11.11.08

We started the day with surfing lessons!  My one desire for this vacation.  Pictures coming when they are developed.  So for many years I have seen people surf and thought, well that looks fun!  One major thing I had to overcome.  One must surf amongst the water residents, the very reason I don't scuba dive.  Still, I decided that if I was going to enjoy this long desire, I was going to have to overcome my fear...temporarily.  So Conner our surf instructor started out by showing us how to carry our long, wide, soft boards.  Once down on the beach, he shook his head and said it wasn't his call to make, but that he would have taken us to a "SAFER" place to learn to surf!  WHAT! Safer in what regard!?!   He said the waves were really high to be learning on, but it wasn't his call.  In my mind I compared this experience to my 1st time mothers, there my be excitement, fear, trepidation, and in the end one has to trust, their body, the medical staff, me etc.  I was in a similar situation.  I listened to the advice Conner shared, tried to watch each and every nuance for getting upright on the board.  So there I was in the sand trying to learn to go from a prone position and "jump" to a standing position with my left foot at an awkward angle and my right foot pointing toward the shore.  Weird!  Before I knew it we were headed for the water and I was told to paddle out.  I was thinking that being a  strong swimmer this part ought to be a piece of cake... WRONG!  It was like trying to constantly bring your arms to your side while lying prone on a door!  WHOLE different set of muscles folks!  So I felt as though I was going nowhere, but I was positively happy to be ON the board vs. IN the water with the fish!  Eventually Conner tells me get up!  WHAT!  and I did, and it was an amazing rush!!! I highly recommend it to anyone!  Then I fell off the board.  I do believe I was the single fastest person to rebound from the water back to the board...safety from the fish not physical prowess:-)  I do believe I might have just walked on water to avoid the fish, eels and sea yuk.  Then I did it a second time and rode a bit further I think, then I was done!  I felt so ecstatic for pursuing a dream, and living to tell the tale.  I sat upon the beach while my gallant husband and instructor pulled the boards ashore and a wave hit me...board and all.  I relearned what it felt like to do the splits thanks to the forceful wave and board coming at me full force.  Yug.  I now have a new respect for surfers and sand in your shorts, and I have experienced both 1st hand!  Still I fared better than Jeff as he was stung by a jellyfish.  He did now know it until he jumped in the shower with fresh water.  He took a quick shower and quickly returned to the beach and salt water to remove the sting.  THAT is just one of the reasons I don't dive and that it took great gumption to go in the water in the 1st place.  He is still suffering from the sting.

That evening we were treated to the rehearsal dinner by Edward Sr. and Barbara.  She did not want us to miss it as we were the only ones in attendance not in the wedding, or indirectly needed for the rehearsal save our gracious hosts, so we benefited from the rehearsal dinner, without the the work!  Dinner was at the Hale Koa hotel, and we were to meet at 6:30 sharp as Edward Sr. had made reservations.  We got there early not wanting to risk being tardy for such an important event.  We were the first to arrive, giving us the opportunity to chat with out hosts.  They lead such interesting lives!  Once we were all in attendance, everyone enjoyed a great meal that was  superseded only by the company with whom we dined.