Year Two

If it’s not on my face, I am carrying it around my wrist or in my purse. The mask mandate has been eased in LA County, but I still have a face mask with me at all times— out of precaution, and habit. Those extra face masks in the glove compartment of the car are still there, too.

I feel like every March of each year, at least in the next few years, will take me back to memories of March 2020 when the entire world seemed to shut down. Just like when I remember where exactly I was during the September 11 attacks (I was in US history class and my teacher had come into the room with tears to tell us the news)— I feel like March 2020 is a notable timestamp for many.

I was still going into work with minimal staff, and juggling different roles in the newsroom (reporting, producing, line producing, booking, coordinating, AP duties), while others from the newsroom worked remotely. We were all getting used to our fluid roles and situations during a pandemic. I gratefully accepted the bi-weekly handouts of hand sanitizers, face masks, and alcohol wipes— rationed out for each employee. The company faithfully replenished our supplies, hoping to better equip us to work in a virus-ridden world.

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Waikiki Weekend

I have a ‘bucket list’ of things I want to do while living in California.

Most of those things on the list involve being in California, but there are some items that are not in this Golden State.

One of them being: VISIT HAWAII. Or I should properly say, Hawai’i!

Waikiki Beach during sunset. This was taken on the first evening arriving to Honolulu. (Waikiki, Canon t6i rebel)

We found great prices for round trip tickets to Honolulu from LA for a quick long weekend trip. We decided to visit the island of Oahu as our first Hawaii destination—definitely looking forward to visiting the other islands next time. We had so much fun spending a couple of days in Waikiki and in the North Shore.

A quick overview of the activities in Oahu:
- Hiking
- Surfing
- Polynesian Cultural Center
- Pearl Harbor
- Snorkeling
- Eating Spam musubis

This tree is amazing. I LOVED all the different types of trees I saw in Oahu. (Waikiki, Canon t6i rebel)

Living on the East Coast of the US for most of my life, I always thought a trip to Hawaii was ‘too far.’ I imagined stopping by Hawaii on my way to Asia or something. But now, going from California, that 5-ish hour direct flight is no biggie!

This trip felt like a ‘second honeymoon’ for my husband and I because we just simply enjoyed each other’s company and all the activities we did together (newlywed talk 😆)!

Here’s a glimpse of our first two days in Oahu—
All shot on the DJI Osmo Pocket (that I bought a few years ago), which is such a fun camera to have while traveling.