Merry Christmas - Hiking Mount Alava

Merry Christmas!
I know that it has been a long time since I posted, but I have been slammed with work...a lot of new assignments.  As part of my New Year's resolutions, I will do my best to post at least once a week.

I usually feel down around this time of the year...
And I knew that the feeling would only grow worse because I am alone in American Samoa.
Now I know that I am not "alone" here because I am fortunate enough to have a handful of friends who would do anything for me.
But they all have their own spouses, children, and families.

For me, Christmas means love...means being surrounded by unconditional love...the kind of love you get from your family.
And this year - because I can't be with my family, I made the decision to do the things I love....

So this morning I woke up at 4:30AM and hiked Mount Alava from the trail at Fagasa.

 About 7 miles!  And that's not even counting the ups and downs!

 I overslept a bit and didn't begin until 615AM or so.

Right before I began, I found a nice branch at the trail head that I could use as a walking stick.

Thank goodness that I snatched it up because for a long time, I was just hiking up steep hills!

I kept myself busy smelling all the beautiful flowers...they are everywhere and make the rainforest smell so sweet... the closest scent I can think of is gardenias!

I also admired the views...this is a shot of Fagasa Bay on the north side of the island.

And I took in the all the lush foliage...there are some places in the rainforest so thick that little light breaks through!

 

The trail seemed to go up forever,,,there were a few flat breaks and some downhill action...but it was mostly onward and upward...after 2 hours, I felt defeated...after every bend, seemed another steep curve up!  I wanted to give up, but I knew I came too far.

When...finally at last, at the last turn...I saw it:  the tower

The TV antenna at the top of Mount Alava....the moment I saw it, I burst out laughing.

I became giddy and started running toward it

And guess what?  When I arrived at the top, out of breath...guess what greeted me?

Rusty stairs that were falling apart!  Yay!

I jabbed each step forcefully with my stick before stepping on it. There were definitely 3 steps that were just barely hanging on!

Slowly but surely, I made it to the top....where I feasted my eyes on...

 

where I started from...

I made my way around and found the fale at the summit

There is suppose to be a visitor book in the middle that you can sign.

It wasn't there!

Sooo...

I made due...I am NOT going to post the picture!

I was feeling very content with myself...

I soaked it all in...then sat down and called my family to wish them Merry Christmas

here is my view

Then I sat in the middle and ate the snacks I brought.  I closed my eyes for a long time and just listened.  I took many pictures! too many to load.

And when I satisfied, I started my descent...this time, I played music the whole way.

It took me less than 2 hours to get back to my car...

I was just as giddy to see it..

I was soaking wet from sweat head to toe

all my water gone...

all covered in mud and rain

and desperately had to use the bathroom.

I cruised back home, listening to D'Angelo...

I got home before 1230, showered, and proceed to cook pancit for our christmas BBQ

i had a lot of fun playing with all my friends children and meeting some people

and swimming of course

 that alone would have made it a good christmas

but tackling mount alava made it a christmas i will never forget!

P.S

I kid you not! Guess what was the last song that played on my shuffle before I reached my car!

Guess!

OK - give up!

You're welcome!

Programming Note: Cali Forn I A

I'm going back to Cali, Cali, Cali.
I'm going back to Cali
nah, I don't think so.

Going back to Cali. Stylin, profilin
Growlin, and smilin, while in the sun.

Whew...had to get that out of my system.
Yup, I'm going back to Cali...earlier than expected...but I have a family emergency that deserves my immediate attention.
I'll be super busy my first week, but after that I hope to hit all yall up.

Email me, fools!

And I leave you with this gem:

 

Update:

And this is why my plane got delayed...only in Samoa!

http://www.samoanews.com/?q=node/79022

Paddling for my Life!

Work is frustrating...that's all I will write about that....if you want details, please email me directly.
The months are just flying by.
But the days seem to drag on...especially when work is frustrating.

I know I experience island fever from time to time.
This island is about 20 miles by 5 miles...that's it.
I have literally driven from west tip to the east tip.
While in California, I could have happily stay in and watch a marathon of movies or shows on Netflix...I can't do that here...I am constantly restless.

One way I am relieving my stress is paddling.
Unfortunately, I don't have pictures or video of myself - because you get completely drenched!
But I found a video on youtube.

Check it out!

I do it every Monday and Friday night....it feels so wonderful to paddle away from the island, and just float out in the ocean.
The boat I currently use is not as long...it only fits 6 members...but it is still long and narrow.
Last night we capsized!  I wasn't scared or shocked.  I also had my life vest. The water was a bit choppy and the boat felt unbalanced...right when I realized how off balance we were, it seemed like everything slowed down and I saw every little detail..I heard my friend scream really slowly...I saw the girl in front of me slowly topple out and her legs up in the air.and I even thought to myself..."Yeah, this is happening."  I splashed into the water and quickly floated to the top.
In a blink of an eye, three of my team mates quickly flipped the boat back into place.
Other boats approached us and helped us empty all the water out of the boat.
Then the hard part.....how the hell am I going to pull myself OUT of the water and my ass UP and OVER the side.  I have absolutely no upper body strength and a sizable ass.

Thank GOD for my friend.
I swung my legs over and he literally grabbed my ass and pushed me over.
All the while I kept thinking to myself, Lord, I won't eat McDonalds anymore...
Once everyone was back in, the captain congratulated us for remaining calm, working fast, and working together.  We raced the other boats back to the island.  And I couldn't stop laughing.

By the time we reached the shore, the sun was beginning to set.  We cleaned and carried the boats.
The coach gave us a pep talk.  And my friend and I rinsed off all the sand and made the long, soggy trek back to my car.

Last night - I slept really well.

This morning...more BS at work...I have the urge to paddle again.

There and Back Again: Airport Beach

September 29th is a special day for me.
It is the birthday of my cousin, Ana Banana, who passed away when we were in high school.
We fought like cats and dogs.
We always argued who got the bigger piece.
We would constantly try to make each other jealous.
But we also could talk for hours about anything and everything.
We were the first person we called when something happened.
I knew all her secrets and she knew mine, and we NEVER EVER told anyone else.
Yes, we loved and hated each other at the same time.
She was more than my cousin...she was my sister.

So every year on her birthday I try to do something in her honor....
It hasn't always worked out.
In law school and after, there were some times I would remember, but something at work would distract me.
But I still try....I also try to do something that I normally would not do.

So today - I went hiking.
Yes, yes, yes I know there are fools out there who love it...live for it...
are renewed by it..
I am not one of those people.
But I thought - for Ana Banana -- let's do this!
And let me go somewhere pretty - that is so Ana, she would momentarily suffer for something pretty at the end.

So I decided to go to Airport Beach...which is parallel to the runway.
It is a 30 minute hike over lava rocks.
I decided to watch the sunrise.
So I woke up around 5AM, packed a bag with water, a flashlight, snacks, phone, and a blanket.
My friends told me where to start, and just head East...good enough for me.

WRONG....dead WRONG.
Here are the lava rocks...and blow holes!!!

So now imagine this scenario - pitch black darkness!
And my dumb ass was like - Okay!
I took a few precarious steps out to the middle and thought - oh no ...oh no...wth was i thinking?
It was at that particular point - I heard a familiar bark.
I turned around, and the three stray dogs from our complex greeted me: Hercules, Princess, and Harrison.
Side note:  Our landlord hates these dogs because she thinks it messes with the perfection of our complex.
But in reality, these dogs are sweet, loyal, and kind, and keep out all those bad wild dogs.
I love these dogs - coming home to them saved me from insanity.

Back on track - these dogs found me at the trail!
And then they kept barking at me - like they wanted me to follow them.
So I did, and I found an alternative path to the beach... a much safer path!
It was so funny - like I had my own personal police escort.

Harrison would run 50 or 100 feet out front and bark something to the other dogs.
Hercules would walk a few feet ahead of me, showing me exactly where to step.
And Princess walked beside me.
A couple of times I tried to let her pass me, but she wouldn't budge from my side.
And that is how we walked for about 30 minutes.
The vegetation is so thick that I couldn't see much around me.
After a while, Harrison barked again, and Hercules changed direction, veering right.
I was scared...I couldn't see a thing through all the branches and leaves and bushes.
But I decided, "What the heck, the dogs took me this far safely"
And lo and behold, I came upon the west end of Airport Beach.

The sand is mixed with lava rocks and coral pieces.
There is an east side that is lovelier.
Unfortunately, it was still high tide and covered.
But I was content with this stretch of beach.
I laid out my blanket and chilled, and watched the dogs play.

And of course, I watched the sunrise perfectly above the ocean.

The dogs swam and chased each other.  I had fun watching Hercules bark into every blow hole and then cower and whine when a wave erupted into his face.

After a bit, I realized I was drenched in sweat...with each passing moment, I felt the temperature rise.
I didn't want to wear my swim top and trunks because I thought it was make me sweat more...but I realized you sweat in American Samoa even sitting still.
I had a dark colored sarong...and I thought...I could twist and wrap it around me and swim.
I was just getting the nerve to change out in the open when...suddenly...out of the horizon and clouds...

there appeared a frakkin cruise ship.
it moved slowly
and it got closer and closer

Hercules even started barking at it!
Well...there went my plans...but as the sun beat down on my face...I said screw it, and swam in my T-shirt and shorts.  Somewhere there are tourists who think Samoans swim fully clothed with dogs...those poor bastards.

I stayed there for an hour...the dogs and I explored...I collected some shells, and they barked at everything.
We were all getting hungry, so I decided to head back.
Our little troop trekked back with Harrison as scout, Hercules at front, and Princess by my side again.

I wish I took more pictures, but the walk is sooooooo unstable that I wanted my hands free in case I fell.

All in all, it was a start to a good day.
After I showered and changed, I visited the Catholic Cathedral, which was gorgeous.
Then I went out to brunch with a friend.
We ate and talked, and stared at the thousands of tourists who had the bad fortune of visiting on a Sunday, seriously this whole island shuts down.

Next on my list is finding a safe place to watch the stars.
Safe as is in not too secluded and accessible.

Moving on Up: My New Apartment in American Samoa

So like I mentioned in an earlier post, I moved to a second floor unit at Freddie's Beach.
Like so:

I am in the same building, but wow - the layout is much better!
And the unit is newer and cleaner.
It made me a bit sad that the quality varies so greatly among the complex.

It is great being on the second floor.  I feel so much safer not having street and foot traffic just outside my window.  I am not as anxious or jumpy when I hear noises now.
My new apt also gets so much sunlight throughout the day.
And there is a constant, cool ocean breeze that whips through the house.
In the evening, I don't have to use a fan to sleep!


Here is my kitchen:

I have the same tiny cabinets, but the layout is more open and I have more counter space!

 And check it out!

The former tenant left their washer and dryer!  I don't know why - but I am glad they did!
The baby is a regular load capacity, not the tiny ones that most people have!
And it looks like it is only a few years old!
This is a blessing!
Otherwise I would either have to buy own used or go to a laundromat.
 I am saving so much time and money!


Here is my living room.  Yes, I am took lazy to clean it up before taking this photo.

And yes, Mom, look at all those horrible, disgusting wires! Muwahahahahahahaha!
Just kidding.
I will probably buy some zip ties to organize them, and then place a table cloth under the TV to hide all that mess.
I really like the print I chose for the couches.  I just need some pillows! Yellow? Green? Magenta?  What do you think?

And here is my new bathroom that I am not afraid to be barefoot in.

Seriously, this bathroom was probably recently renovated, whereas my old bathroom looked like truckstop bathroom in Cairo.  This bathroom is much better.  Everything white and sparkly.  I intentionally placed the curtains lower so I can always see the sky and palm trees. 

Nothing like peace of mind for my behind.


And here is my guest room.  No puny twin mattress here.  That is a queen, baby! It takes up most of the room, but I still like it.  No sheets yet.  There is not much selection here.  The basic bed sets costs at least $25!  So I am just biding my time until I see something I like or find a fabric to use.

And here is my bedroom!  I sleep with the breeze and ocean sounds.  I wake up to palm trees and the sea. I love it so much!

I really dig that fabric.  Someone left it in my old apartment.  So I washed it and brought it with me.
I tried to find it or something similar, but to no avail...


And the best part:

My balcony!  There is so much room up there!  And it is so calming to sit out there with my tea.
I plan to hang a retractable clothesline. (Electricity is ridiculously expensive here).
And I am waiting for a sale to buy some plastic chairs and table.  I am even going to have a little flower and herb garden!


Here is the view from behind.

This is actually a good shot of the apartment complex at Freddie's Beach.  The units are either 2 bd units like mine or 2 story triplex homes for families.  All buildings are centered out a huge field and swimming pool.  Those hedges you see in the middle - that is privacy for the pool.
Once everyone's family arrives we plan on having a potluck BBQ swimming party.

And here is a panoramic of my side and front view.

The sun was still rising behind the trees.  That is why some of the picture is dark.
It is hard to tell, but I do have an ocean view.


I will post an update when I have settled.  I need to place proper curtains and do a bunch of little things to truly make this my home.  But I feel so safe and happy here, and totally unafraid for you to visit, sleep, bathe, and walk barefoot.  I am finally "at home" in American Samoa.

I can practice law in American Samoa!

Well, that took over two months!
But Tuesday, August 20th, I was officially sworn into the American Samoa Bar!

My Lei

I received the phone call on Monday afternoon.  I was right about to leave when I got the reminder from the High Court.   My first thought was, "Yes! Finally!"  Then quickly, "Oh crap!  I'm going to be in court once a week at least!"  But this is what I wanted - more litigation experience!

I woke up earlier than usual, did my hair and makeup and wore a light cotton blazer with a teal blouse and zebra skirt.  I was going to be sworn in with my friend Edwin.  Actually, they didn't even tell him. I mentioned it to him on the way home and he never received a call. He wore a very nice shirt and tie with a lava lava.  A lava lava is a traditional cloth worn as a skirt by all men.  His mom is staying with him right now, so she joined us for the ceremony.

We arrived at the courthouse early to allow time for security check-in.  Our Civil Division supervisor, Marian, surprised us with leis!  Edwin had a gorgeous bright red lei.  Marian gave me a beautiful white lei made from ginger flowers.  The fragrance was heavenly!
 (It now rests hanging by my bed.)

We waited on the second floor for the Chief Justice to address the cases first.  When he was done, he called us forward.  We stood and raised our hands.  The first thing was hand to state was our name and village.  I didn't know what to say...Sacramento...Manila...Fogagogo? (where I currently live).
I overthought it, freaked out, and just said my name.
We said the oath, and at first we were nervous...I even lisped a few words.  And I thought this is ridiculous, and I started say each word louder and with more confidence.
When we were done, everyone clapped.  We had to sign a document for the ceremony, and all the justices shook our hands.

We took more pictures outside.  Edwin wanted to stay and get an individual with the Chief Justice.  He had just started a hearing and it could take some time.  I preferred not to wait around.  Instead I went back with Marian.

I promise to update the post with pictures.  Everyone took pictures and I am slowly gathering them all.

Back at the office, I told my bud, Lorna.  She was sad she missed it, but she is one of our criminal prosecutors, and had another obligation.  To celebrate, we shared sweet and sour pork and fried chicken.  Now that the deed was done.  I washed my face and put my hair into a ponytail.  I even changed my clothes.   Different people stopped by my office throughout the day to congratulate me.  It was hilarious.  Each time, they would hug me, then take a step back, and look me up and down.  Knowing what they were thinking, I assured them that I looked better in the morning.

That same day I had to return to court for my first appearance.  I am now officially in charge of all thing related to public health and the environment in addition to my child support program. 

After work I  watched the moonrise and sunset simultaneously.
It was a full moon.

Later that night my friends and I went to a hotel for a prime rib dinner.  (It is really hard to get quality red meat here!).  We stayed there until closing, talking all night.

It was a good day.

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

It has been raining non-stop since last night.
I am really glad that my friend took me grocery shopping the other night.
I have everything that I need here.

I worked a little, but my concentration is just not there.

I almost made a salsa version of poke.  I chopped up my sashimi, adding lemon, spices, white onion, and green onions and tomatoes, and eating it with tortilla chips.  I still have that hunk of taro left.  I am thinking of making fries with it. 

There is nothing much I can do.  The rain is heavy and incessant.
The ground outside is soaked and swamp.
Even if I had a car, I would not want to be out on those slippery roads.

There was a thunderstorm and lightning storm this morning.
It shook the ground and lit up the ocean.

 I guess I will power through the Avenger movies, starting with Captain America.

And omg! it just occurred to me that exactly 2 months ago I landed in American Samoa.
Now I feel like doing something later....maybe if the weather clears, I will go out to dinner and the movies...well, first I have to convince a friend to drive to the boondocks and pick me up!

Lazy dinner in American Samoa

There are some days where I am just too lazy or it is just too hot to cook.
And today was one of those days.

Here is my dinner (enough for a few more nights, of course).

And I was so lazy that I ate them on my coffee table while watching the sunset.
I love that you can easily get any of these foods from any store and sometimes gas station.

 

This is oka popo.  It is raw fish in coconut milk, onions, salt, and either lemon or lime.  You can add other garnish.  Here they used some shredded carrots.  I am addicted to it.  Seriously, I think I ate it for one week straight, each time with different seafood.

The fish is so tender and sweet, and I seriously drink the sauce.

I didn't take a picture of the kimchi...because well it is just kimchi. I didn't eat much of it.
I actually like to let it ripen more  and then make kimchi omelets or kimchi pancakes.

No, it is not a rock. This is a peeled taro roasted over coals...mmm..mmm...good. The outside is nice and charred, and the inside is so soft. 

 

I just ripped a piece off...

and dunked it into the oka popo....Holy crap, it was good!

And what have we here......

 You can't tell from the picture...because I am a crappy photographer...but these little babies are wrapped and shaped like giant Hershey kisses.

But when you open them, instead of chocolate, there is an even better surprise..

This is palusami...or to me... taste of heaven!  It is layers and layers of taro leaves...shaped into a bowl.  Then they pour coconut milk, onions, and salt into the center and wrap the leaves over.
It is then wrapped tight with foil and slow cooked over fire or coals.  When done, it is a tender and sweet taro leaf surprise...every flavor just permeates every bite!

hmmm....I bought two because I know that I want to eat this again tomorrow night.
And of course, there are variations.  I know what you are thinking...what the heck can vary?
Some people put corn beef in the middle... others spam...some chicken..fish...seafood, and my friend's family puts lamb...mmm...I want to try as many versions as I can...

BONUS:
I guess the local fisherman were successful today because they were selling whole ahi on the side of the road.  Now I am not that greedy...but I did but a pound of sashimi for myself.

 

6 bucks for 1 lb!

 

Not every day is like this...some days the catch is bad and you can only find fresh fish at the nicer restaurants.  So on days like this - I totally stock up and enjoy it while it lasts.

 

And this is the post you get when I forget to eat lunch....

Programming Note

I'll probably won't have a new post until the end of the week for two reasons.

First, I am moving!!!  Hallelujah!  But not far ---just to a second floor unit.
I originally wanted to move for safety reasons.
I do not like being on a floor level apartment near the street.
Too much foot traffic!
The second floor unit is frakkin awesome!
The previous tenant left behind two air conditioners AND a washer/dryer unit!
The apartment is a bit smaller, but the design and layout of the kitchen and bathroom is infinitely better.  It gets a cool, constant breeze from the ocean.
And the best part, my bedroom and balcony has an ocean view!!!
Will post pictures soon!

The second reason is my pure nerdiness shining through:  BBC announced who is the new Doctor, and I am freaking out about it!  So much internet debate and discussion will be happening here...
I really need to find other nerds on this island....

Food in American Samoa

I had trouble writing this post.  I was not sure how to begin.
And it wasn't because I didn't have anything to write. Quite the contrary, I have so much!
I guess . . . let me begin by writing about the Food Situation in American Samoa.

American Samoa depends heavily on importing food to the territory.
I could not find an exact figure.
But it is very insecure.  If the ships ever stop importing food, there would be little food on the island and society would crumble into chaos.  No joke. 
American Samoa is in a very vulnerable position.And it is alarming that nothing is being done.
For my part, I always make sure that I am stocked up on water, frozen meat and vegetables, and canned goods.
You just never know!

In the meantime, the ships keep coming, and that is why I end up paying $7 for mushrooms or $10 for asparagus or strawberries...yeah...not every day purchases, only when I feel like splurging.

High prices and food insecurity aren't the only consequences of American Samoa's reliance on food importation.  One huge effect has been the fast adoption of the standard American diet of convenience foods, which means carbs, trans fat, high fructose corn syrup and the like.
When I first went grocery shopping, I was shocked.  Almost every store, even little bodegas, had pizza rolls or hot pockets, but damn if I couldn't find fresh avocados.
Every chip, cookie, candy, or soda is readily available here.

And if you want fast food - there are two two-story Mcdonalds here to serve you 24-7.
Someone told me that the franchise in American Samoa is one of the most successful internationally.  I am not surprised.  No matter what time of day or night - McDonalds is packed.
I couldn't find authority to back up that claim, so I don't know if it is true.
UPDATE: It is true.  In fact, in 2004, it was ranked Number One in average sales in the whole frakkin world!.
But there is one figure that I could readily find - 94% of the population is obese.  This fact makes American Samoa ranked 1 in obesity in the whole world!

Overall, this food situation makes me very sad.  Not just because I realized how spoiled we are on the mainland, having any fresh fruit, vegetable or meat available.  But also because the traditional Samoan diet is very healthy: fresh tropical fruits and vegetables from the land; fresh fish, poultry and pork.  Well-rounded.  Good fats. No chemicals or preservatives.

So what happened?  How did it become like this?  That I cannot answer - definitely beyond the scope of my little knowledge and experience and this post.  But it is something that is always in the back of my mind.

Whew....glad to get that off my chest. 

Now I can focus on the food itself.  This will be the first of many posts on food because as ya'll know I love cooking and eating.  Some posts will introduce local Samoa food, some will focus on my experiments at home, and others will be food reviews of the restaurants here.

For today, I would like to introduce you to breadfruit or "Ulu."

I never had breadfruit before.  But it grows fast and it is everywhere in American Samoa.
Seriously, it is everywhere.  Like I am looking at some trees right now outside.  If I wasn't so lazy, I could go pick some for dinner.

The first time I had it a neighbor had knocked on my door one Sunday morning.
He presented me with a plate:

 

I had no clue what it was...was it a grilled potato?  Was it a vegetable?

How do I eat it?  I first drank the mug, thinking it was a sweet drink.

NOPE!  I got a big gulp of onion, coconut cream, and salt.  It was delicious, but just not what I was expecting.  So I figured it must be a sauce.  I sliced the food in half and recognized it as breadfruit...thank you, No Reservations for that little bit of education.  I cut off a chunk, which was still steaming from being grilled on coals.  I dipped it into the sauce, and OMG, it was delicious!

The breadfruit is very fibrous.  It reminds me of jackfruit fibers.  The taste is a cross between  a plantain and potato!  I really like it!

It is also very filling. i later learned it is a good source of healthy saturated fat, vitamin C, and potassium.  But it is also high in carbs and natural sugars.

I could only eat about a quarter of it.  I chopped up the rest and poured the sauce over it, and saved it for later.  I really like that sauce.  It is fresh coconut, thinly sliced onions, and salt to taste.  They definitely left the sauce marinate together for a few hours.  I know that I will be experimenting with it in the future.  I already have a few possibilities for "American Samoa chowder." muahahahahahahaa!

I happily ate the leftovers throughout the week with seafood, roasted chicken, and shredded pork.  It really goes well with anything.

Later I found a store that sells homemade breadfruit chips.
Very dangerous.

Thinly sliced and fried in animal fat with a light sprinkling of salt.  mmm...mmm...mmm
I think next time I will sprinkle some cayenne pepper on it (if I can find some on this island! - spices are rare here too).  Now that I know the carb and sugar content I will be sure to make breadfruit more of a treat than a staple in my diet.

But I am surprised - given how easily breadfruit grows here, why hasn't the government looked into exporting it?  This could bring some serious money into the country.
And because it seems to be a great alternative to gluten and potatoes, some fool needs to get on that, and make breadfruit flour, bread, and other products.

mmm....breadfruit...i might get off my butt and snag one from the tree now.

I am still alive in American Samoa

Sorry!  I know... I suck.
My last two weeks at Coconut Point flew by!
And now I am back at Freddie's Beach.  Blech!

During my second week, my co-worker went on vacation, and so for 7 glorious days I had her car, and I felt like a freakin teenager again!
Car = freedom!

Every day I drove around and accomplished so many errands.
I went to Ace Hardware...Cost-U-Less and stocked up.
If I saw a fruit or vegetable stand, I was able to stop and peruse all the goods, and took my sweet time.
I could drive to the Post Office or refill my water whenever I wanted to.
I even went to the movies on a whim late at night.
I even drove past 25mph! Rebel, I know.

And most important of all, I went fabric shopping!
Check it out! This is Manua's.

Half of the warehouse is devoted to fabric!

So many endless aisles of fabric!

Rows and rows...

 I spent a good two hours there, and that was limiting myself to fabric that was $1.99/yard or cheaper.
Looking back, I feel like I rushed myself because the warehouse is NOT air conditioned and there are a horrible storm outside.  I was determined not to drive home in the rain at night.

 I bought fabric for curtains and couches.

 I originally bought yellow for the second bedroom. Baby blue for the living room.
Pink for the kitchen door, and dark blue pattern for the couches.

When I got home, the first thing I did was cover the couches and I loved it!
But I don't like the baby blue.  It does not go with the couches....
So I am switching it up...yellow for the kitchen, baby blue for the second room, and I'll take the pink to work and throw it on a filing cabinet.

Now that I am without a car again, I hope to convince a friend to take me to Manua's.
I am thinking white and cream solid colors for the curtains in the living room, and perhaps yellow and green pillows...hmmm...

There was really so much fabric...I am already imaging all the clothes I am going to have made.
I planned ahead and brought clothes that I want them to copy.
Yes, I have a new addiction!

Sorry - I know this was not a food post.
I promise I will post that tomorrow.

My first four weeks flew by, and I have been busy at work.

I can't believe this is my 6th week....time is flying.