Hauoli Makahiki Hou

Isn't this pic beautiful? There's a seal that ALWAYS basks in the sun on this beach.... and it happens to be like a quarter mile from the crib. LOL...

Hauoli Makahiki Hou...that means Happy New Year in Hawaiian. This is how you pronounce it...
HOW-OH-LEE
MA-KA-HEE-KEE
HOE

Thanks ShellyP for pulling me outta my slump! LOL...

Let's see, where do I begin?... I been so busy with the Holidays and a host of other things that I haven't been able to LURK around the blog world. I so enjoy that.

2005 was quite an experience for my immediate and extended family. Early in the year, husband and I went to Cancun. That experience has changed our lives for the better. We continue to step further and further towards the path we want to be on. I'm happy to say we're skipping along it now.

The summer of 2005 was a serious period of transition for husband and I. We BOTH kicked cigarettes and alcohol in June. However, we did backslide on Independence Day but only for that day then we were back at abstinence. That was kinda tough but its not so bad anymore. In fact, I can't imagine picking up a cigarette now. Also during Summer 2005, I cut ties with some of the influences in my life that seemed to lead me down dark paths. I returned to church, started playing piano and organ again and even started singing in the choir again as well. It's amazing what sobriety has done for me.

The fall of 2005 saw the tragic passing of my cousin, Tiara. REST IN PEACE. She was only 23 and left behind three children. In that same week, my Uncle Bill passed in Tennessee. He had returned to his home from my cousins funeral and died the VERY next day. It was tragic. So while my mother was away attending BOTH funerals, I was at home holding the fort down with my two younger brothers.

The end of 2005 brought another death. My aunt passed. She had a stroke a couple of years back and had suffered 'til her death. I think she held on for so long because her family was just falling apart. Her oldest child and her youngest were both in attendance. The eldest dressed in orange, the youngest dressed in green, both shackled and attended by state prison guards. My heart couldn't even be happy to see them because I knew that it'd be the last time I'd see them. **heavy sigh**

After all that change and transition, heartache and pain, I know that 2006 is the year for my family. I can just feel it in my bones and I'm very excited.