My life often feels chaotic. I know, I know, there isn't that much to be chaotic in my life (i.e. no kids), but it still feels chaotic and overcrowded.
I decided my summer resolution is to strive for balance. I would say "achieve balance" but then again I'm not sure if it's really possible. Therefore, I will strive for balance.
My first step in this plan is to get into a routine. While the last two years have been fun with piecing together work and creating my own schedule each week, I need a routine.
My wonderful workplace has allowed me to work everyday this summer for a set number of hours. It's still part-time, but I'm excited that I will be doing the same thing at the same place each day. I won't have to choose each day when to leave the house - I will already know. I won't have to decide what to wear based on what age group of kids I am teaching - just office attire. I won't have to pack a lunch that can be eaten with or without a microwave - I will always have one. I have loved the freedom associated with my temp life, but I am very excited to have a good dose of routine.
I think one of my challenges will be to stay focused when I have down time at home so I can be helpful around the house. I have these visions of a weeded garden, beautiful flower beds, and a clean house. I know I will have to stay focused to make this happen. I am looking forward to using routine to my advantage, and hopefully being able to get chores done throughout the day so that Zac and I can enjoy our summer evenings together.
Let me know if you have any words of wisdom. I need help as I strive for balance.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Hawaii - Spouting Horn
One of the cool tourist things we saw while in Hawaii was Spouting Horn. This is a lava formation on the shore and when waves crash in, water is pushed through and underground tunnel and sprays up into the air, sorta like Old Faithful. However, Spouting Horn also makes a hissing sound like a dragon breathing fire.
Very cool.
Here is a picture of the hole where the water comes up. Look near the white frothy area and you can see how the water pours back into the hole.
And here is Spouting Horn erupting!
Very cool.
Here is a picture of the hole where the water comes up. Look near the white frothy area and you can see how the water pours back into the hole.
And here is Spouting Horn erupting!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Hawaii - The Waves
One of my favorite memories from Hawaii was playing in the waves with Zac. We stood within 20-30 feet of the shore where the waves would crash, and we'd try to stay standing while they pushed us back toward shore.
At times the waves were so powerful! I found I could stay standing best when I stood with one foot in front of the other, crouched down, and leaned into the wave. Usually this worked, but sometimes I still got pushed over!
Sometimes we would see a big wave coming, and just as it was about to hit us, we would jump and try to defy gravity and the wave at the same time.
Other times we just gave in and tried to coast in on the wave. When we saw a big one coming, we would turn toward shore and swim as hard and as fast as we possibly could and try to get the wave to push us onto shore. One of the times we did this, the wave REALLY carried me. It took me into the sandy shore bank and pushed me into it hard. I put my hands in front of me and tried not to do a faceplant into the sand! There was a lot of sandy water gushing over me and let's just say I really had to clean out my swimsuit after that!
It was so fun to play like kids in the waves. I giggled and giggled and squealed as the waves hit! We had a blast throwing our inhibitions aside and just being goofy together.
At times the waves were so powerful! I found I could stay standing best when I stood with one foot in front of the other, crouched down, and leaned into the wave. Usually this worked, but sometimes I still got pushed over!
Sometimes we would see a big wave coming, and just as it was about to hit us, we would jump and try to defy gravity and the wave at the same time.
Other times we just gave in and tried to coast in on the wave. When we saw a big one coming, we would turn toward shore and swim as hard and as fast as we possibly could and try to get the wave to push us onto shore. One of the times we did this, the wave REALLY carried me. It took me into the sandy shore bank and pushed me into it hard. I put my hands in front of me and tried not to do a faceplant into the sand! There was a lot of sandy water gushing over me and let's just say I really had to clean out my swimsuit after that!
It was so fun to play like kids in the waves. I giggled and giggled and squealed as the waves hit! We had a blast throwing our inhibitions aside and just being goofy together.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Hawaii - The First Beach
When we landed in Kauai, we decided to go look for a beach. We flew out that morning as the thermometer read 46 degrees, so we weren't particular about which beach we found - any beach would do. We were just happy to be in a warmer climate!
We went to Poipu beach on the southern side of the island. I LOVED how the tan color of the sand mixed with the lovely blue of the ocean. What a great combination.
There were many hotels and condos near this beach where people could stay. Our rental was farther inland, but here's a shot of the oceanfront from the beach.
One of my favorite parts of the beach was a strip of sand leading to a sandbar. Waves came in on both sides of this small strip. It was very fun to walk on! Here I am doing my best runway walk:
I enjoyed watching the children play at the beach. One little girl in particular was so cute! She was dancing and running around in the sand. We snapped a photo of her cute little footprints.
It was fun to hear a mix of waves crashing in and the delighted squeals of children playing. Everyone at the beach was having such a fun time enjoying the sand and the water. There were no TVs, blogs :), or Facebook news feeds to distract us from the incredible beauty around us.
We went to Poipu beach on the southern side of the island. I LOVED how the tan color of the sand mixed with the lovely blue of the ocean. What a great combination.
There were many hotels and condos near this beach where people could stay. Our rental was farther inland, but here's a shot of the oceanfront from the beach.
One of my favorite parts of the beach was a strip of sand leading to a sandbar. Waves came in on both sides of this small strip. It was very fun to walk on! Here I am doing my best runway walk:
I enjoyed watching the children play at the beach. One little girl in particular was so cute! She was dancing and running around in the sand. We snapped a photo of her cute little footprints.
It was fun to hear a mix of waves crashing in and the delighted squeals of children playing. Everyone at the beach was having such a fun time enjoying the sand and the water. There were no TVs, blogs :), or Facebook news feeds to distract us from the incredible beauty around us.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Hawaii - The Waterfall Hike
I had heard from others who have visited Kauai about the Hanakapi'ai Falls. Apparently, there is a place where you can hike a few miles along the Na'Pali coastline (not accessible by car), and then head a few miles inland to a beautiful 300ft waterfall with a freshwater pool at the bottom you can swim in.
Sounds amazing, right?
Zac and I had to see for ourselves.
We estimated that the hike would be about 6 hours, so we tried to leave as soon as possible. I think we started hiking around 8:30 or 9:00am. We were on vacation, though, so we didn't keep track of time too much.
The first part of the hike was difficult. We had to climb the trail that was comprised of mostly large boulders. I watched my footwork carefully, and reminded myself every now and then to look around.
Here is a view of the beach area where we started the hike:
Soon we were on a smoother path that wound its way along the edge of the mountain line. The temperature wasn't bad, but we were working up a little bit of a sweat. That made the breeze we'd catch when we were near the ocean even sweeter!
We continued hiking the beautiful trail:
After a time of winding around the mountains, it was time to descend to Hanakapi'ai beach. We took switchbacks and finally came to a stream. There were large rocks we used to cross, and it was a lot of fun to choose our path!
Soon we started inland and the trail got considerably more narrow. We crossed the stream multiple times and were so thankful we packed our water socks which we bought on our honeymoon! Here is a picture of one of our crossings:
We continued for about two miles, getting closer and closer to the waterfall. The hike was the hardest at the end; the trail was difficult to find at times, and challenging to follow with the rocks we had to climb.
Here we are, getting very close to the waterfall!
In the end? ABSOLUTELY worth it! The trail opened up to the gigantic waterfall and we saw about 6 other people scattered on the rocks on the side of the pool and in the water.
It's hard to show just how big the waterfall was, but look at the edge of the pond in the forefront of the picture and you can see people swimming.
We quickly joined those in the pool where we discovered the water was VERY cold. We did get used to it after a time, and even braved the waterfall. We swam behind, around, and through it.
I remember the feeling I had as I swam below the waterfall, with the drops of water landing on my head. I thought to myself, "This is one of those moments to treasure for the rest of my life." It was amazing.
After a light lunch on the rocks, we packed up and headed back to the car. What a great hike!
Sounds amazing, right?
Zac and I had to see for ourselves.
We estimated that the hike would be about 6 hours, so we tried to leave as soon as possible. I think we started hiking around 8:30 or 9:00am. We were on vacation, though, so we didn't keep track of time too much.
The first part of the hike was difficult. We had to climb the trail that was comprised of mostly large boulders. I watched my footwork carefully, and reminded myself every now and then to look around.
Here is a view of the beach area where we started the hike:
Soon we were on a smoother path that wound its way along the edge of the mountain line. The temperature wasn't bad, but we were working up a little bit of a sweat. That made the breeze we'd catch when we were near the ocean even sweeter!
We continued hiking the beautiful trail:
After a time of winding around the mountains, it was time to descend to Hanakapi'ai beach. We took switchbacks and finally came to a stream. There were large rocks we used to cross, and it was a lot of fun to choose our path!
Soon we started inland and the trail got considerably more narrow. We crossed the stream multiple times and were so thankful we packed our water socks which we bought on our honeymoon! Here is a picture of one of our crossings:
We continued for about two miles, getting closer and closer to the waterfall. The hike was the hardest at the end; the trail was difficult to find at times, and challenging to follow with the rocks we had to climb.
Here we are, getting very close to the waterfall!
In the end? ABSOLUTELY worth it! The trail opened up to the gigantic waterfall and we saw about 6 other people scattered on the rocks on the side of the pool and in the water.
It's hard to show just how big the waterfall was, but look at the edge of the pond in the forefront of the picture and you can see people swimming.
We quickly joined those in the pool where we discovered the water was VERY cold. We did get used to it after a time, and even braved the waterfall. We swam behind, around, and through it.
I remember the feeling I had as I swam below the waterfall, with the drops of water landing on my head. I thought to myself, "This is one of those moments to treasure for the rest of my life." It was amazing.
After a light lunch on the rocks, we packed up and headed back to the car. What a great hike!
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