Moving here was the best decision I ever made
I am a FL native and tho I’ve lived here for nearly 15 years now, when people find this fact out its an instant curiosity .. “So what brought you to Hawaii?’ I get asked this all the time.. so here is the quick and short of it.. kindaaa
I moved to Hawaii ( Oahu specifically ) after being in a destination wedding for a super good girl friend of mine. ( BK LOVE YOU SIS! and B-Rad too of course) !! When I first arrived with 5 other girlfriends, literally from the moment I stepped off the plane I just felt an energy that I cannot even describe.. like I was home. I hadn’t even begun to see the beauty yet. Had a blast with friends. The wedding was so spectacular.
I called my mom elated with just complete happiness and begged her to extend my ticket.
Top: Northshore pumping, top left: double tuberose and orchid lei , top right: sunset in Waikiki Bottom: when I took my sister surfing for the first time
She did. Thankfully. And then I said to my-self that if I didn’t make it back within a year than I would never do it. And so I went home and literally only thought of Hawaii, I played Pepper (local and global band from Kona) like everyday.. not exaggerating, and saved up like $2,500.00 & bought a one way ticket. It was before the recession in 2007 and
I just thought “hey if it doesn’t work out then my parents will fly me home.”
Top: view of famous Diamond Head or Le’ahi at The Deck, Top Left: canoe surfing with friends, Top Right: Me and my Si, Bottom: a current view from my apartment, that I manifested for a solid 5 years and then finally moved into!!
There is something very special and I will even say exclusive to this magical place. Hawaii either accepts you or rejects you. And to get respect, you have to got to give it. I got lucky or maybe it was just meant to be.. but I ran into all the right people, I’ve made great friends that have quite frankly become my family.
And well once I started surfing that pretty much sealed the deal..
Top: Me and my ultimate BESTIE Lora at the Kaneohe sandbar, Top Right: Me surfing at Rockies Top Left: Sunset from a friends house across the park I live by Bottom: Where I live there are rainbows.. and this was one of the billion that you will see all winter long
THE CLASSIC HAWAIIAN PLATE LUNCH.. missing a few staples n this image but the Lau Lau has always been an all time FAV of mine, Kalua pork, Lomi Salmon, white rice ( of course ), Pipikaula, Cucumber Kimchi and the Haupia for dessert.
Of course now over the years there are times I totally take it for granted. But since becoming a flight attendant it has been made more apparent to me every time I leave.. I just love living here. And honestly I get homesick. It really has been the best decision I ever made. I live where the world vacations. Although I do have to work and pay bills, like the rest of the world.. damn it if I don’t look forward to every swell and day off I have to be in these beautiful islands..