An Outlet

I had been thinking about starting a blog for a while now, but never seemed to have the time, motivation and frankly encouragement that anyone would read my disjointed thoughts. However, there are a few people apparently who are curious about my adventures in "paradise." Since I moved to Hawaii from Ohio at the end of July, my life has changed dramatically. I had recently become a military wife, moved over 5,000 miles away from home and moved into a studio apartment in Honolulu, about a block from Waikiki beach. I live in a tourist spot.

"Great," I thought, "Lots of apparently clueless people squeezed into one spot right where I live." Quite a change from the formerly rural (but increasingly suburban) area of Ohio where I've lived all my life. No backyard to walk out into barefoot. No woods to disappear into when I need some alone time. (Can you say downtown claustrophobia?) Grandma's house isn't right next door to make me feel secure, warm and rooted. No changing seasons, causing me to miss out on my favorite season: Fall. No snowy winters or visiting the Columbus Zoo Wildlights. Horribly awful traffic all day, every day. Crappy coin laundry. Ok, I really need to stop complaining...

On the other hand, I've already had several experiences I never really imagined that I would:
Swam in the Pacific Ocean.
Watched an incredibly fast, but beautiful sunset.
Kayaked out to a small volcanic rock island.
Snorkeled coral formations with my husband.
Saw a freakin sea turtle up close (don't worry, I plan to see more and swim with them)!
Snuck into a neighboring hotel pool (it taunted me outside of our window for a looong time).
Shared one car and used public transportation.
Successfully cooked in what cannot legally be called a kitchen.
Saw my first hippo at the zoo (I love them).

Although Hawaii may not be what I am used to, I would not trade this incredible experience for anything. God has taught me to be content and thankful for all of His blessings, in whatever form they come. We are fortunate that sometime within the next few weeks, we should be moving onto base into our first house! I am so, so, so excited!!! It will be great to live in something that is not like a dorm room and for Brian to be so much closer to work. Even though we only live 12 miles from the base, it generally takes him nearly 45 minutes to get home. Living on base will also relieve some of our transportation issues and possibly enable me to look for a job. Yay! Even though we will have housing, we are still waiting to receive our household goods shipment (including all of our shower and wedding gifts) and probably won't receive the shipment until the end of October. *Sigh* But an empty house is still an incredible blessing.

I hope to keep updating regularly and share my adventures with anyone who cares to read. But you can also expect a good dose of ranting, reflection, and a touch of homesickness from time to time.