#18 and 19 ... CLICK!

After what felt like an eternity (3 days in actuality) the UPS man finally delivered our new camera!

Back in high school I was fortunate enough to take one semester of a photography class. It was all pretty confusing (f/stop..composition..ISO..what?!) but so fun! I loved the thought of capturing moments in time that would normally be gone in nano seconds, and with a photo being able to revisit them forever. Up until now I've been trying my best to get by with my handy Sony cybershot. But for all its good points (dont' get me wrong, there are many) I never felt satisfied that the photos truly represented any real sense of feeling or emotion.

So as my 30's birthday creeps ever closer I want to finally go forward with my interest in photography as well as be able to capture all the special times to come (babies...? maybe?).

Anyway, that completes my #18 (buy a fancy camera) but I'm still working on #19. There is still so much for me to learn...you'll find me stalking the photography section at the Kaimuki public library. geek.

#9..chop chop!

Honestly, I crossed #9 off my list and chopped my hair a while ago. All this time I've just been working up the courage to post a picture of myself with it. My hesitation was not because of the hair cut, (which I love by the way, high five Matt at The Cut!), rather it was all self inflicted doubt.

I've always admired people with enough self confidence to post solo photos of themselves. They're always great pictures, artfully shot and beautifully composed. I've never done it mainly because I've never found a photo of myself that I loved enough to deem "facebook profile pic worthy". Also, and probably more importantly, it worried me that people would think I was as egotistical and narcissistic. Never one for bad publicity, I refrained.

However, as I reflected on the purpose of this blog, I realized, I'm almost 30 years old damnit! (I feel like that statement warrants a "damnit!", don't you?), if I want to post a photo of myself, damnit (there it is again!) I'm gonna do it.

To hell with those who sneer, judge, and whisper mean words. This blog is not for you, this photo is not for you. It's for me and Pili (cuz he's in it too), we love it, and that's all that matters.

#8..ok so I cheated

Alright alright, I admit when I wrote the list, I knew I was getting married in a few weeks. So sue me. Even thought I admit to ever so slightly cheating on this one, honestly, it really was something I wanted to do before I turned 30.

Anyone who knows me will agree, I've had my share of heartbreak. Time and time again, true love fooled and alluded me. As frustrating as the continual disappointment was, I never abandoned the dream of some day meeting "the one". I know the corniness of that statement is almost enough to make you vomit, but it's true.

you know that feeling you get when you're struggling to click a seat belt into place? The frustration of missing and being mere centimeters from perfection. The utter satisfaction of hearing that crisp, sharp "click!" and the feeling of contentment in knowing that you're finally safe and sound. That was my Sean. Something just seemed to fit when we met. I felt a slightly unnerving and unfamiliar sense of comfort in our relationship.

I'd always been one of those annoying kids who asked "by why?". To me, every question needed an answer followed by a logical explanation. But when it came to Sean, I knew...I loved him and he loved me, no logic necessary. There were no questions, no doubts, he jumped and I followed.

Our wedding day was absolutely perfect. Full of love,smiles, romance, tears of joy, and unforgettable moments. Surrounded by loving family and friends, I know it is a day I will remember forever.

I love you Seanbear, now and always.

a reflection on 30

After looking at the life accomplishments of others, one has to occasionally take inventory of their own. One night, in the 3am mental haze of a night shift, fueled by several equally delirious co-workers, I did just that. Sitting on the cusp of the big 3-0, I started to think...in my 29 years of existence, what have I done?

Upon reflection, I realized that my few accomplishment sit on slowly disintegrating paper. They are separated by bullet points, and collecting dust in folders at the bottom of boxes. Is that really what I'd want to share with my children and grandchildren as they perch on my lap, searching my history for a sign of their future? No, it's not, and here's my remedy...

I've compiled a list of accomplishments I hope to achieve by the time I reach my 30th birthday, giving me a few days short of 9 months. I have decided to chronicle my adventures on this blog. Having never written one, I don't expect many readers, nor do I promise the people who do check in, a well written or entertaining piece of literature. This blog is mainly for me, as my source of creative release and reflection. However, if something compels you follow me on my quest for self improvement, by all means, read on!

So, without further adieu....here's the list...dun dun duuuunnnnn!

1. Take a yoga class

2. Take a sewing class

3. Ride a bike across the golden gate bridge

4. Finish a craft project

5. Learn to surf

6. Win a trophy

7. Learn to play a song on the guitar

8. Get married

9. Get a totally different, short hair cut

10. Eat Indian food

11. Go to an allergist

12. Actively start to get massage therapy license

13. Do Olomana hike

14. Make something nice to give to my family

15. Watch the Godfather movies

16. Do a charity run/walk

17. Be a vegetarian for a week (no beef, chicken & pork)

18. Buy a fancy camera

19. Learn how to use said camera and take a nice photo

20. Get dressed up and listen to good jazz music

21. Read the top 10 classic novels

22. Watch the sunrise and the sunset on the same day

23. Learn to speak Chinese

24. Ride a horse

25. Finish a crossword puzzle (not NY Times)

26. Grow a vegetable and eat it

27. Learn to drive a stick shift, and do it well

28. Learn the Thriller dance

29. Take a ballroom dance class

30. Ride a moped around the island.

ok then....here we go!