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...