Fall is in the air, which means a few things: bundling up in warm layers, building crackling fires in the wood stove, preparing slow cooked meals from a hearty summer harvest, mixing up spiced beverages of the boozy variety, and watching the colors change as people return from their summer vacations. But, this year it means something else for me: this year fall is the beginning of my spiritual renaissance.
It's hard sometimes to remember to slow down amidst work, friends, family, appointments, errands, and they day-in and day-out chores that can leave us all feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Prioritizing life becomes difficult when you feel the weight of all these things bearing down on you, and making time to nurture and care for your own self is often lost under all these layers.
Even the most conscious minded individuals, the ones who make an intentional effort to cultivate their spirits, can forget - and I'm just as guilty as anyone else. But this year something is different. Maybe I'm settling into adulthood, or maybe I've just grown tired of succumbing to standards less than what I've intended for myself. When I think back on my childhood and the imaginative, creative-minded little girl that I was, I cringe to think that somehow I've buried and forgotten her in some abyss below all the peripheral things in my life. Not only did realizing that I was absentmindedly losing myself startle and scare me, but it made me feel sad, lonely even.
So I changed a few things. This summer for instance, I decided to take a few risks, and the result was, well, shocking. Surprising yourself can be both scary and invigorating. It can be tiring and evoke feelings of hopelessness at times, too. But the alternative to this is a life built on regret, which is really the most frightening feeling I think a person can have. People always say when you look back on your life, you won't regret the things that you did, you'll regret the things that you didn't do. I won't say this is a phrase I would live by, but it certainly does ring some truth.
Sometimes the lives we want for ourselves cannot be achieved by simply jumping at opportunities. More than often we have to set ourselves up for those opportunities to even present themselves, and that can be a lot of hard, and even stressful work. But the gratifying thing about this struggle is that at the end of the day, you can smile and relish in your handmade success. And, just for clarification, success is different for everyone. Sure, there's the stereotypical version of success that they teach you in school, but as far as I'm concerned, that version of success has exhausted itself as boring and mundane. Get a good job, buy a nice house, etc. To me success is living each day well and knowing that my conscious, physical life was spent brimming with a fierce and fiery richness. And the best thing? When you approach your life with this kind of perspective, whatever goals you set for yourself may be achieved, but there is no end in sight - it's just one beautiful thing flourishing into the next, on this long and enchanting journey.
Friday, September 6, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
Growing Pains
Several weeks ago (minus my Hawaiian hiatus) I would not have imagined falling off the wagon with my blog. I mean, the very purpose in birthing Wild Gift was to create a public platform that would encourage me to write often. Well, it certainly did something, because all I do now is write. I write articles, I write correspondence, I write cover letters, all day long I write these things. I build my portfolio, I network, I schmooze, I essentially whore myself out to whoever will take... um, hire me, publish me or at the very least give me the time of day.
And really, it all started with this blog.
A few months ago I decided that what I had spent one year of my life working towards was nothing more than a backseat copout. Yes, I would enjoy being a teacher. The work is rewarding, the benefits are good, and the pay is decent. But if I had gone forward with my seemingly failsafe plan, I know it would be my first, and hopefully only, regret. Not because I wouldn't enjoy it, but because I was denying myself the opportunity to explore something bigger, something I have wanted for as long as I can remember.
So I took a chance. I took a chance on that little girl who would scribble notes on any corner of paper she could find and sneak them into pockets and envelopes. I took a chance on the child that dreamt up movies and books and wrote them all down, as silly as they seemed. I took a chance on the angsty teenager who wrote prose when she should have been writing math equations. I took a chance on the girl who all throughout college was happiest when she was writing, no matter what it was. I took a chance on myself, to live up to, not the potential the world imagined for me, but the potential that I imagined for myself.
Most people spend their whole lives jumping through other people's hoops. It starts when you're young, in school. You have to get good grades in high school, so you can go to a good college, so you can get a good degree, so you can get a good job, so you can buy a nice house, and have lots of nice things, and marry someone who did exactly the same thing, and raise your children to go through the exact same numbing process. Even people who say they reject that way of thinking or that lifestyle are still victims of it. I know I am. If I wasn't, I wouldn't have devised my failsafe plan and cast aside the one thing that I was genuinely enthusiastic about doing for a career.
It's not popular, and it's not easy, but it's worth it.
I have to thank my mother though. If it wasn't for her I'd probably be in some cubicle with runs in my panty hose and grey hairs bursting from my scalp, making wads of cash (or just scraping by) and crying myself to sleep each night or maybe I'd be too desensitized to cry about it, and would just complacently pass through each day. It doesn't really matter if you get the glamorous end of the stick or not in a scenario like that, because either way you've sold your soul in some form or another, and trying to hold on to your bearings in an environment that tries so devilishly to rape you of your own sense of self wears on even the strongest minded individuals. But my whole life, my mother has always reminded me to stay afloat. I could be sinking, deep and fast, and right when I'm about to slip, there she is to remind me.
I can only imagine how difficult being a parent is. But I don't even know where to begin comprehending how difficult being that good of a parent is.
So I've thanked my blog (which is really a modest way of thanking myself, but really, I'm totally patting myself on the back right now because this was definitely one of the harder things I've committed to in my life, and I've still got a long way to go, so I'm going to need all those back-pats,) and I've thanked my mom, but I also have to thank my husband, Aaron.
Every day when he comes home, he asks me how my writing went, and continues to encourage me to push forward and make those contacts and write articles and apply for internships and jobs. Having that everyday, positive encouragement makes it so much easier to do something as intimidating as this, and to be completely honest, it was Aaron who suggested that I start a blog!
Anyway, I've gone on far too long. But the point is, it's easy to let other people decide what's best for you, or what you "should" be doing, or to fall into one of the infinity number of molds just waiting for you to fall into. But, like most things, it just doesn't count when it's easy.
Right now, today, I'm celebrating being scared, stressed and nervous, but in the good kind of way - like when you're about to go on roller coaster. It's exhilarating, and I'm genuinely happy and excited for each minute of my day, every day. The best part? If by this time next year I decide that it's not going to work out, I can always go back to boring Plan A... but I won't let that happen.
xo.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
A Sailing Tour of the San Juan Islands
Apologies for my recent hiatus. Evidently, blogging bodes itself much more difficult when the extent of your computer and internet access is limited to a less than weak signal being received from a now outdated iPhone 4.
Over an extended four day weekend, I participated in a sailing* trip through the San Juan Islands. Aaron, Mike, Catherine and I set out Thursday morning, from Port Townsend, Washington, for what suggested to be the start of a frightening journey.
Thursday greeted us with gray clouds, rain, and fog so thick you could cut it with a knife. We were soaked and chilled to the bone before we even pulled anchor. With no wind to sail, we turned on the engine and began motoring, with no more than 20 feet visibility. Needless to say, my over-cautious self was verging on the cusp of a nervous breakdown, and Catherine's susceptibility to sea sickness was in full fledge. Most of this anxiety erupted when we entered the shipping lanes, with no way to tell if we were flying solo or seconds from colliding with a container ship. We made it through the shipping lane alive and well, where shortly after the fog began to clear, and my clenched fists slowly loosened.
Still no wind to catch in our sails, we continued motoring until we made it to Lopez Island. The grey sky seeped blue, and the sun's glow warmed the horizon line as we pulled into Fisherman's Bay. After dropping anchor and suiting up with backpacks and sleeping bags, we rowed to shore to find a place to camp. Unfortunately, high season in the San Juan Islands does not lend itself to travelers with small pocketbooks. We found campgrounds (if you can call them that - a large patch of grass neighboring a parking lot is not exactly my idea of camping) that cost $25 per couple. Outrageous! Irritated, tired, and cold, we set up camp in the dusk, and went to bed.
The morning greeted us with overcast skies, but no rain. To this we rejoiced, packed up and were on our way (only after stopping at a delightful bakery where we filled up on flaky, savory pastries.)
With no wind (again), we continued our sailing* trip, headed for Deer Harbor and Orcas Island. As we approached the harbor, the clouds began to break, and the bright sun warmed our chilled skin as we pulled up to the dock. Excited to use the facilities, we eagerly jumped off the boat and relieved ourselves. We set out on foot to explore the island, and enjoyed the picturesque nature that Orcas housed. As late morning turned into mid-afternoon, and plans of sailing* to San Juan Island before sundown were still included in our itinerary, we said our goodbyes to the beautiful island and ventured out once more.
Ready for this? There was wind. Actual, real wind. And to sweeten the pot? Sun! Warm, hot sunshine, mixed with cool, soft winds, strong enough to sail to, and gentle enough to bask in. To celebrate, we uncorked a bottle of wine, stripped down to shorts and tank tops, and made our way to San Juan Island, and Aaron's uncle's property on Roche Harbor.
We pulled up to the dock, tipsy and warm, and set up camp. Once set up, we walked into town where we filled our bellies with warm, savory food, ice cream, and played a bocce ball in a community courtyard. The evening brought us cool, sea-kissed air, a roaring fire, and good conversation. In the morning we would be visiting Sucia and Cypress Island.
The wind and sun were gone come morning, but the air was fairly warm as we motored our way to Sucia Island, a small island in the San Juan's that was home to no one, except the wildlife that dwelled in this enchanting park, and the campers who visited it. After touring a bit of the island and making our way back to the boat, the clouds parted, revealing a hot, late summer sun. Aaron, Mike and Catherine all jumped in the icy water to refresh their skin, but I, tending not to be the best at enduring the cold, stayed on board, living vicariously through them.
Everyone dried off, and we pulled anchor yet again, this time headed to our last campsite: Cypress Island.
On our journey to Cypress, we saw harbor porpoises and various sea birds, all illuminated by the shimmering water. The last leg of our journey greeted us with strong winds, and we sailed our way into Cypress. Cypress consists almost entirely of DNR land, except for a small strip of houses on the island's edge. Before rowing to shore, we made a dinner that consisted of whatever hodge-podge of hot food we had left on the boat. After warming and filling up, we grabbed our camping gear and headed for shore. The most beautiful of the islands, Cypress is secluded and nearly untouched.
Despite our stale exhaustion, we built a fire, filled up on beers, and chatted late into the night, before retiring to our tents. We would be leaving bright and early for our return to Port Townsend.
The sun gleamed gently in the morning, growing stronger with each passing hour. There was no lack of wind on our journey home, and we sailed almost the entire way. We made it passed the San Juans, through the shipping lanes, and in just a few, short hours, we were pulling up to Port Townsend.
Tired, weathered, hungry, and dirty, we were excited to be on land. What began as a frightening, stormy trip, turned into a great adventure, but never had the thought of my warm, soft bed been so inviting.
*most of the trip was spent motoring, but we were in a sailboat, so we'll just call it sailing anyway, right?
xo.
Over an extended four day weekend, I participated in a sailing* trip through the San Juan Islands. Aaron, Mike, Catherine and I set out Thursday morning, from Port Townsend, Washington, for what suggested to be the start of a frightening journey.
Thursday greeted us with gray clouds, rain, and fog so thick you could cut it with a knife. We were soaked and chilled to the bone before we even pulled anchor. With no wind to sail, we turned on the engine and began motoring, with no more than 20 feet visibility. Needless to say, my over-cautious self was verging on the cusp of a nervous breakdown, and Catherine's susceptibility to sea sickness was in full fledge. Most of this anxiety erupted when we entered the shipping lanes, with no way to tell if we were flying solo or seconds from colliding with a container ship. We made it through the shipping lane alive and well, where shortly after the fog began to clear, and my clenched fists slowly loosened.
Still no wind to catch in our sails, we continued motoring until we made it to Lopez Island. The grey sky seeped blue, and the sun's glow warmed the horizon line as we pulled into Fisherman's Bay. After dropping anchor and suiting up with backpacks and sleeping bags, we rowed to shore to find a place to camp. Unfortunately, high season in the San Juan Islands does not lend itself to travelers with small pocketbooks. We found campgrounds (if you can call them that - a large patch of grass neighboring a parking lot is not exactly my idea of camping) that cost $25 per couple. Outrageous! Irritated, tired, and cold, we set up camp in the dusk, and went to bed.
The morning greeted us with overcast skies, but no rain. To this we rejoiced, packed up and were on our way (only after stopping at a delightful bakery where we filled up on flaky, savory pastries.)
With no wind (again), we continued our sailing* trip, headed for Deer Harbor and Orcas Island. As we approached the harbor, the clouds began to break, and the bright sun warmed our chilled skin as we pulled up to the dock. Excited to use the facilities, we eagerly jumped off the boat and relieved ourselves. We set out on foot to explore the island, and enjoyed the picturesque nature that Orcas housed. As late morning turned into mid-afternoon, and plans of sailing* to San Juan Island before sundown were still included in our itinerary, we said our goodbyes to the beautiful island and ventured out once more.
Ready for this? There was wind. Actual, real wind. And to sweeten the pot? Sun! Warm, hot sunshine, mixed with cool, soft winds, strong enough to sail to, and gentle enough to bask in. To celebrate, we uncorked a bottle of wine, stripped down to shorts and tank tops, and made our way to San Juan Island, and Aaron's uncle's property on Roche Harbor.
We pulled up to the dock, tipsy and warm, and set up camp. Once set up, we walked into town where we filled our bellies with warm, savory food, ice cream, and played a bocce ball in a community courtyard. The evening brought us cool, sea-kissed air, a roaring fire, and good conversation. In the morning we would be visiting Sucia and Cypress Island.
The wind and sun were gone come morning, but the air was fairly warm as we motored our way to Sucia Island, a small island in the San Juan's that was home to no one, except the wildlife that dwelled in this enchanting park, and the campers who visited it. After touring a bit of the island and making our way back to the boat, the clouds parted, revealing a hot, late summer sun. Aaron, Mike and Catherine all jumped in the icy water to refresh their skin, but I, tending not to be the best at enduring the cold, stayed on board, living vicariously through them.
Everyone dried off, and we pulled anchor yet again, this time headed to our last campsite: Cypress Island.
On our journey to Cypress, we saw harbor porpoises and various sea birds, all illuminated by the shimmering water. The last leg of our journey greeted us with strong winds, and we sailed our way into Cypress. Cypress consists almost entirely of DNR land, except for a small strip of houses on the island's edge. Before rowing to shore, we made a dinner that consisted of whatever hodge-podge of hot food we had left on the boat. After warming and filling up, we grabbed our camping gear and headed for shore. The most beautiful of the islands, Cypress is secluded and nearly untouched.
Despite our stale exhaustion, we built a fire, filled up on beers, and chatted late into the night, before retiring to our tents. We would be leaving bright and early for our return to Port Townsend.
The sun gleamed gently in the morning, growing stronger with each passing hour. There was no lack of wind on our journey home, and we sailed almost the entire way. We made it passed the San Juans, through the shipping lanes, and in just a few, short hours, we were pulling up to Port Townsend.
Tired, weathered, hungry, and dirty, we were excited to be on land. What began as a frightening, stormy trip, turned into a great adventure, but never had the thought of my warm, soft bed been so inviting.
*most of the trip was spent motoring, but we were in a sailboat, so we'll just call it sailing anyway, right?
xo.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
My Summer Cottage: Adventures in Gardening and Eating Healthy
Though our vegetable garden is small, it certainly is abundant. Two small beds share a harvest of kale and carrots, while a neighboring planter houses four, ripening tomato plants. We also have a few, thick rows of basil, some mint, and one chive plant.
Carrots and kale from the garden
While it's a bit early in the season to be reaping the benefits of all of our crops, the mint, basil, chives, and even the kale, have proven themselves as delicious and ready for our bellies. My most recent recipe adventure was a Martha Stewart patented kale slaw, which I took the liberty of altering into what is sure to be a new household favorite. My recommendations for this recipe are to omit the sunflower, pumpkin, and hemp seeds, and add julienned beets and diced avocado. If you want to sweeten the salad, try adding apples, pears, or even peaches! By the time I made my second batch of this mouth-watering slaw, I had ran out of the apple-cider vinegar needed for the dressing, and substituted a tablespoon of Trader Joe's Sesame Ginger Salad Dressing. I loved the subtle, spicy fragrance that the ginger added, and would even consider adding fresh ginger next time.
Exploring new recipes is always a treat, but the payoff is much greater when you get to watch your ingredients growing in your own backyard. I'm excited to harvest the tomatoes to be used in conjunction with the basil for caprese salads, homemade pizzas, and rustic tomato-basil bisque.
For other fresh, summer recipe ideas using seasonal fruits and veggies, visit Martha Stewart's Seasonal Produce Guide.
xo.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
A Tour of Heritage Distilling Company
Located in Gig Harbor, Washington, resides the charming, young distillery, Heritage Distilling Company. I recently attended a tour of this distillery and was awestruck by the beautiful abundance of casks that lined the distillery's walls, the deep and bitter aroma that wafted from the wheat, corn, and rye, and the grand, copper-plated, Italian made still that served as the centerpiece for this impressive establishment.
Granted, the closest thing to a distillery "tour" I had ever previously attended consisted of peeking at sketchy, moonshine kits that friends had rigged-up in their basements. Needless to say, this was nothing like that.
The staff at Heritage Distilling Company was welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly. Before beginning the tour, I was given a bit of history on the distillery, and informed about some of the great programs the distillery offers, such as the Cask Club and My Batch, where you get to distill and name your own, signature batch of spirits. Next I was taken on a tour of the distillery's magnificent machinery and the process and mechanics used to still the various spirits.
After the tour I was directed back towards the storefront where I was invited for a complimentary tasting. Because Heritage Distilling Company is still so new, they have not yet released any large batches of their aged spirits (but expect to find an aged bourbon coming soon.)
I had the liberty of tasting the HDC Vodka, HDC Soft Gin, an un-aged Commander's Rye Whiskey, and the Fall Classic Apple Cider Flavored Whiskey. The Commander's Rye is perhaps an acquired taste that I evidently have not yet developed, but the other three were outstanding. I particularly liked the HDC Soft Gin, with its full-flavored spiciness, and satiny smooth finish.
Supporting and promoting local establishments is something that I always take pride in doing, as it strengthens the community in which I live and love. Heritage Distilling Company makes this easy to do by offering a product that is authentic and enjoyable.
While I highly encourage visiting the distillery for yourself, if you are unable to make it in for a tour, you can still purchase Heritage Distilling Company's unique spirits at one of their many vendors, including Harbor Greens and Trader Joe's. For a list of all vendors, information regarding the Cask Club and My Batch Programs, or to schedule a tour, visit their website at http://www.heritagedistilling.com
Granted, the closest thing to a distillery "tour" I had ever previously attended consisted of peeking at sketchy, moonshine kits that friends had rigged-up in their basements. Needless to say, this was nothing like that.
The staff at Heritage Distilling Company was welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly. Before beginning the tour, I was given a bit of history on the distillery, and informed about some of the great programs the distillery offers, such as the Cask Club and My Batch, where you get to distill and name your own, signature batch of spirits. Next I was taken on a tour of the distillery's magnificent machinery and the process and mechanics used to still the various spirits.
After the tour I was directed back towards the storefront where I was invited for a complimentary tasting. Because Heritage Distilling Company is still so new, they have not yet released any large batches of their aged spirits (but expect to find an aged bourbon coming soon.)
I had the liberty of tasting the HDC Vodka, HDC Soft Gin, an un-aged Commander's Rye Whiskey, and the Fall Classic Apple Cider Flavored Whiskey. The Commander's Rye is perhaps an acquired taste that I evidently have not yet developed, but the other three were outstanding. I particularly liked the HDC Soft Gin, with its full-flavored spiciness, and satiny smooth finish.
Supporting and promoting local establishments is something that I always take pride in doing, as it strengthens the community in which I live and love. Heritage Distilling Company makes this easy to do by offering a product that is authentic and enjoyable.
While I highly encourage visiting the distillery for yourself, if you are unable to make it in for a tour, you can still purchase Heritage Distilling Company's unique spirits at one of their many vendors, including Harbor Greens and Trader Joe's. For a list of all vendors, information regarding the Cask Club and My Batch Programs, or to schedule a tour, visit their website at http://www.heritagedistilling.com
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Narrows Brewing Company Launches Wholesale and Retail Distribution
On Wednesday, July 31, 2013, Narrows Brewing launched their wholesale and retail distribution by delivering their first keg, a cask of Imperial Red Ale, to neighboring restaurant, Boathouse 19. This event was celebrated by the Narrows Brewing Company as a landmark achievement, commencing the expansion of their market.
Narrows Brewing part-owner Scott Wagner notes this event as being a “milestone” and is pleased to announce that, “the brewery is now fully ready to self-deliver one-half barrel and one-sixth barrel kegs for wholesale distribution.” Kegs are also available at the Taproom for retail sales.
Excited to see Narrows Brewing's craft beers featured in popular restaurants and bars across the South Sound, Wagner encourages establishments and individuals interested in purchasing kegs to contact the brewery directly. Distribution information, including pricing, will soon be available on the brewery's website.
Head Brewer Joe Walts with Narrows Brewing's new keg washer
Since their grand opening on July 12, 2013, Narrows Brewing Company has not only started kegging for wholesale and retail distribution, but has also introduced three new brews. In addition to the IPA, Pale Ale, and Golden Ale featured at their opening, you may now enjoy their Belgian Blond, Stout, and Imperial Red Ale. Next on tap? Head brewer Joe Walts has a Rye Bitter in the works that will be available soon.
Want to try Narrows Brewing without purchasing a keg? Not a problem. Narrows Brewing Company's six delectable brews can be found at the Narrows Brewing Tap Room, located at the historic and scenic Narrows Marina.
Outfitted with a repurposed, antique church pew and blown-up photographs representing Tacoma’s rugged, maritime history, Narrows Brewing’s Tap Room also features a 55-foot bar made from salvaged wood originally used as part of the Day Island Trestle Bridge. Narrows Brewing is not just a contemporary fixture to Washington’s growing collection of craft breweries, but a tangible testament to the importance of celebrating and preserving the past.
Whether you come by land or by sea, Narrows Brewing invites you to enjoy the picturesque South Puget Sound while sipping on one of their six featured craft beers.
For distribution information or to place a keg order, please contact Mary at (253) 327-1400. Brewery tours are now offered every Tuesday at 7:00 pm. For more information and upcoming events, visit www.narrowsbrewing.com or www.facebook.com/NarrowsBrewing.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
A Visit to Port Townsend, WA.
Located on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula resides the charming town of Port Townsend. A small, tight-knit community of sailors and artists, Port Townsend has taken care to preserve its cultural history, as evident by the still-standing, antique architecture that adorns the town.
While in Port Townsend you may enjoy the dining and shopping on historic Water Street, touring the local Farmers Market, attending Shakespeare in the Park, or visiting one of Port Townend's beaches or parks, including historic Fort Warden.
My favorite destinations while in Port Townsend? Sirens pub for delicious grub and tasty beverages, watching the boats sail by at the Port Townsend pier, and historic Fort Warden State Park and the Point Wilson Lighthouse, located at Discovery Bay.
Aaron and I had the luxury of spending the past several days in this beguiling little hamlet, visiting good friends. We arrived empty-bellied and exhausted late Friday evening, sharing stories over good food and beer at Sirens pub. After resting up for the coming day, we set out on our first sailing excursion of the season, on the Kittywake, a 27 foot Cal Jensen sailboat that my husband had purchased the previous summer with two of our friends.
Though the sun was in full-fledge that day, the chilling sea breeze encouraged the eruption of goose bumps and shivers as we sailed around the bay. Excited to be on the water again, catching the wind in our sails, we anxiously began planning an upcoming trip to the San Juan Islands, which I am eagerly anticipating.
A trip to Port Townsend is never complete without the drinking of wine late into the evening over a rivalrous game of Settler of Catan. All friendships are off once the gameplay begins, as opponents deceitfully attempt to attain victory. Per usual, I was less than triumphant in my efforts, but held my ground with a solid forth (out of six) place.
The following day was spent indulging in mouth-watering breakfast foods at a favorite greasy spoon, The Courtyard Cafe. As a side note, while most of their menu items are better than good, I highly discourage ordering the Beer Cheddar soup, unless you want to choke down spoonfuls of what is reminiscent of melted Velveeta cheese (yuck!)
With full bellies and an abundant amount of sunshine, we headed for the pier to watch the boats and dip our toes in the cool water. Just past the pier you will find a sandy beach, perfect for soaking up rays.
As the coming work week was upon us and we still had an hour and a half drive ahead, we grabbed our things and said our goodbyes, with lighter hearts than usual, knowing that in just two short weeks we would be back. This time, to set sail (literally) on our voyage to the San Juan Islands.
xo.
While in Port Townsend you may enjoy the dining and shopping on historic Water Street, touring the local Farmers Market, attending Shakespeare in the Park, or visiting one of Port Townend's beaches or parks, including historic Fort Warden.
My favorite destinations while in Port Townsend? Sirens pub for delicious grub and tasty beverages, watching the boats sail by at the Port Townsend pier, and historic Fort Warden State Park and the Point Wilson Lighthouse, located at Discovery Bay.
Aaron and I had the luxury of spending the past several days in this beguiling little hamlet, visiting good friends. We arrived empty-bellied and exhausted late Friday evening, sharing stories over good food and beer at Sirens pub. After resting up for the coming day, we set out on our first sailing excursion of the season, on the Kittywake, a 27 foot Cal Jensen sailboat that my husband had purchased the previous summer with two of our friends.
Though the sun was in full-fledge that day, the chilling sea breeze encouraged the eruption of goose bumps and shivers as we sailed around the bay. Excited to be on the water again, catching the wind in our sails, we anxiously began planning an upcoming trip to the San Juan Islands, which I am eagerly anticipating.
A trip to Port Townsend is never complete without the drinking of wine late into the evening over a rivalrous game of Settler of Catan. All friendships are off once the gameplay begins, as opponents deceitfully attempt to attain victory. Per usual, I was less than triumphant in my efforts, but held my ground with a solid forth (out of six) place.
The following day was spent indulging in mouth-watering breakfast foods at a favorite greasy spoon, The Courtyard Cafe. As a side note, while most of their menu items are better than good, I highly discourage ordering the Beer Cheddar soup, unless you want to choke down spoonfuls of what is reminiscent of melted Velveeta cheese (yuck!)
With full bellies and an abundant amount of sunshine, we headed for the pier to watch the boats and dip our toes in the cool water. Just past the pier you will find a sandy beach, perfect for soaking up rays.
As the coming work week was upon us and we still had an hour and a half drive ahead, we grabbed our things and said our goodbyes, with lighter hearts than usual, knowing that in just two short weeks we would be back. This time, to set sail (literally) on our voyage to the San Juan Islands.
xo.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
When the Going Gets Tough, Things Just Start Breaking
Working for a school district definitely has its perks, one of which is paid summer vacations - something that I have been taking full advantage of this season. In preparation for an exciting week, Monday was spent cleaning the house, doing several loads of laundry, taking out the garbage, recycling, and compost, and finishing any yard work that was still lingering, so that the rest of the week could be spent adventuring in the sunshine, stress-free.
Tuesday set it off when two of my best girlfriends joined me at one of my favorite local beaches, for a day spent sunbathing and sipping on delicious beverages.
Then Wednesday came.
The first half of the day was spent at my best friend's-boyfriend's-grandma's-lake-house in Allyn, Washington. We spent the day laying in the sun, floating and swimming in the cool and refreshing lake water, and of course, enjoyed some more delicious beverages. The plan was to come home by 7:00 PM, where I would be met by my husband and we would set off on a two-hour drive to Wesport, Washington.
The company my husband works for rents a house out of Westport that they use to house employees and volunteers working on projects in Grays Harbor. My husband wasn't working there this week, but had a couple days of office work to complete, and thought we could take advantage of the open room at the house. He would put his eight hours in (I would lounge around reading books and what-have-you) and then we would head down to the beach and go surfing.
Well, things didn't exactly go as planned.
First, Aaron didn't make it home until nearly 8:00 PM. He had carpooled to his work-site with a co-worker, leaving his work vehicle at the gas station he always parks at when carpooling, only to find that it had been towed! Not to mention that he had been up at 4:00 AM and had been working for 15 hours when he was met by this less than convenient situation. After nearly an hour he was reunited with his vehicle and grumpily made his way home.
Our bags were packed, the surfboards were on top of the car, and after a quick shower Aaron's frustrations from his workday were beginning to subside. Besides, we were on our way to the ocean to go surfing on a weekday! It doesn't get much better than that. We stopped to get some food, filled our bellies and merged onto the freeway, destination: bliss.
By this point it was past 9:00 PM, and we had only made it about forty minutes from home (if that) when the "check engine" light went on in the car we just purchased only four days prior. Before we could even let the frustration of the "check engine" light sink in, the worst possible thing (for Aaron) happened. The straps which were securing our surfboards to the roof of the car both came un-done, resulting in Aaron's surfboard detaching itself from the top of our car and thrashing into the not-so-forgiving pavement.
At this point, several motorists must have reported the "surfboard in the middle of the freeway" because shortly after we had frantically pulled over hoping to retrieve whatever was left of Aaron's prized board, we were met by the lights and sirens of a police car. The police officer was kind enough not to ticket us for losing our load, and Aaron retrieved his now shattered surfboard.
I was grateful that my board managed to adhere itself to the top of the car, but would have happily let mine take the fall (literally) if it could have spared Aaron's all-time-favorite-board-of-all-time-EVER!
Needless to say, we didn't make it to Westport. Rather, we shoved the boards inside the car, and defeatedly headed back home, where we silently crawled into bed, not mentioning the events of our evening, and fell silently into an agitated sleep.
The next morning (which is actually today, about 6 hours prior to my writing this), we rolled out of bed and called up our favorite local auto-shop, Graff's Automotive. They said they could scan the "check engine" message to discern why the light went on. Apparently the light was referencing the catalytic converter, a several hundred dollar fix that would need to be taken care of before the car could pass emissions.
Unsatisfied with the result of the scan and frustrated that our "new" car was already breaking, I decided to do a little research before grumpily calling up the salesman we purchased the car from and demanding he pay for the repair or face my wrath, which consists mostly of angry customer reviews on every Yelp! Angie's List and user review type website on the internet (there is also what are called "implied warranties" that car salesmen who do not offer warranties have to oblige by if something major goes wrong with a vehicle shortly after it is purchased.)
After a bit of research I learned that one of the most common "check engine" light reads on Subaru's manufactured after 2000 (ours is a 2002) is in regard to the catalytic converter. The sensor on these 2000 and later Subaru's is extra sensitive, so even if the light does go on, it doesn't necessarily mean the converter needs to be replaced.
Feeling slightly relieved about the car, I was then able to focus my attention to the surfboard and my devastated husband. Knowing that someone you love has lost something dear to them is never easy. Aaron's surfboard wasn't just an object, it was a custom-made, perfectly sized Stewart Surfboard. It was his key to mind-melting euphoria - his catalyst to oceanic one-ness. And now it was a chewed up, cracked down-the-middle piece of fiberglass. My mother says that everything is on its way to somewhere else. While I think that there is so much truth and peace to be found in that saying, I'm not sure Aaron's ready to hear it. Instead, I will let him bring up the surfboard when he is ready, and supportively make him sandwiches and offer him kisses, back-rubs, and the occasional beer, in the meantime.
The pro to all of this? Being reminded that no matter how frustrating a situation is, no matter how many cars break-down, how many surfboards snap in half, it is the love, magic, and adventure that we live by that makes our lives truly rich (something that only our spirits can break.) So, I raise my glass to those who never let the inconveniences of life hold you back, the ones who pull themselves up by their bootstraps when the going gets tough, and the ones who keep on truckin'.
xo.
Tuesday set it off when two of my best girlfriends joined me at one of my favorite local beaches, for a day spent sunbathing and sipping on delicious beverages.
Then Wednesday came.
The first half of the day was spent at my best friend's-boyfriend's-grandma's-lake-house in Allyn, Washington. We spent the day laying in the sun, floating and swimming in the cool and refreshing lake water, and of course, enjoyed some more delicious beverages. The plan was to come home by 7:00 PM, where I would be met by my husband and we would set off on a two-hour drive to Wesport, Washington.
The company my husband works for rents a house out of Westport that they use to house employees and volunteers working on projects in Grays Harbor. My husband wasn't working there this week, but had a couple days of office work to complete, and thought we could take advantage of the open room at the house. He would put his eight hours in (I would lounge around reading books and what-have-you) and then we would head down to the beach and go surfing.
Well, things didn't exactly go as planned.
First, Aaron didn't make it home until nearly 8:00 PM. He had carpooled to his work-site with a co-worker, leaving his work vehicle at the gas station he always parks at when carpooling, only to find that it had been towed! Not to mention that he had been up at 4:00 AM and had been working for 15 hours when he was met by this less than convenient situation. After nearly an hour he was reunited with his vehicle and grumpily made his way home.
Our bags were packed, the surfboards were on top of the car, and after a quick shower Aaron's frustrations from his workday were beginning to subside. Besides, we were on our way to the ocean to go surfing on a weekday! It doesn't get much better than that. We stopped to get some food, filled our bellies and merged onto the freeway, destination: bliss.
By this point it was past 9:00 PM, and we had only made it about forty minutes from home (if that) when the "check engine" light went on in the car we just purchased only four days prior. Before we could even let the frustration of the "check engine" light sink in, the worst possible thing (for Aaron) happened. The straps which were securing our surfboards to the roof of the car both came un-done, resulting in Aaron's surfboard detaching itself from the top of our car and thrashing into the not-so-forgiving pavement.
At this point, several motorists must have reported the "surfboard in the middle of the freeway" because shortly after we had frantically pulled over hoping to retrieve whatever was left of Aaron's prized board, we were met by the lights and sirens of a police car. The police officer was kind enough not to ticket us for losing our load, and Aaron retrieved his now shattered surfboard.
I was grateful that my board managed to adhere itself to the top of the car, but would have happily let mine take the fall (literally) if it could have spared Aaron's all-time-favorite-board-of-all-time-EVER!
Needless to say, we didn't make it to Westport. Rather, we shoved the boards inside the car, and defeatedly headed back home, where we silently crawled into bed, not mentioning the events of our evening, and fell silently into an agitated sleep.
The next morning (which is actually today, about 6 hours prior to my writing this), we rolled out of bed and called up our favorite local auto-shop, Graff's Automotive. They said they could scan the "check engine" message to discern why the light went on. Apparently the light was referencing the catalytic converter, a several hundred dollar fix that would need to be taken care of before the car could pass emissions.
Unsatisfied with the result of the scan and frustrated that our "new" car was already breaking, I decided to do a little research before grumpily calling up the salesman we purchased the car from and demanding he pay for the repair or face my wrath, which consists mostly of angry customer reviews on every Yelp! Angie's List and user review type website on the internet (there is also what are called "implied warranties" that car salesmen who do not offer warranties have to oblige by if something major goes wrong with a vehicle shortly after it is purchased.)
After a bit of research I learned that one of the most common "check engine" light reads on Subaru's manufactured after 2000 (ours is a 2002) is in regard to the catalytic converter. The sensor on these 2000 and later Subaru's is extra sensitive, so even if the light does go on, it doesn't necessarily mean the converter needs to be replaced.
Feeling slightly relieved about the car, I was then able to focus my attention to the surfboard and my devastated husband. Knowing that someone you love has lost something dear to them is never easy. Aaron's surfboard wasn't just an object, it was a custom-made, perfectly sized Stewart Surfboard. It was his key to mind-melting euphoria - his catalyst to oceanic one-ness. And now it was a chewed up, cracked down-the-middle piece of fiberglass. My mother says that everything is on its way to somewhere else. While I think that there is so much truth and peace to be found in that saying, I'm not sure Aaron's ready to hear it. Instead, I will let him bring up the surfboard when he is ready, and supportively make him sandwiches and offer him kisses, back-rubs, and the occasional beer, in the meantime.
The pro to all of this? Being reminded that no matter how frustrating a situation is, no matter how many cars break-down, how many surfboards snap in half, it is the love, magic, and adventure that we live by that makes our lives truly rich (something that only our spirits can break.) So, I raise my glass to those who never let the inconveniences of life hold you back, the ones who pull themselves up by their bootstraps when the going gets tough, and the ones who keep on truckin'.
xo.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Adventures In Used-Car Shopping
Several months ago my '97 Subaru Outback Legacy decided to kick the bucket with a blown transmission. Considering all the other mechanical flaws the vehicle had, my husband and I decided it would be in our best interest to scrap it on Craigslist rather than investing more money into it trying to fix. That left us with Aaron's '92 Jeep Cherokee Laredo, which needed some repairs itself (do you see where this is going?)
Aaron and I spent a few months looking at cars on Craigslist trying to find a vehicle that met our parameters and was within our price range. We found a few that initially appeared to be a good match, but in the end never quite fit the bill. Finally I suggested what would be the ultimate, but necessary, nightmare - car lots.
Sure there are lots of terrible ways to spend a sunny, summer afternoon, but on that list you may find cruising up and down car row with the intention of forking over exorbitant amounts of your hard earned cash. That's exactly what we did yesterday.
First we made a list of all the features we wanted: 4 wheel drive, hatchback, roof rack, good gas mileage, low(ish) miles, etc. Then we determined how much we were willing to spend and withdrew exactly that amount from the bank. Well, apparently finding a car that met our requirements wasn't too terribly difficult, but finding one that met our requirement and was also in our price range was ($5,500.00 doesn't exactly buy you a luxury vehicle these days.)
As the afternoon began to disappear with the setting sun and salesmen began locking their doors, it was either buy or bust. Do we go home empty handed or spend upwards of one thousand dollars more than we wanted to? Either way, defeat was staring us in the eyes. However, after six long hours, getting accosted by salesmen more than enough times, and one almost over-priced purchase, we found what we'd been looking for.
A 2002 Subaru Outback Legacy (hmm, that sounds familiar). 97,000 miles on the odometer, an almost flawless exterior and interior, minimal features, and it was only $4,800.00? It sounded too good to be true. We asked the salesman if he had the CarFax, which he unfortunately did not, and asked him if he knew anything about the car's history. He claimed to know nothing other than he had bought it from an insurance auction. Feeling slightly uneasy not having any knowledge regarding the car's history, we left the lot and I proceeded to do some detective work.
CarFax can be purchased instantly and easily with a vehicle's VIN number and a credit card, but rather than paying $40.00, I decided to see if I could dig up any free information first. After typing in the VIN number into a generic Google search, I was able to click on a link that redirected me to the auction site where the salesman had purchased the vehicle, to which I discovered that the car had been in an accident. Luckily, it was only a minor fender bender resulting in some cosmetic damage, which had evidently been taken care of due to the vehicle's pristine exterior condition. Feeling confident that the previous owner had well maintained the vehicle and that there was no mechanical damage from the accident, we decided to head back to the lot and make an offer.
Concealing $500.00 of our total withdrawal, we offered $5,000.00 out the door, everything included, and the salesman said, "yes!" A wave of relief surged through my body as I silently celebrated our purchase in my head. Aaron and I sat, hand-in-hand, as the salesman processed the final paperwork, and I'm not sure if it was the stuffy office or the instinctual fear associated with a used-car purchase that was causing me to perspire, but regardless of the culprit, it wasn't until we finally made it home and the Subaru was in our driveway that I found myself able to fully relax.
Now, this is the part where I would normally provide a list of my do's and don'ts for used-car shopping, but if you want to know the truth, I don't think I'm experienced enough in used car buying to provide an adequate "how-to" this time (or maybe I'm just one too many margaritas deep). The advice I can give would just be to know what you're looking for, how much you're willing to spend, check out all your options before you purchase, be flexible, and even after you buy, just keep those fingers crossed - it's a used vehicle, anything could happen!
Now, this is the part where I would normally provide a list of my do's and don'ts for used-car shopping, but if you want to know the truth, I don't think I'm experienced enough in used car buying to provide an adequate "how-to" this time (or maybe I'm just one too many margaritas deep). The advice I can give would just be to know what you're looking for, how much you're willing to spend, check out all your options before you purchase, be flexible, and even after you buy, just keep those fingers crossed - it's a used vehicle, anything could happen!
xo.
Monday, July 15, 2013
What If Trayvon Martin Had Been White?
On July 13, 2013, a Florida jury of six women found George Zimmerman not guilty for the killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. Charged with both second-degree murder and manslaughter, George Zimmerman was found not guilty on both charges. This verdict has sparked tremendous controversy throughout the nation, as larger issues surrounding racism begin to emerge.
16 months ago on February 26, 2012, 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was walking home to his father's fiancee's house when George Zimmerman, a volunteer for the neighborhood watch, began following Martin due to his "suspicious behavior." Zimmerman contacted the police, who informed Zimmerman that they were on their way and not to follow Martin any further. Disregarding the dispatcher's instructions, Zimmeman continued to pursue Martin, until gunshots were fired and 17-year-old Trayvon Martin had been killed.
Zimmerman, the only living eye-witness to the event, claims that Martin had physically attacked him and that during their altercation Martin had reached for Zimmerman's gun, upon which Zimmerman responded by shooting and killing Martin, out of, what he claims, was self-defense.
While we cannot be certain as to what actually happened on February 26, 2012, we can look at what we do know, and come to some conclusions based on what few facts we have.
Things We Know
Trayvon Martin was a 17-year-old, unarmed (besides for the candy in his pocket), black kid.
George Zimmerman (a grown, adult man) was armed (despite Neighborhood Watch guidelines which explicitly state members of the neighborhood watch are only to serve as "eyes and ears." See page 22 of the Neighborhood Watch Manual.)
Prior to Zimmerman's phone call to the police, Martin had done nothing to provoke Zimmerman other than look "suspicious." However, Martin's "suspicious" behavior does not correlate with the National Neighborhood Watch Program's definition of "suspicious behavior." (See page 21 of the Neighborhood Watch Manual.)
Zimmerman did contact the authorities, but failed to follow the dispatcher's orders directing him to stop following Martin and that trained officials would handle the matter.
Zimmerman did shoot and kill Trayvon Martin.
A Few More Things to Consider
Zimmerman claims that Martin attacked him and his gunfire was in self-defense. However, it has been stated that had Zimmerman been attacked, he should have sustained more severe injuries.
With the understanding that Zimmerman had contacted the authorities about Martin's "suspicious behavior" and then continued to follow Martin after being advised not to, is it not common sense that at some point Martin may have felt vulnerable and needed to defend himself against an armed man following him at night?
With the understanding that Zimmerman had contacted the authorities about Martin's "suspicious behavior" and then continued to follow Martin after being advised not to, is it not common sense that at some point Martin may have felt vulnerable and needed to defend himself against an armed man following him at night?
If a white boy was shot and killed for walking home he would be avenged by the heinous sentencing of his killer.
But George Zimmerman got off scot-free.
After the Verdict
Over the weekend, outraged American's, Martin supporters, and opponents to racism voiced their opinions through various platforms, illustrating how, while the verdict may be over, the case is far from closed. Opposite that, supporters of Zimmerman also voiced their opinions, reminding Americans and the world, that racism and bigotry prevail. And, if you are one of the many white people who believes that racism couldn't possibly exist in 21st century America, click here to a view a webpage that has provided screenshots of various racist Twitter posts, highlighting one absurdly offensive post in particular.
However, while justice has not been served in the case of Trayvon Martin, what will hopefully result from this verdict will be a social uprising of the people and a surfacing of other pertinent issues regarding social-injustices and racism in America.
Additionally, I would like to note that I am someone who is fully in support of the right to bare arms. That being said, I am less supportive of that right when people start to abuse it. Zimmerman had a history of violence, was a gun owner, was advised not to pursue Martin, and ended up killing someone who was unarmed. Not trying to shift gears, I just think it's important to consider given the circumstances of the situation.
I also think it's important to remember that while this is an important issue regarding racial profiling and contemporary racism, the fact is that events like the February 26, 2012 killing of Trayvon Martin happen frequently, and fail to become publicized by the media. For an in depth look at how our culture is characterized by hatred, I recommend reading Derrick Jensen's The Culture of Make Believe.
However, while justice has not been served in the case of Trayvon Martin, what will hopefully result from this verdict will be a social uprising of the people and a surfacing of other pertinent issues regarding social-injustices and racism in America.
Additionally, I would like to note that I am someone who is fully in support of the right to bare arms. That being said, I am less supportive of that right when people start to abuse it. Zimmerman had a history of violence, was a gun owner, was advised not to pursue Martin, and ended up killing someone who was unarmed. Not trying to shift gears, I just think it's important to consider given the circumstances of the situation.
I also think it's important to remember that while this is an important issue regarding racial profiling and contemporary racism, the fact is that events like the February 26, 2012 killing of Trayvon Martin happen frequently, and fail to become publicized by the media. For an in depth look at how our culture is characterized by hatred, I recommend reading Derrick Jensen's The Culture of Make Believe.
Also, check out We Are Not Trayvon Martin, a Tumblr page regarding white privilege, police brutality, racial profiling, injustice, and more.
xo.
references: cnn.com, huffingtonpost.com, and usaonwatch.org
Friday, July 12, 2013
Narrows Brewing Company: Grand Opening Weekend July 12 -14
On Wednesday night I had the privilege of getting a sneak-peak (and taste) of the new Narrows Brewing Company, located at Tacoma's historic Narrows Marina. The brewery scenically faces the Puget Sound and is an ideal vantage point of Washington's iconically famed twin bridges. Featuring three hand-crafted beers (with more on the way), Narrows Brewing Company is a refreshing and welcome new fixture to the South Sound's bar scene.
As you head for one of the tasting rooms, lining the walls you will find yourself surrounded by beautiful, blown-up photographs of Tacoma's first Narrows Bridge. And, in addition to the rustic beams, galvanized light fixtures, and a repurposed church pew, the tasting rooms also feature a 55-foot bar made from wood originally used as part of the Day Island Trestle Bridge.
Though heavily influenced by Tacoma's rich, cultural history, Narrows Brewing is nothing shy of contemporary. The Brewery's interior is clean, sleek, and modern, but ringing with hints of history, making Narrows Brewing Company an instant "contemporary classic."
As for what's on tap, try Head Brewer Joe Walts' featured Golden Ale, Pale Ale, and IPA. During my visit I tried the Pale Ale and IPA and was more than satisfied with what I tasted. My personal favorite? I favored the Pale Ale for its rich flavor and smooth finish, but I also appreciated the well-balanced flavor of the IPA. Coming soon will be a Belgian Blond, Stout, Imperial Red and Rye Bitter.
While Narrows Brewing does not offer a menu, they do allow guests to bring-in outside food, and are conveniently neighbored next to Boathouse 19 which offers a full-menu. In the future you will be able to order directly from the brewery off of a specialty grill menu that will be partnered with Boathouse 19.
Narrows Brewing Company far surpassed my expectations in terms of quality, atmosphere and location. I was expecting it to be good, but not that good! As a bit of a bar and beer enthusiast, I always enjoy trying out new places and brews, but tend to go once and then revert back to my old favorites. For me, Narrows Brewing Company became an instant "old favorite."
Enjoying some brews at the Narrows Brewing Company's soft-opening
Grand Opening of Narrows Brewing Company is this weekend, July 12 - 14. Grab some friends and come check out a great new addition to Washington's outstanding brew pubs!
xo.
His Dark Materials in Review
I recently finished reading Philip Pullman's The Amber Spyglass, the third and last installment of the His Dark Materials trilogy, and I can honestly say that no book or series has affected me quite like this one has.
Book I, The Golden Compass, is the enchantingly exhilarating tale about a young girl's magical adventure through a fantastical world. As the story progresses with The Subtle Knife and finally The Amber Spyglass, Pullman masterfully unveils additional characters, worlds, and themes that make His Dark Materials become a tangible and personally emotional journey.
Marketed for children and most likely catalogued under "YA," I am glad that I did not discover this trilogy until my mid-twenties. Had I read this series during my teen years I think I would have understood and enjoyed the general plot, but would have perhaps overlooked or failed to fully comprehend and appreciate Pullman's overarching theme surrounding religion and its hindering burden on humanity.
The Golden Compass masterfully sets the stage for the trilogy by introducing Lyra, her world, the mystery of "Dust" and the missing children, and by introducing many other leading characters. By the end of Book I you begin to formulate your own theories as to what Lyra's true mission is, although she is still uncertain what that is herself.
The adventure continues in Book II, The Subtle Knife, beginning in a more familiar world: late 20th century England. The Subtle Knife starts by introducing a young boy named Will and following the personal trials and tribulations he is faced with concerning the disappearance of his father and his mother's mental illness. However, the first few chapters are almost difficult to read as there is no mention of Lyra or her magical world. But when Will and Lyra's paths collide in yet another world, Pullman plugs you right back in to the adventure, weaving together Lyra and Will's journey into one.
Now aching for more, Pullman goes above and beyond in the final installment of His Dark Materials, with The Amber Spyglass. Pullman continues Lyra and Will's adventure by following them on their journey to the Land of the Dead, revealing the mysteries of Dust, and by unveiling the important roles that Lyra and Will play in fate of humanity through the symbolic war fought by Metatron and the Magisterium against Lord Asriel and his army.
As I read the last few chapters of The Amber Spyglass I couldn't help but allow myself to succumb to the emotional experience I was having as my time with Lyra, Will, and their adventures was coming to a close. Thumbing through the final pages, I strained to read the final words through blurred vision as my eyes swelled with tears.
That being said, it is understood that Pullman is working on a sequel to the His Dark Materials trilogy titled The Book of Dust. If you've read the series and wanted more, the wait will soon be over! I am eagerly anticipating the release of The Book of Dust, and knowing Pullman, I'm sure he won't leave his fans disappointed.
xo.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Hawaii Vaycay: Part 4 - Kauai
If I were going to publish my post about Kauai as if I were writing an academic paper and the question was: When travelling to Hawaii, would you or would you not recommend visiting "the Garden Island"? it would look a little something like this:
I. Introduction
I. Introduction
- Anecdote: Story about "scary man" hitchhiker we picked up who got in the car and then proceeded to inform us of all his felonies.
- Thesis: While Kauai may ascetically and geographically be the most beautiful of the islands, a prolonged visit is not recommended due to the obnoxious hoards of ex-yuppies, nearly non-existent economy, and the "island fever" that will inevitably develop due to the island's minuscule surface area.
Then I would go on to describe my first-hand experiences in a series of supporting paragraphs that would back up my thesis statement. But this isn't English 102: Argument and Persuasion. Okay, maybe I'm being a bit harsh. I'll let you decide.
First things first, Kauai is the most beautiful island we visited. While driving up and down the island's famous North Shore, to the West you will find lush and bountiful greenery lining the highway, with small dirt turn-offs every few miles to the East which will lead you to sandy golden beaches. Beyond Kauai's forests and pristine shores you will be awestruck by it's stunning mountain ranges, rivers, waterfalls and more.
While the South Shore is considerably more dry and barren, you will still find beautiful beaches, the famous "Spouting Horn," and entrances to several tropically forested hikes, including the massively scenic Waimea Canyon.
A few photos of Aron and Waimea Canyon
While exploring the island we decided that our favorite spot was Secret Beach (Secrets or Kaupea Beach to the locals.) Located roughly 20 miles north of the town of Kapa'a, Secret Beach is 3,000 miles of golden sand and gentle waves calm enough to swim in and wild enough to body surf. Opposite the ocean you will find a lush cliffside complete with a freshwater waterfall and plenty of canopy cover to cool off in. The further down the beach you go the fewer people you will see, and much like Maui's Little Beach, you fill find suit-less sunbathers baring it all.
Photo taken at Secret Beach
From Secret Beach you can continue traveling North 10 miles to Hanalei Bay. A spot famous for it's longboard waves, Hanalei Bay is 2 miles of beach surrounded by mountains. It is the largest bay on the island of Kauai. While the town of Hanalei is a bit of a tourist trap, Hanalei Bay itself is by far one of the most breathtaking sites you will find on Kauai.
Hanalei Bay at sunset on the 4th of July
The other pros to Kauai? The "bed and you make your own breakfast" where we stayed was probably the biggest score ever. Magic Sunrise, located just outside of the town of Kapa'a, is a Swiss run, laid back house that overlooks the Wailua River. The main house has two private rooms with a shared bathroom and kitchen, and there is also a private cottage located on the grounds next to the house, complete with it's own kitchen and bathroom. The rates at Magic Sunrise are exceedingly reasonable considering the quality of the facilities, hospitality of the management, and general friendly atmosphere shared by all of Magic Sunrise's patrons. For a five night stay in the main house our total bill (with tax) came to only $340.00.
What may have been the best benefit to staying at Magic Sunrise versus a standard hotel was that we had access to a kitchen. Restaurants in Kauai not only tend to be more expensive and of a lower quality than on the other islands, but they also tend to close fairly early. Being able to go to the grocery store and cook some of our own meals was a great way to save some money. That being said, we did find one restaurant that we couldn't get enough of. Kauai Pasta, or the KP Lounge, is a sort of pseudo-italian restaurant, and one of the few restaurants we found that offered late night food. If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend the bruschetta and KP Lounge's take on shrimp ramen - yum!
If you don't make it to Magic Sunrise or a resort equipped with a kitchen and you're looking for a place to get breakfast, Java Kai is another great spot. While you're there try the "surfer girl" breakfast sandwich, and don't forget to fill up on their Kona coffee! As for lunch, if you can hold out until 3:00PM, Sushi Bushido has great deals on their teriyaki chicken skewers, gyoza, and a select assortment of sushi rolls.
Aaron and I at Sushi Bushido (thanks to our server for the photo!)
All things considered, our time spent in Kauai was phenomenal and I wouldn't trade it for anything. But now that I've been there, I probably wouldn't choose to go back.
For the cons, the people there were all rich Northern Californians who were pretending to be hippies and complaining about how they didn't care for islands like Maui because of the high concentration of upperclass Southern Californians. Okay, obviously this is a generalization because not everyone on the island truly fits this bill, but I just want to make sure I get my point across (and for the record I only saw a handful of native Hawaiians - and that's not an exaggeration.) One gentleman I met, while reading on the beach, informed me that he himself was from Northern California and had lived on Kauai for ten years. He said it was his favorite of the islands because, "there are the meditation gurus like myself, then you have your yoga instructors and organic farmers. It's not like Maui with all it's bleach blonde, plastic, Malibu tourists." I guess he's right, but the difference is that I think I prefer the "bleach blonde, plastic, Malibu tourists" because at least they visibly advertise themselves, making it easier to avoid them! Sorry Mr. Meditation, but you're just as bad as they are.
Next you've got the economy. Kapa'a where we stayed seemed to be the largest town on the island, and that wasn't saying much. I'm all for small, rural towns, but knowing that Kapa'a was the biggest town on the island kind of made you feel a little trapped, considering if you did want to go to a bigger town, you'd have to get on an airplane and hop over to another island.
Then there's Alfred. Remember that anecdote I mentioned at the beginning of this post? Well, after hitchhiking our way across Kona more than a handful of times, we wanted to return the Hawaiian hospitality we ourselves had received, and since we were going to have a rental car in Kauai what better way to do so than by picking up a few hitchhikers. Oops! The first (and last) hitchhiker we picked up was a friendly, but disheveled looking gentleman who introduced himself as "Alfred." He entered our rental car and asked us where we were from. "Washington state," we said. "Oh, I used to live in Washington, until they kicked me out for all my felonies. Domestic violence, narcotics, heh heh heh." At this point Aaron and I quickly changed the subject, keeping friendly conversation and a watchful eye in the rear-view mirror. We made it to the fruit stand (alive and well), and upon his exit from the vehicle Alfred said, "thanks for the ride, time to go make some grown men cry, heh heh heh." I'm not exactly sure what that was supposed to mean, I was just thankful he was out of the car and banned from my home state.
V. Conclusion
If you are planning on visiting the lush, mountainous, and pristine island of Kauai, be prepared to feel a little claustrophobic, meet some overly pretentious white people (and a few pschyopaths too!), and unless you have a kitchen, leave the late-night appetite at home. Aloha!
xo.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Hawaii Vacay: Part 3 - Kona on the Big Island
Have you ever signed up for something thinking you knew entirely what you were getting yourself into, then noticing little things along the way that contradicted what you had in mind, until finally you are presented with something similar to what you know but also completely foreign and new at the same time?
That was what it was like flying on Mokulele Air.
Had we known anything about this airline prior to showing up to the airport we probably would have gone about our day a bit differently. Like for instance, instead of showing up to the airport two hours early to check-in and go through security we would have probably played on the beach, had a relaxing breakfast, maybe jumped in the ocean for a bit, and shown up ten minutes before the flight left because we didn't have to go through security at all and checking in was simply flashing our IDs to the gate attendant. And, instead of downing a few shots of rum at 8:00AM because I didn't want to see it get thrown out per typical TSA regulations, since the Mokulele airline attendent didn't check our bags, I would have stayed sober a few more hours and just brought the rum with me (except that part really wasn't all that bad). Then there was the airplane itself. I thought our little fifty seater from Sea-Tac to PDX was small, Ha! What did I know? As the attendant called us out to board the plane, up the ramp we walked to an eight seat plane (not counting the bench along the back like you might find on a bus). It looked like a toy. It was so small that you were practically sitting in the cabin with the pilot and co-pilot. In fact, it was the pilot himself who stood at the ramp escorting passengers onto the plane (how personal!) And you think back to when you had to buckle your seatbelt on that big Boeing plane that flew you from San Diego to Maui - that wasn't turbulence. Turbulence is big ten feet drops in a miniature plane as you're flying from one island to another watching schools of dolphins weaving in and out of crystal clear water along the shores of uninhabited beaches.
Not even 40 minutes after boarding our teeny, tiny airplane, and we were in Kona.
We called up our friends who had landed just an hour prior and asked them what method they used to get from the airport to the hotel, hung up the phone, and threw up our thumbs. Within ten minutes we were picked up by a young couple on there way into town. The couple had only been on the Big Island for about four months, having recently moved from New York City in search of a change of pace. The wife was working doing snorkel tours, and the husband was an out-of-work personal trainer (but Aaron and I both agreed it was just Matthew McConaughey trying to keep a low profile).
After much friendly chit-chat and an exchange of business cards in case we needed anything or were ever in the area again, the friendly couple dropped us off in front of Uncle Billy's Resort, where we were meeting our friends Mike and Catherine. Uncle Billy's was an out-of-date family resort, dimly lit by blinky fluorescent lights and an inadequate bathroom at best. That being said, the sleeping quarters were comfortable and a little less outdated than the rest of the unit.
After dropping off our things we realized that we were hungry (as we always are after a flight) and decided to walk a few blocks to Huggo's On the Rocks, which had been recommended to us by the couple that had picked us up (and after some speedy research on my phone, proved to have great Yelp! reviews). Unfortunately, we were too early for happy hour, and too hungry to wait. We all ordered beers, which were reasonably priced, but served to us warm and in plastic tumblers. Okay... well the food must be good because it was roughly $14 per entree. Not the case. Aaron and I "splurged" and split a cheeseburger which was served with what must have been the worst beef I had ever eaten in my life. (Two days later we decided to come back for the happy hour and try the fish tacos which everyone had raved about. Happy hour prices were absurdly steep, the beers were still warm, and the taco was "meh" at best.) Would I go to Huggo's On the Rocks again? Absolutely not.
For the rest of the day we wandered the town, walking up and down Alii Drive, poking our heads into the shops, scoping out the beaches, and keeping our eyes peeled for a better happy hour. We ended our day by a trip to the grocery store, a dip in the pool, and some mango mojitos in the hotel.
The next day served us a little more exciting as we hitched up and down the Alii Drive, and spending part of our morning at a beach called Magic Sands and then to a beach just a bit further down the road which was ideal for snorkelers. Aaron and Mike wanted to go surfing, and so we ended up hitching a ride all the way to a beach called Pine Trees, located near the airport. The beach here was sandier than most of the others we had seen, and the surf was great! After several hours we went back into town where we ate dinner at Kimagure's, a delicious hole-in-the-wall Japanese restaurant. In the evening we went for shave ice at Scandinavian Shave Ice and then continued walking until we made it to the small, sandy, man-made beach just outside of the Marriott. Here we sat in the sand for hours, drinking beers and rum which we had purchased across the street at the ABC Store. From where we were sitting you could see boats as they sailed up to the dock, and watch the moon's smooth, glowing reflection gently ripple across the glassy water.
We spent the next day at Pine Trees, but this time we got there early, and left a little early too, with enough time to hit up a happy hour (are you seeing a trend yet?). Having learned our lesson at Huggo's, we decided to check out Bongo Ben's. During our first trip to Pine Trees we had been picked up by a friendly local who had been on the island (off and on) for about ten years. He told us about how he was a hasher, about his family, about life on the island, and about his adventures in picking up hitchhikers. When he dropped us off at Pine Trees he tossed Aaron one of his hand-woven palm-leaf hats and told us if we were ever in the area to stop by Bongo Ben's, the restaurant that he managed. Following his advice and looking forward to his friendly face, we sat down at a table outside and feasted upon their "pizza and beer for $8" special.
Our stay in Kona was short but rich, and it was time for Aaron and I to move on to our next, and final destination: Kauai.
xo.
That was what it was like flying on Mokulele Air.
Had we known anything about this airline prior to showing up to the airport we probably would have gone about our day a bit differently. Like for instance, instead of showing up to the airport two hours early to check-in and go through security we would have probably played on the beach, had a relaxing breakfast, maybe jumped in the ocean for a bit, and shown up ten minutes before the flight left because we didn't have to go through security at all and checking in was simply flashing our IDs to the gate attendant. And, instead of downing a few shots of rum at 8:00AM because I didn't want to see it get thrown out per typical TSA regulations, since the Mokulele airline attendent didn't check our bags, I would have stayed sober a few more hours and just brought the rum with me (except that part really wasn't all that bad). Then there was the airplane itself. I thought our little fifty seater from Sea-Tac to PDX was small, Ha! What did I know? As the attendant called us out to board the plane, up the ramp we walked to an eight seat plane (not counting the bench along the back like you might find on a bus). It looked like a toy. It was so small that you were practically sitting in the cabin with the pilot and co-pilot. In fact, it was the pilot himself who stood at the ramp escorting passengers onto the plane (how personal!) And you think back to when you had to buckle your seatbelt on that big Boeing plane that flew you from San Diego to Maui - that wasn't turbulence. Turbulence is big ten feet drops in a miniature plane as you're flying from one island to another watching schools of dolphins weaving in and out of crystal clear water along the shores of uninhabited beaches.
About to board our Mokulele flight to Kona.
Not even 40 minutes after boarding our teeny, tiny airplane, and we were in Kona.
We called up our friends who had landed just an hour prior and asked them what method they used to get from the airport to the hotel, hung up the phone, and threw up our thumbs. Within ten minutes we were picked up by a young couple on there way into town. The couple had only been on the Big Island for about four months, having recently moved from New York City in search of a change of pace. The wife was working doing snorkel tours, and the husband was an out-of-work personal trainer (but Aaron and I both agreed it was just Matthew McConaughey trying to keep a low profile).
After much friendly chit-chat and an exchange of business cards in case we needed anything or were ever in the area again, the friendly couple dropped us off in front of Uncle Billy's Resort, where we were meeting our friends Mike and Catherine. Uncle Billy's was an out-of-date family resort, dimly lit by blinky fluorescent lights and an inadequate bathroom at best. That being said, the sleeping quarters were comfortable and a little less outdated than the rest of the unit.
After dropping off our things we realized that we were hungry (as we always are after a flight) and decided to walk a few blocks to Huggo's On the Rocks, which had been recommended to us by the couple that had picked us up (and after some speedy research on my phone, proved to have great Yelp! reviews). Unfortunately, we were too early for happy hour, and too hungry to wait. We all ordered beers, which were reasonably priced, but served to us warm and in plastic tumblers. Okay... well the food must be good because it was roughly $14 per entree. Not the case. Aaron and I "splurged" and split a cheeseburger which was served with what must have been the worst beef I had ever eaten in my life. (Two days later we decided to come back for the happy hour and try the fish tacos which everyone had raved about. Happy hour prices were absurdly steep, the beers were still warm, and the taco was "meh" at best.) Would I go to Huggo's On the Rocks again? Absolutely not.
For the rest of the day we wandered the town, walking up and down Alii Drive, poking our heads into the shops, scoping out the beaches, and keeping our eyes peeled for a better happy hour. We ended our day by a trip to the grocery store, a dip in the pool, and some mango mojitos in the hotel.
The next day served us a little more exciting as we hitched up and down the Alii Drive, and spending part of our morning at a beach called Magic Sands and then to a beach just a bit further down the road which was ideal for snorkelers. Aaron and Mike wanted to go surfing, and so we ended up hitching a ride all the way to a beach called Pine Trees, located near the airport. The beach here was sandier than most of the others we had seen, and the surf was great! After several hours we went back into town where we ate dinner at Kimagure's, a delicious hole-in-the-wall Japanese restaurant. In the evening we went for shave ice at Scandinavian Shave Ice and then continued walking until we made it to the small, sandy, man-made beach just outside of the Marriott. Here we sat in the sand for hours, drinking beers and rum which we had purchased across the street at the ABC Store. From where we were sitting you could see boats as they sailed up to the dock, and watch the moon's smooth, glowing reflection gently ripple across the glassy water.
We spent the next day at Pine Trees, but this time we got there early, and left a little early too, with enough time to hit up a happy hour (are you seeing a trend yet?). Having learned our lesson at Huggo's, we decided to check out Bongo Ben's. During our first trip to Pine Trees we had been picked up by a friendly local who had been on the island (off and on) for about ten years. He told us about how he was a hasher, about his family, about life on the island, and about his adventures in picking up hitchhikers. When he dropped us off at Pine Trees he tossed Aaron one of his hand-woven palm-leaf hats and told us if we were ever in the area to stop by Bongo Ben's, the restaurant that he managed. Following his advice and looking forward to his friendly face, we sat down at a table outside and feasted upon their "pizza and beer for $8" special.
Our stay in Kona was short but rich, and it was time for Aaron and I to move on to our next, and final destination: Kauai.
From left to right: Me, Mike, and Catherine.
xo.
Hawaiian Vacay: Part 2 - Maui
Located just beyond Kamaole Beach Park II, where the sand disappears and lush, waxy grass grows thick, stands the Hale Pau Hana. Aaron's Omi, a humble and cultured world traveler who's open-mindedness, world views, generosity, and authenticity inspire awe and adventure, owns one of the condos at the Hale Pau Hana, and hospitably offered us a free week stay in her unit for the first leg of our trip. Having been to Maui and stayed at the Hale Pau Hana with Aaron's family once prior to this trip, I knew we were going to have a wonderful stay, but memories cannot encapsulate just how magical the experience truly is until you are there again in the flesh.
First off, you should understand that Kamaole Beach Park II is one of the nicest beaches I have ever been to in my life (and I've been to quite a few beaches). Kamaole Beach Park II is nearly half a mile of golden sand that is met by gentle ocean waves, calm enough to go swimming in, and warm as bathwater. But, if nearly half a mile of beach isn't quite grand enough for you, you can walk a few stairs and across the grass over to Kamaole Beach Park I, which is nearly twice as long as Park II, and tends to be a bit more crowded. On the other side of Kamaole Beach Park II, you will find Park III, which is smaller than the others but just as lovely.
While Kamaole Beach Park II may be the Hale Pau Hana's backyard, the frontyard is the conveniently located S. Kihei Rd. where you will find a Whalers General Store, S and Q's Coffee and Shave Ice Shack (yum), the Cinnamon Roll Place (also yum), and several other fun shops and restaurants. If you travel further down the road it will lead you to several more shops, boutiques, tourist activities, surf shops, restaurants, grocery stores, a farmers market and more. Additionally, Kihei's overall location is ideal for those seeking to soak up some sun. Located on the West shore of Maui and residing in the rain shadow of Haleakala (one of Maui's mountains), Kihei receives less annual rainfall than most other parts of the island.
After our exhausting journey the previous day, Aaron and I started our first, groggy morning in Maui by jumping straight into the warm, salty ocean. If that didn't wake us up, nothing would! Next it was to the farmer's market for produce, and Foodland for any additional food items. When on the islands you will generally find a better selection of food at Safeway or Costco, but since we had not yet picked up a rental car and were traveling by foot, Foodland was more reasonable in terms of distance. As for refreshments? Nothing better than sitting on the lanai sipping on rum and Pog. We had food, drinks, the beach and each other, and for the next several days we woke up early, went running on the beach, swimming in the ocean, ate delicious home-cooked breakfasts, started drinking much too early, lounged in lawn chairs reading from our books, baked in the sun on the sand playing games of smashball, jumped in the ocean to cool off, ran across the street to S and Q's Coffee and Shave Ice Shack to share a coconut and mango shave ice topped off with haupia (coconut cream), then back to the beach until our stomachs started rumbling. For dinner we would grill up steak or chicken, make a kale salad loaded with tons of fresh veggies and fruits, and to accompany our meal: a glass of wine. After dinner we typically dunked ourselves in the Hale Pau Hana's pool and watched the sunset. But we weren't done yet! Next was crossing the street for some ice cream and a stroll down the moonlit beach. After a few days of this general routine we decided to go exploring and make a visit to one of my favorite towns on the island, Lahaina. But first we needed a car!
If you've ever rented a car, you know it can be expensive. But not if you're thrift savvy! Kehei Rent-A-Car offers roughly (emphasis on the "roughly") used vehicles for a fraction of the price of what a newer rental costs. We were given a 2004 Nissan Seneca that looked as though it had gone through just about everything shy of being totalled. Banged up, scraped up, torn up, and I'm not even sure how to describe the smell, but for a five day rental it was just over $100 after tax (and they shuttle you to the airport)! We were ready to explore and head to our first destination: Lahaina.
Once the royal capitol of the Kingdom of Hawaii, Lahaina is rich in culture and bountiful in its natural (and less natural) attractions. From it's beautiful beaches, Lahaina harbor, and of course the famed banyon tree located on Front St. at Banyon Court Park. Once in Lahaina, you may want to rent a board and go surfing, sit under the banyon tree and read about the history of the tree and fort on one of the various plaques posted throughout the park, or just enjoy a stroll down Front Street. While Lahaina is one of the most visited towns on the island of Maui be sure to watch out for tourist traps! Don't expect to find any sale racks in any of the shops or anywhere reasonably priced to eat (except for maybe the Burger King located just across from Banyon Court Park.) But, knowing me and my thrifty sense of direction, there are ways to enjoy yourself in Lahaina on a budget. Throughout Maui and the town of Lahaina you will find coupon books that contain discounts for popular activities, shops, and restaurants. Additionally, if you're looking for something yummy to eat and don't mind dining a little early, check out happy hour at any of the popular restaurants on Front Street. My personal favorite is Kimo's. Right on the water, and featuring daily specials in addition to their already discounted happy hour menu, you can enjoy a Mai Tai right on the water as you watch the waves rolling in and the sailboats swaying in the tropical breeze.
We made one other visit to Lahaina during our stay in Maui, as well as a trip to Wailea and a few other popular beaches. Wailea is for the upscale country clubber, as easily recognizable when taking a walk through The Shops at Wailea. Luis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tommy Bahama are just a few of the shops you will find here. They didn't have any discounts for these shops in the Maui coupon book, but it's still fun to explore and see how other travelers are spending theirtime money.
However, if you drive past Wailea's grand resorts and lush golf courses, past the roadside taco trucks and coconut stands you will find your way to Big Beach and Little Beach. Aaron was itching to go surfing despite disappointing swell reports, but he was able to find a few rideable waves at Big Beach. Here the ocean meets the sand with a bit more intensity than at Kamaole Beach Park II, but you will still find people swimming, and occasionally getting pummeled by the harsh breaking saltwater.
Next door you will find what at first glance appears to be a beach very similar to Big Beach, but with a keener eye and a closer look you may get more than you bargained for. Disregard the name, because what Little Beach lacks in size it makes up for in personality (and we all know size doesn't really matter, right?). You guessed it, Little Beach is a haven for those who like to bask in the buff. Like Big Beach, Little Beach shares the same golden sand and strong blue waters, but only at Little Beach is it socially acceptable to tan your cheeks or bronze your... I'll let you finish the sentence.
On the eve of our departure we decided to hit the town and treat ourselves to a nice cocktail in Kihei. Though we only planned on going out for one drink, I suggested we walk. Glad we did, because late night happy hour at Three's encouraged more than one drink each. With happy hour from 9-10:00PM, Aaron and I strolled up right as it was getting started. Regularly priced cocktails were $12.95, but happy hour special shaved off nine of those dollars. Exotic and gourmet appetizers, sushi rolls and more all at 50% off - we scored, big. And that wasn't all. Think pseudo live music and professionally trained salsa dancers, all seamlessly interchanging partners between songs. We weren't entirely sure what we had stumbled upon, but we liked it!
It was a perfect end to our perfect week in Maui. But our trip wasn't over yet! Next stop: Kona on the Big Island.
xo.
First off, you should understand that Kamaole Beach Park II is one of the nicest beaches I have ever been to in my life (and I've been to quite a few beaches). Kamaole Beach Park II is nearly half a mile of golden sand that is met by gentle ocean waves, calm enough to go swimming in, and warm as bathwater. But, if nearly half a mile of beach isn't quite grand enough for you, you can walk a few stairs and across the grass over to Kamaole Beach Park I, which is nearly twice as long as Park II, and tends to be a bit more crowded. On the other side of Kamaole Beach Park II, you will find Park III, which is smaller than the others but just as lovely.
While Kamaole Beach Park II may be the Hale Pau Hana's backyard, the frontyard is the conveniently located S. Kihei Rd. where you will find a Whalers General Store, S and Q's Coffee and Shave Ice Shack (yum), the Cinnamon Roll Place (also yum), and several other fun shops and restaurants. If you travel further down the road it will lead you to several more shops, boutiques, tourist activities, surf shops, restaurants, grocery stores, a farmers market and more. Additionally, Kihei's overall location is ideal for those seeking to soak up some sun. Located on the West shore of Maui and residing in the rain shadow of Haleakala (one of Maui's mountains), Kihei receives less annual rainfall than most other parts of the island.
The view from Omi's.
After our exhausting journey the previous day, Aaron and I started our first, groggy morning in Maui by jumping straight into the warm, salty ocean. If that didn't wake us up, nothing would! Next it was to the farmer's market for produce, and Foodland for any additional food items. When on the islands you will generally find a better selection of food at Safeway or Costco, but since we had not yet picked up a rental car and were traveling by foot, Foodland was more reasonable in terms of distance. As for refreshments? Nothing better than sitting on the lanai sipping on rum and Pog. We had food, drinks, the beach and each other, and for the next several days we woke up early, went running on the beach, swimming in the ocean, ate delicious home-cooked breakfasts, started drinking much too early, lounged in lawn chairs reading from our books, baked in the sun on the sand playing games of smashball, jumped in the ocean to cool off, ran across the street to S and Q's Coffee and Shave Ice Shack to share a coconut and mango shave ice topped off with haupia (coconut cream), then back to the beach until our stomachs started rumbling. For dinner we would grill up steak or chicken, make a kale salad loaded with tons of fresh veggies and fruits, and to accompany our meal: a glass of wine. After dinner we typically dunked ourselves in the Hale Pau Hana's pool and watched the sunset. But we weren't done yet! Next was crossing the street for some ice cream and a stroll down the moonlit beach. After a few days of this general routine we decided to go exploring and make a visit to one of my favorite towns on the island, Lahaina. But first we needed a car!
If you've ever rented a car, you know it can be expensive. But not if you're thrift savvy! Kehei Rent-A-Car offers roughly (emphasis on the "roughly") used vehicles for a fraction of the price of what a newer rental costs. We were given a 2004 Nissan Seneca that looked as though it had gone through just about everything shy of being totalled. Banged up, scraped up, torn up, and I'm not even sure how to describe the smell, but for a five day rental it was just over $100 after tax (and they shuttle you to the airport)! We were ready to explore and head to our first destination: Lahaina.
Once the royal capitol of the Kingdom of Hawaii, Lahaina is rich in culture and bountiful in its natural (and less natural) attractions. From it's beautiful beaches, Lahaina harbor, and of course the famed banyon tree located on Front St. at Banyon Court Park. Once in Lahaina, you may want to rent a board and go surfing, sit under the banyon tree and read about the history of the tree and fort on one of the various plaques posted throughout the park, or just enjoy a stroll down Front Street. While Lahaina is one of the most visited towns on the island of Maui be sure to watch out for tourist traps! Don't expect to find any sale racks in any of the shops or anywhere reasonably priced to eat (except for maybe the Burger King located just across from Banyon Court Park.) But, knowing me and my thrifty sense of direction, there are ways to enjoy yourself in Lahaina on a budget. Throughout Maui and the town of Lahaina you will find coupon books that contain discounts for popular activities, shops, and restaurants. Additionally, if you're looking for something yummy to eat and don't mind dining a little early, check out happy hour at any of the popular restaurants on Front Street. My personal favorite is Kimo's. Right on the water, and featuring daily specials in addition to their already discounted happy hour menu, you can enjoy a Mai Tai right on the water as you watch the waves rolling in and the sailboats swaying in the tropical breeze.
Aaron and I enjoying Mai Tais at Kimo's
We made one other visit to Lahaina during our stay in Maui, as well as a trip to Wailea and a few other popular beaches. Wailea is for the upscale country clubber, as easily recognizable when taking a walk through The Shops at Wailea. Luis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tommy Bahama are just a few of the shops you will find here. They didn't have any discounts for these shops in the Maui coupon book, but it's still fun to explore and see how other travelers are spending their
However, if you drive past Wailea's grand resorts and lush golf courses, past the roadside taco trucks and coconut stands you will find your way to Big Beach and Little Beach. Aaron was itching to go surfing despite disappointing swell reports, but he was able to find a few rideable waves at Big Beach. Here the ocean meets the sand with a bit more intensity than at Kamaole Beach Park II, but you will still find people swimming, and occasionally getting pummeled by the harsh breaking saltwater.
Next door you will find what at first glance appears to be a beach very similar to Big Beach, but with a keener eye and a closer look you may get more than you bargained for. Disregard the name, because what Little Beach lacks in size it makes up for in personality (and we all know size doesn't really matter, right?). You guessed it, Little Beach is a haven for those who like to bask in the buff. Like Big Beach, Little Beach shares the same golden sand and strong blue waters, but only at Little Beach is it socially acceptable to tan your cheeks or bronze your... I'll let you finish the sentence.
On the eve of our departure we decided to hit the town and treat ourselves to a nice cocktail in Kihei. Though we only planned on going out for one drink, I suggested we walk. Glad we did, because late night happy hour at Three's encouraged more than one drink each. With happy hour from 9-10:00PM, Aaron and I strolled up right as it was getting started. Regularly priced cocktails were $12.95, but happy hour special shaved off nine of those dollars. Exotic and gourmet appetizers, sushi rolls and more all at 50% off - we scored, big. And that wasn't all. Think pseudo live music and professionally trained salsa dancers, all seamlessly interchanging partners between songs. We weren't entirely sure what we had stumbled upon, but we liked it!
It was a perfect end to our perfect week in Maui. But our trip wasn't over yet! Next stop: Kona on the Big Island.
xo.
Hawaiian Vacay: Part 1 - Flying Standby
Aloha!
I have just returned from my two week adventure to the Hawaiian Islands. While it is a pleasure to be back in the comfort of my home and the company of good family and friends, I would be lying if I said I didn't already miss the warm, tropical air and miles of sandy beaches.
Aaron and I visited three islands (Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai) during our travels. I would love to write just one comprehensive post about our entire trip, but if I were to do that I feel like I would either have to write a short book (which this isn't exactly the platform for) or leave a lot out (which would just be depressing). So to make my posts more easy to navigate and subject specific I am breaking them down into a series of entries. I hope you enjoy reading about my travels, and maybe even glean some helpful tips and information for your own upcoming trip (if you have one, and if you don't, I highly recommend planning one)!
Aaron and I left for the island of Maui on June 20, 2013. It was my first time flying standby, and Aaron's first time in a long time. Our sister-in-law, Staci, is a flight attendent for Alaska Airlines and was generous enough to share some of her buddy passes with us, saving us hundreds of dollars on airfare. She showed us how to check flight-loads and figure out which route would be in our best interest based on availability, date, and time, and we excitedly reserved our seats.
We woke up bright and early (although I wouldn't really say it was "bright" considering the sun hadn't rose yet) around 4:30 AM. Our bags were packed and the french press was loaded. We said goodbye to Gus the barn cat and we were on our way! Well, on our way to he Gig Harbor Inn where a shuttle would be picking us up and taking us to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
The shuttle ride was quick and smooth and we made it to the airport just before 6:00 AM. When we entered the airport we could not believe the lines! Neither my husband or I had ever seen the airport so packed. After waiting in line first to get our boarding passes and then to go through the security checkpoint, we finally made it to our gate and were ready to board our first plane which would take us all the way to... Portland! Okay, our first flight was a little anti-climactic considering we would only be traveling about 160 miles, but once we landed at PDX we would be boarding our flight to Maui. Or at least that's what we thought.
We landed at PDX and hurried to our next gate to check the flight load and where we stood on the standby roster. A shared moment of anxiety stricken frowns simultaneously spread across our faces as we stared at the reader board. Not only had the flight nearly filled, but the standby list had tripled and we were at the very bottom! Things weren't looking good, but considering we had some time to kill before the flight boarded we did what anyone hanging out at an airport at 8:00 AM does and we loaded up on mimosas. While the mimosas did take the edge off, they sure didn't help empty up any seats on that airplane, and we watched our first attempt to Maui take off towards the sky.
Not to worry though, there was another flight boarding in just over an hour and we could just get on that one, right? Wrong. Another almost-full flight and an alarming number of people on the standby list. As there were no more flights from PDX to OGG (Maui) that day, things were looking dismal. Until a woman working at the gate helped reorient our tickets and got us on standby to San Diego where we would have one more shot of landing in Maui before surrendering defeat and setting up camp on the airport floor.
The flight to San Diego was fairly full, but there weren't too many on the standby list and we boarded stress free. It was only when we got to San Diego that anxiety ensued as we watched the reader board at our gate show empty seats slowly filling and the standby list growing at an alarming rate, bumping us down to the bottom of the roster with each addition.
Both hungry and tired, we ordered an overpriced salad from one of the airport food kiosks and slowly munched away, leaning against one another, shoulder-to-shoulder, sinking heavier into one another with each yawn as exhaustion began to set in. As our eyelids grew heavy and the salad box began to slide off my lap, over the intercom they announced that they were beginning boarding. Like two kids on Christmas morning, we quickly sprang to our feet as if we had enough energy to run a marathon, and rushed over to the gate to watch all the happy travelers board their flight to Maui, fingers-crossed hoping there would be two seats left for us.
As the mob of people hovering around the gate slowly made their way onto the plane, the gate attendant began calling names off the standby list. "So-and-so party of four," they called. Then a party of three, then a party of two. According to the reader board the plane was full, and there were still people ahead of us on the list. Our smiles dimmed as we scanned the room to see if there would be a comfortable place to spend our evening, and then they called our names. It was like winning the lottery (or so I would assume considering I've never won the lottery). Involuntary tears began to stream down my cheeks as the exhaustion, relief, and happiness that my body was deflecting through all the tension released. It was 7:30 PM, and we would be landing at OGG at 10:30 PM Maui time.
The plane ride was long, and after about five-and-a-half hours the pilot came over the intercom announcing that we were making our final descent into Maui. Our original plan was upon landing we would take a bus from the airport to Aaron's Omi's (the German word for grandmother) condo, but given the lateness of our arrival we were stuck with a taxi. Exhausted and hungry (again), we ran up to our room, dumped our bags onto the floor and dashed across the street to Denny's for a late night bite to eat.
We scarfed down the warm, turkey club sandwich, washing it down with oversized gulps of ice-cold water, and felt our bodies begin to revive from the hot food and hydrating water. We paid our bill and shuffled across the street back to Omi's condo where we slept long and hard, preparing ourselves for what would be an incredible two weeks.
Standby Travel Tips:
If you want a relaxing travel experience, or you need to be somewhere by a certain date/time, do not travel standby.
If you want an inexpensive way to travel and are okay with spending some time in the airport, I highly recommend flying standby, especially if you follow these tips! And please note that I have only flown standby through Alaska Airlines and these tips may not apply to other airlines.
1. You need to know someone who works for the airline and request a buddy pass.
2. Figure out when you are trying to travel. It is advised not to travel standby during holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc, or during summer vacation (which is when Aaron and I traveled, so it is doable, just not recommended).
3. Look up flight loads in advance to get a general idea of what the flights look like, but be aware that even if there are 50 open seats and no one on the non-revenue (standby) list, that this is subject to change drastically and you will want to check this list the night before, or better yet just hours before you plan to travel.
4. Look at connecting flights and be creative! While a direct flight is more desirable, you may have a better chance of getting to your final destination from one airport versus another. For example, flight to Maui from San Diego had more open seats typically than direct flights from Sea-Tac to Maui. But, so did flights from Portland which is why we flew there first, and we didn't get on a single plane there. (Flying home we flew from LIH (Kauai) to San Diego and got on the first plane).
5. Be prepared! Anticipate that you will be waiting around for several hours. Bring a good book, a fully charged phone, snacks, or whatever you like to have on hand to pass the time and to keep you full and happy!
xo.
I have just returned from my two week adventure to the Hawaiian Islands. While it is a pleasure to be back in the comfort of my home and the company of good family and friends, I would be lying if I said I didn't already miss the warm, tropical air and miles of sandy beaches.
Aaron and I visited three islands (Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai) during our travels. I would love to write just one comprehensive post about our entire trip, but if I were to do that I feel like I would either have to write a short book (which this isn't exactly the platform for) or leave a lot out (which would just be depressing). So to make my posts more easy to navigate and subject specific I am breaking them down into a series of entries. I hope you enjoy reading about my travels, and maybe even glean some helpful tips and information for your own upcoming trip (if you have one, and if you don't, I highly recommend planning one)!
Aaron and I left for the island of Maui on June 20, 2013. It was my first time flying standby, and Aaron's first time in a long time. Our sister-in-law, Staci, is a flight attendent for Alaska Airlines and was generous enough to share some of her buddy passes with us, saving us hundreds of dollars on airfare. She showed us how to check flight-loads and figure out which route would be in our best interest based on availability, date, and time, and we excitedly reserved our seats.
We woke up bright and early (although I wouldn't really say it was "bright" considering the sun hadn't rose yet) around 4:30 AM. Our bags were packed and the french press was loaded. We said goodbye to Gus the barn cat and we were on our way! Well, on our way to he Gig Harbor Inn where a shuttle would be picking us up and taking us to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
The shuttle ride was quick and smooth and we made it to the airport just before 6:00 AM. When we entered the airport we could not believe the lines! Neither my husband or I had ever seen the airport so packed. After waiting in line first to get our boarding passes and then to go through the security checkpoint, we finally made it to our gate and were ready to board our first plane which would take us all the way to... Portland! Okay, our first flight was a little anti-climactic considering we would only be traveling about 160 miles, but once we landed at PDX we would be boarding our flight to Maui. Or at least that's what we thought.
We landed at PDX and hurried to our next gate to check the flight load and where we stood on the standby roster. A shared moment of anxiety stricken frowns simultaneously spread across our faces as we stared at the reader board. Not only had the flight nearly filled, but the standby list had tripled and we were at the very bottom! Things weren't looking good, but considering we had some time to kill before the flight boarded we did what anyone hanging out at an airport at 8:00 AM does and we loaded up on mimosas. While the mimosas did take the edge off, they sure didn't help empty up any seats on that airplane, and we watched our first attempt to Maui take off towards the sky.
Not to worry though, there was another flight boarding in just over an hour and we could just get on that one, right? Wrong. Another almost-full flight and an alarming number of people on the standby list. As there were no more flights from PDX to OGG (Maui) that day, things were looking dismal. Until a woman working at the gate helped reorient our tickets and got us on standby to San Diego where we would have one more shot of landing in Maui before surrendering defeat and setting up camp on the airport floor.
The flight to San Diego was fairly full, but there weren't too many on the standby list and we boarded stress free. It was only when we got to San Diego that anxiety ensued as we watched the reader board at our gate show empty seats slowly filling and the standby list growing at an alarming rate, bumping us down to the bottom of the roster with each addition.
Both hungry and tired, we ordered an overpriced salad from one of the airport food kiosks and slowly munched away, leaning against one another, shoulder-to-shoulder, sinking heavier into one another with each yawn as exhaustion began to set in. As our eyelids grew heavy and the salad box began to slide off my lap, over the intercom they announced that they were beginning boarding. Like two kids on Christmas morning, we quickly sprang to our feet as if we had enough energy to run a marathon, and rushed over to the gate to watch all the happy travelers board their flight to Maui, fingers-crossed hoping there would be two seats left for us.
As the mob of people hovering around the gate slowly made their way onto the plane, the gate attendant began calling names off the standby list. "So-and-so party of four," they called. Then a party of three, then a party of two. According to the reader board the plane was full, and there were still people ahead of us on the list. Our smiles dimmed as we scanned the room to see if there would be a comfortable place to spend our evening, and then they called our names. It was like winning the lottery (or so I would assume considering I've never won the lottery). Involuntary tears began to stream down my cheeks as the exhaustion, relief, and happiness that my body was deflecting through all the tension released. It was 7:30 PM, and we would be landing at OGG at 10:30 PM Maui time.
The plane ride was long, and after about five-and-a-half hours the pilot came over the intercom announcing that we were making our final descent into Maui. Our original plan was upon landing we would take a bus from the airport to Aaron's Omi's (the German word for grandmother) condo, but given the lateness of our arrival we were stuck with a taxi. Exhausted and hungry (again), we ran up to our room, dumped our bags onto the floor and dashed across the street to Denny's for a late night bite to eat.
We scarfed down the warm, turkey club sandwich, washing it down with oversized gulps of ice-cold water, and felt our bodies begin to revive from the hot food and hydrating water. We paid our bill and shuffled across the street back to Omi's condo where we slept long and hard, preparing ourselves for what would be an incredible two weeks.
Standby Travel Tips:
If you want a relaxing travel experience, or you need to be somewhere by a certain date/time, do not travel standby.
If you want an inexpensive way to travel and are okay with spending some time in the airport, I highly recommend flying standby, especially if you follow these tips! And please note that I have only flown standby through Alaska Airlines and these tips may not apply to other airlines.
1. You need to know someone who works for the airline and request a buddy pass.
2. Figure out when you are trying to travel. It is advised not to travel standby during holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc, or during summer vacation (which is when Aaron and I traveled, so it is doable, just not recommended).
3. Look up flight loads in advance to get a general idea of what the flights look like, but be aware that even if there are 50 open seats and no one on the non-revenue (standby) list, that this is subject to change drastically and you will want to check this list the night before, or better yet just hours before you plan to travel.
4. Look at connecting flights and be creative! While a direct flight is more desirable, you may have a better chance of getting to your final destination from one airport versus another. For example, flight to Maui from San Diego had more open seats typically than direct flights from Sea-Tac to Maui. But, so did flights from Portland which is why we flew there first, and we didn't get on a single plane there. (Flying home we flew from LIH (Kauai) to San Diego and got on the first plane).
5. Be prepared! Anticipate that you will be waiting around for several hours. Bring a good book, a fully charged phone, snacks, or whatever you like to have on hand to pass the time and to keep you full and happy!
xo.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Online Shopping 101
In my last post I explained why I am making the shift to online shopping. In this post I am going to explain some of my favorite online shopping tips and hints to quicker and cheaper shopping with fewer returns. Also check out the bottom of this post with some links to my favorite sites.
1. Always read the reviews! This one is important for understanding the quality and size of a garment. Pictures usually tend to be more flattering of an items fiber content, and can even alter the true color or hue of the product you're interested in. Customer reviews can help determine whether the picture is true to the product or not. As for sizing, unless you are familiar with a brand first-hand, you can never be sure as to how something is going to fit, especially with pants or shoes. Reviewers will typically inform you whether or not the item runs big or small, slim or loose, short or long, etc.
2. Check the return policy. If you can't return it - don't buy it! If you can return it, make sure you are comfortable with the return conditions/policy. Some sites will offer free returns while others you may have to pay full shipping. If you are ordering from a site that has a storefront, sometimes it can be to your advantage to return it in-store rather than mailing it back. If you're purchasing clearance items be sure to see if returns are available on that item. There is nothing more frustrating that purchasing something on-line, it not fitting/being what you expected, and then not being able to return it.
3. Check the shipping rates. A lot of online sites will offer free shipping once you've reached a certain purchase amount. Others will have promo codes you can enter at the checkout that will provide free shipping - or even better, total purchase discounts. I love checking out Retail Me Not for promo codes, free shipping, and additional savings.
4. If you have any hesitations, don't buy it! If the item you're considering purchasing isn't something you're absolutely crazy about, don't buy it. If you're not 100% about a flawless picture of it, just remember that it will look even worse when you put it on (no offense, it's just the truth). Then, on top of that, you have to send it back and you will be kicking yourself to the post office for having not listened to your intuition. So save yourself the trouble and just take my advice, okay?
5. Don't let online shopping consume you. You wouldn't go to the mall everyday (or at least I would hope), so don't shop online everyday. Yes it's convenient and you don't even have to put clothes on to do it, but it's a waste of time. Before I go online there are a few things I like to figure out. First, what am I shopping for? If I don't have a specific item (or items) in mind, then I don't need it. Second, what sites will probably have what I'm looking for? If I'm shopping for running shoes then I may go to a different site than I would if I were shopping for a cocktail dress. Being organized and focused in your shopping ventures can save a lot of time. Third, use the search filters provided. A lot of sites will let you narrow your search by style, color, size, price, etc. These tools can really hone in your search to the closest match they have to what you had in mind.
Now that you know some of the fundamentals, try them out for yourself. Here are a few sites I enjoy:
6 pm - lots of different brands and styles for every occasion at low prices.
asos - similar to 6pm but prices are a little higher
gap - great selection of basics and essentials and check frequently for additional savings on already marked down items + free returns
ModCloth - best site for dresses and shoes with great clearance deals
Urban Outfitters - carries a lot of the tacky/glittery stuff, but has a great basics/essentials line + great summer sandals
Forever 21 - hate the store, love the site! Use the search filters to find what you want at close to in-store prices
and don't forget to check Retail Me Not before every purchase!
Share your own online shopping tips and site suggestions in the comments below!
xo.
1. Always read the reviews! This one is important for understanding the quality and size of a garment. Pictures usually tend to be more flattering of an items fiber content, and can even alter the true color or hue of the product you're interested in. Customer reviews can help determine whether the picture is true to the product or not. As for sizing, unless you are familiar with a brand first-hand, you can never be sure as to how something is going to fit, especially with pants or shoes. Reviewers will typically inform you whether or not the item runs big or small, slim or loose, short or long, etc.
2. Check the return policy. If you can't return it - don't buy it! If you can return it, make sure you are comfortable with the return conditions/policy. Some sites will offer free returns while others you may have to pay full shipping. If you are ordering from a site that has a storefront, sometimes it can be to your advantage to return it in-store rather than mailing it back. If you're purchasing clearance items be sure to see if returns are available on that item. There is nothing more frustrating that purchasing something on-line, it not fitting/being what you expected, and then not being able to return it.
3. Check the shipping rates. A lot of online sites will offer free shipping once you've reached a certain purchase amount. Others will have promo codes you can enter at the checkout that will provide free shipping - or even better, total purchase discounts. I love checking out Retail Me Not for promo codes, free shipping, and additional savings.
4. If you have any hesitations, don't buy it! If the item you're considering purchasing isn't something you're absolutely crazy about, don't buy it. If you're not 100% about a flawless picture of it, just remember that it will look even worse when you put it on (no offense, it's just the truth). Then, on top of that, you have to send it back and you will be kicking yourself to the post office for having not listened to your intuition. So save yourself the trouble and just take my advice, okay?
5. Don't let online shopping consume you. You wouldn't go to the mall everyday (or at least I would hope), so don't shop online everyday. Yes it's convenient and you don't even have to put clothes on to do it, but it's a waste of time. Before I go online there are a few things I like to figure out. First, what am I shopping for? If I don't have a specific item (or items) in mind, then I don't need it. Second, what sites will probably have what I'm looking for? If I'm shopping for running shoes then I may go to a different site than I would if I were shopping for a cocktail dress. Being organized and focused in your shopping ventures can save a lot of time. Third, use the search filters provided. A lot of sites will let you narrow your search by style, color, size, price, etc. These tools can really hone in your search to the closest match they have to what you had in mind.
Now that you know some of the fundamentals, try them out for yourself. Here are a few sites I enjoy:
6 pm - lots of different brands and styles for every occasion at low prices.
asos - similar to 6pm but prices are a little higher
gap - great selection of basics and essentials and check frequently for additional savings on already marked down items + free returns
ModCloth - best site for dresses and shoes with great clearance deals
Urban Outfitters - carries a lot of the tacky/glittery stuff, but has a great basics/essentials line + great summer sandals
Forever 21 - hate the store, love the site! Use the search filters to find what you want at close to in-store prices
and don't forget to check Retail Me Not before every purchase!
Share your own online shopping tips and site suggestions in the comments below!
xo.
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