Yesterday, it came out of nowhere at about 2:30 in the afternoon, and stuck us with at least a half-inch on the lanai (balcony) in about 20minutes. But at the moment, the sun IS, indeed, shining and here I am on the computer, writing to you people, and shortly thereafter going to a random restaurant to watch the Steeler game (its not on any channels here at the apartment). Some things never change, eh? ;)
It's been almost 2 weeks since I've written, and the day after I send out that massive email (expect them, guys, expect them), John took me surfing for the first time. He was surprisingly patient with me (considering its ME that he's putting up with) - so that was a big help. We borrowed a 12ft longboard from a neighbor for the lesson. He gave me pointers, he told me when to stand, he helped me paddle the board over the first several sets of breaks to get to "our spot," and then again a few more times hahah, he pushed me just enough to keep my motivation up - all the while not surfing himself, just standing in the water and helping me. Not really sure how, but I did manage to stand up. I think he said it was five times? Surfing is unique. It's obviously something that can easily come naturally if you just let it. And the right flow and balance with you and the water (i.e. your body as one individual being, the wave as another individual being). I'm obviously out of shape, my arms were pretty useless after that lesson. The next morning, I was happy (if you can believe it) to look down at my arms and legs to see surf rash, just from climbing on and off the board so much. It stung a little, but I'm glad that I didn't have any on my stomach, and more than anything - I looked at them as tokens for having done something so new, so amazing, so rare, for the first time in my life.
I don't complain when he wants to go to Diamond Head to surf himself. He straps on, heads out, and stays out for hours (min2, max4, so far), while I read/write/birdwatch/space-cadet on the sand.
So there was that, and as promised, I said I would keep you abreast of John's purchases this week in shoes, where we welcomed three pairs into the family and what a wonderful addition they make. Seriously. Connoisseur bargain shopper with excellent taste, and equally splurges as needed - he bought gorgeous dress shoes for $30 (on sale from over $100), a pair of Nike Air Max for $45 (and they are usually $100), and the sharpest pair of sidewalk-surfer Sanuks (which were new on the shelf that day). They're all good kids.
Mission:JobSearch = complete. Hart & Huntington, the corporate tattoo shop (started in Vegas, had a show on A&E for a bit called Inked) that I told you about, called me and hired me. Though hiring was supposed to be "frozen" until after the new year, the manager took me on. For now, I'm just basically a part time receptionist/shop girl-kinda person - talking to customers about tattoos, setting up their appointments, doing the retail sales, working the cash-flow, and some sterilizing work. It's good. I've only been in about 3-4 times, but it seems to come naturally and the H&H people are really welcoming and laid back. I feel pretty comfortable there, no serious pressure to fit in (which is rare for me). And after the new year, I'm essentially due to move up a little and help with the overall sales and marketing of the shop so that we can increase the inward traffic. It all sounds splendid to me.
All these good things, and I have news to report that we will not be heading back to Pittsburgh for the holidays. Originally, it was the plan, but after looking into tickets to come back to Hawaii before New Years Eve, spending $1500+ didn't seem like that wise of a choice. My flight home is postponed until a later date, and we're going to try this "away for Christmas for the first time" thing together. I'm glad that neither of us is alone (because for a while we both were, in our own little ways, alone), and that we're able to do it together. I've been taking a lot of long, hard looks at John lately and thinking about who/what he is to me, and how he got to be just that. Every day, he impresses me with something. He tolerates my shit, he is so ridiculously patient with me, he talks to me about everything, he takes care of his responsibilities, he's affectionate and accommodating, and he's one big fucking jerk. All wrapped into one. I'm happy to be here, and though I can't be with the rest of my family (nor he), we do have each other and that's just fine.
Also, if you are ever curious as to what it looks like around these parts, to see what I see when I walk outside, you can look yourself thanks to the creepy technology of webcams. The restaurant at the bottom level of our apartment building happens to have a LiveEarthCam attached to it's roof and it faces the intersection on Kalakaua. People watch, check out the unflattering bathing suits, the crazy Japanese outfits, the jaywalkers (tickets for those are up to $175!), and the current weather. Maybe someday, you'll catch one of us walking by... so just ask me for the link.
** New foods I've eaten this week: mo chi (a sweet red bean mash inside a Playdough-like outside), octopus (cold, with scallions).
** Important purchases in acclimation: running shoes, rash guard (for my stomach and arms while surfing, its like a spandex shirt), coffee mugs, functional bikini.
** Wishlist: polarized sunglasses, Tattoolicious shirt (another shop I really like here), gym membership.
