Category Archives: Get it off Your Chest

Seeing 20/15

Posted on September 18, 2011 by Taryn Wong| Leave a comment

After years of wanting, researching, waiting, and saving my money I finally got LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) eye surgery.  I wore glasses and contacts for the past 15 years and was a slave to assisted sight. All that changed a few days ago after my lasik surgery and now I am seeing not a perfect 20/20, but an even better 20/15. Lasik is definitely going to be life changing for me and I can’t wait to continue to enjoy my freedom from contacts and glasses!

 

If you’re interested in getting LASIK in Hawaii here are a few tips and things to know…

  • Get your corneas measured.  This is the make or break if you are a candidate for lasik.  If you’re corneas are too thin you will not be able to get lasik eye surgery.  The test is painless, very simple, and takes two seconds, but your eye doctor needs to have the special machine.
  • LASIK is expensive.  Lasik can cost between $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the eye surgeon and lasik machine and none of it is covered by insurance (except for prescription eye drops). I opted for the custom, high quality lasik and it was on the higher end.  If you have healthy eyes that are pretty straight forward I don’t think it matters too much where you go. The lower end procedures can be just effected, but kind of like an inexpensive meal, it gets the job done, but you get what you pay for. 
  • Best Eye Surgeon on the island is Dr. Tyrie Jenkins. I didn’t want to mess around and went with Dr. Jenkins who has a long impressive list of credentials and has done over 10,000 laser refractive surgeries. My experience with her and her office staff was first class, and I would absolutely recommend her for surgery or regular eye care. 
  • Dr. Alan Faulkner and the Aloha Laser Vision Center has the best machine on the island. In researching, I learned that the machine is the most important component and Dr. Faulkner uses the IntraLase® FS laser, the most progressive machine on the island.  Dr. Jenkins shares the Dr. Faulkner’s machine, so I was happy to have the best surgeon and the best machine.      
  • If you wear contacts be prepared to wear your glasses 2 weeks to 1 month before surgery. Contacts change the shape of your eyes, so you must be without contacts for a length of time before your surgery to get an accurate mapping of your eye for the surgery. 
  • The surgery takes only about 5 minutes. After years of planning and anticipation of the my surgery, I was at the surgery center for about 30 minutes total and the actual surgery took only about 5 minutes.  I was blown away how fast it was. 
  • One night downtime. After the surgery for about 1 hour I had discomfort and slight burning in my eyes, but after a valium and a good night’s rest I was up and about the next day enjoying my new vision.  The next day I was able to resume my normal activities like driving, etc. and the only set back seemed to be taking all my eye drops multiple times a day. 
  • No surfing for minimum a week post-op. Bummers for me, but no watersports for atleast a week after my surgery.  At my one week post-op appointment I hopefully will be getting the green light that everything healed up nicely and I can get back in the water!  

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Around Town, Get it off Your Chest, Raves

Where Did All the Opihi Go?

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Taryn Wong| Leave a comment

On a recent trip to Molokai we found opihi amongst the rocks of the remote beaches we explored. I was gladly surprised to see an abundance of opihi and thought what a rarity it was to be in the presence of this over harvested limpet. 

On Oahu, you can’t really find opihi anymore on the beach or even in a store to buy. Opihi picking has become a rare and dangerous task since the only living opihi are found off remote cliffs.  The Nature Conservancy is currently supporting efforts and working with Hawaiian cultural practitioners, scientists, local communities, resource managers, and government agencies to help restore and protect the Hawaiian opihi populations.  These groups will collect data, educate, and help manage the opihi.

When researching this article I came across an interesting company online called Opihi 4 Sale.  This business was started by a man named Patrick Murphy from Kauai who visited Ireland and discovered yellow foot opihi there.  In 2004 he left Kauai with his sons and started Emerald Island Opihi Company and began selling fresh frozen North Atlantic Opihi to the world ever since. I was surprised to think that opihi is found in Ireland clear across the world from us, but glad to hear there is an alternative for those looking to satisfy their opihi craving without causing our populations to go extinct.    

There are three difference species of opihi that live Hawaii. 

Opihi Makaiauli: (Cellana exarata) want to be splashed, and don’t mind being dry between tides. The low ribs of their shells are dark and their troughs light. They grow to about two inches across.

 Opihi Alinalina: (Cellana sandwichensis) crave constant splash or surge and can’t tolerate drying out for long periods. Their shells grow to about 2 and a half inches across and have a scalloped edge that was used by Hawaiians for shredding coconut meat.

Opihi Koele: (Cellana talcosa) are sometimes submerged and can live in depths of up to 10 feet. Koele are the largest of Hawaiian opihi, growing up to four inches across. Their shells are smooth and thick with a low profile.

 

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Get it off Your Chest, Island Hopping

Holy F***ing South Swell!

Posted on August 30, 2011 by Taryn Wong| Leave a comment

August 30, 2011, town shore are 5-7+ foot (Hawaiian scale)!  So, the surf forecasters got it right this time and actually almost under-called this humongous south swell that is smacking down as we speak. I got beat down yesterday when I went to Concessions and Big Rights by the solid 4 and 5 foot sets that came through. I managed to live through the session with a little bit of water up my nose, a couple bruises on my leg, and a super sore body.   

Chelsea's Iphone photo of Kewalos 8/30/2011

A few of my friends and I (and most sane surfers) decided to sit today out and probably will tomorrow too, so we don’t snap our surfboards or our necks.  We are brainstorming the perfect, safe, inside break that might be surfable tomorrow, but fat chance because the swell is forecasted to get just a tad bigger tomorrow.  Hats off to the pros out surfing the today and tomorrow, get barreled!

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Around Town, Get it off Your Chest

Art After Dark, A Single Guy’s Playground, Skin Tight Dresses, & Cougar Haven

Posted on August 26, 2011 by Taryn Wong| Leave a comment

Oahu’s young, hip, professionals look forward to every month’s ARTafterDARK at the Honolulu Academy of Arts.  Over the years this Friday party dedicated to the arts has become quite popular and is a must go to event for Oahu’s 20, 30, and 40  somethings. 

Art show? Well, maybe some go to look at the art, but those who go know that most of the attendees go to look at all the good looking people, not the newest art galleries.  ADD has become the single guy’s playground, where women can show off their newest skin tight dress, and the hot spot for those over 40. 

I am a ADD regular and don’t have any bad blood for my ranting and raving about the obvious spectacle that is now ADD, but am just trying to shine light to it for those who haven’t been.  Newbies need to know what to expect and for those who are regulars they will agree with me and hopefully get a little chuckle in. 

Halloween at Art After Dark 2010

For first time ADD attendees, below are a couple things you may want to know before you go!

ARTafterDARK 101: 

  • GO EARLY. Doors open at 6 pm and by 7:30 pm it can get super packed and a line begins to form out front.  Go early to avoid standing in a long line.  It really does end at 9 pm, and they will kick everyone out by 9:15 pm, so go early to get your monies worth. 
  • To AVOID CROWDS VISIT SMALLER AREAS OF ACADEMY. ADD can become a sea of people and if you want to avoid the mass crowds hang out in the wings and the various courtyard areas.  These areas even have benches and tables to sit at.
  • TO SEE THE CROWD GO TO THE MAIN MIDDLE COURTYARD AREA.  I am not talking about the area right when you first walk in, but walk to the right of it, and it will lead you to the area I am talking about.  This is where the large bar is, a happening DJ, all the action, and from the stairs there is an excellent view of all the women in tight dresses. 
  • WHERE LIGHT/BREATHE-ABLE CLOTHES, NO JACKETS! All the crowd talk above is a clue about how crowded it can get and even though ADD is mostly outdoors, it gets super hot and humid here! I guess the ladies in skin tight dresses and barely anything on have got the right idea because if you wear more than that, you will be sweating from all the body heat. 
  • BE CAUTIOUS OF THE BOOZE. My biggest complaint about ADD is the alcohol.  While they have very inexpensive drinks, but they usually (I say usually because not always) have “headache” wine, well liquor, and unusual specialty cocktails.  The beer is the safest thing to spend your money on. 
  • BE CAUTIOUS OF THE FOOD. I love Town and Downtown, and they are the food caters, but my experiences in eating food here is a hit or miss.  Either the food is way to expensive ($10 for a tiny plate of so-so food) or not too good (I’ve had bland popcorn and a weird musubi). Not sure what the food quality control is, but better have your friend buy their food first, so you can taste it before you get anything.      

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Get it off Your Chest

I Love OPI Shatter Nail Polish

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Taryn Wong| Leave a comment

If you knew me in college with my long fake finger nails, you would know I’m obsessed with nail polish. My nail polish brand of choice is OPI, and I don’t wear anything else.  The newest craze is Katie Perry’s OPI’s Shatter  that after applied over dry nail polish creates a “shattered” effect.  

This polish is the coolest thing ever for nail polish lovers. I recently got a couple bottles of the OPI Shatter and have to say I’m impressed.  If you want to try out this amazing nail phenomenon it will cost you about $10 a bottle, but its hard to find in Hawaii. I got mine at a fashion event for $9 a bottle.  I love the polish and have been mixing and matching colors for the past couple months. 

For Shatter newbies, it takes a little practice to create a good “shattered” look.  Your first coat of polish must be completely dry and a contrasting color of your Shatter polish. It took me a couple of tries before I got the look I wanted, but no sweat because that’s what nail polish remover is for, right?

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Pacific Reader's Favorite Things, Raves

Review of the Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel

Posted on August 20, 2011 by Taryn Wong| Leave a comment

If you’re looking to get off the Waikiki strip and want to save some money, the Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel , formerly the Waikiki Prince Kuhio is a great 4-star hotel option. The entire hotel has been newly renovated and it’s also home to the modern American restaurant Mac 24-7.    

Read the full review via Aloha Update. 

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Around Town, Hidden Gems, Raves

Things I Hate About Oahu

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Taryn Wong| 1 Comment

I’ve been having writers block recently, wrist pain, and suffering from bad allergies, which has subsequently put me in a funky mood lately.  It’s really hard for me to praise establishments and write about unicorns and rainbows in this mood, so here is my therapy/venting session to the world and a couple things I HATE about Hawaii…

  • Having to shop at 10 different grocery stores.  For some reason not one grocery store can get it right and have all the items that you need in one place.  Prices vary significantly from store to store and if you want to save any money on the island it is necessary to shop around.  If you want something specific you have to go to multiple grocery stores. If I want organic I have to shop at one store, local items at another, better noodles at one, and inexpensive milk at another.  My favorite thing is when you look forward to a sale and go to grab it off the shelf and its all sold out…how can 1,000 cans of tuna sold out?
  • Traffic all day long.  Seriously, can anyone ever get anywhere on time on this island? No matter what day of the week, time of the day, there is always traffic.  Either road work, yard work, or a stupid stalled car is the culprit of all day long traffic.  If you live and work in a couple mile radius, then fu** you because you probably don’t drive in traffic as much as I do and that’s about 90% of the time. 
  • The gas price dance.  Up, down, down, up, what’s the deal? From day to day, to gas station to gas station the gas prices are constantly going up and down with no reasonable explanation.  Gas stations and the USA government can shove it because they got us all dancing like puppets at the pump.
  • Parking. OMG, soon the island isn’t going to have  anymore free parking.  It’s cruel enough we pay $4 a gallon for gas and now if we take our car anywhere we have to also pay for parking at what seems like every single establishment.  Does someone own every piece of pavement and every single curb?

 

 

 

 

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Get it off Your Chest, Rants

Lady Needs a Loving Forever Home

Posted on July 31, 2011 by Taryn Wong| Leave a comment

7/31/2011, Lady is a 11 year old female, mini-beagle mix, and only 13 pounds. She is a sweet, friendly, mellow senior dog who loves people and would be great in a no dog or mellow dog household. She has had a recent vet check and is free of heartworms or other intestinal parasites. She is also cuurently on flea and heartworm medications.  If you are interested in giving Lady a forever home or want more information please email Taryn at tarynelisawong@hotmail.com. 

Lady with her new pink collar & Spencer in the background

 

 

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Get it off Your Chest

Surfer Chicks in Thongs & G-Strings

Posted on July 23, 2011 by Taryn Wong| 2 Comments

Okay, this has been bothering me for quite some time now. Recently, I have noticed a ton of surfer girls in the water with straight up thongs, g-strings, or simple their tiny bathing suit crammed up their a**!  What’s the deal??!!

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a up-tight conservative chick and even wear Brazilian cut suits, so the girls I’m talking about are borderline obscene.  Tiny suits can be cute on surfer chicks, but there is a line that surfer chicks must not cross.  I was out the other day with a girl who had nothing but what looked like dental floss on for a bottom! Really?! Not what we need to see in the lineup.  

What’s even worst then seeing a thong in the lineup is a girl in a thong with a bad butt! I’ve also seen some chicks with cottage cheese butts in the lineup, and I thought I was going to vomit. 

Ladies save your thongs for laying out on the sand and please cover it up when you board-up.  You’re not doing anyone any favors, but making yourself look like a skanky surfer.  That old saying, “less is more,” does NOT apply here. You are giving normal surfer girls a bad name with this slutty look, so cut it out or stay away from my surf breaks!

→ 2 Comments

Posted in Get it off Your Chest, Rants

Aqua Hotels & Resorts Have Great Kaamaina Rates

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Taryn Wong| Leave a comment

Living in Hawaii there aren’t many financial benefits, except for the rare Kaamaina discount.  All of us Hawaii residents will take what we can get whenever Kaamaina discounts are available.  Aqua Hotels and Resorts are one of those generous businesses that offer great discount, especially for Hawaii residents.  I stayed at a Aqua hotel and got a ridiculously great deal on a room with a Kaamaina rate.  Read the full story via Aloha Update.

 

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Around Town, Raves