If you read Part One  of my Why I Hate Living In Hawaii Saga in completion, then you know I ended off informing you that part 2 would discuss the food and the bugs here. Before I get to that I must first clarify some things from Part 1.

I want to thank everyone who read my post in completion. I never expected so much feedback here or on the Fb Fan Page. I will say that while I accept everyone’s feedback whether negative or positive, I really can’t accept feedback from those who haven’t read this in entirety. If you read my blog posts I am nice but can be alittle overly blunt at times. That can be a positive or negative thing. With that said…I am completely over the get out and explore the island statement. I made it very clear in part one that I have and that I am a big fan of make the best where you are, but in some places making the best gets old. You see in order to explore somewhere (where ever it maybe) you have to “Want To” and you have to like it. Once your done exploring the things your comfortable with (because everyone isn’t into climbing up the side of volcanic mountains or diving with the sharks) what exactly is left to do?…go the beach…ooops I can’t I did that like 5 million times in one month.

For certain people (and I say certain because I don’t speak for everyone) being stuck on a rock in the middle of the ocean is their thing, it doesn’t phase them. For others like myself confinement does not work. When I get tired of Oahu , I’d like to be able to drive else where. Yes yes… I know what your going to say “But Army Wife 101 you can fly to another island”! Bam you just answered your own question, “it’s still another island! I hope I clarified this for those who think that I am a whiner and don’t get out. Best believe I’ve sought to spread my wings here, but there isn’t that much wing spreading in the world.

This brings me to the issue of food:

As you have seen from my pictures I am a pretty thick chick. One of my pleasures is indulging in different types of food. At the same time and on a military budget their is only so much indulging you can do here. You see before I PCS’ed to the this oh so glorious island, I had the pleasure of being stationed in a place that is a foodies dream…Savannah GA. Home of Paula Deen, home of the buffets and if I got  tired of good ole down home country cooking (which by the way I don’t think that’s possible) then I had several options at my disposal. I am from Long Island NY and yes I have had what I like to call my “Sex in the City Moments” where my girlfriends and I wisked off into Manhattan and ate at upscale eateries like Soul Cafe (closed now) Chez Josephine ( that took a whole paycheck) and at the top of the spinning Marriot in Times Square, so I’m used to good food. Then reality set in and I got married and had 2 kids and a hubby in the military. While on the rare occasion we do treat our kids to top notch cuisine, 95% of the time on a Friday night in Savannah you could find us at our local Golden Corral where a family of four could umlimitedly stuff their faces for under $35 and still get dessert.

Let’s just say 2 keikei (That means kids in Hawaiian…see I’m embracing the language)meals and 2 adult meals at your local Chili’s are damn near $60 bucks;forget a dessert. If you love getting a bang for your buck and heading to the nearest all you can eat buffet (that actually taste good) well good luck on that, I haven’t managed to find one, not even a really good chinese buffet. Due to the location of Schofield, the only close options to have a decent family sit down dinner are Chilis and Ruby Tuesdays (that’s if you want more americanized cuisine). Now I would be wrong if I didn’t mention that you will have your fair share of Asian cuisine . This is not a bad thing, but damn can I get a Applebee’s , a Sonic , you know one of those places that Hawaii shows on tv commericals but we have none of them here. Yes Hawaii has a horrible habit of showing eateries that don’t exist here. Lest not forget all the specials that a certain chain restaurant will run but , because where in Hawaii for whatever reasons they don’t honor the special here.

Be prepared for rice with everything, rice with breakfast rice with lunch, rice with snack,  rice with dinner, rice with ice cream (I’m kidding but they probably do have something like that). If carbs are not your friend you are going to have a hell of a time avoiding them here. Rice is just the beginning don’t forget the scoop of macaroni salad that comes with everything. If I see one more Blazin Steaks or greasy L&L BBQ I am going to scream (Don’t get me wrong I do eat their food, just tired of it).All I wanna do is have a choice of places to go to with easy parking that I can take a family. I don’t want to have to go to Honolulu all the time to do anything major.  I asked several military spouses stationed here the other day where do they get the best Chinese food, no one could give me a good answer. The one place we thought might be ok got closed down for infestation, yes bugs.

Groceries:

All I can say is this truly the one place I don’t think I have ever brought food on the economy, with the exception of a loaf of bread at Walmart. Speaking of Walmart for those of you who have been stationed in the South, do not count on a Super Walmart, none here. I won’t go into alot of detail , as I think you’ve got the point by now. COLA is good , but I still say the prices suck 10x worse here.

Bug Situation:

When I say I am deathly afraid of bugs, I am not being dramatic , I am serious. I cry, hyperventilate and sweat if I see anything bigger then an ant. The first few weeks we were here I was greeted by several centipedes outside. Not a pretty site when you just happen to be walking and come up on one. Thank the lord one has never gotten in my house, you don’t even want to know the outcome of that.

Gecko’s O-M-G if I hear one more person tell me those damn things are good luck!!! They are all over, I can honestly say I have never had one in my house because my kids know that coming in and out the house is a hell to the noooo!  If you want to avoid Gecko central I recommend not letting little Johnny hang out the front door or stand there with the door open. Nothing like hopping in the shower , with the thought of being greeted by a lizard.

Flies:

The flies here are in swarms, they fear no one or nothing. They seem bigger then usual. This is the only place that you could not open your door or windows for days and still have flies, they come out of nowhere . Forget sitting outside at a nice picnic they swarm around you and demand your food. The only place that I have seen them kept at bay have been around the yummy shrimp trucks. I don’t know if the smell of garlic keeps them away. I always tell spouses to not let the kids run in and out the house if you want to have an attempt at avoiding them.

Roaches:

The roaches here are the size of new born babies, I swear , their is no smashing them with a shoe. You have to spray them dead. They are big , they fly and they are not scared of you. This may not sound serious to bug lovers , but when your husband is deployed and all you’ve got is yourself and 2 scared kids, this kind of crap will make you hate a place. Lucky for me I haven’t rented a car with roaches or went out to my car at night to get an item from my car , only to open the door and be greeted by a family of roaches. For the record you don’t have to have a dirty home, they just exist here. Lucky for me I recommend keeping the gallon of Ortho Home Defense near by it works.

Maggots are awful here because it is always moist or humid ughhh…I’ll just leave it at that.

Last but not least and I mean no offense when I say this , because I am not Heidi Klume by any means. What really confuses about this place is , a majority of the local women here are  sized like linebackers. These chicks are huge , like kick your man’s ass huge. You would think with people this size living here that finding a plus size store would not be a problem, it is. No Lane Bryant’s , no Torrids. My store of choice is Ross.

Because I am who I am , I will say that it is important to make do of where you are. With that said don’t ever feel guilty for not liking a place. Everywhere is not for everyone. I am sure there are people who are stationed in Europe and find it boring after a while too. Just because you are stationed here in what some consider paradise , doesn’t mean it will be paradise for you. Best bet get out explore what your into and at least when people say get out and explore you can say…I have!

Read Part 1

Comments

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments

Krystel is the mom of two and an Army Wife. In addition to Army Wife 101 she is the Co-Founder of SoFluential.com a digital media agency that connects brands with the military market. She has appeared on MSNBC ,FOX LA and formerly was a weekly contributor to HLN's "Raising America". She has written for various outlets including Sheknows and Lifetime and is a big fan of cupcakes and french fries.

Krystel is the mom of two and an Army Wife. In addition to Army Wife 101 she is the Co-Founder of SoFluential.com a digital media agency that connects brands with the military market. She has appeared on MSNBC ,FOX LA and formerly was a weekly contributor to HLN's "Raising America". She has written for various outlets including Sheknows and Lifetime and is a big fan of cupcakes and french fries.
by | 350 Comments

350 Comments on Part 2: Hawaii…Why I Hate Living Here…Bugs Mac Salad & Rice…

  2. You could certainly see your expertise within the article you write.
    The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to
    mention how they believe. At all times go after your heart.

    Reply

  6. Howdy! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche.

    Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!

    Reply

  10. Terrific article! This is the type of info that are meant to be shared around the internet.

    Shame on the search engines for now not positioning this submit higher!
    Come on over and discuss with my web site . Thanks =)

    Reply

  11. Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring
    a blog post or vice-versa? My website covers a lot of the
    same subjects as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other.
    If you happen to be interested feel free to
    shoot me an email. I look forward to hearing from you! Fantastic blog by the
    way!

    Reply

  12. Howdy I am so excited I found your weblog, I really found you by
    error, while I was researching on Aol for
    something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say kudos for a marvelous post and a all round
    exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to
    read it all at the minute but I have saved it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I
    will be back to read more, Please do keep up the superb b.

    Reply

  13. Great beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site,
    how could i subscribe for a blog website?
    The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea

    Reply

  15. wonderful publish, very informative. I ponder why the other specialists
    of this sector do not understand this. You should continue your writing.
    I’m confident, you’ve a great readers’ base already!

    Reply

  22. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but
    I find this topic to be really something which I think I would never understand.
    It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me.
    I’m looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang
    of it!

    Reply

  26. I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog
    and check again here regularly. I’m quite certain I
    will learn a lot of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!

    Reply

  30. Howdy, i read your blog occasionally and i
    own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam
    responses? If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can advise?
    I get so much lately it’s driving me insane
    so any assistance is very much appreciated.

    Reply

  31. With havin so much written content do you ever run into
    any issues of plagorism or copyright infringement? My blog has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either created myself or
    outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my authorization.
    Do you know any methods to help prevent content from being ripped off?
    I’d definitely appreciate it.

    Reply

  32. Howdy! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this
    post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching
    about this. I most certainly will send this information to him.
    Pretty sure he will have a very good read. I appreciate you for sharing!

    Reply

  35. I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great.
    I don’t know who you are but definitely you’re
    going to a famous blogger if you are not already ;) Cheers!

    Reply

  37. Excellent article. Keep posting such kind of information on
    your page. Im really impressed by your blog.
    Hey there, You have performed an excellent job. I will certainly digg it and individually suggest to my friends.
    I am sure they will be benefited from this website.

    Reply

  38. Humana People to People makes their purpose to increase under-developed areas with providing
    training to primary school tutors and craftsmen, helping encourage well being and present knowledge about Aids as
    well as to aid in additional rising areas farming.
    Humana People to People takes on a wide array of various plans and goals across poor regions of countries throughout the
    globe. With employing the regional people along with government,
    they could support people who are short of funds
    through their non-profit help institutions. China is one kind of numerous nations that this non-profit group goes to confront the pushing problems that they
    confront now.
    The Humana People to People Motion works together with The Federation for Organizations within the Yunnan area of China.
    The job first began within 2005 and keeps around now.
    The Humana People to People Co-operation Plan Agency
    in the Yunnan Area features to grow money to be
    able to achieve different developments across the province in poor areas.
    Some tasks that Humana People to People strives to bring to the area of China involve vocational education centers where they could advance their education, fixing them for job opportunities,
    offering facts about infectious sicknesses and many more.

    Humana People to People began carrying out their activities in
    China during 2007. One of the initial projects which was undertaken was the Malaria task that focused
    to distribute beneficial information and treatment on the problems to locale citizens.
    A Community Skill Enhancement and Child Aid plan was afterward entered Zhenkang.
    An amazing 13 projects were started in 2010 for some of the biggest poverty-stricken places in the area.
    Beyond just the Yunnan Province, activities were started in the Sichuan Area, Chongqing Area and Guangdong Area.

    Currently, several plans that Humana has assumed within China contains
    care in rural regions, early youth instruction that is made to bring Chinese children a head start on their path
    to achievement, generating safer routes for Humana toddler kids,
    providing quick HIV checking, commencing grower organizations and improving money with nonprofit activities
    just like the Humor Pub China Nonprofit Show. At present,
    there are 11 plans being performed around 3 provinces in China along with over 128 villages.
    Together with 280 collective beneficiaries, People to People brings
    hope and a greater future to these poor countryside areas.

    Reply

  39. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as
    I provide credit and sources back to your weblog? My blog
    site is in the very same niche as yours and my users would definitely benefit from a lot of the information you
    present here. Please let me know if this alright with you.
    Cheers!

    Reply

  40. What began as a couple of drop bins in the Boston region during 1997, has developed
    as a group able of assisting millions of people across the world.
    Planet Aid presently has their easily recognizable drop
    bins spread in 21 areas.
    Additionally, they enables firms to coordinate a drop box in their community.
    This can be a distinct symbol that this firm is devoted to providing
    to return.
    More than establishing an idea of offering in local neighborhoods, Planet Aid’s effort also retains millions of
    pounds out from the waste process. Every set of footwear and item
    of garments which they gather has an extra life with people who truly require it.
    It is a huge benefit to the planet, helping to reduce CO2 emissions which can be associated
    with dangerous global warming. This preservation ethic could also distribute to increased enviromentally friendly attention, with people using different recycling services close to
    their home.
    Together with the Humana People to People service,Planet Aid assists to coach teachers at one of their many educational institutions.
    Besides the job these instructors complete within the class, they become encouraged group members and catalysts
    of alteration.
    Because of the microfinance initiative, Planet Aid presents low interest rate loans to
    females in India. The funding may be used to begin venture or buy an animal whose objects provides food and something useful to trade regionally.

    Quality instruction also is a problem for those unable to look for a job opportunity.
    This issue is extremely a hardship on younger men and women just starting out in their careers if
    they can’t find a way to go to a practical school.

    Planet Aid presents help to trade institutions within Mozambique, Guinea, Bissau,
    and Zimbabwe. When completed of those programs, learner are able
    to trainee on a corporation. That at work experience presents practical experience to
    submit a youthful worker into a job.
    All together, having the assist and friendliness
    of people at home, their work does fantastic an outstanding volume to
    protect the health of the conditions along with enhancing
    the areas that they assist internationally.

    Reply

  42. Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a blog web site?

    The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept

    Reply

  43. I drop a leave a response when I especially enjoy a post on a website or I have something to
    valuable to contribute to the conversation. It’s caused by the passion displayed in the post I
    read. And after this article Part 2: Hawaii…Why I Hate Living Here…Bugs Mac Salad &
    Rice… – Army Wife 101. I was actually moved enough to post a
    comment ;-) I actually do have a few questions for you if you do not mind.
    Could it be simply me or does it look as if like a
    few of these comments look like they are coming from brain dead visitors?
    :-P And, if you are posting at other social
    sites, I would like to follow you. Would you make a list every one of
    your community sites like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?

    Reply

  44. Excellent beat ! I wish to apprentice whilst you amend your site, how could i subscribe for a weblog website?

    The account aided me a acceptable deal. I have been tiny bit acquainted of
    this your broadcast offered vivid clear idea

    Reply

  45. I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles
    or weblog posts in this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this web site.
    Reading this information So i’m satisfied to exhibit that I have a very excellent uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed.
    I so much no doubt will make certain to don?t omit this site
    and provides it a glance regularly.

    Reply

  48. I just could not go away your web site before suggesting that I really enjoyed the usual
    information an individual supply to your visitors?

    Is gonna be back incessantly to inspect new posts

    Reply

  49. Excellent post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I’m
    impressed! Extremely useful info specifically the final section :
    ) I take care of such information much. I was seeking this certain information for a very lengthy time.

    Thank you and best of luck.

    Reply

  50. Hello, Neat post. There is a problem with your web site in web explorer,
    could test this? IE nonetheless is the market leader and a good component of other folks will miss your fantastic writing
    due to this problem.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.