SUP @Hickam with Dad

Dad and I took a mid-week adventure to Hickam Harbor Beach for some SUP action along with watching some HUGE planes taxi and take off! We made friends with the lifeguard, dad got the "run-down" of where he was allowed to go with the rental boards... and off we went for a good hour of paddling.

After our paddle, we ate lunch and soaked up some sun. I did a little extra 30min paddle while dad napped on the beach. It was a wonderful morning/afternoon.

The NFL Pro Bowl

After hanging out at Ohana Day and walking the swap-meet we made sure that Saturday night was relaxing since we knew that we'd be up early on Sunday. Quinn met up with some of the guys at 7am, dad and I met up with Billy, Adrien, Ted, Jennifer, McKenzie, & Casey around 9:45am for tailgating!

After eating yummy food, playing cornhole, and talking with tons of people we headed inside for the game. The opening ceremonies included thousands of ukulele players and hula dancers, it was as if the entire field was moving to the music!

The mascots were hilarious, although I think last year's were better. I didn't get as many photos as last year since our seats were in the opposite endzone and the players didn't enter/exit the field on our side. It was also suppose to pour, so we left the DSLR at home and opted for the little water proof camera. We were smart and brought poncho's and actually ended up using them for about 20min, the weather was perfect though... definitely not as hot as last year!

During the half-time show they did another tribute to service; however, this year they had an actual headlining performance, Train. It was really cool to see the service members with their families on the field enjoying the concert, especially the little kids waving the American flag.

I'm so glad that Dad got to come out as his birthday gift - I hope you enjoyed the weekend!

ProBowl Ohana Day

The Saturday before the ProBowl Aloha Stadium opens up free to the fans (minus the $2 for parking, since the swap meet was going on), to watch the NFC & AFC teams practice. They also filmed the stadium scenes from Hawaii Five-0 that day, so some of the actors were in the stands.

It was fun to see the players come out, afterwards we walked the Aloha Swap Meet!

Workout Wednesdays! (Week #3)

Wednesday, January 16th

• Ripped in 30, Week #3
• 1mi Jog, .2mi Walk

{Th-F ARISE Conference 2013 - Recovery Days Sat-Sun}

Monday, January 21st

• Ripped in 30, Week #3
• 2mi Jog, .15mi Walk

Tuesday, January 22nd

• Yoga Meltdown, Level #2
• Animal Flow Express, 1 set of 12 reps for all 6 exercises

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Post Workout = 8oz Almond Milk + 1 Scoop of Protein Powder

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------

The workouts:

• Ripped in 30 - Jillian Michael's DVD *
• Yoga Meltdown - Jillian Michael's DVD
• Animal Flow Express - Fitness Magazine Online (FREE!)

*There is a free meal plan included , I'm not using it, but I did download it. 

If you're interested, let me know!

Adrien's Bridal Soiree

On Sunday, a month's worth of planning came to an end... I (with the help of Yvette, and food from all the ladies) surprised Adrien with a bridal shower. I shopped the thrift store for fun vintage frames and tea sets, utilized items from around the house, and a little creativity with the party favors involving clipart!

I co-conspired with Billy so she arrived at the event blind-folded... evidently she had been blindfolded at the house! I loved seeing her happy reaction once we counted down "3...2...1.. "We Love You!" as she took the blindfold off. We ate, mingled, I had some games ready, and then my favorite part was when I asked her answer questions the way she thought Billy would. Very funny to see when they matched and when they were completely off!

I think she was completely blessed... and she will be again the morning of her wedding renewal when I give her the "Wishes Jar" that everyone dropped a special note into at the soiree.

ARISE Conference 2013

Wednesday January 16th-Friday January 18th I attended the ARISE Conference at Hope Chapel West Oahu. We had outstanding speakers- Lisa Kai, Lisa Bevere, and Andi Andrew... all wonderful women of God. Wednesday was from 7-9:30pm... but it took me an hour to drive across the island thru traffic! Thursday and Friday I spent all day on the west side, with sessions between 9am and 9:30pm... needless to say I was tired once Saturday rolled around.

Friday evening Holly and I were looking for Amanda to say goodnight to her, lucky lady had VIP tickets so we were standing outside the VIP lounge like lots puppies and the "bouncer" felt pity for us and let us in... I got to meet Lisa Bevere and told her how her book, Lioness Arising, along with the ladies of my women's group helped me through my massive anxiety attacks. We also got to meet Andi Andrew, I made sure to let her know that I appreciated her sprinkling of humor in her preaching since sometimes scripture after scripture can cause me to zone out!

I felt extremely blessed to not only sit and spend time with ladies from my Women's Study group but also new friends from mine and Quinn's Mini-Church! I am planning on going back thru my notebook and typing up these lessons, I have a feeling they will come in handy while mentoring younger military wives.

Workout Wednesdays! (Week #2)

 Wednesday, January 9th*

• Ripped in 30, Week #2
• 2mi Jog .15mi Walk

Thursday, January 10th

• Yoga Meltdown, Level #1
• Pillbox Hike with Adrien & Kaci
  (1.5mi?) 
  Post Workout = Revolution Protein Bar

Friday, January 11th

• Ripped in 30, Week #2
• 1.4mi Jog, .3mi Walk
  Post Workout = Luna Protein Bar

Saturday, January 12th

• Animal Flow Express, 2 sets of 12 reps for all 6 exercises 

Monday, January 14th*

• Ripped in 30, Week #2
• 2mi Jog, .15mi Walk

Tuesday, January 15th*

• Yoga Meltdown, Level #1
• Animal Flow Express, 2 sets of 12 reps for all 6 exercises
  

 

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------

*Post Workout = 8oz Almond Milk + 1 Scoop of Protein Powder

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------

The workouts:

• Ripped in 30 - Jillian Michael's DVD *
• Yoga Meltdown - Jillian Michael's DVD
• Animal Flow Express - Fitness Magazine Online (FREE!)

*There is a free meal plan included , I'm not using it, but I did download it. 

If you're interested, let me know!

LINKS Volunteer Appreciate Event

I started volunteering for the LINKS Program back in August of 2012. Each year they throw an appreciation event for those with 20hrs+ of volunteer hours and I managed to accumulate that in my 5mo! So on Sunday afternoon we headed to Oeno Wine to bottle our own!

The wine chosen by our fearless leader was "Kiwi Melon" very crisp and delicious! It was a neat experience getting to go thru the bottling process... filling, corking, sealing, and labeling.

Workout Wednesdays! (Week #1)

So if you read my 2013 Goals, you'll remember that in the BODY section I had written down:

"Create a monthly work-out plan and write down progress
(Jan- MWF jog 1-2mi +Ripped in 30
           TTh Yoga Meltdown +Animal Flow)"

I figured what better place to keep myself accountable?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, January 2nd

• Ripped in 30, Week #1
• 1mi Jog, .33mi Walk

Thursday, January 3rd

• Yoga Meltdown,  Level 1
• Animal Flow Express, 1 set of 12 reps for all 6 exercises

Friday, January 4th

• Ripped in 30, Week #1
• 2mi Jog, .15mi Walk

{It poured all weekend... beaches & hiking trails were closed due to wave warnings, high wind warnings, and dangerous run-off}

 Monday, January 7th

• Ripped in 30, Week #1
• 1.1mi Jog, .2mi Walk

 Tuesday, January 8th

• Yoga Meltdown, Level 1
• Animal Flow Express, 1 set of 12 reps for all 6 exercises

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Post Workout = 8oz Almond Milk + 1 Scoop of Protein Powder

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------

The workouts:

• Ripped in 30 - Jillian Michael's DVD *
• Yoga Meltdown - Jillian Michael's DVD
• Animal Flow Express - Fitness Magazine Online (FREE!)

*There is a free meal plan included , I'm not using it, but I did download it. 

If you're interested, let me know!

2013 Goals

I don't make resolutions... just goals that I'd like to accomplish... here are last years. 

I did alright, not all of them were accomplished, but it's okay =)

For 2013 I thought of the following:

MIND

• Continue with photography courses
• Add in new courses (language, business, arts, etc)
• Read more books for pleasure

 

BODY

• Follow the MaryKay "Timewise" Program
• Wash my makeup brushes at least 1x per month +clean out old makeup
• Create a monthly work-out plan and write down progress
  (Jan- MWF jog 1-2mi +Ripped in 30
             TTh Yoga Meltdown +Animal Flow)
• Create and follow weekly meal plans, be more conscious of food choices
• Take my vitamins & supplements!

SOUL

• Complete "The One Year Bible"
• Join a mini-church with Quinn
• Invest in Women of Hope
• Type up the Sunday sermon notes

SPIRIT

• Say yes to new opportunities!
• Explore this island (and others)
• Plan date nights & girls nights
• Walk on the beach just because I can!

HOME

• De-clutter 3x...Jan, May, Sept
• Weekly cleaning schedule so everything isn't jammed into one day, potential example:

  M laundry
  T  dust & bathrooms
  W vacuum & mop
  Th windows & kitchen sink
  F Moku (bath, nails, playpen, cage)




FINANCES

• After filing taxes decide best route to go with photography business (keep?)
• Utilize our Costco membership more
• Compare farmer's market prices
• Sell the car before Quinn's deployment (look for small pick-up)
• Save money for a FUN vacation!
  

Brett's Promotion

Today Quinn and Brian got to pin on Brett's new chevrons at the battalion promotion ceremony. Eina and I stood through the entire ceremony despite getting soaked in the pouring rain while taking photos.

Congratulations Brett!

2012 Re-cap

Goodbye 2012... Hello 2013...

It's hard to believe ANOTHER year has gone by.

Some days felt like they would never end, while others
I prayed would slow down so I could savor the moment.

JANUARY

I rung in the New Year with some GREAT Chi Alpha friends in Arizona. We went to the lake where we saw a car boat, I hiked Hawes Trail with Liz, yet sadly... I still struggled with sleep. I talked about a life worth living, headed to some local events and discussed school options, and toured the new fire station. My parents and I got the opportunity to see the "Honoring Our History" traveling exhibit (although it did lead me to a pretty big rant). I ended my time in AZ with some rock climbing and a girl's night... then it was back to the Aloha state! The month ended with the NFL Pro Bowl.

FEBRUARY

This month started with the addition of Moku and Mandy flying in for a visit! While she was here we... went to a luau, on a whale watching cruise, SUP'd, headed to Dole & Haleiwa, hit up the swap meet & hiked the Pillboxes, met up with Kat and Alex to hike Makapu'u Lighthouse and drive the island, snorkeled at Hanauma Bay & ate some ono grindz & went to Puchbowl, spent Valentine's day in Waikiki, relaxed at Lanikai & enjoyed some shave ice. After Mandy left I celebrated Billy and Adrien's wedding anniversary, hit up some local food trucks, thought about moving the bedrooms around and *gasp* babies, then ended the month by attending the Hawaii Chocolate Festival!

MARCH

I started this month on the north shore with 140 women at the WOH Retreat. After the retreat I updated you on Moku's size, we had an EPIC storm including hail, and I talked about missing my husband discussing the Sunday sermon. Alexis flew in for her spring break, while she was here we... went SUPing & hung in Waikiki, visited Pearl Harbor & drove north shore, learned to outrigger canoe, enjoyed filling our tummies at Eat Out Kailua, snorkeled at Lanikai, went to a (different) luau, and finished off her trip with a hike to the Likeke Falls. My month went out with a bang completing the Warrior Dash as an M&M! ...we also went to the Paliku Arts Festival.

APRIL

I complained about being tired... but then... we celebrated Adrien's birthday in style, I hosted a HUGE potluck at the house for Easter, and I donated my hair! I reviewed my 2012 goals, met Taylor Wiley & attended a Surfrider Foundation Benefit. Dad flew into town and we ended the month with the Spam Jam.

MAY

Dad and I got to witness the Supermoon, then enjoy hiking & beaches & shave ice. Mom flew into town and we all took a hopper flight to the island of Maui! While we were there we... stayed at the Ka'anapali Beach Club, Drove the Road to Hana, snorkeled at Black Rock, drove to the top of Haleakela, and hung out at the Surfing Goat Dairy & Lahaina. I read the book "Act of Valor" and discussed my thoughts. I attended/photographed Cheryl's wedding then had a CRAZY adventure at the Makapu'u tidepools! I ended the month with memorials at Punchbowl and the Lantern Ceremony.

JUNE

Adrien and I started off this month with a sunrise hike of the Pillboxes. Then... QUINN CAME HOME! The boys and I headed to the State Fair, Quinn and I hung out with pineapples & sea turtles, and we played tourists in downtown Honolulu.

JULY

My personal project for this month was the "July Photo a Day." Other than taking photos... we checked out the botanical gardens, I ran another 5k & we watched fireworks, we attended our church's beach bash, I went wine tasting, and the month ended with the  beach & BBQ.

AUGUST

We went surfing and I tore my pectoral muscle! I talked about anxiety...again. We had a fun group date night/day. We started our "Mainland Tour" in Ohio with Quinn's welcome back BBQ, drove down to Kentucky to visit his sister and our nephew, the boys had a guys night, we took family photos & celebrated his birthday, and finally we visited Nanny and found out Carter didn't want us to leave. 

SEPTEMBER

We visited the National Cathedral then our friends welcomed us with a BBQ & we got to see our old piggies. We visited a few more friends before flying to AZ. There we went kayaking with horses, celebrated birthdays, saw Lex's house & had dinner with Ashley and Tena, went to the Cardinals Football game, hung out at the lake, had another BBQ, went to the Healing Field & D-backs game, the trip ended with a visit at Kim & Andy's. Back in Hawaii the Blue Angel's did their practice runs in our backyard and we went to the Military Day of the Airshow on base! Adrien and Quinn planned a wonderful birthday surprise for the last day of the month.

OCTOBER

The month started off with Quinn's promotion ceremony followed by a trip to Cirque du Solei. We made a trip out to Flat Island, then went pumpkin picking. I attended the WOH Refresh event as well as the Joint Spouses Conference. I hung at the beach and we had a low-key anniversary, then we invited everyone over for a Halloween potluck.

NOVEMBER
This month was busy with work and both of us got sick, but it brought the USMC Ball and days on the water. We also hosted our first Thanksgiving Dinner!

DECEMBER

We started off in Honolulu for the Electric Light Parade, made our way the Helemano Tree Farm, and sadly witnessed the school shooting in CT via the news. Women of Hope had their annual "Evening in December," we went to Hawaii Kai for the boat parade, then back to Honolulu for the City Lights. My women's mini-church had a party, then I threw a cookie tasting party, then all of a sudden it was Christmas Eve! Christmas day was spent with friends, we drove to north shore, then rung in the new year in Waikiki!

I am extremely blessed by all of the people in my life!

My husband, my parents, my sister, my friends (near & far)...

This year was jam packed, I can only pray 2013 is just as enjoyable.

NYE!

I can officially say that we went to Kailua Beach on NYE and I SUP'd in the rain... we then met Brett & Eina for lunch...

We had all gone back and forth about NYE plans for the entire weekend... cruise, block party, desserts and fireworks on the beach? Ultimately the cheaper option won, and I think it was just as much fun as either of the other two would have been!

We started the night off parking in the Hale Koa garage which they reserved for military only... really cool seeing as parking in Waikiki is highly sought after, especially on holidays! We then headed to Bibas Restaurant and ordered the decadent chocolate cake, and ice cream sundae, and a slice of snicker's ice cream pie... mmmMmmm, even with the terrible service (and questionable hair, ew, in Quinn's cake) nothing was going to bring us down!

We ran into Yvette, Yonic, and their daughter Carmen before they headed out onto the beach... we gave the little one a party hat and mini confetti cannon. The ladies paid the cover for the Barefoot Bar Dance Party while the guys claimed our spot and set up camp on the beach.

About 5min until midnight we headed out to reunite with the boys, luckily Kaci had gotten off work with just enough time to join us for fireworks! We watched to show, blew our ridiculously loud and annoying horns, shot off confetti cannons, and ceremoniously dipped our feet into the ocean to bring in the new year. It was a great night!

Hau’oli Makahiki Hou! 

Waikiki Fireworks Finale