Catching up

Somehow the last week just got away from me. All the sudden it was Friday and I thought "Shooooot I don't think I posted on my blog". So this week will be a hodge podge of things in an attempt to get caught up. 

First things first. The Ukulele Festival was a success. The day was beautiful. The musicians were amazing. And as usual I enjoyed being up on stage. 

I snagged a spot front and center. I sang my little heart out with the amazing Willie K. And I promise the woman next to me had fun, despite the frown on her face. 

The day after the festival I celebrated with a day off from work (this is significant because I haven't had many of those recently). I decided to enjoy the day with a two-hour hike through Makiki Valley. 

Hiking is always better with a good friend. 

Who knew all this beauty was right in my backyard?!?

I'll skip over the work week, cause that's not very interesting. But rather, I'll get to the good part... Dinner out with friends!!!

I tried something new, Laksa. It's a spicy seafood soup... Yum-o! 

And since Panya Bistro is known for their desserts, I finished with Japanese cheesecake. It's just as cheesy as the NYC version but a whole lot fluffier. 

And then outta no where this week I ran into something that reminded me of home. 

I miss my GA friends!

And now for the pic of the week:

I love this picture for SO many reasons. I was so glad I got to share the ukulele festival with one of my besties. And then apparently FB thinks I look just like my sister. Double win ;-)

Mahalo!

Shameless Plug

For my birthday last year my grandparents gave me some money. I used that cash to buy an ukelele and quickly signed up for lessons.

Here's a closer look at "Kayleigh", my ukulele. 

In nine months of lessons I've worked on my pickin' and stummin'. I can play chart topping hits such as:

Twinkle Twinkle

Happy Birthday 

Just the Way You Are (cause HI loves Bruno Mars)

and

Kawaipunahele (everyone's favorite, duh.)

The highlight of my classes was learning Taylor Swift's "You Belong With Me". It took months of requesting T-swizzle, I'm just not sure the rest of the class appreciated the song like I did. 

But this weekend is the culmination of nine months of lessons. It's the 45th Annual Ukulele Festival. From 10a-5p ukulele players from around the world will showcase their talents. In the afternoon I'll be taking the stage with Willie K (and probably 50 other strummers) and I'll play my little heart out. Listen closely and you may hear me singing as well!

Here's the festival poster with all the details. 

So if you're in the area, come to Kapiolani Park this Sunday and enjoy the show.  Pack a picnic, bring a blanket and we can spend the day enjoying the festivities. If you're lucky you might even win a free ukulele...I'd love to have more friends in my class!

I'll try to hold my uke right for the big day. It'll make it easier to play my two "greatest hits": Twist & Shout and Jamaica Farewell!

And now for the pic of the week:

This week I had to say goodbye as yet another friend moved to the mainland. I'm gonna miss this girl so much! 

Mahalo!

YOLO

This weekend my friends and I got into a discussion about the text-speak being used these days. Some of the gems that came up included: IMO, SMH, kk, TBH and HBD. The one that stuck with me was YOLO (you only live once). I only have this one life to life. You betcha I'm gonna make the most of it. This weekend was an excellent example. 

Did I want to go to the Waikiki fireworks...Yes!

Did I want to celebrate our country's independence ... Yes!

Did I want to hike up a mountain ridge... Yes!

Did I want to eat brunch... Yes!

Did I want to get up early to workout on my day off... well maybe not 6am early, but YES!

After a weekend of saying yes I feel accomplished & happy (and maybe a little tired too). Here's the pictures of my adventures:

I thought the fireworks were truly magical. Perhaps the music was a bit cheesy, but there's nothing like watching the 4th of July show at the beach. 

Nothing says 4th of July like a red-white-blue pedicure. 

Except perhaps the U.S. flag on top of Olomana. 

I've taken my rock climbing skills to the next level. Obviously. 

French toast covered in local honey and tropical fruit... Don't mind if I do ;-)

Cause this weekend I hiked (Y)OLOmana Trail (don't worry the graffiti was there before I arrived). 

YOLO!!!!!!

And now for the pic of the week:

After hiking 2+ hrs up the mountain I discovered I knew some of the people hanging out at the top. Small island!

Mahalo!