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.

11/3/09 - Joy is Hot Fudge

So, technically I'm not on a diet. At least, I'm not on a diet to lose weight. I have, however, noticed how much sugar I've been consuming and am on the mission to cut out as much as I can. It wrecks havoc with my complexion, and since I am being photographed so much these days, I'm trying to keep that as under control as possible. But I have to tell you, I really, really miss ice cream.

Anyway, after walking with Piko and having a health dinner of fish, tofu and salad, Willie joins us. He's also had a great workout, and wants to reward himself with Menchies! Immediately upon hearing that blessed name, I want Menchies too. I can just imagine it. I tell myself, "hey I'll just get a little bit. Just you know, for taste." After that word and philosophy being repeated to myself a few times, I just couldn't say no. So, off the wagon I went! But you know what? If I was gonna cheat, might as well be this way. With cake batter, irish cream, and cappuccino yogurt topped with hot fudge, red velvet cake and a brownie. yummmmm. Tomorrow is another day.

Joy is cheating....sometimes.

11/2/09 - Joy is a Light Bulb Moment

You ever find yourself going through the motions at work, doing something routinely just so that the pile of papers on your desk will marginally decrease? That was me on Monday. Just trying to push through the work of grading papers....well, until I had my light-bulb moment. After having worked most the day and realizing I was barely making a dent and that I would be facing a night of more research paper grading, I had an epiphany. What I was doing just made no sense! The students would just be turning in another draft as I passed back the last one. So, I stopped. Man, that felt SO GOOD. I figured out justification for that decision, and just let the stress roll off my shoulders. aaaahhhhh

Joy is working smarter, not harder.

11/1/09 - Joy is Making Willie be the Third Wheel

This is It!

The Odd Couple: Willie and Kaliko

Ok, truthfully, they aren't the odd couple. They are so adorable, you kinda want to just roll your eyes non-stop. I love hanging out with these guys. Today's adventure was a girls-only lunch (Willie was forced to sit in the bar and watch football, ha ha) followed by a matinee showing of "This is It." The best part, however, was not the activities of the day but being a direct observer of the little marital-like spats that happen between Piko and Willie. He loves pushing her buttons and for someone who is usually unruffled, she rose to his bait each and every time. While this may not sound like the stuff of love, that's exactly what it was. Aww so cute! I have to admit, I got my jabs in too. I had to make sure Willie understood that it wasn't me who showed up to today's activities without a date, it was him. He was the third wheel!

Joy is a loving squabble.

10/30-10/31/09 Joy is Halloween

Art After Dark with Kim the Pirate, Amazing Grace and Laura Croft: Tomb Raider

Costume surfing at Queens! Kimi the Snowboarder and Wonder Woman.

Block party in Chinatown. I went as Charlotte from "Charlotte's Web."

Halloween pretty much rates right up there in terms of holidays for me. My personal triad is: St. Paddy's Day, New Years and Halloween. I mean, who doesn't love an excuse to dress up and be someone else for a change? As you can see, this year I had three different opportunities to live out alternative persona's and really just return to childhood for a bit. Of all my costumes, I think Wonder Woman was the most fun this year. You just can't beat riding waves with a cape on!

Joy is being someone you're not (just for the day).

10/29/09- Joy is Happy Hour

Kira, Laarni and Grace at Mai Tais.

Kim and Hazel.

Thursday after work I joined the crew for happy hour at the Mai Tai bar. They've got some pretty good deals on the food and drinkies there, but happy hour just wouldn't be happy hour with out some fun girlfriends. Most of the conversation revolved around Halloween plans and costumes. I love that the holiday is on a weekend this year, so we all can have multiple costumes and events to rock. Joy is rolling with my homies.

10/28/09 - Joy is TDs Baby!!

The other team, AKA: the enemy.

Brittany showing off her running back moves.

After work, I joined a few friends for some flag football in Kaimuki. I'm not a regular in the weekly games they have because I am usually at my yoga class. This week though, I decided to change it up. I'm so happy I did!! I got to score the majority of our teams touchdowns, primarily because no one knew that I can actually catch and run. Sometimes, its fun to be so underestimated! I have to admit the huddles were pretty comical, since everyone knew what a "hook and ladder" play was except me, so the QB would draw on his shirt to illustrate to me what pattern I would be running. Good thing I'm a quick study! The opposing team got wise to me by the end of the night however, and I found myself being covered by a couple guys and blocked and boxed in (not sure if those are the proper football terms) whenever we were on D. That was a little frustrating.

Anyway, not being a regular meant that I met a bunch of new people and a few of them seemed to have trouble remembering my name in the heat of the game. Solution? A nickname (which I totally love)!!! Guess, guess, guess what it is?

T.O. As in Terrell Owens. That's right people, I was being classed with one of the most dominant receivers in the game. Sweeeet.

I'm probably going back to yoga next week, mostly because I've already signed up and paid for the 5-week series. But once that's done, I may just return to the field of battle.

Joy is catching one in the end zone.

10/27/09- Joy is a Beautiful Sunset

Facing east this afternoon at Magic Island.

Most Tuesdays you can find Piko and I doing a 4-mile loop around Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island. Now that we are solidly into the fall season (despite it being summer temperatures), the sunset happens earlier and earlier, so much so that Piko and I find ourselves walking in the dark on the way back to the car. Today's sunset was particularly pretty. I think it had to do with the lack of tradewinds and vog particles in the air.

Joy is winding down the day with a friend.

10/26/09 - Joy is watching Bunny eat

Whoo hoo for Wahoos!

Another lunch recess, but this time with Bunny. We mostly made plans to go to Australia next year and do a live-aboard on the Great Barrier Reef, audibly wondered about where the 2010 snowboard trip will take us (Colorado vs. Wyoming), recommitted to go to the next UH game despite the fact that they suck and probably won't win another game for the rest of the season, and brain stormed about how I can introduce myself to the very, very cute guy who was in Starbucks that morning. You know, the typical girl stuff. Or to quote Family Guy, "Makeup and stickers and ponies and Myspace.com!"

Joy is making plans with a good friend!

10/19 - 10/25/09 Finding Joy Again

So the work week of the 19th-23rd was packed. I'm still teaching, grading papers, working on my presentations AND recruiting. In a way, I kind of like being so busy at work that the time flies and you don't even realize that it's time to leave. I guess you could say that's been a joy in and of itself. Not only do I have a job, it's occupying my time and giving me a sense of purpose.

In addition to the 9-5, I've also been doing a lot more modeling lately. Thank you October and Libra for blessing me in this respect! My side job had me on the morning news this week (my call time was at the un-godly hour of 6:00am!! AND I had to come with make-up and hair done!) and walking a bebe fashion show on Friday night. The picture above is bebe makeup: smoky eyes and red red lips. I'm crossing my fingers that more jobs like these come my way. I totally enjoy wearing beautiful clothes, taking pictures, and meeting new peeps.

Other highlights of the week: dinner & a movie with Aukai, getting my teeth whitened, watching the "Where the Wild Things Are" with Leslie, going on a hike with Kylie, the UH football game, and going to HIFF to watch "Barbarian Princess" with Nana.

Kylie and I did the Waialae Iki hike on Saturday morning. Just as we were starting the trail, we saw this rock heart. It was a lovely way to start the day.

Miss Kylie dislikes picture taking.

The next UH warrior, Koa!! Koa and daddy Keoni were in the stands Saturday night as we watched UH get demolished by Boise. While the game wasn't that great, the company was. My best quote from the evening was from 3-year old Koa, who said of UH's only touchdown, "Oh my gosh, did you see that crazy touchdown?!?" So cute! Then we all proceeded to high-five.

Bunny and I at the game in our UH gear that we engineered in the parking lot. Thanks goes out to Kim for providing the original material, a size-L man's muscle tee. From that, I made a tube top and bunny made a dress. LOL

10/15-18/09 - Joy is Weaving a Web

To all my loyal readers, let me just say I AM SO SORRY!! I know I haven't written in 10 days and I truly feel bad about that. I've been having some internet connection issues at home, so that was my original issue with getting the blog up daily. And then, well... work got busy and I got lazy with my free time. All very lame explanations, I know. I'm sorry. I'm planning to get back on top of this thing starting today.

Anyways, that's not to say there wasn't JOY during my time away from the blog. I spent the later half of the week (15th-18th) getting into the spirit of Halloween. Above you can see the web I made from yarn for my Charlotte's web costume. I should have better pics when I wear the costume out later this month. Honestly, I'm not super in love with the costume, I wish I was. I'm not totally sure what's missing.

Other joys during these days: getting my hair done by Sarah Rose, meeting a cute guy (he didn't ask for my number - bummer), Casey's Birthday Beer Olympics, the Aloha Tower Halloween party and of course, the crown jewel event of October--the AEROSMITH concert!! Fun pics from the concert below.

View from our seats to the arena stage below. There was a huge Aerosmith logo on the entire stage.

Yet another Chessa & Piko concert. I believe this is concert #11 for us!

Can I just say, that for older men, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry are dreamy and sexy. Love the lyrics, "Come here baby..."

Malia came too!! This is the pre-party at Kinciads. They have the BEST happy hour food and drinks hands down.

10/14/09 - Joy is a Starbucks Run!

I have a particular affinity for Starbucks coffee. No, it just isn't the coffee itself (although that pretty much gets me going), its the whole process. I know just what I want and the best part is that the guys behind the counter know what I want too. I feel like I'm not just buying the coffee, I'm buying the experience and like Cheers, I'm going to a place where everybody knows my name. :)

Joy is a double shot, 2% Tall Thai latte.


Quick aside: Hey hey!! People read the blog! I wasn't sure if they did or not, but I was talking with my sister today and she gave me some great feedback. So for those of you reading, if the spirit moves you, feel free to comment. Alohaz~

10/13/09- Joy is a Fishy Party

The BBQ

Kimi prepping the fish.

Yummy!!

Peter had the good fortune to visit Molokai over the weekend and go diving for all kinds of yummy fish. We had the good fortune to be invited over to the house last night to help him eat up the rest of his catch. I absolutely love fish and I absolutely love fish parties! There is always some new kind of fish to try, or some new way to prepare it. And Kimi is a fantastic chef, so makes just about anything taste divine. Makes me wish I had more to contribute than just beer.

Joy is nature's icebox and all that she holds.

10/12/09 - Joy is People Watching

A change of scenery can make life that much more interesting. I met up with Kaliko today for lunch downtown and got to spend that time talking story and watching all kinds of people walk by. Obviously, given the location, there were a lot of professional looking lawyer and banker types, but I also saw a few politicians and lobbyists, students, and kids. No one really stands out, but I really like the past-time of observing and not being observed in return.

Joy is the human existence that surrounds us every day.

10/11/09 - Joy is Me Time

Cromwells

It was another late night last night, so I slept in a bit then joined Malia for brunch at Cafe Kaila's again. You can't beat the scenery and the food! Today's joy, however, was cruising at the beach solo. I went in the late afternoon after some errands and just took time to relax with a book on the shore and a quick dip. It was lovely to listen to the waves and enjoy the scenery.

10/10/09 - Joy is Giving

I spent about an hour on Saturday at the Blood Bank of Hawaii. I started giving blood last year as part of my 30 before 30 list. That first time I was shocked by how many personal questions they asked including drug use, sexual partners and places I've traveled. But I also learned quite a bit about myself: blood type, hemoglobin levels and the basic vital signs. Going to the actual facility (as opposed to the blood bank bus) was really interesting, especially since the walls are covered with people who have donated hundreds of pints. Although I will never know where the blood goes after this (my doctor friend Haane said they use the blood for all kinds of optional and/or mundane activities including plastic surgery), I'd like to think that my contribution will help someone. Joy is giving of yourself with no expectation of a return.

10/9/09 - Joy is a Night In

After a rocking Thursday night and a not-so-sterling Friday work day, I decided to hole up at home and take it easy. I'm never any kind of fun when I'm tired. Netflix to the rescue! They make life so easy, you don't even have to go to the store. I got this weeks R&R watching season one of True Blood.

10/8/09 - Joy is a Tall Glass

Thursday night was ladies night with Kylie, Kayla and crew. I met the girls out at about 5pm and believe it or not, stayed out way past bedtime till 10ish. It was a lot of fun and I got to watch Kayla in action. That woman has a particular knack for making sure a man knows that he aint gettin any but still protecting his ego. It was poetry in motion. I'm going to try some her tactics in the future, as I often want to communicate that I'm not interested but don't want to hurt anyone's feelings in the process. She seems to have that communication style down.

Joy is cruising with my homies.

10/7/09 - Joy is Closet Shopping

(picture to eventually be posted)

Wednesday night I had two of my favorite friends over to go shopping in my closet. Kylie was in search of a costume for this year's Halloween party and Grace needed a "sparkly, astrological party dress" for a birthday fete she is attending this weekend. I'm glad I could help both ladies out (as they have numerous times with me) and I took particular joy in having them in my home, talking story, and feeding them dinner. It felt good.

Joy is being of service.

10/6/09 - Joy is Music

I'm right in the middle of the Fall semester, so I am completely bogged down with grading exams and papers and trying to do individual student evaluations. I'll spare you the details, but it can be tedious and exacting work. Enter my new best friend: Pandora and her music goodness. She spares me from the monotony of my own iTunes library and keeps the hits coming. Plus, the music keeps my energy up and helps to distract me from the fact that I have been staring at the computer screen all day and giving myself a healthy case of carpel tunnel.

Joy is rhythm, lyric and melody.