Downtown Honolulu

Today, I spent the morning exploring downtown Honolulu with my dad.

First Stop: Hawaii State Art Museum

'One' of dad's favorites...

Dad staring down Prince Kuhio...

One of my favorites...

Stop Numba 2: 'Downtown' (the restaurant) 
To be honest, as interesting as art is...we REALLY came 'down' for the food ;)

 'Downtown' is a restaurant at the 1st floor of the Hawaii State Art Museum and has had pretty good reviews.

They have a take-out bar also...

The food was a bit pricey for lunch, but very good! I could tell they used quality ingredients and take the time to develop the menu. And I won't go into any more detail (since this is NOT a review), but you should try it when you get a chance.

I ordered the Seared Ahi Club Sandwich with Smoked Bacon, Avocado, Wasabi, Arugula on a Multi-Grain  ($12.75) [sorry bout the bite, forgot to take a pic...was so hungry, lol]

My dad got the Soup/Sandwich Combo ($11.50) with an Italian Cured Meat, Olive, Arugula, Provolone Panini & a Beef with Black Beans soup. [and what can I say, like father, like son]

Last Stop: Let Them Eat Cupcakes

Can't go to downtown Honolulu without getting some cupcakes at Let Them Eat Cupcakes! I usually don't like cupcakes, but these are AMAZING. The best cupcakes I have ever had (and at $2.50 to $3 each, they bettah be)!

It was my dad's first time so recommended the safe-bet, everyone's favorite...red velvet.

I, on the other hand, had the Maple Bacon! They had always been out when I went in the past, but today it was calling my name. And yes, not weird at all, but actually pretty good (still like red velvet bettah though).

And if you dine in, they give you free coffee, but only in this mug...lol.

If you've gotten this far down my post, I commend you and thank you. However, there was a point I wanted to make with this post...

    I had a great day with my dad today. Probably like many of you, I don't always get along with my dad. I actually prefer hanging out with friends who are my age, have similar interests, and don't always stress me out! But, we need to remember that our parents need us too. They love us and want to spend time with us, but often just don't know how to ask (especially dads, maybe its an Asian thing, lol). So my challenge to you is to find a day or even part of day to spend some time with your parent(s)...even if it may not be the most enjoyable. If you're away from them, give them a call. In the end, its relationships that last and what relationship is more important than the one between a parent and their children.

Happy Thanksgiving! (추석!)

My grand-aunt from Korea arrived today. I haven't seen her in nearly 8 years. It was great to see her, especially because I have so many fond memories of her visits when I was little.

Because I had to go to the airport...I got to take the day off and spend it with my grandma, dad, and grand aunt. They spent the afternoon sipping coffee, looking through old picture albums, and reminiscing.

I got to sit there listening to their stories...it was an odd, but refreshing feeling. I felt like a little kid again. As I sat there, I realized that I was experiencing something so common, yet often missed. I would usually be bored sitting at home on my afternoon off...but today, I couldn't help but just sit there and listen...

Moreover, today was thanksgiving (choosuk) in Korea. Ironically, the chapter I read today in one of books I'm going through (The Irresistible Church by Wayne Cordeiro) was about 'gratefulness.' What a perfect day to be reminded of everything I should be grateful for.

Life can get busy and distracting, but don't ever forget to slow down, stop and look around often to see how much you have to be 'grateful' for. REAL LIFE often happens in the 'in-betweens of life.' Don't miss out!

Below is an excerpt from today's chapter that really resonated with me:

"Gratefulness differs from thankfulness...Thankfulness is the cordial response to a favor done...Gratefulness, however, is different...It's an attitude, a disposition that we carry and practice whether or not things go our way...regardless of our circumstances...It is the confidence to accept whatever God brings...trust him through the process...God sees the outcome, and God is always good."

Wayne Cordiero in The Irresistible Church (p.59-62)