Saturday, August 28, 2010

More time w/ Shannon

A lot of my time has been put into school and Shannon.

I like school well enough, but it doesn't compare to my old school. We go 2 1/2 days a week, and I have to say, that is a plus. We do virutal work on Tuesday and Thursday, and juniors (me) go to what they call a junior seminar for half a day on Friday. It helps provide valuable life skills to guide us into the real life. At least, that's what they said.

I rode Shannon for the first time yesterday since we had the farrier out to fix her feet. Considering there were three horses near the fenceline the whole time, she did pretty well. She can have problems settling down sometimes but she did really well, I was proud of her.

We are going to a beach party that the Kihei congregation is giving on Sunday. ( I think it's sort of a goodbye thing because the congregation is spliting ) I am really looking forward to being with friends, but not saying goodbye.

Until later, Lindsey

Monday, August 23, 2010

Shannon's here!
















Shannon arrived here a few days ago. We went to the dock around 9:30 but didn't get to see her until 10:00. She look pretty... confused. She was dropped off in a small stall in the middle of nowhere and just looking like, where am I? Sad to say, it was pretty comical. But she saw me and perked up right away. It was like "Oh, there you are. Everything is ok now!" It is the most amazing feeling in the world for a horse to love you like that.










She likes her new home too, I think. Of course, she would probably be content with my backyard right now compared to what she went through. I let her out in the arena the first day she got there. I swear she must have rolled 10 times, once while I was leading her! She just loooves to roll. She also let off some built up energy when she got a little warmed up. I took her down to graze in a big section for the horses but I didn't secure the gate right. She galloped to her equine buddies. She just didn't feel safe down there, away from them. She still seems a little apprhensive down there. I don't blame her, it freaks me out sometimes with weird noises from the wind.










She loves to follow me around. I'll go over and start scratching places I know she loves to have scratched. She also went galloping for a short while yesterday and galloped back to me, veering a little to make sure she didn't hurt me. I'm glad she knows how to not trample me over.










I hope you enjoy the pictures I posted! I'll keep updating everyone about her progress. Someday were going to start doing fun things like trail rides, competetions, and island adventures! Can't wait!










Lindsey

Thursday, August 19, 2010

By and by

Well plenty is going on this week.

Monday, I started school. It was ok, Iguess. Like any other school. I actually couldn't tell any differences. Sometimes I even forget I'm in Hawaii. Scratch that - I always feel happier and even healthier here, so I guess I DO know I'm always in Hawaii.

Also, Monday, our furniture got here. Blessing or curse? Eh... we can barely move around our condo since we have only arranged a few things. My room is purplish blue now, and I got a bedspread with horses running through water (so pretty!)

Wednesday I jogged on the beach before school. It was so beautiful. The West Maui Mountains have so much glory when they aren't covered in clouds. Not only that, there was a rainbow above the ocean. Now how cool is that?

And tomorrow, Shannon gets here!!!!! I'm so excited but I feel bad for her. She probably doesn't understand anything that's going on and she just wants to be home. (and with me, I hope)

Lindsey

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Through a rainforest and home in one day

I have plenty of interestingness for you all!


OK so where do I start? Did I update the blog yesterday? I don't think I did. We got really bored yesterday and hit McDonald's, looked at some paint samples, and got a few things at Pier 1. Maybe they doesn't sound exciting, but you have to remember I could see beautiful mountains and palm trees while I was doing this! Which makes everything interesting.

But today was the most interesting. We went through Maui's rainforest. You wouldn't believe what you can see on the Road to Hana as they call it. We saw beautiful waterfalls, black sand beaches, fresh water caves (some I got to swim in), red sand beaches, huge bamboo forests, tropical flowers, trees, fruits and The Seven Sacred Pools. You may be waiting for an explanation to why they're 'sacred.' Well here it is: The tourist industry wanted to attract people to it, so they gave it that name. Very interesting :)

The Red Sand Beach was really cool, though, because I went snorkeling. The sea around it is very, very rough but what makes it nice is that there is a lava rock border across the two sides of a small valley. It's hard to explain, I'll have to post some pictures. Anyway, when I went snorkeling I saw a small octopus! Not to mention some of the most beautiful fish on Maui, it's a new favorite of mine. The hike to get there is only for the sure footed, though.

Until next time

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

More adventures!







We all had a lot of fun today! We went to the Maui winery (I didn't get to try any) but they tried four and even bought one. I think it's pineapply wine and everyone tells me it's delicious. Sigh. Five more years.






We also went to east part of Maui, and I figured why you never hear of it. It's very dry. Dry actually doesn't justify it. What does? Hmmm. I know. Dead.






We went on an afternoon beach walk. Pictures attached! I feel so proffesional! Oh and Beth, there is even one of mom with the palm trees behind her. She is, indeed, alive.






Lindsey






Monday, August 9, 2010

Hey everyone! I need YOUR help :)

Hi everyone!

I'm already starting a business over here... it's a photography business and the website looks great so far. Except I need testimonials. Could any of you give positive (but truthful) testimonials about my photography? Here is my website:

www.libsphotography.webs.com

They need to be written in "Thank you Lindsey for your photography, you have such a nice way with..." or something like that.

I can't thank you all enough.

Lindsey

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Who's Ready for Pictures?







I went out to take pictures of the sunset today. Enjoy the pictures and imagine the crashing of the waves, the salty sea air, and the warm breeze blowing in your face...

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Getting to know the ways of the island

First and foremost I want to clarify something... many people seem to think I won't write the blog just because I'm in Hawaii or that I will stop once I get settled in but that's not the case. I am writing the blog to keep touch with friends and improve my writing skills. I'm also really bad at keeping a regular journal so when I know I have an adoring public to write for it keeps me motivated (lol....jk) So anyway....

Island is just different. And better.

We see roosters everywhere (they like to crow at 3 AM by the way) And even the accent/dialect is different. I'm catching on very fast to these street names and pronunciations, as well as where everything is. I hope someday I can speak just like the locals. For example, they don't say "flip flops" they say "slippers." And while we say "goosebumps" they say "ckicken skin." It's really cool! There are other differences too that I can't quite remember. It's too late and I'm tired.

I went walking along a nature preserve trail. It said that Maui has changed a lot and that a past postcard would have shown the native plants and species; mostly birds. Today, it shows tropical but not native plants. And the future postcard would have cities, pigeons, feral cats, and none of the tropical things we see now. It would be such a tradegy. I hope Maui never gets to that point.

Lindsey

Friday, August 6, 2010

Falling in love all over again

I guess you can judge this post by the title.

Maui has been amazing me since we got here. Everyday I love it more. Looking at the beautiful mountains and ocean and thinking "wow... I live here." Never gets old. I can't wait to share this island's wonders with my friends. I wish I could say I've been here all my life or that my roots started here, but I can learn the language. I am pretty much teaching myself, since Hawaiian is such a dying language.

I got to do something today not everybody gets to do at home. I swam with a sea turtle! Since laws protect the turtles, I couldn't ride, touch, or even get very close to him. He was still amazing. They have such a kind and pretty face. I didn't even have my snorkel gear (me and dad shared his) and still saw him. I love to swim out there without anything on my face - meaning no snorkel/mask - not sure why.

We also drove around the West Maui Mountains. This is a road not really known by tourists, but it's a lot like the road to Hana. There is a tiny town about half way, with friendly locals, fresh fruit, and smoothies. It's old and timeless - you almost feel like your in old Hawaii. I really can't wait to show this part to friends. We also saw a waterfull - pictures later!

A hui hou - Lindsey

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Visiting the stables

Today is the third day. We've been doing a lot of 'scoping out the island' I guess you could say. I checked out two stables and found the one of my dreams. It overlooks the ocean and the people are very friendly. Shannon will love the enviroment and I know I do!

I made dinner tonight and it was delicious.

I'm also having writer's block, so until tomorrow...

Lindsey

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

A little more settling

Day 2!

I woke up at 5 AM this morning - I guess I'm not adjusted to the time change. Somehow I managed to go back to sleep and woke up around 6:30. I had breakfast and me and dad went off to the beach. The two beaches are right next to eachother and named Ulua and Mokapu beach. The snorkeling here is just wonderful. It's mesmerizing to see a beautiful, different world and being close to it.

After ditching the snorkeling gear, I headed to the waves for some body surfing. It is not always easy. Catching the perfect wave is hard enough - try catching the perfect wave in the perfect way! I managed to do it a few times, though. I love seeing the joy of people enjoying the Hawaiian beauty and fun. Even adults find their inner kid and play in the waves!

We also checked out a school here. It's called Kihei Charter and it's a little like my old school. I am having a terrible time trying to decide between it and Maui High School. I mean, the logical part of me says to go Kihei Charter since it's what I'm used to, and 11th and 12th graders only have to go to the school twice a week - the rest of the work is done online! On the other hand, I do like school and Maui High School will give me the oppurtunity to meet more people in the area...

Lindsey

Monday, August 2, 2010

Arrival in Hawai'i

Aloha! Finally! At last, for two weeks we've been waiting for this moment and it's finally here. We're on Maui, and I want to tell you about our first day:

The airport in San Francisco was hectic and I am still amazed we made it out in one piece, but the plane ride was actually kinda nice. Not too long and I didn't get sick at all. We touched down on Maui 11:20 local time. As soon as you get off in Maui, you can feel a difference. If you breathe in real deep, you can smell a warm, faint smell of tropical breezes.

We ate then went to our condo - it was left in good condition, which was a relief. I started unpacking and got bored - it was beach time! I walked down there and was completely blissful. I don't know how else to describe it. I just ran in and out of the waves like a little kid, completely and utterly having the best time of my life.

We went to the store a little later. It's amazing how much you take for granted - we were surprised by the sheer neccesaries we had to buy! Our cart was filled to the brim and we have a LOT more things to get, later. Tonight, we grilled out by the pool and watched the beautiful sun set behind ocean, mountain, and sea. Just wonderful. I was able to swim a little in the pool.

Until tomorrow....

Lindsey

p.s. Sorry about missing the last couple days. Apparently the thought of complimentry Internet still bothers some hotels. Nothing happened to report.

EDIT: How could I say there was nothing to report!? I totally forgot to mention I saw Shannon (my horse) Sunday! She was... exhausted. I guess. Kinda out of it, but I don't blame her. I was kinda hoping for the OMG YOU ARE HERE GIVE ME KISSES reponse she usually gives me, but I could tell that after I got there she felt she could relax. It was almost like "Ah, you're here. I can relax now." I think she will be here mid-August but the shipping companies are unsure themselves at this point.