Tuesday, March 31, 2009

A Letter to Lingle

Governer Lingle:

The unanimous ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court shows the utter disregard for the host culture of Hawai'i. Your "camp" seeks to serve the foreigners to Hawai'i, rather than attend to the needs of kanaka maoli.

You, your cabinet, the U.S. system of government are enemy to the beauty and culture of Hawai'i.

Your desire to sell off the ceded lands may be well within the laws and confines of the U.S. government, and you may feel totally justified in pursuing that right. However, you offend the host culture/ kanaka maoli and are unbelievably non-chalant about this offense. Your "legal" victory is unabashedly immoral.

My ancestors welcomed foreigners, like yourself, to our 'aina and you continually desecrate the natural love Hawai'i has for all people. And you use this natural disposition of our people to further your own personal, political gain.

My anger, my disdain for foreigners burns ever brighter as I witness such an evil turning of events. Yet and still, the U.S. goverment refuses to see the moral defeat this ruling will have on kanaka maoli.

Many kanaka occupy the beaches and refuse to submit to American capitalism by obtaining mortgages and giving in to western greed. It is our right, as the natural and original heirs to this land to be able to occupy WHATEVER land we desire. It is our right to be able to provide for our families, as our ancestors did, by farming the land and fishing in the immediate waters that surround our land. You rape our culture by your continual push toward assimilation.

I despise you, your cabinet, and the U.S. government.

With Respect,

C.W.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Severing The Ties That Bound Us

Background Info: The next "piece" was written to my ex. After we signed the divorce papers, he called me outta the blue. He apologized for everything he had put me through and was basically asking for forgiveness or something! We began talking nearly every day even though he had left Hawai'i and the divorce decree was on its way. I was so vulnerable and would have probably accepted him back if I didn't have a strong support system, telling me what was really going on.

Written... the letter was six pages long. I cried while I wrote the entire thing. The letter was dropped in the mail by a dear friend of mine (in Hawai'i) the minute my feet landed in St. Louis, Missouri. I left Hawai'i for St. Louis in November 2003 to start a new life. Consequently, I married my husband now during my time in "the Lou"! Writing this letter and severing my ties with my ex was a very difficult thing to do. I'm glad I did it though and still came out... classier than ever!


If you need more background info:
Heart Broken
Crippled Cells

His actual name has been changed.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *


Our life together began on April 10th, 1994. I loved you from that day whether you believe me or not. Every event that has followed that day happened just as it should. Shane, you have been so much a part of my world that I don’t think I’ve known anything else. To be honest, you will always be special to me. I have learned so much from you. I truly believe that God works through people. And he sent you to me when I needed you…

I used to believe that there was just one man for me in the whole world. But that couldn’t be true. I thought that there was such a thing as soul mates. Since our divorce, my mind has since changed. The only way any relationship can work is if there are two willing parties.

You have seen me through some really hard times in my life. I am a better person for having shared a piece of my life with you. I hope you always remember that about me. I was always grateful for your love so honored that you once wanted to spend forever with me. But a lot has happened since we first started out.

Shane, all I ever wanted to do was love you and give you the best of me. After awhile I felt like I was more of a burden to you rather than a partner in a marriage. When you stopped coming to me with things that bugged you is when we forgot to love each other.

I just look back at how our lives have panned out and I ask so many questions. How could I have prevented our marriage from ending? A marriage cannot work if both parties aren’t willing. I don’t even know where I went wrong. I don’t know what more I could have done to show you how much I love you. I always felt like you got the best of me.

I remember writing in my journal about how I met this man named Shane. How he stimulates my mind and my passions. How his mind and just his way of being makes me feel like I’ve known him forever. All of that blossomed into love. A deeper love than I have ever known.

Next thing you know, we’re making plans to be together and that I’d make the move to New Mexico. I just wanted a piece of you and wanted to be a part of your life. We split after my short stint in Clovis. I didn’t want to let you go then but you don’t believe in long distance love.

I remember writing you daily and just loving you. Eventually you believed me when I said I love you and that I was only trying to do right. Then we got married January 4th, 1997.

Shane, I was so in love with you. When you look back on us, I hope you remember all the love I had for you. Both you and I know that our lives must move forward. When we separated in August 2001, I was determined to keep our love alive. Once again, time and distance separated us. Being faithful to you was never an issue. What was always looming in my head is that you didn’t love me. And if you did, how did you show me?

What am I trying to say with this long letter? Well, I’m saying that you were a beautiful part of me. I just am not ready to go down that road again. I crumbled for a little bit when you said you wanted a divorce but I can’t keep a man that don’t wanna be kept. Why fight?

After being apart for 18 months, did you expect to be in love? I had to work at being “in love” with you but you never came back to me. I don’t know what more I can say in this letter or on this page. Our relationship was solid for a bit. When it changed or why it changed, we’ll never know.

By the time you receive this letter, I’ve probably started my life all over again. It’s like I’ve told you before, I cannot see past the hurt. Shane, I never, ever wanted to see you hurting. And I know you’ve told me that you never wanted to hurt me. But the fact still remains that you asked for the divorce. There’s nothing wrong with that. You did exactly what you felt you had to do. I could never be mad about that.

Our relationship ended when our marriage did. Everything happens for a reason. Our being together was intended. You know I always believed that! Our love has no beginning, as it will never end – it’s always been there and will probably always be there. We’ve both made our mistakes – it’s the way of the world…. But I say we move ahead, move forward, one day at a time. Live life with no regrets.

When you look back at us, be glad that it happened. Know that you got the best love I had in me. I loved you with complete abandon and trusted that my heart was safe in your hands. And I thank you for allowing me to love you for the short time that we had.

When you and I started talking again after you left Hawaii this year, I was so confused. My whole way of thinking was geared toward FINALLY taking care of my heart… and so when you called, I was more than tripped out. I mean, you ask for a divorce then you wanna be in love with me again? I STILL don’t get that at all.

So anyway, these past couple of months, I been sitting back and tryin’ to let you do your thing. I really wanted to see how you would approach me. Honestly, nothing changed. I never received pretty flowers at work from you. No letters in the mail. No sweet Hallmark cards except on my birthday. And that really got to me. They say it’s the little things that make a difference. Never mind that I can overlook missed holidays and anniversaries…. It’s the small, minor details that reminded me that you cared.

Shane, you are a rare treasure. I never stopped seeing that in you. I know that love will find you again and maybe you’ll be able to give all of you. You are so very beautiful to me and I see you as I have always seen you – a man that I could love for lifetimes on end. Maybe one day we’ll run into each other again - and the magic could happen again. The next time might be the right time.

Please know that I loved you through every single storm. And know that I loved you even when you had nothing left to give me. When you think of me – remember the good stuff…. How we met and the endless conversations we’ve had; midnight wrestling matches; making love, walks on the beach; and all the other stuff we did on the beach… and so much more.

When you’re ready to love again, may she give you as much love and affection that I gave you. I hope she can care for your heart the way you need her to. *sigh* Have a good life, Shane. And maybe next time will be the right time. I will love you all the days of my life.

Live life with no regrets, babe. I will be around and maybe one day show up at your doorstep. Nah, just kidding. On the real though, when you need me, I’ll feel you and seek you out as I’m sure you’ll do the same for me. We have that strange connection that comes when two people REALLY know each other!

You’ve done nothing wrong, babe. Of course you can’t reverse your actions but everything happens for a reason. I hope one day we can see each other… without feeling any heartache from our divorce. May your journey through this life be peaceful and prosperous. I will see you in every ray of sunshine and I could know your beautiful face if God struck me blind. Smile, babe – our love happened and who’s to say it won’t BE ever again. I love you Shane and I always will.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Yummy Vegi Lifestyle

As of today, it's been 24 days since I gave up beef and pork. I have effectively disciplined myself to only indulge in vegetarian fare. I'm happy to say that this has not been a challenge at all. I'm surprised at how easy it was to make the switch over to a non-carnivorous diet.

Breakfast is typically toast, using Ezekiel Bread. This type of bread is so filling, so heavy, so hearty. It's much more expensive than the typical 99 cent loaf of bread, costing between $4.99 and $5.99 at Star Markets. The yield is much lower also. What it lacks in volume, it makes up for in taste and how satisfied you feel after partaking. It is rather chewy and after two slices, your mind and stomach are satiated. Lately, I've been having oatmeal with my toast. That ALWAYS packs a whole lot of fiber. It helps with the elimination process. Love it!

For a practical, on-the-go lunch, if dinner leftovers are unavailable, head to Taco Bell and indulge in a 1/2 pound bean and rice burrito or cheese quesadilla. There are a number of options at Taco Bell. The fiesta potatoes are yummy (minus the gross cheese whiz that they put on it and go light on the sour cream). A veggie stir-fry served with noodles or brown rice is always very satisfying as well.

Dinner is our splurge! I've tested several different entree's in our home. What is essential is to try preparing every recipe that seems interesting! A sampling of a weeks worth of dinner is as follows:

Mexican Rice (Brown Rice, Beans, Olives, Green Peppers, Fresh Tomatoes, Kernel Corn) served with a tossed salad.

Linguine w/ Lemon-Tomato Sauce, served with Roasted Asparagus and a tossed salad.

Boca Burgers w/ Guacamole Spread (homemade), Tomato, Mushrooms, and Swiss Cheese. Served with oven sweet-potato fries and a tossed salad

Stir Fry Tofu w/ vegetables. Served with Brown Rice and Kim Chee.

Ichiban Brand Saimin w/ steamed cabbage, tofu, kim chee and scallions.

Moussaka served with a tossed salad.

Eggplant Parmesean served with a tossed salad.


If there's left overs, it turns into lunch the next day. I absolutely love our new habit of eating vegetarian. There are other recipes I've tried that are equally yummy and is now a regular at family potlucks, like curry rice, Samoan Chop Suey (Vegi Style), Stir-Fry Tofu, etc.

The energy I have is unbelieveable. My belly aches are a thing of the past. I am never constipated! It's wonderful. I feel good and I'm so bummed that I hadn't started this trend sooner.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Strangest Secret.... an excerpt

An Excerpt from
The Strangest Secret
by Earl Nightingale

George Bernard Shaw said, "People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, they make them."

Well, it's pretty apparent, isn't it? And every person who discovered this believed (for a while) that he was the first one to work it out. We become what we think about.

Conversely, the person who has no goal, who doesn't know where he's going, and whose thoughts must therefore be thoughts of confusion, anxiety and worry - his life becomes one of frustration, fear, anxiety and worry. And if he thinks about nothing... he becomes nothing.

How does it work? Why do we become what we think about? Well, I'll tell you how it works, as far as we know. To do this, I want to tell you about a situation that parallels the human mind.

Suppose a farmer has some land, and it's good, fertile land. The land gives the farmer a choice; he may plant in that land whatever he chooses. The land doesn't care. It's up to the farmer to make the decision.

We're comparing the human mind with the land because the mind, like the land, doesn't care what you plant in it. It will return what you plant, but it doesn't care what you plant.

Now, let's say that the farmer has two seeds in his hand- one is a seed of corn, the other is nightshade, a deadly poison. He digs two little holes in the earth and he plants both seeds-one corn, the other nightshade. He covers up the holes, waters and takes care of the land...and what will happen? Invariably, the land will return what was planted.

As it's written in the Bible, "As ye sow, so shall ye reap."

Remember the land doesn't care. It will return poison in just as wonderful abundance as it will corn. So up come the two plants - one corn, one poison.

The human mind is far more fertile, far more incredible and mysterious than the land, but it works the same way. It doesn't care what we plant...success...or failure. A concrete, worthwhile goal...or confusion, misunderstanding, fear, anxiety and so on. But what we plant it must return to us.

You see, the human mind is the last great unexplored continent on earth. It contains riches beyond our wildest dreams. It will return anything we want to plant.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

The RELEASE Society

I spent time with an old friend, this past Friday. We "DID" lunch at Cholo's in Haleiwa. We had a very interesting conversation. The dominating theme was how both of us felt so trapped by our circumstances in life. She's married with six children, the last one having been born with Downs Syndrome. I'm a working woman, married with two step children that don't live with us. How drastically different our lives are yet how is it that we share such similar feelings.

Sometimes, as women, we are pre-defined. We are set in the roles we are expected to play. With my religious upbringing and my cultural upbringing, my path in life was set the minute my mother knew I was a girl. And I don't quite know who defines the roles for men and women.

Some of the expectations that are placed on me are as follows:

  • Marry.


  • Support my husband.


  • Bare children.

  • This is marriage number two for me. (The first one didn't work out. Nothing in that marriage worked!) Supporting my husband has probably been the most time-consuming. I'm a free spirit and would probably be off somewhere, traveling, were it not for my commitment to my husband and our marriage.

    I feel so confined by the role that I play.

    There are often times when I wish I could just smoke a joint and let life roll by in a series of puffs. I feel so confined, claustraphobic even by what I've created for myself. Yet, how do I unravel myself from the web called my life? I can't say that I hate being married because I actually enjoy it very much. However, since my marriage to my husband, it seems that my life is put on hold to support him in his endeavors. What about mine?

    I am reminded of the Commodore's classic, Easy:
    "Why in the world would anybody put chains on me?
    I paid my dues to make it.
    Everybody wants me to be what they want me to be.
    I'm not happy when I try to fake it.

    I wanna be high so high.
    I wanna be free to know the things I do are right.
    I wanna be free. Just Me!"

    But I don't really want to be free from my marriage to my dear husband. I am absolutely in love with him! My friend, the one that started all this talk about being trapped in marriage, came up with the perfect solution to marriage blues. It is the perfect compromise between freedom and my commitment to marriage. She calls it the RELEASE SOCIETY. We joked about how much we just needed to RELEASE; sometimes to just be able to live like we did when we were single; CAREFREE!

    Our entire lunch was spent, meticulously planning our first ever annual RELEASE SOCIETY Girls-Only trip. This years trip would include three nights of Anything-Goes in Las Vegas. And when I say anything goes, I mean anything goes.... we just won't tell our husbands about it. What happens in Vegas STAYS in Vegas! Then we would roadtrip it from Vegas to wherever The Price is Right is filmed and be a part of the studio audience. Sounds harmless enough, doesn't it? I find this to be the perfect solution and am looking forward to it.

    Okay so the craziest thing about the RELEASE SOCIETY is that I shared this notion with my husband and..... HE'S down!

    Monday, March 16, 2009

    MY Political Views: Part I, The Birth

    My father was born during the depression era. Hawai'i was still a Territory of The United States and not yet a state. This small period of time between Hawai'i being a kingdom, Hawai'i forced into submission to the United States, and Hawai'i becoming the 50th state, was crucial in effectively raising a generation of fully assimilated American citizens. Plainly stated, the United States needed a way to turn na kanaka** into colonized citizens of America. They needed to be "de-culturalized".

    Upon statehood in 1959, my father became a naturalized citizen and when he turned 18, was required to register with the Selective Service. Somewhere in those first 18 years of life, my fathers need to BE Hawaiian or to have a connection with his ancestral culture, was effectively, unconsciously stripped from him. Of course, this is my opinion as an outsider looking in and I own that! Coming out of the Depression Era, the American Dream seemed an ideal and a worthy goal. This further separated my father from his ancestral roots. It made it easier to step away from preservation of culture and into a fully, assimilated American lifestyle with the promise of American prosperity.

    When I was child, my father told me that he didn't give any of us ethnic names because he wanted us to "look good on paper". He wanted judgement of our accomplishments to be based on our work and not a negative pre-judgement based on our name. I can't argue with that. Parents do what they think is best for their children. Obviously, he is a product of his era.

    In contrast, my mother is not an American. Even today, in her 60th year of life, she refuses to become a citizen of this country. She tells the story of how the Board of Health interviewed her prior to her marriage to my father. They implied that she was marrying my father to easily become a U.S. Citizen and gain all the rights and priviledges that come with it. She was offended and since the occasion has had no desire for citizenship. With pride, her allegiance belongs to Samoa! Also, in order to lay claim to her ancestral plot of land in Samoa, she must remain a citizen of her mother-country.

    She is on the extreme opposite end of the spectrum in terms of culture. Her first language is NOT English. Her values, her morals, her standards are purely non-American. The protocol in which she subscribes to derives from her very Samoan upbringing. She has passed many of these ideals on to me. I am surprised, at times, at how similar I am to my mother.

    This is part of the heritage from which I come from. I have two seperate ideals; that of my father - the de-culturalized Hawaiian and that of my mother - the staunch Samoan, and both worlds have crashed and formed a cataclysm called ME. Over the past 33 years of my life, my political views, the moral ethics I subscribe to continue to evolve but its foundation is based on the world my parents came up in.

    **na kanaka: native people

    Friday, March 13, 2009

    Quoting a Favorite Scholar

    I think the Saturday Night Live skit, Hawaiian Hotel, was brilliant!



    Contrary to the saccharine sweet tourist ads about Hawai'i, many Hawaiians are not exactly enthused about the tourist industry.

    To quote one of my favorite scholars, Haunani-Kay Trask, I offer you this gem from her book From A Native Daughter: Colonialism and Sovereignty in Hawai'i,
    In Hawai'i, the destruction of our land and the prostitution of our culture is planned and executed by multinational corporations (both foreign-based and Hawai'i-based), by huge landowners (such as the missionary-descended Castle & Cook of Dole Pineapple fame), and by collaborationist state and county governments. The ideological gloss that claims tourism to be our economic savior and the "natural" result of Hawaiian culture is manufactured by ad agencies (such as the state-supported Hawai'i Visitors Bureau) and tour companies (many of which are owned by the airlines) and spewed out to the public through complicitous cultural engines such as film, television and radio, and the daily newspaper. As for the local labor unions, both rank and file and management clamor for more tourists, while the construction industry lobbies incessantly for larger resorts....

    My use of the word tourism in the Hawai'i context refers to a mass-based, corporately controlle dindustry that is both vertically and horizontally integrated such that one multinational corporation owns an airline and the tour buses that transport tourists to the corporation-owned hotel where they eat in a corporation-owned restaurant, play golf, and "experience" Hawai'i on corporation-owned recreation areas and eventually consider buying a second home built on corporation land. Profits, in this case, are mostly repatriated back to the home country. In Hawai'i, these "home" countries are Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Canada, Australia, and the United States. In this sense, Hawai'i is very much like a Third World colony where the local elite - the Democratic Party in our state - collaborate in the rape of Native land and people.


    In this book is an entire chapter devoted to tourism, "Lovely Hula Hands": Corporate Tourism and the Prostitution of Hawaiian Culture. It is a powerful chapter that affirms what I contemplate on the daily!

    Thursday, March 12, 2009

    Unemployment Headlines

    Governor of Texas Rejects Part of Stimulus Money
    It takes a little bit of courage to reject millions of dollars from the Feds when your state is facing high unemployment rates. I am not a fan of the stimulus bill!

    There are several misconceptions about the U.S. currency. To get a better idea of how the U.S. currency really works, I suggest purchasing the book, The Creature From Jekyll Island by G. Edward Griffin. You can also find the audio's available on YouTube. Here is Jekyll Island, Part 1. Take the time to listen to it. The book goes into greater depth, especially about the bailouts that spurred the Great Depression.

    To get a greater depth about how money works, watch The Money Masters.

    *********


    Some lighter news.....

    A Head With A Heart
    I thoroughly enjoyed this article. I hope you do as well. In a day when unemployment is the highest its ever been in several decades, this kind of creativity is needed now!

    Monday, March 09, 2009

    HELP! Donation is Tax Deductible

    Folks, this is my shameless plug for funds for my high school Alma Mater's Boys Volleyball team. A dear friend of mine is the head coach and is soliciting funds to help them do what they need to do to keep the program running. There is no limit to what you can do! If you can give even just $5, send a check to:

    ATTENTION : Kaniela Kalama, Head Coach
    Kahuku High School Boys Volleyball Program
    56-490 Kamehameha Hwy
    Kahuku, HI 96731


    Below is the letter that was sent to previous donors. There is a number you can call if you need the 501(c)3 tax EIN to deduct it from your taxes.

    * * * * * * * * * * * * *



    January 12, 2009

    Dear Stakeholder,

    Last year the Kahuku High School Boys Volleyball Program worked towards developing young men who were willing to strive to be the best student athletes they could possibly be. As a result, they became exceptional positive role models to their fellow peers and to the community. And with generous contributions from people like you, we had a very successful season.

    Our team did an outstanding job of achieving that high standards that were set for them on and off the course. We won the East dividion title and received a spot to participate in last year's State Tournament. This was accomplished depsite the lack of funds to play in some pre-season volleyball tournaments. These tournaments provide teams with invaluable experiences that rural schools such as ours, often miss due to transportation and other costs. The cost of one bus is approximately $300 per game.

    This year, we will once again strive to be an exemplar program both athletically and acadmically, and we are asking if you wouold be able to be a part of our efforts that goal. We will hold a fundraiser Volleyball Tournament in March or April and we are asking businesses and establishments such as yours to donate whatever is feasible to assist in this program. Please know that your generous contributions will help our efforts to cover transportation costs, purchase supplies, equipment and apparel for our boys team. If you are able offer a donation, please send it to:

    ATTENTION : Kaniela Kalama, Head Coach
    Kahuku High School Boys Volleyball Program
    56-490 Kamehameha Hwy
    Kahuku, HI 96731


    If you are making a monetary donation please make payment out to: Kahuku High School Boys Volleyball Program.

    If you have any questions whatsoever regarding this program please do not hesitate to contact the school at (808) 293-8950 if you require a 501 C3 tax identification number.

    We appreciate your continued support for our young athletes.

    Sincerely,
    Kaniela Kalama, Head Coach
    KHS Boys Volleyball

    Wednesday, March 04, 2009

    High Heeled Pointy Toed Boots

    Sunday night, my niece text messaged me from my brothers phone:
    Dear Aunty i just want to let you know that my birthday is tommorow remember that i totally LOVE would love high heeled boots for my birthday
    I couldn't help but laugh at the message.

    My sweet niece is, by far, the most expressive and creative child I have ever known. For instance, she has created a commercial for an industrial cleaner, complete with three different characters from three different places. One character is a male from Texas, and she does the whole Texas accent. One character is from Aussie and she does the accent for her as well. I can't remember the last character but she does a whole infomercial. It is really funny. And the crazy thing is that it all came from the mind of a seven year old. (She just turned eight on Monday.) She loves to draw, as do I. Everytime she visits with me, we draw and color. Apparently, according to her, I'm an excellent sketch artist. We design the latest fashions and create the hottest styles together. If ever I had a favorite, of course Aunty's never do **winks**, she would be it. She reminds me so much of myself but in a way-charged-up-more-creative-kind-of-way!

    With the text message information in tow, I made my way to Ross on the night of her birthday. Since her birthday fell on a Monday, she spent it with her family at Build-A-Bear. I called her to wish her a happy birthday and to tell her that I would be dropping off her birthday present for her at her Grandparents (my parents) House the following day. She was excited!

    While in Ross I searched the kids section for high-heeled, pointy-toed boots. They don't sell boots like that for children. I already knew! I was just hoping there'd be some costume stuff in the kids section. I made my way to the womens shoes section. A particular pair kept drawing my attention and I knew she would just love it. So I threw it into my cart. I kept walking around the store and came up with an idea to turn her gift into a "Let's Play Dress Up" themed gift since the boots were far too grown up and I just know her dad would NEVER let her out of the house with them on. I threw in two, very grown-up dresses, head bands, a belt, and a glitter/make-up set. I wish I took a picture of everything but was too excited about it. It was just the cutest gift EVER.

    I spoke with my sister-in-law this morning and the gift was a HIT! She was so excited about the boots that she wanted to wear it to school. I hope they never let her wear it to school. It really is way too grown-up. **giggles**

    This is the card I included:
    The "Diva-Licious" Gift

    "They don't sell high-heeled boots with pointy
    Toes for little girls," said the store clerk

    "But my niece wants that for her eighth
    Birthday. She has to have it," I perked!

    The store clerk shrugged and walked away and
    Left me to ponder what needed to be done.

    So I set out on a great expedition to find
    A gift that was fashionable and lots of fun

    This is what I came up with so
    I hope you like it

    Pull these items out when you need some
    Glamour and Glitz

    Little girl, you are only little but
    Once in your life

    So be little, have fun, and
    Always choose the right

    Don't be in a rush to grow up
    And get old

    Take your time, do it right,
    And let the blessings unfold



    She's been experiencing a tiff at school. I guess there are three little girls that are doing the "I'm not gonna be your friend" thing that little girls do. My niece is the outsider in the tiff. The three girls are telling people NOT to be her friend. Anyway, I wish I could shield her from the bad stuff. It breaks my heart to see her have to go through it. But she must and I know she will be fine. I hope my gift brightened her day!

    **Photo Credit

    Tuesday, March 03, 2009

    Drive-By Post

    Wow... it's been a few days since I had time to post anything.

    I've been quite busy with my move from the North Shore of O'ahu to Central O'ahu. Husband, myself and my brother got almost everything moved in on Thursday, last week. We rented a U-Haul and slammed everything into it. It took us just under an hour to unload everything. I'm so grateful for my brother being there to help my husband. Although I'm quite a strong young lady, they did all the heavy lifting. Yayy for big favors!

    Saturday was spent cleaning up our old apartment. I'm so grateful to the carpet cleaning guy... A-1 Spotless Cleaning... we got turned around at Sunset, trying to go south. Due to an accident, we had to head back north and go all the way around the island to get to our destination. Those who know how it works on Kamehameha Hwy can probably TOTALLY understand! Either case, the accident set our timeline back by 2 hours and the carpet guy waited for us! On top of the normal fee of $75 I tipped him a dubb. Yayy for big favors!

    Sunday was spent unpacking, placing things where they needed to be, hanging clothes on hangers and lounging! The evening time, husband and I went to watch our nieces sing. They are 9 and 7 and they sing so beautifully. It was so grand.

    And well, that's what I've been up to! I'll be catching up soon.