Sunny Skies and Positive Outlooks or Just Keep Swimming

Sunset at Waimea Bay

Half a year has passed. Six full months (and a few days/weeks if you want to get specific) have flown by since we touched down at Honolulu International Airport. I would like to say lots has happened. Ultimately, I believe that is true. However, sometimes it feels like it's the same grind, just in a new place. Life seems to inexorably move forward. Of course, if it moved backward... No, never mind, not going there. (was about to make a bad joke about life backwards is efil.. er..)

One of the first adventures we made sure to have was a trip to
Snorkel Bob's to pick up quality equipment and then a snorkel trip
to Hanauma Bay. We have since gone twice more and will likely
take all those who visit us on the island. Still the best spot on
O'ahu for seeing fish.

So here is your half a year recap.

We landed. We saw. We conquered.

Proof that moving to Hawai'i doesn't change who you are.
I am still a moron. ... er.. I mean goofball.. or moron
You choose.

Rather, we arrived, we did stuff, we did other stuff... and I still haven't landed a job. However, prospects are looking up. Now, I make it sound like it's extremely difficult to get a job. Obviously, I had a job. I quit it because it did not allow me to maintain my priorities in life. For what it's worth, I just received notice that I have been selected for an interview as a librarian at some library (random job number 1,409 that I applied for nearly 3 months ago!). The state of Hawai'i certainly does not do anything fast.

When you compound that with my own ineptitude (the bit that I'm willing to admit and knowingly need to work on), it equates to 6 months of little employment. THAT BEING SAID. I have my intake interview on March 2nd for the Hawai'i Department of Education. I have done some asking around what types of questions are asked for that interview and know what I need to review to be prepared for that process. Go. Me.

Moving on.

A picture of me trying to surf on non-
existent waves because I was super
excited about having a board. Still super
excited, but I don't try to surf silly little
shorebreakers anymore. So, that's a
small improvement.

Life is about setting goals. 

So, here are my goals for this year of 2015.

• Learn to surf - I know this probably shouldn't be first, but it is.
• Play more racquetball - once again, not sure if it should be ahead of others, but it is. My priorities often skew toward my mental/physical well being ahead of my monetary and career goals.
• Get a job teaching Music - All steps are in place, I was a little slow on the uptake in figuring out how to get myself into the system. Admittedly, I made the mistake of thinking I understood what was needed instead of just ASKING. The lesson learned. Always be humble enough to ask question!!
• Venture off O'ahu (Hawai'i, Maui, Lanai, etc) - pretty self explanatory
• Practice trumpet more. Better yet, work on a new solo, work on the things that have been my weaknesses on the instrument for a long time (articulations, multiple tonguing, etc)

Ok, so that was fun! I know, I know you're thinking "whatevs, dude"... but I wanted to share, so, too bad.

Striped Butterflyfish. They mate for life. You often find pairs
of them. One of my favorite pictures I have taken these past six
months.

Moving on, I'd like to take a second and just talk about snorkeling. Yes, I have probably done too much of it (as if!). It's something that is just relaxing for me. It allows me to just decompress and not worry about anything. Which is great! Also, you get the added bonus of getting to see some really sweet fishes! Including, but not limited to some of these guys below.

I mean, seriously, who wouldn't love swimming with this
guy here?

I never knew I could have so much fun swimming with fishes. This is something that Deanna has introduced me to that I hope I will never have to give up. Sadly, I'm not sure we can live in Hawai'i forever and eventually we may have to move away to somewhere with not quite so tropical weather. I am thankful,

however, everyday that I have a wife who pushes me to do new things. Admittedly, on my own, I can be a little bit sedentary. Too much homebody, not enough adventurer. However, with Deanna I get the adventurous itch and try new things that I never knew I could love as much as I do!

So far Hanauma Bay is probably still the best place to see quantities of fish. However, that comes with the price tag of "dealing with surplus tourism".. and sometimes that price is just too steep. I really fell in love with Shark's Cove these past two weeks. It's not the greatest place to go if you are just wanting to troll around on the top of the water, but it has been the most reliable spot to date for seeing turtles. Who doesn't love seeing sea turtles? Also, both times I have gone I have spotted whales breaching and leaping out of the water. Come on? Seriously? This is the life we live. Nature is abundant with beauty, no?

While Shark's Cove has plenty of beautiful fish and opportunities for turtles, Kaneohe Bay's sandbar was definitely the best place for true tranquility. Especially when you venture out on a weekday. It seriously felt like we were the only ones out in the water. The fish were plentiful, though not particularly varied or large, and the coral was some of the healthiest looking coral I have seen on O'ahu (which there isn't much of)

Shark's Cove is a treasure trove for swimming with turtles

Just keep swimming

 We have also snorkeled at Turtle Bay and around the Lanikai area (including around and near the Mokes) and while it has never been a "not fun" experience, the trio of Hanuama, Shark's Cove, and K-Bay are the clear winners for the island of O'ahu. However, all this has done is whet my appetite for more! So, a trip to Maui (or somewhere) to snorkel more of the open waters needs to be scheduled. (maybe even somewhere in the future like Fiji, or anywhere else that has good snorkeling, not even sure where, would have to do some research).

Anyway, that was a really boring way of saying. "Dude, snorkelz is the shiz"

Eight legs! It's got eight legs! So many legs!

Tako trying to look all camouflaged.

Last week I took a solo trip to Shark's Cove, luckily everything worked out that not only did Deanna have Monday off from work, but also the surf was low enough that Shark's Cove was snorkelable (made up a new word!). See, cause Shark's Cove is on the North Shore, where all the sweet gnarly swells are at in the winter, so you kind of have to keep an eye on the surf report if you are going to go there. Otherwise you cut yourself up on the rocks trying to get in or out of the cove. Oh, wait, even with the reportedly "calmer" waters, Deanna still did that! (not to worry, 'cut up' her knee equates to got a small cut that bled and then stopped bleeding. However, with coral and rocks and sea water, you definitely want to keep some antiseptic around, as they are highly likely for infection). We were lucky enough to see a couple of turtles, also, I randomly said to Deanna "hey, it looks like there is a cool rock/reef formation over here, let's head over this way." and low and behold, we saw a tako! (octopuss). I frantically got her attention and led her down to see it. It was pretty exciting. Nothing like having child-like excitement over seeing a new thing! I love seeing new things! Must see all the things!


Yup. So, basically it was an exciting Monday. Other things happened I am sure, but nothing more exciting than honu and tako.

We have also hiked a handful of trails since we have arrived. The first trail we hiked was kind of a "we have the cabin fever from being stuck inside our hotel room for a week after being stuck in a hotel room in New Jersey" kind of moment, so we just did the only hike we really knew about which was Diamondhead Crater. Certainly, like nearly EVERY hike on the island, the view was incredible.

View from atop Diamondhead Crater

Deanna looking sassy during a hike.

View from one of the pillboxes.

We have done trails with friend where I do not even remember the name of the trail, only that it was up high on the mountain and once again, the views were amazing. The most recent trail we have done, is also the one we did the most (twice) which is the Lanikai Pillbox Trail. It also sports amazing views, which could rank up at some of the best on the island.

View from atop Koko Head

Heading down Koko Head

Final recap of all that we have done or had happen. We've even kept up on our community band habit that we have maintained for quite a while. Currently we are members in two separate community bands (I sometimes sub in a third, a jazz ensemble). Deanna joined a dojo for her karate in Kailua and recently belted up (got a new color or whatever it is called). Deanna also got promoted to E5!

I guess all of this is to say. It's been a really fun six months. At least thus far, we can't imagine not living in Hawai'i. I know that sounds crazy to say, but there is seriously something to be said for having every day off that you have together feel like a VACATION. Not just a day off, but a VACATION. Let that sink in. I'm not trying to make anyone feel bad about their snow or cold, well, maybe a little, but to say we have enjoyed these past six month is an understatement. I'm not sure how the next six months will be, but if they are half as enjoyable as the past six it will have been a successful first year in Hawai'i. Now, I will get back to working on those goals I posted.

Aloha! And enjoy a small recap in photos from the past six months!

Just walking off at the Mokes

Faced off at some "medium" sized waves at Waimea Bay

Like a fish

Mmmm fresh cold coconut!

Shaka!

Double Thumbs Up!

Ready for the next six months (and beyond!)

And yes, I basically just did a recap/highlights show. The bane of all TV shows invades the blog.

A Mane of Aloha and a Kayak

I have had 2 weeks now since quitting my job at the marina. They have been 2 splendid weeks for sure. An abundance of errands and chores to get done, not to mention trying to get myself into the sub system and additionally into the Hawai'i Department of Ed. On those fronts, I have everything all set to be a substitute for the Windward District. That is, I have been cleared of TB (phew!), was finger printed, dropped off copies of transcripts, basically gave them a record of my everything and am all set to go.

That being said. I would have a job as a full-time teacher (at least for the rest of the year) if I could get an intake interview done for the Hawai'i Department of Education. That is in the works (i.e. Principal of the school is looking for a principal who can do an intake interview, etc). Worst case scenario, I have to wait until March to complete the interview.

Anyway, for anyone who cares, that's been going on.

Got a new old car. One week into owning said car, ran over a nail and needed a new tire. PRETTY MUCH PAR FOR THE COURSE. Every.Damn.Time.

I've had some time to work on my surfing (still sucks) and my tan (getting nice) and even have had time to clean up around the apartment and straighten up some of the outside mess we had going for a bit.

So, basically, that's a boring synopsis of some things I did.

 There is something to be said for living in a place where it can rain all day and be super gloomy (Saturday morning for instance) and it can end up looking like this in the evening. This past Saturday, Deanna had a parade for the Chinese New Year in Chinatown (in Honolulu). She was half expecting to be told the parade was to be cancelled. To say we had a blustery morning and previous night puts it mildly. Then there was a deluge of rain, which Deanna got caught in walking home from her karate class (she got soaked through, basically, in case you are wondering). However, it cleared up. They marched the parade. Later that evening we

decided to take a nice little walk on the beach (because we can). So, yes, I know, I'm kind of rubbing it in. No, I'm not really sorry. It just is what it is. Trying to enjoy it for everybody else (especially those of you who are getting smashed with foot after foot of snowfall. YIKES!

So, as you may have figured out, that Saturday that Deanna had to march the parade was Valentine's Day. Now, we haven't really ever been much for doing things on V-Day, but she mentioned that she would like to at least go out to dinner maybe somewhere. Or at least celebrate it a little. Well, we didn't really celebrate it that day, but we each bought each other a card, and I bought her a few chocolates from a local chocolate boutique in Kailua (they have some delish chocolates!). It was a Valentine's Day success. Still, we decided to plan something a little more exciting and went with a kayak rental to paddle ourselves out to Na Mokulua aka the "Twin Islands" or "The Mokes." I had heard there were lots of turtles and potentially some decent snorkeling. More on that in a second.

First, however, there was Sunday.

Deanna was lucky enough to catch the fact that the Director of Bands at the University of North Texas (Eugene Corporon) was going to be in town to rehearse and conduct the OBDA (O'ahu Band Directors Association) High School Select Honor Band. She got super excited at the opportunity to see her former conductor and we planned to take a trip into town to watch the dress rehearsal and then the concert in the evening. Mr. Corporon was excited to see Deanna and they talked for a bit before the dress rehearsal. Then he of course, rehearsed the group. He let us know that they had some food planned for him, so we went off and had some sushi later to return for the concert. Sadly, it turned out, they did not have food, or anything for him. He expressed his regret that he hadn't been able to grab a bite out with us. Oh well. It happens, I guess.

Anyway, after the concert, Deanna waited for the throngs of high school students to finish giving Mr. Corporon copious amounts of Leis and pictures and hugs, etc.

Deanna and Mr. Corporon with a mane of aloha.

Monday, (President's Day!) we rented a kayak from the Marine Base strapped it on our car and headed off for Kailua Beach Park. Loaded up with gear and ready to go, our kayak weighed quite a lot more than it had intially, but we muscled up and set off from the beach to the Mokes.

Setting off, with the Mokes in sight

We made it!

Gotta get that snack of trail mix! 

 It was about a half hour of medium to light paddling to get out to the islands. We saw two fairly large turtles on our way! Sadly, I had secured my camera away and was not able to take a picture of either honu =( So that was kind of sad, however, the sun was out in its full glory and water was beautiful.

Pretty amazing!

Admittedly, the surf was a little bigger than I think Deanna (or myself) was expecting. We definitely had a few "uh-oh, is this wave going to capsize us?" moments. Ultimately, we were able to navigate the bumpy waters and reach the shore of the island without too much difficulty.

Deanna about to get hit by a wave (not as bad as it looks)

We explored around the island a little bit (there are a few trails, one of the trails, I believe leads to a cliff that you may be able to jump off. However, with no foot wear, our feet had no chance of surviving the jagged rocks to get all the way over there) and decided we would try our hand at some snorkeling.

Some guys SUP/Surfing the waves

A view of the mountain/crater on the Marine Corps base. Ulupau
Crater on the Mokapu Peninsula with Mokomanu Island to the right

Just some fishies

So, at first there were pretty much no fish. Additionally, the currents and waves were more than we bargained for. Actually, for the entirety of the time we were in the water, it was pretty rough. We headed to the other island, only to find out that there is a reason no one was over there. The other island has no beach and is extremely rocky leading up to its shore. So... we turned around and headed back for the island we had departed. We decided to take a path that avoided most of the bigger surf that was happening between the islands and luckily, saw a couple of cool sights!

This eel was menacing looking. I'm pretty convinced
that he was extremely not happy to see us. 

This is a second eel we saw, he was hiding in some rocks very close
to the previous eel. So, basically, double eel!

Humuhumu trying to hide and run away from me
before I eat him!

And we saw a turtle while in the water as well! Yasssszz!

Above is a short video I took while swimming with the turtle. It's always a super treat to get to see honu and every time I get excited! 

We came back to the beach and ate the snack packs we had bought from Starbucks. We were super beat from the swimming/kayaking(mostly the swimming). We then took some selfies on the beach and went for a small hike in the opposite direction we had traveled last.

Kissy selfie

Fantastic. With a little tidal pool to boot.

Posing on some rocks

Waves crashing into the rocks

If you look closely, great derp face going on.

We then launched the kayak to head back to Kailua Beach Park and end our adventure. However, I did not feel fulfilled with the snorkeling I had done thus far and insisted on jumping off (ok, sliding off carefully as to not tip the kayak) the kayak into the water as soon as we reach some reef. Didn't see much but saw a cool shell!

Big shell. About the size of my fist, very much alive.

Shakas forever, right?

View of houses on the mountain in Lanikai

That's all for this set of adventures. Got lots of things coming up in the next few weeks! Looking forward to sharing it with everyone!

Adventures again!

Aloha from the first weekend where Stephen didn't have to work! -- at the marina!  Yep, he ended up with drill today, but yesterday was so much fun that I could accept the lonely day.

As you may remember, Stephen's last day at the marina was a week ago today.  During that time, we also purchased a co-worker's old Nissan Maxima, so now we have a retro-luxury car with which to haul around Stephen's surf board.

He ended up doing a lot of surfing because this last week turned out to be frustrating.  On one hand, he had to do the regional high school band auditions on Monday as part of drill, and while he was there, he met the director at Leilehua High School.  It sounds like they really hit it off, so the director talked to the principal about seeing if Stephen was hire-able.

Turns out he was not.  He has to complete an interview with an approved administrator (in other words, they've received training on how to interview someone) in order to be on the Hawai'i DoE's hiring list.  The next interview day isn't until March.  When he asked if he was eligible to sub, it turns out he was not because the DoE hadn't even looked at his application yet, and when they did, it turns out he needed a tuberculosis test first.

So when he was done making those phone calls, he went surfing.

On Tuesday, he was talking to a retired principal, and he found out that if the principal at Leilehua is trained, he can just do the interview whenever, or he can seek out a principal within the cluster.  The school is in Wahiawa, which is probably one of the most difficult towns to get to from Kailua, and I don't know what cluster it's in, but they do.

So then on Wednesday, he went to the school to observe a class and talk with the director.  He came home with a score to work on, and was told that they would try to get him on as a part-time teacher (less loopholes), or they would look around for a principal to do the interview, or they would just wait until March.  As of now, we have no news on which path they're actually going to take, but I think they don't just give you a score to learn to conduct the kids if the director doesn't mean to work with you.  We'll see.

And as for the results of the tb test?  Yep, he's clear.  He didn't get the results back until Friday afternoon, so he wasn't able to turn in the paperwork.  That's why there is no real news since Wednesday.

As for me, I work in the band's supply room, and these next two weeks are going to be our annual inventory.  Well, quasi-annual inventory.  I guess they did inventory last year for the first time in ten years.  We're still trying to clean up the mess, and as I organize hard cards (you know, binders so we can physically sign with a signature via pen and paper), I'm amazed at the laziness.  It's not incompetency.  It's not hard.  You put things in numerical order.  The sheer lack of that astounds me.  As of this weekend, those binders look very pretty and organized, though, and I lay claim to at least half of it.

I worked late on Friday to get those stupid binders in order, but I knew it was okay because Saturday was an awesome day!  Stephen got to play racquetball for the first time in months, and I went out to lunch on the North Shore with a bunch of girls from work to celebrate a friend's upcoming wedding.  Since almost all of us don't have family on the island, the girls have tried to build a community of their own.  We ate at Opal Thai, which is on the list of places we will take everybody when they visit because it is food on a completely different level.

We all carpooled, so when we were done, the girls left and I guess hit up the Dole Plantation for ice cream on the way home.  I stayed in Hale'iwa and checked out the small shops.  I was really excited to find a place that sold a whole selection of swimsuits that are meant for actually sporting around, not just laying on the beach!  My bright pink one that I bought when we just got here is already faded and nasty from the sun!

Stephen says fortunately, since I found another one, I won't need a new swimsuit for at LEAST 3 months.

Hey, a girl has to be prepared for all the beach fun!

Stephen took the car for an oil change after racquetball, and then he drove out to meet me in Hale'iwa.  The waves weren't nearly as epic there as they were predicting, so we just checked out the shops and bought a cute beachy sign for just outside our front door.  Then we stopped at a food truck and got fish tacos.  They were super-tasty!  There are some shrimp farms along the North Shore, so all the shrimp is fresh, and ahi tuna is easy to come by.  I don't remember what tacos Stephen got, but I got just one little ahi tuna taco, since I was so full from lunch.  The salsas were all fresh, and one of them was made with pineapple.  I would eat there again.

We decided to drive to Waimea Beach Park since it's on the way of the scenic drive home (there are two drives -- the long scenic one, and the highway).  We ended up staying through sunset because the waves were enormous!  The lifeguards made an announcement about a "double-black diamond undertow" and we were like, oooooooh!  We didn't know they used skiing terms for undertow!

They don't.  A quick Google search indicated to me that it was a joke.  The undertow, however, was not.  I got knocked over more than once by the waves and the undertow -- it was more intense than the day we posted pictures from Sunset Beach.  So, let's share the pictures!

Just a pretty view of the waves.  You can't tell how big they are in this picture.

Just a few pictures of beach prettiness

Stephen diving under a wave

Maybe this gives a better perspective of how huge they were

Stephen took the camera out into the fray

Too bad it's blurry, because this guy is getting totally thrashed

The amazing power of nature!

I only barely went out, and I still got knocked over and drenched

 Yep, nature is pretty freaking awesome!