Fall 2011

Fall is officially in full swing here at BYU-Hawaii as Tommy and I started last Wednesday. We are only three days in and completely swamped with homework, papers, quizzes and tests. The first week always seems to be the hardest. I'm fighting to keep it straight in my head, which assignments are do and when, which teachers prefer certain formats, etc. Eventually, it all becomes routine and a lot more manageable. Being a senior is a lot harder than I would've expected. I am taking five of my major classes and they all seem just as demanding as the next.  

We took advantage of our 10-day break to catch up on some surfing. We try to get out at least once a day, if the waves allow. It took me a while to regain the hang of it, but I am back and better than ever. I finally rode a wave all the way into the shore! Catching waves left and right, Tommy swears I caught more waves than him yesterday. It's come to the point where my body just knows what to do and I can stop over-thinking how and when to stand up. As I closed my eyes for bed last night, all I could see were the waves rolling in at Castles as if I were re-living our surf that day. I've managed to talk Tommy into going out for dawn patrol, surfing is such a great work out. Let's face it, we'd rather do that than go running. Also, there is nothing like being inches away from sea turtles as they come up for air. At times I forget there is a whole world below me full of reef and sea creatures. It's fun to see the turtles catch a wave or two...

We also celebrated our TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY over the break! We always seem to catch a lucky break as all of our celebration days fall while school is out. We enjoyed a much needed day off, surfing at Castles, watching shows in the middle of the afternoon, grabbing a bite at Haleiwa Eats, and enjoying an Acai Smoothie from Angel's. We enjoyed our time together and reflected on our past year while living in Hawaii and the fact that we hardly celebrated our FIRST ANNIVERSARY after we arrived. We are also counting our trip to the Big Island in October as our real anniversary celebration. Can't wait...

Happy Anniversary Tommy!

My Big Fat Greek Obsession

Lately I can't get enough of greek yogurt with oats & honey. I eat it for breakfast, lunch and even as a late night snack. It should be a super healthy snack, however, with the amount of honey I drizzle on it's probable worse than chocolate. I tell myself that honey is nature's sugar and then I feel better about myself. You've gotta try it! 

Tacos al Pastor

After "talking story" about legitimate Mexican food, we decided it was time to make it a reality this past Sunday. We slow-cooked a couple salted pork chops with a splash of Coca-Cola & liquid smoke {shout out to Tanzie}. Then I whipped up some homemade tortillas {ala Jude} and pico de gallo. Muy Riquisimo! We shamelessly scarfed down the entirety of our feast in minutes. All it was missing was a pair of Mexican Cokes...

On the daily: 

Tommy and I kicked off the week with day trip to Wet N' Wild...it was so refreshing to be out with friends and not worry about work or school! I rarely have those days to be completely stress free--it was highly enjoyed. As we speak, Tommy is scoping out the surf forecast for the North Shore and planning our surfing excursions. We can't wait to get back to the beach! It's been all studies for 6 weeks straight! 

TVA is a ghost town. I think we're the only ones that didn't make a trip back to the mainland this entire year. I've been dying to set foot on Arizona soil over Christmas break, but flight prices are extremely unforgiving, especially around the holidays. I just keep telling myself I'll be home before I know it, but then that makes me sad because I know I'll miss our Laie Paradise. We just can't win for losing.