Guinea Pigs in Paradise



Ala Moana Beach Park


So its taken just over year of watching my wife, the wonderful Saychelle, post religiously (kinda) on this here blog for me to realize that its my turn. This is Bryan, the one you've frequently seen pics of. No, not the slobbery one with wrinkles, I'm the tall, goofy looking redhead and, man, do i have some things to say.

As you may be able to see from the above pic, I am not in Arizona. I have found myself in the great state of Hawai'i.  On Monday, Aug 29th, I received word of a clinical research study taking place in Honolulu that was paying $7000. And I, having no prior commitments nor any job to speak of, decided that this could be a profitable venture for us. So after a little bit of shock that this was possibly going to happen, I somehow ended up on a flight the next day non-stop to Honolulu.


Wednesday morning, I headed over to the Covance Research Facility for my initial screening. They informed me that all looked good but that the study would not start for another week. So there I was, in Hawaii, alone, with a week to spend. Heres a brief recap of my week.


Luckily, I was able to find a place to stay with a family friend free of rent. This was literally a life saver. Though she didn't live in the best part of town, I could not have asked for a nicer family to stay with. she let me use her car, her internet, her house, and she did all with little notice
beforehand and with no knowledge of who I was. What a blessing!!!




Waianae in the morning



Thursday, after a brief appointment in the morning at Covance, I wandered around Waikiki/Honolulu which turned out to be pretty boring. Not to be a downer or anything, but both cities are filled with touristy type attractions with no real flavor of what can be found in Hawai'i. Needless to say I was left wanting more.

Friday, I decided that it would be a good idea to head over to the northeast shore of Oahu, to the town of La'ie. For those who don't know, this is where the LDS temple in Hawai'i is located. This was wonderful!!! After a long scenic drive over some mountains and along beautiful coastline, I realized that this is the perfect location to see the grandness and beauty of God's creations. Also that it was a perfect place for a Temple dedicated for the worship of Him.

I also made a brief stop in the Visitor's Center where I viewed a new movie which was about the family and God's plan for it. It was very touching. I wish I could say that it had no effect on my emotions, but I did in fact have to fight back some tears.  

After my stop at the Temple, i decided to head over to the beach. This is how i was greeted:


How does anyone get anything accomplished when this is minutes away?


Saturday I decided to spend some time with the family i was staying with. the mom works as a special education teacher, and also does some part time aide work with a couple kids in Waianae. Being that that is her job, she was able to take me to an event that happens every first Saturday of the month. It's called Access Surf. Basically surfing pros and instructors get together and help children and adults with disabilities surf. I was impressed at the size of this event. It was wonderful. I was a little jealous that they didn't teach me. 



Koa cheezin'.


While we were waiting for the kids' turns, I decided to battle the waves with the two boys, James and Koa. Turns out that they were a lot better at wave-battles than I was. it didnt take me long to realize that salt water tastes horrible and that its even worse in your nose. I had a blast though.


Man, I'm exhausted. Who knew that blogging took so much out of you? I sure didn't. I need a break. Until next time, folks.


Bryan.