Finding our Groove

I mentioned in the last post that we've found our groove.  I no longer feel overwhelmed or like a fish out of water.  I don't want to brag, but people have stopped me and asked me for directions FOUR times 'cause they think I'm local.  And I actually was able to give them directions!  It ain't no thang **brushes off shoulder** .  Maybe it's our tan skin.  Or my kids beat up razor scooter that she zips around on.  Or perhaps its the even more beat up jogging stroller, loaded down with lunch cooler, towels and snorkel gear that I haul my almost 4yo around in because I'd rather push him than wait 1-Million hours for him to walk.  (his nickname in speedy.  The kid is in NO hurry to do ANYTHING.  EVER.And I love him SO!)  Whatever it is, its all good.  But honestly, in the touristy part of town where we are, most people aren't here for more than two weeks and the majority don't speak English... so I don't think its too hard to look "local". :)

This $5 razor scooter we picked up on CL
has changed Ella's outlook on walking
everywhere while her brother gets to ride in
thestroller.  Its her own new skill/freedom!

So, If you're in the area here are a few things we love... South Shore Grill is THE place to go for $2 fish tacos on Tuesdays.  Wailoa Shave Ice tucked away in the middle of the strip mall off of Ala Moana is the only REAL (as in finely shaved ice off a block... not a crunchy snow cone) shave Ice we've found and its only $2.50 for a small.    Makers and Tasters Food Truck spot on the corner of Ala Moana and Ward is a super great place to go for food too!  There are cute tables with umbrellas, pretty white lights strung about and a little mouse that lives in one of the planters.  Careful though, if there's no wind, the flies are fiersome!  Sam's Club on Keeaumoku St. is WAY less busy, and so much cheaper than Cosco!  We got out of there for $199.  Thats crazy good here on Island.  The swap meet at the stadium IS a great place to find some deals.  But there's a lot of cheap imported crap too.  Bargain, don't ever pay asking price.

And trust me, If there was food there that pleased
Josiah... There's something for ANYONE!

We have joined the summer reading program here and have explored many of the libraries.  We have found our faves.  Once a week, we board the bus, spend time reading, hit the gas station across the street for milkshakes, walk to the playground to play and finish our shakes, then come home with oodles of new reads!

The Bus system is awesome.  But daBus App is useless.  Use their info line to speak to a SUPER helpful real human or use googlemaps and click on "transit".  Never fails.  If you're in the Waikiki area, you really can't go wrong with the #8.  And just ask the drivers if that bus will get you where you want to go before you insert cash.  They're super helpful.  

I dare say we're getting used to the city.  The road noise inside doesn't keep us from falling asleep anymore.  And the lanai went from completely unused, to fairly frequented when I decided to pretty it up with lights and candles and make the best of it.  The quieter nights to sit out on the deck are Mon-Wed.  You're still going to hear the beeping of the buses and the cars.  The occasional hot rod, show-off, clearly compensating for some shortcoming, mortorcyclist will still peel out from the stoplight and rev his engine at 100mph right below your lanai but whatev.  You make the most of it by looking at your pretty lights, holding hands with your hubby and not so silently wishing bad karma, and high priced tickets on the motorheads.  

This is the evening view from our bedroom.  Don't worry.  I still long for peace and quiet, for wide open spaces, for the lack of light pollution on our 3 acres on our dead end dirt road at home.  But city sunsets aren't too shabby.