This is the life

This is the life
Originally uploaded by tracystayton.

This is the view if I walk 3 blocks down the road from my front door...I took this pic as I was checking the waves for surfing

Colleen, Me, and Michelle - Soakin' up Rays

Colleen, Me, and Michelle - Soakin' up Rays
Originally uploaded by tracystayton.

Went boatin' with the ladies one fine Hawaiian Saturday afternoon! It was nice to be out on the water and chillin' So, do you want to come visit yet? Are these pics making you jump on the travel websites to look for flight? Hope to see you soon=)

80's Geek is Sheek

80's Geek is Sheek
Originally uploaded by tracystayton.

Colleen and I went to an 80's party hosted by the Swedish Club this past weekend - it was SO fun. BUT all the European girls has GREAT costumes cause the 80's are coming back in Europe and they looked like hot Madonna's! We, on the other hand, looked like 13 year olds in the 80's ... it was fun though and we certainly stood out with out rolled jeans and side ponies! Look out ladies - the 80's are back...guys, those baggy jeans are about to get A LOT tighter if the Europeans have anything to say about it!

Dole Whip is the Best!

Dole Whip is the Best!
Originally uploaded by tracystayton.

Colleen, Jared, Justin, and I went to the Dole Plantation on the North Shore and had chocolate covered pineapple (it tastes A LOT better than it sounds) and yummy sorbet-type ice cream stuff called Dole Whip - SO GOOD and you can only get it at the Dole Plantation (and maybe at the airport) It is a special, yummy treat when you do get to stop!

20 Foot North Shore Waves

20 Foot North Shore Waves
Originally uploaded by tracystayton.

Went to the North Shore this past weekend with Jared, Justin, and Colleen. We played in the 20 foot surf and got WORKED! The waves would just pound you into the sand the throw you around. I had sand EVERYWHERE! The rip current would sweep you right off of your feet...you had to be a good swimmer to hang! It was intense and lots of fun, but a bit risky too! I wish the waves in the pic were a better representation, but we didn't want to get too close with the camera and have our proof get swept out to sea.

Tubing off the coast of Waikiki - that's Diamond Head in the background

Tubing off the coast of Waikiki - that's Diamond Head in the background
Originally uploaded by tracystayton.

Colleen and I rode from Hawaii Kai to Waikiki on this tube - that is like 6 miles or so! It was the best view of the island I have had yet=) And for some odd reason my arms were not even sore the next day!!!

Jet Skiing in Kaneohe Bay with Jen

Jet Skiing in Kaneohe Bay with Jen
Originally uploaded by tracystayton.

This day was so fun! Jen and I went to a friend's company and got to go jet-skiing, snuba-ing, snorkling, kayaking, wind-surfing (well we tried), and tubing on a banana! Then I had class at night! The joys of living in Hawaii!!!

Crazy Snuba pic

Crazy Snuba pic
Originally uploaded by tracystayton.

This is called Snuba - it is a combo of Scuba and Snorkling...you place this weird helmet on your head that is connected to a hose at the surface and walk around on the bottom as they pump air into your helmet...it is the strangest thing ever. Good experience, but I think I will stick with Scuba. The weird helmet distorts everything under water.

Snorkling in Shark's Cove on the North Shore

Snorkling in Shark's Cove on the North Shore
Originally uploaded by tracystayton.

This picture does not do Shark's Cove justice...the fish and coral are amazing!!!

Grad School Dinner

Grad School Dinner
Originally uploaded by tracystayton.

So every Thursday night the Grad students get together for a dinner that one of us makes for all of the others at their apartment. It is GREAT because we get to take a break from studying and unless it is our turn we don't have to worry about dinner that night...the only thing is, I think next week it is my turn and I have NO idea what to make! Almost every genre of food has been taken and I don't want to double back - any ideas? Something simple please!!!

The Girls - Colleen, Jen, Michelle, Me, and Lisa (from L to R)

The Girls
Originally uploaded by tracystayton.

Here are the Hawaii girls=) We all went out for Jen's 28th birthday and had a rockin' time. It was a surf party at the Hard Rock Cafe and they gave away a TON of stuff. All of us took home crazy amounts of gear. I got 3 Dakine baby-T's, 2 guy size T-shirts (which I gave to my Dad and told him not to cut up like he ususally does), 1 baseball hat, 1 train conductor-type hat (SUPER cute), a beach bag and sandals (that I gave to Jen for her birthday cause she loved them) and a VERY nice Dakine Surfing backpack! The bag is probably my favorite cause it has EVERYTHING - a little cooler area in the front, a felt lined pocket for glasses, a water-proof pocket for my wet bikini and rash guard, straps to snych things to the outside (technically it is for a skateboard I think) and tons of other cool little features!

Chinaman's Hat

Chinaman's Hat
Originally uploaded by tracystayton.

Well, here is another beautiful picture of Hawaii. This island off the coast of Oahu is known as Chinaman's Hat...kinda looks like that doesn't it - huh! See what you all are missing - so when is my next visitor coming?!? There are great deals to Hawaii right now - hint, hint!