Exploring the Cities

Bonjour everyone,

Well Jenna and I are beginning to settle into our new surroundings and surely making a new home for the time being. We are slowly getting to know the train system, where train stops are located, and where each trains destination is located. It is quit a task but we are learning slowly. Other then that, Jenna and I are doing great. We are beginning to branch out and explore the city. Most of our time is spent in Hoboken (New Jersey), and around the streets were Jenna's store is located (5th Avenue & West 56th St). The two of us have been to a few other spots in the city which I will touch on further in this posting.

Let me catch you on what has occurred the past couple of days:

On Tuesday night (9/21/10) once Jenna was off work, Jenna and I took a stroll through Central Park. The park is amazing and everything you would think off. When entering the park we saw horse drawn carriages and people socially. We made are way through the park and observed a variety of different trees and plant life. The park was pretty crowded because people are either walking, biking, running/jogging around or in the park. We continued into the heart of the park and saw a small pond, as well as the large reservoir which Central Park is most famous for. It was getting dark so we were able to observe part of the city and its lights. It was a sight to be seen. Around this time, our good friend Garett Awad called because earlier in the day we talked about meeting up for dinner. He informed us that he was with some coworkers and they were going to have dinner over on 1st & 1st. That was pretty far from us so Jenna and I hurried and found a train close by. We found a train and had to connect to, if I remember right, three different trains. It was an adventure but we made it. 1 hour and 30 minutes later, we found the restaurant and meet up with Garett and his coworkers. The restaurant appeared to be a local hangout, and was pretty crowded when we got there. The ethnicity of the food was Italian. We were seated and ordered the food. The food was AMAZING!!!!!! We all pigged out. Once dinner was over, we all said our good byes and went our separate ways. Of courses we headed home.

Wednesday was Jenna's day off. We both decided that it would be a perfect day to do the whole Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island thing. So we got ready and made our way down to the front desk to ask for directions. We were told by the front desk and the maintenance guy that to get to Liberty Park (where the ferry took off) was around a 30 minute walk from our location, or we could take the Light Rail. Jenna and I both decided to walk because it was a beautiful day and we wanted some exercise. So we started walking and about an hour later, we were like, "Where the hec is Liberty Park?" At the time we were in some "ghetto" around and it appeared that we were not even close to Liberty Park. I then pulled out my GPS and plugged in Liberty Park. It showed that we were around 4 miles away and it would take us another 45 minutes to get there. Man were we mad at the front desk and maintenance guy. So we decided to stop, refresh, and eat. We stopped at some hole in the wall Colombian restaurant. Again, the food was great, especially the Plantains. Once refurbished, we finally made it to Liberty Park. The park use to be an old railroad station where the immigrants from Ellis Island would stop and catch the train to their destination. It was a great piece of history to observe and learn about. We then made our way over to the Ferry and embarked to Ellis Island then to the Status of Liberty.

Here is a quick video of where we took off at:

Here is where we took off at:

Here is a video of us entering into Ellis Island:

Here is some pictures of Ellis Island:

 Jenna and I explored Ellis Island and entered every exhibit. The exhibits contained a lot of history and pictures and miscellaneous artifacts. During our exploring, when we turned on corner we saw SWAT. We both were like, "What in the world is going on?" Turns out, that day, the Catholic church was having a convention, and the Archbishop of New York was there. That would be Archbishop Dolan.

 

We made our over to the Statue Liberty next. Here are some pictures:

It was awesome to explore and witness the Status of Liberty, especially how it is such a landmark of our Country's history.

Once done and back on the mainland, I really wanted

to see Ground Zero:

        

Here is what is Ground Zero currently looks like:

Wow, was this a powerful site. It really does not really hit you until you are actually there. Let me give you the scenario on what was going around the area. Well first off, Ground Zero is located in the Business District of New York so there are high rises all around. People are walking all around the area, going to their destination. It just seems like everyone has moved on and Ground Zero is just another piece of construction. It was differently a site to see.

In the evening, Jenna and I went and got some pizza over in Hoboken, New Jersey. The restaurant was recommended so we tried it. Definitely a good choice.

On Thursday, Jenna went to work and I worked on my Master's application. Nothing really eventful. In the evening, Jenna and I meet up in Hoboken and had dinner. We ate at a local restaurant which is famous for their 24oz Top Sirloin. We ordered for the two of us and we pigged out. It was great. We really have not been let down on any of the restaurants that we have eaten ate. I would say that pretty much every restaurant in Jersey or New York is yummmy.

This morning (Friday), Jenna and I headed over again to Hoboken for breakfast. Jenna did not start work till 1:00 pm. We found a good bagel shop and had breakfast. On the way back, we stopped at Carlo's Bakery. Carlo's Bakery is most famous or known for the show Cake Boss. Carlos's Bakery is the bakery on the show. As we walked in, Carlos, the main guy, was greeting the clients. It was now around 10:00 am and of course Jenna had to buy some pastries. I guess Carlo's Bakery is most famous for their canolies. Jenna got two canolies, and a lobster tail (like a eclairs). We head back home, where Jenna got ready for work, I worked out, and both of us went our ways. I came to Starbucks, where I am currently act. I am supposed to be working on my Master's application but I am getting distracted. 

So there you go.

Love you all

The Hawleys 

New York cont.....

Bonjour Everyone,

I am sorry I had to cut it short yesterday but Scott Riddell just popped out of now where and I needed to cut it short. Well let me continue where I stopped and I will catch you up on what occurred yesterday, also some news interesting and exciting news.

So I stopped off by letting you all know that on Sunday was our day to go to the airport and fly to New York. Yes that happen but before we went to the airport, Mr./Mrs. Quist, Laura Vandermolen, Drew Quist, and Jenna and I went to some Mediterranean restaurant (sorry can't remember the name) for lunch. We have eaten there before, but this time it was at a new location. The food was amazing. We all just pigged out and I for sure over eat.

After lunch, Laura and Drew took us to the airport. As I mentioned in the previous post, Jenna and I had a total of eight bags, and they are huge bags, so we needed a little help. Drew helped us get to the Curbside check-in. Once Drew got us there, he left. At the curbside check-in, we started the check-in process. It was not a very fun experience. The guy checking us in was a total idiot. He screwed everything up and he almost made us late. Basically he only checked in Jenna and we got so annoyed with him, we told him not to worry about me. We then made our way inside. At the check inside, it wasn't any better. We were assisted by an older women that was retarded. Jenna and I were stressing out because we only had 30 minutes to get to our gate before the plane took off. So we rushed and just made it.

We landed in New York, and a good buddy from college, Matt Schulien picked us up from the airport. Thank God he did because otherwise it would have been a $100 taxi ride to our apartment. Matt briefly explained and pointed out certain scenic spots and explained a little history about New York. He was like a minor tour guide. We got to our apartment, which is an amazing. Its a One Bed/One Bath apartment, right on the Hudson river in Jersey City. The apartment is fully furnished and has everything we could ask for. We dropped off our stuff and went out and grabbed some, what Matt calls 4 out of 10 Jersey pizza over in Hoboken. I thought it was pretty good but I guess there is better. Once done with the pizza, we headed over to a local bar and had some beers. Matt dropped us off and went to bed.

Monday: We were up Monday morning around 7:00 am. Monday morning Jenna had to report to the Abercrombie on 5th Avenue to start her flagship training. Being the good husband that I am, I went with her, seeing how it was the first day she would be using the train to get to work. I wanted to make sure she got there safely and of course I wanted to know where she was working at. The train traveling was successful and we found the Abercrombie with no problems. Ok, the store is like Disneyland. It is five floors, and has every piece of clothing that Abercrombie makes. The store is just fing HUGE!!!! Matt told us at times there is a line outside the store. Anyways, the travel time from our place to the store took us about 45 minutes. After I dropped Jenna off at the store, I went to a coffee shop around the corner, got some breakfest, did some work on the computer and decided to talk a walk. Then meet up with Scott Riddell. A surprise in the day, Joel Kim (high school) friend meet up with us. Scott, Joel, Jenna, and I went to lunch and caught up. After lunch, Jenna went back to work, and I went with Scott and Joel to Times Square and saw the movie "The City." The move was bad ass and I would recommend it. After the movie, I headed back to Jenna's work, and we caught the train over to Scott's apartment by Madison Square Garden. All three of us caught dinner (pizza), and Jenna and I caught the train back home. Jenna was exhausted so she went to bed and I watched a little TV before falling asleep.

Tuesday: I woke up around 7:30 am and Jenna was already gone. I guess she had to be at work at 8:00 am. So in the morning I lounged around, got dressed, and headed down to the gym across the way from where we were staying. I was told by the front desk of our place that the gym provides two week free trails so I was like, " I could use that." Once at the gym, I told the front desk that I just recently moved into the area and was looking for a gym. They told me that manager is not in yet and to leave my name and number and she will call me. I left and headed over to target and got some groceries. I got a few simply things that we needed, and headed home. Put the food away and then pulled out my P90X Ab ripper and did a quick exercise. Hec, if I am not working, might as well get sexy. After the intense ab work out, headed over to the gym, talked to the manager, and she only gave me a 5 day free pass. That bastard, I want a two week free pass. I tried but I did not get it. Oh well, but 5 days will do. Did a quick work out, ran on the treadmill (4.3 miles), not to bad. Went home, organized some clothes, took a shower (get your mind out of the gutter), got dressed, and headed to the train to meet up with Jenna for lunch. Of course I got lost and took the wrong trains, and meet Jenna two hours later. I will figure out the trains sooner than later. For lunch we had hot dogs. Yummmm.

Well there you go. Jenna just left and went back to work and I am in some freezing ass Starbucks. I swear it is like 50 degrees in here. It is like the fing Artic.

Now the news: So Jenna and I were told by Jenna's boss (District Manager), which he is staying next door to us, that he is staying in New York till October 23rd. We were like, "Does that mean that we are staying in New York for that long." He did not know. So Jenna asked her Regional Manager today if we are staying in New York till October 23rd. I just received a text from her and she stated that most likely we are. I guess our Visa's are not ready yet. So what that means is that we will be staying in New York for a month, but sadly, which means that we are not going to London. Bummer but I can not really can't complain. I am unemployed and homeless. AMAZING!!!!!

Tonight Jenna and I plan on taking a stroll around Central Park and possibly meet up with Garett Awad because he is in town for work with TOMS.

Well love you all.

Question, I am curious how many of you actually are reading the blog. I would love to hear some feed back. You can faceobok it or post a comment. I love to hear if you guys like it.

The Hawleys

New York, New York!!!!!

Bonjour Everyone,

WE MADE IT!!!!! Jenna and I are officially are in New York. We officially got in last night around 7:30 pm. It was quite a adventure and I will fill you all in. Here we go:

The last post I listed I informed you all that I was going to go to the University of Minnesota to meet with the Director of Admissions for the Graduated Social Work Program. Let me catch you all up on what occurred.

On 9/16/10 (Thursday) I made my way down to the "U" (University of Minnesota) to met up with Kate Walthour (Director of Admissions). If you have never been to the U, well let me tell you, the school is FING enormous. Plus there is absolutely no parking. Good thing I got to the school 30 minutes before my assigned meeting because it took me about 25 minutes to find a parking spot. For several minutes I drove around the school to find parking, but I realized all the on campus parking you have to pay for. I was planning on being at the school for a few hours so I really did not want to pay for parking. So I continued to explore for parking and I never found anything. I gave in and parked on campus, $6, not to bad, whatever. So I made my way to the School of Social Work just in time for my assigned meeting (3:00 pm). I was meet by Kate and I spent some time with her. For the first 20 minutes we talked about life and she answered a few of my questions. Then she gave me a tour of the building and introduced me to several facility. During the tour, Kate introduced me to some facility and she informed them that I worked at DCFS in Los Angeles. All the facility were impressed with that. They immediately started asking me questions about how I felt about the Elderly getting involved in working/volunteering in Foster Homes/Out-of-home Care by providing counseling/support. I gave them my opinion and they were all very impressed. If you want to know what my option is on that, then email me or ask and I will tell you. Anyways, when I was talking, all of the facility sat down, took notes, and appeared really impressed. That made me feel quite intellect. I believe it showed Kate that I really knew my stuff and I would be a good candidate for Grad School. Shortly after that, I attended the Informative meeting on the application process for Grad school. That went well. After I went back to Jenna's parents house and hung out.

On Friday morning, Jenna and I went to the Minnesota DMV so that we can register as Minnesota residents, and get Minnesota drivers Licenses. We got to the DMV a little after 8:00 am right after it opened. There was no line. Comparing the DMV in LA to the one in Minnesota, there is no comparison. It is night and day. The DMV in Minnesota, you can go right up to the window and immediately be helped, no wait. Anyways, Jenna did not need to take the written drivers test because her Drivers License was still valid, but I needed to take the written test. I took the written test, PASSED, with 80%. I am now a official Minnesotian. We then made our way over to United Educators to pay off the rest of our car loan on the Subaru. That was successful and now Jenna and officially own our Subaru.

I have failed to inform you all the crap we have gone through with the moving company that has been moving our stuff from California to Minnesota. So if you did not know, the moving company picked up our stuff on September 8th in Seal Beach. The day they picked up our stuff, I was quoted that our stuff would arrive on September 12th in Minnesota. Well that never happened. Starting on September 12th, I was calling the company everyday trying to find our stuff. Everyday we were told that the stuff would be there the next day, then the next day, then the next day. Finally, Jenna and I did our research and found the company that we used was a Fraud. We began to flip out. At this time, we did not have our stuff for nine days. We were freaking out and planning that we would never get our stuff back. On Friday night, we were told by the driver that he would be at the house on Saturday morning with our stuff. We prayed that this was the truth.

Friday night, Jenna and I meet up with some friends in Uptown in Minneapolis for dinner. It was amazing. It was great to see them and catch up. After dinner we made our way over to Chino Latino. Got some drinks and continued to socialize. Around 12:00 am we made our way home.

Saturday Morning: The moving truck showed up. Praise God. All of our stuff was there and nothing was missing. Three things were broken but that is the least of our problems. I am just glad we got our stuff. So we unloaded the truck and packed our stuff away. This took up pretty much all morning. Around 1:15 pm, Mr. and Mrs. Quist, Laura (Jenna's sister), and Jenna and I went for a nice bike ride. It was very nice but it sure pooped me out. Once we returned back to Mr./Mrs. Quist home, I passed out for two hours. Much needed. Saturday night the whole family played a game of Phase ten. Then went to bed.

Sunday: In the morning, Jenna and I got all of our crap ready to go. We had a total of eight bags of luggage. Holy Crap, I know that is a lot. Plus every bag weighted a ton. The next thing we know, it was time to go to the airport.

Ok have to end short, I will fill you in tonight what happen next, Scott Riddell just showed up. Sorry in a Starbucks in New York City at 6th Avenue and West 56th st. Ok bye

Officially in Minnesota!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bonjour Everyone,

Well as promised I am updating the blog. A lot has occurred since being here so I will do my best to update you.

First, I want to continue to stay true to my word and post some pictures from Hawaii. Here you go:

1.) Hanauma Bay

2.) A few underwater shots and yes that is a real sea turtle

3.) Lastly here is a video of my mother and I following the sea turtle

That gets the Hawaii stuff out of the way

Since my last blog, I spent several days in California. My last two days were spent with friends and family before I said "Good bye" to California.

9/12/2010 was a eventful day. Jenna and her mother arrived from their road trip from California to Minnesota. They arrived around 6:00 pm. I caught a flight earlier in the day, which was from California to Minnesota. My flight took off at 5:30 pm. I arrived to Minnesota one hour early, and was picked up by my brother-in-law, Drew Quist (Jenna's brother). We headed straight to the Quist household where I was meet by Jenna. We went straight to bed.

The next morning, me, Jenna, Mrs. Quist, and Drew hang out and caught up. We then headed over to a restaurant that I do not remember the name of, and had lunch with Laura and Derek Vander Molen (Jenna's sister and her husband). Lunch was great, definitely no complaints. Then after lunch, we had to run a few errands around town to finish up a few finishing touches to prepare for us leaving the country (Car Insurance, Bank shizzz, Moving Company, Student Loans, etc). Later in the evening, I went fishing with the boys, Mr. Quist, Drew, and Derek. Noooooooo fish. That night, was a Phase Ten sess. Derek and I lost pretty bad. Then went to bed.

Tuesday: Tuesday was somewhat eventful. All morning we were trying to figure out what to do. Jenna had the idea of us (me, Jenna, Drew, Mrs. Quist) to go for a walk about Lake Calhoun with the Corgis So we did. It was a nice walk, about 3.2 miles. That pretty much took up all the day. We headed home around 4:00 pm and then had pretend Mexican food. That night, Jenna and I, sat in the porch with Mr. and Mrs. Quist, along with Drew at times, and had a very nice helpful conversation. It was one of those conversations that was comforting, compassionate, educational, and loving. We then went to bed.

Wednesday: Wednesday was supposed to be the day that I was going to go down to the University of Minnesota and met with someone from the Master's Social Work Department, while Jenna and her mother went horse back riding. Luckily I called before driving down there because all the facility were in a meeting that day. Some good came out of the conversation because I spoke with the Director of the Graduate Social Work Department for 20 minutes. I believe I made a pretty impacting impression on her. She invited me to come to the school on Thursday at 3:00 pm for a private tour of the school and to meet with her privately. Of course I jumped on that and informed her I will be there. Pretty much all Wednesday morning was thunder and massive down pour. It was relatively nice because Mr. Quist took the day off, and I was able to talk and hang out with him for pretty much all morning. I would say around 2:00 pm, Jenna and her mother arrived home. We has a group made the decision to go to Lord Fletcher's for Lobster dinner. Man that was good. We all then headed over to Grandma Dee's home (Jenna's grandmother - Mrs. Quist mother) for homemade apple pie and ice cream. It was nice to see her and catch up. Pretty uneventful but nice to see her. That is all I will talk about about grandma Dee's home. We then cruised over to Aunt Joyce and Uncle Tom's place. There, the girls pretty much chatted it up, while us men watched the Twins/White Sox game, while flipping to Pawn Stars. Later in the night, we had homemade chocolate fudge and ice cream. It was delicious. The highlight of the night was Ruby. Ruby is a miniature bulldog. She is a kick and full of energy. She is the neighbor's dog. We then headed home.

Overall the stay has been great. Jenna and I have been super busy trying to get organized with things before leaving, as well as hanging out with family. The Quist family is amazing and I could not ask for anything better.

Currently has I am writing this blog, Jenna and her mother went horse back riding, while I am in the basement with Drew. Drew is playing video games which he shouldn't be doing, and of course I am writing the blog. Jenna gave me a list of things to accomplish today but I definitely have not touched that thing. I will soon, she will get over it. Anyways, I should go and get started on that list. I have to do it because if you remember, I have that meeting at the U at 3:00 pm. I will keep you all posted.

Plus I will tell Jenna to post something. She is a slacker in the posting area but I will get on her.

Again, everyone please continue to pray for us.

Thank you,

The Hawley's

The Adventure Begins!!!!!!

Bonjour Everyone,

I first want to start off apologizing to everyone for the fact that I have not kept up on the blog. My only excuse is that I am moving to a different Country, across the world for two years and I have been a little busy (Hence the sarcasm).

Here is the update on what has occurred the past two weeks ish:

Jenna and I had a successful garage sale at our home about 2.5 weeks ago. We made a killing, WELL it was a garage sale so it was not that much of a killing but I considering how much we sold and made, I believe it was a killing. We pretty much sold everything that we wanted to sell. Unfortunately, we did not sell the couch or the Oak Desk. I want to thank all the shoppers and participants that helped us have a successful sale.

On August 25th, Jenna and I opened up our HSBC Bank account. This has been a long process because with Jenna's position, she will need a French and an American Bank account. Jenna's salary will go into the American account, and her accommodations will go into the French account. We were banking with Wells Fargo and of course they are not International, so if we continued to bank with them while we were in France, we would have endless about of charges and life would just be horrible. I did my research and HSBC is the #1 rated International Bank. Therefore, we opened a HSBC Premier account. Watch out, high STATUS (jk - if you do not know want that means, then you are retarded). The frustrating thing though is that we have yet to receive our Credit Cards and we can not check our account because we have not received the welcome packet. Jenna is not too happy, SORRY.

After we opened the account, I was taken to LAX and had to catch a flight to Hawaii. Yes, HAWAII!!!! I went on a eight day/night vacation with my mother (Oh Sandy). Sandy is doing great by the way. She is of course sad to see Jenna and I go but that is just an excuse for her to come out to France. She already has her ticket for June 2011. Back to Hawaii, the trip with my mother was just her and I, and it was the last Ohraw with my mother before I leave. The trip was amazing. I think the highlight of the trip was snorkeling at Hanauma Bay and my mother and I saw TWO real sea turtles. We both swam with them for about 20 minutes, and we were able to touch them. I promise, I do not know when, but I will post some pictures and video with the turtles. It will blow your mind. Sadly, while I was just having a dandie time in Hawaii, Jenna was back in the OC working. Sorry babe.

Once I return from Hawaii (September 2nd)...oh crazy sorry I have to tell you this. So when my mother and I were attempting to land into LAX, I guess there was tons of fog so the plane had to take a detour to Las Vegas. Once we landed in Las Vegas, the pilot came over the loud speaker and informed the plane that the whole plane will be staying the night in Las Vegas. HELL YEAH!!!! I was sooos stoked. I don't get it, half or more of the plane were so pissed. My mother and I were thrilled. The next day we flew back.

Once back home, it became crunch time. For several days, Jenna and I packed up all of our stuff, and prepared for the move. We were supposed to be out of our home on September 8th. When September 8th rolled around, in the morning Jenna and her mother left Seal Beach to begin their road trip to Minnesota, where they still currently are driving cross country. The moving company came around 12:30 pm that morning and picked up all of our stuff. The really annoying thing was it was close to $1000 over what they estimated. Jenna again was not happy. Anyways, that was it. That was the last time I stayed at our home. I have to be honest, I will miss Seal Beach soooo badly and everyone that lives in Seal Beach. It was an amazing place to call home.

On Wednesday night, I stayed at the Romans (Chuck/Val Roman). They basically are mine and Jenna's second family in Seal Beach. We will especially miss them. Love you guys!!!! I am getting teary eyed so I am going to stop.

Last night I spend the night at Garett and Micah's place. It was awesome because I got to see Garett and Micah, but I got to see Kirsten (Garett's Girlfriend, maybe Fiance soon...wink...wink). Kirsten just arrived from Korea that day. She was teaching English there for the past year.

Currently, as I am typing this shizzz, I am at work. Today will be my last day working as a Child Abuse Investigator for the Department of Children and Family Services in Los Angeles (mouth full). I am a little sad, WHO AM I KIDDING NO I AM NOT!!!!! I will for sure will miss the people, but not the work.

Well that is pretty much it. on September 12th, I fly out to Minnesota and meet up with Jenna and her family.

Just a side note, I am taking the move a little hardier then Jenna because I am officially leaving the nest (SoCal). Socal is all I have known for the past 25 years, and I do not know when or ever if I will call Socal home again. But God is great, and I will trust in him that He will pave mine and Jenna's path. God has been so great to me and Jenna and I will never ever doubt him. Times will be hard, I know that for sure, but I know that God will never leave us and we will persevere.

I will request that all of you that are reading this post, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, pray for Jenna and I as we begin to embark on this adventure. We will need it.

Well love you all and thank you again, The next post, SOON!!!!!

The Hawley's