The Old Lady Next Door

I wasn't sure how I would say good bye to the old lady next door.  I wanted to avoid it, but knew I could no longer.

In the morning, I waited for her light to come on and door to open. I handed her some beautiful flowers my mom picked out.  I told her the news that I'm leaving for Japan because of school and that I won't be returning home to Hawaii ...

Today, while I was sleeping, I heard a knock on my door and a loud "Mary!" in my window.  She handed me some TV dinners and told me that "you are my favorite neighbor." 

I never imagined it would be this hard to say good bye to the old lady next door. 

She's a very sweet lady who can drink more beer than the average man. For a woman in her 80s, she's definitely stylish and knows how to take care of herself.  She always reminisces about her college days in Iowa and how her sister is as tall as I am, but she is the shortest. She's always feeding the stray cats outside even though it is against the rules ... She dosen't care and will do whatever she wants, which I find intriguing.  There are so many things that I will remember and miss about her ...

Unfortunately, she doesn't have a lot of visitors and I wish that her children would spend more time with her.  The sign below is something my aunt had posted, which is so true!

Young's Kalbee

Young's Kal Bee in Aiea offers large portions of Korean food for a very reasonable price.  I found this restaurant on accident, while driving to eat sushi.

The Lunch Special and the Kalbee Special are winners.  I like how they give you heaping amounts of kimchi. I'm so glad to have found this restaurant!

It is small inside and not a fancy looking place, but the food is good.  It's very laid-back.

Kal Bee Special

Lunch Special

Kimchi

Monarchs Seafood - Kalihi, Hawaii

Since i'll be leaving Hawaii in less than two weeks, I've been loading up on all of my "must-eat items" before heading abroad.

At Monarchs Seafood in Kalihi, the Crabbed Stuffed Ahi is absolutely amazing.  I dip it into the creamy garlic dressing, which is addicting.

I took my friend from Korea here today and she said it was one of the best local foods she has had since living in Hawaii these past two years. 

It's hard to find parking, there's no seating inside, and no friendly smiles, but the food is good.

The 2012 Great Aloha Run

On Monday, it was another fun-filled day at the Great Aloha Run. 

I always love running in the GAR.  I love the energy of the crowds and determination of the people.  It's a struggle to weave through them. There are so many!  But at the same time, it's very motivational to see all of the runners come out to support charities throughout Hawaii (or to exercise!).

Thank you to all of the volunteers who passed out water, played music, and cheered us on!

This year, I got lucky.  My friend secured a free ticket for me since someone we know didn't plan on running this year.  I was fortunate enough to get his ticket and forgo paying $38 bucks.

I finished the 8.15 mile run at 1 hour and 24 minutes.  I am happy.  I beat my time last year.  I only wish I didn't get cramps after the 5th mile.  I didn't listen to my body and continued to run, but when your body screams for you to stop, it's better to listen.  I didn't listen right away and ended up with painful, crippling stomach cramps for half the day.  It felt like someone kicked me in the stomach. Thank God that feeling is over!

At the end of the race, it is the most exhilarating feeling.  There's nothing like exiting the stadium to grab treats and your finisher's t-shirt - cramps or no cramps.  This year, they had coconut water, a real treat after a long run.

I am so glad to have run in the GAR this year!  It is the last time I will be able to run in the GAR (for a long time!) because I will be leaving the islands soon and do not know when I will return. 

Good luck to all of you 2013 GAR runners!

Happy New Year 2012!

Happy New Year!

Last night, I had such a memorable New Year's eve! 

D, J, and I hung out at a friend's house and watched "Horrible Bosses," while pigging out on junk food.  I love simple pleasures.

Afterward, we went to the Yard House in Waikiki.  We got such awesome seating and some fun New Year's props. 

Right before midnight, we headed to Waikiki beach to watch fireworks.  People were cheering and enjoying the moment.  I loved the energy.

We headed home, driving through roads filled with smoke from fireworks. 

On New Years, we headed to my parents house to enjoy a nice New Year's meal with traditional Japanese food and of course, steak and potatoes to feed my American side.

I have a feeling that this year will be the beginning of a great, exciting, fun-filled year!  I want to make the most of every minute.

U.S.S. Missouri BB-63 - Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

The USS Missouri BB-63 is a symbol of American freedom.  Now docked at Pearl Harbor (well, technically at Ford Island) tourists can tour the battleship for a small fee. 

For those unfamiliar with the USS Missouri, it was where the Japanese surrendered during WWII.  There are some famous photos of the surrender on the deck of the battleship that have become important iconic images imprinted in the minds of many ...

I went to a commissioning ceremony where I had a chance to take some up close photos for free! Here are some photos of the USS Missouri