Hello Kathy.. I will have to agree with Jane on just about everything she has mentioned.  this is truly a beautiful place, but you get sick of it quick, well atleast I did.  i have only been here since Jan2007, it took me till May or June to sorta get use to it, bored of seeing the same old things, and now, I am OVER IT. There is not too much here on the Island that you would find in the mainland; but then again it would depend what Island you are going to.  I personally have not seen milk priced at $9 a gallon, the highest I have seen was about $5.50.  Buying fruits and veggies is hard, if you buy it you really would have to cook/eat it within 2-3 days or you just flushed money down the toilet.  As for bread, give that up too, it is hard to find good bread.  Gas was $3.39 for a long time, hjust a few weeks ago it came down to $3.07, I buy everything on base, my husband is military.  I did hear about the milk will be going up to $8.99 but when I don't know.  I just read in the paper this morning about the unemployment, it use to be low but now it is not.  There are TONS of homeless people all over especially in Waikiki, crime is high, you have to be aware of where you are at.  Hawaii doesn't like to advertise the crimes because of the tourists. I was here when my dad was in the Navy about 30 years ago, things are completely different.  To be flat honest, you would have to have a good career to live comfortably here, not a job, but a career.  You almost have to be bilingual as well. And YES it is almost like living in another country, hands down! Since I have been here I have only heard about maybe 3 shark attacks, man o wars are terrible here, and in the last month they've constantly been closing the beaches due to boxed jelly fish.   Don't get me wrong it is a beautiful place...Traffic is a nightmare, places are close but it might take you 45 minutes to go 7 miles, you just need to know when is a good time to beat the traffic. If you need to know anything else feel free to e-mail me, I have sponsered several military family members (helping them with info). Hope this helps.. Marie

take me with YOU.. I'll buy the MILK Hi Kathy I was just browsing over here.. seeing If I saw Linda and I did and posted to HER.. . and saw your post.  I hope life is good to you these days.  Doesn't living on Hawaii sound awesome.. if we could afford it..  just move in with Tom Selleck..    take care...   Rhonda

Yes 115 with the lapband and I am very happy!  You can do it also!! What a mean job to send you to paradise for 10 days.  Can't they do that again?  What company is that that sent you way over here?  So do you still have family here on the islands? Well I don't think you could eat all that food in one sitting, but I am sure you could eat a little kalua pig and poi for one meal, then some poi and laulau's for another meal.  I am not sure about the manapua though, I have a hard time with breads, but you might be different.  I also have a hard time with rice, so I won't send any of that for you.  Every household needs lemon peel for sore throats.  Not sure you want the sweet whole seeds though......since you can only eat small portions now, I will just send more pig since it's protein.

I graduated in 85, just a few years after you....LOL

Aloha,

Linda

 

 

Aloha Ahiahi! Well I am not a Madrigal, but I am a Kailua Grad and wanted to stop in and say Hi!  I am still living here in Hawaii and pray this hurricane turns away from our island.   Awesome job on the weight loss so far.  I too had lapband, but my surgery was in April 04 and I have lost a total of 115, but recently put a few pounds back on, so I am working hard to get it off again and this time keep it off. How long have you been away from home?  Is there anything I can send you to make you not be soo homesick? Aloha, Linda

With small homes costing over 3/4 millions dollars and milk $9 a gallon, I don't think Wal-Mart would do What is the industry there?  I need to buy a boat and give tour rides.  Take care, Kathy