The North Shore

The North Shore was great...well, it had its moments. We went to the North Shore to go Jet Skiing, but that trip ended rather quickly when Sheryl and Frantz's jet ski tipped over and almost sank. With Sheryl bobbing around in 4 ft swells and the jet ski sinking that adventure only lasted about 20 minutes.

But, we did make the best out of a bad situation and stopped at the World Famous Giovanni's Shrimp Truck. The best of the many shrimp trucks that are located on the North Shore of Hawaii.

Garlic Shrimp Plate

And a Garlic Hot Dog

At least we made it to Giovanni's in time :)

Stop by Giovanni's if you go to the North Shore!!!

Skydiving!!!

I have to talk about this experience because it was AMAZING and I still can't believe I did it.

Sheryl's boyfriend Frantz was visiting and he wanted to go skydiving. He wanted Sheryl to go with him but that's just not her thing. So he asked if I wanted to go. Skydiving has always been something I have wanted to do. I thought it would probably be the scariest thing I would ever do, but at the same time, the most thrilling. To be honest with you, I didn't know if I would ever have the opportunity, or the guts to actually do it. So when he asked - OF COURSE I SAID YES!!

The plan was to go the next morning at 9am - what a way to start the day!!! We all got ready.
Shoes - check
Proper clothing - check
Alcohol for Sheryl - check (she was nervous enough for both of us - a drink was in order!)

Off we go to the beautiful North Shore. I thought that the nerves would kick in at some point, but so far I was just excited. We get to the Pacific Skydiving place at the North Shore. What better place to go skydiving.

As we were waiting, we were watching others come down. Still no nerves. I was just excited, it was crazy.

Now time to get suited up. Still no nerves. Meanwhile Sheryl is a wreck at this point!!! 

Off we go to the plane. Frantz and I were the first to go on so the last to jump. The guys that we went tandem with had wrist cameras that took pictures along the way. Oh, and still, no nerves.

On the plane. This is Wally, he was my tandem master. Thanks Wally for keeping me strapped in, having that chute open when it was time and for a soft landing ! 

My view at 5,000 ft. We were jumping at 14,000ft - holy crap - 3x this high!!! I was super excited. AND, it was kind of cloudy when we got higher up, so I actually got to jump through the clouds - how cool is that!!!

Frantz jumped right before me. As he was at the door ready to jump I was watching him...he was there, he was there...poof...he was gone!!! It was crazy!! This is him going out the door!!!

My view as I was hanging out the door strapped to Wally my tandem master. That was the cloud I jumped through!!! Still NO NERVES - just pure excitement!!!

GERONIMO!!!!!!! WHOO HOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(see the plane above us...yeah, I just jumped out of that sucker)

We jumped at 14,000 ft. One full minute of free fall, open the chute at 5,000 ft.

You see the blue dot...That is Frantz. I am the red dot to the upper left of him.

HOLY CRAP I DID IT!!! I just jumped out of perfectly good airplane!!!

By far...the most exhilarating thing I have ever done!!! The adrenaline was pumping!!! I would do it again any day of the week!!! And highly recommend it to any and everyone.  Not once was I scared or nervous, it was crazy!!! It was amazing!!!

(And Sheryl was very happy we both landed safely. It was a long 20 minutes for her while we were in the air I am sure!!)

Thank you Sheryl and Frantz for allowing me to have this amazing adventure. 

Finally Here

Well, I made it here. I am in Hawaii. A place that most people dream of visiting. Home of the most beautiful beaches. Great weather. Perfect scenery!! Ahhh!!! Paradise...

Waikiki Beach

look at the blue water !!! CRAZY Right??

Wild Ginger (at least I think that's what that is) everywhere with these beautiful flowers. The pink ones are my favorite.

So, yes, the views are amazing, the color of the water is crazy blue - every shade, the sunsets are beautiful,  the weather is great, the plants and trees are beautiful.

But...

The traffic is hectic, it is really noisy, tons of tourist (where I am at least), lots of homeless people, lots of crime, everything is expensive...

But, I am here. Made my journey. I am here, in beautiful Hawaii, with my beautiful sister Sheryl.

One my way to Hawaii

On my way to Hawaii. On my way to meet my sister that I don't really know. I have left my son, all of my friends, my job and most all of my belongings. It's a big risk, but not taking this adventure would always leave me wondering "what if", so I must do it. Even if it doesn't work out, at least I can say I tried it. At least I can say I now have a sister, that I know. At least I can say I lived in Hawaii, for a few months if not longer.

Am I nervous? Of course. Am I excited? You bet!

What if she doesn't like me? What if we don't get along? What if Hawaii isn't what I want? What if this is the best experience of my life? The way I look at it is what ever happens, my relationship with my sister will be closer, and for that, it will all be worth it.

The Lei that was presented to me from Sheryl at the Airport - AMAZING!!

Last day in Oregon

Well, it has been a great trip so far. Oregon is beautiful. Lots of nature, nice people, green grass and trees, good food and great friends - and people pump your gas at the gas stations...I had a video but for some reason I am not able to post it.

We had some good food and lots of laughter!!

 Two cool dudes!! haha - Thanks Shea and Vinnie for making my trip truly memorable.

Bloody Mary

Great Thai Beef Salad

Tasty Summer Rolls

Beautiful Pad Thai

See ya Oregon, I'll be back one day - I promise :)

Oregon

Day 2 - We drove to the coast.

Beautiful Oregon Coast

Sea Lion Caves

Vinnie, Shana and Shea.

Sea Lions - somewhere down there

Great day again. I love Oregon.

My journey begins in Oregon

 My journey started on August 6th, 2012. I decided to fly to Oregon to see my friend Shea on the way to Hawaii. Shea and I worked together a few years back, but we have remained great friends. He moved to Oregon from Savannah several years ago and loves it there. For many years he wanted me to come out, I refused - knowing that if I did, I wouldn't want to go home.

flying to Oregon. Bags Packed, ready to go!!

Shea. My brother from another mother. My partner in crime. My best bud!!

The big rock...Shea will kill me when he knows I can't remember the name. Regardless, it was beautiful!!

I have never seen a real chipmunk until this date. All others have been on a cartoon!!! 

It really is Paradise.

This is Paradise. 

Shea was the best tour guide a girl could ask for. I was only there for 3 days, but it seems we saw most of the state - Thanks Shea for putting over 100 miles on the car the first day!!

the most beautiful Indian reservation

Mt. Hood

The Overlook Hotel - not the name now but in The Shining - this was the building.

What a great first day!