Loved Ones Lost

Now that it is coming to the end of the year, I've been thinking about what has happened in '08. Christmas was good and I've written the happy things, but with the good also comes some pain. Sister Linda Kim passed away on the 26th. It was so sudden and so unbelievable. We just saw her on Sunday when we went to go look at the lights on their street. Of course Lory and her family are here and we had the chance to talk on Saturday morning. The Kim's are family to me. I grew up with them. Even though she already had 6 kids, she always made me feel welcome in their home and she let me tag along to family activities. All piled up in the cadillac! We would play Chinese games in the back yard, do chores around the house, play upstairs until she hit the lunch/dinner gong, she got me hooked on cocoa & crackers, told jokes in the jacuzzi, showed me how to pick opihi, taught us how to knit mittens, man... I really do have a lot of memories with her. I was able to know her a little more on our carpool trips to BYUH. Those two hours on the road really provided an opportunity to be in the presence of a strong, loving person. She is an amazing woman with awesome abilities and talents yet so down to earth and eager to share. Her parenting tips and advice were so helpful to me to gain more confidence as a mother in Zion. I will miss her energy, her smile, her laugh, her walk, & seeing her with her baskets full of bread, star fruit, or flowers.

Another loved one that has left us is Kepa's younger brother, Kawika. He left suddenly too, and there are more questions than answers for many people. Kawika was my "first love" ~ at 14, he was my first boyfriend. I had boyfriends in Intermediate, but he was the first one that I really cared about. My dad knew it, so he made me break up with him. I remember the next morning, I was still crying from the night before, and Sho came in my room to give me a hug. He was probably only just over one year old...
Kawika & I spent more time on the phone than anything since he lived in Honokai Hale & me in Mililani. But I remember church dances with him ~ he could really buss da moves, playing volleyball, cruzin' @ the park with Jen & Kepa, going to Ho'olokahi @ the Stadium, cutting school, making out, Ice Palace, dinner with my family, his drawings, his songs on the piano (his favorite was "she's like the wind"). Even after we broke up, throughout high school we kept in touch. Late night meets @ Kipapa park, Kam school Ho'olaulea, Zippy's, Carnivals, sneaking in Ala Moana hotel, movies, Pearlridge... I was bummed that he took another girl to his prom ~ but she became the mother of his first child. I actually went to her baby luau and Kawika brought Taylor for me to hold. He looked so happy and proud that all my immature jealous feelings melted as I held that beautiful little girl. He now has 6 kids & a widow. He was so talented and just an all around good guy. He even made Josiah's first birthday cake - m&ms- He is missed by many, many people.

Another one that also left us unexpectedly is Kaleo. He is the cousin of good friends of mine and one that I had the privilege to know. He was a go-getter, a hard worker, a hard partier, gave the biggest bear hugs, wasn't afraid of anything, but would give up everything for his daughter. I remember talking story with him when he was working security, riding on the back of his motorcycle, going clubbing, concerts at the Blaisdell, shomokin' ouut, catching rides after work, kickin' it @ Turtle bay, seeing how much Sandee was in love with him and how happy they were even if it was for a short time, & happy that he became a police officer. He also has a family and a widow, a very large extended family, and many friends that miss him.

Rest in peace. "till we meet, till we meet at Jesus' feet."

Uncle Sho

Sho came home for Christmas and it's so good to see him again. Honestly, it's like he hasn't even left, but it's been 9 months since he's been home. He looks good, he's happy in Utah, and he's become "a fine young man" Lol! The boys immediately attacked him and Josiah is his opihi. Always wrestling and playing and sitting on Sho's lap. So cute. We're gonna miss him when he leaves on New Years eve. Hurry up & have your family sho! I want some neices & nephews :0)

Christmas '08

I wrote a post on Christmas day, but I hit some button and it deleted it. It was a nice long post with details and everything, but I'm too lazy to write it all again. I even made a slideshow with pictures & captions, but I don't know how to put it on here. So tech challenged... Anyway, christmas was beautiful. Just seeing my boys' faces when they first saw the tree and the presents strewn all over, hearing them ripping off the wrapping paper & loud laughs & shrieks of pure joy. It was wonderful. The day before we dropped off some gifts for our friends & the boys really got into it ~ they loved giving and hugging our friends & neighbors. On Christmas day we went up to Wahiawa. Good food, good company, good times... Can't believe it just came & went! Here are just a few pictures:

Writing To Santa & Leaving Cookies



My Muddy Buddies for friends



Merry Christmas!

My Two Wheeler

We took off Josiah's training wheels off today! He's 5 and I was getting down on myself for not trying to teach him earlier so I promised him that we could get a new bike for "big boys". We went to the park next to his school & at first he didn't want me to take off the training wheels. He was hesitant to get on the bike after I took off the wheels but I told him I'd hold him. We went down the basketball court & I was telling him to keep peddling. We turned around and half way through the courts, I just let go ~ and off he went! I was so happy! He caught on in less than 5 minutes :0) I'm so proud of him. We stayed at the park for a couple hours while he got used to it and later this afternoon we went to the church parking lot and he was just jammin' on that thing. He get 'um.

While I was watching him, I just remember when I was small. My bike equaled freedom. I loved going on adventures with my friends and going fast down dirt hills. Even on my mission, I loved being on a bike. And I could see that on Josiah's face as he was going all over the place today. So happy :0)

Getting Ready for Christmas ~ Honolulu Hale

Tonight is my favorite Christmas memory so far ~ we rode the fire truck @ Honolulu Hale. The boys were so excited and we all had so much fun riding downtown in the back of an old firetruck & toured the holiday lights. We rang bells, sang, and yelled out "Merry Christmas!" Josiah & Elias really got into it. When we climbed off the bus and walked back to the car, they both kept saying that they liked it and that it was fun :0) I hope they'll remember it for a long time cuz I will remember their faces, their laughs, and their eyes lighting up ~forever~.

Getting ready for Christmas Part 1

Christmas is just around the corner... only 4 more days left! I've been trying to get stuff done before then ~ while still trying to maintain the True Meaning and trying to build memories for my boys. Here's just a few things... Gingerbread House Josiah's school had an activity, "Gingerbread Math" where the parents are invited to come and make a candy house with the keiki. It was so cute & the kids (and mommies!) had a blast. Here's Josiah with his masterpiece. Braving the Malls On Friday, the schools got out at 11am! So I decided to take the boys to Pearlridge to ride the Christmas train. It seemed that everyone else had the same idea. It was jam packed & it was a mad house. But, we managed to get tickets and only had to wait a half hour to ride the train. The only bummer was that they couldn't sit next to each other on the train so I didn't get that "Kodak moment" as I was hoping. But they still had fun. I think Elias was in awe since he hardly said anything while he was riding it.

On Saturday we hit Ala Moana. Finished up our shopping and had a few treats. They were driving me crazy jumping all over the place and trying to calm them down to act like civilized humans while we were in public. Sheesh, they act like we never take them anywhere.

Pockets

Elias recently discovered pockets. Everytime he finds a penny or any coin, he comes up to me and asks me to help him put it in his pocket. Today when I was folding laundry, I picked up one of his cargo shorts and felt that it was extra heavy. I looked inside and found his treasures. Rubbish paper, a water bottle cap, 2 pennies, a lincoln log, and a J magnet. So funny. I asked him what the "J" was for & he looked at me and said matter-of-factly, "for Josiah!" Of course, mom!

Rain, rain, go away...

I've been stuck in the house since Thursday since Mother Nature decided to bless our island with a much needed rain. Well, it's Saturday night and I'm still listening to it pouring down hard. I liked it the first day, but now I'm tired of it. Enough already! And it's not looking like it's gonna let up any time soon.

But you know, I was looking thru the newspaper & watching the news and I see so many people who are flooded out of their homes. It's really bad. Here are a few pictures.




And this is all HERE. We're on the same island ~ like 20 minutes away... I hope and pray for their families. I wish I could do something, but I really don't know what. All I can think of is how thankful I am to have a roof over my head and my family's safe and dry. But somehow that seems so selfish of me to say that right now. But I really, I truly am grateful for the blessings I have. Especially the simple yet vital things that I easily take for granted like a home, a job, our health, food in the fridge... Why does it always take a disaster to make you realize what you have?

My Best Friend

I always tell people that I married my best friend ~ in fact, I have. Pat & I were always cruzin' together (for years!) and I always could pour my heart out to him, laugh with him, be stupid with him, dream with him, complain to him, and just sit down & stay quiet with him. And it's been like that since we've been married. Yes, of course we have our arguments & we do stuff that irritate each other, but I'm so glad he's my husband. You know, he doesn't talk crap about other people and that's been so hard to find lately. With so much negativity around I'm so happy that I have my solace with him. I know he won't talk stink about me, or stab me behind my back, or be two-faced, or judge me. He loves me for me. For all my faults, all my mistakes, all my trials, and all my insecurities. He lets me be a bitch when I need to be, and understands that I need to act like that at times. I love that I have him in my life every single day.

Today we took the boys to the park next to our house and just ran around playing tag. We all tumbled in the grass to catch our breath and I just realized in that moment that even though we struggle dealing with outside "real-life" kinda stuff, I am happy. Life is sweet. And it's solid because of him.

Late one night, many years ago, I was overwhelmed with so many problems that I was facing. I called up Pat & asked him if he could come over & talk. He came & picked me up and we just went for a drive while I was telling him all my dramaz & bawling my eyes out. He was quiet, just listening to me and the next thing I know, we're driving in Makiki. I asked him where we were going & he said "I'll take you someplace where all your troubles will disappear for a while." We drove up Tantalus, parked, and sat on the stone wall looking over Honolulu. I felt like I could breathe again. While the wind was blowing in my face, I could just feel the weight lift off my shoulders. I have the song, "Up On The Roof" playing on my blog and it just reminds me of that night. My roof that night was Tantalus, and my roof now is at home with my hunee. Here's the lyrics:
When this old world starts a getting me down
And people are just too much for me to face
I’ll climb way up to the top of the stairs
And all my cares just drift right into space

On the roof, it’s peaceful as can be
And there the world below don’t bother me, no, no

So when I come home feeling tired and beat
I’ll go up where the air is fresh and sweet
I’ll get far away from the hustling crowd
And all that rat-race noise down in the street

On the roof, that’s the only place I know
Look at the city, baby
Where you just have to wish to make it so
Let’s go up on the roof

And at night the stars they put on a show for free
And, darling, you can share it all with me
That’s what I said, keep on telling you

That right smack dab in the middle of town
I found a paradise that’s trouble proof
And if this old world starts a getting you down
There’s room enough for two, up on the roof

Up on the roof, up on the roof
Everything is alright, everything is alright
Come on

But so do enter the night and climb up the stairs
We can see
We got the stars above and the city lights below
Up on the roof

Boobies

Yup, I said it. I'm gonna write about boobs. After I had Josiah, my friend Sonya gave me some advice. She said "From now on, your body isn't yours anymore." I didn't really understand what she meant until a few months later. My body was a milk machine-food cubby, it was a playground, it did weird things, and I was still supposed to be sexy?? Well, 5 years later, I thought I could get my body to be mine again... no breastfeeding, I've lost a little weight, yada-yada. But now all the boys in my house has this fascination with my boobs. What is it with guys and boobs? I thought it was just a high school thing? Apparently not since my big 36 year old loves 'em & my little boys can't keep their hands off of 'em. Sheesh. This is what happened yesterday. I was sitting on the couch and Elias climbs on my lap & gives me the biggest bear hug (I love those kine hugs!) He then grabs my shirt and looks inside.

Elias: "What's that?"

me: "mommy"

Elias: "no. that." (puts his hand down my shirt and pats my boobs)

me: "paipai" (japanese)

Josiah: "I wanna see!"

me: "eh, you guys not supposed to be looking down girls' shirts. It's private."

Josiah: "but you're not a girl. You're mom."

Elias: "paipai! paipai! paipai!"

Josiah: "how come you have that mom?"

me: "Cuz Heavenly Father made me that way."

Elias: "How come?"

me: "Heavenly father made it" (I couldn't think of anything else to say!)

Elias: "oooooh! I like it!" and starts rubbing both of them with his hands.

I tickle both of them so they'll just stop already!

Maybe if I wear Victoria's Secret 5 million dollar bra they would just leave my boobs alone. Maybe not. They'll just want to take picture of it or something. Not a habit I'd like them to start!

Bad choice?

Last night Josiah & Elias were playing on their train table. Josiah took a long time to set up the tracks and made it all cool and different. They were so happy and I could hear them playing, making choo-choo train sounds. The next thing I heard was some "gucha gucha" sounds & I knew Elias messed up the tracks again. (He's famous for destroying Josiah's creations!)

Josiah: "Aaaaw maaan! Elias! Why did you do that? Mom! Elias made a bad choice! He broke my train tracks."

me: "yes, he did make a bad choice. Elias, can you apologize to your brother?"

Josiah: "That's okay mom. I'm alright."

one second later...

Josiah: "Mom, I'm going to punch Elias. I'm going to make a bad choice too."

(proceeds to attack Elias while I try to figure out something to say!)

Going Green

I've been concerned about the earth's environment ever since Josiah was born ~ but I never really did anything about it. I'm not one of those green gurus, but I do try to recycle what I can. Pat & I get one of those Menehune water (5 gallons) twice a month and it reduces a lot of plastic bottles from buying bottled water. The thing that gets me is the plastic bags though. I read somewhere that more than half of our landfill is full of plastic bags and just rubbish that is used to contain stuff. Like cheese slices. Or ziploc bags that were used only once. I want to cut back on using that kine stuff, but either I don't really know how, or just lazy. I really admire people like Jack Johnson who is just an awesomely cool advocate of saving the earth. And I really want to see "An Inconvenient Truth" soon. I want to do my part in trying to keep the earth beautiful for my grandchildren. A lot of it has disappeared and its just getting worse. I keep thinking of the movie "Wall-e" and it is just a gnawing knot in my stomach because I know I need to do more.

I do try to use those reusable totes when I go shopping though. I bought a bunch of 'um at Whole Foods when I was up in Oregon. But I lost some or I just forget I have them in my car, or I use them for other stuff (like laundry or beach/pool/park bag). I've been browsing online & found these 2 that I really like. But heck! They're so dang expensive! Sheez. I'll just post pictures of it so I can look at how cute they are. And then maybe it will give me inspiration to do more!

4 Day Weekend

I can't believe how fast this Thanksgiving weekend has gone by. Pat & I had to do the tag-team thing with our jobs, but we did manage to be together as a family. On Wednesday night we had a movie night at home. We put the aircon really high, moved the couch, brought out all of our pillows & blankets, and had popcorn with arare & m&m's. We watched Journey to the Center of the Earth and the boys loved it! It was a good movie - lots of adventure.

On Thanksgiving Day Pat & out boys dropped me off at work and they headed to the park to ride bikes and play. We all met up in Wahiawa @ Uncle Don's house & grinded some ono food.

Friday & Saturday we just pretty much stayed at home and cruzed. The boys were in the yard & patio a lot and you should see how messy it is! That's ok though. As long as they had fun. Elias was muddy and naked pretty much all day. So funny. We're potty training him and he just takes off his bibs whenver & wherever. And he hates to put them back on.

Tonight we put up our Christmas tree, lights, decorations, & nativity. So exciting! Josiah especially. He played with the little people nativity for a long time trying to match it to the picture. He kept asking who the wise men were and why they were bringing presents and why baby Jesus was sleeping in a barn. I loved telling him the story and I was so happy that he was asking questions about it.

We took Elias to mom's house for his "bachan time" and Siah had me & Pat all to himself. We went to Pizza Hut to cash in his Reader's Reward that he earned at school. Today was the last day so we didn't want to miss out on a free pizza. Siah was so happy & ended the night playing Mario Kart with Pat and a cookie from me :0) I sang him to sleep and he was out by the second song. So cute. It was a good long weekend!

Mantra

Black Friday

I'm working a seasonal job at Coach in Waikele just to get some extra cash for the holidays (and the discount isn't so bad either!) Everyone has been talking about the "economic crisis" the past few months, but shoot, there was no sign of that today! I can't believe how many people were in the store today. There was a line to get IN the store and an hour wait in line to get up to the cashier. Crazy! And people are buying bagSSS. Not just like one or two, but multiple $100+ bags.

It was kinda sad though as some of them brought their kids in with them and actually waited in line at midnight. When I was a child, I thought gifts were brought from santa. I don't remember Christmas shopping. I remember seeing a whole bunch of present for me under the tree and not being able to sleep on Christmas eve. Are we taking that away from our children's generation? I want them to have that hope, and that innocence. Is it too late? When Pat dropped me off at work today, Josiah & Elias were wondering why there was so much traffic. We tried explaining about Christmas shopping and stuff but they don't understand all that yet. And I'm glad they don't. I want them to have memories of being with family, eating great food, playing fun games, and just being together having fun. Not hunting around for the best "deal" and scolding them to stay still in the store or to sit down in a shopping cart.

Giving thanks on Thanksgiving

I'm Thankful for...

My Heavenly Father lending me breath for 35+ years.

My wonderful husband

My awesome sons

My loving family

My great friends

Our jobs

Our home

Our health

Raising my kids in Hawaii

Having the opportunity & support in grad school

Eternal families

BlUe SkIeS

MuSiC

LaUgHtEr

FrEeDoM

FoOd

huGs

& KiSsEs...

Gettin' ready for Turkey Day

Josiah came home from school today so excited to show me his turkey art project. So cute yeah?

Out of the mouths of babes...

I've heard that your children are a true reflection of yourself. If so, I really need to straighten up!

When I spank Elias (which is only on rare occasion) he says, "Hey! That's mean! No make trouble! You have to love one another!"

Josiah: "This REALLY is my last cookie. For real. I promise."

Elias: "hey, HEY, HEEEY! Stop it!

Josiah: "Helloooo! I'm talking to you!"

Elias: "Stay here. I'll be riiiight back."

Josiah: "Huuuuuuugh!"

Do I really sound like that? I think I'm gonna cry. Yes, I get stressed out when they're jumping and moving 24/7 and my house looks like a tornado went thru it - twice. And, yeah, I lose it sometimes when I have to repeat myself 20 million times before there's any acknowledgement. BUT, I'm not like that all the time... or am I? How come they don't imitate the good stuff??

Distance Education

This semester I've been teaching a pilot distance ed program with BYU-Hawaii. I've had some mixed feelings over it, but I'm glad that I had the experience to test it out. I'm excited yet worried that this is going to take off for international students. It's a great program, and besides all the tech difficulties (which is A LOT), I'm really proud of my students who have been active participants this entire semester. But, at the same time, I'm sad that there were only 7 active students out of a class of 18. Shoot, that's not even half. The new president of BYUH is focusing a lot on Asia - but what about Polynesia? I had a student who had to take a boat to another island just to get internet access that he had to pay for. And he could only make it out there once a week, and he was lucky if the connection was good. Doesn't he deserve the same attention and opportunity?

Anyway, bottom line is yes, a person can learn thru distance ed (shoot, I'm doing my master's at a distance), but people need people. That's the best way to learn. I've found that out the hard way and I'll be so sad if others will too.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta

Don't ask me why I totally love this show. I dunno if it's because I feel sorry for them or if I'm jealous of their houses. If you haven't watched it, it's pretty hilarious. Super duper rich "29" year olds who act like they're 15 is funny. From a wanna be country singer who buys a loaded escalade with a personal check, to another who says people are "intimidated by my success" - there's a whole range of characters on this show. My fave has got to be Lisa who is so hyper but knows how to channel her energy. I know, I know, there's a lot of people who say, "I don't waste my time watching junk" - but hey, this is my brain candy. And it's the only thing that comes on late at night. And I still can't fathom that some people haven't cooked in over ten years, or have their own personal glam-squad come over to their salon in the basement. And I really, really wanna know who Nene's real father is. I wonder what kind of show it would be if it was the Real Housewives of Hawaii. I definitely wouldn't be in it. My life has its ups & downs, but no drama. And I like it that way. I guess that's why I like this show: I can get my drama fix that's about the lives of people I don't know, I can get my gossip on about people who want to be talked about, and it only lasts an hour a week. I say that's better than being stuck with a blinged out escalade I can't park.

Sundays

Pat and I are so busy working or studying that it's hard to spend time together as a whole family during the week. We try to reserve Sunday afternoons and evenings for just us 4. We love to walk around Ala Moana park and watch the surfers, throw stones into the ocean, or find crabs. We love to go to Kakaako park and walk along the side and watch the boats going out or find cardboard boxes and slide down the huge grassy hills. We love to go to Kahala and watch the dolphins play and make castles in the sand. Just to be together and enjoy this beautiful island that we live on. That's paradise to me.

This past week, we went to Ko Olina. Here's just a few pictures of us relaxing on a beautiful Sunday.

My husband, mah babes

So what can I say about the love of my life? He is my best friend. We were friends for so long before we even hooked up and it seemed so natural to get married. I love Pat so much. He loves to talk story - more than me! He is always on my side. He truly understands me and knows how to handle me. He is my biggest support and my honest critic.

Pat is my Moloka'i boy but has been in Honolulu for a long time. It gets to him someimes so we go back home to Kaunakakai to refuel. He loves cars and video games and he'll talk about it for hours. He has fun with his online friends playing Xbox late into the night. Pat is a hard worker. He works long hours and is always happy to come home. He has the most sexiest arms and hands. Strong yet gentle and I love how he holds me when we fall asleep at night.

Pat is such a good daddy. He loves our boys and has fun playing, wrestling, and roughhousing them. But then at night, when it's his turn to put them to bed, it melts my heart when I hear him singing lullabies softly.

I always tell him that marrying him was the best thing I ever did in my life. It's so true. I'm complete with him and I love spending my life with my honey.

My Elias

Elias ~ is a title in the scriptures given to one who is the forbearer of Christ. He prepares others for His coming.

Kamaehu ~ Is Hawaiian for strength, resilience, abe to withstand

Yukio ~ is my grandfather's name. It means blessed/happy man.

Elias is my easy going, all around happy guy. He loves to laugh and joke around and loves big hugs and kisses. He has such a cute voice and I melt everytime he whispers when he asks me for something. Elias is really clever when he wants something. If he thinks I'll say no to something, he won't ask me. He'll bring m&m's or a snack, or a toy, anything, to me and set it down near me. He'll then push it a little towards me every few seconds or so until it's on my lap (or on my face when I'm sleeping!) How can I say no??

Elias loves to take his time and observe everything. He notices all the small things that are just fascinating and that I would totally miss if it wasn't for him. He loves to read books and is always carrying one around. He also loves helicopters (helitata!) and has a ton of them - and he carries them all at the same time. He loves the beach and the water and is so cute when he gets out of the shower with his towel on.

He gets hyper with his brother too and they love to wrestle together and stresses me out when I see their bodies and limbs going every which way and they're still laughing. When he doesn't get his way, he cries and puts both hands in his mouth and says, "What about me?!"

He is my sweetie pie. He brings me peace when I'm frazzled. He really is my happy man. I love my Elias!

Love my Siah

I just wanted to talk about each of my loves individually...
My Siah :0)
My first born son.
Josiah ~ was a king found in the bible that helped his people get on track from wicked ways.
Kahiau ~ is Hawaiian meaning "to freely give from the heart". I wanted to capture the personalities of Pat & his dad, Eddie, who passed away in 2000. Both are such giving people. I also wanted to capture being blessed. Freely giving from the heart doesn't mean sacrifice - it means that one is blessed abundantly and wants to share it with others.
Naoyuki ~ Nao is Japanese meaning "to heal" and Yuki means blessed or happiness. The Japanese kanji for Yuki has been part of my mother's family for a long time. Each son/male has yuki in it somewhere.

Josiah is my active, strong, sensitive boy. He got up on all fours when he was being weighed just minutes after being born. He's my fireball - running, jumping, tumbling, hugging, & wrestling. He cannot stay still because he wants to see, touch, and experience everything; as fast as he can so he won't miss anything.
Josiah is also my opihi. He sticks on me like glue when he's scared, or when he just wants hugs.
He likes to sing and dance, is so talented in athletics, played basketball before he was 2 years old, and loves to have his back scratched at night.
He's very extreme - no middle ground for this guy. When he's shy, he is super shy. Doesn't look you in the eye, doesn't say a peep... and then like 15 minutes later, he's comfortable; jumping around you, making trouble.
I see so much for him in the future. He's strong willed and persistant, and with such a loving and caring heart. He will make a good life for himself. Just as long as he's happy. That's all a mother can ask.
I love my Siah!!

Where's the Aloha?

I've been hunting all day for an aloha print dress - & I can't find any! I went everywhere & there's all kinds of old lady dresses and all kinds of cute teen dresses (the kind you have to be a stick so that it'll fit nice). Aren't there any dresses for 30 year olds? Ones that don't make me look like a tent?

I'm from Hawaii so I should have at least one nice aloha print type of clothing. right? And, I also should have a hawaiian bracelet. (hint! hint!) The bracelet I have is hidden somewhere collecting dust in a box. Kanamu gave it to me many moons ago and everytime I wore it before I got married, Pat would always give me hassles about it. So I just put it away. I've wanted one for a long time, but it's so darn expensive!

But, what name would I put on it? Ikuwa? Kahiau? Kamaehu? Ka'i'ini? I wish we had a Hawaiian last name. I guess I just need to have a daughter.... ;0)

My life at the moment

Since I haven't kept track of my life in any form for the past couple years, here is my life at the moment.

• I'm officially in my mid-30's
• In grad school pursuing a Master's in Intercultural Relations
• Teaching w/ BYUH (going on 7 years... who would've thought?)
• Currently doing a distance pilot program for EIL
• Having fun with my 2 boys
• Still in love with my honey
• Starting to love running (even though I have to take a break after 3 songs)
• Finally got my shake back
• Discovered two new beaches on the North Shore this year

That's it in a nutshell. Now I can start writing the good stuff. Tomorrow. I tired.

Proud Tutu

This was in today's MidWeek. I love it.

Overflow

I have so much on my mind these past few weeks. From family, to friends, to school, to work, to bills, healthy eating, regular exercise, having fun, working hard, being grateful, being frustrated, man! You'd think I'm PMSing or something. I haven't kept a journal for a long time so maybe that's why I have all this stuff in my head. Isn't weird that once you write something down it feels so much better? So here... blah. I'll just do what my mom always says, "Take one day at a time". And I wanna add "& live it." I don't want to take anything for granted.

Figuring this all out

I am so tech challenged. I'm trying to make my blog all cute & stuff, but everytime I click on edit, it says error on page. Help!

Sucked In!

So after a long time of trying to understand what blogging was, to a period of "I'm never gonna do that", to drooling after friends' blogs, I've finally decided to make one. So... here it is! My very first post! Whoo hoo! I know that no one is gonna read this, but I think this is a great way to journal. Thanks Marj!