Makena's 1st Birthday!

The Ohana

The Birthday Girl... as it says!

The cousins Makena and Cody... I LOVE THIS PIC!!!

Makena's 1st birthday was a HIT!

It was a beautiful sunny day and we were quite worried about that. Just the few weekends prior they ALL rained so we weren't sure what we were looking at for her day. To our surprise it was perfect.

Here are a few pic's...

Makena

Children!

Children are awesome aren't they. My sister has 3 kids. Next month Makena turns 1 and Meka turns 2. Times goes by so fast.

I've been so busy so I don't get to write as often as I like but remember...

Enjoy life! It's the only one you've got!

President Barack Obama!

This morning I watched the swearing in of the 44th President of the United States. To most of the country is it a tremendous day. Since it happened at noon on the east coast it was especially early in Hawaii. I wake up at 7am every morning to get Maika up and ready for school. When I woke up and turned on the TV, a musical number was finishing up. I had no idea where they were in the proceedings.

When they had finished playing, Maika came into my room and sat down. The speaker for the inauguration said, "we will now have Barack Obama take the oath into office!". I was so happy that I didn't miss it. I was also glad that Maika, at 9 years old was able to see the first black President make his oath into office. Live, not a re-run. Many are against him and many in support of him.

In either case, HISTORY WAS MADE ON THIS DAY.

Words and there power...

We don't realize the power and influence that words have on others. It's so much easier to put your feelings into words. Just by simply grabbing a paper, pen and put down a few strokes. The deed is done. It's similar to what I'm doing now. Blogging. It's my thoughts. Anything I want to talk about. Anything that I want to let people know.

For example. A friend of mine that I've known since around the second grade was on her mission. You read correctly, her. She is Mormon and was on a mission. It's my understanding that it's unusual but not impossible for a woman to go on a mission. Anyway, after training she was sent to Wisconsin. While there she had incredible headaches and one day it was so excruciating that they rushed her to the emergency room. There they found a brain tumor that was cancerous. Surgery and therapies were to follow. According to her sisters blog, she is recovering nicely and isn't losing hope, faith and God's spirit hasn't left her. They kept the Word with them.

When I had this blog in mind it was totally different then what it's evolved into. But that's ok. Evolution happens. We must go with it.

Until next time...

Let there be LIGHT!!

Last night at about 6:45pm, our electricity went out as we were eating dinner. Luckily my mother is crazy for candles because we weren't completely in the dark.

But the crazy part is that almost the entire island with an exception of a few places went out too.

Here we are, over 16 hours later. The power finally came on about 12pm or so.

LET THERE BE LIGHT!!!

Christmas 2008!

This Christmas was all about the family. I haven't been home for a holiday in 4 years. I would say that those were long years but that would be an incredible lie. Those years passed before your eyes. Can you believe that in a week it'll be 2009? OMG!!

All the new years resolutions are in the works and many are unfortunately broken quickly. Losing weight. Quitting smoking. Don't do this, do that. All of them are well thought out and are great for you once carried thru.

May all you be better than years past. I know I need to.

Take care and Merry Christmas to you all!!!

Soon it'll be here...

"Mele Kalikimaka"

Christmas is a matter of 2 days away. Isn't that crazy. I've wrapped so many gifts that I'm almost ready for Thursday too come. That way there is no more wrapping, just the clean-up, lots of food and well needed R & R....

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone!!!

Newest pictures!

This is Maika. He was an "Angel!"

This is Makena. She'll walk before she crawls.

And this is Meka. He has a mind of his own!

Hello all my friends.

I have some pictures of my niece Makena and nephews Maika and Meka. A mouthful isn't it? It's been great spending time with them. They all have there own personalities. Maika is 9 and very helpful, Meka is 19 months and likes to cruise, then there Makena at 8 months. She like to cruise too but also likes to be entertained. She thinks I'm funnier than anything she's ever seen before.

It's all good. My sisters lucky that all her kids are pretty calm. They aren't criers or anything.

Have a great Christmas and New Year!

Christmas!

Christmas is fast approaching. How time truly flies. I have been fortunate to spend the past 2 weeks with my family. Especially my new niece Makena and nephew Meka. They are so cute.

It's been a really long time since I've been around a baby.. let alone 2 of them. They are what makes decorating that much more special. They appreciate it so much more. My niece Makena is all about the lights. Absolutely go's nuts for them and ends up talking to them. It's so funny. Meka just likes to look. They both look at EVERYTHING! Kids are curious.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone!!! Take care...

Until next time....

I'm back!

So yesterday was turkey day 2008. I spent the morning with my very good friend and her family in Washington. By 6 that evening, I was on a flight coming back to Hawaii.

That's right. I'm back. I left a lot of good people that I'm sure I'll see again but for now, I'm home.

I miss and love you all in Seattle. You guys made my time there very memorable. And the people I spoke to in California for work, Aloha!

My old friend Toni!

I just found out that a friend of mine that I've known for the past 15 year or so had a brain tumor. She went into surgery which was tricky and has recently opened her eyes after a induced coma.

She is one of the most positive people I've ever met. It's so sad that this happened to her but I'm sure that she'll be fine. God will help her pull thru it.

If you know Toni and want to help, her family started a blog:
http://www.tonikaonohi.blogspot.com/

They have a benefit Ho'olaulea on November 1 in the shack Waikiki.
More info is on her page.

Cruise to Alaska!! On the Star Princess!!

Last month my mother and Auntie Heidi came from Hawaii to meet me for a cruise. The next day my other Auntie, Bonnie, came from Denver. We hung out with a bunch of shopping and eating. The next morning was the day to board the ship. I've been on 3 other Princess ships before. They are all so beautiful.

My family absolutely enjoyed themselves. I think the favorite was lobster night. And Auntie Bonnie liked the casino. I have to admit the once I finally started playing, I like it too. I won a little everytime.

I've worked for Princess now going on 4 years. It's definitely a true story that after your first cruise, your hooked....

Going home!

A friend of mine was only 22 weeks pregnant and her son was on his way in and out of this world. The funeral was yesterday. It's so sad to bury your children. I'm thankful that my mom, dad, brother, sister, and all my nieces and nephews are still with me. There were a couple of close calls but God is good.

I thank God all the time for the family that I do have. I don't get to see them often but when I do, we have fun and lots of laughs.

In a month I get to take a cruise to Alaska with my mom and 2 of my Aunties. We'll have a lot of fun. My mother's birthday happens to be on that cruise. PARTAY!

Today's message!

I went to church today for the first time in weeks, months probably. And everytime is like the message is just for me. It's amazing how God is talking to you through someone else. One of the passages that was on the notes from church was:

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4: 8-9 (NIV)

The message at church today was don't lose heart... with the focus of hope.

It was a good message. I hope you all have a great week. Love you all. Take care and God Bless!

MUAH!

The next baby girl!

So I have always been the baby girl in the family...

Let me present the newest addition to the family.

My sister Misty and brother-in-law Livi had a baby girl yesterday afternoon. She was 7 lbs and about 11 ozs and 20 inches long. So my big sister finally has her baby girl.

Her name is Makena. She has 2 big brothers to look after when she gets older... Meka and Maika. Meka and Makena and 2 weeks shy of 1 year apart. I'm not sure of who will look after who. If Makena is anything like Misty... we'll see! :-)

I'll post a picture when I get a picture...

I love you all....

Take care and God Bless!!!

Happy Easter!

Hello to all my friends and family from afar!

Today is another day that the Lord has made...
Yesterday where I live was a Easter egg hunt for the kids and a short skit about what Jesus went through for us.

I'm always amazed about life. I remember when I was a kid, I use to just think out of the blue, I can't believe that I can walk. I can't believe that I can see. That's amazing! The things that we can do in life are just amazing!

I can't wait until the summer muddles along. It'll be warmer and sunny. I'll see my mother and my Aunties soon. I miss my family everyday. Especially for the holidays.

But there is one thing that will never change....

You are all, always in my heart!

I LOVE YOU ALL!!! AND I MISS YOU ALL!!!
Until the next time...

Team work!

I have been the team captain of about 10 co-workers for the "Princess Alaska Iditarod Challenge!" The Grand prize was a work paid Fam. (Familiarization trip). My team was determined and we worked really hard and encouraged each other. And guess what. In the end it was quite close but 30 miles divided 1st and 2nd place. The tally is in and I get to go to ALASKA and my job pays!!!

They pay the airfare, lodging and food. We also get some tours included!!!

What an awesome trip to look forward too...

Cruising!

My job revolves around... What dining do you prefer?.... or; Would you like a queen or twin size bed?....; Do you want air with this reservation? But what you get after the fact is....

A FOREVER CRUISER....

I've had people call and say, "I've just got off your ship and I'm hooked!" They think that cruising is the best thing ever. And I have a hard time disagreeing. There is no cell service for the most part... The internet is more like turtle DSL... So you are forced to do some much needed R and R!

The last couple of times I was on a ship, I ate myself silly. They have the best food. The fruit is fresh and the fish is perfect. And a 24 hour buffet. Who could ask for anything more? I mean... really!

I like my job and trust me.... People are crazy for cruising...

Ode to the New Year!

Well, here we are... 2008!

For the first time in a really long time I went to church. In the words of my mother sunday afternoon, "I'm so proud of you!"

I feel that I have some sort of calling. I have been sent to Washington for a reason. Every step of the way I've have met interesting people and have had just as interesting encounters that I've been able to help with in one way or another and put myself to good use. After all, everything happens for a reason.

When I decided to move here it was actually God who made that choise. I prayed about it and God said yes, go.

Here I am 3 years later. I've met a lot of new people and have been to 2 other states and another country. I think that's pretty darn good. And all of that without flying. You can't say you can do that back home.

So for the message from church... it was:

"Don't worry, Be happy!"

Good Bye 2007!

This past year a lot of I have a lot of things to look back at.

For starters, I have totalled 80 pounds lost. My family didn't know what to say when they saw me other than... "OH MY GOSH!" My mom even said, "I wouldn't have recognized you!" That's pretty awesome for someone that was overweight her whole life. I plan on keeping this a permanent look...

Next I'm entering my 3rd year away from home. Man does time fly. I remember just yesterday I left Hawai'i with 2 suitcases and 2 boxes and boarded a plane for my new life. It's been quite the adventure since I've been gone and quite the enjoyable one. Nothing is complete without it's ups and downs and trust me, I've had my share of those.

I've made and lost friends since I've been here. That's ok. God places people in our path for us to learn from them. And for whatever reason, they exit as quick as they come. Everything happens for a reason. That's my motto.

Another thing that I've learned about myself this year is how strong of a woman I am. I remember how easy people used to walk all over me and how timid I was about standing up for myself. Now, people can't pull anything over me or push me around. I will push right back. I don't have to be mean about it. Words are power and I'm learning how to use them. I think that I get from my dad. :-)

The part that I get from my mother is my heart. I am a Christan thru and thru. The words that come out of my mouth may not reflect it at times but my actions definitely speak louder than words. I don't want to say all the "noble or humble" things that I've done because I don't do anything for praise. I do it because for one reason or another, I feel that I need or want to do it.

The down side to this year for me, I missed my sister giving birth to my nephew Meka and my sister getting married a couple of weeks ago. It's awesome that I have my independence here and I live alone. I truly love it here with the season changes; which you don't have in Hawai'i; but you miss so much. That's the hardest thing. You get a phone call and it's someone saying, "I'm pregnant." Or another call saying, "I'm getting married." You can't help but feel that it sucks. I appreciate the time spent in Hawai'i with the family. I can't wait for the next trip.

These are all things that I've learned, encountered, realized, overcome, and accomplished as of 2007 and the 3 years that I've lived in Washington state. I'm sure that I'm missing a ton more stuff but that's ok. The main thing is that I'm happy (most of the time), healthy (most of the time) and am looking pretty good (all of the time...) HAHA!

Looking forward to what 2008 has in store for us all.
I think it's going to be a good year!

What I've been up to?

My two friends Shelia (left) and Michelle.

My incredible friend Carla (who happens to be my boss!)

Good friends Robin (left) and Vicky who's from Hawai'i too.

I've been busy and a little under the weather but first things first. Last week friday I had my company christmas party. It was at the Sheraton in downtown Seattle. Very close to where I work.


We had a lot of fun. Here are a couple of pictures...

Thanksgiving 2007!

This year was just another choice of where is God going to land me for Thanksgiving. Another holiday for me to drop where I may.

I ended up at my good friend Michelle's grandmother's house. She lives almost an hour away from me in the state capital Olympia. It was a very nice holiday. I cooked some of my mothers dishes that were a hit. And everything was from scratch. Nothing from a box. That is one of the reason people think I'm spoiled. I made stuffing (not Stovetop) and baked beans (not Bushes).

It was so good. I was very impressed with myself and am more like my mother than I thought. I knew that I could bake but apparently I can cook a few of her famed dishes as well. I was a hit!

Go SEAHAWKS!

Tonight was the first Seahawks professional football game I saw. It was very cool. A friend of mine from work is a season ticket holder. His seats were incredible. They are in the 100 section. We were so close to the field and it was a close game.

The Seattle Seahawks played the Chicago Bears and the score you ask, was 30-23 to the Hawks.

It was a great first game and perhaps it will not be my last! I will put a picture later so you can see where our seats were...

Until next time...

My commute!

So yesterday was quite the day to say the least....

My friend Michelle commute to and from work together on public transportation which on a normal day is fine. The bus is totally fine. But yesterday was a joke. Michelle was sick. I thought she was going to vomit next to me. I had a plastic bag taking some stuff home, so I made it fit in my messanger bag (works like a purse for you men...) and gave her the bag just in case.

So she was tired of waiting for our normal bus and we got on another bus and were just going to walk across the street to the Transit Center that we catch our bus from. On the 30-45 minute bus ride the driver makes an announcement that there is a flat tire and she is pulling over at the next bus stop.

So we get off that bus and get on the next bus. We no longer have to walk across the street to the Transit Center because the new bus we got on actually took us there. Michelle said, "never a dull moment with us!" Amen to that!!

Once we got off the bus she said, "since this day went to pot... we deserve a drink!" Who was she kidding. We had a bowl of soup at Applebees.

That was our EXCITING day yesterday!

My Ohana!

When I went home this summer Maika said: Let's take a family portrait!



So here it is.



Our Family Portrait...

Sorry!

Well, I finally got my computer back after 2 weeks. I had a bad power supply so it was fixed. It's sad but it was hard not having a computer at home. Almost like not having a cell phone when you go out. We became so dependent on these things. And I've been so busy with work that once I'm home I'm pretty down for the count.

So now that I will be able to download my pictures without worrying that my computer will die in the middle of the process, I can send some off via e-mail. I'll try to get that done in the next few days.

Take care and I hope to get this out more regularly now.

All the love...

Light the Night!!!

Tonight is the night that we are walking for Leukemia and Lymphoma society. We had a goal of $2000 for the team. The preliminary totals that we got yesterday as we were leaving work was slightly over that so we MADE OUR GOAL!!!!!

But all the money isn't in yet so when I get the actual figures then I will let you all know.

Personally, I raised on my own $400. Thank you so much for the people who supported me in this effort. It meant a lot to me.

Update!

Hello there people.

I know that it's been a REALLY long time since my last post but this girls been busy!!!!!

Work is going good. I'm doing a lot of new things. Maybe a promotion is in the future... :-)

Next month I'm going on the one day cruise over here. That'll be fun.

And lastly I came home for a visit last month for 10 whole days. I have pictures and will post them at some point. I'm not on my computer right now so that will have to be later.

Hope all is well and I'll talk to you all later.

I love you....

Until the next time!

Happy Independence Day!

This morning I worked 5am to 2pm. It was almost a free day. Not too many calls and it was nice and easy. It feels similar to a weekend but in the middle of the week. I'm SSSOOOOO close to my vacation I can taste it. Thank God that my job is busy. Time is flying for me to get home!

Walk for cancer!

This morning I had a 5K walk for cancer. It was 6 of my boss', 2 other ladies from my company in different departments and myself. We were team Princess Tours and the speaker at the end of the marathon said the top three fundraisers for individuals and teams. We were in 3rd place for teams. The first place for individuals raised over $8,000 and for the team it was over $14,000. It was amazing.

There was something that you could buy called a tribute patch. You buy one (a donation) and put a name on it of someone your walking for. Then you wear it throughout your walk/run and at the end you place it on the wall. I got one for my Auntie Lei. She died of Leukemia years ago. My very good friend (who also happens to be my boss) Carla made one for her mom Pilar and my other supervisor Shannon made one for her husband Greg.

Here's one more step towards a cure...