Hello My Dear Darling Friends!
I have been MIA once again. I have been living life in real time and feeling very full emotions and sometimes it gets overwhelming. Last February, I was very connected to my blog. It felt like the metronome that kept my life on track. This blog was my accountability partner for my workouts (still is) and it helped me stay committed to my goals. Additionally, I loved the connections I created with fellow bloggers.
I had a lot more time to spend on my blog because I was doing an independent academic contract for school and my partner was working a full-time job. This gave me hours of time during the day to spend any way that I wanted. I had an excellent gym routine and going to the gym was easy since it was just a couple of steps away from our townhouse.
I feel blessed to be where I am right here and now. Last February I toyed with the idea of us planning a week vacation in Hawaii in September. I didn’t even know that it would be possible to move here and live here full time and now here we are. Since then, my priorities have shifted. I make it a point to spend more time outside and my partner and I have more time to spend together. We became business partners in April when I started running the businesses and that created another shift in our relationship. We make a great team and it has been a joy to work together!
Before I forget, here are some of the blog posts I wrote:
- 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die
- Workout and Word of the Day #24
- Workout and Word of the Day #25
- I’m Feeling “All Over The Place”
- Workout and Word of the Day #27
Just to clarify, I did not personally write that first booklist post. I shared it because I thought it was a lovely reference and I am always searching for good books to read.
Last week was full of adventures. After my partner’s dad traveled home (last Sunday), we repaired our renter’s plumbing for their kitchen sink (last Monday) and it was much easier than we thought (thankfully.) On our way home from acquiring supplies, we decided to pick up 2 hitchhikers who had been seeking a ride for over an hour. I would never pick people up by myself, but my partner and I decided together that these people looked like they could use a lift.
They were a very nice couple visiting Hawaii from the Netherlands. They were staying at an off grid eco retreat a couple of roads down from our road and we happily gave them a ride to the beach at the end of our neighborhood. We gave them our number and said we could give them more rides if they needed them.
When we first moved to Hawaii we did not have a car for over a month. We were able to make it, but it was challenging because Uber and Lyft did not serve our area. Thankfully, there were two local drivers who would give us rides to the grocery store, but it would always cost $40-50 which was way overpriced. I know how challenging it is to get around this side of the island without dependable transportation and it felt so good to help others. They wanted to treat us to coffee the next day so we made plans to meet in the morning.
On Tuesday morning, our renter asked if she could join us for coffee. I felt a little overwhelmed because we had already made plans to take the couple from the Netherlands to coffee and we had a feeling that they would ask for a ride to the Northern region of the island. While we do have 3 seats in the back, I felt like it would be too much of a crunch to have 3 adults sit back there. Thankfully, my boyfriend is a problem solver and he suggested that we just go in shifts so that is what we did!
Cassie went with us for our first shuttle to coffee and then we brought her home and picked up our new friends. It worked out well and sure enough they asked if we could give them a ride to Hilo and they would pay us for gas. We told them to just use the gas money as an extra large tip for the coffee lady since we had been planning on driving north at some point anyway.
It was a beautiful sunny day and perfect weather for a roadtrip. We got to see some fruit trees that I haven’t seen up close yet and then we got our coffees and set off on a grand adventure!
The road trip itself was such a grand adventure. We took so many scenic routes and stopped along the way to take pictures. We stopped at a charming little bakery called Donna’s Cookies and got a bucket of almond cookies and raisin oatmeal. If you are ever in Hawaii I highly recommend this place because her cookies literally melt in your mouth and they offer lots of yummy samples too. Next door there is a charming Mexican Restaurant called COBA. Be sure to bring some cash and you will not be disappointed!
Our friends invited us to go for a hike or to the beach, but we were exhausted by that point so we all wished each other well and headed our way. I had to stop by the Waipio Valley Lookout since we were already right there and I am so glad we made the stop. It is breathtakingly gorgeous and I cannot wait to go back!
It was so rejuvenating to go on those impromptu adventures! That night we gave our renters both buckets of cookies to save ourselves from eating them all. We also went over to hang out and chat over beers. I talked to Cassie about the possibility of writing for our professional blog. We both felt a little worn out after all the excitement and spent the next few days going for walks nearby and enjoying life at home.
On Saturday morning one of our kittens caught a chick. Thankfully my bf and I were able to rescue the little chick. Later that day we reunited the baby with his momma.
Poor little chick. It is definitely baby chick season. We also went to the local nursery that is right here in my neighborhood. I finally got some fragrant flowers like jasmine and gardenias. I want to turn this place into even more of a paradise.
FEBRUARY: HAVE FAITH
“Your future is as bright as your faith.”
-Anonymous
- Count your blessings. I have been counting my blessings, but sometimes it is hard when I am feeling so sad and down (for no real reason) thanks a lot hormones!
- Start before you are ready. Yes, but lately I have been resting.
- Actively build your confidence. Being more spontaneous and open-minded and spending more time outside has been helpful.
- Believe in miracles. Yes, life is a true blessing and I am thankful for everyday.
- Believe in yourself. Still working on it.
This week I felt really really sad and I blame it on hormones / PMS. Thankfully, I have finally started feeling better. My diploma and transcript finally came in the mail on Friday and I am ecstatic about it. Time to begin a new and exciting chapter in my life!
My workouts have been somewhat hit and miss and my motivation has been at an all-time-low. I am so thankful for Susie from Susie’s Opinions who has been encouraging me to get back into working out consistently. She has adopted me as a Granddaughter ❤ and is one of the most inspiring women I know. She is in her 70’s but she is more active than many 20 year olds I know. She also writes very good reviews and posts. Visit her blog and you will not be disappointed!
Since February is ending in 2 days this is an appropriate time for me to start thinking about my March goals. I am so glad that I am going to be focusing on peace. Lately, I have been feeling unnecessarily stressed and have not been practicing rituals that promote peace. It is time to re-center my heart and mind.
MARCH: FIND PEACE
“Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be.”
-Wayne W. Dyer
- Breathe deeply.
- Garden.
- Practice yoga everyday.
- Replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
- Tidy everyday.
All-in-all, it has been a lovely two weeks even with the roaring emotions. I am glad that I finally decided to sit down and write this post. Thankfully, I didn’t allow these weekly posts to completely escape me.
What is new and exciting in your world? Please comment below to share! I would love to catch up!
❤ Alana
