rain everywhere

Lately as in the last couple days it has been quite rainy. Usually I get angry when it rains in Hawaii unless it is around Christmas. I die for the lovely cloudless sunny days. I guess Hawaii just spoils me too much. But lately I have been loving this rain we have been getting. For more than one reason.

First: Rain gets me on this cooking and baking kick! I made banana chocolate chip bread on Monday and chicken and noodle soup (I added carrots) last night. It was amazing and totally hit the spot. I have also made homemade cocoa a couple times. Nothing beats eating something warm and yummy and cuddling up to Chase to some ridiculous Hulu show. For some reason last night I picked the Bachelor. I was really tired and was in a "feel entertained by ridiculousness" mood. I recently saw a picture of my friend Heather who saw Ben . . . (right ??) at Park City and got a picture with him. I suppose that is why I went out of my way to seek the last episode. Needless to say, it was ridiculous as predicted and made me cringe more than once. And of course a helicopter and girl drama was involved. Entertained...check. Addicted...NO! Moving on...

Banana Chocolate Chip Bread

Chicken and Noodle Soup

Second: Rain gets me more excited to run than usual. I have been running off and on for over a year now since I haven't been playing soccer like I used to. At BYU-I I always played on a team and it was legit. But in Hawaii I usually just surf or hike or go to the gym to get my exercise. Running has slowly become an outlet for me that I have learned to enjoy rather than dread. I am really finding joy in it and enjoying the sites I am blessed to see daily. I am lucky to live in Hawaii where the weather is always nice and the only thing I have to work around is it being "too hot." Also Chase and I are joining the Fly Family Goal of completing a 5 and 10 K this year. We also want to do a half but unfortunately all of them on Oahu are held on Sundays so we will have to figure out something else, perhaps a 10+.

So yesterday it got really windy and gray and I LOVE running when the weather is bad. And then it started raining. The weather here is sometimes bi-polar and clouds come out of nowhere. So it was a good mix of sun with misty rain, sun, and then RAIN! And I mean RAIN. I was laughing to myself so hard, people driving probably thought I was so weird. But I don't care, I was so happy. I ran to Hauula and decided to turn around at the grocery store there because I was having trouble seeing I had to look down the whole time and was really grateful I didn't wear make up. Then I got worried I would get shocked by my head phones/i pod so I shoved them in an area I thought would be safe (he he). The rain gave me a really nice boost of energy from excitement and I got home much quicker than anticipated! I splashed through puddles and even got sprayed by cars (some I swear on purpose). I was sopping from head to toe with the squeaky shoes and all. Fun!

Third: Rain gives me good excuses to wear some of the fall/winter ish clothes that I have here (which is very little). I love being able to throw on a sweater, jacket or flannel and a nice beanie! And don't forget the rain boots!! I am so prepared. When I walked into work my co-workers all said, "Feeling more in your element now?" And a lil part of me thought, "YES, except its rain not snow!" Oh how I miss layering and being warm and snuggly in cute wintery clothes.

So I'm looking out the window and looks like its sunny again. Aloha Hawaii :)