! Who's this sun soaked, sand covered, salt crusted foo'?
The day wore on. I got bored of laying out and being blinded while trying to read while laying on my back with the sun above me. So I headed in and cleaned up. Slowly everyone else followed suit. Due to some miscommunication, no one picked up hot dogs for dinner. So we ended up going out to a nice little restaurant, Cafe Pesto, where I had the seafood risotto. OMG it was so good. And I'm not even a huge seafood fan!
We returned to the house. Made some more lei's. Prayed for no cockroaches. And went to bed. We had to be up early the next morning to kayak out in the bay for our little memorial.
Hawaii Day 5 Album
Today we left Waimea after 4 nights to spend the last 3 nights in a beach house. A beach house that all you do is walk through a gate and you're on the beach. A beach house that you fall asleep to the sound of the waves crashing on the beach. A beach house with cockroaches and scorpions. Yea, I could have done without the last bit too.
As we were leaving Waimea, we noticed that it snowed the night before on the top of Mauna Kea. That's not uncommon. Believe it or not Hawaii does get snow.Everyone changed once we got to the house. And we all took turns snorkling. Yes, I even snorkled. I remembered that at one point I liked snorkling. Then I was out there...alone... Claustorphobia kicked in. I found someone, stuck by them, then got out. Many colorful fishes were seen during the making of Claustorphobic Courtney. Paige enjoyed herself though. She went out many times a day.
You've got to go look through the album for the funniest Sports Illustrated male model. And there are pictures of the sea turtle that played in the surf where we were camped out. Hey! Who's this sun soaked, sand covered, salt crusted foo'?The day wore on. I got bored of laying out and being blinded while trying to read while laying on my back with the sun above me. So I headed in and cleaned up. Slowly everyone else followed suit. Due to some miscommunication, no one picked up hot dogs for dinner. So we ended up going out to a nice little restaurant, Cafe Pesto, where I had the seafood risotto. OMG it was so good. And I'm not even a huge seafood fan!We returned to the house. Made some more lei's. Prayed for no cockroaches. And went to bed. We had to be up early the next morning to kayak out in the bay for our little memorial.Hawaii Day 5 Album
Quote of the Day
Love doesn't make the world go 'round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile. — Franklin P. Jones
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Hawaii Day 4
Today was the day we went to Kona. Kona is on the opposite side of the island from Hilo. While Hilo is the more wet tropical, Kona is the dry tropical side. Both sides are muggy and humid.
First stop... Hilo Hattie. If you've ever been to Hawaii, you've most likely gone to a Hilo Hattie. They're kinda the state tourist shop, next to the ABC Store. Kaitlin was the first of the group to pick an oyster to get pearls.
Then we went down the the water front street that is full of shops. Some touristy and cheap. Some nicer. Most expensive. We started getting hungry after walking around for awhile. We still hadn't had a mai tai. And here we were on the island where they originated. So off we went, in search of Don The Beachcomber, home of the original mai tai. It was a little walk, but we found it. We had lunch, and everyone but Kaitlin (poor thing isn't 21 yet) had an adult beverage. I had the Tiki Taster... all of it...
After lunch we walked back towards the car. My tipsy self picked up plumeria flowers that had fallen off the trees on the way back and made Paige smell them. I pretty much forced her. But she obliged. She's such a good sister!
From there we headed up the hill to a Kona coffee grower, Kona Blue Sky Coffee. Fresh samples of their roasted deliciousness. Then we got a tour of part of the plantation. Very interesting!
Last stop of the day, before going to Costco, was down the coast to the Captain Cook Monument. The thing about it is though, we were told that you could hike to the monument when in reality a kayak was needed prior to the hike. Oh well. Still snapped a few photos. Rumor has it that we are related to Captain Cook. I haven't googled it yet to confirm. I'll get back to you on that one.
So, we left the monument. Headed back up the coast to stop at Costco before going back to Waimea. Of course we went to Costco. Dare you even ask why? We're a family addicted to Costco, it's like our crack. Plus we were in charge of dinner. And the rental needed gas.
We had dinner. We made lei's for my cousin's football game the next day. And we packed our bags so we were ready to move to the beach houe the next morning. Oh, and my cousin Jaffray flew in earlier in the day. So we hung out and visited with her.
Hawaii Day 4 Album
First stop... Hilo Hattie. If you've ever been to Hawaii, you've most likely gone to a Hilo Hattie. They're kinda the state tourist shop, next to the ABC Store. Kaitlin was the first of the group to pick an oyster to get pearls.
Then we went down the the water front street that is full of shops. Some touristy and cheap. Some nicer. Most expensive. We started getting hungry after walking around for awhile. We still hadn't had a mai tai. And here we were on the island where they originated. So off we went, in search of Don The Beachcomber, home of the original mai tai. It was a little walk, but we found it. We had lunch, and everyone but Kaitlin (poor thing isn't 21 yet) had an adult beverage. I had the Tiki Taster... all of it...After lunch we walked back towards the car. My tipsy self picked up plumeria flowers that had fallen off the trees on the way back and made Paige smell them. I pretty much forced her. But she obliged. She's such a good sister!From there we headed up the hill to a Kona coffee grower, Kona Blue Sky Coffee. Fresh samples of their roasted deliciousness. Then we got a tour of part of the plantation. Very interesting!Last stop of the day, before going to Costco, was down the coast to the Captain Cook Monument. The thing about it is though, we were told that you could hike to the monument when in reality a kayak was needed prior to the hike. Oh well. Still snapped a few photos. Rumor has it that we are related to Captain Cook. I haven't googled it yet to confirm. I'll get back to you on that one.So, we left the monument. Headed back up the coast to stop at Costco before going back to Waimea. Of course we went to Costco. Dare you even ask why? We're a family addicted to Costco, it's like our crack. Plus we were in charge of dinner. And the rental needed gas.We had dinner. We made lei's for my cousin's football game the next day. And we packed our bags so we were ready to move to the beach houe the next morning. Oh, and my cousin Jaffray flew in earlier in the day. So we hung out and visited with her.
Hawaii Day 4 Album
Saturday, November 1, 2008
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