Because it makes me happy!!

My last post was a bit more negative than I realized so I guess I needed to vent.  This move has been one of the hardest things I have EVER done in my life but I am happy that I did it (most days atleast).  I wanted to take a minute to highlight the things I love so far about living in Hawaii.

1. THE WEATHER!!! Now I am sorry for everyone who is living in the middle of this crazy winter weather right now but I can not tell you how happy that I am not. Cold and I do not get along and never have.  I enjoy being able to open all the windows in my house every day and enjoy a nice breeze.  It has helped to cut down on our electric bill too.  We got our first "bill" (we only have to pay if we are over the average usage amount in our housing development- thanks Navy) we only used ten dollars of electricity in 17 days.  Not too shabby.  If we fall below the usage range per month then we get money back from the company!  We have been getting some pretty bad rain storms and that is evidently the extent of our bad winter weather.  Well all I have to say is I will take it.  I have my rain boots and I am not afraid to use them!

2. Bikram Yoga!!  Before I left Charleston, I was told that I needed to try hot yoga but never got around to it.  I was able to find a Bikram studio about 20 minutes from my house and decided to give it a try.  If you have never heard about Bikram Yoga here is a link with some info (wiki seems pretty accurate on this one) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bikram_Yoga   The first class I must admit I felt like a fat slob surrounded by tiny people barely wearing anything.  I made it through the class without wanting to throw up so I decided to go again the next day.  I have not finished up my intro 2 week package and I have already bought a year's membership!  Some days I feel like shit while I am in there and others I feel like I am on top of the world.  It is helping me to lose some major weight and I have noticed improvements in my injured shoulder and thumb.  If you are at all inclined to try new fitness avenues then I recommend a week in a Bikram yoga class!


3. Waikiki Aquarium!!  I have started a volunteer training program at the aquarium and am super excited about getting to start volunteering soon.  I will be working at an educator for some of the exhibits. There are about 20 of us training right now and everyone seems to be really nice.  It is great to be around people that like the ocean as much as I do and it helps to make me feel like I am putting my degrees to use.  Maybe one day it will turn into a job but even if it doesnt I am happy to be given the chance to volunteer.

4. The Ocean!!  I love the Atlantic and always will but there is nothing more amazing than being surrounded by crystal clear blue water.  Dave and I have been to a few different beaches around the island and have fallen in love with each one.  We have gone snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding, and plan to start SCUBA diving soon.  The water is never as warm as the Atlantic but with year round access to the ocean I guess I cant really complain.