Last day at Pupukea 21009.

My last day at Starbucks was...messy. 

I opened with my girl Tia and it was a nice relaxing, easy going morning until...

....THIS:

 

I had told my boss (pictured below) that if I was attached

by whip cream canisters, I was going to be one unhappy camper.

Therefor silly string was her alternative.

It was a good year+ run up on at the North Shore Starbucks. I had some great managers and some absolutely insane ones. I had some wonderful co-workers up there...ones I will be friends with for the rest of my life. I have met some amazing people, had some wonderful regulars...celebrities, big waves surfers, and my most favorite locals on the island. It has been a wonderful store and I will miss that little store with all my heart. 

Goodbye Murphys!

My good friend Danielle and her little family are moving back to the mainland as well. Brian's time in the Army came to an end and they headed back just one week before I did. It was bitter sweet but I am glad I didn't have to leave her behind or vice-versa. I will miss seeing little Miles as he gets older but I am truly grateful for her friendship and special place in my Hawaiian life. 

(Dad wants to make sure Miles is a golfer too...)

Surfer, The Bar.

Surfer has open mic night every tuesday at Turtle Bay. It was a special night on my last night for two reasons:

1. It was also my friend Katie's last night and she sang a couple 

of duets with our other friend/co-worker Jamie. 

2. My Bux co-worker Luis made his Surfer stage debut. 

It was a nice relaxing night with friends and music and only reminds me how much

I am going to miss this place and the people. 

One last Kailua/Lanikai run...my favorite place on Earth.

Made one last Kailua/Lanikai run down the coast to say goodbye to some friends before I take off in a few weeks. I wish I could have spent weeks there but a few hours is what I got. 

Of course, I had to get one last Acai bowl at Lanikai Juice.

Zoe's Mom, Maryjane, was in town so we all took a nice

stroll down Kailua Beach...

One last time at the Kaneohe Branch...

How do I say goodbye to scenic drives HOME like this?!

My little Shelby.

One last dinner with my Shelby girl. 

(OF COURSE it had to be Thai food considering we talk about it every shift.)

I love this girl. 

She was so shy and quiet when she started working. I wasn't sure if she was going to hack it. 

But after training her and working with her and RIDING HOME WITH HER night after night, I just fell in love with her. She is one of the sweetest girls. She is by far the hardest worker I have ever had the privilege to work with and I can't imagine my life without her!!!!!

I really hold this lady in a special place in my heart and I am going to miss her like crazy. 

House sitting.

I have officially began housesitting. My duties include mostly watching this little guy named Chance. He's such a good puppy. He's two years old, well behaved, well trained, and going to make my job quite easy. Having my own place is going to be nice...I am looking forward to the peace and quiet, especially as I take in my last few weeks in Hawaii. 

Goodbye Dinner at Kahuku Grill.

We had a last little Starbucks Pupukea dinner for Danielle and Myself with current and old co-workers. It was a nice little way to say goodbye to everyone and have one last gathering. 

My Shelby girl...I love this one with all my heart!

My boy, Jahe. I could eat him alive! 

Jahe telling the waitress that he would like "A chocolate

cake and a sandwich." Neither of which are sold at The Grill. 

Alum.

(Don't mind me. Just drinking out of my alumni cup.)

Goodbye to Katie and Erika...(for while)

Miss Katie is headed to the mainland for three weeks...and in that time I am packing up and headed there myself...only for good. SO we set out and had a Sister Wives day at Waimea and Hale'Iwa for one last romp! It was such a nice day at Waimea...we floated for hours and just relaxed and had a nice cruise day. I love my Katie!!!

 

 

Surrounded by B-E-A-U-T-Y.

Sometimes my surroundings take my breath away. And I have to remember the reasons why I am leaving this amazing place. I am surrounded by beauty and serenity and peace constantly. And I am headed to a concrete jungle that is 100 degrees on average daily. Am I nuts?! 

These are just a few shots I have taken over the last few days...

I will definitely miss the ever ready photo opps that so easily present themselves around this island. 

I am, however, very excited for the chapter ahead of me. I just need to get used to taking pictures of cactus and dust storms. I think I can adjust :)