Island Hopping: Big Island Style

Hey Friends! 'Been MIA this week for no other reason than we're out living (and loving) life. And speaking of loving life, The Hubs and I are off to the Big Island in the morning for my belated birthday celebration. I'm looking forward to having some time away with him for a little R&R; we'll be doing a little exploring, eating like royalty and enjoying all the perks of pampered treatment at a posh hotel - holla!

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and are in the holiday spirit...can you believe December is upon us?

Happy Tuesday!

Gratitude - Day 16: Going, Going, Gone.

On Day 16, I am thankful for this. Another watched sunset, just me and my boy. This stuff never gets old.

Gratitude: Day 15 - Birthday Blooms

It's Monday night and I'm sitting at the kitchen table, relishing my second cup of coffee this evening. I feel the need to mention this, because I am gifted in the sense that I can drink coffee right before bedtime and be unaffected. That, or I just have a serious caffeine problem.

Admittedly, I am playing catch-up on my gratitude posts. I wish I were able to post these daily, but we've been crazy-busy as of late and blogging has taken a bit of a back-seat for the time being. This is a hard pill to swallow for a control-freak like myself, but it is what it is...if gratifyingly busy days are my biggest problem to date, then I'll take it.

Day 15 happened to be my birthday, so it goes without saying that I am grateful for another year on this earth. It's hard to celebrate your birthday when it falls mid-week and you've just started a new job less than two weeks prior, but Phil still managed to spoil me and has extended the celebration, so it's all good.

I woke up to a number of gifts, one being a surprise trip to the Big Island next week for a little rest and relaxation with my boy. SO excited for that; we may only be island-hopping, but it's still nice to get away and do a little exploring.

I went to work and hadn't been there more than an hour when a special delivery found its way onto my atrociously messy desk:

(Note the lei he sent me off to work with that morning, too!) I love that even after all this time, Phil still does things like this to make me feel special and loved. What girl doesn't like fresh flowers? Assuming you aren't allergic, of course. I was able to enjoy the flowers at my desk on Thursday and Friday but brought them home with me for the weekend. The sheer size of the arrangement was magnified when I tried to maneuver that thing into the front seat of my car:

We went out for a celebratory dinner that evening at one of our favorite restaurants, primarily because I had also lifted my 7-week, self-imposed "detox" program and wanted a glass of wine AND dessert. And I got it. And it was very, very good.

Normally, I get a little withdrawn and introspective around this time every year, but there has been a wonderfully fulfilling shift in my heart that feels like a birthday gift in and of itself. I spent a lot of time in reflection, prayer and gratitude over having lived another year in this beautiful life that I don't deserve; as I get older, where it is easy to feel discouraged at the idea of aging, I'm learning to embrace the experience: the years that are packed with opportunities to live, learn and grow.

I'm lucky to be here.

We all are.

Gratitude - Days 11 through 14: LIFE

I'm doing an abbreviated version of my gratitude post for the last few days because honestly, there is a common theme and the days will all sound the same: I am grateful for my life.

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I'm so happy. My days are busy and my new job feels like a breath of fresh air. I am still getting acclimated and learning things as I go, but the transition has been stress-free and feels so natural; I am convinced that this job really was meant just for me. I am being challenged in new ways and feeling inspired, encouraged and motivated to produce, deliver and succeed. I still marvel at the fact that making the decision to change jobs created an immediate domino-effect of goodness. And I'm all over it.

* * *

The rain. We're getting a lot of it lately and the timing is perfection; it rains early in the morning and late at night, and the sound of the raindrops drumming on our roof is a pattern of sound I find so welcoming this time of year. Coupled with cooler temperatures, I'm almost fooled into believing we're experiencing Fall somewhere other than Maui. We're not...and that's okay, too. It's Maui, after all.

* * *

I'm still in disbelief that this season is flying by and that Thanksgiving is already next week, but I am comforted by the fact that Christmas music is playing everywhere...HOLLA! I love that I can sing along to Christmas carols at Starbucks, the grocery store, at the mall...basically, anywhere that places take my money. Hmmm. Whatevs...Baby, it's cold outside.

* * *

Fourteen. That would be the number of pounds I have lost during my self-imposed, seven-week "detox" program. This is the the third detox program I've put myself through this year, and as always, I feel aaaahhhhhhh-mazing! For the last seven weeks, I've cut out alcohol and started eating "clean", nixing refined sugar and eating a diet rich in complex carbohydrates. Phil and I did a two week juice fast in October (wherein he was 100% committed and actually followed the same restrictions - love his support). I did splurge a few times at Starbucks and ordered a sinful coffee (my weakness? Grande-nonfat-two-pump-no-whip-white-chocolate-mocha), but for the most part, I've been disciplined and stuck with my Americano or green tea. Overall, I feel good, physically and emotionally...and my clothes fit better. Win-win!

However, in celebration of my birthday, I am lifting my alcohol detox tonight and going to enjoy my first glass of wine in seven weeks. And I'm a little bit excited about that. :)

[source]

Gratitude - Day 10: November 10th.

Every year on November 10th, I think back with fondness about what happened that night on a beach out here in Hawaii. I still get butterflies when I recall the events that unfolded and what it felt like to receive the greatest invitation of all time; to spend the rest of my life with the LOVE of my life.

I've written about the night that Phil proposed before; I re-read that post tonight and smiled when I looked at the photo of the two of us from that day. We both looked so young! Twelve years later, despite the age that shows on our faces and in our hair, one thing remains the same: the love in our hearts.

One of these days when we are old and gray and well in our eighties (God willing), I will look back at old photos of the two of us, young and in love, and give thanks that He led us to one another.

Today, I am grateful for our love.

Gratitude - Day 9: Rest

I worked hard this week, and I'm tired. But good tired. The new job is keeping me busy, challenged and inspired. It feels good to come home and want to share the exciting things about my day with Phil and there is a definite and unmistakeable shift in the energy in our home. I feel happy...and peaceful.

Even though I came home from work exhausted and spent, I would not have it any other way. I feel like I earned my weekend. Tonight, I am grateful for rest.

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Gratitude: Day 8 - Double Rainbows

With rain showers that foreshadow a winter in the wings, we've been blessed with an abundance of rainbows in recent days. My sightings of these rainbows are always at the beginning and end of my day, and it makes me smile on the inside because if I can't catch a sunrise or a sunset, well then, a rainbow is the next best thing.

This photo certainly doesn't do a double rainbow justice, but I suppose you had to be there (just ask the guy in this Youtube video - ha!).

(do you see it?)

Today, I am grateful for these beautiful displays of color. When I see a rainbow, I always think of God. Sure, it can be explained with a combination of words like the sun, the rain, wavelengths of light refracting at different angles...but in the big picture, I see it differently: we're here because of God. The earth is His creation. We are His creation. So in my eyes, that rainbow?

His.

Happy Weekend, friends. Be blessed.

Gratitude - Day 7: Care Packages from Momma

I am happy to report that it is finally beginning to feel like Fall around these parts. Not only did I open my eyes to a brief window of blustery weather earlier this week, but the temperatures have dipped just enough so that we wake up in the mornings feeling like we are freezing, and then laughing pitifully at ourselves when our digital thermometer reads a balmy 70-degrees. Still, I'm kind of loving it.

What has helped bring Fall to us here on this tropical island, is my sweet Momma on the mainland. My parents are so thoughtful and send us random care packages throughout the year. I say this affectionately, of course, because everything is always so personalized (there are always treats for the three of us: Phil, myself and our kitty, Grace) and the gesture is just so kind and loving. Thank you, Mom and Dad...love you guys!

My Momma is notorious for remembering tiny comments I make in passing, and then capitalizing on them (like the time she sent me this care package). I had mentioned that I missed fun stores like Bath & Body Works and The Body Shop not because I was suggesting that she send me goodies, but because at the time, I was really frustrated with the lack of choices we have out here (I am completely aware how shallow sounds; I realize there are more important issues than shopping...just keeping it real). True to motherly-form, my Momma delivered. In one of our recent care packages, she sent a little Fall my way:

That sweet cinnamon pumpkin? YES, PLEASE. Now our home (and our hands!) smell like Fall happiness. My Momma has sent me Slatkin & Co. candles in the past, and they have quickly become one of my favorites; they are powerfully fragrant and burn so clean...two important factors to a crazy-obsessed, candle connoisseur like myself. We've been burning spicy, cinnamon-y candles since the first of the month, so we are definitely feeling Fall right about now.

This weekend, I think I'll bake some pumpkin bread. Ohhh, yeah.

Gratitude - Day 6: The Election

Wow. What a night.

I avoid discussing politics because frankly, I dislike confrontation--especially in forums where passion can drive people to say and do mean and hurtful things--but I feel compelled to touch on the election. Like millions of other Americans, I sat in front of the television set last night watching and waiting for results that arrived much faster than I had expected (seriously, projections came before some of us here in HI even had a chance to vote).

I made the mistake of checking my Twitter and Facebook feeds, absentmindedly at first, but then with sadness and intrigue, because anger, hatred and negativity were suddenly blowing up my feeds. This just made my heart sink; yes, we are entitled to our own opinions, but it is wasted energy (not to mention pointless) to continue arguing over a decision that has already been made. TOTALLY my opinion.

I posted a status update on my personal Facebook account about my sadness and belief that this divided nation was in need of prayer; while nearly all of my feedback was positive, I had two friends who felt the need to comment and insult me in the process. I can appreciate and respect that we have a difference of opinion, but the insults? Uncalled for. And I let it get to me. Enough so that I questioned why I was even friends with them on Facebook to begin with; I have not heard from either of them in ages and when I finally do, they're insulting me and egging one another on? Really? I know that I am responsible for my actions, my words and what I choose to put out on the internet, but I'll be honest: it really bugged me (note to self: rethink Facebook). Sometimes I really dislike what politics does to people.

Anyway. That's not the point of this post.

The purpose of this series is about gratitude and what I am thankful for. On this day, I am grateful that people are passionate about their rights, our country and the issues we face. I may not agree with or condone how they choose to express themselves, but I am grateful that people CARE at all.

I will continue to pray that President Obama leads this country towards a better future and that his decisions are made with God's glory and will in mind.

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Gratitude - Day 5: The New J-O-B

Yesterday was my first day at my new job. Nervous and excited, I woke up extra early and was out of the house half an hour earlier than I needed to be. I laughed at myself for this very reason, but I'll take this kind of enthusiasm every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

It was a great first day; any nervous anticipation I had with this new opportunity was quickly diffused by the relaxed meeting with my boss first thing this morning. We discussed marketing and strategy, set quarterly goals and bounced ideas off one another throughout the day. It was an eye-opening first day; it felt so refreshing to know (and feel) that my opinion is genuinely valued and that my role is an integral part of the business' success. And while I am not naive enough to think that every day will be like today - it is work after all - I am celebrating the moment; I love and appreciate the energy of my new environment. I'm motivated by the challenges and opportunities for growth that lie ahead. I am pumped, people.

I was so immersed in the day that by the time I left this afternoon, I realized two things: (1) I totally forgot to eat lunch, and (2) I actually worked an hour longer than I needed to. How's that for a first day?

Phil and I exchanged a few texts while I was sitting in my car and getting ready to leave the parking lot; when he asked me how it all went, I may or may not have actually used the word "fun" to describe my day. And like icing on a cake, when I made it home, I got out of my car, looked up and saw this:

I had been so preoccupied with my day and the emotions surrounding it, but this beautiful display now had my attention and reminded me that I was forgetting something. I was forgetting Him in all this. So I prayed. Right then and there, I thanked Jesus for teaching me patience...patience with myself and my situation, and for reminding me to trust in the Lord's perfect timing. I thanked Him for his grace and for my circumstances (even the painful ones that tested me, stretched me and forced me to grow), for they all led me to where I am supposed to be.

Right here, right now.

God is awesome, like that.

Gratitude - Days 3 & 4: Me and Him

This weekend was a break from the norm for us; there was little to no wind, which meant that kite-surfing was not part of our weekend equation and consequently, I had Phil all to myself for 48 hours straight. Weekends like these are few and far between, so when they do present themselves, I am all over it.

Even after all these years together, I still get mushy around him, especially when we have uninterrupted, quality time together. I'm not referring to romantic getaways to five-star hotels (make no mistake, you will never hear me complaining about that), but about togetherness; doing everything or nothing, and being engaged and present with one another. And yay! We had that all weekend long.

There were no island adventures or upscale dinner reservations to speak of; just hours filled with couple time - me and him - doing mundane errands. But there was something about doing them together, for us and for our home, that made it so much more fun. Like combing the Saturday morning Farmer's Market for our requisite arugula, mango and avocado vendors, or strolling the aisles of Costco and Safeway to take advantage of pre-Thanksgiving sales. Even our trip to Lowe's for insecticide and caulking (SNORE) was made sweet because we suddenly found ourselves looking at mosaic tiles in gradient shades of blue that led to talk about buying land and building our ultimate dream home someday (sidebar: even if this doesn't ever happen for us, I like that we share a vision and dream for our future together).

We went to the mall and I dragged Phil through stores, shamelessly pointing out things that would make wonderful gifts for his wonderful wife (subtlety has never been my strong suit). We had a matinee movie date (which speaks volumes because we are not really movie-goers, save for our annual tradition of seeing a flick on Christmas Day), and Phil did not make fun of me once for spending an atrocious amount of money on a gigantic bag of overly-buttered popcorn that I can NEVER finish, but one that I purchase for the simple fact that overly-buttered theater popcorn is mandatory and all part of the experience.

{Excellent Choice. Go see it.}

After church and chores on Sunday, Phil took me to get a much needed pedicure. We made additional stops at Walmart and Lowe's (again!). We bought lunch and picnicked at Ho'okipa, watching the sets roll in until the sun began to set and our skin was sticky from the salty, ocean air.

My husband is hot. 'Loving his salt-and-pepper goatee.

We came home, we showered and Phil juiced us dinner. Now I am sitting here in my PJ's at the kitchen table blogging, while Phil is settling in at his desk to get a little bit of work done. The last two days have made me so much more aware of just how lucky - how BLESSED - I am. I am so grateful for our easy little life together, just me and him.

Is it weird that I would rate this weekend as one of my favorites, ever?

Synchronicity

I love it when God speaks to me and I actually hear Him. It lets me know that I am living in alignment with His plan for my day as well as my life. I have experienced so many mercy confirmations (that I will expound upon eventually) over the last few weeks...moments of synchronicity that leave me feeling so completely loved, adored and cherished by Him. These moments bring me peace and pure joy and make me even more weepy for this beautiful time of year.

Hoping and praying that you, too, are feeling loved and enjoying this season.

Gratitude - Day 2: The Hubs

{Disclaimer: It goes without saying that I am always grateful for this guy, despite not always being the best at expressing said gratitude. I am guessing this is normal for most couples though I don't think this justifies the "slacker" gene; it is something that I know that I can improve upon.}

I am feeling especially grateful for my husband these days because he has been such an incredible source of support during this transitional period in my life. When I am unhappy, I am not an easy person to live with; I am uber-emotional, I have the uncanny ability to make mountains out of molehills and I pick fights over petty things, like Phil taking the recycling on Saturday instead of Friday, because I am impatient and cannot wait a measly twenty-four hours. I'm not proud of this, but it is what it is. Considering I had harbored unhappiness with regard to my job over the last six months or so, one can only surmise that waking up next to me each morning was not all puppies and rainbows.

But still, he loves me.

Fortunately for him, these days are behind us. My new job has been a catalyst for celebration on so many levels and my time-off between jobs (at his prompting!) has made me a much more pleasant person to live with. It has been a wonderful two and a half weeks of play; enough so that I have actually lost track of what day it is, which is one of the greatest realizations, ever. Still, it's time to get to work; I'm excited and I'm anxious and I'm ready to get it done. Looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life come Monday morning.

Thank you, Phil, for being you, for me. Love you, baby.

Gratitude - Day 1: Seeing Red

Fellow Starbucks junkies already know that today, the iconic red cups made their annual debut in locations across the good ol' U.S. of A. I seriously have no shame; this little snippet of randomness really makes me happy. Today I am grateful for being in the position that I can enjoy a frivolous purchase like a $5 cup of coffee. It is an indulgence that I do not take for granted.

Though it sounds silly--even to me--to say that a themed cup brings me joy, it's the truth. These cups are like a precursor of good things to come: a season filled with the sweetness of family, friends, Thanksgiving, Christmas and celebration of the New Year. It is hands down, my absolute favorite time of year.

So, to kick start November, I spent a little bit of time at my second-home this morning. I splurged on a fancy coffee, sat at my usual corner table and wrote in my journal while Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Perry Como served up Christmas Carols via Pandora. I enjoyed two, awesome hours of deliciousness.

* * *

I have to be honest and say that it feels selfish and insensitive to be posting about holiday themed coffee cups when there are millions of people along the Eastern Seaboard without power, heat or homes. The reality, loss and devastation of Hurricane Sandy is not lost on me, as many of my friends are directly affected by this natural disaster. Please say a prayer for our friends and family on the East Coast and be sure to visit the Red Cross to see other ways that you can help! Please and Thank You!