Chillin' With Dickens

If you can tell me which Dickens' novel I just finished then I will send you an email with a smiley face. Okay, lame prize (I know), but after I give you the quotes it will be way too easy!

Here are they are:

"It was the best of times it was the worst of times..."

"It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known."

p.s. I'm open to suggestions for my next read.

Hiking in Hawaii--Part III

A few weeks ago we hiked the Kuliouou Ridge Trail. It has been my favorite hike since moving here. The trail wasn't steep like Koko Head, and we didn't have to deal with mud or bugs, but it was still challenging. It seemed much longer than the other trails we've hiked, but the view at the top was breathtaking! I felt so pleased with myself for making the trek up to the top. I could literally say I was on the tip top of one of Oahu's steep mountains.

One cool section of the trail consisted of switchbacks in among a bunch of really interesting pines. Needles littered the path and created a layer of insulation; it almost looked like snow and an incredible silence enveloped us as we hiked through that section of the trail--pretty neat!

Near the top, the scenery began to grow more and more lush. As part of the trail, we came across an interesting staircase that seemed to grow out of the vegetation. The look, the lighting, the growth--everything made it so picturesque. My boys, who always have a somewhat different take on beauty of nature, nicknamed it the secret stair (think Lord of the Rings). Later, after we made it to the top, Tyson found a section he then called, Shelob's Lair, to continue the theme. They are creative afterall, but maybe we do watch too many movies.

Our Secret Stair:

Tyson caught in Shelob's Lair:

Anyway, at the top we had an amazing 360 degree view of the island. Incredible! I even took a picture of Koko Head to show how much higher up we were. That itty bitty mountain that looks so small in the picture nearly killed me a few weeks ago. What perspective!

Koko Head looks awful small now, doesn't it? Not so scary now, are you Koko Head?

As we crested, we saw a sign that said, "End of the Trail." However, we noticed a worn path leading down, off of the flattened top area, and continuing along the tip tops of the mountain. Of course we started to follow it a little further. I was even dumb enough to be in the lead! The wind was blowing like crazy and my adrenaline was pumping as we slowly made our way across tiny paths about 2 feet across with sheer drop-offs on either side. Eventually it even turned into some rock climbing, using ropes that had been left in strategic spots. Finally, I couldn't take it any more (I was pretty scared for my kids' safety) and Tyson and I opted to stay put in "Shelob's Lair" while Zac and Tim bravely continued. Watching Tim and Zac climb up and over another ridge, out of sight, was as close to going crazy with just pure worry that I think a person can get. Thankfully they made it back safely and without incident. They both remarked that this hike felt much more scary than at Angel's Landing (the hike the scouts took on their High Adventure in UT last year). I think that says something! Google images of Angel's Landing if you don't believe me. In the meantime, I'm going to feel really cool that I made it up Kuliouou Ridge.

Botanical Gardens

To while away the time one Sunday afternoon, we took a walk around the Koko Head Botanical Gardens. Imagine our surprise when it was filled with a variety of different cacti! The plumeria trees are also in abundance at the gardens but they weren't in full bloom at the time. I can't wait to go back and check them out.

This cactus reminded me of Medusa:

There was a Dr. Seuss feel to this area. Here are my boys acting like the Zax stuck in their tracks:

Hiking in Hawaii--Part Two

Our second hike was to the top of Koko Head Crater. It's not far from our house. At first we thought the trail was just a stretch of land up the slope with trees and brush carved out for electricity poles (or something). Eventually, we realized we could see movement up the bare stretch--people. Sure enough, people were climbing up the side of this steep mountain. Of course, Zac got super excited and decided we would hike it on Labor Day. So, hike it we did. There are railroad ties up the entire trail which act as steps. If I'm not mistaken, there was an old railway that led to to the top. I'm unsure what it was used for though. So, long story short, we hiked it, sweat a ton, and enjoyed the incredible view from the top.

Steep!

Hanauma Bay in the background.

View from the bottom:

Seriously steep!

We live down there on the marina.

Hiking in Hawaii--Part One

Any move brings with with it a certain degree of loneliness; you leave friends behind and it takes time to build relationships in the new area. This move to Hawaii is no different. Luckily, our family gets along pretty well. We are good companions for each other (well most of the time). Thankfully this is true, because we have been spending a lot more time together. To pass the time, we've taken up hiking as one activity to exercise our muscles, get to know our surroundings and keep from being bored out of our minds.

Our first hike was on the Kuliouou Valley Trail. It was a hot August day, a little humid, so we decided something in the shade would do us some good. This particular trail peters down practically nothing as you wind your way around tree roots and rocks up the side of a ravine. Unfortunately, the mud and bugs caused us to rethink our decision and we didn't make it all the way to the end of the trail. However, the return of Tyson's energy level as we headed back to the car informed us that we had indeed made the correct decision. Near the bottom of the trail, my thoughts turned to the camera in my bag, which resulted in a few fun photos to commemorate our first hike (or should I say first attempt--I'm pretty sure we'll make it all the way up the trail sometime or other).

So here are a few photos of our first hike on Oahu:

"I Will Work Harder"

I just finished Animal Farm by George Orwell (I know, I know. Another book review??? I can't help it. I love to read and I currently have the time, so I drink books in like the sand soaks up the ocean).

Anyway, the book is actually Tim's. He is supposed to read it for English. I was shocked to realize I have never read it myself, so I decided I would read it too. I'm glad I did. For some odd reason, Orwell's writing reminds me of Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye or Joseph Heller's Catch 22. Perhaps I feel this way because they are all written in the same general time period (Animal Farm was published in 1946, The Catcher in the Rye 1951 and Catch 22 1953). Orwell's novel has a profound message though, one easy to comprehend and understand. His plot details how a society determined to make a better life for its members is capable of being changed into a state of terrible dictatorship. The way in which the animals were slowly dragged from freedom to slavery is sad, but acts as a good allegory to how corruption begins and flourishes.

The part that struck me the hardest was the fate of Boxer, the strong work-horse who helped the farm become so successful. His motto, "I will work harder," is a brilliant statement showcasing a person with stamina, regard for others and confidence that one can make a difference. His motto is a good way to think about how to live one's life, but it is also important to know and understand what cause one is working for. Boxer's blindness in this respect led to his sorrowful demise and acts as a reminder that even the strong can be taken in as a fool.

Note to self: always work hard, expect that you can always work harder, but don't be a sucker. Oh, and stay away from mean smarty-pants pigs.

Eighth Grade Recognition Night

To celebrate the achievements of the eight grade class at Ottoson Middle School, parents and family members were invited to attend the Eighth Grade Recognition night in June of this year. We watched (while standing--no seats available, which is an Ottoson tradition) as Tim accepted an award for excellence in Drama as well as an award for making it through eighth grade and finishing off his Middle School experience. I'm pretty proud of this kid. He's kind, intelligent, very talented, creative and truly fun to be around. I'm so glad he's MY son!