12/1/09 - Joy is Winning a Bet

Remember my cheetah shoelaces from an earlier post? Well, they were actually part of a bet made back in November. While I was brainstorming on how to dazzle up my kicks at the local bar, Jake (above) stated that he did not think I could find the cheetah shoelaces I wanted on-island. If I did, then he would wear the laces to work one day. Thus, the bet was ON.

I did search for the laces, but pretty much failed on finding them in any store. Although he was technically right, Jake didn't plan for the fact that I was determined to make it happen, even if it meant that the laces would be homemade. Besides, one-of-a-kind always beats out store-bought. In any case, I win!

Today, Jake showed off my cheetah shoelaces to his financial planner co-workers. LOL. As you can see, he was thrilled. :)

All in all, bet well made and won. But those laces still look better in my kicks.

11/30/09 - Joy is the Christmas Spirit

So, the Christmas bug has bit me early this year. Last night I got out my fakey Christmas tree and set it up on the desk. It's so cute and I love how it brightens my mood. Even if I am sitting at my laptop doing work, I feel happy. Which, by the way, is unusual.

I've also started to hang up the Christmas cards I've gotten in the mail so far and am making plans for a Christmas wreath for the door of my apartment.

I'm also totally excited about the holiday flavors at Starbucks. Yes, they have been around for a while, but I told myself to hold off on ordering them until after Thanksgiving. My favorite flavor is peppermint mocha. YUMMY!! Also, did you notice that the holiday cups have JOY on them. Seriously, how perfect can you get?

I've also changed all the ringtone and text message alerts on my phone to Xmas carols. So far I've loaded up Santa Baby and All I Want for Christmas. Thinking about maybe jazzing it up even more and giving special ringtones to "special" people. I'm thinking Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer for the family this year.

11/27/09 - Joy is Thanksgiving

The Friday after Thanksgiving, Gina and I decided to forgo the Black Friday deals and watch the Triple Crown instead. Better alternative? I think so.

The waves were just about as big that day. Got to see the initial heats for the men and the semis for ladies. Also got spotted quite a few times ourselves. Those video camera guys are EVERYWHERE.

Later that afternoon, Gina wanted to take the Jeep off-roading so we went down to Ka'ena Point. It was my first time there. I'm happy to report that we didnt get the Jeep stuck in the mud!

So, here's a "where's Waldo" moment. Can you find the monk seals?

There they are!!

All in all, a well spent, super fun Friday. Easily the highlight of the weekend!!

11/22/09 - Joy is a Girly Weekend

The line to get in to New Moon. 500 ladies in one movie theater.

Chessa: Team Jacob
Wisa: Team Edward

So after a fun Saturday morning at Bri's baby shower, a bunch of us girls went to Fashionista Market's showing of New Moon. We pre-partied at Pearl, complete with goodie bags, drink specials and cute male models. Then we went off to the movie theater, endured the line, and finally (after some strategic seat saving) got to see the main show. Hello brown boys!!!! Let me just say that for a grown woman, there was a lot of giggling coming from my seat. Joy is being a voyeur.

Sunday morning I joined Malia for brunch at our usual spot, Cafe Kaila. We are getting pretty close to being regulars now. All the guys in the joint greet us now, bring us coffee right off the bat and know what we like to eat.

After breakfast, I was off on the Makapuu lighthouse hike with Kylie, Brit, and Erin. Above is the view from the top. We then spent the rest of the afternoon body surfing at Makapuu and enjoying the beautiful day.

Kylie and Erin.

Tonight's project: cheetah shoelaces for my Chuck Taylors.

Min's 30th birthday is right around the corner and the theme for her party is "kicks." Since my Chuck Taylors seemed like a dud (just the normal black and white), I wanted to make them more party ready without investing heavily or buying a new pair. I figured some racy shoelaces were in order. Unfortunately, there is a real void in the shoelace market here in Hawaii. Nobody had any cool ones for sale, so I was left to my own devices. Enter my unique, one-of-a-kind, cheetah laces. They are my new favorite accessory. Joy is seeing a vision to fruition. Even if it is just a small one.

11/17/09 - Joy is Twilight Mania

Hello Handsome!

Bunny and Edward, a match made in heaven.

It's okay. He's young. He'll get taller.

Yesterday, Bunny, Erin, and I went to pick up our team shirts and exclusive passes to this weekend's showing of New Moon. While I am well aware of the fact that I am sliding back into my adolescence with the Twilight series, I just can't help being excited for the movie. In case it isn't that obvious, I am clearly on TEAM JACOB. I mean, what is not to love about brown boys who change into werewolves? Hello, that is a slam dunk for me!

Joy is going ga-ga over fictional characters and not caring what other people think. :)

11/12/09 - Joyful Girl

A few days ago I got into a discussion about music with a friend of mine. I love music, and I love hearing new stuff. Our conversation was about what constitutes a love song. He is of the belief that there really aren't many love songs out there. For him, the main criteria is that a song take you to that "love" place. If a song cannot transform you for those precious three-minutes or so, then it cannot be a love song. Given that understanding, he had me listen to Joyful Girl by Soulive while I was on the back of his bike. I gotta say, it was a pretty surreal experience. It made me re-think jazz all over again. Take a listen, if you have the time.

Joy is learning about life through another's ears.

11/12/09 - Joy is taking a break

Hello readers,

So, I took a little break from the blog. Life is busy, fun-filled, exciting and speeding by me. I know when I go silent people become concerned about my health or start wondering about my love life. Don't worry, nothings changed. I'm just busy.

I've also been wondering if the blog is something I should continue. I started this blog for me, and have continued to write it for me. However, somewhere along the way I've managed to hurt and possibly offend others. Getting that kind of feedback was unexpected...I'm learning that those things I view as benign and/or off-the-cuff can be taken quite literally and/or personally by others. I don't want to have to edit who I am, that was not the purpose of this project. But perhaps now, it will be the unintended consequence, since I do not want to be the cause of another's hurt feelings or pain. I'm truly sorry to those of you that have felt hurt by my words and I'm thankful that we have the kind of bond that you feel comfortable coming to me with your perspective.

All I can say is that I'm trying.