makai

A few more picture from my trip. Ok a lot more pictures. I literally can not resist taking a billion pictures, it's so beautiful there. Even when I lived there, my phone was just full of pictures of the places I saw every single day.

You would think it would get old, but it really doesn't. Just when you think you're immune, it sneaks up on you and takes your breath away again.

cromwells

I have this dress in black and white, and it's a bit of a struggle to wear anything else, ever

Brandy Melville

these trees make me happy

Ocean House in Waikiki. Almost too beautiful to eat, best served with a POG mimosa

hello lover

brunch with my second family

surprise

My little rat sister turned 21 last Tuesday, and I really wanted to be there to celebrate with her. One night in August after a lot of red wine I decided to buy a ticket to Hawaii without telling her about it. As it got closer, I started to get really nervous. What if she had plans or was not that excited to see me? I felt like she would be really excited but I've seen too many romantic comedies not to appreciate the true awfulness of a grand gesture gone wrong.

I flew in last Wednesday night and walked up to what I hoped was the right door (I'd never been to her place before). She opened the door, and absolutely did not recognize me at first. An instant later when she realized it was me she got a look of sheer terror on her face, like she thought I might be there to tell her some really bad news.

A second after that she must have remembered that it was her birthday and put the pieces together, because she was really excited and happy to see me, and I didn't have to go sleep on the beach for the night.

I had such a fun weekend, I love hanging out with my sister, and her friends on the island are really fun. Hawaii is my favourite place in the world and always will be, I feel happiest and most like myself when I'm there.

twenty one

Happy 21st birthday to my little rat sister today. We got off to a bit of a rocky start, sometimes I would eat your popsicles, sometimes you would try to stab me with a steak knife. You know, the usual.

But over the years I accidentally discovered that not only did I love you, I liked you a lot too. I have more fun with you than almost anyone else, and even though I miss you, I'm so glad you've adopted the islands and love them as much as I do.

I'm so proud of the tough, funny, smart chick you've grown into, and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for you, because I know it's going to be amazing.

Also, I'm excited to finally go to the bar with you in 'Merica and not have us both be named Jasmine.

We will come at you like a spider monkey

We both look amazing in bandanas, fact

favourites

pillboxes

too hideous not to include

sisters

Skydiving

Maid of Honour

I've been trying to get rid of her for years but she's very resilient

triathletes

birthday plans

Next week is Derek's birthday, I've been trying to decide what to get him. Last year, we went on a road trip down the coast and just kind of crept around Santa Cruz, Monterey and Carmel exploring. It was really fun and spontaneous.

I'd really like to do something like that again this year, I was thinking Morro Bay. There is so much beautiful coast line in this state, and I'd like to see as much of it as possible while we're here. We even bought a tent this summer that hasn't been used once as I bought it for a camping trip and then ended up sleeping in the boat under the stars.

We're so busy this month that we wouldn't be able to go until November, but it's California, how cold can it be by then, really? I've camped many a May long weekend in Canada where there was snow on the ground and nothing but red Sourpuss and Sky Blue coolers to keep me warm.

There is something so romantic and wonderful about just getting in the car and driving with no real plans. Maybe we'll make it to the campgrounds, maybe we won't. Maybe we'll visit Hearst Castle, maybe we'll get mugged on the beach. It's a mystery, but I bet you it will be a memorable weekend.

We're seeing Matt Nathanson at the Fox Theater in Oakland tonight, I saw him last year at Now and Zen and he is great live, so great that I am willing to overlook his nose ring. Also on the agenda for this weekend, a massage, book club, and making perogies for Thanksgiving next Sunday while I creep all over the internet trying to find season 4 of Downton Abbey because it doesn't air in 'merica until January.

mama-cita

Today I am wishing a happy birthday to my beautiful, wonderful mother. She is constantly setting goals for herself, and works hard to achieve them, never taking no for an answer. She insists on having a good time no matter what she is doing, and she is always taking care of other people.

Whether she is getting her motorcycle license, running a marathon, or hiking the Grand Canyon, she isn't afraid to try new things. Also, she is probably the best dancer I know. I remember when I was little, I couldn't wait to grow up and get big so that I could party with her, I always thought her and my dad were so much more fun than any other adults I knew.

So happy birthday Billie Jean, thanks for being so adventurous and feisty, and showing us all that anything is possible with dedication, a positive attitude, and the promise of a margarita at the finish line.

banana cream.

My parents came to visit a few weeks ago, and it was my dad's birthday. I wanted to make him a birthday "cake" but I wanted to make him something he would really like, and he loves banana cream pie.

I found this recipe on Pinterest, and made it for him. I really don't like bananas, they are one of my most hated foods, my mom told me even as a baby I wouldn't eat them, so I wasn't really expecting to enjoy this pie, but it was amazing.

The crust has a hint of cinnamon which is absolutely essential, and really adds a lot to the overall flavour. The creamy filling was cool and delicious, and it wasn't super banana-ish. Even after a huge dinner at Texas Roadhouse, this pie was so good that I had to have a second piece.

Yummy

birthday roundup

Friday was my birthday, as you probably know by now. I had such a wonderful day. I woke up to presents and kisses from Derek, had supermarket birthday cake for breakfast, and then went to work where I had cards, peanuts m&m's, chocolate croissant, and macaroons waiting for me.

I went out to lunch with a group of my wonderful coworkers and had the best margarita of my life, followed by cupcakes in the afternoon.

Derek picked me up after work and we went to little Italy, to an Italian restaurant called Firenze, where I had seriously amazing ravioli. After supper we got cappuccino's and wandered around North Beach, and stopped at an adorable little candy shop.

On the way home, we stopped on Treasure Island to see the new light exhibit that is up on the Bay Bridge. It was pretty neat, but I think you can see it better from the city side, so I'll have to check it out on Thursday when my parents come to town.

I had such a wonderful day, thanks to everyone who celebrated with me.

all things birthday

sometimes you have to wear a sombrero

twenty six

Happy Birthday to me.

It's strange to me that I am 26, I still feel like I am 12 most of the time, and honestly I haven't changed that much since I was. But time keeps passing even when you don't notice it, and it's pretty crazy to me to look back now at my life, especially since I graduated high school.

I've met so many incredible people, and had so many wonderful experiences, I am truly grateful for all of it. If you had told me at 12 that I would have had the opportunity to do so many of the things I've done, I wouldn't have believed you, but I would have hoped you were right.

Highlights from this last year, for me were:

- Finally being able to get a job in the U.S., and finding one that I like with wonderful co-workers was definitely a bonus.
- My mom and Ry coming out to visit us and see our new house in June
- Getting married in July, and getting to see all of my favourite people in one place, at the same time
- Running my first solo-half marathon in October
- Our road trip down the coast to Carmel for Derek's birthday
- Taking Derek back to Canada with me to see my home town in November
- Mexico with my family for Christmas
- Hawaii with my mom and sister in January
- A road trip to L.A. with Derek in February

This year I am looking forward to:

- My parents coming out to visit in a couple of weeks, this will be the first time my Dad has been able to come
- Hawaii in May for Derek's graduation
- My best friend moving to Oregon, so I can stalk her on long weekends
- Fourth of July weekend in Montana with my older sister and her beautiful babies
- A September long weekend wedding
- The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in September with my momma and sisters, go Team Ta-Tas!

And lots more.

If you were thinking of getting me something for my birthday, but you weren't able to get in touch with Charlie Hunnam, you could sponsor me for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, here.

yes.