Day of Delirium #90 - Helicopter over Hilo

Tuesday in Hawaii took us to Hilo on the Big Island. When researching our trip to Hawaii the number one rated excursion was the helicopter ride over Hilo (you fly over the Kilauea volcano), so of course it was the first trip we booked even though both Mom and I were terrified of flying in a helicopter. My Mom was shocked that I wanted to book the trip - I think she was hoping I would come to my senses and not book the trip but when you are working on the only item on your bucket list, you go all out.

We picked the noon flight so that we had at least one morning to sleep in and have breakfast in our cabin. Of course we still woke up at 5:30am but then we just relaxed and took our time getting ready. We ate on the balcony of our cabin and just enjoyed our morning - while also trying to soothe our fears.

We headed down to the van to take us to the airport and Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. I tweeted that we were nervous and I received so much support that I truly felt much better about the whole trip.

When we arrived at the Hilo International Airport (if you click on the link our ship is in the background of the picture on the first page) we found out that all we could take on the flight was a camera, sunglasses and any medicine you might need (for my Mom her inhaler). We left our bags at the counter in lock up and went in for the safety video.

We each received an inflatable life preserver to wear on our waists and then were divided up by weight for each helicopter. They kindly keep your group together which in our case was all couples. Mom was called as the emergency hatch person and had to stay behind for extra training. I was nervous leaving her on her own but that was quickly forgotten as I noticed the bathroom right near our waiting point and I couldn't pass up one more time to go before the flight - I am sure many of you can appreciate that.

In our helicopter we had an older couple from North Carolina, a gay couple from Vermont and Mom and I. We all got along so well and we had lots of fun. We had to wait quite a time on the tarmac for the helicopters to come back from their current flights and it was hot. But the good part of that time was we got to know each other and we forgot about our nerves for awhile.

Then the helicopters arrived.

We had Tim as our pilot and I was the first to get on the helicopter. At first I hated that because it meant I had the longest to wait in the tiny helicopter but I immediately let Tim know I was nervous and he had me put my headset on and he just talked to me. He told me about the helicopter, some stats about flying in one, he asked about me and our trip and before I knew it everyone was on the helicopter and we were lifting off! I didn't even feel take off, it was so smooth.

As we kept gaining height I was afraid I wouldn't look out but honestly there was no way I couldn't look out. It was AMAZING!! First we saw some waterfalls that can only be seen from the sky or hiking for days through dense jungle like trails.

Then we saw Hilo proper until we started out over the volcano lava fields. And look a rainbow!

As we reached the main crater we wondered if we would see lava because a few weeks before we got to Hawaii, Kilauea erupted in a new place and moved/stopped the lava flow. And also because it was raining over the crater and the whole lava field. But it didn't stop me from taking pictures.

As we crested the top, there was steam and lots of lava bubbling. There are no words to describe what it felt like to see a live volcano, to see the earth from the inside, to see where earth starts. It was incredibly moving and just awe inspiring.

We made a second pass over the crater and then headed out to the ocean. The color in the water was unbelievable. I always felt that there was no way that pictures people had of the Hawaiian water were true but I am here to tell you they are. WOW!

Then we were treated to one more pass over the crater for our final look at the volcano and lava. Apparently three passes is uncommon, so we were quite pleased with Tim.

Then it was time to head back and I have to tell you, we all groaned because no one wanted to go back. I am sure we could have stayed up there allll day. 

As soon as we landed and walked back to get our bags, my Mom turned to me and said, "I wonder if we could do another flight in Kauai?" I think she liked it :)

The only sad part of the day was that the DVD you can get of your trip, which has video from cameras inside and outside the helicopter and all the audio didn't tape, so we don't have our exact trip DVD as a memento. Thank goodness I take tons of pictures ;)


Then to top off our incredible day, we came home to this cutie on our bed (very appropriate wouldn't you say?).

And then, a gorgeous full moon to close out our time in Hilo.

Next up: Kicking it in Kona

Day of Delirium #89 - Home Run

A home run in baseball includes four bases. Lisa's name has four letters.

Coincidence? I think not.

L is for all the love she gives

I is for her incredible friendship that she offers to all

S is for her silly nature that is so endearing

A is for her amazing soul that she freely shares with all


Lisa is one of my favorite people I have ever met in my life. She is so caring, so sweet, so funny and just truly an amazing woman and human.

As far as our Twitarded world, Lisa was integral in making sure Mad Libs carried on when Moxie wasn't sure she wanted to host it all on her own anymore. Lisa created the new blog and recruited the players to the site. She loves when everyone gets together and has fun and it is always a good time when Lisa is there or is that when there is boxed wine there? ;) just kidding Lisa.

It is today that we celebrate Lisa! The day of her birth. When the world smiled and knew that it had created pure goodness.

Lisa always makes me laugh but also knows when I need a serious ear to listen. She offers everything she has and expects nothing in return. I am blessed to have Lisa in my life and for sure I hit a home run in the baseball game of friendship when I met her.

I love you Lisa

Happy Birthday!!!!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A few other people would like to offer their birthday wishes to you too:


Dearest Lisa,

I hope your special day is an amazing one. I hope the laughter you bring to others via Mad Libs and Friday Fun comes back to you tenfold on this, your special day and everyday forward. Even though I've never played Mad Libs with you all, every time I read the end result I'm filled with tears of joy. You bring mirth to my life and I am forever grateful. Happy Birthday!!!

From,
miss tejota

The best game to sweep Twitardia was made even better by 17foreverlisa with the start of its very own blog. The fact that I was a loyal player and then asked by her to join as part of the awesome group of girls running the show was incredible. I've never laughed so hard, spit so many varying fluids at my screen, or gaped at the creativity my fellow twatwaffles have invented as I have during DML. Hosting was just as fun as playing and added a chance for me to think in new and durrrty ways. Lisa has made everything about this fandom more exciting, funny, and inviting.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Lisa!
Love, StarLitViolets

 Are you mad? Of course I want to wish Lisa a Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Lisa!

I love you, Lacey

and check out all the other blogs participating in the
Round the Birthday Bases Bash for Lisa:

Batter Up  http://www.rathgasm101.blogspot.com/ 

Starting Pitch www.thecoldshower.wordpress.com

HomeRun http://www.dangrdafne.blogspot.com/

First Base http://www.robmusement.blogspot.com/

Second Base www.twilightjunkiesanonymous.blogspot.com

Shortstop http://www.pattinsonpost.tumblr.com/

Third Base http://www.sotwired.blogspot.com/

Home Plate http://www.twibite.blogspot.com/

Extra Innings w/Grand Slam http://www.tonguetwied.blogspot.com/

The Dugout http://www.twikiwi.blogspot.com/

7th Inning Stretch http://www.robzsinger.blogspot.com/

The Beer Vendor http://www.musingbella.blogspot.com/

The Outfield www.moondancewithRob.blogspot.com

Derelicts Underneath the Bleachers http://www.twitarded.blogspot.com/

The Press Box http://www.mamacougar.blogspot.com/  

The Locker Room  http://www.edbrella.blogspot.com/

Spring Training www.starlitviolets.blogspot.com

Day of Delirium #88 - Do you know the way to San Diego?

Ok so that is not the song but it works.

I will be taking a short break from the Hawaii posts as I am off to Comic Con in San Diego with the hubby.

I also will be meeting MissTejota, 17ForeverLisa, TwiLoveSue and many others.

Should be tons of fun.

Catch you all when I get back next week!!

Day of Delirium #87 - Maui Day 2 - Here Comes The Sun

So Mom and I were up at 2:30am! No showers of course. Just get dressed and head out the door. All to meet our ride to the top of Haleakala Volcano at 3:15 am to watch the sunrise over Maui.

Bob was our driver and we all piled into a mini bus and started on our way. A few people went to sleep but I was wide awake, as was Mom. Bob told stories and jokes and kept us very entertained. The ride takes about an hour and 15 minutes (if I recall) and most of it is winding and switchback road up the volcano. I won't lie, I am kind of glad it was dark and I couldn't see where we were going.

The bonus for our trip was that it was the night before the full moon, so we had a gorgeous moon to light our path and to end up directly across from the place where we would watch the sunrise.

Bob told us again about the sugar cane and how they burn it to cultivate it, like we had learned the day before on the Maui Plantation. Little did we know we would actually see it in process...

We read many times about how cold it is for this trip, so Mom and I brought along some Pennsylvania warmth: thermal jackets, long underwear, hats, mittens and scarves and yes, you do need it all!! We even brought it in its own carry on that we used as another piece of checked luggage. Well worth it!

Then we arrived at the spot and we were the first ones there. So we picked a good spot based on Bob's recommendation and waited.... and waited .... and waited... and then...

it started.

and as it broke through a Hawaiian man started to sing. He sang the Hawaiian Poem/Blessing for the sunrise and it was amazing. There were many people who did not understand what was going on but I knew and it brought tears to my eyes (as it still does now). It was so incredibly moving and I wanted to sob at the fact that I was standing on what felt like on top of the world watching the sunrise over Hawaii. A true dream come true if ever there was one.

Then it was time to head back down.

I had read about a really neat rest area on the way but was not sure we would stop at it or not. Can you guess? Bob always stops at this rest area because it is so amazing! How much luckier could I get?

And then we were back to the ship and time for a nap :)

We rested up, ate some breakfast and then headed into Maui to find a beach and the Whole Foods so I could pick up some gluten free snacks. We followed the pedestrian walkway and using my powers of deduction... I found a beach. Small but a beach and practically empty. Just the way I like it.

The sand was hot and the water was perfect. And the very cool part, you could see our ship from here.

Then it was time to go to Whole Foods. So we headed back to the Maui Mall but decided to sit at the mall for a little bit and watch the locals. It was a nice little mall with a movie theater, some eating and some shopping. It was quite busy and we had fun watching Maui life.

At about 1:30pm I asked my Mom what she wanted to do as we still had some time before we had to get back to the ship. She didn't know and then I said "I wonder if the movie theater has Water for Elephants" and off I went to see if it was there. 1:45pm was the show time!! Mom was like "let's do it!" so Mom and I went to see Water for Elephants in Maui Hawaii!! Not only was it an amazing movie but the tag line truly fit our trip "Life is the most spectacular show on earth."

Then we headed back to the ship to learn how to make Kukui Nut Leis.

DangrMomma making the lei

DangrMomma modeling the final product.

And then it was time for the sun to set on our time in Maui.

And what a time it was. 

I know that the next time I go to Maui, I will add the sunset on the volcano the night before and I would most definitely do the sunrise again. It is the most soul moving thing I have done in a long time. 

I am also so glad that we decided to see Water for Elephants because 1) I may not have seen it at all if not then and 2) because it really was appropriate with its tag line.

And not that he will read this but a huge thank you to Bob, our driver for the sunrise. 

He was hilarious, engaging, knowledgeable, kind and most important of all, a great driver ;)

Next up: Helicopter over Hilo!

Day of Delirium #86 - 25 Things About Me

Snarkier Than You at Twitarded did a post about 25 things we didn't know about her. I love these types of posts so I wanted to play along. I already did one of these on 1-30-09 on my personal Facebook page. So I am going to print that here BUT update it for 2011 (as I know some things have updated since then). Enjoy

1. I am scared I won't have 25 things to put on this list.

2. I have been to every state except Hawaii and to every province in Canada. (2011 - I have been to Hawaii)

3. My dream is to get to Hawaii before I die. (2011 - Phew, I accomplished this in May 2011)




4. I am extremely proud to be Polish!

5. My family and I walked past Sylvester Stallone and Brigitte Nielsen on the street in New York many years ago.

6. I LOVE college wrestling - especially the wrestling teams at Lehigh University.

7. I LOVE football - college and NFL - Lehigh, Penn State and Raiders.

8. When I was a child I was going to either grow up to be a professional roller skater or a veterinarian. I am neither.

9. I play the piano, violin and clarinet. I started the piano because my sister was playing it, I started the clarinet because my sister's best friend played it and I started the violin because I adore it.

10. My sister is my hero.

11. I miss my paternal grandmother and my father more than I can put into words.

12. I have the best mother in the entire universe.

13. When I played house as a child, I was always the family dog.

14. My niece and godchild, Audrey, is the absolute best person I have ever met.

15. I watch too much TV (but I love it so).

16. I would love to learn how to show jump (on horses).

17. I have worked at two different dude ranches in my life and loved every second of it. One in PA and one in Colorado.

18. I collect Breyer model horses.

19. I love Oprah and Oprah magazine.

20. I have a hyphenated last name because I promised my paternal grandmother I would keep the family name. I am very proud of my family name.

21. I love taking photographs. I am one of the few people I know who really does enjoy watching other people's slide shows of their pictures :)

22. I love weddings but eloped for my own - and wouldn't change that for anything.

23. I have four of the bestest friends in the world - Donna, Jim, Matt and Rik. I love them with all my heart. (2011 - I don't think I could list all of my Twilight friends and not have a whole other post. You are all so special to me and I am very very lucky).

24. This is my favorite number.

25. I hope I am thought of as a good person by others.