HAPPY 6 MONTH ANNIVERSARY, HAWAII!!!
Today is February 23, 2011 - Daland and I moved to Hawaii on August 23, 2010 - making today our 6 month anniversary of moving to the Aloha state! I have to say, the last 6 months have gone by in the blink of an eye. I can't believe we've been out here that long. It really doesn't feel like it. I have to admit, the first couple of months were a complete whirlwind, and frighteningly challenging to say the least. There's nothing more exciting and scary (at the same time) than dropping everything and everyone you know, and moving to a completely new place. You have to adjust to the new faces, new places, new paces, new cultures, new foods. Luckily for me, Hawaii is part of the United States (as much as it feels like another country sometimes) and I can still get just about everything I'm used to (with the exception of good Mexican). Overall, moving to Hawaii was one of the biggest decisions I've made in my entire life. But, after 6 months of living here, we're starting to make friends, we're finding our "local" hangout spots, we're discovering our favorite eateries and happy hour locations, we're recognizing the faces at our grocery stores and establishing familiarity with neighbors in our building. Our dog knows their dogs, they bring our packages to our door if they see them in the storage closet. The local news no longer feels foreign. We're starting to find the short-cuts and back roads to places. So at first, Hawaii was a little bit intimidating... but now, it's home. The best part is, there's still sooo much to see, do, and explore. I just bought two new books from Barnes and Noble- a hiking guide and a snorkeling/shore diving guide for Oahu. Now that we're settled and have a somewhat recovered bank account, we are determined to get out to different areas of the island and really start taking advantage of where we live. One of these days we'll be able to afford some island hopping, but for now, we're perfectly happy on Oahu. Honolulu is a lively place to live, but I am continually amazed at how polite people are here. People actually smile when you pass them by, drivers actually merge, change lanes, and give way politely, and above all else, I think the level of happiness here is simply higher. That's not to say there aren't the occasional bad eggs, but for the most part (in comparison to south Florida anyway) people here are pretty cool. I feel like a big dork saying this, but anytime I get a shaka from a local, I feel privelaged. Ha!
Anyway, to put it simply, while the last 6 months have been quite the rollercoaster ride, I am very excited to see what the next 6 months have to offer!
Aloha nui loa, Hawaii!
Chelsey
I'm so glad that you have posted again, I enjoy reading about your time in Hawaii. You guys seem anxious to stay in there. If Daland were to get a job with the police department and your one year was over with the NOAA would you have many options for the area you specialize in?
ReplyDeleteSo fun, I really hope you two take up surfing together; there is nothing more enjoyable than having a recreational activity you both love, for us its biking. You seem like you would be a natural; perhaps I'm remembering your post from that morning surf you spent watching Brian.
Enjoy every minute while you're there, you are so lucky to have such a wonderful experience on your journey. :) Hugs!
Aww thanks so much for the comment Jacquie... yeah I kinda went on a hiatus from the blog for a little while (not intentionally, things just kinda got a little crazy here for a bit). Fortunately, I've been told that my bosses are going to try their best to put another contract in the works with the potential of creating a federal position for me. A lot of it depends on the federal budget, which is in the midst of a heated battle at the moment!
ReplyDeleteYes, we still plan on taking up surfing. Waiting and hoping for a sweet tax return to make our purchases. And wow, you have a great memory! I was definitely inspired to learn after that morning I spent with my brother! :)
Thanks again for the comment!