Back Home In Chicago

So I was able to wrap up my last days in Hawaii with staying at both Heather and Seb/Kristine's house.  I had a good week in the office so the evenings were relaxing and catching up with my friends.  I never know when I will get back there so all in all I think I did a good job in soaking it all up while I was there.  Until Next time Hawaii!

The First Days of 2012

New Year's Day was spent by getting some much needed sleep!  It seemed I had been running around since December 22nd and I was exhausted.  I met Seb and Kristine at the beach then we headed to the Shack for some wings and a few beers.

The next day I spent the entire morning on the beach.  It was awesome and PERFECT weather.

Then Josh and I rented a car to drive around the island and see a few sights.  This drive is one of my favorite drives in the U.S.  Absolutely beautiful.

We also stopped at the Pali Lookout - also a great view......

Monday I headed over to stay with Heather for a few nights, Josh was flying out Tuesday afternoon.  We really just chilled and took it easy since the hours for the Honolulu office hours are from 7 to 3:30 and Heather typically goes in EARLY!  Wednesday night Ross (VP of sales for the Honolulu office)had us over for dinner.  It was nice to catch up with some people I didn't get a chance to see while here.

New Year's Eve

New Year's Ever was spent relaxing on the beach, free happy hour downstairs, and partying downtown.  Heather had everyone meet at her house for some pupu and drinks before heading downtown to the Aloha Tower for the party of the year here on Oahu.  It was a little funny that Josh and I had a hard time getting a taxi so the hotel sent a limo to pick us up.......we rode in style to Heather's house.

Seb and Kristine

Last night was the Heather, Seb, and Kristine reunion.  It was so awesome to catch up and have some fun.  We met them at Kona Burger - wings, burgers, and crab legs were hammered down along with some Mai Thais.  Then we met up with Seb and Kristine's friends Niki and Cyrus for a rather entertaining show over on Kuhio.  Josh and I were up early this morning to meet up with the group who went skydiving.  I came back to the hotel and slept but Josh, thank god, had a successful jump and will be heading back soon.  Tonight we will celebrate at the Aloha Tower with Heather Reed and a few others.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Seb making fun of my picture taking pose

My Hawaiian Return

View from balcony

Airport Welcome

I'm back!  I never thought I would be back so soon if at all, I feel very lucky to have the opportunity.  It didn't surprise me when I immediately felt back at home here.  Such a beautiful place.  I landed yesterday around 2:30 to have Heather Reed's beautiful smile awaiting me.  I checked in at the Embassy Suites and waited for Josh Osborne who was landing two hours after me.  We hit up the free happy hour with a few malibu rum and pineapples and waited for Heather to get back here.  All I wanted for dinner was some Korean meat which I was able to find at the Yardhouse.  It was a great dinner with some newfound friends and old friends as well.  After dinner we headed across the street to Coconut Willies where the evening came to a quick end for me after a shot of Jager was purchased for me from one of our new British friends.  I just came in from laying in the sun with a view of Diamond Head and somebody playing the ukelele right next to me.  Now back in the room and waiting to hear from Seb and Kristine to meet them at the Shack for some wings and beers.  It will be an early night since we will be taking off for the North Shore early tomorrow morning.  I will be the photographer for Josh as he jumps out of a plane tomorrow morning!  Aloha!

Mahalo Hawaii

I've been back to Chicago now for 3 weeks and have missed Hawaii very much.  It will always be a place that I will hold very dear to my heart and hope I will get the chance to enjoy it there again in my lifetime.  I gained some unbelievable friendships while there and will never forget how gracious they were to take us all in.  The memories I have from my time spent on the island will be some of the memories I will cherish most in my life I am sure.  From the people, to the culture, to the spirit of the land it was exactly what I needed to get me back on track in life and made me realize just how lucky we all are to have the opportunity to have this journey we call life.  It taught me to once again appreciate, laugh, love, and embrace everything that comes your way.  Mahalo Hawaii for opening my eyes again. 

Videos!

Hawaii Home on the Hill

Pro Bowl

Sunset/Booze Cruise

Chinamen's Hat - Drive to the north

Sandy's Beach

Byodo Temple

Waimea Bay