Today was the day – Friday the Thirteenth – Mission Accomplished: International Extravaganza!
Once again I was reminded why I dance – I love these people!

Micronesian Club's Yapese Stick Dance

I have grown to love the Micronesian people since I met my dear friend Chandra when we first moved into Kieffer Hall. They are such a humble, gracious, welcoming, caring, honest, loving and sincere people – I can’t help but want to spend more time with them. They never make me feel like and outsider (even though I was the only non-Micronesian that danced with them tonight) and share their culture – a culture of love and respect – so humbly that I sometimes wish I was Micronesian. Some day I hope to be able to visit all their islands and soak up more of the love they have shown me.

International Extravaganza was (as always) Amazing!
All the groups that performed, the advisors and instructors as well as the staff and Emcees made it a wonderful night. In addition to the Micronesian Club and our instructor Jojo, I am especially grateful to my dear roommates and friends form church that came out to support me!

Mucho Mahalos Friends!

A Special Shot-Out to fellow bloggers CHARDONNAY,  JESSIKA & my partner KAYLEEN!

Kayleen & I

Find us & more on YouTube.

My Roommate Lynette and I at Blowhole

Today, after class and some much needed library time, my roommate and I headed to one of our favorite beaches – Cockroach Cove. Don’t let the name dissuade you (actually, feel free to avoid it ;] it’s more serene with less people), it’s absolutely gorgeous. Located on the east side of the island, just past Hanauma Bay and immediately before Halona Blowhole, this picturesque cove is out of the way of the bustle of Waikiki and situated on an amazing stretch of coastline which results in a relaxing day. From Halona Blowhole you can see whales in the distance and the beautiful cove below – it’s truly my quiet get-away.

The Coast

Blowhole

Cockroach Cove from Blowhole

Walking down

Happiness Found - All to ourselves!

Sweet Caves

I used to study at the beach, I felt that it was the epitome of multi-tasking, I would walk to the beach with my books (workout), swim some (more exercise), get some studying in (work), people watch (fun), catch some rays (relaxation) and finish off with a walk home (even more exercise). But then I realized that I was never completely enjoying myself multitasking so much, so I made a new rule, beach = no studying. Today I decided that rule deserved an amendment, and with my New Testament textbook in hand I was off! I was not disappointed in this decision – I felt relaxed enough that I believe I was able to absorb more than I would have locked up in my room, I guess we have to wait till my quiz Thursday to really see the results!

Studying by the Rays of the Sun

Following our beach adventure we met up with some friends who were skim boarding at the adjacent Sandy Beach for some traditional post beach Costco grindz and then were off to our weekly Monday night Family Home Evening. It was an ice cream eating, spoon playing evening of fun. There are many variations of the game, but ultimately the goal is to not be left without a spoon. There is always at least one less spoon than players and spoons are grabbed once one player has acquired the designated hand (in our case four of a kind). We played in small groups then ended with one big insane and hilarious group of elimination spoons. It was great to watch and funny to see different strategies and ultimately the winners, sometimes who were the least expected people.

Intense Spoons - please note the winner at twelve o'clock wearing a cap

Ultimately today was a good day – Beach, Class, Friends, Games, Grindz, Studying – Fun. :]

:}

People often ask what I miss the most about where I grew up (South Pasadena, Los Angeles, California), other than specific people (such as my family), the one thing I miss the most is authentic Mexican food. My family can attest to this, I always ask (no matter the hour) to stop at my favorite Taco stop on the way from the airport to my family home.

King Taco

Since moving to Hawai’i I have made it a personal mission to try to find something that compares to the flavors of my youth…usually ending up empty handed (and sad stomached), deciding that I’m never going ‘there’ again, and making my way to the store to get the ingredients to make something myself. There are a few places that I actually don’t mind going back to – Serg’s is one of those places.

Serg's

Tucked in the Manoa valley (or all the way in Waimanalo), Serg’s is known for their flautas, has good carnitas, and rice and beans that seal the deal. Today my roommate and I jumped on TheBus and in four minutes (yes, I clocked it) arrived at Serg’s just in time for Taco Tuesday!

Taco Tuesdays

While it isn’t my cherished King Taco, Serg’s sure steps up to the plate and satisfies my Mexican food craving, is decently priced and offers 10% off with Student ID. You’ve won my heart, and stomach - I’m one happy girl! :}

Every Monday night, in LDS church culture, is dedicated as “Family Home Evening.” The purpose is to spend time with your family, share a spiritual thought and a fun activity. Seeing that my congregation is 18-35 and unmarried, the majority of us don’t have families close by and thus we meet together for Family Home Evening. Tonight we had a brief message about searching the scriptures and then we learned how to Rumba!

My awesome partner Kade & I - don't let our slippahs (slippers aka sandals) fool ya, we mean business!

We were blessed to be taught by Leah Kade of the Arthur Murray Dance School for free and offered discounted rates for future sessions. I had many excellent partners, and was especially thrilled with my new friend Kade, that boy has some skills!

Leah Kane - Arthur Murray Dance School

Sorry for my lack of posts - from not having a computer, to being evicted – it’s been a crazy semester… but seeing that I am finally moved in and finally have a computer of my own (it surely has nothing to do with the fact that I am Chaminade’s “featured blogger” for the next two weeks, haha)…I shall strive to catch [and step it] up.
I seem to be in a [not so] great habit of begining posts but never really publishing them, so please forgive me if I am just about everywhere. I have been trying to fill you in on all the time since my computer decided it was too old to go any further and thus am posting out of order, feel free to see below for links to my most recently published posts.

2012.04.02 – Cockroach Cove & Spoons

2012.03.27 – Serg’s

2012 .03.26 – Rumba

2012.03.23 - Be a Lifesaver

2012.03.20 – Project S.H.I.N.E.

2012.03.19 – Coming Soon: International Extravaganza

2012.03.13 – Weather – For Reals?!

2012.03.07 – W & M

2012.02.28 - UD Ebony Heritage Singers

2012.02.21 - Fat Tuesday

2012.02.02 - GO RED for Women

2011.12.07 – …A Date Which Will Live in Infamy…

2011.11.27 – Thanksgiving

2011.11.20 - MORMON