More sight seeing around the island! :)

My first week at work was very hectic/busy - I was in dire need of a break.  I talked to my friend Joel on Sunday morning and he told me about Hanauma Bay. He and his family have been to the island before and have gone snorkeling. He said that this was one of the most famous sites in all of Oahu - I can see why. Enjoy the pics! :)

I spotted a sea turtle! :)

After leaving Hanauma Bay around 5 pm, I headed back home but had to stop at the scenic point near Hawaii Kai to take in this gorgeous view.

Pictures from around town :)

This tree looked like a dancing ballerina to me, do you see that too?

Banyan Trees, they're everywhere

Its been a great few weeks. I found this place online, the Valley of Temples and decided to check it out - gorgeous peaceful views!

The Byodo-in Temple - I was hoping to meditate but it was such a tourist spot, lots of people talking, ringing the huge bell, feeding the coy - wasn't able to find a quiet spot. Still glad I went though - its a great place. I can't believe the whole building was constructed without a single nail.

Inside the temple

Bought a small souvenir from the temple gift shop. I knew turtles had a lot of meaning, but could never remember it.

The temple was in the middle of rainforest like area - absolutely beautiful and smelled great!

The view from the office. We're on the 26th floor of the Pauahi Tower in downtown Honolulu. How does anyone get any work done around here? :)

Remember the v-day pics - we were just starting work on the project - now its done. Isn't it bizarre?

Door #3, please

And what's behind door # 3? Well, its a NEW CAR! :)

Ha! Well, I didn't win it but I sure plan to earn it.  I got an amazingly good deal on this 2012 Acura TSX - its a lease and totally worth every penny.

I've been bussing it everywhere which is great, but not when you need to do grocery shopping or go somewhere "now" and can't be late.  I've been car hunting on craigslist but every time I found a car it seemed there were issues that were not being shared with me. For example, there was a 99 Volkswagon Cambria I was looking at. The guy brought it for me to see it but it was thoroughly messy - hair, dirt and sand everywhere.  If he wasn't taking care of the inside of the car, I wonder how he was taking care of the engine/maintenance. :/

Anyhow, I feel blessed though because God has always put people in my life who care about me and help me when I need it. In California I had Joel, Judy, Abby and Michelle - Joel was my former boss but he was more like a father to me.  Judy and Abby were more than co-workers, they were great friends who helped me get through one of the toughest times of my life. Michelle was a savior who introduced me to Lakeside Church in Folsom where I went weekly from August till I moved in Feb.  In the bay area I had countless friends who were always there for me in times of need. Here in Hawaii, I have Earl who happens to be my landlord.  :)

Earl went car shopping with me to look at cars via Craigslist and constantly sent me leads to good cars. I always would have the same fear though - if I put my savings into a used car and it breaks down on me, what am I going to do?  I bought my last car, a 2001 Honda Accord EX in 2000 and kept it for 12 years. I loved that car and took very good care of it.  I realized I needed to get me another new car that would work great, be under warranty and not give me any issues at least for the next several years. Leasing was a great idea and a perfect fit for me.

I met with Moses (who is absolutely awesome by the way) at the Acura of Honolulu dealership.  Because they knew Earl I got a pretty sweet deal.  So great in fact that the finance manager says even he doesn't get that good of a deal and he showed me the numbers and what he meant by that.  I am so grateful for all the wonderful things happening to me right now. I live in Hawaii. I landed a great job. I bought a new car. :)

It is true, life is what you make it and right now, life is GREAT!  *blessed*

Speaking of Thursday...

I finally landed a job! :)

My interview on Thursday went great! I'll be working for a law firm downtown. I feel so blessed as its a great firm, close to home, easy hours - just perfect. I start on Monday! Yay!

Now I'll be able to get out and really start to explore the island! Woohoo! :)

I'll be working at the building on the left. Great great location. Couldn't be happier! :)

Anyhow, now that I have a job, the first "touristy" thing I can't wait to do (now that I can afford it) is to take a picture with the parrot guy down at Waikiki Beach.

Let me explain. :)  A few weeks ago Nina and I had a brunch breakfast at the Ocean House Restaurant at the Outrigger Reef Hotel.  While we waited for our food we noticed a bunch of girls that were likely friends and visiting together were getting ready to take a picture. But the person taking their picture was taking his time. First he gave them leis to wear on their hair and around their neck. Then he placed a rather large parrot on each of their shoulders and smaller parrots on their palms. It was a such a lovely picture. I can't wait to do this myself.

I wanted to find a picture online to show you what I mean, but the best I could find is this! :)

Getting out and meeting new folks

     On Wednesday night I decided it was time to get out and meet new people so I signed up to attend a meetup event at Gordon Biersch at the Aloha Tower.  It was one of the organizer's birthday so about 12/15 people showed up and there was live jazz music playing.  The restaurant is at the end of the pier - a great location.  Here's a pic of the place I found online.

We were seated outdoors and it was evening time and actually raining. :)  It was a great night and became friends with the people at my table. At the end of the event, I gave a ride to my new friends back to Waikiki and they asked me to join them - they were headed to Senor Frogs.  I said sure, why not? :)  I haven't seen much of Waikiki yet so this is a great place to start.

Since it was only 9 pm they decided to take me over to the Sheraton first to the bar called RumFire.  A great bar with a GORGEOUS view.

We sat outside, right at the edge of the bar.  The full moon was out, shining ever so brightly on the palm trees and the water.  Even though it was late night, we could still see the turquoise blue waters and the coral reefs underneath.  Nothing can describe the feeling of being there at that moment, looking out at the calm ocean, talking over fire with new friends - I still can't believe I'm here, in paradise. :)

After a nice long talk and getting to know each other, the 3 of us headed over to Senor Frogs. An interesting place indeed.

Yep, an outside view - the inside was too crazy to share! :)  My friends love the place because on Wednesday nights its apparently Dollar Wednesdays - which means dollar drinks all night long. I'm not a big drinker so I passed but was elated when I saw an empty pool table. We played a quick game and then I ducked out. It was midnight and I needed to get home. Interview on Thursday! :)

I need to be careful about what I wish for...

I need to be careful about what I wish for.  This past weekend Honolulu hosted the Hawaii Festival.  There was a parade at the end of the festival with an amazing fireworks show with Nagaoka fireworks from Japan that's been seen outside of Japan for the very first time.

The fireworks were awesome.  You can see more in this video I shot (though at times the video was obstructed by my hand as I was shielding my phone from the rain).  Regardless, you can hear the boom of the fireworks going off and me commenting on how I *love* that sound.

Well, I suppose I got what I asked for because yesterday Oahu was hit with a CRAZY tropical storm that had the radios issuing flash flood warnings throughout the day and at night, one of the worst thunder storms I have ever heard/seen in my life.  I was in my kitchen when the first one went off and I literally jumped I was so startled.  It honestly believed a bomb had been dropped on us. I rushed to the lanai to see where.. then I saw more blue flashes and the thunder again. Car alarms were going off due to the thunder as well.  I hadn't been this scared in a long time. :(

Here's a picture from another blog, click it for a link to the blog for more pictures. Crazy I say. Crazy.

Apologies for the hiatus!

Yikes, time is flying by so fast.   On the 19th I flew back to Sacramento, CA for my Papa's birthday. I wanted to surprise him but he found out I was coming from our neighbor. Anyhow, it turned out to be a great event.  Dad was really happy and that's all that matters. :)

Me and my sisters

Anyhow, on the 27th I returned to a very quiet, empty apartment.  My roommate Nina is now in Maui for a 3-month project.  Since returning I've had 2 interviews that were completely opposite of each other. Meaning, the first was nearly a dream job. I'd be working in the legal department of a small and growing local company. It would be a great position that would keep me in my field yet working for company that's making a positive impact in the community. The interview was Weds morning.. I won't know if I landed the job till Friday afternoon. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  The second interview was through a friend of a friend who mentioned the friend was hiring. I submitted my resume without any idea of the job/company.

When I got there after an hour and 28 min bus ride, I found the position was for a maid. Yes, house maid. :/  Not that the job is beneath me, its just that it is not how I want to utilize my time which is a valuable resource at the moment. If I am to make it here in Hawaii, I'm going to have to leverage my time and find a job where I have a good earning potential using the least amount of time, (versus working 2 jobs and never seeing Hawaii).

Anyhow, the most important thing on my mind all day today and this week was to get a car.  I was thinking of renting a car while my roommate is gone because when she comes back, so does her car and I won't have a place to park.. so a rental would be perfect, right? Yeah, only problem is they run over $1k a month! :(

So, next option was Craigslist. I looked at several cars unfortunately none of them were right.  I need a car that I can use the next few months without any breakdown/issues that would be re-sellable in a few months. What to do??

Anyhow.. for now I'm just watching bollywood movies :)  If you enjoy bollywood movies - I suggest Hera Pheri - it is by far one of the funniest movies out of Bollywood. The songs are absolutely horrible, don't say I didn't warn you. :)