Hawaii Highs and Lows

Since I moved to paradise months ago, lots of people back home want to know all about what it’s like living here. While Hawaii is the 50^thstate, it’s truly very different than any other state and has a very unique history and culture. At times, it’s pretty easy to actually forget you’re actually in America. So I can definitely understand why everyone is so fascinated at the idea of living in a place like Hawaii and why they want to hear all the details. For the most part, I enjoy telling everyone about the amazing things I love about living on the island of Oahu. It truly has been a dream come true in so many ways, and I still have to pinch myself! However, sometimes people are quite surprised to hear that paradise actually isn’t always just sunshine and rainbows. Nothing in life is perfect, and life is all about balance. There are some downsides too, which cause some people to actually not like living here. It's just not for everyone. Learning all the pros and cons firsthand has been pretty interesting, so here’s my list of both:

Highs:

-          The weather. It really is just as glorious as they say it is. Almost every day is picture perfect. The weather typically ranges in the 80's year round, and even when it’s hottest in summer months, there’s rarely that muggy humidity which makes you feel gross. It's usually always sunny and gorgeous. It may rain a bit, but usually the clouds move fast and it usually passes before you realize it. Every few months it rains for days at a time, and then afterwards everything is so green and lush! Oddly enough, even when it’s cloudy or rainy for most of the day, it’s still breathtaking! 

-          There is so much to see and do. I personally feel like I could never run out of things to do. From world class beaches, water sports, outdoor festivals, hikes, sailing, museums, historical places, art, to the many other adventures the island offers, there is truly something for everyone! We have a bustling city in the downtown areas of Honolulu, or relaxing little beach towns and country areas. There is plenty to explore on every level. A lot of people claim they get "island fever" after living here for a few years, and some locals seem to be bored with it all. But for me, it’s very hard to imagine ever having these problems! This is heaven... Especially for active or adventurous people.

-          The aesthetics of this island absolutely blow my mind. Being surrounded by such beautiful scenery truly lifts my spirits each and every day. Jaw-dropping views are a regular and certain occurrence no matter where you go. You are literally always surrounded by beauty here. I don’t think I could ever get used to this or take it for granted. Because the terrain is elevated by hills -'d mountains of many different slopes, you’re guaranteed to always see some incredible landscape ahead no matter where you are on the island, whether it’s a turquoise ocean horizon or a majestic mountain range. Not to mention the exotic and tropical foliage, flowers, and trees that you don’t even have to be within the vast forests and valleys to experience. I can’t even fully explain it, so it’s just something you have to see for yourself. It’s never short of inspirational!

-          Hawaiian culture itself is just plain dope. I have really enjoyed learning about the history of how so many different people from different parts of the world came to be here and form this utopia of different foods, languages, and customs. Generations of Asian and Latin migrants have settled here and all play an important role in the rich history of their communities here in Hawaii. However, the native Polynesians and their ancient beliefs have fascinated me the most by far. They truly take pride in their heritage, which is a joy for me as I am obsessed with indigenous people, and love being exposed to their culture up close and personal.

-          The cuisine is very different but totally delicious. With such a strong Asian influence, this is a great place for anyone who loves Asian foods like myself. Sushi, Ramen, Korean, Thai, Saimin, and others are local meal staples and found on every corner. Hawaiian food is pretty interesting and delicious too. I haven’t quite joined in with the Spam bandwagon, but I certainly appreciate their affinity for good pork, especially the always delicious Kalua pig!

-          Aloha spirit is truly remarkable and something that everyone could benefit from. In general, people are more nice and friendly. While there are plenty of rude and grumpy people just like anywhere else in the world, most people just seem happier and more relaxed here, and therefore are more pleasant and treat each other with more respect than what I am used to. Total strangers will greet me, smile or spark a conversation, which is a noticeable difference to me from the East Coast.

-          Island life will teach you a thing or two about patience. While Oahu is much faster than the other Hawaiian islands, it’s still very slow compared to the mainland and you really have no choice but to slow down to the local pace as well. After your initial frustration when adjusting to this, you eventually realize how refreshing this is. It’s actually really good for you and your health, as you learn to be more relaxed and feel more peace. You don’t always have to be rushed and stressed. There is absolutely nothing I can do when I’m sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the H-1, so why waste energy being frustrated? Instead, I just turn up the reggae on the radio and daze off into the palm trees. And then suddenly, the traffic doesn’t even matter!

-          While this is a minor factor, I really enjoy the shopping here. Ross and TJ Maxx are the best places and you’ll always find an excellent bargain and plenty of cool stuff here. There are plenty of good stores in the mall, and also cool little boutiques. I'll admit that I was so frightened when I moved here that I wouldn't be able to find all the things I like here, like on the mainland. But I have learned that they have just as much for me, if not more!

-          It definitely doesn’t hurt to have eye candy to look at, and there is no shortage of good-looking, exotic people here in paradise. It’s just an added bonus when you come across a gorgeous 6’6 Samoan with long hair and golden skin. I’m certainly not complaining.

-          I love the fact that having tattoos does not make you stand out here, in fact, it’s the norm!  Everywhere I go, I’m constantly admiring other people’s work and even get compliments on mine. Tattoos are very common and socially acceptable here, especially the gorgeously intricate tribal Polynesian style that many natives get done.

-          The simple fact that I have an endless supply of breathtaking beaches nearby completely fills me with joy. I love being able to go any time I please, even after work. I have established a Sunday ritual of packing up some snacks and books, and lounging at a different beach every week. Just because. I have beach chairs, mats, towels, snorkel gear, and whatever else I may need in my trunk along with a backpack ready to go for whenever the mood may strike. I used to spend every day longing for my next vacation when I could visit a beautiful beach and sunbathe, now I do it regularly. I can’t tell you how much I will always appreciate this! It has done wonders for making me more relaxed and incredibly happy!

-          Being able to tell tourists that you live here and seeing their reactions is priceless! I enjoy it each and every time!

-          Everyone here is fascinating to me. When you live on an island this remote, everyone is either from here, or here for a reason. So with everyone I encounter, I want to hear their story! Unless they ae obviously a Polynesian, I know there is some unique reason of why/how they are here. But even most of the native Hawaiians are mixed with something else at this point. Some Asians have been here for generations, some military are simply stationed here for 2-3 years, and some just moved here because they love it. It’s pretty neat to meet people and listen to their experiences. My perspective is constantly being expanded and enhanced!

-          My never ending tan. Enough said.

-          There are always outdoor festivals and events, which is right up my alley! I love being outside in good weather and being surrounded by lots of people with good vibes, it truly feeds me energy like nothing else. Back home in Maryland, I would try to attend the little that I could find, maybe a few a year. But here on Oahu, there are several every weekend! In fact, it’s often hard to pick which one you want to go to more! From cultural festivals for the many nationalities represented here, to hula dancing, live music, food truck rallies, arts and crafts, you name it. Some of the ones on my calendar have been the ukulele festival, Korea festival, King Kamehameha festival & parade, Lei Day festival, Chinese New Year parade, “Eat the Street” food truck festivals, Food & Music festival, Book Festival, and so much more! Oh and don't even get me started on how reggae is the most popular music genre around here. I loooooooove it and can't get enough!

-          I love the amazing farmer’s markets found everywhere here, and the push to eat local foods. This is not only less expensive for the consumer, but more helpful for the local farmers and the environment. 

-          The travel opportunities on this side of the world have me extremely excited. I plan to see as much as I can in the Pacific region, including other islands, Australia, New Zealand, and as much of Asia as possible!  

-          Though I have visited many tropical islands in my life, Hawaii has some really unique vibes really agree with my spirit. I’ve always heard it’s a very sacred place, and I can see why. You can definitely feel some inexplicable energy here, which many refer to as "mana" or player. It’s truly magical!

Lows:

-          The cost of living. It’s not as bad as people make it out to be for me, but that’s because I make a comfortable salary working for the federal government. For locals, it’s truly unreasonable and unaffordable. Local wages are extremely low and the job market is terrible. Because of this, the local tradition is for large families to live together. It’s also a major factor to the extreme homelessness problem Hawaii faces. It's inevitable that the price of paradise is high due to its remote location, which mean high transportation and importing/exporting fees. Even with a good income, it's been an adjustment for me. I have to be more conscious of my budget, cut back on things I normally splurge on, and life has changed in some ways. While my rent is the same as it was back home, I have about 1/3 of the space I had for the same price, plus a much older place. Utility bills aren’t too bad, and I’ve slightly mitigated the price of gas by getting a wholesale club membership and only buying my gas there. Groceries is where I have seen the most extreme difference. I once found a small watermelon that cost $18, just to give you an idea. I spend anywhere from $80-160 a week on groceries, depending on what I get. It’s also higher because I try to eat organic. It's definitely noticeably higher in general than in Maryland, which already has a pretty high cost of living that I was used to. This is without a doubt the biggest complaint you'll hear from every single person who lives here.

-          The bugs. I have a bad phobia so this probably isn’t so much of an issue for others. But it is simply a part of life when you live in a tropical climate. I have been told by countless people that roaches are inevitable here no matter how clean you are. As someone once told me, "it doesn't mean you're dirty, it means you live in Hawaii." I had many in my apartment when I first moved in, and now I go out of my way to be clean and ensure I don’t get any more. However, the centipedes are something I can NOT get used to. They can be over a foot long, move quickly and aggressively as hell and they bite, which I have heard is extremely painful. I live in total and complete fear of these things, which is exactly why I elected to move to a high rise building. I only really see them when I’m out hiking. I hope and pray I never have to experience getting bit! Don't get me started on scorpions, cane spiders, moths the size of birds, geckos, and in the waters we have box jellyfish, Portuguese man-o-wars, sharp coral, eels, sea urchins, oh yeah and sharks! They pride themselves on not having snakes on the island, but it's still a pretty terrifying and dangerous place in many ways!

-          IT’S WAY TOO CROWDED! There are over 1 million people on this small island, and many times getting around is a pain in the butt! The traffic truly is as awful as people say it is. Not to mention I happen to be here during some major construction projects that make it even worse. You have to leave early to get anywhere, not only because of traffic and delays, but because of the very limited parking everywhere. 

-          The time difference is tough. We are 5-6 hours behind the East Coast (depending on daylight savings) and this makes it very hard to keep in touch with people back at home. By the time I get off work, it’s 9 or 10 PM, so everyone is already getting ready for bed. It’s made me feel quite isolated and it’s so challenging to maintain friendships or keep up with my folks back home (besides Facebook). People don’t really seem to get it either, because they still call me at 3 AM no matter how many times I tell them about the time difference. Also, I can only imagine how awkward football season will be when I’m watching Cowboys games at 7 AM on Sundays.

-          The roads are really bad and they tear my car up! People say you will go through tires pretty quick here and auto work is also very expensive. Not cool!

-          Something I never realized and many people don't know, but the moisture in the air is crazy here since it's such an isolated island. It's really hard to keep your home mold free and your car rusts up quickly. Also, food goes bad like 3x quicker here because of this. Who the heck would have known that would be a downside?

-          The abundance of homeless people on the island is so overwhelming and devastating. They’re literally everywhere and have just become an accepted part of society here. It’s very hard for me to get used to this, as I’ve truly never seen anything like this in my life. There is one area called "tent city" where there are hundreds of homeless tents set up, one after another, all down several streets. Besides this, you'll see them set up on the beach or in random places, even sleeping on the grass or sidewalk in places you'd never expect. It's really sad to see how people live like this and raise children in these conditions, and that it's so common. There is no easy solution to fix this and help these people, and it's so frustrating. 

-          Volcanic fog (aka VOG) from the Big Island nearby is definitely a problem on Oahu for those of us with breathing problems or allergies. I’ve only been really affected by it a couple times, but it can be rough!

-          The ridiculous unexpected costs, like registering my vehicle for $322 every single year)... Ugh!

-          The fact that people think you’re always on vacation. They don’t realize you live here, but also work, pay bills, and have responsibilities here. It’s not just hanging out on the beach every day. Also, everyone wants to come visit, which is great, but it can get overwhelming. You can only take so much time off work for other people, you also need to save some time and money money for your own personal reasons or vacations. I love hosting people but it's definitely tiring each time.

-          Grocery shopping is a pain in the butt, for many reasons. Usually I have to shop at least twice a week and go to several places. Each place you go has difference selections, whereas what I’m used to in Maryland, where you can go to one place and get everything you need. Also, as I mentioned things go bad VERY fast here compared to on the mainland, which I have heard is due to the humidity. So when you buy fruits and vegetables, you end up having to use them within a few days or they’ll go to waste. So you have to make constant trips to the store. I personally hate grocery shopping so this has been quite annoying for me.

Overall, the pros definitely outweigh the cons for me, but it's definitely been such a new experience in so many ways! This has been the opportunity of a lifetime for me, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world, even with the bugs and the traffic. 

Baltimore Riots

I wrote this post for my Facebook on April 27th, 2015. I will never forget this day. It was the day when the nation watched in horror as the city of Baltimore was rioted and looted due to the outrage over the murder of Freddie Gray at the hands of the Baltimore City Police Department. As many know, I lived, worked, and attended college in Baltimore from ages 16-22 and this had a profound impact on my life. Making friends with, living next door to and regularly interacting with citizens of this very unfortunate city allowed me to understand a new perspective so foreign for me, though only 20-30 miles away from where I grew up. Here I witnessed struggle, racism and oppression up close and personal. So when I saw shit hit the fan on national TV and the people of Baltimore villainized and condemned, I was absolutely crushed. What bothered me the most was the stark differences of what was reported by the media and fed to the masses, versus what people I knew personally were reporting via social media. I was in tears and severely upset, all made worse by the extremely ignorant comments I was hearing from coworkers at work and friends/family via social media. The lack of empathy and the distortion and manipulation tactics used by the media truly just had me fed up. I usually try to stay away from social debates or any political sides, and keep my Facebook pretty squeaky clean. But no. This time and I had to speak out and post my unpopular opinion in the hope of opening even one set of eyes. So I posted some real photos of Baltimore (shocking but the exact sights I drove by all the time as a Baltimore resident) and a passionate rant, as follows…..

Let's not forget that these pictures are what the streets of Baltimore looked like before all these riots. Absolutely devastating and depressing. The exact opposite of what this country is known for and proud of. It's no exaggeration because I personally lived in the midst of it myself for years. Regardless of your opinions, PLEASE just try to imagine being born and raised here, into this kind of struggle that is found to be entertaining to the world via a hit HBO series, yet is still an everyday reality for many citizens of Baltimore. Their politicians have been corrupt for how long? The murder rate has been at the top of the national list for how long? An already failing education system keeps getting cut for how long? The poverty rate has been ridiculous for how long? Boarded up houses have lined countless blocks for how long? Racism from the police force that is supposed to serve & protect them (which I have witnessed firsthand) is common for how long.... ??????????? How the hell are they supposed to succeed??? And how hopeless would YOU feel??? You have to understand that many people from this city have a different mindset because of the environment they've grown up in, one that most of us are fortunate enough that we can't even begin to relate to. The city is pretty much still segregated. Drugs and crime in their neighborhood are a normal part of life. Everyone has experienced some form of racism, and police brutality is just accepted. How is this okay? There is a lot of poverty in the U.S. that we turn a blind eye to but to be quite frank, this city is like no other in our nation, and the rest of the state and country has turned their back on Baltimore. And if you don't agree, then please tell me you would go live on one of these blocks in the pictures above and call that HOME. You wouldn't? Oh. Maybe because it already looked like a warzone or a third world country to begin with. Well imagine having no choice because that's where you grew up. Maybe now you can understand why some people are not behaving rationally, because they've never even been given a fair chance. I'm just trying to find a way to paint this picture clear for you.

Now let me make this clear, I don't condone violence, nor do I agree with harming innocent people or destroying communities at all! I believe it's gone too far, and will only accomplish more harm than good. But instead of condemning, I choose to at least try to understand their perspective on why they're outraged. The statistics are astounding. The odds are just not in the favor of black men, and there's no denying it. The black community was already systemically designed to fail, and yet has come a long way and seen so much progress, only to be totally discouraged every time one of their own is unjustly slaughtered at the hands of those they're supposed to trust the most. So yes, people of all races across the nation are getting fed up by seeing black men killed by law enforcement as a regular occurrence, and rightfully so. This boiling point was inevitable regardless of the very sad Freddie Gray situation. When it happens in Baltimore, a city that's already facing more than its share of problems and whose system has truly failed its people in EVERY WAY, yes you can expect things to get out of hand. People are lashing out because their voice is not taken seriously, so yes it got out of control... But don't let the media blind you to only acknowledge the unfortunate actions of some, when so many more are working peacefully to fight for justice and equality. Because believe me there is just as much evidence that tens of thousands are doing things the right way and trying to make a difference. But that never gets the same media attention, so it never gets them very far, does it? Sadly it never even gets much attention until things get this extreme and violent.

Again, all I'm trying to say is there is so much more to the picture than most of you realize if you've never lived in Baltimore or any other city like it. You say "these people" are destroying their city but it's honestly already been destroyed for years. If you have never had to worry about your child being racially profiled and possibly killed then you have no right to judge people fighting to end what they have to actually live every day. Being a person of mixed race, I have to say that most of us are so unbelievably lucky that we don't get racially profiled, and if we are arrested we WILL get a fair trial as promised by our constitutional rights, unlike some others who never got the chance because they're freaking DEAD. When did we lose value for human life, regardless of race? How can we stand by and let this go on? Some people just don't get it because they will never know how privileged they are or have to experience what it feels like to be discriminated against. The ignorant comments I've seen today on both sides shows me how divided everyone is and will always be, it's heartbreaking. I see both sides and as anyone who knows me knows, I am a huge supporter of our amazing heroes in law enforcement and the military. But I do think plenty who are granted power abuse it and that we need to stand up to this more often to make it right! This country was founded upon a spirit of revolution for basic freedoms and rights, and our system is supposed to be one of democracy and justice. In fact, rioting for these values is what actually led to this country's formation in the first place. So at this point if you still can't acknowledge that it's time for change then you're part of the problem. Anyone who can see right for wrong should be able to get this and empathize. I have friends of all races and ethnicities who fight passionately to spread this and open people's eyes, and I usually try to stay out of it. But this time, I had to open my mouth so excuse the long rant. As this quote I read today so beautifully summarizes it, "People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of their character." All I want you to think about is, if it were happening to you how would you feel?

My Gripe with Crappy Movies in 2015

This is one of my pettiest rants of all time, but it has to be done. I need to get this off my chest! 

What ever happened to good movies? You know, the kind that were REALLY entertaining, thought provoking or even life changing? These days, I feel so inundated with mediocrity, and movies are no exception. Seems they'll release any pile of crap they can throw together and the kicker is that people will not only go see them, but actually enjoy them! What am I missing here? It's hard to believe that I'm the only one who is bothered by this as of late.

Allow me to elaborate on my frustration. During the last few years, I've missed out on countless movies due to spending the majority of my time engrossed in my career or in my educational pursuits. Going to the movies, popcorn and all, is something I've missed. So now that I have more free time, I've become determined to dedicate more time to one of my favorite pastimes. For the last three weeks in a row, a friend and I made it a habit to go to the movies every Friday evening. Just painting you a picture so you can imagine my excitement and expectations.

The first movie we saw was San Andreas, with Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson. Probably one of the worst movies I've ever wasted two hours of my life on. The film was full of completely unrealistic/impossible scenarios and cliche overkill, such as the famous "What do we do now? We rebuild!" line after total and utter devastation to the entire state of California. Whenever a character miraculously survives an extreme disaster and yet still has a fresh face of make up on, I for one am very freaking annoyed. I feel like they don't even try to make this stuff even slightly believable anymore. Ugh.

The next week, we saw Jurassic World after hear mixed reviews. I was so disappointed. Yes, special effects were good in this (as well as in San Andreas) but that is not enough to wow me, especially when the main character is running from a T-Rex for hours in heels and a white blouse. The kicker? They pulled the exact same "What do we do now?" line in this one too! There's only so much over the top ridiculousness I can take. Upon discussing at work the next Monday, my coworkers loved the movie and brought up a good point. Why would anyone expect anything less than these exaggerations and this total predictability in Hollywood blockbusters these days? Especially one about dinosaurs. I guess I can understand that perspective, but come on. I remember when movies wowed you. I remember when movies were so original that you never knew what would happen next or how the movie would end. I remember movies that made a significant impact on me! And THAT is what I miss.

So do you know what I did? I went home and popped in my DVD of the original Jurassic Park, a movie I have fond memories of from many views as a child. And I enjoyed it even more than the over-produced 2015 crap I just saw hours before. Are the special effects amazing like they are now? No. But even with a concept like killer dinosaurs, the movie was  exciting, relatable, and absolutely earns its title as a classic. I probably should never set my expectations as high, but I can't help it. I know that remakes and sequels usually disappoint, but this is just one example of how the QUALITY of Hollywood releases in general has went downhill.

However, we were pleasantly surprised the last week when we went to see the movie, Dope. It was a unique concept, very well done, and totally entertaining from start to finish. The film followed a high school outcast and his two friends in the rough streets of Inglewood, California as they go from geeks obsessed with the 90's and regularly bullied at school; to cool kids who are in the wrong place at the wrong time and suddenly get forced into selling drugs. Except, in true nerd fashion, they opt to push and market their products via the online black market trade. Throughout it all, the main character never gives up his aspirations to attain a scholarship at an Ivy League school. So this was not just your typical urban drama or teen flick. At the end of the movie, the social message was clear and it was a very good one: whether you're a black kid from the streets of Compton or a white kid with rich parents, every child deserves a chance in life. No one should be limited to their environment. Following your dreams is more important than following the crowd. The movie was completely authentic, unpredictable, clever, and truly refreshing. Exactly the kind of movie I miss. 

America's fascination with the big screen is a century old obsession, but in my opinion the industry will never be the same as it used to be back when movies had substance, originality, authenticity, and innovation. Once in a while, you'll see a film like Dope that stimulates you the entire time and moves you. Even more seldom, you may encounter a film that becomes a classic, like some of my favs, the the Godfather and Pulp Fiction. But the decades where Hollywood pumped out one great film after another are over. These days Americans find reality TV entertaining, so it's no wonder their standards for movies have sunk just as low. All I'm saying is that I'm tired of the crap that our society accepts as the norm, yet haven quite given up on hope. But for now, I'll mostly stick to my books, which never seem to disappoint. 

Aloha Aina Music Festival

Last night I attended the "Aloha Aina" music festival at Waikiki Shell. It was a great show with Hawaiian music and dance, as well as some reggae artists I really love. The purpose of this show was not just entertainment, but a great cause. To raise money and awareness surrounding the protection of Mauna Kea. At the end of the show, the entire crowd joined hands in a prayer chant. It was one of the most beautiful and powerful things I've ever witnessed. People coming together over what they believe in and stand for. I am so glad I got to experience, participate in and support this.

For those of you on the mainland who may not know, here is what's been going here in Hawaii. On the "big island" of Hawai'i, there is much controversy over construction of a new "thirty meter telescope" aka TMT. That is because it's set to take place on Mauna Kea, said to be the "tallest mountain in the world" and also THE MOST sacred land to native Hawaiians. These people are incredibly passionate and emotional about the whole ordeal, and have been protesting for months, even physically blocking entrance to the summit to prevent the construction project and getting arrested. Their standpoint is that the scientific benefits of this telescope do not outweigh the importance of their beliefs or the protection of their land, and that we should be focused on what's going on here on ground and all the problems we face with the environment, rather than up above in outer space. There are actually already 13 observatories on this dormant volcano, and while you may wonder what's the big deal about one more being built, tonight I saw hundreds of people in tears and praying with all their might... that's how much it means to them. This is a very spiritual place where their ancestors are buried and where the ashes of their recent family members are scattered. This was their land, or "aina", for many years, and it always will be. I never knew this until I lived here, but MANY Hawaiians do not even want to be a state and believe their aina was illegally occupied to begin with, much like the Native Americans on the mainland. Now, the one area they want to preserve is not receiving any respect or consideration. I can't imagine how anyone can brush this off. I'm not Hawaiian, but personally I would be devastated if a place so important to my people and my history was desecrated mostly for economic gain. Again, this is a case where people lack empathy. I believe that when enough people unite and demand to be heard, our elected officials should be listening!

A Historic Day Indeed!

Today, June 26th, 2015, will always be a very important day in history books. That is because it is the day that the Supreme Court ruled in favor of same sex couples having the right to marry in all 50 states. The topic of gay marriage has been a very controversial item for the last several years, sparking much debate and dividing our country. However, for most of us who have evolved into appropriate 21st century mindsets and feel compassion for other fellow human beings, allowing two people who love each other to marry each other was a no brainer. So really, the first thing that came to my mind today when I heard the news was "FINALLY! It's about time!" Even still, this couldn't have come at a better time. In the wake of many police brutality and racism fueled incidents in the news recently, it's been easy to be discouraged in what our country stands for these days. We are all fighting the same war, which is the war for human rights. So when we win one battle in the name of equality, we ALL win. Homosexuals, transsexuals, minorities, immigrants, women, and all other groups facing oppression will benefit from each victory like the one we saw today. So yes, this moment was truly special to me and made me feel a sense of pride that I not only longed to feel, but one I needed to feel, as it gave me hope! We will get there one day, I know it.  But for now, it's just so amazing to know that no matter what, love conquers all in the land of the free.

My Big Move to Hawaii

So it’s officially been a full five months since I made a major life change and moved to a place rightfully known as paradise, Hawaii. It is truly a scary thing to take a leap of faith, leave everyone/everything you love behind, and move 5,000 miles away on your own. But it has been truly liberating and turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. Career-wise, this was a very strategic and smart move for my future and will bring me great opportunity. However, on a more personal note, I believe this is mostly a huge stride for me and my spirit. 

In Maryland, the place where I was born and raised, I had an amazing apartment, a busy social life, a great career, just got my Master’s degree, and was taking trips almost every month. I felt pretty comfortable and content with my life. Yet, deep inside, I knew something was missing. Even after just accomplishing so many huge goals, I felt complacency looming around the corner.  My soul was calling me to make a big change. I am a firm believer that 1) listening to your intuition is important and 2) nothing good ever comes from comfort zones. It was time to spread my wings and push myself to truly live life to the fullest. 

I always knew I was destined to live in faraway lands, since my love for travel extended far beyond just visiting places I dream of. Traveling somewhere for days or weeks is a far different experience than actually living there. I have never been the kind of person who wants to live in my hometown for my whole life. And I have definitely never been afraid of taking risks. I do not think everyone is cut out to make such a big move like I did, especially on their own. But I think it’s something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. Picking up and moving somewhere new really helps you to find yourself. It’s the ultimate test.

It also doesn’t hurt when you’re moving to a place like Hawaii, where it’s kind of hard to see yourself unhappy. Perhaps it’s harder to move to other places that are either less enticing or more extremely drastic than what you're used to, but I figured Hawaii was great for my first move. It’s a U.S. state, yet far enough away and such a different culture that it still feels like a foreign country. I had never even stepped foot on Hawaiian soil, yet had no doubt in my mind that this was somewhere I could really see myself and would be able to do the soul searching I knew was necessary.

So when this opportunity presented itself, I had a big decision to make. I had a good thing going at home and other job prospects to debate over. I talked to everyone I could about Hawaii to gather as much info and as many different perspectives as I could. It seemed like a no-brainer, but there were lots of cons to consider. I had to do diligent research and prepare myself by considering how high the cost of living was, how small and far away Oahu is, and how bad the traffic/bugs/time difference/expense of coming home is. I weighed out every possible aspect, but it didn’t take long for me to figure out that this is what I wanted and needed to do. 

When my mind was set, I used the law of attraction and asked the universe to help me make this happen. I applied, interviewed, and despite very heavy competition for this position, I got offered the job. It all happened so fast. Before I knew it, I was hurled into the very overwhelming Permanent Change of Station (PCS) process, and had only months to get my entire life ready to relocate to a tiny little volcanic rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It was a lot to purge all my belongings and plan what would come with me, what went to storage, what needed to get sold, and what needed to get donated. Especially since I took a 3 week trip to backpack across Europe in the middle of it all. However, everything miraculously worked itself out. The biggest point of stress was probably the House-Hunting Trip (HHT). I had 10 days to find, apply for and sign a lease for a decent, affordable place where I’d be living for probably three years, among a notoriously unfavorable rental market. I researched and examined prospects for months so I’d have an idea of what to expect, and honestly it did not look too good. Some people came back from their HHTs with nada, and ended up having to live in a hotel until they found a place. I did NOT want this to happen, but I was NOT willing to settle. Amazingly, I effortlessly found a place that overexceeded my expectations on just the 2nd day of my trip and got approved the same day. No one could believe my luck! But as cliche as it sounds, the universe works things out for a reason and I could only believe this was a sign to confirm that this was all meant to be! 

Everything else fell into place and was a piece of cake after that. I shipped my car and got a rental for my remaining days in Maryland. I arranged several farewell events to see all the important people in my life before I left. I packed everything up, sent boxes to my HI address, spent 3 days with movers to ship my household goods, and then finally that last day in Maryland came. I will NEVER in my life forget how it felt to arrive at the airport with a one-way ticket for the first time in my life, and kiss my mama goodbye not knowing when I’d be back or when I’d see her again. It was bittersweet, and I was truly overwhelmed with so many emotions. But as soon as I left, I never looked back!

In a place like Hawaii, it’s super easy to fall in love and forget what you left behind rather quickly. I swear that during my first month or two, I would walk around smiling, trying to convince myself that “I LIVE HERE! I REALLY DO!” My days were (and still are) filled with so much fun and adventure exploring this gorgeous island, being immersed in such diverse and foreign cultures, and learning more about the fascinafing Hawaiian people and their history. I actually surprised myself with how well I did adapting to my first relocation ever in such a new setting. I also fit in very easily, since I’m mixed and my whole life people have questioned whether or not I was Hawaiian. Here, everyone assumes I am, even the Hawaiians! So being able to blend in with the local people has also probably enhanced my experience tremendously. While I missed my loved ones back home, I still have yet to actually feel homesick or even slightly question if I made the right decision. It felt right from day one. It feels like home!

Fast-forward to today, after five whole months of living this #hilife. I must say, life is GOOD. I'm still brand spanking new here, but I definitely feel like a local now! I’ve acclimated enough to know the island pretty well, yet still have so much more to see, do, try, and explore. I go to my choice of the best beaches in the world every single weekend, sometimes even on the weekdays or after work... Something it's a dream come true to be able to say. No matter how many times I see my beautiful surroundings, it never ceases to amaze me or make me feel so unbelievably appreciative and grateful. I realize that many people only dream of visiting, let alone living, here and I am extremely fortunate. So I can promise you that I enjoy and cherish every single moment. I also recently realized that I love it so much here that I no longer feel the urge to travel so often. Of course, I still get a wanderlust bug here and there, and plan to travel to other islands and countries in the Pacific. However, there’s so much to look forward to here so I’m extremely fulfilled with my time here and don’t have to look forward to leaving to visit somewhere else just to feel the same fulfillment or get a thrill, like how I felt in Maryland. Even when I took a short trip to neighbor island Maui, I was homesick to come home to my island. I’m pretty sure that’s a telltale sign that you’re genuinely happy!

Honestly, I feel a new sense of joy and excitement about life. I tell everyone that this is truly a magical place, and not a day goes by that I don’t feel such a connection to it with my soul. But aside from how incredible Hawaii is, it’s also so exhilarating to be here and to be totally free to experience everything on my own, at my own pace, at my own leisure. This is about ME, discovering myself, and enjoying the fruits of my labor. All of this was possible because of ME. I overcomed so many obstacles and worked so incredibly hard to be here and live my dreams, so I know I deserve every bit of it. And that alone feels more amazing than anything else.

I proved a lot to myself by moving out here on my own and flourishing. I now have no doubt that I could move anywhere else in the world and do the same. I’m proud of myself for having the courage to do this, something lots of people questioned because they could never imagine doing it themselves. Now there are no limits for me and my future. I can totally see myself as a wanderer, moving from place to place every few years to conquer them one by one. This nomad lifestyle totally fits me and satisfies my soul. But for now while I’m here for the next 3-5 years, I’ll make the most of each day until I’m off to my next destination.

15 Things That Made Me Fall In Love with Paris

I grew up surrounded by French language and Mediterranean culture, so my obsession with the city of Paris has naturally been a lifelong ordeal. Ever since I can remember, I've been fantasizing and dreaming about the city of light... the Eiffel Tower, the fashion, the patisseries, and the day I would finally get to experience it all for myself.

Well, it was everything I've ever imagined about it, but yet still somehow managed to totally wow me. The Monday I arrived on a Eurostar train from London was just as I had always pictured it would be: grayish skies, chilly weather, and an air of excitement. Each day I had a full agenda of things to see and do, yet I couldn't help but just slowly strolling each street, wandering around in awe and fantasizing about the centuries of famous history that took place in this magical place. And when I looked up and saw the Eiffel Tower, I squealed just like a little girl.

I had dreamt of that day and that very moment my whole life. All my hard work in school and within my career was all to be able to travel to places my soul is calling me to... And Paris was always at the very top of my long list. It exceeded every expectation I had built, which says a lot. In fact, it made me incredibly emotional at times to witness such beauty and to be in the midst of such an amazing historic place. I was utterly overwhelmed, a powerful reaction which has only happened to me in one other place among all my travels and it was no way near this extreme. I can now say I know what it feels like to fall head over heels in love with a city. Here is a list of 15 simple things that explain why Paris captured my heart:

1. The way you can't walk for more than 5 mins (and that's pushing it) without encountering something gorgeous and captivating, and worthy of stopping to admire. 

2. The uniform style of all buildings with exquisite details is so elegant and enchanting. I love that this city takes pride in its aesthetics, and I'm a huge fan of gothic architecture so my breath was taken away at virtually every corner. There are many beautiful places in the world, but I'm not sure anything will ever compare.

3. The way the city lacks the tackiness found in the states. There's no chain restaurants on every corner. What we know as "mom and pop shops" are the core of the city. Unique boutiques and cafes line every street. It has not lost its old world charm over to corporate greed, and seemingly never will. 

4. The fact that a woman can breast feed her baby in the middle of a busy cafe while she sips her coffee and no one even notices. No one is uptight or worried about being politically correct. I guess that's a European thing, but I love it.

5. The skies. Always heard things about "Paris skies" and now I know why. There are no words to describe them. The clouds seem to simply hug the city a certain way. 

6. The language. It's just... SO sexy.

7. The way people take their dogs everywhere with them. Don't know why, but this just made me smile every time I saw a woman stopping into a boulangerie with her little posh dog by her side. 

8. The public transportation system is very efficient. There are metro stations everywhere and it's very easy to figure out and use, although it is quite dirty and the city has a huge problem with the homeless sleeping on the trains and urinating everywhere... Ugh. It's the ONE bad thing I did find about the city.

9. The food. Crepes, croissants, baguettes, and quiche for breakfast; delicious ham and cheese sandwiches for lunch, and savory sauces with dinner entrees. Lots of cheese and bread is right up my alley. Everything I had was totally delicious.

10. The Parisian lifestyle. The way they're never too busy to sit outside at a cafe and talk, even in the cold. The way they walk around eating a baguette yet remain so thin (didn't see hardly any overweight people amazingly). The way they really are just as stuck up as everyone says (I know this is one negative aspect that many people don't like about Paris... However I find it amusing. At least they have good reason to be stuck up. That is what in fact makes them The French. They're just effortlessly, inherently COOL.).

11. The attractiveness of the general public. You constantly see beautiful men and chic women everywhere.  

12. The diversity of countless cultures found in this metropolis, yet the way the French spirit remains strongly dominant.

13. The history. The French have always been so relevant throughout world history, and are well known for their spirit of revolution and the great influence they've had on the rest of the world. I loved how much they embrace and cherish their own history. It's apparent from the amazing efforts made to preserve the very old and historic monuments, cathedrals, statues, etc. that are found EVERYWHERE. 

14. The element of romance. It really is the city of love. Whenever I caught young lovers holding hands or kissing, it was more genuine and passionate than what I see back home. You can just feel it in the air. It's beautiful!

15. The bohemian flavor that is so much apart of this city and its history lives on. Paris has always been known for its considerable contributions in art, music, fashion, film, literature, and philosophy. I absolutely love that aspect.