San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon 5/31/09

5/31/09

When I was in San Diego in visiting my friend Jeanette, she convinced me to sign up for my 5th marathon...the San Diego Rock N Roll!

Training was pretty brutal in Wisconsin during February, March, April, and even the majority of May, but I got out there when I could and even when it wasn't so pleasant!




Jeanette, Ken, and I stayed at the cutest little B&B 2 blocks from the start both the night before and the night after. The night before was a little loud for awhile cause there was a wedding and we were the only ones staying there that weren't with the wedding, but I got plenty of sleep the night before so I was ready race morning.












The morning started out with stretching with San Diego Track Club,










meeting up with our AMAZING cheering crew (Robe and Jen on their beach cruisers), getting my knee taped by Robe (I tweaked it on the plane when I was coming off),










heading over to our Coral...#15!










Getting pumped up by the pre-race Rock n Roll tunes...










Waiting for the Elvi to get their start...















Getting one last picture (and mistakenly skipping the a final bathroom stop through all of this)...


















And then, we were off and running!









At about mile 8 (on the evil Hwy 163 portion of the marathon) Jeanette and I parted ways, but both of us kept on keepin' on! It was easier to do when you had bands almost every mile (although most seemed to be "slowing it down" or "taking a break" when I went by...what the heck...I don't get to take a break during the marathon...why do they???)

But Robe and Jen met me randomly around the course to cheer me on! Robe with his power meg and Jen with her beach cruiser bell infused me with energy everytime!!! They even rode with me on the course a couple of times...cheering other runners around me on as well.
















At one point, Robe even jumped onto the course to run with me!
















And once they got me to the entrance to MCRD, Robe and Jen went back to find Jeanette and Ken and ride them in! (see Jen in the background on her beach cruiser bike?)





Now, the last eighth of a mile was horrible for me...remember when I said I made the mistake of not using the restroom when I started the race?!? Well, that caught up with me bit by bit during the marathon and by mile 25 my bladder was screaming at me...so much in fact that I found the energy to somehow sprint the last .2 to the finish!!! People looked bewildered as I passed them at full stride!

I ran right to a bank of Port-O-Potties where everyone was standing in line for TP! I skipped them all...to hell with the TP at that point! I had been holding it for miles and miles and miles!!!

But, more importantly than the potty story is the fact that both Jeanette and I PR'd (set personal records)...both of us blowing our previous times out of the water...me by 17 minutes and I believe Jeanette by 24 minutes!!!




Robe and Jen ditched their bikes at the local firehouse (Robe is a Federal Firefighter) and met us on base at the finish...








We didn't hang around long at the end cause the weather was unseasonably cold...check out how happy we look...and those hot outfits we are wearing!!!


















Now, we both just have to keep it up for Milwaukee Marathon on October 4th! (our goal: PR again...and its my sister's birthday so maybe she will send some luck my way!!!) Better get to training!

Honduras with the Ladies!!! Feliz Cumpleanos a Mi!

5/3/09 - 5/9/09

My sister Lindsay, my friend Jen and Shannon, and I embarked on an island adventure of epic proportions to Roatan, Honduras. Many have likened the circumstances to that of The Sex and the City Movie...I'm Carrie!!!


We departed at 3am from O'Hare International - it was a great time for the ladies to get to know one another...I was the only one that knew all 3 of them so they had a lot to catch up on with one another!!! The funny thing is, I wasn't even nervous that they wouldn't all get along - they are 3 of the most amazing women I know :)






The flight there had quite a few stops, but we actually got to skip one of them due to bad weather. Most of the planes we took were regular jets, but the one over to Roatan was a dual prop plane!!! And we got to sit facing eachother...the propellers were right outside the window spinning next to Shannon's head...kinda creepy!!!

















Once we landed on our tropical island getaway we were greeted at the airport by a tinny white van from our resort, Las Rocas...and as we sped and weaved through traffic and around blind corners we wondered if we would actually make it to our resort!





Once there we checked in to the cutest two-story wooden bungalow with 2 porches and a brightly colored hammock hanging on each! Our bungalow was surrounded by lush trees and chirping birds. Almost every morning I was up at dawn, laying in the 2nd story hammock, reading. A little humming bird would buzz by and other birds chirped happily from nearby trees. I felt like it was our own little tree house!

















And once we settled in we changed and headed straight to the beach...we had heard so much about the reef that we couldn't wait to get in and check it out!!! The man that drove us from the airport told us we could jump right off the dock near our resort and see tons of coral...












Well, that wasn't necessarily true...we saw a lot of sand and almost got hit by a water taxi! We later learned that we had to swim out about 400 yards to see the reef!







Once we figured out the tricks of the snorkeling trade, Shannon and I were in the water 2 - 3 times a day checking out the coral and the fish! We ended up doing most of our snorkeling at the far end of West Bay Beach near the rock wall...the coral seemed most alive and abundant there...and there was no danger of water taxis!!!

Here are a couple of the pics I took with my new underwater digital camera (thanks for the birthday gift Mom!!!)



































Snorkeling continued to be tons of fun for everyone until Lindsay accidentally kicked the coral...OUCH!













And a couple days later as I was snorkeling with Shannon I looked to my right and saw an 8 foot reef shark about 40 feet from where we were swimming off the shelf of the reef...he paid no attention to us, but we got out of there quick!



Although this isn't a pic of the shark, it was in this type of area, between coral croppings that I looked out into the deeper part of the ocean and saw it!!!




Here Shannon and I are actually swimming with the schools of blue fish...we found it to be SO peaceful...we called it fish therapy!









And the underwater digital didn't just shoot pics of coral and fish...we also took some underwater photoshoot pics...



sometimes with the wildlife (we loved finding starfish!!!)














Underwater sister HANDSTAND!!!












although the selfies took some practice...this was supposed to be a shot of the 3 of us...and I cut off our heads! Ooops...













Eventually I got better at it though...here is a sister-selfy!







While we did have a lot of downtime we also made the most of our trip there by taking in as much of the island as we possibly could...





One of our first days there we took a trip into "town" and did some touristy shopping and exploring...









We made a stop at a shop I had read about prior to the trip...Yaba Ding Ding! We didn't end up buying anything there (it was more pricey than the other stores and would not negotiate), but we had to get a pic by the sign:)












We also found a shop that was just for me!!! See, I belong in Roatan!











Another day we headed out for a boat snorkeling/scuba adventure. I chose to scuba while the ladies snorkeled above...













And of course we went to check out Jen's monkey's at Gumbalimba park!

Jen was SO excited about monkeys that the morning before we headed to Gumbalimba park she said to me. "me llamo mono!" (translation: my name is monkey)...I looked at her rather confused until she explained to me that what she really meant was I love monkeys (and "te amo" is I love you!) HA!





It was an interesting place where Maccaw parrots were placed on your head












you could cross a pirate bridge


















(I have an eye patch and Jen has a hook...what, you can't tell we are bad ass pirates?)

















have HUGE lizards fall out of trees above you and almost knock you unconscious...this really almost happened to poor little Jen!












and hold little monkeys...this one in particular LOVED Jen and actually fell asleep on her head...that is until he suddenly woke up and seemed to want to come hang out with me on the swing.










I thought it was adorable until the little creep grabbed the cute butterfly that had landed on me and promptly ate her! Then, sensing my fury, quickly ran back up and hid behind Jen!




Little bastard! RIP cute butterfly!











One of our favorite daily activities, besides snorkeling, was jumping off the tower! I don't think it was created for jumping, but we found joy in it...and so did some of the crazy locals who would do insane backflips, etc over the railing and into the no-so-deep water below!
























One of the local girls thought what we were doing looked like a lot of fun and insisted on showing us that she could do it too...on a smaller scale of course!










Another one of our favorite passtimes was grabbing a Monkey Lala (one of the best alcoholic blended drinks I have EVER had!!!) during happy hour - 2 for 1 - and watching the sunset from "our" chairs. The resort coincidentally had 4 brightly painted deck chairs...one for each of us! Tracy=Blue, Lindsay=Purple, Shannon=Green, Jen=Yellow
































However, tragedy struck one night when Lindsay and I were filling out our postcards...a cool breeze swept across the deck and blew one of the postcards right down the slot between 2 of the boards!!!






Lindsay and I quickly went into reconnaissance mode and McGuiver'd a contraption of straws to push and pull the card out from under the deck. Lindsay shined a flashlight through the slot in the deck and pushed it toward me as I directed her from below.











Once the card was close enough I used my straw contraption with a hook at the end to pull the card toward me...all while wearing nice white pants! Ah, SUCCESS!!! I hope my Mom appreciates this postcard! (ironically it never got sent from the island as we were unsuccessful in finding a post office or stamps! HA!)




Another day filled with adventure we went on a canopy zip line tour and the vistas were outstanding. Our guides were hilarious (and one had quite a little potty mouth). They even let us flip upside-down at one point!














Another day we decided to walk along the water from our resort in the West Bay Beach to the resort town of the West End...on the way there I swear it felt like the Sahara desert...and, sticking with the Sex and the City Movie theme, we came upon what could have been the mirage of a man swimming in the ocean. I think all of our jaws dropped as we tried to play it cool. The mirage then began to talk and invited us to come for a swim and introduced himself as Jose...although we never saw him again, he was from then on and forever will be known as "Jose Hot Bod"







While in the West End we picked up some trinkets and ate at the Cannibal Cafe...

notice their slogan...HA!









As we cruised the beach together daily, some of our other Roatan beach adventures included...















Shannon's tighty whitey creeper who kept circling our beach chairs and staring...after lingering a bit too long, he bolted from the water with a certain appendage leading the way!










The "Something About Mary" wanna be tanning lady - uhhhmmm...here Jen "pretends" to take a picture of me in order to capture the, uhm, beauty?!?








The soldier who asked to take his picture with us and then whose commanding officer told us in English "Don't worry ladies, we're here to make sure your vacation is safe." Little did we know, there was a riot the day before and 200 more police were flown in from the mainland...it didn't affect us at all as it was laborers rioting over unfair wages and outsourcing labor to other countries...







Just strolling through the warm water and feeling the sand run through our toes...












Or, just grabbing one of the many lunch and beer specials advertised along the beach...here we are trying the 4 local brews...4 girls, 4 brews...perfect (and actually, the first beer I have ever had! REALLY!)






The 2nd to last day in Roatan was my birthday and what and excellent way to spend it...

In the morning, while relaxing in my hammock, Jen gave me a gift Robe sent with her to give to me...

It was an amazingly beautiful jade carving from New Zealand...the pattern represents the new fern fronds. In the Maori culture this stands for "new beginnings" - which I definitely have a lot of these days! It was honestly one of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received...(it made me tear up!)








The girls also bought me an amazing painting from a woman named Gladys who was selling them on the beach (now, I can't wait until I have a place of my own to put it up)! I actually loved the painting SO much that I went back and bought another one!!!











Our resort bartender, Mike, insisted on giving us a Mind Eraser drink "on the house" for my birthday...neither Jen nor I were interested, but felt bad saying "no" so when it came time to drink...we both faked it!!! Later that night Mike's friend Jovi insisted that Mike "erased his own mind" cause he passed out on a nearby bench!!!










Unfortunately, my birthday wasn't the greatest day for Lindsay and Shannon...they got pretty sick from the water, but but they rallied and joined us for dinner in the West End...


















Well, at least she tried...here's Lindsay "at dinner" with us for my birthday at LeBistro...












The original plan was to party it up (it was a Friday night) but instead we headed back to our hotel and while Lin and Shannon went to bed,


Jen and I headed to the local restaurant/bar called Bite On the Beach where Victor hooked us up with complimentary Monkey Lala's and Key Lime Pie.












The restaurant is SUPER cool cause they have lights that shine down on the water and they feed the eels...can you see that squiggly line in the bottom right?!? That's an eel!!!











On our last day in Roatan we soaked up as much beach time as possible...and played with some of the local kids...and they are adorable!!! Shannon donated her goggles to this little boy!






























And because my lips were so raw from too much breathing through a snorkel or scuba reg and the sun was intense off the water I was sportin' the zinc on my lips and the polarized Bole sunglasses from Milwaukee County Lifeguard Corps circa 1996!!!






On the way home we had a bit of an adventure as well.


No only did Shannon not get a seat near the 3 of us, but once we were all seated we suddenly heard a strong Spanish accent say, "Jiiiin, Liiindsaaay, Traceeee................and Shaanaan too, please leave the plane!" We were a little concerned at first until they explained to us that they were flying us direct to San Salvador giving us one less layover! NICE!

Here were are confused as to what is going on and getting our new tickets...


Finally, headed home...sad to be leaving, but happy to have had the experience!

Steph & Isaac's Wedding 4/09

Stephie, my "B," got married to an amazing guy named Isaac...and I was honored to be a part of their blessed wedding!!!
























I think it truly was a Godsend that I was asked to stand up...standing at the alter, supporting their union was an honor and reminded me what true love is all about!









The ceremony was so vibrant with love, for each other and for God.









I don't think either of them ever stopped smiling the whole day and into the night :)











Stephie even sang with the worship team during the ceremony!







The photographer was amazing and came up with some really creative shots to capture the essence of a Wisconsin wedding!


















He made some of the boring wedding party shots much more fun...





























I even got to sit in and help out making sure the lighting was right for some of the more serious bride and groom shots...












The reception was a blast and there were some crazy candid shots of everyone breaking it down!












I got some hops (above) and this guy, Knowlton, (right) had some ball room moves...although I think I would have ruined our scores from the So You Think You Can Dance judges as my foot was flexed and not pointed!


My partner for the Grand March was different than the one I walked down the aisle with as he had to leave early to get back up north at a reasonable hour...


















The photographer told us ladies to give him some sass...I think we succeeded (right)




But I think my favorite shot of Stephie and I...made into a poster thanks to John...is the one below...




I don't know what he is talking about in the caption...I don't need dance lessons!!!

San Diego & St. Patty's 2009

3/17/09

So, Amazing Race wasn't the only fun in San Diego...it was also St. Patty's Day!





After a bit of a fiasco we all met up
(me, Robe, Robbie, Jen, Anna, & Brady)








Robe and Brady donned their kilts and we met up with Russ who played the bagpipes!























Jen wore a silly St. Patty's Day mug that her friend, the other Robbie, brought!












We went to a pub where most drank Guinness, but I stuck to water...and shared!








And the next day Robe took me on a tour of North County where we stopped to confirm his accomodation reservation for the Half Ironman he was doing in a couple of weeks, had breakfast at this cute little restaurant, and checked out the waves at Swami's

Amazing Race 2009

2/09

So, what do you do when you get a call that says, "They are having Amazing Race Auditions here in San Diego...get your butt out here?!?"

Well, you go of course...

And go I did, but it was a mini Amazing Race just to get there! First I was flying stand-by thanks to a buddy pass I got from my friend Jared, but I was the 1st person NOT to get a seat on the plane.

I thought the dream was over, but Robe wouldn't believe it so he began looking up all the airlines that flew out of O'Hare that had flights to San Diego...he found one, the last one to the west coast out of the airport for the rest of the night...on Delta - 2 terminals over!

I got on the tram, got in line, and with about 30 minutes to go bought a one-way ticket...I raced through security - that is until they found the water bottle I had filled up after I went through security the 1st time!!! Then they had to search my bag, test ALL the electronics I had (which was quite a few), etc.

I sprinted through the airport, down and up 2 huge escalators and through a weird tunnel with multi-colored neon lights. When I finally arrived at the gate they were boarding the last of the passengers. I still had to get a seat assignment and handed my boarding card to the lady at the desk, who, irritated gave me my real ticket.

Once on the plane I discovered not only did I actually make the direct flight, but it was FIRST CLASS - In all my travels I had never flown first class before :) How fun!

I got to San Diego about 9:30pm, Robe picked me up, we grabbed burritos, I showered and then we got in line in the parking lot about 12:30am to secure our spot!




It was mighty cold in the parking lot (as can be seen by mummy Robe)!













And our competition was interesting...and the one on the left quite loud and smoked the whole time!







But when morning came we were ready! BIG smiles and a positive attitude...



















For the audition, they just stick you in front of a camera for 2 minutes and say "Talk" We had to sell ourselves as being an AMAZING duo for the Amazing Race...and I don't think it could have gone any better!!! Now, its just a waiting game to see if the phone will ring...

Miami Boat Show 2009

2/09

Back to the Miami Boat show working for Carver and Marquis Yachts!











This year when I wasn't working I spent most of my time getting up early and running on the beach and the boardwalk. For me it was a great way to deal with stress and prep for the San Diego Marathon...

One morning the ladies met me on the beach after my run for some early morning shell hunting...




we tried to get one of those cool pics where everyone is jumping at the same time, but we failed:(












I got one solo, but why does my calf look as big as my thigh - WEIRD!

Van's Triple Crown of Surfing 2008

11/08 - 12/08





I was so excited to get the email asking if I wanted to come back to Hawaii and work again at the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing...this time as the Assistant Media Director!






First, let me show you the house I stayed in...

















The outdoor Rock Shower...ahhh...













The view from my bedroom...there were even horses that would be out sometimes. The house wasn't right on the beach, but I could hear the waves crashing at night!







The contest this year was Epic and Kelly Slate won Pipe!




















Uhm...I gave Kelly that water he's drinking (right)...all in a day's work!!!










And Kelly was presented with a custom board from Gerry Lopez (legendary surfer and one of the nicest, most humble and sincere guys you will ever have the pleasure of meeting!)









Parko won the whole Van's Triple Crown of Surfing (that's my booty in the tan pants speaking to the New York Times reporter)












And behind all of those cameras is me holding Slater's surfboard so it doesn't get trampled in the media mayhem!
















During the contest, my partner in crime, Solange and I kept the media up to date on the stats at all 3 events...we held down the media trailer, weeded out the impostors, rid the area of sand, and kept up the Aloha spirit!






In addition to working there were off days and nights to enjoy beach time and beautiful scenery


















Festivities to be attended...like Lane Beachley's retirement party































Or Donovan Frankenreiter playing at the Annual Lifeguard Fundraiser held this year at Haleiwa Eats (instead of the traditional Waimea Falls)


















Or nights with friends at Turtle Bay or out in Haleiwa Town






















Or hangin' my favorite little man...
Favorite Quotes
-It's Snowing in Haleiwa Town (while throwing ice from the cooler up into the air!)

-Careful o u going to have to go to the hustable (hospital) (yelled out the window to the girls standing up in the back of the truck driving in front of us)

-Daddy, go crazy, go crazy Daddy (to Liam when listening to music in the truck)






Or the Van's Triple Crown of Surfing Wrap/Christmas Party






Here with Executive Director Randy Rarick and Nicole










Check out our Security Guys - I wouldn't want to mess with them...even though my muscles are almost as big!







And here with Silly...Check out check out his beard...














allegedly he had it half shaved for the entire 6 weeks and no one ever noticed! I am not sure if he was pullin' my leg or not...

All in all, another GREAT year at the Triple Crown and wonderful memories made in Hawaii!!!

Joe in Hawaii 08

11/08

While I was working at this year's Vans Triple Crown of Surfing as the Assistant Media Director, Joe and 2 couples (Casey & Lena and Shaun & Jenny) came to visit me in Hawaii and take in the sites and warm weather.

Joe was excited to show them some of the fun things we did the last time he visited me in Hawaii like Mariner's Ridge

















and the waves at Waimea Bay









But I also took them to do other things like the Fia Fia Luau with Cheif Sielu...


Casey and Lena got into the fun right away...maybe it was the 2 free MaiTai's

















Even I have to admit that they sneak up on you!







We all headed down to the beach before the food was served to check out one of the most amazing sunsets over the private beach...



















While we were waiting for the show to start, Joe surprised me with one of the handcrafted bowls that Pule (one of the Samoan dancers) makes...they are amazingly hand crafted out of the wood of the Monkey Paw tree. The detailing is incredible and there is no varnish used at all...it is all oils and natural colors rubbed over and over into the wood to give it its natural shine!







During the luau, Shaun was chosen as one of the official Chiefs of the luau (I wish I could remember what name he was given...) and drank from Chief Sielu's Cup.







Then it was time for the fellas to get up on stage and shake their booties with the Tahitian dancers. Joe and Casey got up there and Joe shook his round Polish booty so much that the Chief even commented to the crowd "Is that thing real?" and tucked Joe's shirt into his pants for everyone to see the badunkadunk!





Joe ended up staying a couple of days longer than Casey, Lena, Jenny and Shaun so we took the time to relax and enjoy the North Shore together (check out the reflection in Joe's shades!!!)

Blue Man Group (Chicago) 10/24/08

10/24/08

So, a birthday gift a little late! I missed Joe's 30th birthday when I went to work at the Miami boat show, but I left a hidden certificate for a trip to Chicago and tickets to the Blue Man Group...so, 8 months later, we finally both had the time to go on a little get-away.

We stayed in the Lakeshore W Hotel and had a very good dinner at a cute little place just down the road from the Blue Man Group Theatre...















We were seated in the 7th row or so and everyone in front of us had to wear plastic pancho-type things. I was actually kinda glad we didn't have to do that!

The show was amazing and definitely kept my attention the whole time - you never knew what they were going to do next!

Happy belated 30th Birthday Joe!

Devil's Lake 10/18/08

10/18/08

Wisconsin has some beautiful parks and Devil's Lake is no exception. On a crisp fall day Joe friend Chris Setter, his wife Drea, Joe and I headed out to do some hiking and bouldering. The intense fall colors are not well represented in these pictures, but they were peak...














In order to get to the top we decided to climb up the rocks instead of take the trail...why take the easy way?!?




Come on slow pokes...JUST KIDDING! I seemed to somehow find the path of least resistance...

Door County Camping 9/08

Summers are always a busy time and this summer was no exception...Joe had tons of work and I was working for both Milwaukee County and as an independent marketing contractor for Cadillac, but once September hit we headed up to Door County with Mara & Mike for some country air and down time!























We camped in Peninsula State Park - where the colors where just starting to change and the vistas beautiful.






There were plenty of trails for hiking and I, of course, had to wear tons of layers because of how cold I felt it was...probably not nearly as cold as everyone thought (I think living in Hawaii for so long ruined my internal thermometer!)


At one point I did get warm and everyone dared me to take off the nylon hiking pants I was wearing and just hike around in the electric blue leggings I had on underneath - So I stripped down and rocked the smurf tights! NO PROBLEM!







We hiked up some towers










and on one ran into some people who climbed the whole tower with their helmets on...

it was kinda funny that they wouldn't have just taken them off...










BUT it did give us the good idea to rent scooters and cruise around the park!





































Then, against our better judgment, we took in a traditional Door County Fish Boil.
I like the fire part, but the food was, well, it was...dangerous! You had to eat around all the little fish bones, which is NOT EASY!

Miami Boat Show 2/08

2/08

One of my best friends from UW-Stevens Point, Tanessa, works as the marketing manager for Carver and Marquis Yachts out of Pulaski, WI.

In order to sell their boats they attend many boat shows throughout the year and this year she invited our friend Mara and myself to help out!!! YES I will go to a warm climate in the middle of Wisconsin winter...














We had a blast working tons, but bonding tons too...














Bye Bye Boats...view from our hotel room the day after the show ended!

Snowboarding in Portland!

I FINALLY got the opportunity to visit my Mom out in Portland, Oregon where she had been living for the last year...I love PORTLAND!

We checked out "The Gorge" - stopping at Malnoma Falls, Hood River Brewery for lunch, and had plenty of great vistas!














I had always heard about the "snowline," but never actually saw it like this...so defined!!!















Then, later in the week, I headed up to Mt. Hood for some night snowboarding with Lisa - little did I know, but it is the largest night ski area in the United States!




















Too bad it was snowing like crazy and we had to stop and put mandatory chains on the tires...first time for everything, but I DID IT!!!

And good thing too, cause even with the chains we spun out on the way down the mountain...I mean a complete 180 facing oncoming traffic...and we were only going 15mph! SCARY!

Should have had Jack (my Subaru Forester) instead of the Honda Accord!





It was the first time I had ever snowboarded outside of Wisconsin and boy was it nice to fall down and hit powder instead of ice (yeah, that's right, I fall down - a lot!)




















And, to cap off a great night...this picture is the last time my helmet and goggles were seen...they were left in a snowbank accidentally...amazingly, when the snow melted the helmet was recovered, but the goggles - I think they were eaten by the snow plow!

New Years 2008

12/31/07 - 1/1/08

Off to the Grand Geneva Hotel in Lake Geneva to celebrate the New Year with good friends, good food, and good times!

The room was beautiful with a fresh bouquet of flowers and a bottle of champaign...even a certificate for surprise professional massage...I LOVE massages...


If I were rich, I would get one everyday - ah, but that is not the case! (or maybe I will find someone who will just give me one for free, just because?!?)





















As we waited with our glasses of champaign for the ball to drop and the countdown to begin we had a blast entertaining each other with funny faces...

Ok, now, give me Sad


















Hmmm...that looks like a little kid pretending to be sad to get attention...









Ok, now surprised...





Jen reminds me of one of the Asian tourists from Hawaii here...they always seem to be giving peace signs in their pictures...but not that much emotion on their face - NICE!



















Elated...




My, my Maggie, what big tonsils you have!









Now, Mark, that looks more like something from the movie Home Alone!!!














And finally, the BIG moment...HAPPY NEW YEAR! Make 2008 GREAT!

Van's Triple Crown of Surfing 2007

I wish I had more photos...I must have been working too darn hard organizing and planning for the 2007 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing...and lets face it, I was there to be professional, learn, and work, not to run around taking pics of cute pro surfers!





I worked in 2007 as the Asst. Executive Producer for the Van's Triple Crown of Surfing on the North Shore of Oahu. This is like the Superbowl of Surfing. I learned quite a bit about the industry and made a lot of GREAT friends (who I wish I had pictures of...)














But I got one with my Boss, Randy Rarick!


















And the sign at the coffee shop Ettiene or Heather and I would grab coffee at on a regular basis...












And a shot (on my camera phone) of one of the phone beautiful rainbows I have ever seen...and it was while I was driving to the contest site at Pipeline!

Dan & Lindsay Hawaii 10/07

After living in Hawaii for over 2 years, I FINALLY got my little sis, Lindsay out to visit...

and I forced my Dad to come too!!! And I would have to say it was one of the most adventurous trips of any of my guests...










Ever since my Dad came to Hawaii 2 years ago, he always said he wanted to go Scuba diving with his girls and get pictures...well, with the help of some friends, we made that happen!!!



























(I love the above left pic of my dad and all the little fish swimming around his head!)

Then, after waiting the mandatory 24 hours after Scuba diving, we took to the sky and went, well, sky diving!!! At first it was just going to be my sister, but then we all decided to jump...unfortunately I was not wearing proper attire and had to change into a very, uhm...well...bright uni-tard/jumpsuit!














































Finally, when we thought we were done with adventures, Josh took us tubing...and I think my Dad was more freaked out by that than Scuba or Skydiving! HA!


















Of course we also had some down time hanging out in Waikiki














Eating...


















Which reminds me...doesn't my Dad bear a very close resemblance to the logo for Cholo's Mexican Restaurant in Haleiwa?


















Speaking of North Shore, we endulged in Shave Ice in Haleiwa and Shrimp trucks in Kahuku




























And stopped at my favorite hidden gem back in town, Peggy's Picks!


After this shot, my sister started calling me "Mad Eye Moody!" I have to admit, that one glaring blue eye is a bit creepy!!!

Melissa's Wedding

So, the Michalikadik Sorority/Fraternity (it is a long story) reunited to celebrate with one of its founding members. Having all studied in Spain together we LOVE the rare moments when we get to hang out together!




This wedding was a 1st for me as I had a "costume" change, wearing one outfit to the church and another, more sassy choice, to the reception.




After we were all gussied and ready to go we took some prom style pictures...
















And sassy ones with our shades...















Once we got to the reception, we noted that there were kazoos, which Beyjota and I promptly began to play (and became quite good at by the end of the night!)










And then, of course there was dancing...













And selfies...and a tad bit of drinking...I can honestly say that is true (for me!)



Pictures are worth a thousand words, but looks can be deceiving!!!

Hawaii Fall 2007

Besides my Dad, sister, and Joe coming to visit, I had an interesting couple of (last - tear) months in Hawaii...

Well, when I first got back to Hawaii after a summer working and playing back in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (that's right, I am a cheesehead!) I came back to find my apartment far from the condition I left it in...all my roommates moved off island and quite a mess to clean up...it took me 2 days :(













I had to scrub crayon off walls, throw out personal items they left behind, and saw the couch in half to get it out of the apartment! Luckily my friend Tim came to the rescue with a power saw or I would have really been in trouble (as you can see, my 1st attempt was with a knife!)













Once that was over, I could settle back in to Hawaii life...I spent a lot of time with my friend Lisa going to church,












cruisin' north shore


















where we would stop for smoothies...


















and hang with the locals (like this little lizard!)


















crafting, running into Kelly Slater on the beach...














Everyday I was reminded why I love Hawaii so much...

from getting Henna tattoos on the street in Waikiki...to having old friends (like Sara Bauer, now Sara Homer) come and visit...














to hiking the Kokohead stairs on a regular basis (I could see it from my house)


What a workout that was!










or other hikes like Mariner's Ridge with Tim...






















I didn't want him to get a picture of the dorky socks I was wearing with my Keen sandals...kinda a funny pic though!!!







or the Makapuu Lighthouse...




































to seeing rainbows everywhere...sometimes even enveloping houses in their haze (Manoa)

Joe's 1st Trip to Hawaii 10/07

10/07

So, what do you do with someone who loves swimming and dolphins, but has never been to Hawaii?!? Well, you show them all that island life has to offer.

My boyfriend at the time, Joe, came to visit and I kept him busy!!!

We, of course, had to hike Diamond Head...














but we also hike Mariner's Ridge (in the dark with backpacks on, etc. cause my roommate at the time told me there was a cool camping spot up there...we never found it in the dark so we hiked all the way back down...it was actually kinda scary!!! I also took him up Koko head and we watched the sunset there and all of the lights of the city come to life.

We snorkeled at Hanauma Bay...













Boogied (boogie boarded) at my favorite beach...














Checked out the massive shore-break at Waimea Bay...














Played on the Beach...


















Went boating with Josh...for a sunset cruise...









































I took him to Sea Life park...












AND swimming with Dolphins...his favorite animal...I never saw him smile that BIG in my whole life!!! Especially when he was holding onto the flippers & getting pulled across the pool :)


















BUT, the thing he said he liked most about Hawaii...the "Gold Man" in Waikiki...hmmmm...

Kona Ironman 2007

10/11/07

Returning to Kona, HI for the 2nd year in a row was exhilarating (and I got to spend time with one of my favorite people in the world, Robe!)

All of the athletes are so inspirational and have their own unique stories...like the 21 year old, former All-State High School swimmer and was hit by a truck, died 8x on the operating table because his heart was pushed into the other side of his chest and was told he would never walk again. OR the 1st ever double leg amputee to finish at Kona!

This year, Sister Madonna missed the bike cut off by 1 minute and thus could not go on with the race. In transition she stopped to do an interview...imagine if the interviewer had asked one less question...






I started off my day before the sun rose with the athletes in body-marking...one guy that I stamped had only done 3 triathlons before Kona - go BIG or go home I guess...and I got to stamp the number 888, which I was pretty excited about seeing my lucky number is 8!






From there I headed to the pier to watch the start of the race where one of the athletes swam up and asked if I had anything to wipe his goggles with...I helped him out, of course! Laird Hamilton (famous surfer and married to Gabrielle Reese) paddled on a stand-up board with the leaders.








After the race I headed to the Women's transition tent where I helped spray the athletes with sunscreen (it was up to 120 degrees in the lava fields!) and got their bags in order. I even helped Chrissie Wellington (this year's winner!)







Last year I helped "catch" people that crossed the finish line, but this year I watched as the first person came across...Chris McCormack (USA) 8:15:39





















...and the last person (under 17:00:00). I got very emotional watching people cross in the "N"th hour and finally broke down when the fire dancers came out and sang a traditional Hawaiian song...signifying the end of the race...not everyone finishes in time:(












This year's female winner was Chrissie Wellington (Great Britian) 9:08:45. It was her first year as a Pro and only her 2nd Ironman EVER!!! She dedicated her win to her 101 year old Grandfather. I met her the next morning and got a pic with her, but Robe's camera was stolen later as was my picture on it! BUT what I can say, is that Chrissie is extremely nice and humble. Her speech at the awards dinner was outstanding...she talked about how she never excelled at any sport in school!!! AMAZING!

And, as a side note...as I was walking down the road, I saw this...is it an omen?!?

Tracy Graf in Hawaii

May 2007

So, just when my Mom and Mike were about to leave me on the island, my friend Tracy came (I used to work with her at Feld - Disney On Ice and Ringling Bros.)






Sadly, I don't have pictures of all the things we did while she was in Hawaii with me, but I do have lots of great memories...like surfing at Bowls - she did GREAT!!! or doing the traditional Diamond Head Hike.




We also explored the North Shore with my Mom and Stepdad, Mike...we did the traditional shave ice (I can't get enough of that stuff!!!) and checked out DevOcean...which isn't there anymore:(



















When my Mom and Mike left, Tracy, Jen, Steve and I took another trip to the Mac Nut farm (I can't get enough of that place either!!!)

We took a ride in the bus...














Ate the fresh coconut...














And hung leaves off our booties?!? (I am not sure what I am doing here or why - a one leaf grass skirt maybe?!?)

Graduation Waikiki Beach Photo Shoot

5/17/07

So, what do you do with those graduation gowns once the ceremony is over?!?

Well, when you think like me and you live in Hawaii you jump in the ocean with them of course

















(too bad my photographer Mom missed the actual jump!)!!!

The day after graduation as I was packing up my apartment, deciding what to keep and what to toss I came upon my graduation garb from the day before...hmmmm...never going to wear it again, already paid for it, might as well do something fun with it!

So, with my Mom as our photographer, we did an impromptu, fun, silly, who cares who is looking at us photo shoot at Waikiki beach!


And when it was all over...we gave our leis to Duke!

HPU Master's Degree Graduation

5/16/07

Finally, after 2 years and a lot of hard work (ok, and some play too!) I graduated with my Masters Degree - and to prove there was hard work involved...a lot of hours spent indoors studying rather than out playing in the ocean and sun...I graduated with Distinction (highest honors)!!!




















Somewhere, after not having a clue what I wanted to wear for graduation, I decided it just didn't matter and I was going to wear the outfit I wore most in Hawaii...my bikini! And I convinced Colleen it was a great idea too! No one was the wiser and it made graduation more fun!!! (and we weren't as hot as everyone else during out long afternoon graduation! HAHA!




















I was fortunate enough to have my Mom and Stepdad come out to visit and witness the event..

.












My surfer-wahine, Jen made sure she was in attendance and brought gifts! So cute...mine was a copy of the Serenity Prayer in Hawaiian...which I hung up in my house and still need the reminder of every now and then


For those of your that don't know it...in English it says "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

It is that last part that always gets me!!!



Colleen (and now my) friends Ronnie and Bill showed up with hugs and smiles...












As did my first and best guy friend in Hawaii, Josh...it wouldn't have been the same without him there...












And finally, after all the tears, hugs, pictures and congratulations, it was time to fill my empty stomach - Subway and Coldstone anyone?!?

Pre-HPU Grad Fia Fia Luau

5/15/07

After the Mac-Nut farm tour we quickly headed back to Waikiki to change and drive to the Fia Fia Luau, hosted by Chief Sielu.



He told us about the luau while we were at the Mac-Nut tour and reserved us seats right in the front (even though the luau was sold out he holds a couple of seats for special guests...when he found out Colleen and I were graduating the next day from HPU with our Masters Degrees, he thought that constituted as special enough!!!)




He even came and sat at our table with us and chatted for quite awhile!








While there he crowned me Princess of the Luau (or something to that effect!)












His son and daughter are part of the Fia Fia Luau...his son is an excellent drummer and his daughter the cutest little dancer ever!!!









They took us on a tour of the Pacific...from The Land of the White Cloud's (New Zealand) and its Maori people (Chief in Warrior pose - right) to Samoa and Fiji to Tahiti (left) to Hawaii









They even got us involved in the festivities...teaching Colleen and I how to shake our booties Tahitian style and getting Mom and Mike up for an anniversary dance.
















Finally, at the end of the night, the Chief gave Colleen his grass necklace and had her pull off the cloth that wrapped around his waist (souvenirs!) All in all a GREAT way to spend the night - with my soulmate Colleen and my Mom and Stepdad!

Macadamia Nut Farm w/ the Family (video)

5/15/07

Today I took the family and Colleen to one of my favorite places on Oahu...the Macadamia Nut farm. It is a tucked away treasure that may not sound fun and exciting, but should be on the list of top 10 things to do on Oahu (in my opinion). In fact, I have taken so many people there since I first discovered the place (thanks to Josh's Dad who heard about it from a guy in a bar!!!) that I have developed a friendship with Chief Sielu Avea!

However, I think more and more people are hearing of the place and of the Chief! He recently starred in a movie, has his own website and President Obama paid him a visit!!!
(http://chiefsielu.com/)





Anyway, the tour started per usual with a ride in the green bus...notice that the key is a stick?!?











We then learned a bit about plants the South Pacific islanders use(d) for cooking, clothing, etc. and headed to the village.








From there we load the boats and head out into the fist pond for a unique perspective of the island and its mountain range.


During the boat tour the Chief explains how the fish pond works and what parts of these lands were used to film famous









movies and TV shows such as 50First Dates and King Kong and Gilligan's Island and Lost - to name a few.





Once we are back on dry land it is time for story telling and fire-dancing.







The Chief's men make headdresses for each of us...
left - married/stuck
right - single/available/free
middle - don't know if you are coming or going

Colleen and I - BOTH SINGLE!!! (which later proved to attract some attention from the Chief's village boys!) :)

Polynesian Cultural Center

5/14/07


My Stepdad, Mike, made the trip over to Oahu for my graduation on the 16th, but prior to that my Mom and I wanted to show him a little bit of island culture...

So, we started off his island experience at the Polynesian Cultural Center (where in 2 years of living on the island I had actually never been!!!)

I, of course, had an affinity to the New Zealand area :) Kia Ora!


At the end of our tour of the South Pacific we ate a feast at the luau and watched the after dinner show.



















Strangely enough - we didn't get that many pictures...and the ones my Mom - who is usually camera happy - took are all of plants?!?

Big Island with Mom & Colleen 5/10-5/11/07 (video)

5/10/07 - 5/11/07

So, since my Mom has been in Hawaii we have...
- Gone to Kauai where we camped, hiked, and kayaked
- Circumvented the island of Oahu on our bikes
- Celebrated my 27th birthday


And now...off to BIG ISLAND for more adventures!

The fun never stops!!! Our first stop was an old Hawaiian Village

While there we met a man, dressed in traditional Hawaiian attire working on the canoes and the "nets" for the Hukilau festival they host every year!

















We explored the little village and found out some interesting history about ancient Hawaiian culture and traditions...how they lived, games they played, etc.






One of my favorite things was the Tiki's!!!










As we continued our journey I happened to read in one of the tourist books about a green sand beach...to get to it, you had to take your car down a road not permitted by the rental car company and then hike for a bit...well, once we got there we found out the "bit" of a hike would take a couple of hours round trip...BUMMER!

So we took a couple of pics and enjoyed the black sand beach (notice the cross someone made out of white rocks!) and headed on our merry way in order to make it to the lava fields!
















Once we made it to the lava fields we were amazed at how massive they were...they went on for acres and acres...covering the road at some points.














We waited for the sun to set so we could see the piping hot lava flowing down the mountain...but it turned out to be a small red ember FAR off in the distance...
















And of course, a video to prove we were there!!!




5/11/07



In the morning we enjoyed a nice breakfast at the cutest little diner in Hilo. When we were finishing up we ran into a little local girl who had so much personality, and personal style, that we had to take her picture!!!









Then, we jumped into our pimped out rental car - check that thing out! And headed back to Volcano National Park to see some more of the site and pay homage to Pele, fire goddess.



















On the long, site-seeing way back to the airport we made an impromptu stop at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut processing plant...our hopes that it would be as cool as the Jelly Belly plant tour in Wisconsin, but no such luck - no train, no free sample, not even a cool paper hat!









Then off to waterfalls (of course when we try and take a picture of us with the falls, we just get us...ugh!)

















And, finally, last stop before the airport = Waimea Valley!

Kauai with Mom & Colleen 5/6-5/7/07 (video)

5/6/07 - 5/7/07

I loved Kauai so much when Johnny, Lish, and I attempted to hike the Napali Coast in February that I couldn't wait to share it with my Mom when she came to visit! Colleen flew to Hawaii for graduation so we invited her along to share in the fun!









We started off checking out a little bridge...I don't quite remember why, but we had fun! (no surprise there though!!!)








We then headed to one of the local beaches and enjoyed playing in the tide pools and the protected cove.




Next stop, the Kauai Canyon (Waimea Canyon). Many people refer to it as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific! It is 10 miles long and 1 mile wide. When you are standing at its rim you almost forget you are on a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean!

















There are chickens EVERYWHERE on Kauai and my Mom was obsessed with getting pictures of them, but they are fast little buggers and it proved to be more difficult than we had originally though!












Even though there were so many chickens, there were signs for the Nene...an endangered bird that lives on the islands...












Finally we made our way to the Kalalau Valley lookout point (this is the place Johnny, Lish, and I were attempting to hike to during our muddy, washed out, February trip). The only way to get there is to hike in, or if the waves are not too huge, which during most of the winter months are gigantic, then by boat. A group of people set up residence and some have been living there since the 1970's...kinda of a little hippie, tree village from the stories I have heard, but I have no first hand knowledge - YET! Someday I will get there!!!


Then we headed back to our tent (yup, I had my Mom camping too!) to rest up to kayak the Napali Coast!

5/7/07

Unfortunately, when we got to Napali Kayak bright and early - Nope, take that back...it was EARLY - in fact, it was well before any glimmer of bright! Anyway, when we go there we were informed that the swells were still too big to venture out. BUT Ivan, the owner of Napali Kayak and a GREAT guy - originally from the Chicago-land area actually, was nice enough to let us take the kayaks to Hanalei Bay and up the River. So, we still got some kayaking in!





After kayaking, as I was loading the boats back up on top of our mini rental car, my Mom got some great snap shots of Hanalei Bay...





Once we returned the kayaks we decided to brave a bit of the Napali Coast...even without the mud it was a bit of a mission...and Colleen, not prepared for hiking, decided she would rough it in her flip-flops! Well, lets see how that turned out for her...watch the video below (bottom left)!

Circle Island BIKE Tour of Oahu

5/9/07

My Mom has always loved cycling and had never been to Hawaii, so I decided, what better way to see the island than by bike! We rented her a road bike for the 2 days it would take us and I trudged along on my mountain bike - tires whirrrrrring the whole way...

We started from Waikiki and headed south towards Hawaii Kai where my Mom took these pics of some outriggers we passed.


The past Sandy's, Waimanalo (my FAVE beach!), Kailua, Kaneohe


We road up the Kam Hwy past the Maca-Nut farm (another fave place of mine!), where we saw a picture of a guy that looks JUST like my Uncle Archie - weird!!!


Then, on through Laei and finally, after promising my Mom for miles that we were almost there, we stopped for Kahuku shrimp!



We then road past the 7-mile miracle of Sunset, Pipe, etc. and into Haleiwa town for Aoki's Shave Ice and then to my friend Tim's house to crash for the night! (THANKS TIM!)


5/10/07
The next morning we got up early and made the 45-minute climb out of Haleiwa town to the Dole Plantation - where we aptly treated ourselves to a HUGE Pineapple Split!

And, not so eager to get back on our bikes too quickly we went through the World's Largest Human Maze!

On our bikes again we stopped for a minute at Aloha Stadium...notice the backpack...yeah, we were supposed to give everything to Tim the night before at my birthday celebration, but the morning we started to ride there were suddenly all of these things my Mom "needed." I told her she was going to wear the pack, but after 10 miles, guess who put it on...and rode with it for the next 120 miles?!? My Mom says it was to slow me down so she could keep up - had to put me on a mountain bike and put 40lbs on my back! HA!

My 27th Birthday!

5/8/07

I was lucky enough to have my Mom visiting me on Oahu for my birthday!!! We spent the whole day together and started off with Dim Sum (delicious!!!) with Colleen and Michelle.


During the day we saw the sites and prepped for our circle island bike trip starting early the next morning.

At night we met up with a group of my friends for dinner at one of my favorite places - CPK!!! Love the Thai Crunch Salad!!!

(from left to right - Tim, Me, Jen, Chris, Jonathan, Josh, & Colleen)

They gave me leis for my birthday and Jen even brought a cupcake-cake and candles!


The blue frosting looked just like the Hawaiian ocean waters and I loved it...until we met up with Kaz and it ended up all over my face!!!


Ah, but revenge is SWEET!!!

Stairway to Heaven 5/5/07

5/5/07

After living on the island of Oahu for 2 years we decided to make the climb (and break the law!) to see the views of both sides of the island from one of its highest points via, the Stairway to Heaven or Haiku Stairs! We started our adventure before the sun came up...
















...and ended it cutting through a hole in the fence and having to walk quite a ways back to our car...but, it was WELL worth it, and I would do it again in a second!

Kailua Kayaking 4/07

4/28/07

A perfect Hawaii day!

Jen, Colleen, Kaz, and I had been thinking about taking a kayak trip to the Mokes off Kailua for awhile, but the weather had not been coordinating...finally, the day was perfect, the winds we down, and we set off on a fun afternoon adventure.












Which began with figuring out how to get into our kayaks and then coordinating our paddling to head in the right direction!


















Once we figured out how to steer and navigate through the reef, we finally made it to the Mokes and set off exploring...







We did some rock climbing, well more like bouldering, and cliff jumping











Kaz brought his professional underwater camera that he uses for surf shots and we had a blast and got some great shots!

Forster in Hawaii - HOLLA!!!

April 2007

As I mentioned in one of my previous posts...this was the semester of guests and next to the rock was my friend from lifeguarding Todd Forster and his friend Brian!

Of course we did the standard...Diamond Head Hike...Dole Plantation


Turtle Beach...Boogie Boarding


North Shore Sunset and Baywatch photoshoot



Surfing in Waikiki...Speedo admiration


Sing Star battles...and drinks made in fresh pineapples...



While there were plenty of good times...there were 2 drawbacks...the first, rashes from surfing with out rash guards and the second, acid burnt lips from drinking out of pineapples without straws!

Maui Trip #2

March 2007

So, where do you go for Spring Break when you live on a tropical island? To one of the neighboring tropical islands of course...and that is just what Lish and I did! Although we had already been to Maui once, we decided to take the quick flight back and do some of the things we didn't get to the first time around...the #1 thing...see the sunrise at the top of Haleakala...(none of my pictures capture its splendor)


But before we did that, we went to Lahina and cliff jumped (where I lost my nose ring and one of the locals swam 25+ft down and retrieved it...well, almost...it was someone else's, but the fact that the water was clear enough to see something that small amazed me!

While we were there we saw whales breaching the in the distance...yes, that black dot is a whale...the picture doesn't do it justice!



We also lived up the Maui night life and danced to our hearts content...we were so "good" we virtually took over the dance floor! HA!



We had to leave the house at 4am to get to the top of Haleakala before the sunrise...I don't think any of us was prepared for the cold temperatures at the top! I had long undies, a wool shirt, a sweatshirt, etc and I was still freezing! Guess a person who grew up without mountain elevation as a factor wouldn't understand, but I DO NOW!!! None of my pictures captured the sunrise's splendor, but...


The last thing we checked out while in Maui was a little park with a cool rock formation (for the life of me I can't remember the name of the park!), but the coolest thing there wasn't the rock formation, it was the "heart trees!"

Here's Johnny - Kauai

About a week after Mara and Mike left, Johnny came...the next couple of months, coupled with the work I am doing on my thesis is BUSY!!! Visitors, trips, studying, enjoying all my life in Hawaii has to offer and sharing it with people I care about.

When Johnny decided to come to Hawaii, my roommate Lish and I already had plans to fly over to Kauai and hike the Napali Coast. Our original intention was to hike all the way to the end...about a 3 day trek to Kalalau, but...



When we landed in Kauai we walked out of the airport and I stuck my thumb out to hitch a ride to the North Shore also known as the Napali Coast. Seeing as we were camping and don't live on the island, we had no other way to get there. Parking a rental car for the planned 5 day trek would have invited vandalism, etc. (not to mention a waste of money!)



Once we got there nothing could squash our enthusiasm for the adventure ahead...or so we thought...




After flying, hitching, and hiking we only made it to the first beach when it started to rain. It was already getting kind of late so we decided to set up camp. The vista from our hammocks was beautiful and kept us off the wet ground...which would prove to be our saving grace!




Johnny had his own hammock while Lish and I shared one...as the sunset the winds picked up and the rains got heavier creating mini rivers under our hammocks from the mountains above out to the ocean.



The night seemed to last forever...so Lish and I had a mini photo shoot to pass the time...



Once daylight FINALLY broke so was Johnny's spirit and knee...he had twisted it on a rock earlier in the night. Nervous to go on having Johnny already injured and realizing the weather did not appear as if it was going to cooperate, we headed back heavy-hearted.


The trek back was filled with slippery slopes, mini waterfalls where the path used to be, and lots and lots of mud! None of us came out without at least one, if not more wipe-outs in the slippery muck!






Even though our plan was cut short by the the wonderful rainy season that happens every February, it still was an amazing experience...and one we wisely cut short. When we got back to our apartment in Oahu the news was reporting severe flash flooding on the Napali Coast! Whew!

Mara and Mike in Hawaii

So, not long after arriving back on "the rock" my Ina, Mara, and her husband Mike paid a visit! And we had a blast! We grilled out own delicious food at a restaurant on the ocean...and indulged in Dole Whip at the Dole Plantation...


Watched the Monster Energy Pro on the North Shore at Pipeline...



Hiked Diamond Head (in the middle of the day - HOT!) and spent time at the beach...



Flew over to the Big Island for the day and rented a SWEET red Jeep!



Checked out the lava tubes..............................and the steam vents...



Checked out the Crater and offerings to the Goddess Pele as well as the Hilo Flea Market...



And Akaka Falls...where I found a tasty slug!



It was GREAT to have them so soon after returning from my trip to OZ and Kiwi-land! I miss the days of Baldwin Hall and am lucky to have been blessed with such an amazing roomie and friend in Mara...and now, Mike!!!

Kiwi Slang

I found a page in my journal that I thought was kinda fun...

It was translation of Kiwi words to USA terminology

Lollies = Candy
Gutted = Disappointed
Caned = Trashed (drunk)
Jandal = FlipFlop
Making Tea = Making Dinner
Feral = Wild
Dear = Expensive
Sweet As = Cool
Juddar Bars = Speed BUmps
Hash = # symbol
Pash = French Kiss
Lying In = Sleeping In
Keen = Interested in
Heaps = Lots
Mission = Trip
Solid = Pretty Good
Piking = Ditching someone
Hard Out = Strongly
Full On = Over the Top/In Your Face
Tooting = Honking
Chilly Bin = Cooler
Bum Bag = Fanny Pack
Fanny = Crotch
Cheeky = Mischievous

Wish I would have known these before my trip!!!

Raglan

1/29/07

Today David took us into Raglan, a little surf town on the coast that has the longest left hand break in the world. Unfortunately it wasn't really firing when we were there:(


We kept exploring some nearby beaches and found a rock that looked like the rock from The Little Mermaid.


Some beaches didn't seem like they had ever seen people



At the longest beach we visited there were these 2 off road motorcycles that kept buzzing past us. We learned the next day on the news that after we left they ended up running into eachother cause a pretty serious accident!

(see the motorcycle tracks?)

When we got home we ate food from Scoff's (again) and decided to pull and all nighter...we played Buzz (I am horrible) and Sing Star (I Rock!) and watched 2 New Zealand movies - Sione's Wedding and The Fastest Indian...both were excellent, but I was the only one that made it through both - WEIRD seeing as I am usually the one to fall asleep right away!

And tomorrow...back to Hawaii with a brief stop in Sydney! Alooooha!

Hamilton, New Zealand (Boating!)

1/28/07

We got a little bit of a late start today cause we went out last night, but once we got rolling boy did we have fun. We ended up taking out David's wakeboard boat


and doing some inland surfing! It felt so great to be in the water...and although there are no pics of it here, I did manage to throw the rope in a couple of times and really surf the wake!


(and in the process I almost took out some geese - check out the pic above!)



Colleen got out there and gave it a go too...it was her first time and she actually did quite well!


Then David got out there while I drove and showed us all how its done!


When it was starting to get late we decided to give the surfing a rest and get in some wakeboarding...I had some troubles getting into the bindings so we used the shaving cream trick - the boys thought it would be funny to shave cream my vest too...



Afterwards we put the boat away and David's friends got the BBQ started at his place...the food was ready when we got there! NICE! A great way to spend one of my last days in New Zealand!!!

Rotorua -Craters of the Moon & Wai-O-Tapu

1/27/09

This morning we enjoyed an excellent breakfast of berry pancakes and fruit salad at JJ's on the water. We then headed to Rotorua to see the thermal activity there.

On the way we stopped at a place called Craters of the Moon. It was our first taste of thermal activity as we walked through areas of bubbling and gurgling mud and steam rising from the ground all around us!




Once we made it to Rotorua we stopped for a bite to eat a the cutest and VERY delicious Thai restaurant...


We then promptly headed to the Geothermal Wonderland of Wai-O-Tapu, which was hot and stinky (like Sulfur)...there was so much hot sulfuric gas coming from the earth that it singed and discolored nearby plant life!


There were gurgling mud baths that spit hot mud up into the air...



There were tar pits and a place the Devil himself call's Home...


There was a lake that looked like toxic waste...


Signs for unstable ground...and craters filled with funny colored water


There was a multi-colored hot spring lake that was so still, it reflected the sky its steam seemed to combine with both the clouds in the sky and those being reflected...


And finally, there was a place called the Artist's Palette...




Afterward our plan was to go Zorbing, but when we got there we were disappointed and decided against it. Originally we thought we would be able to randomly roll down the hills in the clear balls, but instead you had to stay on a track and the hill was really short...and it was kinda pricey :(


So, we vetoed the Zorbing idea and headed to do some gondola riding up the mountain-side and then luging down the mountain - FUN!!! Unfortunately for safety reasons you can't bring your camera so I didn't get any of the fun captured on film.

Finally, we ended up in Hamilton at Liz's friend David's house...the house was amazing and David a congenial and genuine. He took us to a place called Scoff's - Take out for grown-ups! The selection was outstanding and the food was absolutely delicious!!! Not only was the food amazing, but so was David's house...the whole side of his is basically sliding glass doors that open to a huge patio. The house is contemporary, but comfortable and surrounded by woods.

After dinner we didn't stick around much to enjoy the house though...we decided that now that we were back in a "real city" it was time to hit the town!

Tongariro and Lake Taupo, New Zealand

1/25/07

This was an early morning for us as we had to have the rental car returned and be at the ferry at 5am! All of us slept on the ferry the whole way back to Wellington, which prepared us for our next adventure - Tongariro.

This was part of the trip I was REALLY looking forward to as the hikes are supposed to be some of the most amazing in New Zealand...but, our trip took way too long and we didn't have time to do the trek I really wanted so we settled for a 2 hour trek that was fun, but not nearly as majestic. It was rather eerie with land stretching forever, ominous skies, muted colors and cold cascading water falls.



Next stop was Lake Taupo - the largest fresh water lake in NZ or Australia. The lake itself is too vast to capture in photos. It actually used to be a volcano until it erupted and caved in creating a monstrous lake! The force it would have taken to change the landscape that drastically - UNBELIEVABLE! But we did get to see a killer sunset...


The hostel we checked into in Taupo was sketchy...probably one of the grossest I have stayed in EVER! Colleen found stalagtite style dust bunnies under the dresser...


The place made funny noises...that kinda creeped us out...


And the hallways...well....


Luckily we were so exhausted from the early morning that we laid out our self-brought blankets, didn't touch anything or dare shower, and passed out til the next morning when we promptly left at daybreak for a nice breakfast.

Back to Dunkin's House

1/25/07

In the morning we walked through the botanical gardens and sat down for a quick coffee. We then headed back to Dunkin's (where we started our South Island trip). On our way there we did make a little detour to check out the seals!


When we got to Dunkin's we decided it would be a great idea to bike around the local wineries...Skansk, Blandel, Waikapu, and Billa Maria...but there were not enough bikes so Colleen and I rode the bikes while Dunkin and Liz followed in the car.

Unfortunately, the roads were mostly gravel and while Colleen had a mountain bike, I had a road bike - after a couple of glasses of wine that proved to be even more challenging!!! HA!


But as seen here, I wore a helmet the whole time...safety first!!!

Mt. Cook, Mt. John, & Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

1/24/07

When we woke up in the morning the sky was clear, but by the time we had the car loaded, fog had settled over the mountain making the hike and scenes from it pointless so we headed for Lake Tekapo. On the way out we out of Mt. Cook we stopped and took some pics that made us think twice about our decision to leave as the fog seemed to be burning off...ah well...


But on the way out, we did get some majestic pics...




When we got to Lake Tekapo we stopped at a little tourist shop and for some coffee. While enjoying my coffee I was accused by the shop owner of stealing a fleece because after I left they could not find it. I had to walk back with the woman and show it to her...the real problem, I had accidentally put the fleece down in the wrong bin.

(this is me pre-theft accusation!)


One thing I don't think I have mentioned is that New Zealand is VERY Earth friendly...many houses are energy efficient, have compost piles, etc. and at rest stops, or in this case, at the top of mountain hikes, there are recycling bins...granted, this was a HUGE mountain and there was a little cafe at the top, but...

We hiked up a nearby Mountain named Mt. John, which at first was a bit boring, but once we got out of the pine trees we could see the vast and AMAZINGLY blue Lake Tekapo. It glacial waters were almost an unnatural shade of blue.



After our hike we took some time next to the glacial blue waters to be kids again...



And, against the protest of the ladies, I HAD to stop on our drive to the hostel to get some pics of the amazing wild flowers growing along the side of the road...they kept yelling, "come on, get back in the car!" I could have spent hours out there...I guess in some ways, I really am my Mother's daughter!


We spent the night in Christchurch...and amazingly the World Buster Festival was going on...it is where the best of the best street performers come to show off!

Queenstown, New Zealand (videos)

1/23/07

Today was AMAZING! We got to see a ton of the Lord of the Rings filming sites in Deer Park Heights! There were spectacular views of the city (although they were edited out for the film) as well as the vast countryside...





and there were cool animals along the way too...

Like the overly friendly deer...


The cute and cuddly lamas...


The crazed horse...


The aggressive donkey...


The stoic mountain goat...


The intimidatingly large, and horned, Tibetan Yaks




There was also a defunct movie set made to look like somewhere in China...

If I remember correctly the sign said something about a Disney Movie!

Next stop, Canyon swing! But not before we refueled with a quick bite to eat!


Its Canyon Swing time!!! After much debate, Colleen finally decided to make the leap, literally, but Liz decided she was going to stay on solid ground and observe!


I was of the "Go Big or Go Home" mentality and did 2 of the highest scare level jumps.
For the first I basically leaned backward off the platform and watched the canyon rush by me.



For the second they had me hang upside down and wrap my feet around the bungee so my head was facing down and then let me go without warning!!! The 2nd was much more scary than the first (in my opinion!) They even gave me a little Care Bear to hold!



It was SUCH a rush...a must do for anyone visiting Queenstown...I have been bungee jumping and I thought this was WAY more fun, exciting, and lasted a bit longer as you got to swing back and forth over the floor of the canyon after the initial rush of falling!



Colleen and I finally exchanged the bone carving friendship necklaces we bought earlier in the trip! And headed to Mt. Cook for the night.

Catlins & Dunedin, New Zealand

1/21/07

The worst day of the trip. We drove and drove...


and drove and drove...


and drove out of our way to go to a place called the Catlins, which wasn't in our original plan, and definitely was not worth our time.

The closer we got, the more it rained, I got car sick, we got lost, and it wasn't nearly as amazing as anything else we had seen, but we still managed to make the best of it! The driving did provide for some interesting convos, pictures, and adventures...lots of random stops along the way...

Like when we stopped to buy horse poo...well, not really, but the option was there


Or when we stopped to pick up a pair of shoes...or leave ours behind?


Or when I sat on the bench and broke it!!!

(it was already broken, but pretty convincing - right?!?)

Or to stop at the GIANT fruit stand...why not, we have Giant Cheese Stands in Wisconsin and Giant Pineapple Plantations in Hawaii...kinda felt like home!


Or when we just stopped to enjoy the scenery and absorb the blue sky and sun!



The other downside, besides the rain in the Catlins is that once we finally got there, we tried to see Albatross, but didn't...


we tried to see penguins, but didn't...


By the time we made it to our destination I was so tired of being in the car I could have screamed...or, maybe I did!


We did end up staying in a rather quaint town called Dunedin, just outside the Catlins. It is somewhat of a cross between the quaint little coffee shops and stores found in Madison, WI and the crazy steep hills of San Francisco, CA

Milford Sound, New Zealand

1/20/07

We left Wanaka at about 11am and rushed to get to Milford Sound for our overnight Tall Ship trip!


The drive again was unbelievably beautiful, but we were in such a rush and the roads were so windy and wet we really didn't get to enjoy it too much.


Once on the boat we settled into our private little cabin with a cute porthole and bunks.


They served pumpkin soup and tea as we cruised through the foggy and enchanting landscape. It was amazing how steep the cliffs surrounding us were and how they plummeted deep into the ocean below. There were waterfalls cascading down the faces of the cliffs and at one point the boat drove straight into purposely drenching everyone on the deck! (we saw the writing on the wall and took cover inside!)


After a nature tour on some small motorboats, where we got up close with the seals and learned about the landscape, we had hot showers and a delicious dinner.



After dinner we met an amazingly fun couple (Phil & Shaun) and played card games and a game called "In the Manner of the Adverb" Basically the premise of the game is that one person is sent away and the rest of the group comes up with an adverb like lovingly or even something silly like smilingly. Then the person is told to come back and is allowed to ask questions to everyone and the person who is asked a question has to answer it in the manner of the adverb (lovingly, smilingly, etc). The person is allowed to ask questions to anyone in the group until he/she can guess the adverb being acted out! It was belly hurting hilarious...I literally thought I was going to pee my pants on more than one occasion cause I was laughing so hard!


The next morning I awoke to the sound of splashing and it turned out to be dolphins jumping right outside our porthole window!!!

Nature Walk, Camping, and Breathalysers?!?

1/19/07

The ladies and I woke up early to meet our nature guides at Lake Matheson (also known as mirror lake...see pics to understand why!)...the boys were late and we started to doubt they would show, but just when we were about to leave they came bumping up the road in a little car. They were SO apologetic and even devised a plan to split up and head around the lake each way to try and find us if we had already started the trek without them! HA!


Amazingly enough G (our Fox Glacier guide) even remembered to bring little pieces of squid with him to show me how to fish/hunt for eels the Maori way! It was amazing! G showed me how to tie the piece of squid to a piece of flax growing by the water and to tie another piece of flax to it with a rock attached to act as a sinker! Then we just sat and waited with the bait in the water until we saw an eerie black ripple on the surface of the water and feld a tug on the line. We then pulled straight up on the flax and the stubborn eel that had clamped down on the squid came right up with it!!!



After our 3 hour trek around the lake we headed to the cafe and ended up sitting there for 2 hours with the boys before we headed off to Wanaka. We invited the boys to join us, but didn't think they would make the drive...but later that day, they did!

On the way to Wanaka we drove past Hawaira Lake...the bluest water and sky EVER! The pics don't do it justice - so I didn't include them :(

We ended up relaxing on the beach and then setting up camp at a local site. I ended up pitching the tent by myself and my sailor mouth took control as pieces of prickly pine tree around the tent kept sticking me and falling down my shirt and pants!


We then headed back into town for dinner - chicken, cranberry and brie pizza. We met up with the fellas at the bar Shooters, and then headed back to the campsite...on the way there I got pulled over by the police for a random breathalyser! The problem was, I didn't know what to do...it didn't look like our breathalysers with a tube you blow into, but rather a box that you speak into and registers the alcohol through the breath you exhale when simply talking!!! I passed - I was a responsible DD!

Fox Glacier, New Zealand

1/18/07

On our drive to Fox Glacier we stopped for a potty break and came across some helicopters...we already had a flight booked once we got to the glacier, but I was persuaded to splurge on another copter ride...and was I glad I did...cause by the time we got to Fox Glacier, all flights had been canceled due to low lying clouds! What a stroke of luck!



The ladies and I decided we still wanted to hike the glacier and booked an excursion. We strapped on our clamp-ons and headed up the glacier with our guide...a cute, very kiwi, very shy tour guide. We ended up hitting it off quite nicely (despite the efforts of some other ladies on the trek) and I learned a TON about the glacier. One of the most interesting thing I learned is that despite global warming, these glaciers are actually growing. They use moisture from Melbourne Australia and you can actually see the dust from the outback in the ice!!!





We ended up meeting G, his friend Jeremy, and their friend Tom at the Saddle Bar that night. We played pool, laughed, danced like crazies, and took pics with the random John Wayne cut-out in the bar.

Arthur's Pass, NZ (with videos!)

1/17/07

Today we headed to famous Arthur's Pass, but not without our favorite NZ snack...SHAPES!!!

As soon as we got settled into our accommodations we headed up the 5,299 ft summit of Avalanche Peak. The bushline was at about 3,600 ft and once we emerged a chilly wind shot up the side of the mountain.


We sat down for a quick bite to eat to rest and refuel and thought we could see the summit...thought is the key word!!!


As we continued to climb the markers showing the way to the summit just kept going and going, but the vistas just kept getting better and better.




On the way up I heard a bird squawk and looked up to see large, very colorful green and red parrot landing very close to us. Liz explained it as a "Cheecky Kea." I guess the birds are very mischievous and will get into people's backpacks, garbage cans, and even cars!!!


As we continued to forge our way to the summit I heard Liz scream and point down the steem rocky ledge to our left. At first I thought a rock under her foot gave way or something, but then I realized it was not a rock bouncing down the side of the mountain, but her camera!!! She insisted on going back down to try and retrieve it!


Meanwhile Colleen & I continued up the summit, but VERY carefully (especially after seeing the fate of Liz's camera!!!)


As we headed down from the summit I saw a little speck moving along the mountainside and realized it was Liz! I took out my Dad's binoculars and started directing her towards her camera lodged between some of the boulders she was traversing. I started yelling 20 feet to the right, 10 feet up...to which I saw her look at me and yell, "What is that in meters?!?" HA!

(that's me looking through my binoculars at Liz!)

While waiting for Liz's return from retrieving her camera, Colleen and I found a little plateau/field where we felt the need to frolic (reminded us of the Sound of Music!)

West Coast - South Island

1/16/07

We started the day in Nelson and drove through Buller Gorge. While in the gorge we stopped at New Zealand's longest footbridge (suspension).


We took a walk through the "bush" to check out the area, which used to be a miner's camp.

We saw gold flecs in the sand of the river, saw a creepy old miners shaft and a miner's cabin.


When we left we headed down the coast, which was filled with sketchy, one lane bridges and tons of switchbacks. We stopped at the Kiwi National icon of Pancake Rocks. The wind adn seas have worn the rocks into thin layers that look like, well, pancakes!

(Doesn't that look like an old man's face?!?)



While we were there I saw a row of Harley's and started to talking to the guy in charge of keeping and eye on them. The girls were laughing at me because I said that I was "super excited" about the Harleys cause I am from Milwaukee, but I guess I said "super excited" like a little blonde valley girl!


On the way back out from seeing the Pancake Rocks all the bikers were sitting there and started chatting with us. They end up offering us rides, but I politely declined...I later found out from Liz that they are part of a drug gang called the Headhunters!


Once we were done with bikers and pancakes we headed to our resting place for the night...Hokitika. It is a little mining town on the beach with the mountains in the background. Most everything closed at 5:30pm, but Colleen and I managed to find a little restaurant right on the driftwood littered beach. There is so much driftwood that the town holds contests during the year to make sculptures out of all the woods!

Abel Tasman (1/15/07) - with video

1/15/07

After a little debacle with our rental car we were one the road and ready for what lay ahead. Our first destination was Abel Tasman National Park and the town of Nelson.

Colleen and I bought necklaces for one another carved out of bone in the shape of friendship for eternity. It is Maori tradition to bless them with a prayer before exchanging them.

On the way to Abel Tasman we stopped at a beach and did some exploring and almost got attacked by some aggressive seagulls.


(I am pointing at the seagulls and making a fierce stance to scare them off!)

We found some drift wood and did some fencing...


We didn't have as much time at Abel Tasman as we would have liked, but we did have time for one trek. The vistas were expansive and the chirping cicadas almost deafening! One lost cicada flew right into my ear! Freaked me out!!! This video doesn't do it justice, but if you can imagine...


We did get some great pics while we were there though!!!


The tide was VERY low when we got there and some of the anchored boats were landlocked! It looks strange to see boats in the middle of dry land! Especially those with anchors out!




Once we got back to our hostel we took a walk and checked out the sunset!

Marlborough (South Island NZ)

1/14/07

We are staying with one of Liz's friends, Dunkin and his family. They have a little room off the garage that Colleen and I are staying in and it is SO cute!


Today Dunkin took us on a tour of the area known as the Marlborough Sound. I took hundreds of pictures as every switchback along the coast was more amazing than the last.


We stopped and took a couple of treks along the way - and had a bit of fun as well:)


The first was down to a beach called Govenor's Bay where some crazy ducks kept coming right up to us. I hiked, waded, and bouldered out to a little island and got some crazy pics and found a little starfish!



Afterward to headed to a suspension bridge - where Dunkin and I kept jumping and making it swing...the other girls were not too keen on it, but we thought it quite fun!


Then Dunkin showed me a plant that you can eat when out in the bush. It is the curly top of a fern that looked like a slimely green caterpillar, but was quite tasty. I also tried the sap of a tree!


As we hiked through the forest we decided to pose as Lord of the Rings characters (as it was filmed in New Zealand)

Liz = Princess Aerowin - we fashioned a crown out of ferns for her


Colleen = Frodo - we found a cave like area in the brush for her


Dunkin = Aragon - we made a sword out of tree branches for him


Tracy = Legolis (yeah, I got to be Orlando Bloom) - we made a pointy ear out of a leaf and a bow and arrow out of twigs for me


On the way back to Dunkin's house we stopped at some wineries along the way - as this area is famous for its wines. We stopped at Nautilus and Forrest. At Forrest we were able to choose 6 glasses of wine out of the 15 they had available to sample (for only $5!) and they were all delicious (of course I picked all sweet whites!) My favorites were 2005 Late Harvest Riesling and 2005 Botrytised Riesling.


Once back at Dunkin's we played a riveting game of Crocket...I was kicking booty in the beginning, but then ended up coming in dead last!

(I think the one on the right kinda looks like an album cover! Maybe we should start a band?!?

Getting to the South Island

1/13/07

On the 13th of January we got up and started driving to Wellington on the North Island to catch the ferry to the South Island. I took a Dramamine and ended up knocked out in the back seat for almost the entire trip!

The trip to Picton on the South Island was beautiful...cloudy, but amazing. The mountains and sea were breathtaking. I even saw a pod of dolphins jumping along the ferry's wake.