Just hang loose,

Just have fun,

Sitting on the beach

Lying in the sun.

Don't try to fight it cause it ain't no use!

Cause when you're in Kauai

You just hang loose!

Ok, so that probably means nothing to anyone other than me or my family, but that's what I was thinking the plane ride over.  Since the last time I was there was Christmas in... the 90s with all the Ditgen's.  And my lovely aunt and uncle taught us lil' girls this song.  And finally, almost 20 years later, I was headed there again.  This time alone, for a much shorter time and thankfully without 11 inches of rain.

Friday afternoon I was like a kid waiting to go to Disneyland.  I was ready for some sunshine and time away from work and normal life.  I'd been convinced to rent a car (definitely recommended) and was loaned a guidebook that lead me to the beach you see above.  A complimentary mai-tai, and I was good to go!

I arrived late Friday night...after getting my car and directions to my hotel, off I went...to the wrong hotel.  I pulled up thinking, wow, this place actually looks pretty nice.  And after a bit of a wait in line to check in, I get to the desk agent who promptly tells me that my hotel is another 8 miles down the road... fantastic!  Ha, I finally get to my hotel (its around 8:40 by now), and felt like I'd walked into a completely different world... the Aston Kauai is not what you'd call "luxury", but it was clean and it would do.

I opted for the cheaper garden view, and noted a lovely patch of automobiles out my window.  Huh, didn't know they were in season!  But I was top floor and there were vaulted ceilings, so it redeemed itself slightly.  Well, by the time I got changed and adjusted it was after 9.  I guess Cinderella's coach turns into a pumpkin here at 9 and not 12.  No food was served in the bar, and not much was open close by.  My waiter kindly offered me a salad and I had a gin & tonic (very tropical, I know).

Saturday morning, I found a great cafe on my way to the Waimea Canyon and had a fantastic pancake at the Tip Top cafe.  I left there (after being the lonely single person at a 4-top table) and drove out to the canyon.  

It was a pretty great morning for it, slightly overcast, just warm enough.  And the canyon was beautiful (but a little much when you only have a day in Kauai).  I drove around, flipping through radio stations, trying not to bottom out my little Nissan Versa in the myriad of potholes, enjoying getting out at the few checkpoints and running into uber friendly Hawaiians (well, really just one lady).

And of course, since food is the most important part of a vacation, I HAD to get me some Shave Ice!  After many insights into the "best spot", I took the Kauai guidebook's advice and headed to Jo-Jo's.  What I ordered was a tad odd... not a big fan of chewy cubes or long stringy coconut pieces, but overall, it hit the spot.

On I drove, having to make a stop back at the hotel to grab the right credit card, more cash, and hopefully my camera (which again, I forgot, thus, all the pictures you see were taken by my iPhone, good thing it takes decent shots, right?).

All I wanted was a beach... so I drove north to get to one... I wasn't super thrilled with what I picked, but there was sand and water... so I stayed for awhile and then moved on to find the perfect, secluded beach (the pic at the top). MUCH better! And despite the steep trail, I made it down and back up injury free :)

And doesn't it always stand to reason that the moment you determine you're gonna just lay there on your hotel towel (yes, I snuck it out :) hehe) and you decide you don't want lines on your back... that someone decides to come talk to you?!  So there you  lay, top untied, and you know it won't be easy to retie it with someone watching, so instead, you lay there face-down hoping that you don't accidentally raise up too much and praying that the conversation with this nice gentleman does not last forever. Well, that is exactly what happened to me... but I DID glean great information - George Clooney was currently filming on the island... mmm :)  How else can a tropical island get any better?  Put 2 of former world's sexiest men alive on it (Johnny Depp was filming there as well)!  Sadly, I did not run into anyone famous.

After sun bathing (and of course, you know that as soon as the dude walked away, I retied my top, I was not getting myself into THAT predicament again!), I went to my car to perform a quick change and headed to the Princeville Hotel.  

I walked in, still trying to shake the last remnants of sand onto their super polished floor, and found a comfy chair to watch the sun slowly descend while sipping on a fantastic pineapple mojito. And I left just in time to see the sun set outside. 

At this point, I'm at a cross-roads.  I want to go see Hanalei, but its getting late, I need both dinner and gas (I'd wanted Costco gas, but well, people on the North Shore don't seem to venture south much and didn't know how late Costco was open...grrr).  After some indecision, I decided to head back south - I was NOT going to miss having dinner 2 nights in a row, and it was 7 by the time I was leaving... yikes, I was going to be pushing it - AGAIN!  I stopped at "home" to change, and oh yeah, my phone ran out of juice on my way back - awesome!  So I let it charge for a whole 10 min before heading out the door to head to Duke's (what I had read was a good place for food).  And after some circling around trying to figure out how to get there - the map and the iPhone were not super helpful since it was IN the hotel (the parking attendant was not helpful either).  I was stressing a little getting there, it was getting closer to 9 when food seemed to magically disappear.

Sigh, I found it... and a seat at the bar between a couple dudes (imagine that). And I also found out where all the people around Kauai hide!  I was beginning to think no one was even UP past 9!  Of course, it turned into a later night than I wanted, but I had a great time.

The flight out the next day worked as well (even down to the part where I was given the window seat, and not the middle seat between 2 large people... sitting next to them ok, between, well, I'm not Wan, I don't like that "cozy" feeling).  I wished I'd stayed 1 more day, and that I'd just laid on the beach all day Saturday, but there's always next time right?  (plus, you get strange looks from people when you tell them you're just there for the day ;-))

Aloha!

Edward or Jacob?

To begin with, I apologize for neglecting my blog.  Work has become... nothing short of a pain, and staying around late to write a blog hasn't been top on my priority list (plus, the locations I've been working at blocked my blog... as something like "obscene/tasteless" ;-)).

And now, I've got something on my mind, and a little down time, so I guess I'll share.  Plus, writing helps me process things (that and getting sufficient sleep).  One way or another, people are going to be unhappy with my decision, but I gotta be me, right?  I mean, if I'm not happy, I am definitely a pain in the ass to be around.

You're probably thinking, what the pho are you talking about Natalie?  Get to it!  Ok ok, so I've been debating my living situation.  Portland is calling, and my heart flutters at the thought of it.  But I've started to put down roots in Seattle, I have a great friend base and great coworkers, I like my living situation (ummm I love living downtown in the heart of all the action), and I haven't yet been pulled over for having Oregon plates, yet.

The best way I can describe my feelings, and thus the impossibly difficult decision, is to compare them to Twilight.  I know, I'm a total Vamp dork, but analogies help my lil' logical mind wrap my head around the situation.

On one hand there's Portland - which is totally my Edward.  Edward has my heart.  I feel like I was ripped from his hands (not by choice but by circumstances "out" of my control), and when I'm around my family there or things are bad here, I think of him.  And trust me, this is often.  The pain has subsided (or at least been masked a little), and I don't cry every time I leave Portland, but still, I could if I let myself.  And the other week, as I was sitting with my girlfriends at the Tegan & Sara concert, I felt truly at home and peaceful, I knew I belonged to Edward.  Like we were meant for each other.  Edward definitely makes me grow up a little, I feel like I will be settled with him.  But am I ready to be settled?!?

And then there's Seattle - definitely Jacob :).  Irresistible.  Hard to turn down.  Heated and dangerous (see the numerous girls night picts from fb).  But on days like today, he's just a total brat (namely because of the j-o-b).  Jacob's the fun one.  The one I go out with late at night to tear up the town.  The one who's encouraged me to get out, make friends, move on from Edward.  He's been great.  I've grown to love him.  But I think he knows, he'll always play 2nd fiddle to Edward.

So, where does that leave me?  I don't want to give Jacob up, but I desperately want to be with Edward.  Can I have both?  And if I have a baby, will Jacob fall for her?;-)  Is it just cuz I've been in a place for 2 years and I'm antsy?  Sigh, if only I knew the answer...I know, that's part of the journey and just a part of life.  I'm kinda waiting for it to hit me across the head (and no wife, just cuz you hit me, does not mean I'll choose Jacob).  

What it really comes down to is time. I'm not in a rush, and Portland won't be falling into the ocean like California will, so I should be good.  At least, I hope Rocky's song isn't true... I guess that's what I've been thinking lately.  I'll keep you posted.  ~NattyJo

How to Meet Guys: 101

A few months back, finding myself newly single and pondering the age old question - how does one go about meeting men?  Of course, all taken friends have their suggestions, and some happen to be internet dating.  And while I have no qualms against it, I'm not ready to admit defeat just yet. I'd like to think I still have it in me to find a guy in person....  So my options are limited, I haven't found a church I like, work - well, let's just say: "don't sh*t where you eat" should be followed, and the hobbies I like... not so sure I WANT to meet a guy who knits, scrapbooks, or is in love with Edward Cullen...;-).

Little did I know that by posing this question to the universe, that the universe would respond back with a smack-in-the-face of "this is how b*tch".  Ok, well maybe it wasn't that forceful, but definitely, don't ask if you don't want an answer.

Now, I believe that things happen for a reason and I'm always open to meeting people and up for something new (obviously, or how else would I have met the lovely Mr. Dempsey!?, trust me, you meet no one in your hotel room, unless you're into the housekeeping ladies, which I, am not, instead you meet them in your hotel gym ;-P).  Ok, let me put a caveat to that "open to meeting people" - I don't do blind dates/ set-ups.  I am not up for these, no matter "how amazingly awesome" he is.  If I must meet him, at least attempt the "nonchalant meeting", please, save me from the insanity of blind dates!  (unless of course I get to have those little bubbles coming out with my thoughts!)

In the past 6 months, I have met guys in some normal and some of the most unconventional ways (which is which, well, I'll let you be the judge :) - like the taxi driver who gave me his personal number after dropping me off one night - umm creepy, he knows where I live and has me trapped in his sticky cab!).  But thinking back, compared to other times in my life, the recent meetings aren't any more unusual than normal for me (such as rock climbing with Cheri, meeting a couple guys, and going to the Shanghai Tunnel (skipping in our gym clothes) for some stout and mac'n'cheese after...)

Case in point, I've both flirted with and gotten phone numbers while driving... though I think we only talked on the phone that once, I still remember him trying to communicate his number to me w/ his hands... only to realize that he kept leaving out the area code - which wasn't 503 as expected, but 360, dude, those 3 numbers are important!  While most times, flirting with the guy (or sometimes just the car itself, haha), I've at least gotten a wave of acknowledgement and a coy smile :-).

There's the "standard" bar scene - which obviously hasn't lead to anything permanent, but has yielded some friends (namely those residing in Sin City).  I did find the "you look bored" line amusing, especially when he asked if I was going to end up blogging about him, sorry dude, this is all ya get.  I mean, what kind of people hang out in bars, seriously?;-)

I also enjoy meeting bartenders mostly cuz they can't get away from me;-) haha, j/k.  But no, not really, I like that they have to talk to me...

Probably, the most amusing recently was the guy from the shuttle bus - ha! Just admitting that "out loud" makes me laugh.  I mean, who seriously gives their number to a guy from a shuttle bus?  Apparently "this girl" (points to self with thumbs).  Even worse, after he'd taken my number (and I'd driven away), apparently it didn't save and he had to ask the MasterPark for my name (shame on you MasterPark for giving it out!) and he then proceeded to find me on LinkedIn.  Gotta give the guy props for the follow-through (unlike the waiter at a restaurant who memorized my name from the receipt and looked me up on MySpace - claiming it was unusual so it was easy to remember... ask me for my number next time, stalker...).

There are the few guys I've met at concerts, which seems like a good place - instant common interest!  But my luck there runs thin (anyone remember Texty!?), not to mention the guy I met at the Rocky Votolato concert the other night - this dude's friend's decided it would be amusing to pretend he was someone famous.  Gotta admit, his one friend was fairly annoying about the whole thing...seriously, they went as far as to have people come up and take pics with him... I guess it takes all types, right? (so if you ever meet a guy by the name of Ian, he isn't, nor has he ever been famous... don't let him or his bored friends mess with you)

Who knows, I keep hoping my braveness (also interchangeable for stupidity) will lead me to the man of my "dreams", and if worst-comes-to-worst at least more amusing adventures :)!!

This Day is Out to Get Me!

This is definitely one of those days that if I hadn't have been in SUCH a good mood, I would be pissy and cranky.

I woke up at 5:52 am - 8 min prior to my alarm going off - this is one of my LEAST favorite things, I value sleep and want to squeeze every minute of it like getting that last drop of juice from a grapefruit.  But I know why I woke up - I was uncomfortably warm and needed water - thank you alcohol for the lovely dehydration you granted me!  And as I laid there, I fought with myself - do I get up, read my Bible (gasp, I know) and workout or do I hit the snooze button.  Getting up at this point would still leave me PLENTY of time and I'd probably be to work early as a result.  Because normally, I like to snooze for exorbitant amount of time - 1 1/2 hrs some days.  Well, the lazy side won - and snooze until 7:30 it was... hey, I didn't have a meeting until 9:30 - this was my tired self justifying my lazy a$$.

Either way, I'd decided what I wanted to wear - my white pants - it feels springy and happy and I knew I'd seen an idea of how to wear them on this fashion blog - awesomeness, you should check it out - http://www.frugal-fashionistas.com/.  The outfit was modified to what I have, but still, I think it works?  Confidence is definitely an accessory :) haha.

Coffee was next on my agenda - and of course I had to throw it out to coworkers, and got Beth's order in perfect time to add it to mine (a tall, 1 pump vanilla, whole milk, light caramel, caramel macchiato - this is a treat cuz some mornings, all I can get out is - tall vanilla latte).  Sigh, happiness.  Plus my ipod was playing some great music - oh wait, it's MY music... who needs pandora? :) - Sam's Town was giving me happy thoughts of the Killers concert, and I was rockin' out!

But as I was about to turn to work... I heard my phone - Wan texted how much she appreciated the offer... well, I couldn't leave her hanging and it wasn't quite 9 yet, plus, I justified, I needed breakfast and kleenex.  So off I drove to the Safeway.

Donut holes, kleenex, some draino (for home, not Wan's coffee), bananas and coffee later... I was back in the car.  Well, mistake - I had the drip coffee (thank the Lord it was only drip and not some sugary sweet/ milkiness) in the carrier by itself and on flipping a bitch.... it decided to flip one as well!  Crap!  Ok, put it upright... no napkins were available, so I rolled down the window and watched the coffee slosh :(.  No worries, I'd get it at work - still smiling.

Got to work, cleaned my car (I think Meredith liked the coffee, some had sunk in already...), and got ready for the 9:30 meeting (including getting some donut holes, they were rolly polly little buggers and a couple escaped my grasp :().  It wasn't raining, so we walked :).  The meeting ended early - woohoo! and I got to my desk in time for the Dbrief (cpe training on fraud, super fun!).  And while I was listening, I decided to check mint (yes, I am addicted, LOVE IT!) - hmmm, what's this RC Railway in AZ?!  And for $584 bucks!?  Yikes!  Well, turns out its a super nice hotel at the Grand Canyon - one that I did not visit.

A quick call to BofA - and withing 15 min, they were telling me they would credit my account, cancel the card and send me a new one! No disputing, no questioning... just believing me! Wow, gotta say, much appreciated!!  Though this will have been the 2nd credit card number I've memorized and had to give up due to some fraud... :-(

And now I'm smiling to some new music (Train's - Hey, Soul Sister - it was amazon's mp3 deal of the day, so the CD was only $2.99!) and waiting for Jon & Gayle to bring me my Vietnamese chicken sandwich - yum!  This day is not going to steal my joy! :)

Shane Co Away!

Ok, so maybe that title didn't work as well in writing as it did in my head, but it amused me enough to be retained as the blog heading.

I know we've ALL heard the Shane Co commercials on the radio, and can probably quote the ending line for line w/ the announcer (...Shane Co, off of Hwy 217 across from the Washington Square Mall, open weekdays til 8, Saturday and Sunday til 5, online at Shaneco.com...).  
Yes, they are annoying, not to mention all the other jewelry ads we have to put up with - Fred Meyer, EE Robbins, and the dreaded Jared the Galleria of Jewelers (I'd rather let a carnivorous earwig eat my brain out).

They are usually just white noise and I don't like to station surf if I don't have to, so most of the time I put up with them.  Though I have to say, after my breakup, I couldn't and would change the station immediately (come on, it was like salt in the wound, a carrot in front of my face that I could never have... mean!).  But I got over that and it's been fine.  Until last night...

I'm not sure what it was that caused me such pain, but it was like a stab in the back, a scab picked off that hadn't healed fully.  The commercial was addressing the far distance to drive to Lynnwood, WA to get an engagement ring.  And Mr. Tom Shane in his monotone drawl, was saying it was worth it for their direct diamond imports that save you money (don't you tell me you don't have a friend in the diamond business!).

And his last line was something like: "isn't your girlfriend worth the drive" and my first thought was no, I mean, really, to a certain someone, I wasn't even worth the diamond let alone the excessive drive to get one.  I don't say this to be completely bitter, but he really did complain to me about the cost of a ring, many many times (its not the size or price that matters, its the meaning, right?).  So I just have to say that stupid commercial just reopened the wound that said "I wasn't worth it"...and now, I will return to my boycotting of those wretched commercials and their unintended reminders of my worth or implied lack thereof.