North Shore!!!

After a relaxing morning of just doing some computer and preparing for a day out, we headed out for the North Shore. I volunteered to drive over there for practice; and boy, what a 'practice' it turned out to be! Naomi was watching over my driving so much that we totally missed the exit. So I had to get off the freeway then do lots of turns and U-turns to get back on the right track. Missed another exit but after an hour of driving, we finally made it safe and sound!

We picked up sandwiches from a popular cafe called Kua'aina then headed for Waimea Falls. Before starting on the trek, we ate our lunch at an outdoor picnic area. There's a little store called The Proud Peacock, so there were several peacocks and other assorted birds just walking, or strutting about. Maki fed a little piece of bread to a little bird and the next thing you know, this peacock hops up onto the table and starts reaching for Maki and Erin's sandwiches!! Seriously, these birds were totally unafraid. They were circling us, waiting for us to drop something. Kind of annoying since these peacocks aren't exactly 'small'. :P

After our interesting lunch, we started on our walk to Waimea Falls. It's a very beautiful park and there are areas which include some old Hawaiian huts. On the left is a picture of the 'women's eating hut'. See that small opening? Hmph!

We got to the waterfall and there were several people swimming about and some were even sitting under the falls. Deciding not to go into the water, we just sat for a little while just enjoying the scenery and the cool breeze. Walking back we took a bit of a different route which got off the concrete path. It was very peaceful and since it was in the shade, I enjoyed that route. I was tempted to do a 'Tarzan stunt' what with all the vines hanging off the trees. Of course, if I were to do a 'Tarzan stunt', it would more likely be a 'George, George, George of the jungle, watch out for that tree!!'. lol!

After the nice walk, we next drove over to a beautiful beach. It was the first time we had gone to this particular area and it was so nice because hardly any people were there. We found a nice shady spot and while Naomi rested, Erin, Maki, and I went swimming for a bit. It was a little windy so we got some nice waves. I love riding waves so we spent the whole time doing just that. We got out after a while and just relaxed in the sun. I got a really nice tan; thankfully no sunburn. :P We all made sure to put a lot of suntan lotion on. Better to be safe than sorry, right?

Before heading for home, we stopped by a store called Matsumoto's where it's famous for their shaved ice. I got a shaved ice with the flavors lemon, lime, and cherry. Yummm! Naomi and Erin got very Hawaiian flavors while Maki had raspberry, liche, and pineapple. There was such a long line so while waiting, we looked around the store. I bought a very nice Hawaiian necklace. There were also pictures of celebrities who had visited the store hung around the store; there were pictures of Adam Sandler and Tom Hanks!

After eating our shaved ice, Naomi drove us back home, arriving just after 6:00. Whew, hadn't realized how long we had been out! All of us took showers then immediately got ready to go to the Friday Night Service at Kaimuki Church. Only Erin was going to go for babysitting but after Naomi said she had to go meet with someone, Maki and I decided to tag along. Tony was back from his vacation so it was nice to have him lead the worship again! Pastor Ron talked about his Africa trip a bit more in depth and showed a collection of pictures and even some video clips he took on his travels.

As soon as the service ended, I chatted with Tony, Don, and Ericson for a bit. Shouko, from my drum class with Joe, came up forward and was playing the drums. I stayed with her, teaching her some basics and I got to play a bit, too. Henry came forward (he's Jay's son) since he also likes to play the drums. He usually practices drums after the Friday night service. So the three of us were talking about playing the drums and talking about some techniques. Lots of fun! ^_^

Tonight we four girls decided to just pick up some dinner and go home. Stopped by Taco Bell and I got a taco salad. Not quite as good as L.A.S.T.'s taco salad but it's still delicious! While eating we watched Sneakers, a very good movie, one of my favorites. Such an all-star cast: Robert Redford, Sidney Poitier, Dan Aykroyd, River Phoenix, David Strathairn, Ben Kingsley, and Mary McDonnell.

Well, it's getting late and I'm off to bed! Had such a fun day! Ahh, come to think of it, only a few more days till school starts... :S oh, well! Kinda excited! lol! To close my blog... let's see... how about some quotes from Sneakers? (in case you just might wonder, the character of 'Mother' is Dan Aykroyd's alias in the movie):

Martin Bishop: Organized crime?
Cosmo: Hah. Don't kid yourself. It's not that organized.

Mother: We got bubkes! We turn ourselves in now, they'll give us twenty years in the electric chair!

Donald Crease: Now what are you saying, the C.I.A. caused the Managua earthquake?
Mother: Well, I can't prove it, but...

Whistler: Very good, Bish. Remind me to make you an honorary blind person.

Crease: Now what are you saying, the NSA killed Kennedy?
Mother: No, they shot him but they didn't kill him... he's still alive!