Some of the things I have learned here in Hawaii-
- The cafeteria food, no matter what they tell you, is not completely edible. Seriously, no joke.
- No matter your efforts, someone is more than likely going to be playing ukulele outside your window at three in the morning.
- The best way to kill a roach, is with a textbook...there's no coming back from that!
- Never leave your bike unlocked. "Borrowing" here means stealing most likely. And if they return it, the worry is not worth not investing in a bike lock!
- Invest in a fan. Even when you are by a window, there is no guarantee of a breeze.
- When the school catches wind of a Tsunami warning, they tell you to stay inside, even though if a Tsunami were to happen, you would most likely die...The beach being less than a quarter mile away. Head for the mountains with your brother...he knows best sometimes.
- Never get directions from someone local. They are more than likely to use landmarks to give you directions. And since most landmarks here look alike, it is pretty much pointless.
- If you are going to the beach, take as little with you as possible. The less you carry, the less you can loose...if you are me.
- There are rocks in this ocean. Do not kick them...you will bleed.
- If someone asks you to go to Walmart, GO! It's a two hour bus ride, and it's no fun going alone.
- The library has no problem if you go bare foot. Take advantage of that opportunity.
- Never carry on a private conversation anywhere in the dorms. Especially on the bottom floor. if there is someone standing outside, everyone and their brother can hear you.
- If you are having a problem with the school, calling gets you nowhere. Go and sit in that office for as long as necessary, until you talk to someone in charge.
- The first person you talk to when you need something on campus can usually help you. They just don't feel like it, and will usually refer you elsewhere until you have bounced everywhere and eventually give up. :)
- Always take the hula class. Even if you cant dance, it's fun to pretend.
- Dont bother curling your hair... it doesn't stay and it ends up not cute.
- Never watch Jaws, or the new Soul Surfer movie if you ever plan on swimming in the ocean again any time soon
- There IS a time difference between you and your family. dont forget that...
- Dont walk off campus by yourself at night. Make a call to someone you know, or who doesnt mind being woken up at all hours of the night...my case...Mimi!
- When they say they are doing a "white glove" check in your dorm... Take that very seriously. they count even clean clothes against you.
- If you are a klutz, remember that before you ride your bike anywhere near anything that can cause you harm
- Remember that you are in Hawaii, speed has nothing to do with it. Slow down, relax, and try not to resent those who are going slowly.
- Most of your roomates will be awesome.
- The slang words you use at home, sound really funny to people here. You will also learn about ten different ways to say hello before you finish day one here.
- When someone says, "howzit", you're really not supposed to say, "Fine! howzit with you?" Really, you just say "howzit" right back.
- Have so much fun! you are in Hawaii for peetes sake!
Anyhoo, I am sure there are more things, but as always, I forget. :) Love you family.
