Hawaii (Part Ten): Food, food, food, food!

I started writing chronologically, but somehow morphed into grouping things by topic. So here's a continuation of the great food (and happy hours!) we had in Hawaii.

We went grilling at Gyu-Kaku. The food was amazing and it was a lot of fun cooking it ourself over the hot coal grill in the table. This is a must do if you visit Oahu!

Nemy Nae and Dean at Gyu-Kaku.

Lisa at Gyu-Kaku.

Beef with marinade, kobe beef, chicken in pesto marinade and a view of the grill.

Shochu (rice vodka) with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. AMAZING.

We had to have at least one night of crazy drinking. That happened at the Sunset Bar followed by sobering up with a ton of food at Dave & Buster's.

Nemy and her mai tai (yucky!)

Dean with martini.

Nae and Nemy getting punchy!

Finally! Food! Nae with her fried rice and Nemy's burger.

Nemy and Lisa coloring the kiki (kid's) menu.

Dean used to work at a fantastic Italian restaurant called Matteo's. We took them there for dinner. They all had ravioli and I had saltimbocca because any dish that has "salt" in its name MUST be good.

Lisa trying escargot for the first time.

Lisa pretending to like escargot.

Lisa and her first taste of baby (veal).

Nae and Dean.

We went out for lunch at the North Shore (I need to ask Renee what the name is). I fell asleep on the way out there, which was fantastic! I missed the pineapple and coffee fields, but saw them on the way back. After lunch we hit the famous surfing beach and were off for shaved ice.

Lisa drinking her "scuba diver" drink.

While on the North Shore, stopping at Motsumoto's Shaved Ice is a MUST. It is not made of little balls of ice like a snow cone. Instead the ice is light and fluffy and the flavors are rich, not sugary.

Nemy and Lisa at Motsumoto's Shaved Ice.

We stopped for a drink at Brew Moon my last full night in Hawaii. It is a small brew pub with great beer.

Dean and Nae at Brew Moon.

As you can see, I tried them all . . . at once!

Lisa drinking the Brew Moon sampler.

Dave & Buster's (again) this time for breakfast.

Morning mimosa.

Mmmm . . . mimosa.

My last lunch in Hawaii was amazing. We went to the pier and hit a fish shop. It was the best fish EVER!

Ahi sandwich. DELICIOUS!!!

Nae's mahi-mahi lunch.

We had a dinner tinged with sadness since it was our last outing before they had to drop me off at the airport. Sniff!!!

We went to La Mariana Yacht Club's Tiki Bar. The great news is that it's for sale! Save your pennies quick and you can own a piece of Hawaiian history!

Lisa and Nae at the entrance. I loved how the sign was barely working.

Here is one of the rooms - complete with indoor waterfall.

Dean and Lisa in her 1980's Dynasty chair. If only it was painted white!

My shrimp with linguine, Renee's breaded shrimp with mashed potatoes and gravy
along with Dean's pork chops. MMMMM!!!

Believe it or not, we did make a lot of food at home, especially breakfast. We also packed lunches for the beach, including a bottle of gin and cans of tonic. Mmm. . . gin & tonics. It was a good mix of thrifty and spendy.

If you go to Hawaii, or anywhere really, please don't hit the chain restaurants. There are so many mom & pop or local places to experience. Do some research and take chances. Otherwise, you might as well just go to Perkin's down the street and imagine the scenery outside is different.

Not about Hawaii

At this moment, I have two 4 year olds eating good ol' mac & cheese and hot dogs in front of the TV discussing farts.

L: Did you just fart?
N: Yeah.
L: Me too!*
N: Was it stinky?
L: Really stinky! Was yours?
N: Yeah!
Me: Did you say "excuse me"?
L & N: Excuse me bobble head butt!

Kids, they are the greatest.

*Proof that kids are competitive about EVERYTHING.

Hawaii (Part Nine): Scuba Diving and Surfing

We went to Hanauma Bay to go snorkeling. It is my favorite place in Hawaii. The bay itself is actually the floor of a volcanic crater that opened up to the ocean when its exterior wall collapsed. Declared a marine life conservation area and underwater park in 1967, Hanauma Bay is sheltered from strong currents and waves, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling.

A large sandy beach is flanked by several hiking trails that lead to breathtaking lookouts. On clear days, you can see the islands of Molokai and Lanai across the channel, and during the winter and early spring months, breaching humpback whales can be spotted from shore.

Want to experience it without having to leave home? Click here to see a slide show of fish that live in the bay.

Lisa with Hanauma Bay in the background.

Looking down on the coral reefs.

Lisa in her snorkeling gear.

Nemy and Nae walking up out of Hanauma Bay.

We also went surfing at Waikiki Beach. It was our first experience at a tourist beach and we hated it. Everyone who walked by kicked up sand on you and your towel. It also smelled fishy. We were glad to go back to "local" beaches after this outing.

The throng of tourists on Waikiki Beach.

Nae and Dean scraping and waxing her board.

Dean, Nae and Nemy on their way out to the waves.

Nemy with Dean's surfboard. Smaller boards like this one are more difficult to use.
She was able to paddle out on it, which is a challenge.
If she had rented a longboard, I think she would have been able to catch a wave.

Nae the Hawaiian surfer girl with her board.

Lisa with Dean's board. I wasn't even able to paddle out with this board.
We rented a step down from the longboard for me (only $10!) which made everything much easier. I could paddle out, sit on the board and get up on my knees.
Maybe next time, I'll actually be able to stand!

Well, that's it for my water adventure synopsis. Next up: food, drinks, karoke and tattoos!

Hawaii (Part Eight) The Byodo-in Temple

The Byodo-In Temple was a site I did not want to miss. Nae hadn't been there either, so it was a first for both of us. I was sorry Nemy had left the day before because it was an amazing site to visit. It was very peaceful, beautiful and calming. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Oahu.

It was built in the 1960's to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant workers in Hawaii who came to work in the sugar plantation fields. It is a replica of the 950-year-old Byodoin Temple located in Uji, Japan on the southern outskirts of Kyoto.

As a Lost fan, I should have known, but it wasn't until after I got home that I found out it was used as a filming location in the first season of Lost, where it served as the home of the Sun's powerful father. I'll have to break out my DVD Box set to check it out.

Lisa on the bridge to the temple.

There is a five-foot, three-ton brass Peace Bell on your left after you cross the bridge. This large bell can be heard throughout Kahaluu when rung. Ringing the bell will purify the mind of evil spirits and temptation. It is said that ringing this bell will bring you happiness, blessings, and a long life. It is customarily rung before entering the temple. Nae and I both gave a donation and rang the bell. The sound was deep and soothing.

Nae ringing the Peace Bell.

Like its counterpart in Japan, the temple building itself is called the Hoodo or Hall of the Chinese Phoenix as its floor plan models that of the bird. A Hoodo consists of a decorated main temple building, two wings on the left and right sides with tail corridor at the rear. Chinese phoenixes are used to decorate both ends of the roof.

The highlight of the temple is the non-foot Lotus Buddha so named because he sits upon a lotus flower. This is the largest wooden Buddha carved in over 900 years. It is stained in a black lacquer and decorated in gold leaf. My picture does not do this beautiful piece of art justice.

The Lotus Buddha. Following Nae's example,
I lit incense in front of the Buddha.

Nae and I outside the temple.

Lisa in her "L likes to hike" pose.

Lisa next to the bamboo forest in the back gardens of the temple.

This was my second favorite activity/place in Hawaii. My favorite, best, number one place in Hawaii is up next!

Hawaii (Part Seven) Museum

I was hoping to see a wild pig/boar on our hikes, but alas, it was not in the cards. However, on my visit to The Bishop Museum, I saw plenty.

A stick on the wall pig.

A real stuffed pig!

A glow in the dark pig!

We saw other things too. Unfortunately we didn't see the hula show at 11 AM. That would have kicked ass. On the whole, I wouldn't say this is a must see. I would hit the Hawaii State Art Museum instead. Here's some more pics:

This T-Rex picture of gore, obviously, is for Paul.

Whee! I'm a lava flow!

Nae by their wind wall.

Next is my #2 favorite. So read on!

Hawaii (Part Six) Hike #4 Manoa Falls Trail

Manoa Falls Trail was a great hike and easy at only 1.5 miles. It can be slippery at times, but is set up well for kids of all ages.

Nae and Dean at entrance.

Lisa by an amazing Banyan tree.

Nae and Lisa on the well manicured trail.

Most guides say you can swim under the falls, but it is closed.

Lisa and Nae at the falls.

Lisa with an amazing (Jackfoot?) tree.

My last, and best hiking experience in Hawaii. I highly recommend it.

Hawaii (Part Five) Hike #3 Diamond Head

Next was Diamondhead State Monument.

The sisters 1/4 of the way up Diamondhead.

Nemy on the spiral staircase.

Lisa is #1!

The horrific view of "ass man" that we couldn't get away from.

View from the top.

On the way down.

It was whale season, but they were late so we didn't get to see any this trip. Stay tuned for hike #4. My favorite!

Hawaii (Part Four) Hiking #2 The Aiea Loop Trail

The Aiea Loop Trail was my least favorite hike. They say it is family friendly, which is true only if you are comfortable with your kids walking on a trail barely a foot wide with a 100 - 200 foot steep hill on one side. It was on this hike that I realized my limit was 3 miles (the hike was 4 1/2). It was also where I almost fell down a huge hill.

Lisa and Nemy posing with the mini pine trees.

Where I almost fell. See how close the trail is to the drop off? Not my idea of a relaxing hike.

Finally! We were done!

Oops, we thought we were done, but first we had to hike back up to the car. Sigh.

Again, it was very muddy.

Our shoes may never recover.

Stay tuned for more (hike #3).

Hawaii (Part Three) Hike #1 Maunawili Falls

I did four different hikes in Hawaii. It would have been five, but I was tired from snorkeling and sat out on one. While Nemy and Nae hiked I tried to nap at what I now refer to as "the spitting beach". It was windy cold, and everyone seemed to be spitting on the sand. Ick. I wrapped up in my beach towel and sweater, but still could not drift off. I even tried to find an alcove somewhere, but was unsuccessful. So I wandered around and read until they picked me up.

Anyhow, what was I talking about? Oh, that's right, the hikes.

Our first hike was Maunawili Falls. It was muddy, but very pretty. The sad part was that we got turned around and missed the falls altogether. We were up for going back, but would have missed the best part of the day for sunning on the beach. We voted for hitting the beach and coming back to the falls trail another day, but didn't make it.

Nemy, Nae and Lisa in the rainforest.

Nemy, Nae and Dean at a stream crossing.

Walking up Lola Road to the car.

Hawaii (Part One)

Twelve hours of travel and we finally landed in Hawaii. It was 75 degrees and sunny. Renee picked us up and gifted us with lai's.

'Nae and Nemy at the airport.

We went back to Nae's apartment and settled in while she picked up Dean from work. They made us a spectacular chicken and steak stir fry for dinner. Afterwards, we all went to Waikiki so us Minnesota girls could touch the Pacific ocean.

We weren't used to the waves yet and got a little wet in the ocean. Then we posed for pictures with tiki torches, which are EVERYWHERE.

Nemy, Nae and Lisa at Waikiki beach.

Then we hit the ever popular Duke's for drinks. Duke Kahanamoku is the most famous name in surfing. He was an Olympic swimming champion, Hollywood actor and Hawaiian folk hero, all rolled into one. Two stories about him: He battled a 10 foot eel while training and after a few minutes, finally choked it to death. He was exhausted, but survived, minus his index finger. In 1925 he rescued twelve men from a boating tragedy off of Newport Beach. So you can see why he deserved his own statue, and why it's decorated daily with flowers.

The bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku.

Our trip started off well and it only got better.

Tomorrow, Day/Part Two.

I am an idiot

Why did it take me so long to realize how easy it is to rip a CD?

My music library could have been BIGGER THAN JESSE'S.

Wow and amazing.

After I get back from vacation, I'm ripping every CD in the house.

3 . . . 2 . . . 1

Two more days and I am off to Hawaii!

I am stressed out, have tons left to do and am getting a cold. Hooray!

At least I have a swim suit, again. Jesse and I made a trip to Target (minus the Super) and they had tons of affordable suits. I got a pair of board shorts and a bikini top. BIKINI TOP PEOPLE! Notice to all Hawaiians: my stretch marks will be on display soon. Don't miss the show of blinding white skin. It will be worth it.

My smile will probably be more blinding. A week with my sisters in 80 degree weather. Ahh. . .

I am taking Zicam and using all alternative remedies possible along with Sudafed to kick this cold out of the ball park until I leave Thursday morning.

On the agenda today: tour two of the three schools we are applying for kindergarten for Noah. Right now the contenders are:

• Wilshire Elementary in Saint Anthony Village
• Bel Air Elementary in New Brighton
• Highland Elementary in Columbia Heights

The last one was a huge surprise. Everyone assumes that Columbia Heights sucks, but their test scores are wonderful. They have the only 100% I saw in the schools we looked at. The first two are hard to get into, but I don't think Highland is, since, like us, everyone assumes that Columbia Heights is a poor school.

Wish us luck!

Lisa and the Horrible, Awful, No Good, Very Bad Day

Thursday started fine, setting me up for the sucker punch that would be my day.

Noah and I dropped Jesse at work and were off for some serious shopping. After dropping $76 on a swim suit at Macy's, we grabbed a JC Penny's stroller someone had ditched in the store and were off for more shopping. For the same price as the suit I got:

• Jeans
• Snow boots
• Red high heeled shoes (yowza!)
• Airwalk sneakers that look like old school Vans
• A shirt fit for happy hour in Hawaii

We ended the trip at JC Penny, grabbing all of our bags and ditching the stroller. It wasn't until we had stopped at Chipotle and were eating at home that I realized the bag with the swimsuit was missing.

Hadn't The Doodlebops warned me of this very thing? Was their catchy song about taking it slow all for naught? I guess I should pay more attention to Noah's TV shows instead of surfing the net.

We finished eating and drove back to the mall. I checked the nearest checkout as well as every stroller in the store I could find with no luck. So far it hasn't shown up in a lost and found, but the helpful office worker at JC Penny tried to boost my spirit by telling me that someone even turned in a hundred dollar bill once (How stupid is that? I totally would have kept it).

We didn't have time to go home so we went to pick up Jesse early. For some reason his phone didn't ring or register my voice mail messages so we were driving away 40 minutes later when he called me. I circled around to get him and got lost in the U of M labyrinth. He finally spotted me from atop the hill by Coffman and ran down a huge flight of stairs to me.

I was a half an hour late to my hour appointment, but at least I didn't have to pay $120 for a missed one. It took me 20 minutes to decompress, so the last 10 were basically figuring out what we would talk about next time.

Then, I had a client. That, at least, went well.

I hope Joan is right and these type of days come only once every few years. Cause baby? This one sucked.

New Year's Resolutions

My drinking was reserved the evening of the hot toddy party and I didn't even get buzzed on New Year's Eve. I guess I decided to make up for it last night. 3/4 of a bottle of wine and 3 hard ciders, along with nachos, cheese, salami and crackers. Noah had me up in the middle of the night, but thankfully slept until almost 10 AM, so I feel okay this morning.

I am a girl of extremes. I either abstain or dive in. Resolution #1: balance my life, including my drinking. Everything in moderation will be my mantra.

Resolution #2: Exercise more. Having the dog helps!

Resolution #3: More quality time with the people I love.

Resolution #4: Healthier meals/Finding a vegetable Noah will eat.

Resolution #5: Work more, decrease debt.

Resolution #6: House-train the dog and potty train Noah 100%.

Resolution #7: Get rid of clutter, clean and organize house.

Resolution #8: Increase massage therapy skills/knowledge.

It will be interesting to see how I do . . .

New Year's Eve Day Continuted

After we got home, the day got better. It was hard for me, being the passenger in a car on insanely icy roads. Two minutes into the adventure (in which Noah insisted I ride next to him in the back seat instead of drive) Stan almost slid into a cop car. He didn't realize how icy it was at that point. However, it didn't dissuade him from driving on a frontage road for another two miles.

Scary is an understatement. After the winter accident I endured while Jesse was driving my car (Yes, He's charming and dashing, and Lisa car bashing, I KNOW!) I am a nervous Nellie as a passenger in a car on slippery roads. Once we got on the well traveled freeway, I was more calm.

We finally arrived home and were greeted by an enthusiastic dog and Jesse. We ordered pizza and sandwiches for dinner. After the boy, dog and pizza were taken care of, we retired to watch a movie. I don't know what Jesse was thinking, but I was hoping for "Little Miss Sunshine". Stan had a different idea. He wanted to watch "The Evil Dead." Second movie in the trilogy, but damn good nonetheless. We were both intrigued, so that was the end of 2006 for all.

At 11:40 we toasted to the New Year, since Stan wanted to go to bed. After that, Jesse and the bottle of champagne kept me company as I took the dog for a walk. We made snow angels and had a great time making pathways through the new fallen snow. I wanted to leave the dog's new year's poop (since it was by the church) and leave the empty champagne bottle on a neighbor's lawn, but Jesse wouldn't let me do either (spoil sport!).

So I started the New Year with a clear conscience.

All hail the baby of 2007!