O'ahu!

My time in Hawaii is flying by... I can't believe it's already been four days! On Thursday, I took our dog Riley to my favorite beach: Kailua Beach. He loves playing in the waves as they roll into shore. I was really impressed with Riley's good behavior so we went back the next morning for a jog and some sun-bathing. I met my mom and her co-worker Shar (Hi Shar- I know you're reading!) for their lunch break in Honolulu. Shar treated me to ahi tuna and poke while we listened to the Royal Hawaiian band in front of Iolani Palace.

Since Friday's date was 8-8-08, there was a big celebration in China Town because they consider the number 8 lucky. My mom and I went and wandered around the streets and into the quirky stores. At 8:08PM, we all went out into the street and blew bubbles for good luck and watched the dragons dancing among popping fire crackers.

Saturday morning, my stepdad, Rich, and I decided to give surfing a shot. We went down to Waikiki where we fit in with all the tourists renting surf boards. I suppose I'm not exactly a tourist... at least I'd like to think that. We picked out a couple of really long boards (too long for me) and paddled out. I lost Rich quickly because I paddled over to surf instructors and their students. That's one of the best tricks if you don't know what you are doing because they always go for strong waves and you can just follow what they tell their students. A girl named Catherine and I caught the same wave but not for too long. Unfortunately, that was my best one all day (all 45 minutes). That experince headed too quickly towards frustration. I'll have to try again when I have some moral support or a personal instructor.

I joined my mom and Rich for mass at St. Augustines By The Sea. The sermon was beautifully given by the priest. He spoke about God's quiet whisper when we expect to find Him in fire, earthquake or storm. The priest blessed me for my upcoming travels by my mother's request.

That's the first Hawaiian update- hopefully there will be more to come!