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Flotilla 2010

We did it every year, always with the same level of delight. Held on the 4th of July, for our 30-something lifestyle in Hawaii there is nothing the better represented freedom. A floating frat party in the most stunning location.

This year we headed out with friends on floaties. We met up with the canoes, ran into other friends, surprised by some we had never seen on the water, one that even lived on another island. Toasting with our spiked Gatorades and graciously accepting free food, we smiled, and smiled, and smiled. I get choked up looking back on the photos... our lives are so great.













Oh Hawaii, our beautiful friend, full of good times. Happy 4th of July. Here's to all the future Flotillas!

Aloha Portland

Well, we made it!

I'm still not done sharing all our Hawaii adventures. We had an amazing luau party friends threw for us, and we did one more Flotilla. And I don't think I ever shared our trips to Lanai and Maui. So still much more to come.

But if you want to follow our life in Portland you can find it here: http://stringkites.blogspot.com/

Happy trails!

Aloha

In about four hours I will no longer live in Hawaii. It hasn't sunk in at all, I haven't really felt any emotions about it. I've been living each of our last Hawaii days to the fullest and really trying to stay in the moment. I am very excited for what lies ahead of us but I'm trying to keep that in the future and let today be about today.

Thank you to all of you, the small handful, that tune in to read my ramblings. This blog has been fun and has really kept me focused on what a journey this is.

Our time in Hawaii has been incredibly special. When we stepped of the plane four and half years ago I hoped for fun, a tan, and some relaxed days. I had no idea I would be changed so deeply, and so much for the better.

I am a better person having lived in Hawaii, having paddled, surfed and swam in the waters. I am a more patient and open person for all the variety of people I've met here. I am stronger and more optimistic for all the wonderful friends I've made. Bryan and I are better together for having made our lives here.

I am happy to be leaving. I look forward to visiting. I hope desperately that all of our friendships remain strong. I hope, without any chance of this being a reality, that I keep my tan. No matter what, I know Hawaii will travel with me. It's not goodbye, it's thank you, and let's meet again soon.

Aloha, Hawaii.

Saying Goodbye (to paddling)

On Sunday I raced my last paddling race in Hawaii. And I cried.

I had absolutely no idea it would affect me that much. In fact, I nearly didn't race that day. I almost stayed home to read a book and pack up the apartment. But my loyalties to the club won out and I dragged myself down to Ke'ehi Lagoon near the airport.

When we first moved here there was a massive sewage spill in Waikiki that drastically polluted the waters of Waikiki (oh, isn't Hawaii lovely) so our club moved our practices to Ke'ehi Lagoon. Ke'ehi Lagoon is dull, flat, ugly, and cold. But that's where I learned to paddle.

So as I drove into Ke'ehi Lagoon on Sunday afternoon I remembered those early days of paddling. Days when I didn't know anyone but desperately wanted to be invited to join in the fun. Days when I flipped-flopped between loving and hating paddling. Days when Hawaii was so new to me it really hadn't even sunk in.

My race on Sunday wasn't that great. I was in terrible shape to race. I was physcially and emotionally exhausted. I had just eaten a Subway sandwich, and hadn't really warmed up at all. But I truly gave it my all. And because I blessed to be racing with some of the best women in my club, we easily won. I am so honored to walk away with a gold medal.

As we slowed after the finish line one of my beautiful, bubbly and incredibly buff paddling friends piped up from the front of the boat, "Jenni James is that your last race?" And I responded, "It was, thanks for the great ride." Then I paddled on with a big smile.

It's customary after a race to hug all your fellow paddlers. And that's when it hit me. Paddling has been as much as my life in Hawaii as Bryan has. All of my closest friends have come from paddling. Much of my growth as a person is a direct result of paddling. I truly love this sport. And I really, really love the girls.

As I gave each girl a hug the tears started to well up more and more until I couldn't keep it in. I am so incredibly sad to leave this. I truly don't believe I will find this again in my life. I am letting myself mourn it, and honor it.

And I'll cry it out. I will miss paddling. I will miss my paddling friends. And I will miss my Hawaii life so terribly. So, so terribly.