Getting to know...
KELSOE MAURIUS MADARANG GONDA
aka KELSITO, BEAN or just plain KELSOE
Vitals: Been my nephew since he was a twinkle in his mommy and daddy's eyes, but met when he was only 12 hours old = 1 year, 2 months and cnounting
Role In My Life: My Favorite Baby - I have bunches of nieces and nephews because I have a load of cousins. But they all live so far away from me that I don't get to spend much time with them or watch them grow up. But then, my cousin, Christian and his wife Tristin (who both live close by) had Kelsoe (who's my inaanak/godson) and let's just say the spoiling began. I love this baby so much! We all do! Just thinking about him makes me smile and seeing him brings the greatest joy to my world.
Good Times: Kelsoe's a funny baby, with gags up the whazoo! When he hears music, any kind of music, he starts to dance, either bobbing up and down with hands at his side or rocking back and forth to "Toxic." He loves playing with anything that has buttons: the computer keyboard, the piano, remote controls, the doorbell (his personal favorite I think), cellphones. In fact, he was playing with my sister's cell phone today and managed to punch in a random code that locked her keypad for 8 hours. ha ha ha...
In his own words: Picture us saying, "Kelsoe no! No touch, don't touch!"...Kelsoe's response: "Touch touch touch..."
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Friday, July 16, 2004
BITTERSWEET HELLO….BITTERSWEET GOOD-BYE
I love that term, “bittersweet.” It’s like feeling pleasure and pain at the same time. This Kobe-Shaq thing has been the perfect example of this feeling for me. I know the last month or so has annoyed a lot of people no doubt, even/especially Laker fans. Iya asked me how I felt about the whole thing a few days before ESPN and Fox Sports were barraged with newsflashes and press conferences regarding deals made with the NBA’s free agents. But as big a basketball and Laker fan as I am, I couldn’t seem to form an adamant opinion about the situation. Am I glad Shaq’s gone? Hell no! I’m gonna miss the big man, the player no coach or peer had an answer for (except maybe this year, Larry Brown). But at least he’s got his castle of a house in Orlando, not too far from Miami so I’m thinking he’s not doing THAT bad.
Am I glad Kobe’s staying? I’m a Kobe fan, of course I’m happy! I know he’s got a lot to work on, especially when it comes to his image (oh man, why the infidelity, Kobes?). But I’ve got faith in people I’m a fan of. Call it unconditional fanaticism! I’m disappointed in his choices, but people forget he’s a 25-year old young man, with the world on his shoulders and the greatest abilities to make mistakes he will no doubt regret his whole life long. Yes I miss those Adidas commercials which showed Kobe writing in his journal or exercising his Italian; and of course those McDonald’s commercials with the little kids who asked him to be part of their team for the championship game. I miss THAT Kobe and I wish he hadn't gone to Colorado last summer. But I believe him when he says he feels guilty (cuz he SHOULD feel bad!) and I know he knows that he’s going to spend a great part of his lifetime trying to convince people he’s a better man than that. Here’s hoping his choices this year bring him more fortune (Aside from the disgusting $130+ million for the next 7 years) than disaster.
And then there’s GP, who’s decided to stay and attempt to get that ring he’s so hungry for. All I gotta say is, “Fine Gary, you can stay…but make your presence felt, know what I mean?”
Ok kids, I’m off to Northern Cali with the Annie, Ate Tin-Tin, Fantone, Cile, Gwen, Isa, Leia and Larnie to for some bonding before Miss Maria Larnie Alcala Boquiren heads to Arizona for grad school. Have a safe weekend everyone! If you’re partying, make sure you’ve got a DD!
I love that term, “bittersweet.” It’s like feeling pleasure and pain at the same time. This Kobe-Shaq thing has been the perfect example of this feeling for me. I know the last month or so has annoyed a lot of people no doubt, even/especially Laker fans. Iya asked me how I felt about the whole thing a few days before ESPN and Fox Sports were barraged with newsflashes and press conferences regarding deals made with the NBA’s free agents. But as big a basketball and Laker fan as I am, I couldn’t seem to form an adamant opinion about the situation. Am I glad Shaq’s gone? Hell no! I’m gonna miss the big man, the player no coach or peer had an answer for (except maybe this year, Larry Brown). But at least he’s got his castle of a house in Orlando, not too far from Miami so I’m thinking he’s not doing THAT bad.
Am I glad Kobe’s staying? I’m a Kobe fan, of course I’m happy! I know he’s got a lot to work on, especially when it comes to his image (oh man, why the infidelity, Kobes?). But I’ve got faith in people I’m a fan of. Call it unconditional fanaticism! I’m disappointed in his choices, but people forget he’s a 25-year old young man, with the world on his shoulders and the greatest abilities to make mistakes he will no doubt regret his whole life long. Yes I miss those Adidas commercials which showed Kobe writing in his journal or exercising his Italian; and of course those McDonald’s commercials with the little kids who asked him to be part of their team for the championship game. I miss THAT Kobe and I wish he hadn't gone to Colorado last summer. But I believe him when he says he feels guilty (cuz he SHOULD feel bad!) and I know he knows that he’s going to spend a great part of his lifetime trying to convince people he’s a better man than that. Here’s hoping his choices this year bring him more fortune (Aside from the disgusting $130+ million for the next 7 years) than disaster.
And then there’s GP, who’s decided to stay and attempt to get that ring he’s so hungry for. All I gotta say is, “Fine Gary, you can stay…but make your presence felt, know what I mean?”
Ok kids, I’m off to Northern Cali with the Annie, Ate Tin-Tin, Fantone, Cile, Gwen, Isa, Leia and Larnie to for some bonding before Miss Maria Larnie Alcala Boquiren heads to Arizona for grad school. Have a safe weekend everyone! If you’re partying, make sure you’ve got a DD!
Monday, July 12, 2004
Getting to know...
MELISSA ANN G. BAUTISTA aka MEL
Vitals: Been cousins since she was born, December 1978, but became more acquainted when I spent the week at her house in Ohio = 25 years and counting (Chrissy’s younger sister)
Role In My Life: Bright & Smiley Cousin – When you meet this girl, the first thing you’ll notice about her is that she’s smiling. In the few occasions that Mel and I have gotten a chance to hang out, all we do is laugh - at other people, at our family…at ourselves. Her smile is what I remember most often when I think of her. Even when we talk on the phone I can tell she's smiling.
Good Times: One day when I was in Ohio, Mel, Chrissy and I took their dog, Orson (who looks like a big yorkshire terrier), God rest his soul =), and Buck (this huge brown doggie who is bigger than me I think), their friend’s pet, to the park for a walk. Chrissy drove, I sat shotgun and Mel rode in the back with Orson and Buck. Suffice it to say, the 15 minute drive to the park was nothing short of comedic. Mel sat between the two dogs, trying her hardest to control their excitement. Buck spent practically the entire ride fussy and gung-ho, licking Mel’s face constantly. When we finally got to the park, (mind you I have practically zero encounters with animals, rare or domestic) Mel and Chrissy handed ME Buck’s leash. This dog took ME for a walk!
In her own words: “Leng, you're so small you could fit in my pocket!…Hurry get in!”
MELISSA ANN G. BAUTISTA aka MEL
Vitals: Been cousins since she was born, December 1978, but became more acquainted when I spent the week at her house in Ohio = 25 years and counting (Chrissy’s younger sister)
Role In My Life: Bright & Smiley Cousin – When you meet this girl, the first thing you’ll notice about her is that she’s smiling. In the few occasions that Mel and I have gotten a chance to hang out, all we do is laugh - at other people, at our family…at ourselves. Her smile is what I remember most often when I think of her. Even when we talk on the phone I can tell she's smiling.
Good Times: One day when I was in Ohio, Mel, Chrissy and I took their dog, Orson (who looks like a big yorkshire terrier), God rest his soul =), and Buck (this huge brown doggie who is bigger than me I think), their friend’s pet, to the park for a walk. Chrissy drove, I sat shotgun and Mel rode in the back with Orson and Buck. Suffice it to say, the 15 minute drive to the park was nothing short of comedic. Mel sat between the two dogs, trying her hardest to control their excitement. Buck spent practically the entire ride fussy and gung-ho, licking Mel’s face constantly. When we finally got to the park, (mind you I have practically zero encounters with animals, rare or domestic) Mel and Chrissy handed ME Buck’s leash. This dog took ME for a walk!
In her own words: “Leng, you're so small you could fit in my pocket!…Hurry get in!”
Friday, July 09, 2004
BAUTISTA BONANZA 2004
That's what we called this past weekend's events in Charlotte, North Carolina. Since 1993, my Bautista side has hosted a family reunion like clockwork. We began in Burbank in December of 1993, then San Francisco in 1996, Maumee/Toledo, Ohio in 1998, Long Beach in 2000, Chicago in 2002 and then this year in "the South." We have it every 2 years and it's something that I look forward to during the odd numbered years.
When I got home from Hawaii 2 weeks ago, all I could think of was how much I missed being there and, oh crap, I have to fly to Charlotte this weekend and I still have to do laundry and pack...AGAIN! I was so dead tired after Hawaii that getting excited for the family reunion was something I practically missed out on. It wasn't until I saw my cousin, Ben, at the airport Friday morning that I realized how hard it was gonna be to leave when the weekend was over.
Charlotte, NC is a beautiful city! I spent the week of Thanksgiving there in 2000 after my internship in DC was done and I was nothing short of amazed at how clean and fresh it is there. No overpasses for freeways! In fact, there were times when I didn't even KNOW we were on a highway because the area is just surrounded by trees! The city's practically brand new, with all the new homes being built.
Anyhow, I digress. I'm not supposed to be blogging about Charlotte. I'm supposed to be blogging about my family. If only I could find the right words to describe how much I love everyone! It amazes me that every 2 or so years, we have this family reunion where my relatives from all over the US (and sometimes the Philippines) travel long distances to spend a couple days, sometimes just a day, together and then go back home. To spend $200-$400 for a plane ticket to a place you're only gonna be for 2 days is priceless to me. But that's how we are, how all families are, dedicated and loyal to the maintenance of our camaraderie and legacy, and I love it.
I love how my mom and my aunts and uncles reminisce about their childhood in the randomest of moments. I love how my aunts and uncles can joke around with the younger folk without causing any misunderstandings. I love the family gossip that people think only THEY know but really, the whole family knows. I love having so many nieces and nephews (kisses Jeremiah & Rosalyn!!). I love how my cousins and I don't see each other for 2 years, hanging by only a few phonecalls and e-mails in between meetings, yet still manage to uphold one of the strongest bonds I know: a friendship.
Aside from the humidity and rain this past weekend, everything, to me, was perfect. We got to meet my cousin's fiance who was nothing but sweet and charming. Alan & Stephanie are getting married in February! We had a fine dinner at my Auntie Nini's house on Friday night. On Saturday afternoon, we had an indoor "picnic" at a community center, which was followed by an evening of more eating, talking and magic mic'ing in the adjoining suites at the Double Tree Hotel. On Sunday we went to mass at St. Vincent de Paul (There was a hilarious announcement article in the bulletin that I will share with y'all after this entry - oh geez, did I just say Y'all?!). A bunch of us went shopping at the mall across the street, and then went back to the hotel rooms to get changed for the banquet that evening. The banquet was excellent. Lots of performances (YOU GO G4!), food and picture-taking! My cousins, aunts and uncles from up north had a flight leaving at 6 am the next morning, so my cousins, my sister and I decided not to sleep until they had to get ready at 3:40 am!
Monday, the 5th was Alan & Stephanie's birthday brunch at Tin-Tin restaurant. Mmmmmmmm...too bad I was too busy chit-chatting to go for a second round.
I had the best time ever, wishing our reunion could've lasted a whole month! But I bet the time would've gone by just as fast. Isn't that always the case when you're having fun? I'm looking forward to the next reunion of the Big, bad Bautista Clan. Vallejo 2006, here we come! In the meantime, I'll be here, missing everyone. Thanks family! To quote Ben, "I love being a Bautista!" Check out some photos!
That's what we called this past weekend's events in Charlotte, North Carolina. Since 1993, my Bautista side has hosted a family reunion like clockwork. We began in Burbank in December of 1993, then San Francisco in 1996, Maumee/Toledo, Ohio in 1998, Long Beach in 2000, Chicago in 2002 and then this year in "the South." We have it every 2 years and it's something that I look forward to during the odd numbered years.
When I got home from Hawaii 2 weeks ago, all I could think of was how much I missed being there and, oh crap, I have to fly to Charlotte this weekend and I still have to do laundry and pack...AGAIN! I was so dead tired after Hawaii that getting excited for the family reunion was something I practically missed out on. It wasn't until I saw my cousin, Ben, at the airport Friday morning that I realized how hard it was gonna be to leave when the weekend was over.
Charlotte, NC is a beautiful city! I spent the week of Thanksgiving there in 2000 after my internship in DC was done and I was nothing short of amazed at how clean and fresh it is there. No overpasses for freeways! In fact, there were times when I didn't even KNOW we were on a highway because the area is just surrounded by trees! The city's practically brand new, with all the new homes being built.
Anyhow, I digress. I'm not supposed to be blogging about Charlotte. I'm supposed to be blogging about my family. If only I could find the right words to describe how much I love everyone! It amazes me that every 2 or so years, we have this family reunion where my relatives from all over the US (and sometimes the Philippines) travel long distances to spend a couple days, sometimes just a day, together and then go back home. To spend $200-$400 for a plane ticket to a place you're only gonna be for 2 days is priceless to me. But that's how we are, how all families are, dedicated and loyal to the maintenance of our camaraderie and legacy, and I love it.
I love how my mom and my aunts and uncles reminisce about their childhood in the randomest of moments. I love how my aunts and uncles can joke around with the younger folk without causing any misunderstandings. I love the family gossip that people think only THEY know but really, the whole family knows. I love having so many nieces and nephews (kisses Jeremiah & Rosalyn!!). I love how my cousins and I don't see each other for 2 years, hanging by only a few phonecalls and e-mails in between meetings, yet still manage to uphold one of the strongest bonds I know: a friendship.
Aside from the humidity and rain this past weekend, everything, to me, was perfect. We got to meet my cousin's fiance who was nothing but sweet and charming. Alan & Stephanie are getting married in February! We had a fine dinner at my Auntie Nini's house on Friday night. On Saturday afternoon, we had an indoor "picnic" at a community center, which was followed by an evening of more eating, talking and magic mic'ing in the adjoining suites at the Double Tree Hotel. On Sunday we went to mass at St. Vincent de Paul (There was a hilarious announcement article in the bulletin that I will share with y'all after this entry - oh geez, did I just say Y'all?!). A bunch of us went shopping at the mall across the street, and then went back to the hotel rooms to get changed for the banquet that evening. The banquet was excellent. Lots of performances (YOU GO G4!), food and picture-taking! My cousins, aunts and uncles from up north had a flight leaving at 6 am the next morning, so my cousins, my sister and I decided not to sleep until they had to get ready at 3:40 am!
Monday, the 5th was Alan & Stephanie's birthday brunch at Tin-Tin restaurant. Mmmmmmmm...too bad I was too busy chit-chatting to go for a second round.
I had the best time ever, wishing our reunion could've lasted a whole month! But I bet the time would've gone by just as fast. Isn't that always the case when you're having fun? I'm looking forward to the next reunion of the Big, bad Bautista Clan. Vallejo 2006, here we come! In the meantime, I'll be here, missing everyone. Thanks family! To quote Ben, "I love being a Bautista!" Check out some photos!
Thursday, July 08, 2004
BUSY BUSY BUSY...
I'm so excited to tell you guys everything and to show you all pictures, but I've been so busy! I've been yearning to blog since I got to Charlotte last Friday! Let's just say I love being a Bautista as much as I love being a Gonda. You never realize how much you miss family who's far away until you see them again and then have to say good-bye. I HATE THAT! I'm just grateful for instant messaging, e-mail and snailmail! Great sources of communication across the miles...oh yeah, free minutes too! ha ha ha...
Ok, until next time...
I'm so excited to tell you guys everything and to show you all pictures, but I've been so busy! I've been yearning to blog since I got to Charlotte last Friday! Let's just say I love being a Bautista as much as I love being a Gonda. You never realize how much you miss family who's far away until you see them again and then have to say good-bye. I HATE THAT! I'm just grateful for instant messaging, e-mail and snailmail! Great sources of communication across the miles...oh yeah, free minutes too! ha ha ha...
Ok, until next time...
Thursday, July 01, 2004
TARHEEL NATION
Hey everyone! My parents, my sister and I are leaving for Charlotte, NC tonight for a family reunion (my Bautista side). I can't wait to see all my relatives who I don't get the pleasure of seeing or talking to often because we live states away from each other. Tell you all about it when I get back!
Happy 4th everyone! Be safe!!!
Hey everyone! My parents, my sister and I are leaving for Charlotte, NC tonight for a family reunion (my Bautista side). I can't wait to see all my relatives who I don't get the pleasure of seeing or talking to often because we live states away from each other. Tell you all about it when I get back!
Happy 4th everyone! Be safe!!!
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
UNSUNG HEROES
I did something dumb on the Monday before I left for Hawaii. I went to the bank after work to withdraw some dinero to take on my trip. There was only 1 space left on that whole first floor at the Wells Fargo lot and it HAD to be next to this huge ass Camry that parked, not only on HIS space, but inched right into the empty space next to it…the space I was going to try to get into. So, I’m trying to be all careful, moving ever so slowly when I heard this noise come from the front of the car. I thought I had run over a plastic bottle or something. When I got out of the car, ‘lo and behold, there were streaks of yellow paint on the left side of my bumper because I scraped against the stupid pole! Aaaaaaaahhhhh!!! It looked much worse than it really was. None of Raven’s paint (that’s my car’s name, Raven – Raven the Rav 4…ha ha ha…) was harmed. All the paint streaks came from that stupid yellow pole. Something like this ALWAYS happens to me before I leave for a trip. Before I left for England in 1999, my wallet was stolen; before I left for DC, I got into a really bad car accident; before I left for Hawaii LAST year, I ran over that freeway rail that punctured a hole in my oil tank and my front right tire. And then now this. But I learned in the last year not to overreact about stuff like this so I’m like, it’s ok, when I get back from Hawaii, I’ll clean it up and it’ll look just fine.
When we were driving to work last Tuesday morning, I suddenly remembered that that had happened the day before and I was telling my mom how I felt so sorry for my car. Then my mom says, “oh, daddy fixed it already.” When we got to the garage at work, I looked at my bumper and it was as if nothing happened. My dad had spent the night before cleaning it up. That’s just like my dad, always doing things for us and never waiting for acts or words of gratitude. I love my dad! I felt awful this past Sunday, Father’s Day, because I was in Hawaii, unable to celebrate the day designated to honoring the men who woke up in the middle of the night for midnight feedings, the one who sang and rocked us to sleep, the one who sterilized our bottles, the proxy who awkwardly tried to fix our hair before school if mom was sick, the family caretaker who stands in a shadow often to give mom most of the glory.
I don’t think dads get enough appreciation in this world. On tv, in movies, it’s always the dad who abandons the mom and the children and it’s always the dad who has the affair. Not all dads are this way but that’s how it appears sometimes, doesn’t it? When it’s Mother’s Day, you know it because the malls and restaurants are filled with signs reminding us and cable is chockfull of made-for-tv movies about moms. But when it’s Father’s Day, you see a sign here and there, and hardly anything on tv giving dad the recognition he deserves. Maybe it’s just me, but it’s only because I love my dad so much and I wish he got as much attention as mom does sometimes.
Here’s to all of our dads, on earth and in heaven! And to honor this most important male influence in my life, here’s…
Getting to know…
FORTUNATO D. GONDA, JR. aka DADDY
Vitals: Met when I was born cuz he was there! = 26 years and counting
Role In My Life: The Best Dad Ever – Not only is my dad the typical patriarch of the family, who drives us everywhere, pays the bills and makes sure the cars are always in good health, he’s also the epitome of Mr. Mom. Every Friday when I get home from work, the washing machine and dryer are already running cuz Dad likes to end the week with laundry. He does this well into early Saturday morning, after which he spends a good part of the afternoon folding everything (unless my sister and I…well, unless I run into a basket and fold it myself).
Good Times: Sometimes I feel bad that my dad didn’t have any sons. Both of his brothers have sons and sometimes I feel like my dad kinda wishes he had at least ONE to carry on the family name and to do guy things with. So my sister and I do what we can to help the situation. On some Saturday mornings, my sister will get up early to play basketball or tennis with my dad. I try to watch as many basketball games on tv with my dad as I can. It’s fun watching Laker games together. We get angry and yell at stupid plays and bogus foul calls and get excited, hi-fiving each other when Kobe can’t miss. Who needs a son when you’ve got 2 daughters who love their dad right?
In his own words: “Ok, Leng, just call me on my cellophone.” – Ha ha ha…I think he got telephone and cell phone mixed up. Oh dad...
I did something dumb on the Monday before I left for Hawaii. I went to the bank after work to withdraw some dinero to take on my trip. There was only 1 space left on that whole first floor at the Wells Fargo lot and it HAD to be next to this huge ass Camry that parked, not only on HIS space, but inched right into the empty space next to it…the space I was going to try to get into. So, I’m trying to be all careful, moving ever so slowly when I heard this noise come from the front of the car. I thought I had run over a plastic bottle or something. When I got out of the car, ‘lo and behold, there were streaks of yellow paint on the left side of my bumper because I scraped against the stupid pole! Aaaaaaaahhhhh!!! It looked much worse than it really was. None of Raven’s paint (that’s my car’s name, Raven – Raven the Rav 4…ha ha ha…) was harmed. All the paint streaks came from that stupid yellow pole. Something like this ALWAYS happens to me before I leave for a trip. Before I left for England in 1999, my wallet was stolen; before I left for DC, I got into a really bad car accident; before I left for Hawaii LAST year, I ran over that freeway rail that punctured a hole in my oil tank and my front right tire. And then now this. But I learned in the last year not to overreact about stuff like this so I’m like, it’s ok, when I get back from Hawaii, I’ll clean it up and it’ll look just fine.
When we were driving to work last Tuesday morning, I suddenly remembered that that had happened the day before and I was telling my mom how I felt so sorry for my car. Then my mom says, “oh, daddy fixed it already.” When we got to the garage at work, I looked at my bumper and it was as if nothing happened. My dad had spent the night before cleaning it up. That’s just like my dad, always doing things for us and never waiting for acts or words of gratitude. I love my dad! I felt awful this past Sunday, Father’s Day, because I was in Hawaii, unable to celebrate the day designated to honoring the men who woke up in the middle of the night for midnight feedings, the one who sang and rocked us to sleep, the one who sterilized our bottles, the proxy who awkwardly tried to fix our hair before school if mom was sick, the family caretaker who stands in a shadow often to give mom most of the glory.
I don’t think dads get enough appreciation in this world. On tv, in movies, it’s always the dad who abandons the mom and the children and it’s always the dad who has the affair. Not all dads are this way but that’s how it appears sometimes, doesn’t it? When it’s Mother’s Day, you know it because the malls and restaurants are filled with signs reminding us and cable is chockfull of made-for-tv movies about moms. But when it’s Father’s Day, you see a sign here and there, and hardly anything on tv giving dad the recognition he deserves. Maybe it’s just me, but it’s only because I love my dad so much and I wish he got as much attention as mom does sometimes.
Here’s to all of our dads, on earth and in heaven! And to honor this most important male influence in my life, here’s…
Getting to know…
FORTUNATO D. GONDA, JR. aka DADDY
Vitals: Met when I was born cuz he was there! = 26 years and counting
Role In My Life: The Best Dad Ever – Not only is my dad the typical patriarch of the family, who drives us everywhere, pays the bills and makes sure the cars are always in good health, he’s also the epitome of Mr. Mom. Every Friday when I get home from work, the washing machine and dryer are already running cuz Dad likes to end the week with laundry. He does this well into early Saturday morning, after which he spends a good part of the afternoon folding everything (unless my sister and I…well, unless I run into a basket and fold it myself).
Good Times: Sometimes I feel bad that my dad didn’t have any sons. Both of his brothers have sons and sometimes I feel like my dad kinda wishes he had at least ONE to carry on the family name and to do guy things with. So my sister and I do what we can to help the situation. On some Saturday mornings, my sister will get up early to play basketball or tennis with my dad. I try to watch as many basketball games on tv with my dad as I can. It’s fun watching Laker games together. We get angry and yell at stupid plays and bogus foul calls and get excited, hi-fiving each other when Kobe can’t miss. Who needs a son when you’ve got 2 daughters who love their dad right?
In his own words: “Ok, Leng, just call me on my cellophone.” – Ha ha ha…I think he got telephone and cell phone mixed up. Oh dad...
Sunday, June 27, 2004
BACK TO THE MAINLAND
I spent 8 days in lovely Hawaii, on the wonderful island of Oahu and it wouldn't be enough to say what a great time I had. I couldn't possibly relay every detail about the trip to you all, but here's a list of things we did each day:
Day 1: June 17, 2004, Thursday
-Arrived in Honolulu at 11:20 am
-Checked in at the Aston Coral Reef
-Lunch at International Marketplace
-Fun in the Waikiki waters
-Dinner and drinks at Dukes
Day 2: June 18, 2004, Friday
-Diamond Head (or according to Ryan, "Mountain Head") hike
-Lunch at Ono's
-Dole Plantation
-Sunset Beach (for like 5 minutes because of the high tide warning)
-Waimea Beach
-Dinner at Cheeseburger Paradise
Day 3: June 19, 2004, Saturday
-Pearl Harbor - Arizona Memorial
-Aloha Bowl Swap Meet
-Feng Shui Club at the Hyatt Regency
Day 4: June 20, 2004, Sunday
-Mass at St. Augustine
-Brunch on the Beach @ Kalakawa Street
-Lunch with Randy's relatives in Pearl City
-Matsumoto's
-Kuhio Beach (where we experienced some near-drownings. I'll have the victims tell you about that one)
-Walked around and had a late dinner at the Int'l Marketplace
Day 5: June 21, 2004, Monday
-Malasadas from Leonard's Bakery...mmmmmmm
-Maka Pu'u Beach
-Kailua Beach
-Lunch @ L & L
-ATVing at Kualoa Ranch (where Jurassic Park and 50 First Dates was filmed)
-Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
-Mai Tai Bar
Day 6: June 22, 2004, Tuesday
-Shopping all day (Ala Moana Shopping Center), some peeps went mopedding
-Paradise Cove Luau
-Singles spend the evening to the morning on the beach
Day 7: June 23, 2004, Wednesday
-Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
-More shopping at int'l marketplace and Local Motion
-Dinner @ Tiki Bar & Grill
-Threw leis back into the ocean
Day 8: June 24, 2004, Thursday
-Got ready to head back home =(
-Last minute shopping at Int'l Marketplace
-Flight at 1:15 pm
-Landed at LAX at 9:39 pm
I wish I could go back and not have to deal with the realities of our lives here, like work, school and other issues. We all wish we could stay and loaf around Hawaii a little longer and sadness doesn't begin to describe how we feel about leaving. But Matt told us all something our last night in Hawaii and it's really stuck since we got home: Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. Click on the links on the side to see what I mean.
I spent 8 days in lovely Hawaii, on the wonderful island of Oahu and it wouldn't be enough to say what a great time I had. I couldn't possibly relay every detail about the trip to you all, but here's a list of things we did each day:
Day 1: June 17, 2004, Thursday
-Arrived in Honolulu at 11:20 am
-Checked in at the Aston Coral Reef
-Lunch at International Marketplace
-Fun in the Waikiki waters
-Dinner and drinks at Dukes
Day 2: June 18, 2004, Friday
-Diamond Head (or according to Ryan, "Mountain Head") hike
-Lunch at Ono's
-Dole Plantation
-Sunset Beach (for like 5 minutes because of the high tide warning)
-Waimea Beach
-Dinner at Cheeseburger Paradise
Day 3: June 19, 2004, Saturday
-Pearl Harbor - Arizona Memorial
-Aloha Bowl Swap Meet
-Feng Shui Club at the Hyatt Regency
Day 4: June 20, 2004, Sunday
-Mass at St. Augustine
-Brunch on the Beach @ Kalakawa Street
-Lunch with Randy's relatives in Pearl City
-Matsumoto's
-Kuhio Beach (where we experienced some near-drownings. I'll have the victims tell you about that one)
-Walked around and had a late dinner at the Int'l Marketplace
Day 5: June 21, 2004, Monday
-Malasadas from Leonard's Bakery...mmmmmmm
-Maka Pu'u Beach
-Kailua Beach
-Lunch @ L & L
-ATVing at Kualoa Ranch (where Jurassic Park and 50 First Dates was filmed)
-Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
-Mai Tai Bar
Day 6: June 22, 2004, Tuesday
-Shopping all day (Ala Moana Shopping Center), some peeps went mopedding
-Paradise Cove Luau
-Singles spend the evening to the morning on the beach
Day 7: June 23, 2004, Wednesday
-Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
-More shopping at int'l marketplace and Local Motion
-Dinner @ Tiki Bar & Grill
-Threw leis back into the ocean
Day 8: June 24, 2004, Thursday
-Got ready to head back home =(
-Last minute shopping at Int'l Marketplace
-Flight at 1:15 pm
-Landed at LAX at 9:39 pm
I wish I could go back and not have to deal with the realities of our lives here, like work, school and other issues. We all wish we could stay and loaf around Hawaii a little longer and sadness doesn't begin to describe how we feel about leaving. But Matt told us all something our last night in Hawaii and it's really stuck since we got home: Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. Click on the links on the side to see what I mean.
Thursday, June 17, 2004
TINY BUBBLES
Hey kids! If you don't already know, a bunch of us are leaving for Hawaii on Thursday, June 17th and coming back June 24th, next Thursday. I'm sure you'll get to read at least 5-6 different perspectives of the trip when we get back. Check out the Hawaii blog (See "Mahalo Time" link on the side) we've been maintaining since January to find out what we'll be doing while we're there.
Until next time, ALOHA!
Hey kids! If you don't already know, a bunch of us are leaving for Hawaii on Thursday, June 17th and coming back June 24th, next Thursday. I'm sure you'll get to read at least 5-6 different perspectives of the trip when we get back. Check out the Hawaii blog (See "Mahalo Time" link on the side) we've been maintaining since January to find out what we'll be doing while we're there.
Until next time, ALOHA!
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