Christmas this year!

Cori and I taking one of many shot's this evening. This is one of the best I think...

Lindsey and Cori posing for me...memories!

Edith and I taking a break from cooking for Cori to snap one!

Well this year's christmas is over... the present part anyway. I got a card from my parents which is always appreciated and the family that I live with unexpectedly bought me things from American Eagle, Victoria Secret, and Bath and Body Works among a couple of other things that I'm not sure where they bought them from.

I helped my friend Lindsey make these kick ass cookies called hockey pucks so I suppose that means I technically had a hand in my own christmas present.

Edith made a very nice Italian spread with an appetizer and main dish for dinner and I made the dessert. Actually I supervised her daughter Cori in making the dessert. She's 14 and I'm teaching her how to bake. She did amazing at Thanksgiving which was much harder than this holiday.

I hope you enjoy the few pictures from this holiday. I wish that I was home with my family but being here with my friends was the next best thing. Enjoy!

Princess Christmas Party!

My boss Carla and I!

My really good friend Lindsey. We share a pod at work.

The only 2 person pod on the floor!

Princess Tours has a Christmas Party every year and this year it was at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel. (Very nice if I do say so). The food was excellent and the atmosphere was beautiful. But honestly, a lot of my co-workers go for 3 reason's...free food, pretty good prizes are given, and to see what the newbies consider FORMAL WEAR! Trust me, that was reason in itself to go. As far as the food went, I already commented on that. There are a limited amounts of prizes and if I remember correctly I think there were only about 7 or something around that. My name happened to be the first one called and I get one night free at the Waterfront. I'll probably extend the stay and we'll have a girls night out...weekend! That'll be fun sometime this summer.

Here are a couple of picture on my FORMAL WEAR! Enjoy family... This is the first dress like this that you've seen on me in a very long time...

The latest on our FAB weather!

The weather here has been so sucky! But I still would rather live here than back home. 3 weeks ago we had snow, then 2 weeks ago there was some flooding and just last week we had a 100 mph windstorm. The snow was so bad that we were stuck in the house for 2 days. The flood didn't affect me (thank God) but the wind did. We had no electricity for about 5 days. Luckily I had pre-arranged to not be home for a few of those days before the news of the storm and the people that I stayed with never lost power.

Say hello to mother nature!

Guess what!?!?

My sister called me at work today and gave me some news that I've been waiting for...

She's having a BABY GIRL!!!!

Her first name will be Makena and I have the honor of giving her a middle name in hawaiian.

Let's see what I come up with....

My life....then and now!

Since I've moved to Seattle I've grown and experience more than I ever would have in Hawai'i. I had people come and go in the 2 short years that I've been here and have made amazing friends along the way. I've passed birthday's, holidays, house-warmings, and just dinners and hang outs because we felt like having them. This weekend me and a couple of friends are having a girls night out with a sleep over in West Seattle. Over there has a FABULOUS view of the sunset.

I'm very blessed to have had the opportunity to be where I've been and God has a plan on where I'll be going.

Snow day's!

Who know that snow day's could be awesome and suck all at the same time.

I couldn't leave the house to go to work for 2 whole days because my street was literally a layer of ice. The freeway was a mess and there were stranded buses everywhere for those commuters like myself who chose to be smarter and not drive everyday. I didn't mind staying home because it was nice to not wake up at 4:30am.

And trust me...the outdoors look absolutely BEAUTIFUL!

But by the end of the second day of not setting one foot out of the house I was ready to go somewhere...anywhere. EVEN WORK...

It was nice to get back to life after my break of the random snow days...

What's new with me...

Well, it's been a lone while since my last blog entry so here are a few things I missed and things that I need to add that are recent....

I haven't been on the web much lately because of the busy and craziness of my current life. It's kind of nice not being attached to this machine being that I'm attached to it at work but a few birthday's I did forget to mention was my dad, sister, Auntie Heidi and Uncle Pat who were all in September. Then I just realized that my sister's best friend Ave's birthday was also missed a few weeks ago in October so I'm not that far off with that one.

Next, thanks to everyone who asked about my family back home and how they were doing after the earthquake hit. It was a pretty bad one and everyone felt it. Fortunately my family and everyone important to me are fine.

Last bit of news that came this week was on wednesday I think. I was on the phone with my mother right before I was going to bed and she told me that my grandmother died. My dad's mom. She had alzheimer's and I think she was close to or if not was around 80 years old. That was the 3rd grandparent of mine to pass away. I have one left. My mom's mom is my old surviving grandparent and the day she dies I will be on the next plane home. What a month this has been.

Well, until the next time...

The end of the vacation!

My mother left this morning. Her flight was pretty early which are always the best flights. We had a very full week of shopping, sight seeing, mini road trip, and dinners out with the important friends in my new life. We ate at places that aren't in Hawaii and she really liked it.

I think her visit here put her mind a little more at ease about my living so far away from home.

Here's one of the pictures when we went to Oregan. This is at Multnomah Falls. Beautiful Waterfalls and very nice picture opportunities. This is just one of many we took.

So far in the week...

On tuesday my mother and I were the "Seattle Tourists". We went to the Space Needle, Pike's Place Market, The Lock's (the picture above) where you watch the salmon and she got to see my office at Princess Tours.

Tomorrow we're going on the Underground Tour in Pioneer Square. It's a very old looking part of town. Looks pretty cool I think.

I think that my mom's liking Seattle but it's amazing to her the freeway's that we have. There's so many of them. She doesn't thing that she'll ever get used to that.

Tomorrow is her last full day here. I'm sure it'll be a good one.

Thanks to my friends who made this a good visit for her.

Unfortunate...

One thing about life that is really sad is when you look at people and they are fake. Why can't people just be real. Being real is so much better. You are more relaxed. More happy. Life is more full and you can see what God wants you to see. Live the way God wants you to live. Enjoy the life he has laid out for you.

When life doesn't work out the way you want it too then too bad. It's not supposed to work out when you want it too. It's nice when it does but we work on God's time. He's always been great to me. God knows what we need when we need it. He knows what's in our heart.

I knew someone that when I looked at her, I saw God every day...it's sad that when I look at her now, it's gone. No humility, no grace...nothing. How does that happen. Bitterness, unforgiveness, hate. That's now what I see and it's heartbreaking. Oh well. There nothing that I can do about it.

God loves us all and is there when we need him. Remember that.

This week!

I have been waiting a long time for this but my mom is finally here for her visit. Her flight was delayed by 2 hours but that's ok. She got here safely and we got to my friends house at 1am.

Last night we had a huge dinner (and I got my hawaiian food) at my place. She got to meet some very important people in my life. The 2 woman that I call my "other mother's" and some really good friends of mine.

Today we went to church which was great so she met more people which I honestly haven't seen in awhile. Unfortunately Carrie wasn't available for her to meet. My mom wanted to but that was not in the cards. Then I showed her the different places I used to work.

Tomorrow we are going to Portland, OR. That should be a lot of fun. I've never been there and neither has my mother so we should enjoy ourselves a lot. Especially because we're going with a friend of my whose a HOOT!

A lot more things to do during the week but we're taking it one day at a time. More than anything we're just hanging out since the last time I saw her was August of last year. That's too long.

Until next time.

My first cruise!

Last weekend I went on my first cruise. It was so much fun. I was on the Dawn Princess. There were so many co-workers of mine and we had a blast by the pool, in the night club and I even got to watch a comedy show that was HILARIOUS!

I ate at every eatery on the ship...good stuff!

Can't wait for the next one.

New new's...

I have 2 sets of news to share with all of you.....

The first one will be what happened first. I moved out of the apartment that Carrie and I shared and now live about 1 hour south of there. I live now with Edith and her family. It has been great. Never a dull moment...that's for sure. :-)

Her kids are so cute and they are very attached to me. I tease her 13 year old daughter that she has separation anxiety. So now she tells people that. Her daughter is Cori and her son is Morgan and he's 12. He has special needs and kisses and hugs all the time. They all call me Ohana. When Edith calls me Tracie, Morgan has no idea who she's talking about. Her husband Erik doesn't even call me Tracie. I don't think he ever did.

I love those kids very much. They are great. Cori plays the drums and the guitar. I told her that she should teach me how to play the guitar too. Maybe one of these days I'll learn it. :-)

The second bit of news is that I'm going to Auntie. But the news that I received on friday was that it's not once but twice. I'm going to be an Auntie twice this upcoming year. My family is definitely expanding and when I go back home next summer (hopefully) I'll get to see the new babies. That should be great...

Lots of stuff...

Well, it's been awhile since my last post...SORRY!

I've had a lot of changes that been going on so I'm trying to get settled. When that happens I'll be more regular again but until then, it'll be every now and then when I give you an update.

Until next time...


Hope all is well with EVERYONE!!!!!

A new baby is in town!

My friend Abbey gave birth yesterday afternoon following an incredibly long 50 hours of labor. They finally just did a C-section.

She now has a healthy 6 pound 14 ounce baby boy.

If you don't remember the long name that we decided on then here it is again:

Kekoaikaika Kameai'omakamae Rose

***For the meaning...scroll down to the other post***

CONGRATS ABBEY!!!

I'll be over to visit soon...taking lots of pictures...

Happy Birthday to my Mum!

So I'm a day late on this but yesterday was my mom's birthday. She looks GREAT for her age. Soon she'll be here for her visit and I can show her off to my friends. I can't wait. They'll love her just like I do.

So HAPPY BIRTHDAY VICKY!!!!!!!

Relationships...and God!

The question that has been pondered this week, "Why does God put us in different relationships?" There must be a purpose for that. But it was an open discussion and our 7 opinions were accounted for. We heard a lot of different thoughts that sounded really good but again...only opinions. Who knows why God puts certain people, certain relationships, certain friendships in our lives. I think one reason is so we can learn from eachother. There are things that others may lack and you can perhaps get from that relationship. Our personal experiences are just that, personal. They obviously didn't happen to everyone. If it was your mistake then the next person doesn't have to make the same one. Or who knows, there are also things that your friends may be that you DON'T want. I knew someone who is completely selfish. Now seriously, who wants to be that?

Relationships can be a very tricky thing but they don't have to be. All the friends that I have in my life are teaching me something. Very valuable things. But it's unfortunate when friendships fall apart. I don't like when that happens. I try to avoid that at all cost and with the exception of one friend, I've succeeded throughout my life. They are the foundation of our lives. How do you think you find your identity? Of course your family starts the process but your friends are where you find the diversity. They'll help to shape who you'll become.

Life is way too short and I think that I've been writing that in my blog for the past couple of posts because of things like all the cancer pop-ups. I even have a very close friend who lives here who's going into surgery...a very routine and (I'm pretty sure) low risk surgery but the recovery time will keep her out of work for about 4-6 weeks.

But the sad truth is as friends we do make mistakes. This weekend I felt really bad because I've been so wrapped up this week in my busy life that I haven't called her since I've found out. She had to go out of her way (and through her pain) to call me at work to talk to me. I won't do that again.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that relationships are crucial and for me it's my friends since my family is so far. I love my friends and all they are to me. I've learned a lot through my time at home and here...my new home. God put different relationships in our paths for a reason. We can't forget that. They are not mistakes because we all know that God doesn't make mistakes. He has a plan for everything and nothing is left to chance.

...me HEART you...

My message...

Can you believe that it's already August? I for one am excited by that. Now I can say that my mother is coming for her trip next month instead of in one month or two. I can't wait for her to meet the people in my life and I hope they feel the same, well I know they feel the same...

On a much more serious note than that I talked to my friend from home last night right before bed and I have this decision that I've been "chewing" on for a couple of weeks now and I needed an outside opinion. Definitely can't and won't get into detail about it on my blog but I've been praying about this for many weeks. The friend that I spoke to has a special "connection" with God to put it in a way... It's hard to explain. I call it a gift. She has confirmed a couple of things for me in the past. Freaky. That's one word to describe those confirmations.

It was so nice to hear and comforting what she said to me. Unfortunately to my decision...pray, pray, pray. It will come to me. That I'm ok with. But at the end of our conversation she said (and this is just how she talks) she told me this and I felt that I wanted to share it. Of course she added her own words to the mix but you'll get the message:

This is a sort of "download" from God... He's very proud of you. He said it was your time to leave Hawai'i and you listened and did. You left and knew nothing and no one. You've grown and made a life for yourself and it's awesome. From the person you were to the person you are today, completely different. You've changed and it's great.

I try to live by God. He knows our stuggles, triumphs, heads, and hearts. That's why He's awesome. He's with us every step of the way through every emotion or crisis we might be facing.

Another friend has found out that his friend has testicular cancer. All of a sudden I'm surrounded by the devistation of that word....cancer! This guy is sad because he has absolutely no family what so ever here so my friend is it. He has taken on the responsibility of being the "family" for his friend. Taking him to chemo and doctor appt. It's going to be a long, difficult, and trying time for both. Please pray for them. (My list is getting quite long...)

Updates:
My friends boyfriend who fell and cracked his skull is almost fully healed. He's been home for a couple of weeks now so thanks for all who prayed for him.

As for the position I applied for. God knows what's in our hearts and knew that Group Support was not one of them so I didn't get it. I think that perhaps there's something else out there that is for me. So for those of you that were wondering...there you go. I just found out the other day.

Walk...Walk...Walk...

I don't know why the door's keep opening for these types of events. We'll, maybe if you look a couple blogs down then it's not a complete mystery. As you read recently my uncle and Carrie's grandmother were diagnosed with some form of cancer. It's horrible and cancer needs a cure. I've had too many death's in my family and friends that I've known that it's one cycle that needs to end.

So in the coffee shop in my building they were advertising a night walk in Seattle in a couple of month's for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Carla, the boss I just wrote about, is putting a team together. Her mother died 6 years ago of Leukemia so her entire family is walking in her memory. My Auntie Lei died about 7 years ago from Leukemia as well so I'm going to walk in her memory. I actually knew someone who also died of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and who has or is in remission of Hodgkins Lymphoma, he was just in the hospital so I'm not sure; so I have a little more invested in this walk. A few other friends of ours are going to join us. I'm not sure how many miles the walk will be but it's just like the grape stomping I did with "Crush for the Cure" a couple of weeks ago; it's all for a very worthy cause. That one was for the American Cancer Society.

And the SEX is...

My boss Carla went to her doctor's appointment the other day to find out what she's having. She's currently 5 months pregnant and is a mother of 2 son's; Alejandro and Gabriel. The entire office has taken the lead from Carla and has been calling her belly Isabela (wishful thinking) that it's was going to be a girl until we found out the official word.

So the official word is:

IT'S A GIRL!!!!

So it truly is baby Isabela. We're so happy about that. I can't wait to meet this little hispanic baby. She's going to be a firey little thing....just like her mother. (But I love her dearly!)

So a big congrats to my fabulous boss Carla and her entire family for their very exciting news!!!

What we see?

When things start to change in a blink of an eye and you don't know why then what do you do? For some, you try and figure out what the cause is and fix it. It's worth the effort. But when you've tried for so long, so many different ways and have gone through so many different avenues then where do you go from there?

I see what I see. God has been in my life for the better part of my life but He has recently entered my heart, my whole heart and has given me peace for awhile now and it feels great. For all that I have been going through He still gives me comfort and direction that I need. Ever since that time my eye's have noticed new things. It's like God gave me a new set of green eye's. I could see God in other people before now; but now I still see that and other things too...

I've been spending a lot of time with my friends. One of my friends has a son with special needs, Morgan. He's an amazing child who is teaching me a lot about life. Life's too short to worry about petty things that can't be changed. To see life in the eye's of a child is one thing, to see life through the eye's of a special needs child is quite another. They are so excited by the simplest thing. When Edith, his mother, put on the movie Lilo and Stitch she said, "Morgan, is that Ohana?" and ever since then you ask Morgan, "Where's Ohana?" and he points to me with an enormous smile...

Just like other people's life, mine is no different. There are things that need to change. But I like my life for the most part. I have an amazing family and great friends.

And as a reminder please keep my uncle in your prayers for the cancer that they found and I just found out that Carrie's grandmother also found out that she has breast cancer. I don't know much detail so if you'd like to; you can stop by her blog and check out what she says. It's unfortunate both our families are affected by cancer but prayers are what they both need so thank you. We both appreciate it. Love you all!

Happy Birthday to my little man!

This is Maika last summer... :-)

Today is the day that exactly 7 years ago God decided to bless my family with the cutest little boy... his name: Maika Hanalei Nakoa.

God was there that day, and I truly mean it. Maika was born almost 2 and 1/2 months early. He weighed 3 lbs. 9.2 oz. and was in the NICU for the first 2 weeks of his life. The doctor's and nurses were amazed that his lungs were developed and he could breathe on his own. That was THE major concern. But can you believe that after he was born and assessed the only thing they really wanted was for him to finish a bottle completely before falling asleep because he was losing too many caleries otherwise. My sister and I figured out how to do that easy and home he came. We were so happy and he was such a good baby.

Everytime I call him we call eachother either "baby cakes" or "love bug". Did I mention how cute he is? The last time I saw him was for my mom's birthday last summer and we couldn't tell him because he would've ruined the surprise. (My mom didn't know I was coming.) When my mom came to my Auntie's for her party and my nephew saw me for the first time he didn't know what to do. When it registered to him that it was me he just gave me a HUGE smile and then a big hug and kiss. At the end of the night he wanted to make sure that I was going home with them.

This year will be his first surprise birthday party. I'm sure he'll be SO EXCITED!!!

I just got off the phone with him and he's swimming in the pool with my other nephew Cody right now. He'll be sad when Cody goes back to Maui but at least they get this time together. My niece Makana is also in Oahu for a soccer tournament and possibly she'll make it to the party. I'm not sure but I think that my other niece Ki'i is in from Maui too. They're only in for this weekend and then they all go home. He'll be THRILLED if all three of them are there. That's the highlights of his summers and birthdays when he get's to hang out and spend time with them.

So to my love bug....HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

"Crush for the Cure!" Part 2

For the one's who wanted a closer look...you know who you are! :-)

These were the first things seen as you drove up to Corky Cellar's. They look very cool huh!

My stomping partner Robin and I for our team photo!

Nancy and Edith crushing away...

The Blue Gypsies (Nancy and Megan) and Vino Vixen's (Edith and Alicia) with there juice!

My co-workers who crushed with me...

Well worth the effort and so much fun. I have many more pictures and will get more but these are the one's that show you a glimpse into what we did yesterday.

We didn't win best costume or best team name. We didn't win most juice produced or even youngest crusher...I'm the youngest in our bunch at 24 but the youngest that day was a 12 year old girl. Robin however did win for oldest crusher at the proud age of 53. (Trust me when I say proud!)

But we did raise money and that was OUR goal.

"Crush for the Cure!" Part 1

Yesterday was the big grape stomping at the winery for The American Cancer Society at Corky Cellar's. There was a total of 10 teams of stompers and when we pulled numbers from a paper bag to see the order of the stomping guess which number I pulled out...#1!!!

So my partner and I were in the first round and it was hard work but a lot of fun. Each person in the team was in the barrel for 2 minute and that was the longest 2 minutes ever. I have picture's from the event but I haven't downloaded them yet so I'll try and put them up later tonight.

The different people from work had team names like Haole Feet (me), Vino Vixens, The Blue Gypsies, and Da' Vine. We had a blast.

Before we went in to stomp, we did some wine tasting and took team pictures.

So I went into the barrel first and my partner Robin had to push the grapes out of the way to let the juice through the strainer. After about a minute it was pretty slippery in there. A couple of times I would stomp and the grapes would just explode out of the barrel and role along the ground. It was funny. After my 2 minutes were done then I got out and it was Robin's turn. Now, it was REALLY slippery. Her first foot slid when she got in but she was fine and went for her 2 minutes while I pushed the grapes out of the way for the juice. But we both had fun and it was something that we've never done before so it was a cool experience. Who knows, maybe I'll decide to do it again next year:)

When the last round was over and it was Edith in one barrel and Nancy in the other, Nancy launched a fist full of smashed grapes on Edith and she was SO messy. It was a riot. I work with hilarious people. Great memories come from days like this.

The winner who stomped the most juice wasn't one of us unfortunately but the woman who did actually stomped the entire 4 minutes and had over 6 pounds of juice. We couldn't believe it. It was very impressive because we were all so tired after just 2 minutes, but honestly she was one beefy woman.

All in all is was a great day and we had a drink and hung out after to celebrate being together and raising money and awareness for a worthy cause.

Hope...

I hope you find something in this...it's on a post-it note that I have on the wall of my cube at work. I was looking at it the other day and it sort of jumped out at me so I thought of sharing it with all of you:

-Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us. The scriptures give us patience and encouragement so that we can have hope.
-Patience and encouragement come from God. And I pray that God will help you all agree with each other the way Christ Jesus wants.
Romans 15:4-5

Update:
Just to let you all know that I got a letter today from the supervisor about the possible promotion that I applied for. I have a second interview for the position. So we'll see. If it's meant to be, it'll be... :-) Have a great weekend!

Grapes...Grapes...Grapes...

A few weeks ago an opportunity to do something fun for a good cause popped it's head out to Edith and she brought in all the paperwork and started being a major advocate and tried to get everyone and anyone she could involved. Now it's seems very appropriate in timing.

In Des Moines there's a winery that's going to have grape stomping for cancer. It's called "Crush for the Cure!" This event is on Saturday a couple of hours after I get off of work and there were only enough spots for 16 teams to enter. I think we (Princess employees) are almost all the teams because of Edith's efforts. Those who didn't join to stomp with us donated to the cause. Some of them are going to come and watch in support. It should be a fun day of wine tasting, grape stomping, I'm sure meeting people with cancer and in remission, and raising money and awareness for cancer.

Each team needed a name and my partner and I had no idea so I decided the last minute...
haole feet...

Everyone thought that was funny because our feet won't be white for long!

I'll try and post pictures when I get a chance after the event...

Some sad news...

Life has been interesting lately but like I always seem to say then it wouldn't be life...would it? You have to take the good with the bad in order to grow even when it isn't understood why things are the way they are or when they go the way you don't want them to.

When I first moved here I had friends who would ask me if there were things that I would've changed and the answer to them would sometimes be yes but I always said, no regrets. For everything that I've gone through and been faced with in my life has made me the person I am today. I moved away from home a little more than a year and a half ago by myself. I'm still learning everyday and making many mistakes along the way but that's ok. I feel that life is too short to dwell on things. I try to let things go when I can. It sometimes takes me a little bit of time and I'm not always as successful as I'd like to be but you never know when something will happen. A lot of times it's when you least expect it, especially to the ones you love. You never know how much time you have. Which brings me to my sad news...

Everyday I wear a yellow LIVESTRONG band. Originally I started wearing this band because one of my roommates friends was diagnosed with cancer. As time went on I started wearing it for all the people I had lost too, an Auntie and an Uncle who had passed away a few years ago. Then I found out my friends father-in-law has Hodgkins Lymphoma. One of my Uncles in Hawai'i went to the doctor not to long ago and told my dad (I think) that he had a clean bill of health. But out of the blue and to everyone COMPLETE surprise, he was just diagnosed with cancer. I'm not sure what type of cancer but my mom's thinking it's some type of lung cancer and she said he wasn't given long to live. This was very sad to hear that another family member will be going through this. My Auntie died many years ago and I remembered her funeral, I myself was a child then. There kids (my cousins) are sad about this news as you can expect. Please keep them in your prayers.

Another sad and unexpected call I got this morning was from another friend right after church. My friends boyfriend had blacked out at the movies last night and fell backwards. He cracked his skull open from the back all the way to his jaw and is now in the ICU. I'm sure he's in the best hospital in Seattle to be treated. This morning he was lucid and could carry a conversation but I don't know the extent of the damage. Please keep him in your prayers as well.

I can do everything through Him who gives me strenghth.
-Philippians 4:13

Au Revoir to the good French lady...

I work with some AMAZING woman and I'm very sad to see one of them leave. Today a co-worker of mine, Edith, gave her 2 weeks notice. She was born in France but has lived throughout Europe. She is tri-lingual; french, italian, and of course english. The stories from her life are incredible and God has chosen for Edith to be a wife and mom of 2 children, one of which has special needs and she thinks that's the best job ever and wouldn't trade it for anything.

She calls herself my resident "mama" because my mom is so far away and she knows what it's like not to have a mom around. Hers sadly is no longer here. She's a great person to just sit and have a conversation about anything and everything and it's perfect because our desks are next to each other. That's something I'm going to truly miss. Another thing that always made us giggle or smile to ourselves was when we made comments to eachother followed by a face. Not a bad face or a funny, ugly face but a cute face. Just something between Edith and I and it always happened while one of us was on the phone so we couldn't have a comeback...that's where the faces came in. Good times.

I can't wait to have dinner with Edith and another co-worker when my mom comes to visit because that's going to be a fun and amusing time to look forward to. She truly lights up the room.

So to Edith....your going to be sadly missed.

Happy 4th of July!

I hope that everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July.

Maika, my nephew who will soon be 7, loves fireworks and my mom told me this morning that they're having friends over for a little get together with I'm sure lots of swimming in our pool in the backyard. Maika's been nicknamed, fish. Coincidentally that was my nickname as a kid because I never wanted to get out of the pool either. I mean really, who would! Good times were had in that pool over many many years. It was great.

Enjoy the people around you. They make memories grand... ;-) Don't you agree?

P.S. So the new look of the blog... a keeper? or not? I'm still not sure...

Changes...

Many new things have been happening and are going to happen in the not so far future so I thought that since there were so many changes, my blog should be sporting a new look as well. Don't know if this is the official keeper but we'll see.

This week I interviewed for a promotion at work which is a long shot being that A LOT of people applied for it as well and have been there a lot longer than I have but my thought on it is that if I'm supposed to get it, I will.

In the next several months my company is moving buildings into another downtown Seattle office. We're going from the 4th floor of my current building to the 27th floor in the new one. I guess you could say that's moving on up... :-)

And if I'm not mistaken that might be the same time that I'm on vacation and my mom is finally here for her first visit to Seattle. I'm SSSSOOOOO looking forward to that. I haven't seen her in almost a year already. It sounds like she's looking forward to it too. Only about 3 months away.

Lot's of great things happening and they are something to look forward to. These things and then some.

Change is good in small doses and God knows what we can handle. He never gives us more than our shoulders can carry. That's what makes Him awesome.

This week has been a very hot week. When you think of Seattle this is not the weather that first comes to mind. The heat reminds me of Hawai'i minus the humidity. Don't get me wrong, not complaining. I much rather have these absolutely gorgeous days and that's exactly what they've been.

Like I said, these day's remind me of home and I'd like to take another visit since it's been awhile but that probably won't be for sometime. So for now since it'll be awhile until I see my family again back in Hawai'i; I'll just have to wait for my mother's visit here (YEAH!), visit Mia (who is farther than I like) and enjoy the friends that I've made who have become "my family". Friends like Carrie (a phenominal person), Erin (don't know what I would've done without her), and the people from church among others. Awesome people that I'm sure any would agree are fabulous.

Have a wonderful week.

People...

I just wanted to say that I have some incredible people in my life. I don't know what I would do or where my life would be without them. God definitely looks out for me and I thank him EVERY DAY!

Happy Father's Day!

Just wanted to say a special Happy Father's Day to a couple of men in my life.

Happy Father's Day first of all to my dad Hank. Because of him (and my mother Vicky of course) I have a brother, sister, nieces and nephews who are amazing. He was there when we needed him. And we grew up in Hawai'i which I wouldn't have traded for anything. That is the best place in the world.

Next up is Carrie's dad Gerald. He's the closest to me in Canada and I just saw him last weekend so he's the nearest one. He's a great man and it's been nice getting to know him better.

And last but certainly not least is my Uncle Pat. He has no kids of his own so he and my Auntie were like second parents to my sister and some of my other cousins. Another amazing guy.

Have a great day boys...

My friend Abbey...

I know SO MANY people who are hapai (pregnant) right now. Many of them are in Hawai'i and many of them are here. One of my good friends who I've known for 10 years already; which is a lifetime so far; is going to be a mom in about 2 months. Doc's say the date is roughly August 20th but I'm holding out that the day is my mom's birthday, August 14th.

Yesterday Carrie and I slept in late (which was absolutely FABULOUS) and took the long ferry over to attend the baby shower. It was a nice shower and the rain held out so that was a good sign that the day was a perfect pick. And Carrie and I technically won like 3 out of the 5 games between us but didn't get all the prizes. We gave the other one's to people who didn't already have prizes. (We had a good laugh about that on the ferry ride home about that....)

All in all it was a great shower and very nice to see Abbey. The next time I see her, I'm sure she'll be a mom. I helped name her son. That's right...it's a boy. I'll leave you with his name... By the way...the middle name is my contribution ;-)

Kekoaikaika Kameai'omakamae Rose

The first name means "The mighty warrior", the second means "The truly precious one", and there last name is Rose.

The end to this journey...Carrie's Graduation!

Well, this grad weekend had come to a close with Carrie's family going home tonight and tomorrow. The graduation was alittle rainy, then cloudy at first but was awesome because it stopped and the sun even popped it's head out. It was a typical ceremony and nice photo opp after with MANY friends and family and a fresh lei to boot. Carrie looked happy...as did we all!

After that we went home to finish the cooking and decorating for the party. It was the usual, too much food, but was nice and well worth the effort. Then we talked and hung out. The family started yet another spirited game of Bocce ball. Very fun.

It was FABULOUS the day after saturday's graduation and the long day of cooking to preparing for the party to sleep in until 10am and wake up to Carrie's mom making waffles. MMMM!!! Definitely a day of rest that we all needed.

All in all, this was a nice time to hang out with Carrie's parents again (love them), and I met many of her other relatives. Carrie seemed to have enjoyed her weekend...and this was her weekend. To celebrate her accomplishment which are:

Bachelor of Arts in both degrees of Business Administration and Accounting.

She worked very hard for 2 degrees and deserved everything this weekend so I hope that it worked out the way she had hoped. I'm sure it did. I mean she did get her FAVORITE ice cream, FAVORITE cookies, and exact menu requested. Couldn't ask for much more than that huh?

Congratulations Carrie! I'm very proud of you....

The Start of the Graduation Festivities...Ivy Cutting!

Carrie's Family (both parents, both brothers, one sister-in-law, two sets of grandparents, and one cousin) are in town for her graduation and today was day one of the many things that we're doing together. This morning we went to breakfast at Noah's bagels in Queen Anne which was SO GOOD! (She had A LOT of these bagel's during her years in college) Then went to Seattle Pacific University for the traditional Ivy Cutting so Carrie now has a piece of Ivy for her new shadow box. It was a neat ceremony that Carrie got to wear the lei my grandmother made for her and another lei my mother sent. Wait until you see her pic tomorrow...

The Wrap Up!

The great friends in my life!

My birthday was technically over about 2 weeks ago but Carrie being the fabulous roommate that she is threw me a party last night with a few friends that we usually hang out with. It was nice to just chill at home, eat, talk and just be with eachother.

My very close friend Erin R. brought the birthday cake which was again cheesecake (just like she brought for Carrie's birthday). She admits that it's not my REAL birthday cake because she cheated and didn't make it herself like she did last time but promises to bring over one of these days a phenomenal creation that if you ask Carrie...she delivers! But did make the glaze that was AWESOME!

So I would like to thank everyone for the gifts that I got. I didn't need anything but it was nice so thank you very much. Both Ali and Courtney came to dinner on my actual birthday. Ali gave me beautiful lily's that smelled fabulous every time Carrie and I walked into the apartment from work and lasted until last night. I also got a reed diffuser from Courtney that makes our apartment smell good too. There was a pedicure kit (thank you Nicole S., can't wait to try it out. I'm sure Carrie too...), hershey's kisses and more beautiful flowers (thanks to Erin M.), a book appropriately titled Cubicles (good call Stephanie), a vase and bracelet (nice one Mariam), a bottle of Hogue wine (something that Erin R. and I have shared a lot over time), and last but absolutely not least is that fabulous person that I always talk about. Carrie had a difficult time finding me a gift and I kept telling her she didn't have to buy me anything but she did anyway. What she ended up with was perfect. It is a shadow box. It's pretty big but I think it'll be perfect with all the stuff that I'll end up putting in there to remember this year.

For Carrie's birthday she mentioned that it seemed like I wanted her birthday to be perfect, more than she did. It felt the same for me. She wanted everything to go well last night and it did. I am so blessed to have the friends like her in my life. I don't know what I would do without them. So thanks again for everyone who celebrated with me this year.

But the biggest thanks is to the phenomenal girl I call "white girl" ;-), roommate, and friend...Carrie!

Answered Prayers!

I'm sure that you remember the car accident that I mentioned a while ago but in case any of you forgot let me give you a quick overview. My roommate's pastor from Michigan's 18 year old daughter Whitney was thought to have been killed in a car accident when a semi crossed the median.

Today we found out that we were all mistaken and she's alive and was in a coma. Unfortunately for another family it's a case of mistaken identity and there daughter Laura was actually killed. That's the really quick version and I'm sure I could explain it a lot better and more complete. If you visit Carrie's blog she has link's to different article's and stuff with update's on how there doing and what's going on.

Laura's family kept a blog to let everyone know how there daughter was doing. But obviously it was keeping track of how Whitney was doing. If you want to check that out, Carrie also has that link. Keep Laura's family in your prayers. They now have to deal with the reality of a lost child.

Lazy days and "roommate dates"!

Gotta love lazy days... This is Carrie and my long weekend. We both have saturday thru monday off and we are very thankful for that. Yesterday wasn't so much a lazy day because we're trying to get the house ready for Carrie's graduation and the out of town guests. But today was a typical Seattle rainy day and very much a day to sit back in our new papasan chair that we just bought (which is awesome and comfy!), have dinner in the oven that is making our entire place smell SO good and watch movies. These are my favorite days.

Tomorrow is what we call a "roommate date" which is a day that we do something together. We'll see how that goes but I'm sure it'll be great because hanging out together with the two of us usually turns out good. We laugh at things without having to say it because what it called Carrie?...ESP?

The Day was May 23, 1982! Part 2

Me and the girls at PF Chang's for dinner

So my birthday has concluded quite nicely. I honestly had my doubts because of pasts birthday experiences but this one has been great and it's completely because of my phenomenal roommate. She has had the optimistic attitude that this would be a great day and gave me strict instruction to do NO HOUSEWORK! The Mariners game was a bonus and she strongly advised me take the day and nap...A LOT!

This evening Carrie and a few friends (Erin, Ali, and Courtney) took me out to a fabulously awesome dinner. We leisurely ate and had good conversation. After dinner Courtney came over and is hanging out for a bit.

All in all this has been the best birthday I think I've ever had. And it truly is all because of Carrie so thank you SO much to her... And her card ended it perfectly!

The Day was May 23, 1982! Part 1

So today I'm celebrating the day I was born...May 23rd, and I'm now officially 24 years old. I suppose that we technically started celebrating last night at the Mariners game with Carrie and the ticket's that she got from work...(26th row from the field!) I have never watched a baseball game before but these were great seats, and they WON! She asked me weeks ago if I wanted to go to a Mariners game for my birthday and I didn't really want to but it kind of worked out anyway. She reminded me of that and said very innocently, "I didn't plan this, I swear!"

One of the vendor's was selling "refreshing lemonade" and he was making Carrie and I laugh because he definitely had the personality for that job. We could hear him even when he was in the next section. Now he is a born seller... :-)

I didn't have to work today so I got to sleep in and that was AWESOME!

My birthday isn't quite done yet and I have much of the day to go so I'll probably put up another blog later on tonight. But so far...it's going pretty good thanks to my roommate... ;-)

Why?

Why do things "crash" at the same time all the time?

Why is life so hard when every sign points to everything good?

Why do we get our heart's broken?

Where does fear come from? Why do we have that?

Why are angel's sent to us in the form of friend's?

God has a plan for those people. He sends them for a reason...angels/friends. I think those are His chosen one's and they are gifted. I personally know a few of them and life would be even tougher without, or even unendurable if they were not there. I always felt that with God, everything happens for a reason. He places people in our lives in certain times to deal with certain obstacles even if we don't realize it. That's because He's always in control and know's what He's doing and we're along for the ride. For us it's called...FAITH!

What do you think?

Say Goodnight Gracie...

Last night was the Series Finale of Will & Grace. 8 very long and funny years and it came to an end in a very classical way I think. I love one of the lines that Grace tells Will to describe there relationship and her love for him...

"...my love for you is like this scar...ugly but permanent!"

I LOVE that line. It's very simple and to the point. True relationships should have that description... don't you think?

Kids...

My boss just found out a few weeks ago that she's pregnant so this baby will join her 2 son's. One is 12 and the other is 6. The 6 year old says the best, most innocent things to her and she always comes to work and says, "guess what my baby said last night." (She won't be able to say that for long...)

So last night she was having a bowl of ice cream and he said, "Mama...take care of the baby. You don't want him to have a BRAIN FREEZE!"

SSOOOO cute and SSSOOOO funny!

Kids truly do have the best sayings...

Happy Mother's Day!

This is my sister Misty and my mother Vicky.

Today is the day that we honor our mother's. I have a few mother's (and one non-mother) that I would like to say a little something about....

First and foremost I have to talk about my own mother, Vicky. She is by far the most amazing woman. She is kind to everyone and a very humble person. I told her that when she dies and is with God; they will look back on her life and He will promote her to sainthood for all that she has done and who she has touched and helped along the way. One thing that I'm very thankful for is that I'm very much like my mother. I will always be proud of that. She is a wonderful woman and I love her and miss her very much. One day I hope for her to see the new life I have made here and that she will meet the new people in my life, especially Carrie. But until then...

The next mother is the one that is the nearest to me and is an awesome woman too. Her name happens to be Sue and she is Carrie's mom. I met her a few times when she came over to my apartment and she is such a cute person. For Easter Carrie and I spent the weekend over in Canada at her parents house and it was great. It was very relaxing and it was nice that I wasn't alone being that I have no family here. Before we left her mom (and dad) said that I was welcome anytime with or without Carrie. She is a woman who loves God just like my own mom and is there for those who need her. She's very much like my own mom with what I know about her. Granted I'm still getting to know Carrie's family but so far...I like what I see. So thank you for raising Carrie to be the wonderful woman that she's turned out to be.

Another woman who made a huge impression on me throughout my entire life was my Auntie Heidi. She was like my second mother growing up. Unfortunately she had no kids of her own but that doesn't mean that she wasn't a mother. Anytime that we needed her she was always there. She was there for advice giving, just for talks or anything. We would meet her for church every sunday and go to breakfast right after; it became a tradition that I miss every weekend. I miss her very much and can't wait to see her again.

The final woman that I'd like to say something about is my sister Misty. Can't forget her. She works very hard as a single mom to my adorable nephew Maika who will be 7 this year. I can't believe how old my nieces and nephews are going to be. She currently works 2 jobs to try and be the best parent she can be. That is a lot of work on her part and Maika will hopefully see what his mother is doing and remember that when he get's older. She will be there for anyone who needs her and stood up for me when I couldn't. That is probably where I got that "training" from to stand up for myself today. It's very appreciated so thank you. I'm sure my friends appreciate that part of me too.

So Happy Mother's Day to these great women in my life who have inspired me.

Where we come from?

My job consists of me talking on the phone all day long to direct passengers and travel agents about cruises that they've booked on my cruise line. On many occasions they ask me if I'm from Canada. I have no idea where they get that from. Easter wasn't the first time that I've been to Canada and I don't hear it. My boss just told me yesterday that I have an accent. She should talk because she has an accent...she's from SPAIN! But she was only teasing. Actually, I love my boss...she ROCKS!!! When I tell these people that I'm actually from Hawai'i they always say, "really...are you sure your not Canadian?" NO...I'm not sure. Are they kidding?!? Stupid people bug me.

Life...Or Something Like It?!?

There are things in life that seem to happen in the blink of an eye even though to other's it was the inevitable that we just didn't see coming. How does that seem to work out? It isn't fair. Actually, it sometimes feels like a sick joke. And you even hear from those people that you want to do the unspeakable to say those dreaded phrases, "I told you so..." or, "I knew it!" That NEVER helps!

I have been consumed lately with my own things that I've been trying to work out in my head and last night a friend of mine came over and is going through a very difficult personal time right now. I knew a little about it but didn't know to the full extent what was going on so I feel a bit guilty about that and selfish about how I've been. Funny thing is that I barely know what the word selfish means because that's not me. Anyway, I don't want to get into her details on my blog but I would appreciate it if any of you would pray for her. She means a lot to me. She was there for me when I needed her the most when I moved here and I don't know what I wouldv'e done without her over the past year or so. Thank you very much... :-)

Standing Up...

Since I've moved away from home I've learned to be a bit more independent and stand on my own two feet...I have to be this way. There is no one else to be like this for me. Some can call that being mean and bitchy and I will go with that because I suppose that get's the job done and point across.

Yesterday I was even described as a "hard ass" because I got something done for Carrie and I that we've been working on for a while and I've been rather persistant about. Not sure how I feel about that description but I suppose I'll go with that too.

Since I'm getting used to standing up more and fighting these battles for myself, it's hard to see my close friends both very near and very far hurt in the things they're dealing with. I have to keep my mouth shut because these are not my fights but I can be there to listen...and just be. It's funny that I have the sympathy and empathy to want to help them and want to run over whoever has wronged them but it's different when someone does it to me. My reaction is quite different. I suppose the feeling is mutual because they want to mow the person who's done something to me down too.

Standing up for yourself is quite liberating.
But, you have to pick and choose your battles.

Cinco De Mayo!

Birthday's birthday's birthday's. Today starts a string of a long list of birthday's this month of people that I know. One of my best friends who lives WAY too far away in Missouri is celebrating her birthday today.

So to my friend Elissa that I miss hanging out with...hope you have a great birthday. Party up friend! Perhaps I'll be seeing you soon :-)

My Fabulous New Partner In Crime!

Most of you don't know about my new roommate so this post will be dedicated to getting to know her. We do a lot together so this definitely won't be the last you hear about her...

Carrie and I are so much alike it's scary. It's like we have ESP or something and can read each others minds. Very freaky, but cool. She works at the fabulous Starbucks Corporate office that I've developed an addiction which all of Washington state has in common with me. It's quite sad really:)

In all seriousness, Carrie is an amazing person that I couldn't be happier having in my life and as a roommate; she's perfect. We get along great and we joke sometimes that we were twins separated at birth. When her family was over for dinner celebrating her and her brother's birthday she said that we live in a house of three...her, me, and God. I really liked that she said that because I feel that it's true.

My birthday is coming up very soon and she doesn't have to do anything for me but she's trying to put something together with a few other friends. She's very sweet and I'm very thankful to God that he crossed our paths. He knows exactly what we need when we need it. Timing is everything. She's been there when I've needed her so I will feel sorry for those who mess with her... :-)

Carrie graduated college with a double degree and next month walks with the rest of the college...WOO HOO!!! Did I mention she was a genius too? I will be posting pictures from the party we're having...

So this is my very smart and special roommate that I hope will one day make a trip to Hawai'i with me so that everyone can meet her and we can drink up and RELAX back home...

Until next time...

And the Winner Is...

Today my roommate went to small claims court against her old apartment complex and the verdict is...

CARRIE WON!!!

She was great, well prepared and I didn't help very much. I was there to support her more than anything but it worked out as it should. The woman that represented who she was sueing was NOT happy at all!

After that we went to dinner to celebrate. When the guy brought the bill he also gave me a pen and was mentioning how people always seem to swipe the pens, I told him that I didn't need his pen because I always carry my Viagra pen. I'm a recovering 4 year pharmacy worker so I've come away with a lot of souveniers. It's like a credit card; "Never leave home without it!" He walked away after giving me back the bill and my card and while Carrie and I were laughing about the pen he turned around and came right back and said, "I just HAVE to see the pen!" We had a great laugh out of that. All in all it was a great day.

Visitors?

I went to work today and it was one of those typical Seattle days with rain, rain, rain... But I love it here anyway:) Afterwords Carrie and I met up with a friend of mine that I've known for 10 years. Time sure flies doesn't it. I can't believe it's been that long. So...when am I going to see more visitors? Anyone?

My First Post!

Well, I decided that this might be a good way to keep in touch with everyone instead of the individual e-mails that I try to send out. It can be some what unsuccessful because of the busy and hectic life that I can have. I want to give this a try so let's see what happens.

My first post however comes in the form of a prayer request. I don't know how many of you have watched the news in the past few days but in Indiana a semi-truck driver crossed the median and hit a van killing the students in it. My new amazing roommate Carrie new one of the girls in the van who was only 18 years old. Please keep her and all the families in your prayers. It will be a difficult time for all. On Carrie's blog there was a small article on the accident so here it is:

http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=53448