Hau'oli La Hanau

"The weather outside it frightful..."

So this Christmas song is ringing in my head today. Although the rest of the song has nothing to do with the holidays in Hawaii, the weather last night was frightful. We were under severe weather alert--the winds were so strong and the rain was extremely heavy at times. (the heavy rain, however, did not stay long due to the strong winds) The rain and random debris was hitting my window last night, making it hard to stay asleep. This morning was dreary and dark, and when I turned on the radio as I got ready for work, there was a list of schools being announced that were closed today--due to power outages or floods or fallen trees, etc. I listened intently for my school--but I didn't hear anything. They said something about some Leeward schools being closed (I'm on the Leeward side) but it was the Western most schools, and that doesn't include my area. It's ok--I like going to work. :) The school is quiet today, though. Seems like a lot of students decided to stay home today. Looks like some teachers decided to stay home too. But all was normal for me--my commute was not affected at all and most of my kids are here today.

So it's Hau'oli La Hanau to me tomorrow. Another year has gone by--one more year older, one more year wiser?? It was indeed an interesting year for me--Living in SC, driving across the country, moving to the islands. Finding a job I really liked, leaving the job, finding a new job I really like. Surviving my first year of marriage, seeing some good friends get married, preparing for others to get married. It's all so different from even 3 years ago. It's amazing how life changes to drastically in just a few years! Pretty soon weddings will become baby showers and we'll be sharing tales of parenting. I know I'm "grown up" (according to my students, at least) but I really don't feel like it. Do you ever feel "grown up"? I mean, I have all the responsibilities of a grown-up. I guess maybe when you have children you'll be forced to feel it. hahaha...maybe I'm just in denial? I'm rapidly approaching 30 and that scares the heck out of me! Maybe I'll feel grown-up by then. MAYBE. help?

Jerome and I getting more adjusted to our schedules. I'm getting used to sleeping by myself (with Bella) every 3 days. Gets really lonely, but then I think about Jerome having to sleep in that tiny bunk of his and I don't pity myself anymore. haha. Despite the bad weather, we're enjoying our time here so far. Jerome's parents and sister are coming in for Christmas, so we're looking forward to that! We plan on doing touristy things and have drafted a list of things we have to do when they're here. Hopefully the weather will be cooperative so we can make the most of it!

I don't know who reads this, but just in case: Happy belated or early birthdays to: Victor, Josh, John, Alice, Charlene, JR, and Crystal! My parents both celebrated a birthday too! Happy Anniversary to Lisa's parents! (same day as my bday!) So many celebrations...can't handle it! :)

Still waiting for those girls to update. boo.