Lunch for the Littles

Lunch for the Littles
I have an amazing husband who likes to cook creative things, which leaves me with amazing leftovers to fix up for the Littles. Well, this weekend he stuffed a pumpkin, and let me tell you it was amazing (and if you want to know how you'll have to take it up with him because I'm just not that creative or ambitious of a chef). So, what do you do with leftover pumpkin? Well, this bowl of perfectly cooked pumpkin sat in my fridge right beside this half used jar of pasta sauce. Knowing that my Littles will always eat pasta, especially if its topped with cheese, I decided to get out of my box and be creative.
We had sneaky pumpkin pasta, though I told the Littles it was cheesy noodles.
So how is sneaky pumpkin pasta made you ask? Its really quite simple. You boil some of these:

And while that is going, you dump this in a pan:

Add some perfectly cooked pumpkin and use your weapon of choice, mine was a potato masher.

Add the pasta, dish it up and top with parmesan.

And how was this sneaky pumpkin received? Well, they didn't eat all of it, but they ate most of it, and really, what more can a momma ask for? :-)

Cheers!
Jessica

Spontaneity At It's Best (November 2015)

I did something really weird on Saturday. Lemme 'esplain...

Friday night I stayed at a friend's house. They had to work early on Saturday morning so they dropped me off at the Kalihi transit center around 7AM. No big deal. From KTC I can get pretty much anywhere on the island. I sat for a while and was talking to my girl, Laura, back home. We were catching up because she had surgery the previous Monday and was just getting ready to start on solid foods again. When I'm done chatting her up, I hang up and look at the bus times. As I do this, I think, "man! I'm hungry." And so instead of traveling north I get on a bus and head south to downtown Honolulu.

On the bus I pull up Yelp and see what's near me that's open for breakfast/brunch. The first one to pop up is a bookmark I'd placed a very long while ago: Scratch Kitchen and Bake Shop. So I get off the bus, walk a block down an empty street and enter through the front doors. All the people who should have been walking the streets are in this restaurant! It seems every table is occupied. The hostess asks how many. "Oh, just one," is my sheepish answer. "Would you like to sit at the counter? It's a bit tight but we can fit you in."

I nod and follow her to the back of the restaurant. It's an open kitchen set up so it's almost like sitting at a barstool watching mom cook in the kitchen. I'm seated between two men. The one on my left is younger, around my age. Cute and also appearing to be alone. The one on my right is older and with a female friend and they're already boozing it up.

I thank the hostess, squish my overnight bag under the counter onto a hook and take a look at the menu. I set my phone, wallet, and headphones on the table, preparing myself for an awkward wait and checking out Facebook or Pinterest.

And then... something weird happens.

The cute guy on my left says hello. I bewilderingly say hello back. We smile and one of us strikes up a conversation.

We talk all through breakfast. I got the BLT benedict, same as him. I also got a Tang mimosa. Absolutely brilliant idea to whoever thought that one up, BTW. We watched the kitchen staff flow. They were flawless and never seemed to get in each other's way. They were quick but not urgently scrambling. Each plate was composed and looked lovely when sent out. I'm sure they tasted even better than they looked.

Through the conversation, I learned this guy was from SoCal, enjoyed lizards enough to want to create his own pet store, and liked hiking. I, too, like hiking. He had one more full day left on the island. I offered to show him a hike. He accepted. We finished breakfast and went in search of supplies needed for a hike.

I never do this.

Ever.

Which is why it was super weird. I'm grateful he chatted with me and then went on a hike. I'm even more grateful that he drove me home, no questions asked. The most grateful thing though was him showing me it's ok to talk to strangers. It's ok to trust someone you don't know. To think they've got good intentions instead of think, "gee, I hope this guy isn't an ax murderer." And that sentence is actually discriminating against single guys, if you think about it. (Sorry all you first date dudes!)

We're all strangers, I suppose. Some are just stranger than others.

Cliff Diving vs. Skydiving

I went cliff diving on Sunday. I doubt I'll ever go again unless it's with people I love and trust and won't ever get horrifyingly angry at them if they push me off a cliff. Literally.

So... never again, then.

On Sunday morning I went on a first date with a guy I'd never met. We carpooled out to Waimea Bay and I made sure my island friends knew where we were going just in case they needed to look for my body later. I always have this type of humor before going on dates. I blame my mother... but I digress...

So! Moving on...

As we are driving out this guy's telling me about what he did yesterday (which was free climbing by Makapu'u Lighthouse where waves were trying to kill him) and entertaining me with fun facts about arachnids (did you know a daddy long leg isn't actually a spider?) and about how the smaller the creature the more likely it's poison is to kill you (such as with scorpions and snakes. He knows rattlesnake babies are super poisonous -- he has the week stay in the hospital and the scar on his wrist to prove it). He also doesn't own a computer or buy WiFi. He owns over 200 DVDs. He's got the cool 70s, 80s music going in the CD player. I'm really liking his vibe.

We get to Waimea Bay and it's sprinkling. Which is fine in hawaii. If we were in Washington I'd be chickening out and sighting a headache. And, come on, it can't be worse than jumping out of an airplane, right?

We get to the rock, leave or stuff on the beach, and start climbing to the top.

This is worse than jumping out of an airplane.

Because I can't just step off.

Oh, no. No, no, no.

You have to bend your knees and jump. You have to commit to the action. You have to take a literal leap of faith.

I did it, though. And I screamed like the little girl I really am. I even did it two more times after that. On the third jump, climbing back up the cliff, the ocean decided she didn't care for me and she shoved me onto the rock and then grabbed me back. I then landed on more rocks and got a lovely bruise for my troubles.

The bruise would have been fine if it hadn't been on my thigh. My biggest muscle was now slowing but surely turning purple. I know I bruise easy and I knew this would be a doozy in a few days. (I was right; see picture.)

So. I jumped three times and climbed back for a fourth. I then proceeded to psych myself out. 1) the wind picked up and I had to crouch in order to feel like I had some control and keep my balance, 2) I kept losing my bikini top while plunging into the ocean (I guess I need to find a sports bra type of top? Anyone have any good suggestions?), 3) I didn't think I could keep up with the waves with my emerging bruise, and 4) that was actually really, really, really high up...

So I walked down.

He drove me home. We chatted a bit. He showed me pictures of food he liked to cook (it looked delicious and I was ravenous after all the water sports). He said something about a shower, I said something about a nap. We parted ways.

I don't think he's going to call me. But that's ok because I've found someone with bigger balls than me. And he can keep them.

Aloha from Oahu!
XOXO
Lisa

What's for Dinner?

Today I wanted to share with you something that has helped relieve stress in my daily life. I feel like this system would be adaptable to most families' or individuals' circumstances. The system has helped me to save time and energy and makes my trips to the grocery store less stressful. This is how we do dinner.
I have spent many months coming up with this system. It has been a matter of thinking about meals we enjoy as a family, trying out some new menu items, and convincing the kids to eat what I put in front of them.

I have been thinking about meals that we like and writing them down on 3 x 5 index cards. I keep all of the index cards in a case on top of the fridge, right above a set of magnets representing each day of the week.

Each card has the name of the recipe, and the list of ingredients on the front; listed on the back is the recipe.

I've also included a few cards for leftovers to follow meals that I know will span more than one night. What I really like about this system is that with just a glance I know what we'll be eating for dinner for the whole week. I've also found it very convenient to have the ingredients listed so that I have an easy time making up a shopping list for the week. Having the recipe on the back of the card is also helpful so that I don't have to dig through a cookbook or try to remember which page number or have to go digging around for each recipe, it's just ready to go waiting for me.
Seeing all of Lisa's success with the 21 day fix I've made the decision to start incorporating that plan into my family's lifestyle. I've recently added some cards that are 21 day fix approved to my collection of cards. But cooking for family is a lot different than cooking for an individual, so we're going to start slow with just dinner, but our plan is to slowly incorporate 21 day fix snacks and breakfasts and lunches.
This is how we avoid the dreaded question "what's for dinner?"

Cheers!
Jessica

Summer Recap

Graduation: We had a fun time at graduation! BYUI puts on a beautiful ceremony. Brett is graduated, now we just have to make it through student teaching and then we'll be on to our next adventure.

Girls night: For Mom's birthday we celebrated late with a girls night out. We shopped and ate at restaurants, we saw Disney's Inside Out (so cute). We spent the night at the Tulalip Resort, which was nice. I got a bed to myself for the first time in years, so nice to stretch out. Their pool is wonderful too. While we did have a great time we missed our Lisa and Mishelle.

Potty training: I don't know how parents make it through this process. We were doing okay while we were staying with Grandma and Grandpa, Little Miss really enjoyed using grandma's potty, but now that we're home with only the toilet we're having a harder time. My goal is before 3, so we don't have much longer.

Visit to Olympia: We got to spend an afternoon in Olympia visiting with some good friends from Rexburg. Olympia was half way between us so we met up for a picnic and parks, and even made it to the capital. It was wonderful to visit with them and play together again.

Pool and Popsicles: Grandma had an awesome kiddie pool that the Littles were in love with, especially Little Man. Every time they were done in the pool Little Miss would tell us that they needed popsicles to warm up.

Dentist: Well, I guess I'm a real grown up now. I had my first cavities and filings. Brett and I went to the dentist he's been going to forever. We went for our anniversary, how romantic, huh? Well, let me tell you, filings are not fun! It took me almost the whole day to get the feeling back in my face, and a few days worth of pain to top it off. Not something I want to do again.

Jazzinators: Of course the purpose of our trip, Jazzinators. So much fun this year, Grammy watched the Littles each rehearsal so I was able to participate too. We played some great music and worked on our improvising. And we got some cool shirts too.

Now we just have to survive fall and then we're on to a new adventure!
Cheers!
Jessica

It's been a while...

Hey everybody! I'm still alive. I've been preoccupied by life, love (or something similar to it, maybe? Don't get too excited, there's not much to tell), work, and adventures.

First off... I miss everyone! If you're reading this: I miss your face; I miss your voice; I miss your hugs; I miss your smell; but most of all I just miss YOU. It's been long and I've tried my best to make my own little ohana. But the friends and family I left behind... I can't just create a new one. You're unique and amazing and for that, I thank you.

Secondly! Work sucks. But it's also awesome. I'm being pushed to my limits, being given more responsibility than I know what to do with, and finding my nitch. I complain (boy, howdy! DO I COMPLAIN!) but so does everyone else. I think, at some point, even those who love their jobs find something to complain about. It almost seems like human nature. So! Works good. Stressful but good. And they appreciate us so much that they're sending us to Aulani. "What's Aulani," you ask? It's the Disney resort on Oahu. My company is paying for our department to have a one-night stay. We get breakfast and lunch, parking validation, and can bring guests. And another awesome thing? They're paying us 5 hours of overtime to attend a training thingy. Yep. I love my company. Needless to say, pictures will follow.

I've been all over this island, guys. Except for Kailua and Kaneohe. I don't have much experience over there. But it's on my list. I might be moving to the east side once October rolls around. I'm still looking for roommates and apartments. But things are looking up on that front! I've also got a potential lead on a mode of my own transportation. So... we shall see how that pans out. I'll keep you posted. I've been mostly hanging out in Wailua and Mokuleia. I've got my favorite hike and my favorite beach. They're amazing and that's where my friends like to hang out, too. So it's all good.

This last weekend I went to my boss' wedding. I got dolled up (make up, hair, heels -- the works) and had myself a great time. When some of my other coworkers got to the wedding venue they had to do double takes. I wasn't wearing my glasses and my hair was curled. I got so many compliments on how lovely I was looking (I'm thinking I might make a thing of this, once a week. One of my friends was calling it "fancy Friday" and I kind of like the sound of that). I thought it was just something nice people say when they see you give extra effort. So when I got to work on Monday it was a bit baffling for me when people I hadn't spoken with at the wedding still came up to me and told me how nice I looked. Gorgeous and amazing were two of the more popular ones. I tell you this not because I'm bragging. I tell you this not because I'm vain. I tell you this not because I know i looked good. I tell you this because I felt so out of place and quite unlovable and even silly looking -- I always do when I have to dress up fancy. But to hear the words, to see the reactions, to read the responses on Facebook... these are from people who know me and care enough about me to take the time to compliment me. And for that I am eternally grateful. It helped pick me up when I was having a really low day. I had just gotten in a fight with a male via txt. He'd been making me feel unworthy, unlovable, unacceptable all week long. And that was a very hard thing to admit to myself. So the outpouring from people about my looks... it really, really, really was what I needed to hear. And now I'm crying again. So I'm just going to end my ramble right here, thanks.

Moving on! I think I want to be a tour guide. It's unclear if I want to work for a company or if I want to own my own business. But being able to make people's vacations memorable in such a magical place? Priceless. But a girl has to eat so I'll take a paycheck with that, thanks. I'll keep y'all posted on what I'm thinking and doing in the next few months. If I start my own business, it'll be quite an investment. Definitely something I'd need to get a loan for. So... we'll see!

I've been dating. And I hate it. It's so exhausting to meet new people! It's like having interviews every single time. And it can't be during the week because I'm exhausted after work and want to wake up refreshed. So... that takes up my Fridays and weekends. Busy am I. Still single, also, am I. The only guys I'm finding who I'm attracted to end up being in the military in one capacity or another. And the few that aren't... well... there's some stereotypes that are true. So. Yeah... it's rough. I'm almost ready to take a break and reclaim my weekends for me and only me. Go be a loner for a month or so. But I miss being surrounded by family and friends... so... choices. *sigh*

Hope everyone is doing well! I'm going to start back up with the 21 Day Fix tomorrow. Bring on September! I'll keep you updated with my foods and my workouts. Prepare for a lot of yumminess. And sweat. It gets hot here!

Aloha from Oahu,
LC

Unbelievably, Awesome Rewards of Running

Well, it's not skydiving, but it is life-changing, at least for me....

I've been running for a few weeks now, and discovered a few things I like about it. Here are my top 3 unbelievably awesome rewards of running:

1. Feeling stronger
I cannot believe that I can feel a difference here already, I can run faster or farther than I could before. When I re-run routes I pass places where I would have needed to stop and rest, or I pass points and think back to how I felt passing that point before.

2. Weight loss
I cannot believe that it is finally happening for me! I feel like I've been waiting my whole life to lose this weight and slowly but surely it is going. Friends are starting to notice and offer wonderful encouragement, and I saw I picture of me the other day I noticed too.

3. Removing shoes and socks afterwards
I cannot believe how amazing this feels! Who would have thought that free feet would feel so good!

Cheers!
Jessica

Father's Day, 2015

I woke up Sunday bright and early. I had several things I needed to get done today.

1. Call my dad and wish him a Happy Father's Day.
2. Pick up my friend Stephanie from the transit center.
3. Jump out of an airplane 2.5 miles above the ground at speeds of 120mph.

I did all of theses things and then some.

The weekend before Danny, Stephanie, and I had tried going skydiving. We were at the location for a few hours. They called our names. We got strapped into the plane. We reached altitude... And couldn't jump because there were too many clouds and not enough holes in those clouds in which we could, legally, fall through. So. We landed. I would have preferred jumping to landing because I never like landing in airplanes. And this was a small Cessna. Maybe 12 people including the pilot? Not a smooth landing like the big planes.

So... We got a free plane ride of the north shore. It was breathtaking. Absolutely amazing and I would do it again in a heart beat.

Back to Sunday... We get to Pacific Skydiving and get bumped to the front because we couldn't go the weekend before. My tandem guy this go-round was a lot taller than me (last week he was about the same hight as me and retired from the army; my man Caylon was about my age or so) and was fun and flirty. Danny got a serious jumping partner who didn't really match his personality. I didn't get to meet Stephanie's jump-mate but she liked him very much.

We walk out to the plane and Caylon tells me he's done over 2,500 jumps and never had to use his reserve. This comforts me until he tacks on,with a conspiratorial wink, "but that just means I'm due for it."

Really?! Gah!! You want me to leap out of a plane with you?! Crazy mo-fo...

We board the plane and talk some more until we reach altitude. We snap selfies with the GoPro on Caylon's arm. He teases me for having loose straps (which make more sense while we're gliding down... I'll get there!). He tells me to hook my hands around them like overalls and pull the straps to my chest. Then to put my head down so my nose touches my fingers. Now? Pray. Funny man, that Caylon. Funny, funny man...

I'm feeling good, not too stressed. I did this last week. I'm totally fine. And then... Then they open the door. And the student diver and his instructor literally fling themselves out of the plane. Like, one minute they're they and you blink and they drop out of view. Phffffftttt!! Gone.

I about lost my breakfast right then. I know my eyes got big behind my goggles and my mouth was probably hanging open like loon. I started freaking. I think I shook my head a few times. What did I get myself into?

Before I could question it further,Danny starts scooting forward for his jump. Phffffftttt!! Gone.

I'm next.

Caylon leans in and says something about being ready. Or something else. He could have been saying he was a terrorist with a bomb in his bag instead of a parachute and I wouldn't have known the difference. I do remember his last words before we started falling: "We go on the count of three, OK? Ready? One!"

And then I was screaming.

And probably cursing.

But I don't remember because I was falling and the ground was so far below but there was so much blue and there's a cloud and where the crap was my two and three?!?!

Twenty seconds of free-fall at 120mph seems like five minutes. All too soon Caylon tapped my shoulder -- the signal to open my arms and fly like a birdy.

I did.

And I felt like a birdy.

He pulled the cord for the 'shoot. We jerked slightly. Two things happen then which Caylon warned me about before hand:

1. I've got wedgie like none I've experienced before. Ever.
2. My boobs now at smashed to me like the world's most uncomfortable Wonderbra. They're around my neck. Literally. Check out the pictures below.

He positions us properly by loosening the straps, tugging here, pulling there. And we were gliding. The extra room in the straps allowed me to hang slightly away from his body so it was more like I was by myself. But not. I can't really describe it. But I didn't care because...

That View.

Ah-mazing.

Truly. That made my jump. To be able to see the north coast of Oahu without a tiny,dirty airplane 

window in the way? Priceless.

It made my heart skip beats.

Or maybe that was the way Caylon was flying... He went in a zig-zaggy pendulum pattern. My stomach was rolling so much. I can get sick off of the Ferris Wheel at a carnival. So this... This was near torture.

We finally find our way back to the Dillingham Airport. We swing wide and come in fast. We land. I'm barely able to stand on my own two feet because of the adrenaline coursing through my body. But I do. We snap some more pictures and make our way back in.

I survived.

And here are the pictures to prove I'm not just full of it.

(From Left to Right: Danny, Lisa, Stephanie)

Caylon and Me

Here we go...

I think he's saying "On Three." But we never got to three, did we, Caylon?!

Free Falling

Still Free Falling

That view, though!

After the Wonderbra was adjusted. My boobs aren't choking me.

How would you like that for your roof over your office?

This is my FB profile picture right now.

I made it! Holy cow...

We were up there! But now we're down here! But we were up there!

Time to walk away... 

Aloha from Oahu!

XXOO
Lisa

Awareness Brings Change

An incident occurred while I was out running the other night. I was doing really great, improving my time, I was the only pedestrian around and no cars on the road. A truck drives by and the male driver opens his door, stands up while driving and yells, "F*** you BYU-Idaho, I'm here to steal all the girls! F*** you!" I came to a sudden stop and looked around me, was this for real? Did that really just happen?
My first reaction was to shake it off, but something inside said no. I dialed 911. The dispatcher listened to my story, took down the details and asked if I needed an officer. I said I didn't think so, because the truck he kept driving. I felt fine. The dispatcher said they would send extra officers to patrol the area. Great. And I hung up.
Well, not so great actually. After I hung up and started to run again that's when I noticed the two hooded figures following me. Dressed all in black and going everywhere I went , but off in the parking lot to my side. What could I do? I ran faster.  The figures disappeared behind a building and that's when I spotted a patrol car and flagged them down.
I recounted the whole incident to the officer. And to my disgust his response was "Well, it's probably just some kids playing a joke, we see that a lot around here. Just stay alert while you run." And he drove off. I tried to finish my run, but every little noise, every car driving by, every distant sound, I jumped, I was terrified.
I finally decided to give in. I had made my halfway point for my run and just couldn't do anymore. When I stopped I was shaking so bad that it was hard to dial the phone to call for a ride. Brett wasn't answering his phone so I called a friend and neighbor to ask if she would knock on our door, she came to pick me up instead.
I made it home safe.
The most discouraging and disgusting part of this whole story is that whenever I tell it to a woman she always sympathizes with me and asks if I'm okay and scared I must've been. But when a man hears the story he always just thinks it must be a joke same as the officer. What is wrong with all the men out there. This did not feel like a joke to me and if it was it is just wrong. The discouraging and disgusting part is that generally speaking men in our society think that this is okay, it's justified because it's just a funny joke. Wrong, Wrong, WRONG!
I'm afraid to go out and run now, but I do it anyway and say a little prayer first. I will not let this hold me back.

I wanted to share this story because I want this point of view to change. I want the world that my daughter lives in to be better than the one that I live in. And I don't ever want my son to be the one that makes another woman feel this way.
Awareness brings change.

Jessica

After race selfie from the Temple to Temple Relay with my beautiful finisher's bouquet courtesy of Little Miss. 😀

Well, I'm a crazy person. About two weeks ago I decided to run in a relay race, we ran today. Our team was amazing! A brother and 6 other sisters from my ward. This relay covered 39 miles, from the Rexburg Temple to the Idaho Falls Temple. We made it! We did it!

I'll start by saying that not only did I (barely) finish my leg of the race, I also strengthened friendships, accomplished something I wasn't quite sure I could do, and strengthened my testimony of Heavenly Father's love for His children. My leg was the final leg of the race, 2.6 miles, the run up to the Temple. It was a beautiful course to run on. I ran through a park, which was the only stretch of my leg with shade. I came around a bend on the path in the park and I thought I saw our car. My first thought was what a weird coincidence, and then I saw my beautiful children and my loving husband. My heart skipped a beat, it was just what I needed. Little Miss had picked me a beautiful bouquet of dandelions and was so excited to see me run. After getting a high five from Little Man I was off again. The course then followed the river and down to the Temple. Even though the Idaho Falls Temple is currently closed for a massive renovation it was beautiful. As I came around a bend there it sat, even though it was the middle of the day it seemed to be glowing. It was a crazy phenomenon that brought me to tears. And soon after, I started hearing the cheers from my teammates. What a humbling experience to have wonderful, dedicated people believe in you when you don't believe in yourself.
As I came through the roundabout my team was able to join me for the last stretch to the finish line. I always finish running with a sprint, its just how I do it, unfortunately this time I started my sprint too soon. My "high" was quickly thwarted with the sudden feeling that I would collapse. How could I come this far and have my body quit, just feet from the finish line? How could I be so selfish and completely let down my team? I had a slight stumble and then I felt a hand on my back and an encouraging word from a teammate. I was not prepared for what I heard next, I heard a familiar male voice whisper, "I know you can do this, I designed you to withstand this." And with that how could I do anything else.
What a wonderful day we had cheering each other on, but I know, with no doubts, that we were not the only ones cheering for us, and not just our team either. As a team we could not have completed without everyone's valiant efforts, and I also know we didn't do it alone.
I know that our Father in Heaven watches over us always, through His divine help we are able to accomplish ALL things. He knows us each individually and He loves us, each and everyone of us. For anyone reading this, if you haven't yet tried to strengthen your relationship with Him, it is my challenge to you now to do so. When your heart has changed so can the rest of your life.

Cheers,
Jessica

Bucket List Check Off

I've been able to cross something off of my bucket list this weekend. It really did fall into my lap. It's something I was working the courage up to doing and thought I would end up doing it in a year or so, always pushing the date out further and further in my mind.

I went to a clothing-optional beach on Sunday.

And I quite liked it.

Except for my now extremely red butt-cheeks. They didn't and still don't like the nude beach.

Here's some things I've learned.

1. No one cares what you look like. Anatomically, we're all pretty much the same -- men are men, women are women. 
2. There are creeps everywhere, even nude beaches. But there's also good people everywhere too and if you go in a group you've always got someone to watch your back. 
3. Naked people are friendly. They'll come right up and talk to you.
4. Sunglasses are a must -- both to protect your eyes from the sun and (I feel) to lend a bit of normality to an otherwise crazy situation.

Will I go again? Definitely. But never by myself. I would need to go in a group again. And there was about seven of us in my group on Sunday. We had good fun and I'm looking forward to having more fun with my new friends.

Now... Where's my aloe?

Cheers and Aloha from Oahu!
LC

Happy Birthday!

I can't believe another year has already past. I spent the day thinking about all our past birthdays and I have come to the conclusion that birthdays are better spent together. I am grateful for the technology we have nowadays so we weren't completely apart today. Lisa and I scheduled pedicures together, but 3,000 miles apart. We chatted over the phone lines (is that how it even works anymore? I'm probably behind the times, huh?) and got our toes pampered together.

I visited Reflections Salon in Rexburg. I loved it. My pedicurist (is that a word?) was Heather, super sweet and didn't mind at all that I spent the whole time on my phone. The salon is currently under renovation and so far the work seems promising, it will be spectacular when it's complete. I really like Namasté Salon here in town, but I will definitely be back to Reflections too.

Heather gave me lots of scent options for the foot soak, I chose pineapple so I could feel closer to you and Hawaii. I chose a pretty, sparkly, red-orange polish, something for summer.

The chairs were comfy and Heather did an amazing job with my feet, I especially enjoyed the massage.

All in all I would recommend Reflections for a pedicure, and you should definitely take a girlfriend with you!

Here's me missing you,
Happy Birthday,
Cheers!

Jessica

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Aloha from Oahu!

I, too, cannot believe it's been 28 years and we haven't killed each other yet. Twin power, man! I'm so grateful for technology which allows us to still whisper in each other's ears even from 3,000 miles apart. I love you, I miss you, I wish you were here. But you're always in my heart so that makes it a little easier to bear.

On Friday April 17, 2015 I woke up early to get to my salon of choice, Bee Nail Salon, by 9:30AM. All of the chairs but one were filled which shocked me for a Saturday morning. Plus, this space is tiny so only about five customers will fit for pedicures at a time. I let them know I was there for my appointment and they sat me down in the last one, furthest from the door. They had Mouse Trap playing on one of the TVs. If you're interested, I think it was streaming from Netflix. LJ might enjoy it. :)

I picked a corally-pink color for my nails. I was originally going to go for black but decided against it. I wanted something bright and cheerful and when I saw this pink color it made me think of you, dear sister. I sat down, we started talking, and the world fell away. An hour passed and Jess had finished her pedicure. I was still waiting for the lacquer to dry and a design to be put on my big toe.

(putting a pretty flower on my toes... almost done! Don't mind my bare legs... it happens a lot here in Hawaii...)

(If I look to my right)

(If I look straight in front of me)

(Pretty Piggies!!)

(Pretty Piggies! And a pretty jade anklet. I haven't had an anklet in forever. Laura and I purchased it at the Swap Meet on Sunday.)

After my pedicure I went to pick up my good friend Laura. She was in Oahu for 10 days and had flown in the night before. I picked her up, we went back to Wahiawa and then found ourselves at the Dole Plantation. Lovely. The Dole Pineapple Whip is delicious! It's a frozen yogurt of sorts. Very tasty. Of course we took some pictures...

(L&L at Dole)

(Me about to consume the Whip)

(OM NOM NOM!!)

(OM NOM NOM!!)

(A tiny pineapple -- it takes two years for a pineapple to go from field to market!)

(Koi pond. There were children feeding them fish pellets. That's why they're so congregated in the lump)

(Koi Pond)

(Playing Tourist)

(Gotta appreciate the views in Hawaii)

After Dole we headed north. We had a little bit of time to kill before some of my good friends were off work. We ended up in Haleiwa. We were walking along one of the beaches and went to find a bathroom. When we walked up to the bathroom we saw a large group of tourists taking pictures. I couldn't figure out what they were looking at. After the bathroom, I came out and they were gone. So I went to where they were standing... and there were sea turtles! Right in front of me there were three. Out further there were two more I could see breaching the waves. To my left I saw another three. Amazing! This is my first real photo-evidence encounter with turtles. I'm not a lier!! Check it out:

(they were eating the greenery you see here)

(Turtle shell!)

(there's two of them)

(turtle, turtle, turtle!)

(I had time to take a video.)

Laura wanted to go pet them. They were that close to us. Unfortunately, that's illegal and if we get reported it's a huge fine. So. No petting sea turtles.

After the turtles we headed through mid-day traffic to Aiea to pick up two guy friends. After we picked them up we braved through traffic once more and went to the Ala Moana mall. The plan was to drop off something for one of Laura's mainland co-worker's sons. He's a waiter at Bubba Gump. We met up with Holly here, too. By the time we all had met up and delivered the package I was beyond hungry. So... Instead of going to Pint + Jigger we went to Bubba Gump. Best. Decision. Ever. You're going to have to watch the video on Facebook where I shake my booty for my dessert. But we stayed there for at least 2 hours, talking, laughing, poking fun at each other. It was one of the greatest birthday dinners ever. And our waitress was awesome! She's coming to Seattle for college so we were able to talk shop about that, too. She was very sweet. 

After the mall we headed back to drop of the guys... And ended up staying for a movie! We watched Up! And I fell asleep towards the end. But that's alright. After it was over and people started making there way this way and that, I headed out to the lanai (patio) and parked it with a blanket on the couch. I fell asleep outside, 15 stories up. I got to watch sunrise. 

(my wake-up view)

And that, friends and family, is how I spent Friday and Saturday morning of my birthday. It took me forever to get this posted by I surely hope it's worth the wait.

Love you, miss you, wish you were here!

Aloha from Oahu,
LC