Around Here (Hawaii Edition)

I haven’t done an around here post in awhile, and it seems fitting to start with Hawaii as my first post of 2015.

I was in Hawaii at the end of last year, and my whole world fell apart with a single phone call on the first day. So being back was interesting, and hard, after three months of unraveling, picking up the pieces, and getting back to my life and work. “Surreal” has been a more accurate word for the way life feels when you’re grieving. Things are just surreal.

But the trip was wonderful despite the emotions.

I spent lots of time with my two younger sisters, mom and stepdad, and my baby nephew. I ate fresh pineapple and too much Thai food. I had red velvet pancakes and talks about life with my amazing Business Manager. Got totally roasted at my favorite beaches and surfed better than I ever have (despite breaking my toe). Hiked to a beautiful waterfall (also despite the broken toe) and climbed up into it with my baby sister. Went for a run with my Mama in the same spot I started running many years ago. And stockpiled my favorite brand of peanut butter.

It was a good trip. 🙂

There’s nothing quite as cleansing as throwing yourself into the ocean. Many of the most life changing and powerful moments of my life happened in Hawaii… near the ocean, and often with tears flowing for one reason or another. Hawaii called to me many years ago, and it was the first time I considered a place home. While I may never live there again, it holds such a special place in my heart, and I always feel refreshed and ready for what’s next after I visit.