My Own Sacred Grove

I went camping this past weekend outside of Seaside Oregon with some friends. With so much weighing heavily on my heart and mind, I made frequent visits alone into the wilderness where I was able to find my own "Sacred Grove". It was here that I was able to read my scriptures, ponder and pray. I grew up in Oregon, and though I haven't been back since I was a little child, it all seems so familiar to me. I was reminded, amazed and humbled at the beauty of this world that our Heavenly Father has created for us.
What an incredible opportunity it was to reconnect with my Heavenly Father and to feel his love. Even amidst the whirlwind that is my life at the present, I was able to feel his comfort. I echoed the words of another when I thought to myself "Lord, how is it done?" I am amazed at how the spirit can calm our souls in times of trial.
I couldn't think of a better "reading room" in which to ponder the scriptures. I wish I could sit by the creekbed everyday and study.

I was amazed the beauty that surrounded me. These beautiful bell-shaped flowers were everywhere.

As I trekked further down the trail, I felt small in this universe as I noticed all creatures, great and small.

I even managed to carry on a conversation with this chipmunk who kept coming closer. I would speak, and then he would respond. It was quite magical...and humorous.

I even took notice of the many snakes on the trail. This is one of my little buddies that I almost stepped on.

This ain't Hawaii!

I had only been in Portland for a few days when some friends dragged me up to Moulton falls. I nearly had a heart attack when I hit the water.

This ain't Hawaii, thats for sure. I jumped in once and was done for the day.

Mattbob, Crystal and Me.

Wallabies in Hawaii??

Who knew? Once upon a time, in 1916, three wallabies (a male, female and juvenile) were brought to O’ahu to be part of a privately owned zoo in ‘Alewa Heights. The breeding pair was being held in a tent when a dog broke in and attacked them, setting the wallabies free. Currently it is estimated that there are approximately 250 Wallabies on the island. Most of the population lives in Kalihi valley, between a series of cliffs and ledges that protect them from predators. The animals are not formally managed or tracked, but are protected by the state.

Being the island adventurers that we are, we decided late one night to make the treacherous hike in hopes to spot these little creatures. We never saw a darned thing, but we have a great story to tell!!

Cheee-Hooooo!

What do you do between school and work...?

...you play!

Hangin' in front of da Moana Surfrider in Waikiki

Giovanni's Famous Shrimp truck in Haleiwa, North Shore

Uncle Duke and I. Two south shore rippahs.

Every surf sesh should end with a Matsumoto's Shave Ice!

"Stick a fork in me, I am PAU!"

On Thursday, I had my last final exam of my undergraduate career. It was the beast of all beasts...Managerial Statistics. Time ran out and I gladly handed my exam to my professor. As I walked out of the classroom, I could barely contain myself. I had perma-grin from ear to ear and before I made it down the steps and out of the building my eyes began to well up. Sounds stupid, but it has been a long hard road (much harder than it is supposed to be for some reason) and I never thought that I would get to this point. My heart is filled with gratitude and humility for all of the many people who helped me. I will never be able to truly repay them.

Minus the Bear - Honolulu, Hawaii 2/23/08

Last night's Minus the Bear show at Pipeline Cafe. Amazing show with great friends!

Just for the record, after seeing these pics, I start my diet and workout regimen tomorrow!

The English Beat live @ the Canal Room '06

One of my favorite things about living in NYC was the ability to see great live music. The week before I left the city, I had the chance to see the classic 80's band "The English Beat" live at the Canal Room. Some of you may remember the lead vocalist, Dave Wakeling, from his other well known band "General Public". On this night, I was even fortunate enough to catch him playing with the legendary guitarist/vocalist, Lynval Golding of the famous Ska band "The Specials".

Here is some footage that a friend and I shot at the show. Turn off my Hawaiian Music player and enjoy!

The above clip is The English beat performing The Specials' classic "Message to Rudy".

The above clip is The English Beat performing "Hands Off She's Mine"

I can't wait to move back to the city where I can enjoy great music at arms length.

No big surprise here!

This is a "color" test that has been circulating around our family's blogs. No big surprise, I came out RED. Those who know me will understand. For a better glimpse at my personality type, see my previous post on my ENFP type.

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Red

Your color is red, the color of racy sportscars, blushing cheeks, and luscious roses. Red symbolizes passion, romance, and love. So, since you're ruled by red, you probably trust your feelings more than your brain and tend to act spontaneously. If you see something you want, you go for it without thinking twice — impulsive is your middle name. You don't wait around for people to make decisions, either; you dive right in. Quite the romantic, you pay close attention to your emotions. In fact, if your heart isn't in what you're doing, you won't be satisfied. Of course, even when you do pour all your energy into the projects you tackle, your impetuous nature means your passions can shift as frequently as the wind. That's why some reds have trouble with commitment. Our advice? Next time you're feeling fickle, think before you act, if possible. You might be surprised at the results. Overall, though, it's great to be red. No one lives life more completely than you do.

Take this test >

Reflections of ALOHA

Stickin' it to "The Man"

I felt like harassing security at the 86th Street Station in Manhattan.

Always keep the Surf Report on speed dial!

Here is a glimpse of what my weekends look like here in Hawaii. The south shore is a favorite place to catch some surf. Much Aloha to the "soul surfers", the longboarders.

Hawaii Lacrosse Invitational 2007

Over the past 10+ years, I have been privileged to play Lacrosse in some of the most exciting environments...most recently for the NYC Orcas men's team in Manhattan. I have played in tournaments all over the country, however, I have always wanted to play in the Hawaii Tournament. Recently I was fortunate enough to be invited by two teams to play in this great tourney. I played for Hawaii's Elemakule team as well as Team DaKine. Here are some tournament photos...

I forgot to read the fine print!

I believe that before we came to this earth we knew what we were in for. The plan was laid out for us and we chose to accept it. I love my life! We signed up for this! However, there are times when I feel like I forgot to read the "fine print".

Happy Honu!

I love living in Hawaii. I love to surf some of the best waves that the world has to offer, in some of the warmest conditions. Quite often, as I sit in the line-up inbetween sets, I can see plenty of Honu (Green Sea Turtles). They are so beautiful and graceful as they comb the reef for food. Many times they lift their head and often a fin out of the water as if to say hello to a fellow waterman. To me they are further proof of a Heavenly Father who obviously had an eye for beauty as this world unfolded in its creation. It saddens me that these beautiful animals are endangered (mostly due to human introduction). The Hawaiians believe them to be the physical manifestation of their 'Aumakua (Hawaiian Ancestors). Hawaiians show them Aloha and to see them is a blessing. In fact it was once Kapu (taboo) to harm them. Even with the introduction of Christianity, the 'Aumakua have continued to be remembered with fondness and reverence by Hawaiians. I look for the Honu every time I get in the water and I pray that these beautiful creatures will survive.

Aloha!

I miss New York and the urban feel of the city. As many of you know, while I don't condone the breaking of the law, I am a huge fan of "Street Art" and Graffiti. Here is a little bit of Aloha from Hawaii.

Mr. Incredible!

When I lived in Manhattan, I lived in a building on the Upper West Side with some of the cutest little Dominican kids you've ever seen. One of my favorite little buddies was named Mario. One day as I was walking up the steps to my apartment, I startled Mario and a group of kids that I had never seen as they were playing in the stairwell. As one little 4 or 5 year-old boy looked up at me, he said with intense admiration..."Whoa, he looks like the Incredibles dad!" I didn't know whether to be offended or flattered, seeing as how I was not in the best shape of my life, not unlike Mr. Incredible himself. I smiled at him and continued up the stairs. I often remember and get a chuckle out of the experience. Later that Week I was walking by one of my favorite spots in the city, (The Wall of Fame on 106th and Park in Spanish Harlem)when I saw this...