Jeff | how's it going, eh?

Sep 27

Luau Memories

I’m going to do a couple series of Hawaii pictures + reminiscing because Vancouver has been gray + chilly! Also it’s because when we were in Hawaii the azure sparkles of the ocean would be calling to me, “Shelli!!! Shelli!!! Get off that damn computer! Come play, Shelli!”. Thus, I feel those posts were a bit lacking, so let’s revisit the much glossed over luau night.

I know I already posted this picture, but it’s my favorite. So happy, so in lurve.

I also love the fact that before we got to the luau Kelly said to me, “You + Jeff are like Michael Jackson.”. I said, “Come again????”. She replied, “No, not in the pedophile way, but in the sweet, childlike, innocence you both have!”. Isn’t that really hilarious?! I love being compared to Michael Jackson.

The tram.

Explanation of how the pig is traditionally roasted underground. I missed this part because I was already on the bridge to be first in line for drinks.

See? When I heard the guy say, “Everyone please enjoy…” I was already gone. I’m just a blur. I’m like, “Peace out!”.

Dinner, drinks + a show!

The bass player probably has a license plate that says, “I’d rather be fishing”. His face said, “Somebody get me another whiskey + soda.”.

The couple’s dance! My sister Ashley gave the MC our name to announce. This was only the second time Jeff + I did a “traditional dance” together!!! Jeff isn’t much into dancing unless it’s crazy person dancing.

Jeff’s first visit to Los Angeles was the first time we “danced”. Can you believe it?!

Ohhhh, sniff!!! Looking at these pictures again is making me sad! I had so much fun on this trip!!!!

The mothers got a golf cart ride to the hula performance. My mom was hanging off the back yelling, “Woo-hoooo!!! Wooooo!!!”, when they rolled up.

The “Japanese” part of the dancing was the best. It was so cheesy + wrong. I think I remember they called us, “Our humble brothers + sisters of Japan.”. Ah, so desu ka….

Liz + I called it, “Japanese Disco”, because their kimonos looked all shiny + synthetic even from stage! They were dancing all fast + nodding their heads a lot at each other. I was cracking up! Loved it!

The “Maori” girls are always my favorite with the fire lit poi balls.

And of course, the piece de la resistance of the hula – the fire dancer. And they always happen to be a chief from some faraway island. Uh-huh, ok.

We all had so much fun at the luau! There’s always haters that complain that it’s cheesy, not true to the cultures, the lines are long + the drinks are weak, blah blah blah. What do you expect!? It’s good clean, dorky, fun!!! I miss Hawaii. I’m signing off to go cry now.

Sep 26

4 Comments

Cottage Culture

Hi everyone!!! I’m completely + absolutely enjoying my Canadian immersion! Over the weekend Jeff + I went out to Steve + Liz’s Cabin/Cottage. Everyone on the West Coast (west coast is the best coast) calls them cabins, but east coasters call them cottages. Steve + the Fayles are East side so they always refer to it as the cottage. Sorry for the tangent, MOVING ON!!!!!

This has been my third trip to the cottage – located on the Sunshine Coast on Sakinaw Lake. Canada is plentiful with lakes. Cottage culture is huge since the summers are so short (regard my last post – Seasonal Affective Disorder, y’all) + Canuncks know to party it up with boating, canoeing, inner tubing, wake boarding, swimming, diving, paddling, water skiing…need I go on?

First, is the hour long BC Ferry trip from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale. Then, it is an hour long drive up the Sunshine Coast to where Steve + Liz’s boat dock is.

We usually grocery shop in Gibsons + pack up the boat tout suite!

The girls are old pros. Old pros.

It was surprisingly hot + so Keiko + I went swimming when we got to the cottage. Keiko loves to get in the water + yell, “I’M SWIMMING!!!!!!!!”. And we both get really psyched.

The next day was also warmer than we thought it would be so Jeff decided to get the party started by jumping off the boat house roof as he is want to do. The girls always have to have their life vests on when they are near the water. Auntie Shelli is learning alot of child safety the past couple of months.

I’ve done this jump before. It’s a lot higher than you think once you are mid air. It hurt my ears when I hit the water – I’m not a fan.

The girls love to yell, “Again! Again!!!”. This picture cracks me up because I didn’t use a fast shutter so I only caught Jeff’s legs right after he jumped off the roof. Doesn’t it look like muppet legs dangling from the top of the frame?! Hah!

Daddy’s girls. Awwwwww!!!

So irresistable!!! This picture reminds me of my sister + I. Cuuute. Buuuddies.

A couple pictures Keiko took with my camera. Not bad, eh? Eh!!!! Canuck Transformation commence!!!

Then, we did some work laying wood chip as a path from the dock up to the cabins.

More SWIMMING…

The water is exceptionally clear, clean + oh so refreshing!!! There’s nothing like it!!!

After swimming, Keiko + Steve started a bonfire. Check out the determination on Keiko’s face as she’s fanning the fire! Keiko + Tobin are two of the hardest + most tireless workers I know. If they ever teamed up, they will be CEO + VP of a multi billion dollar corporation + I shall work for them.

View of the cotttages (we stayed in the smaller one – the “honeymoon suite” as Steve called it) from the bonfire pit.

Enjoying some brewskis + vino.

Last year’s picture from the deck!!!! Vintage!

Grilling dinner!

Sakinaw Lake past dusk. Ah, serenity!

The next morning of our departure was crazy downpour. We managed to catch a break + quickly dash out to pack up the boat + take off!!!

View from the ferry. Oh, Canada. Sigh.

Sep 23

6 Comments

Canadian Bacon

How’s it going, eh?! It’s been great to be back in Vancouver at Tom + Deb’s. Matt has transitioned from geckos to salamanders. Tobin + I have transitioned from sand castles to Lego villages. Yesterday was Jeff’s brother Benjamin’s birthday. Jeff + I stopped by the most awesome british butcher recommended by Steve to pick up some burgers. This place was my dad’s dream. Tongue, haggis, kidney pie, blood sausage, 12 different types of bacon, hooray!!!!!

Look at the dolls they had for sale!!! I was like, “WHAAAAT!!!!????”. I had seen them before because Jeff + his family grew up with these minstrel dolls called Golliwogs which was a character from children’s books popular in England during the late 19th century. AND they had a Golliwog clock on the wall!!! I just couldn’t believe they had them for sale on their counter, right up in front!

Jeff’s grandmother owned the original 1895 publication of this exact book.

Anyways, we all enjoyed the burgers – Steve, Liz, Keiko + Hana came to join the festivities as well!!! It was awesome being with everyone again!

The Salamander Whisperer + his face painted assistant, Hana the Amazing!!!

Keiko patiently waiting for her burger to be cut.

Tobin lost his two front teeth!!! Look at his superb cowboy hat + vintage suede cowboy vest. Courtesy of Uncle Thrift Store Jeff. It’s one of Tobin’s favorite looks to go shirtless with the vest.

One totally rad dude. Ready to rip it up to the extreme. Jeff said now he really looks Canadian. Really? I didn’t know Canadians were toothless.

I thought Tobin was channeling Bunker Spreckels, infamous surfer from the 70’s who inherited $50 million from the family fortune (his grandfather was a sugar baron, publisher + railroad tycoon). He partied hard + had really great style. Oh yeah, + Clark Gable was his step father.

Someone is anticipating cake time!

YAAAAAY!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE BENJ!!!!

Today Jeff + I had a phone consultation with an lawyer to discuss our immigration paperwork. It is going to be alot of work, but she told us that if we have all our documents in order, it will take 5-6 months to process!!! Very good news!!! Chin chin!!!!

Well, Vancouver is already damp + drizzly. I’m going to buy a car load of Vitamin D when I move up here. I’m going to get Seasonal Affective Disorder y’all!!! We took the bus to pick up Jeff’s car from the detailer in downtown. The bus!!! Very exotic for an Angeleno.

After picking up the car + on the way back home to North Vancouver, we were driving through what Jeff + I call Cracky McJacky Town. Very unsavory, but I could still eat Canada’s crack addicts for breakfast when comparing them with Los Angeles crack addicts!!! But look at what we saw!!!

Girl fight!!!! The little one was dragging the big one by the hair!!! Then they both stood up + the little one was throwing punches like a pro boxer! It was on the driver’s side + I was hitting Jeff + yelling, “Take a picture!!!!”. Jeff wimped out + didn’t even roll down the window to get a good shot, so it’s blurry. To all my American friends, you probably thought Canada was all maple syrup + baby deers?! Well, think again!!! The mean streets of the Great White North!!! Voila!!!!!

Sep 20

Paniolo Pride

Ladies + Gentlemen, we celebrated the 36th Annual Waimea Paniolo Parade on Saturday, September 17th, 2011!!!! Jeff was up + ready! We drove 20 min inland + when we arrived in Waimea, I saw the crowds + tents + boy howdy did I start getting excited!!!! I LOVE festivaaaaaaals!!!!! Lobster Fest, Octoberfest, Scottish Fest, Swallow Day Fest….I could go on. It’s too bad my festival homie Debbie Im couldn’t be with us. In spirit, Debbie!!! In spirit!!!

Jeff found this Hawaiian western shirt couple days ago thrifting + wore a tiki bolo tie that he brought from his collection in Canada, just in case. Who knew it would become useful on this trip? Who knew? Jeff knew.

The parade begins!!!!! I’m going to organize the photos by section because we took so darn many. Hawaiian Royalty!!!!

Check out the court announcer singing with his gelled Jonas Brothers hair. And check out the kid in the red loincloth next to him giving serious stink eye!!!! Hah!!!

This guy is going to beat you down with a stick. In ancient Hawaii it was kapu (forbidden) for those of lower class to look upon the chief or cast your shadow upon him. The penalty is death. I think this guy is regulating!!!

These were my two favorite guys at the parade. How cute is the french horn player???

I picture this as my friends + I as we gracefully enter our sunset years.

Here come the paniolos!!! My heart was racing!!!!

Why sir, that is a very handsome moustache! Y’all know I’m a sucker for a hearty moustache!!!

Here are a couple of hunky paniolo pics for you ladies:

Lots + lots of adorable keiki (kids)!!!!

The Princesses! Each one represented a Hawaiian island. They would extend their hand from their mouths + softly say, “Aloha.”. After each one passed by, without fail I’d say, “preeeeettyyy”, like Lennie from Of Mice and Men.

The pink princess, I called the Nicki Minaj of Paniolo Princesses. She was all about it!!! Posing, waving, huge smiles!!! Girl was like, “Haaaaay!!!!!”!!!!

Here are some other highlights from the parade.

My favorite outfit with the whitelace gloves + jaunty woven hat. Sassy!

Let’s not forget the pooper scoopers!!! Each one had a different theme! Look! The driver is receiving a kiss! Poop + romance!!!!

The haole local ladies sitting in front of us did not appreciate this one!!! Oh my, no they did not!!!!

Jeff was obsessed with this kid because he had a drawn on moustache. Ole!!!!

After the parade was over, we went to the Waimea Farmer’s Market where Jeff had a fresh, homemade bacon sandwich. He pretty much was salivating over the lady making it + staring intensely at her (which I think freaked her out a bit), because we were staaaarved at that point. I really think it was wild boar that they killed in the hills because apparently the island is over-run with them + it tasted really, really amazing + fresh. I still think it was not enough food for a lumberjack, unfortunately as you’ll find out later in the post.

Sir, why so intense, sir??? Do you realize you’ve been on a tropical island on vacation, sir? Hello, sir???

At least SOMEONE was enjoying themselves!!! Sheesh!!! Island style, brah!!! Chill, mon!!! Someone bring me a Mai Tai!

After Jeff had a little food in him, we wandered to the park for the Ho’olaule’a for food, hula + fun. My recommendation to anyone going to the 37th annual Waimea Paniolo Parade is to skip this part. Great people watching, don’t get me wrong. But it was crowded as heck, the lines were insanely long for food + it is generally like herded cattle. We waited for $7 kahlua pork, they forgot about us + when we reminded them, they said they ran out of rice + the amount of pork given to us was like a melon ball scooper’s worth. Jeff was so irate but I felt bad for them because they seriously looked panic stricken + one of them was calling their auntie to bring mo’ rice.

Look at all those darn people! Moooo!!!

Princesses on their off time, hanging out in their jeans + drinking pop. This one princess in tan was probably related to Andre the Giant + was like 2 times taller than her husband. He + the baby were both wearing forest cammo tshirts. Bad ass Waimea style, yo!!!!

The good part is, there was a really crowded craft tent + Jeff bought a carved bone necklace by this old time artisan, Ika Vea who carved the pendant that Jeff chose + wove + braided the necklace while we hung out. It’s a very special handcrafted piece of art that Jeff is really happy about.

Here is Cranky Pants not so happy to be in a craft tent holding one of the gorgeous wood carvings Ika made that we now regret not bringing home with us.

Note to all ladies. Don’t take your significant others to festivals unless they’ve been previously amply fed. You’ll thank me later.

Sadly, I’m writing the ending to this blog post from Vancouver. Not sad, because I love Vancouver (we arrived at 2am to Tom + Deb’s last night), but sad because I miss my tropical paradise + all of my turtle family. I spent the entire last day in the backyard of our house at the beach. I couldn’t bear to be near the computer + had to fully enjoy our most amazing last day of the honeymoon. I will post more pictures of that last day tomorrow!!!! Sniff, sniff.

Sep 17

3 Comments

Oh, It’s Such a Perfect Day

Today was the best day of the honeymoon so far!!!! I finally managed to sleep in, + this is what today mostly consisted of.

That’s right in our backyard, y’all. I’m sad because I think I had salt spray on my lens, so some of my pictures from today are a little blurry.

We did a good amount of snorkeling + it was like a GOLD MINE OF AQUATIC TREASURES!!!! Although, to our dismay, we realized that instead of my totally radical Japanese flippers that I bought at Waipouli Variety on Kauai, we had mistakenly grabbed flippers that would fit a 7 year old!!!! So, I had to go flipper-less + we swam out FAR, y’all!!!! The coral reefs were like a teeming city of fishies!!!! Like the Chicago World Fair of fish!!!! We saw a ton of humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, the longest word in the Hawaiian language.

Butterfly fish, dragonets, puffer fish, surgeon fish, yellow tangs, humuhumu’ele’ele, wrasses, etc.!!! As we were swimming around, along the ocean floor I noticed A SHARK slinking about!!!!!!! I was trying to be as non-conspicuous as I could be, “I don’t really see you, mister shark, do you see me???” while making minimal body movements. Jeff was pointing at it + so excited!!! I was thinking, “Be cool!!! Be cool, man!!!’!!! We surfaced + he asked, “What kind of shark do you think that was?”. I replied, “White tip shark”. Well, I’m a regular marine biologist, y’all, because when we got back to the house we did some online research + I was on the money!!!! White tip reef shark!!!!

Thank god they are non-aggressive. Shark bait. By the way, these underwater pics aren’t ours cuz we don’t have an underwater camera, but you betcha we are going to buy a disposable one tomorrow, after today’s bounty!!!! AAAAAARRR, avast ye yellow liver land lubbers!!!!!

Let’s just say swimming in white capped waters without flippers made we well worn out. The rest of the day we hung out, sunning ourselves with our turtle neighbors munching along beside us. HEAVEN, Y’AAAAAALLLLL!!!

Here’s one face down napping like a champion.

They get so pooped from eating from the algae buffet + dragging their fat little heavy bellies onto the shore, that once they manage – they just straight pass out. I can feel you, turtle brother. I feel you.

Jeff got antsy, of course + decided to yard work. Let me repeat, yard work on a rental house!!!! This guy doesn’t know the definition of RELAXATION!!!! My god, help me!!!!!

I was happy where I was, but since mister ants-in-his-pants wanted to go out for sunset, we went to Pu’ukohola Heiau. Built by Kamehameha I, on a prophecy that if he built this temple, he would conquer all the islands.

And by 1810, he united all the islands of Hawaii.

It’s been the most amazing day together. We are both so sad to see it coming to an end, but we are going to take advantage of this paradise to the end!!!!!!!!!!!

Sep 16

1 Comment

Easy does it…

After our raging dance party, admittedly today was slow goings. Jeff was like a “jamby” – that’s how my mom pronounces “zombie”. Jamby! Jamby!!! We headed inland towards the the largest privately-owned cattle ranch (Parker Ranch) in the US which is located in Waimea (Kamuela). It is said that King Kamehameha III arranged for three Mexican cowboys to come to the Big Island to teach the locals about cattle ranching. Thus, the birth of the Hawaiian paniolos (cowboys)! Viva Mexico!!!!!

I had to take Jeff to one of my all time favorite dives, Hawaiian Style Cafe.

It is full on diner style cooking with plates heaped full o’ food!!! They are famous for their plate of kahlua hash, two eggs + fried rice – which is what Jeff devoured. Perfect hangover food!!! Just what the doctor ordered!!!

Note: good thing I did my calisthenics this morning because I am starting to get C-H-U-B-B-Y.

I didn’t really take many pictures of Waimea because we plan to be back for the Paniolo Parade on Saturday! I can’t wait!!! I love a parade!!!!!

If it looks like all we do is eat, well it’s true. We drove east towards the little town of Honoka’a to Tex’s Drive In. Home of the fresh out of the fryer malasada!!! Hot, doughy, sugar coated Portuguese heaven!!! I took a picture like this last year in front of Tex’s when I came with my dad.

You can get malasadas cream, fruit filled, or plain. I prefer the pure, unadulterated plain malasada. They are really hot + fresh, like pillows!!! http://www.yelp.com/biz/tex-drive-in-honokaa

We drove north west to the artist community of Hawi. Jeff took the Kohala Mountain Road which was windy + rose up high in elevation, making me very nervous + manic due to Jeff’s erratic driving!!!! Thus, no scenic view shots because Jeff was enjoying that while driving, as I was in panic mode keeping my eyes on the road from the passenger seat because somebody else wasn’t!!!!

We slowly meandered around tiny Hawi, browsing the art galleries. Happy hour at historic Bamboo restaurant + gallery.

http://bamboorestaurant.info/

Sorry for the non scenic photos today. We are a little worse for the wear. It’s Flashdance that really put us over the edge.

On our way home to Puako Fantasy (our glamorous rental home), we stopped for a refreshing swim at Hapuna Beach, which is the most pristine + swimmable sand beach in the state.

Deep thoughts…..

Yesterday + today were our first real days of relaxation since being in Hawaii. Hard to believe, I know – but with the wedding + our neurotic, hyperactive personalities we’ve been on the go so much!!! Now that we have our Puako Fantasy home, we are really going to stay put + take advantage of it for the rest of our amazing stay.

There’s my tiny little head swimming in the ocean + this wiry old chappie who was running lap after lap along the beach REALLY fast + spry!!! Stud!!!!

Another muscle competition pose by yours truly.

Wish you were all here.

Sep 11

3 Comments

Japanese Breakfast + Lots of Volcanic Activity

Yesterday we started the day at the Cooper Center. We saw this sign the other day + new we had to make a cameo.

These were our people, yo!!! I don’t know if that’s necessarily a good thing, but we hung out, talked story, bought honey + looked at lots of weird stuff.

The guy selling honey told longer stories than Jeff, but his Japanese wife made us the yummiest Japanese breakfast! Suggoku oishikatta!!!!

Check out those prices!!!! Bomb!!!!

There were so many local characters there. It was such a tight community. I loved it. Here’s the lady with her pet turtle, who I was told is the swap meet mascot.

Then it was off to hike the Kilauea Iki Crater!!!

First, is a path through lush rain forest.

The beautiful, but invasive Kahili ginger.

The Lehua blossom. In Hawaiian folklore they represent tears from heaven for separated lovers everywhere. Sigh.

Then, we descended in to the crater itself. Land of the Lost, y’all!!!! This is Pu’u Pua’i, the vent of the crater. Here’s me in front of it doing my muscle competition pose. Because that’s how volcanic craters make me feel. Power!!!!!

Descending into the vent.

Amazing, hearty new life growing in the lava. Jeff the explorer.

Fruity Pebbles lava.

Steam vents.

Heading out.

Next was the Maunu Ulu trail which is one of the longest known rift zone eruptions of Kilauea. Fascinating!!!!

Like mother of pearl!!! Gorgeous!!!!

Out of this world!!!! Dy-no-mite!!!

This is when I screamed, “Frodo!!!! Sam!!!”!!! I said, “Hey Jeff, remember in Lord of the Rings when Sam + Frodo were escaping the fires of Mordor + they were surrounded by flowing, red hot lava???” He replied, “No, I’ve never seen any of those movies.” I screamed, “Whaaaaaaat????!!!!” I might have to rethink this marriage. Well, I’m stopping this blog now because we have to check out + Jeff hasn’t downloaded all the pictures of more volcano fun, so until then!

“No, Mr. Frodo!!! You must hang on!!!!”

Sep 11

2 Comments

Craters + Spam

Good morning everyone!!!! I wanted to start out the day by saying thank you to everyone for all the well wishes + congratulations!!! Jeff + I have been having a hoot of a time!!!

HILO TO VOLCANOES – 9/9/11

On Friday, we departed Hilo. But not without hitting my fav local plate lunch spot, yo!!!! Hilo Lunch Shop, yo!!!!!!! Represent!!!

Check out Jeff’s shorts courtesy of Hilo Goodwill. It was hilarious because one of the older aunties working inside saw Jeff walk in + had the most shocked/yet really happy look on her face. I was so hungry + excited to eat that I was hopping up + down on one leg!

We headed back toward the Hilo Hawaiian for lunch at nearby Coconut Island (Mokuola). In ancient times it was a place of refuge for law breakers.

What a faboo park!!! Can you spot Hilo Hawaiian in the background?

Lunch. Booyah!!!!!! Plate lunch, bruddah!!!!! My first spam of the whole trip! Blasphemy!!!!

Of course, we had to pay our respects to King Kamehameha.

But, we busted outta there when we saw the big white van of Japanese tourists swarm in.

Jeff wanted to give our Hilo Lunch Shop leftovers to someone in need, because that’s the kind of guy he is. I spotted a fellow, Jeff did the hand off + came back in the car with a piece of photo copied paper. I wish you could all see it. It is amazing. Apparently, his name is Ralph Sal Biscalgia + he is determined to correct the U.S.A. english language because the way a person speaks or writes affects their blood pressure + temper. There’s calculations + he says, “300000 dollar prize for someone who can get me a Nobel Peace Prize”. Incredible!!!

Anyway, we drove towards Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for around 45 min. It’s cold + misty up there, y’all – bring your windbreakers + pants!!! Here is me looking sexxxy at Kilauea crater.

It was quickly becoming dusk, so we headed towards the Thurston Lava Tube. Creepy!!!

It was really cold, so I decided to add my fancy Twelth St. by Cynthia Vincent sweater. I just ended up looking like a crazy, bag lady that happened to wander into a lava tube.

Off to view Halema’uma’u Crater in all it’s night time glory!!! This is Jeff’s pic with his profesheeonal camera. Beauty!!!!

I was so bushed + we went to Kiawe Kitchen for dinner. Note to travelers: if you’re traveling at volcano – rent a place with a kitchenette + make your dinner, or heat up a frozen pizza!!! We had to wait outside in the cold, got yelled at by big old mama hen (actually she was young but still big) + service was inefficient. They sort of redeemed themselves with the wood fired pizza. Don’t go unless you liked to be berated for wanting to eat. Luckily, I used my Los Angeles street savvy + my Chinese restaurant “madly waving hand” technique to get service. It worked because we were served faster than some poor suckers who were seated before us. Oh yeah.

Sep 9

2 Comments

Commence Honeymoooon!!!!!

Hi!!!!! Yesterday morning we packed our little butts off at the Anini house. I’m going to miss the family so much!!!! I mean, is this irresistable or what?!

We rushed to Lihue Airport like bats out of hell. We didn’t make our flight, we were put on stand by + ran to the gate + prayed. We made it + were the last 2 on the plane! Of course I didn’t take any pics because I thought Jeff was going to burst a spleen. Here is our stop over in Honolulu Airport.

Here’s a tricky picture I took of the line of Japanese tourists waiting to get on the plane. They were READY, y’all!!! Tickets + passports out, y’all!!! That’s the way we do it!!!!!

We arrived in Hilo + checked into our hotel the Hilo Hawaiian. I knew Jeff would love it because it is funky + old school. This is the view from our balcony.

Magnum!!!!

Hilo Farmers Market – hang loose, granny!!!

Will you be surprised when I tell you my dear readers, that we went to two thrift stores? You’re all aghast, I know. But it is a triumph when I convince Jeff that leaving a thrift store with only one gem + not 12 so-so items is a success. I found some sweet vintage muumuus, y’all!!! Check out the hot lady behind the counter in the purple bikini. Very Hilo. Hilo has alot of rough characters. Jeff was surprised by all the tattoos + thug like bruddahs.

Dinner at Ocean Sushi Deli. My family has been going there for many trips. It is relatively cheap + very local. They have never let me down before, but I wasn’t as impressed this time around. Still a really fun place to be, though!!! I still recommend!!!

http://www.yelp.com/biz/ocean-sushi-deli-hilo

Here I am irritable + impatient at Jeff who took my camera to adjust the white balance + ISO or somethinglikethat. I didn’t realize he was taking a picture of me. We were both tired + crank, y’all!!! Thus, the lack of good photos yesterday. Oh hey – but check out the cranky couple behind me!!! Classic!!!

Then, it was back to the Hilo Hawaiian for early bed!!!!!! More later!!!!!

Sep 9

2 Comments

The Last Days of Kaua’i

The days after the wedding were a blur for all of us at Anini House. The adrenaline of the days leading up the wedding completely left us all spent. We lazed around the house + here are some things I’ve learned about kids.

#1 – they really, really love television.

#2 – they really love playing in hot tubs. They’d be like, “Shelli! Come play in the hot tub!!!!” + I’d be like, “NO WAY!!!!! The ocean’s better!!!!” + they’d be like, “No it’s not!!!!!” + I’d be like, “Yes it is!!!!!!” + they’d be like, “No it’s not!!!!” We would have those type of conversations daily.

#3 – I never realized how much they like Ichiban noodles. They ate it cooked or they would munch on it dry!!!! Keiko + Hana are so cute, it sounded they were calling it Itchy Bum noodles. So that’s what we all called it during the trip.

We all made a couple of family trips to Hanalei Bay. I don’t know why I didn’t take a picture of the actual beach. Here’s lunch at Pat’s Taqueria taco truck with my swimming buddy, Ambur. The kalua pork tacos were to die for!!!! FYI, future Hawaii travelers, they close at 3pm.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/pats-taqueria-hanalei

After, we had shave ice at the truck next door. It was ono! That’s Hawaiian for good, y’all.

We had dinner that night with my mom + dad over. The Canadian Lady Posse wanted me to highlight what typically happens during dinner prep. Let me enlighten y’all.

Ladies toiling over a hot stove + slaving away.

Oh look…..how interesting!!!!!!! Here, we observe the male species in their natural habitat. Beer AND snacks (provided by the ladies, of course!) Must be nice, guys!!!!!!

Jeff, mom + mother Jean

Okay, okay. The guys helped a little bit, too. They grilled, okay!!!! Sheesh!!!

Look who’s first at the dinner table again!

Jeff with his Moustache Gang!!!! How freaking cute is that???!!!!

The next day some of us went to Tunnels Beach.

Here’s Jeff uptight in paradise. Getting everyone out the door is like wrangling cats. Daphne + I had to have a cocktail while waiting for everyone.

The current was pretty strong at Tunnels, so Deb + Liz took the kids back to Hanalei. Jeff, Daphne, Tom + I went to take a hike on the Kalalau trail along the famous Napali coast.

It is a steep uphill for 3/4 miles, y’all!!! I cursed my short Japanese legs trying to keep up with the long ass legs of the Fayle family!!! But every step of the way was so beautiful!!!

The descent led us to Hanakapia Beach. This sign greeted us towards the bottom. Yikes!!!

River leading to the ocean.

I didn’t know there were Spider monkeys at the beach!!!!

Lava caves

AWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!! Jeff is such a romantic!!!! This is what he was making in the lava cave in the picture above. So sweet.

The road back home.

Bye for now everyone!!!!! Sorry there’s so many gaps in the pictures, I still don’t have a hang on this software!!!!

Sep 9

15 Comments

Mr. + Mrs. Fayle – Part 2 (aka “The Big Day”)

Sorry for the delay!!!! It’s hard to post when there’s 21 people in the house. I just want to hang out in the water all day, drink wine + sleep!!!!

After decorating the house, I went over to my mom + dad’s timeshare in Princeville to get ready. This is how the Nishinos get ready for the wedding. Watching the Kardashians + sleeping. Nice guys, real nice.

As I was doing my hair + makeup my sister asked me, “Shelli, did you do a trial run of your hair + makeup?”. To which I responded, “Nope! I’m hoping it all turns out!”. She was like, “You are so crazy!!!!!!!!”. I’ve done crazier.

At the house, Pastor Niles Kageyama + his wife Eileen had arrived. Jeff apparently was bossing people around while pointing + shouting. Like an art director or something.

The boys + their ginger stalk torches

My cutie niece flower girl, Ambur.

Jeff + best man Steve. Very affectionate, aren’t we boys???

Pastor Niles blowing the conch at the top of the ceremony. Mom + mother Jean looking on bemusedly. I wonder what they were thinking. “Oh my! How curious!” or “How very native!”.

The procession begins!!!! Look at brave Tobin’s face!!!! So earnest!!!

Here comes the bride!!!! I really don’t think I could have smiled any bigger. Pastor Niles + Eileen played ukelele singing Hawiian wedding song, “Ke Kali Nei Au”. I wish someone had taken a picture of Jeff’s face as I was walking down the aisle because his facial expression was priceless.

Jeff’s face looked like this:

Jeff + I were both so teary eyed during the ceremony. My tactic for keeping it together + not bawling was to stare at the moustache wax in Jeff’s moustache.

Here’s beautiful Ashley in her Hilo Hattie dress. My mom hand sewed the back to take it in + show off her teeny waist. Doesn’t she look so tropical?!

Our brave ring bearers, Matt + Tobin. Tobin was so nervous about it all day, but they both did an amazing job!!! Ring pillows were made by my mom with vintage aloha fabric courtesy of the fabulously stylish Cacey Riggan!!!

Don’t you love Matt’s cool surfer dude long hair???

Pastor Niles delivered a warm + heartfelt ceremony. Jeff + I were soooo happy!!!! Here’s me clapping for ourselves. So humble!!!

Husband + Wife!!!!!!

The Fayle-Downies

The Fayle-Hoiles

The Nishinos

My lovely + sweet caterers Ann + Catherine from Heavenly Creations – aren’t they pretty?! http://www.heavenlycreations.org/ If it wasn’t for Ann we would of had to barbeque or go out to a restaurant. She saved me!!!!

Appetizers were the best poke we’ve EVER had + teriyaki beef skewers!!!

Dining al fresco, y’all!!! If you look closely, you’ll see my mom bossing me around as I’m taking the picture, + Jeff throwing his shaka.

Luckily, with the combination of families, we had an arsenal of talented photographers.

Here is one of my favorite pictures. Me with the Canadian Lady Posse. Jeff said, “Why would you post that picture?! Look at your facial expression!!!”. Exactly. Hilarious.

Dinner was better than I could have ever hoped for!!!! Grilled Opah fish, chicken, jasmine rice, grilled asparagus, salad + okinawan sweet potatoes!!!! I had seconds, y’all.

The cakes from Kilauea Bakery. Mocha Macadamia + Lilikoi Coconut. Doesn’t it look like Jeff + Rob are getting married?

What a perfect day!!!! All the elements came together so seamlessly (except when I almost couldn’t find the marriage certificate in the morning) with everyone’s love, help + contributions!!! Jeff + I were sort of winging it through most of the process, but we couldn’t have been happier with how it turned out!!! I ended the night watching two back to back episodes of “Saved by the Bell” with Matt + Ambur + then ended passing out while Jeff hung out with the family. Good work, Shelli! I will post more pictures + thought throughout the blog about the wedding, but for now I’m signing off because I’ve been in front of the computer for an hour + a half, hunched over like an old crone. Paradise + family fun are awaiting me!!! I love you all!!!!

Sep 2

Paradise

Man was I exhausted after a fitful night’s sleep. Nevertheless I powered through a run. Ashley walked over + we all made our way into Kapa’a for breakfast. Kountry Kitchen was on my mind y’all. Ashley had a fluffy macadamia nut pancake the size of her head.

After breakfast Jeff + I headed to pick up his family. Ashley decided to go on her own today because yesterdays festivities were a little too much for her sensibilities. We asked if she wanted us to drop her off a little more into town, but she was so ready to get rid of us, so she was like, “Sayonara, bitches!!!!”

The menfolk went with Jean + the children to do what Jean + children do. Jeff + I + the ladies all braved a mass Costco trip to fill up the house with enough food for 18 people. No, that wasn’t a typo. Here are the Canadians freaking out about the cheap plentiful supply of booze. You can only buy alcohol at government run liquor stores + it’s usually twice as expensive. Sad, right?

We had 3 full carts of food. Since I come from a small, insular Japanese family, it was all a little overwhelming, considering Costco gives me hives in the first place. He told me to take off for a bit + do errands. I had to go to Home Depot to clear my head. Aaaaaah. Sanctuary.

Daphne, Kelly + Deb in the grocery filled car. The booze total came out to $375. I freaked out, but the Canadians were ecstatic.

Next stop, renting paddle boards. Kelly + Deb ran across the street to get smaller item groceries while Daphne + Jeff were strapping the boards to the roof. Look at me in the front seat dejected. I think all the residual stress from the storage unit fiasco has worn me out. But I’m soooooooo happy that Jeff’s family is here now because they are helping distribute Jeff’s intensity. I’m passing the torch. Put a knife in me. I’m done.

We got to the gargantuan house at dusk. Kelly is the maestro of the kitchen + we were all her assistants.

Da kids.

Dinner was awesome!!!! Got to go!!! Wedding stuff to do! More later!!! Aaaaaah!!! Getting stink eye from Jeff!!!!!

Aug 31

9 Comments

Canmore-Vancouver-Lihue

Yiiiiiikes. So sorry for the lapse in blogging. I’m so exhausted. Yiiiikes.

SATURDAY 8/27/11 – CANMORE TO VANCOUVER

We packed for Vancouver. I don’t know how we got everything into Jeff’s Toyota Matrix.

He wanted us to be on the road at 9am. Fat chance!!!! I packed up + cleaned the entire cabin while Jeff was running around town doing last minute errands. I actually fell asleep on the couch which is something I never do. The car was so packed that there was no space left in it. Not even 1/2 an inch. I was surrounded by stuff all around me so that I had to sit with my knees propped up against my chest.

I don’t know if you can tell, but that coche is full, homies.

It took us FOREVER to get out of town because we would run into people Jeff knew. His other Native name is Short-Story-Long. That’s because he can go onandonandonandonandonandonandon. I would gaze absently off into the distance when he would tell stories which was nice because it gave my brain a bit of a break. Here is me with my Native future “sister-in-law” Dolly standing next to the stuffed car.

We didn’t drive out of Canmore until 6:30pm!!!! Here is a beautiful view of the mountains that gave me some relief.

The drive was excruciating. Repeat. Excruciating. We were both so tired. I couldn’t keep my eyes open. What freaked me out even more was the fact that Jeff was probably worse off, + he was the driver. We sang very loud renditions of the Grateful Dead + Flight of the Concords to keep ourselves awake. Here’s Jeff happily singing along to, the Grateful Dead’s, “Box of Rain”. Thank God he’s such a happy-go-lucky person. We balance each other out, if you know what I mean. When the road became dark + desolate, that was when it got really bad.

I didn’t want to perish in a car crash before I was about to get married, so we took an hour + a half nap at a rest stop + kept on keeping on. We didn’t get to Jeff’s brother Tom’s house until 6am.

We got up at 10am + I was SO relieved to see Deb, Tom + Jeff’s nephews Matt + Tobin. I was like, “SAVE ME!!!!!”! After breakfast we did a bunch of Vancouver related errands + oh, guess what??? Went to Jeff’s storage unit!!!! Sigh. I was about to give up. But the great thing is, Jeff is ready to get rid of things because he’s seen how all of his possessions are weighing my spirit down. I’m really happy about that.

That night, Deb made dinner for us + our fellow interracial couple friends Steve, Liz + their cutie 1/4 Japanese girls Keiko + Hana. Deb is awesome like that. Deb is my savior. Here is Keiko + Hana. Hana makes the most adorable scrunchy smiles!!!!

At this point, we hadn’t even started packing for Hawaii!!! We completely took over Tom + Deb’s entire garage floor + spread out. It was like blind people packing because we were so out of our minds. I had to keep Jeff in check to not pack so much. Especially to leave behind his Blundstones. Hello!!!! We’re going to the tropics!!! GAAAAHHH!!!!

SUNDAY 8/28/11 – VANCOUVER TO LIHUE

I passed out once hitting the bed. I was woken by bright lights at 3am, a good morning kiss + a, “you’ve got 15min to shower before the cab gets here.” EXCUUUUUSE ME!!!!!???? Nevertheless, I managed to pull myself together in that amount of time to get to YVR.

The customs agent asked Jeff, “So, where’s Magnum headed to today?” and Jeff replied, “Ironically enough, Hawaii.” How hilarious is that????!!!

Check out #10 on our customs forms!!!! Can you believe it!!!!???

Jeff + I right before touchdown to Lihue, Kaua’i

When we got off the plane, Jeff was still in film set mode. For those of you who don’t know what that means, it’s: walking fast, talking fast, demanding things to be done fast…you get the picture. I kept telling him, “Hey, mon. We on island time, mon. You need to chiiiiill, mon.” Man, was he uptight. Luckily, my sister Ashley arrived 10 min after us from a flight from Los Angeles. We got our rental car + where did we head to first???? The thrift stores of course!!!!

After visiting multiple Lihue thrift stores, we headed to Costco. Another shocker there. I see a pattern…..

After Costco we drove north towards the east coast to Wailua + Kapa’a.

Me looking a little gnarly at Opaeka’a Falls

View of Wailua River

Dinner at Mermaids Cafe on Kuhio Hwy. Famous for their Nori Ahi wraps. Ono!!! For you haoles that’s pidgin for good!!! The guy in the kitchen that looked like a Kelly Slater brah (10 time ASP World Champ) asked if we were locals. Jeff was so psyched. He loves street cred.

Kelly Slater, bruddah.

Jeff + I are staying in an amazing vacation rental in a residential area of Wailua which is a guest house with it’s own private entry. Their garden is extensive + our room is fully stocked up with a flat screen, dvds, kitchen supplies, etc. Our host Carol Yasutake has been on the island since the ’70s.

MONDAY 8/30/11 – LIHUE DAY 2

Jeff posing in Carol’s beautiful garden. This is what we look at from our bed. Paradise!!!!

After my run + getting our wits together Jeff, Ashley + I headed out on our errands. First we stopped by the Kapa’a music shop.

Lunch at Papaya’s Natural Foods. Da bomb natural health food store with salad bar, juices, smoothies + some hot items. When the guy handed me Jeff’s fish taco, he said, “Have a blessed day.” Ok yeah, we’re in Kaua’i.

Hippie lunch!!!!

If you want cheap gifts, t-shirts + towels, don’t go to ABC store. Go to Waipouli Variety. Cheaper.

Super cute picture of Ashley. I’m so lucky my sister is here on the island early with us. She has been my secretary + research assistant. I think she is a little scared of Jeff + I because we are so neurotic + intense. She keeps saying to us, “Man, you guys have to relax!!!!”. Because she’s actually pretty neurotic herself. Not a good sign.

Ho’omana Thrift Store. Don’t judge!!! We like to thrift, ok?!

Unavoidably, we all walked into Wal Mart for the first time in our lives. What can I say, y’all!!!??? I needed to get some things for the wedding + there was nowhere else to go!!!!

Dinner was Duane’s Ono-Char Burger. It’s been around for 3 decades. You all know that burgers + onion rings are on the bride’s diet list, right?! Heck, yes!

After you pick up your order, drive south of Duane’s to eat at Anahola beach. Otherwise you’ll be eating at Duane’s sad picnic tables with tourists, surrounded by stalker chickens + roosters. Anahola beach is pretty local, but since Jeff was with two Japanese girls, we were cool.

After burger consuming, we headed to the North Shore to spy on our wedding rental home on Anini Beach!!!! It’s GORGEOUS!!!! I didn’t take a picture of the house because the current renters were hanging out on the porch + I didn’t want to be creepy. But here’s a tiny preview of the beach!!!! More to come!!!! Stay tuned!!! I miss everyone!!!

Aug 27

4 Comments

Maxed Out

Hey! I have to make this post super short. We’re packing up the cabin + need to make it on the road to Vancouver today in the next couple hours! Gear up for the next 10 hours of road!!!

Yesterday basically sucked a bunch of sour grapes. I knew it was going to be a gnarly day. I didn’t even put on my turquoise, y’all!!!! Here’s the very full Budget van hauling ass to Exshaw.

If you cosmopolitan folk don’t know what a 40 ft storage container looks like, this is a big leviathan. And this is what we filled yesterday.

Here’s me revealing the full van, biting my knuckles off. Stop looking at my ankle socks!!!! I had no choice!

We lifted, hauled, pushed + cursed. If I needed to remind all of you, thank god I’m so buff. But look! Pretty!!!!

Poor Jeff is so tired + is working so hardcore. Here he is laid out on the liftgate after hitting his head. Note to anyone making a big move, some words of wisdom – YOU MUST GET A TRUCK WITH A LIFTGATE. I cannot stress that enough.

We drove back to Canmore for our second load + Jeff nearly burst a blood vessel because he realized we forgot the keys to the storage garage. He had a solution. This is how Canadians remove locks. Take an ax to it, Canuck!!!! Get ANGRY!!!!

All my costumer friends, I know it pains you to look at this next picture. You’ll be even more sad for me when I tell you that during the ride, two of the racks fell over. Jeff was raging because it knocked over his stupid Jesse James looking bike cruiser with the flames on it. I was OVER IT!!!! Go ride that ugly bike in Long Beach!!!!

Anyways, these pictures do not convey the pain + torture + sweat that we endured. We cleaned out: 1) the storage garage 2) the box storage 3) Peter + Dolly’s garage + 4) Roger’s garage. Yeah, uh-huh. That’s right. 4 locations.

At least he can still smile!

As for me, notsomuch.

Yes, we filled an ENTIRE 40 FT STORAGE CONTAINER.

This picture is blurry because I couldn’t see straight anymore.

At 9:30 I pre-wrapped myself because I couldn’t take it anymore. We were looking at things left behind in the storage garage in the pitch dark with one flashlight. Jeff still had to pick up things from a coworker + drop things off at Peter + Dolly. I was like, “Yo, I’m out.”. But, we found this old picture of lanky young Jeff + I felt slightly better. Juuuust slightly. Pictures like this remind me of things that I love about Jeff.

Wish me luck today. I will need it.

Aug 26

3 Comments

Overload

Tonight’s post may be short but full of pictures because I’m that exhausted.

Not half as exhausted as Jeff is I’m sure. Tuesday morning Jeff came home from work at 5am. I went to the gym, picked us up breakfast + he was up at 8:30am. I really don’t know how he does it. I consider myself a relatively hyper-active person, but he takes the cake. He’s off his rocker.

First off, we were off to research our alternative storage options to consolidate all of Jeff’s stuff, (things, tchotchkes, memories, whathaveyou). First, we checked out some transport trailers out in Exshaw which is 15 min from Canmore. Keith owns an excavating yard + has a huge, sweet shop that he sometimes rents out to films when they’re in town. Savvy!!!! He also suggested for us to rent out a 40ft storage container – love it.

We thanked him + then made our way to Calgary to check out where more trailers go to die.

Jim showed us multiple trailers to rent +/or buy off of him. He was honest + forthright about the complications about owning a trailer, driving it to Vancouver, all the permits you would need, etc. At this point it seemed like more trouble than it was worth. I asked Jeff, “Why are you so hell bent on buying a trailer?” His response was, “All boys dream of owning their own transport trailer!”. Ah, men. This is a prime example of why women exist. We decided on renting the storage container from Keith. Here’s Jeff making deals over the phone – because that’s what he does.

After we talked to Keith to solidify the container, we ran an enormous amount of errands. Jeff renewed our membership at Costco to get ready for Hawaii.

Those of you who are nearest + dearest to me know it is the kiss of death to go into a Costco with Jeff. It’s like Cesar’s Palace for him + he would never know how long he’d been in there for. After was a lovely lunch at Ikea.

And then to some random hunting store.

I didn’t know that Barbie + Hannah Montana made fishing poles. Did you?

At the end of the day Jeff dragged me to the set of “Hell on Wheels” where he had unfinished notes to work on in his book. They were still shooting, but thankfully + mercifully his awesome team let him wrap out early because we had so much to do. As most of you know, set is the last place I want to be. But, Jeff loves it + is always so happy + excited to introduce me to everyone. Here he is with his amazing costume team. My dear friend Heather is at Jeff’s top left. I met Heather on Inception + she was the first person I confessed to about my feelings for Jeff. We’ve kept in touch but it was the first time I’ve seen her since then, so it was an emotional reunion.

I took a picture of Jeff with Common, but I’m not allowed to show him in costume due to confidentiality agreements which I think are ridiculous. Common + Jeff were having such a bromance right before my eyes + it was so cute that I had to have a Jeff/Common hug sandwich. All the crew + actors that I met were so genuinely nice + it was so great to hear them all say such nice things about Jeff. I think the show is going to blessed because of all the blood, sweat + tears the cast + crew have invested in this show. We didn’t get home until 1am. The long drive to Canmore was really difficult, I’m not gonna lie.

Today we kicked ass. It’s because Jeff put on his “Hell on Wheels” crew tshirt. We did a round to the thrift store which is my favorite thing to do because that means we’re getting rid of his enormous amount of stuff. After that, we went to check on Jeff’s old Chrysler + his old buddy Ed who lives near by came to say hello. This was definitely the highlight of my day. Check out his sweet ride that he brought back from the dead:

This is Eddie. How amazing is he????!!!! If you think I’m going to make fun of his fashion, well you’re wrong!!!! Eddie is legit. He is the real deal + he’s not going to apologize to anyone for it!!!!

Look at his beautiful lion’s mane being tousled by the wind.

Jeff rented a cube van from my favorite Budget rent a car. We loaded 3/4 of his massive garage into this van. Here are the proud first boxes into the cube van:

This is Jeff in his cube van visionary pose.

We loaded that thing 3/4 full. Seriously, thank god I’m freakishly strong. Then we went to his second storage space + loaded the rest of the van. I’ll post a pic of the cube van bursting at the seams later because we were both so tired + cranky at 10:30pm to really do much of anything. Today we will be loading the stuff into the storage container + going back to do another load. As Jeff said, “It’s a good thing I got the ring on your finger before we started tackling this.” Well played, my good sir. Well played.