It's been awhile, but I'm back and I promise to fill you in. It's been a pretty crazy two weeks and they've flown by, which is not a good thing, because we're almost at the half way point.
I apologize for not writing one of these last week, I know some of you must have been absolutely distraught without me for a week, but I was pretty busy. I had two tests in my classes, which I guess makes sense after all this is still school. I also wrote a column for Flyer News back at UD. And if that weren't enough I was busy preparing for and taking the LSAT for the second (and final) time. The LSAT was Saturday. So was my birthday. Not cool, universe, not cool.
Taking the LSAT was my first chance to get up to the University of Hawaii campus. It is beautiful. It's a big sprawling campus settled in amongst the mountains in the Manoa Valley. The Manoa Valley is now my new favorite area on the island. While Saturday was my first time on the UH campus, it wasn't my first time in Manoa Valley.
The Saturday before the LSAT, and my birthday, a group of us travelled up to Manoa Valley and hiked the 1.5 mile trail to Manoa Falls (picture, top left and album on the right). It's a naturally occurring 150 ft tall waterfall. It's absolutely gorgeous. We wanted to swim at the base of the falls, but couldn't. Something about infectious bacteria in the water. I don't really know. But there were signs and I don't mess with bacteria, so we stayed out. The signs didn't, however, prevent a family of five from frolicking in the water. I hope they're okay.
Like I said, I celebrated my 22nd birthday here in Hawaii. A bunch of us went out for a nice dinner at Ryan's BBQ on Friday evening. I had some fish and chips and a mind-numbingly delicious strawberry shortcake for dessert. Think Eat 'n Park Grilled Stickies covered in strawberries, strawberry sauce and whipped cream. My bill was picked up by my roommate, and all around nice guy, Adam because as he said, "You don't drink enough for me to buy you drinks, so I'll buy your dinner." Great people.
Saturday after the LSAT and a monstrosity of a nap, the gang and I all went to our bar - On Stage for the true birthday celebration. We've managed to accomplish something at a young age that I can say I'm very proud of: We're regulars at a bar. So naturally, we celebrated my birthday there. It's a great place with great people. We played some darts, shot some pool, listened to the live bands and just hung out. It was my kind of birthday. Mom, don't worry, everyone was in control, including the birthday boy. I did dance. And, yes, the 22-year-old birthday boy did wear his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles T-shirt. (see: Picture of the Week)
The Steelers won a big game going into a much needed bye week on Sunday over Jacksonville, and UH Football upset the then #22-ranked Fresno State Bulldogs. I have lived in Western Pennsylvania my entire life. An area of the state, and country, that is absolutely, unequivocally obsessed with football. High school, college, and professional. (Pennsylvania recently lost to Texas in the final four of an ESPNRise.com mock tournament of best High School Football states in the country. PA also bested Ohio to get to the final four.) I make this point in an attempt to validate the next statement:
The state of Hawaii is obsessed with the sport of football.
They might not have a professional team, but frankly, they don't need one. High school and college football is enough for this state. They love it. There's a local channel that broadcasts high school football games live every Friday night. If that weren't enough, they're good at it too. USC recruits Hawaii hard as do many other prominent college teams. Troy Polamalu and Lofa Tatupu are just two of the bigger names in the NFL from the Hawaiian Islands. (Also keep an eye on Shane Victorino for the Phillies in the NLCS. He's called the Hawaiian Punch for a reason.)
Every UH game is anticipated with as much, or maybe more, excitement than even the Steelers. I've heard UH really knows how to tailgate, but until I see it (Oct. 25 vs. Nevada at Aloha Stadium), I don't think I can believe it. Steeler fans are on the North Shore before the sun on Sundays. Can that be topped? Stay tuned. I'm gonna find out.
As for the week that lay ahead, it looks promising. On Saturday we have our first official Surf Club meeting at Diamond Head beach for a cook-out and a full day of surfing. Saturday is also another birthday for the Dayton Crew in Honolulu. Jess turns 21. On Monday the Exchange Student Organization is headed to the North Shore to visit the Dole Plantation. I know, snooze fest, but apparently the world's largest maze is there, and I get to eat pineapple.
Also, I think I missed a calling. I think I was born to ride moving boards. Surfing is still a work in progress, but it still came pretty naturally. Skateboarding however came even more naturally still. Longboard skateboards are extremely popular around here as a mode of transportation, and I borrowed a friends last night, and just took off. Now, I know my dad is sitting there reading this claiming that I owe him for all my balance. Which is fair and probably true. The man can water ski. But regardless, at the ripe old age of 22 I have decided to purchase a longboard skateboard and learn to ride it. We'll see how that goes. Some say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, to that I say, How old is too old?
Thank you for the comments. I enjoy reading them and hearing from everyone. Keep them coming. You can also email me at weinheej@notes.udayton.edu that way I can respond directly back to you. Thanks.
Until next time...Aloha.
