"Saturday with da Boys"

1.30.10. I am grateful to spend my Saturday with my two favorite men (Fosi and Sonny).
Don Quixote, Saturday morning. . .I'm looking desperately for Italian Grissini Breadsticks because it's the only starch I can eat for 3 weeks and the boys have found massage chairs to sit in while I shop. Men are resourceful that way. Through the hustle and bustle of the busy week, it's always great to spend time with my favorite people on earth and they are WAY cool! Other things I am grateful for today: watching my son's basketball game (even though only 3 players showed up and they had to 'borrow' players from the other team!), taking a much needed nap, watching a fabulous drag show with Kalani and Roni and having a SHOT jam session all night long in Waikiki with D and the boys. . .faafetai tele lava!

"Hale Ulima"

1.29.10. I am grateful for my hale and the people and dogs I come home to everyday!

1522A xxx Street (can't give my address away, stalkers, lol, but KALIHI rules!), that's my place, my kingdom, my refuge, my little slice of heaven on earth (most of the time!). I am so grateful to own my own home and to have a place for my family to gather, my in-laws to live, my dogs to roam freely, my son to ride his bike, my husband to bbq. The Lord has truly blessed us with a place to call our own and to provide shelter to others. It is where the people I love most sleep and live. In this hale is laughter and praying and eating and crying and loving and fighting (a little) and growing and learning. May it continue to be filled with joy, happiness and abundance for as long as we live here and may God bless it always. Other things I am grateful for today: a wonderful training from Kevin Campbell, not feeling too hungry on day #3, conducting a photo shoot at work for the Youth Circle brochure and having a blast taking the photos and laughing with the "models" (that's you, Derek!).

"We are Friends. . ."

1.28.10. I am grateful today for new and old friends.

I went to PCC tonight to watch 'Ha', again, with Kalani and a new friend, Roni, from Australia. The show was great and always happy to watch beautiful Polynesian men dance. I met Roni at the concert last Saturday. She's here on vacation and we had fun last weekend and tonight. Plans for more fun is in the works for this weekend! I'm always grateful to meet new people who become friends, some you just hit it off with right away. But there's nothing better than an old friend and I'm grateful for friends like Kalani and all the close friends in my life. Friends add flavor to life! Speaking of flavor, its day #2 of the diet and I'm a little hungrier tonight. I'm a good girl so far, but it was hard today with bentos and snacks at a work training all around me! Temptation! I shall overcome! Thank goodness for lots of water!

"The Magic Potion. . "

1.27.10. I am grateful for what's in the little brown bottle. . .

So, what is in the little brown bottle? The HCG hormone drops that make this freakin' 6-9 weeks without starch or sugar worth while! Day 1 of the diet: had my first egg with tomato omelette and oranges. Grateful I wasn't starving all day, but feeling a little hungry now, it's almost 6pm. Gotta go make some sirloin steak for me and Fosi. Seeking some Grissini breadsticks and herba matte later on tonight-that's the mission! Lord, help me make it through the next few weeks! I need to visualize the end result. . .

"I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for ICE CREAM!"

1.26.10. I am grateful for ice cream and pizza today! (Especially since I won't be having any for a looooonnnngg time!)

So, today is the last loading day for me and Fosi. We start the diet tomorrow, that means no starch or sugar for anywhere between 6-9 weeks! I feel like I'm going to food prison! But no, I'm grateful for the diet and the knowledge that it can work if we stick to it. It's worked before! It will again! I'm psyching myself out for it, went shopping tonight, pigged out today with pizza, pasta, steak, ice cream, soda. Am I ready? Can I do this? I can, I must! Although I'll be screaming for ice cream, I'll be screaming for smaller jeans more! Good luck to us. Other things I'm grateful for today: learning the importance of patience with my 7-year-old, creating solutions as a family, Fosi picking up business with Go!.

"Mea'ai Ono Anyone?"

1.25.10. I am grateful for Hawaiian food today.

The craving took over and I had to run to Young's Fish Market for some Hawaiian food today for lunch. Not only did I have a kalua pig plate, but I ordered sweet potato (uala) and char siu pork and shared it with my co-workers. It was delicious! One of the best things about Hawaii is the food and I am here to enjoy it and give testimony about it! Some of my favorite Hawaiian food places are Young's, Helena's, Papa 'Ole's and the old Ono Loa (Waiahole Poi Factory). Other things I'm grateful for today: new friends I met over the weekend, laughing with my friend at work who spilled Frappuccino all over himself and stayed in those clothes all day (sorry D!), feeding the missionaries and doing laundry for Family Home Evening!

"Another Testament of Christ"

1.24.10. I am grateful for the Book of Mormon.

Today I taught a great lesson in church on the Book of Mormon. I spent most of the time crying in front of the class. It really affirmed my testimony of what an amazing book it is and how blessed we are to have it. I had a busy day sharing a message to the wonderful young women of the Moanalua II and Halawa wards. I'm so inspired by the faith and courage of our young people who keep the gospel standards in this day and age. Other things I'm grateful for today: my husband making lunch, my son looking cute in his new outfit, having a great dinner and enjoying great company and singing at the Nauahis hale.

"Some Roads are Longer than Others. . ."

1.23.10. I am grateful today for visiting mom and dad.

So I made the long road trip to Laie by myself because I wanted to visit the graves (and my husband and son didn't want to come with me!). I visited with mom, dad, grandpa, grandma, Feala and Marilyn. There are just way too many people I love buried at Laie Cemetary. But at least it helps logistically when I visit. The road to move on with mourning the losses of Feala and mom, recently, has been long, but one that is necessary. The biggest comfort is that I'll see them again one day and that families are forever. I'm glad mom is with dad, after 30 years. It was an enjoyable afternoon. I always love the scenery on the drive, the Koolau mountains, Kualoa, the ocean, Laie, the temple. I listened to my favorite music, had an ice cream cone and contemplated many things. Then, I got invited by my good friend, Kalani, to go to the 'Throw Da Shaka' concert at the Waikiki shell with her cousin and friend. We had 'choice' seats in the pool area, the concert was SLAMMIN' with my favorite local artists and favorite emcee (Lina Girl!). The night continued on with good food, company, laughter and music at the War Aquarium (SHOT girls!). I had so much FUN! The road to life is filled with trials, but the people and experiences along the way make them all worth while. I am truly grateful for my life and the people in them. Mahalo ke Akua!

"Forget Furlough Fridays, I Got FOOD Fridays!"

1.22.10. I am grateful today to celebrate with family and friends at Viliami Nauahi's graduation party.

So, two parties in one day equaled to A LOT of great food! Today was our monthly company potluck at EPIC celebrating the birthdays for the month. It was marked by great food and great company. I have grown quite fond of these get togethers. The food themes are amazing and we have many great chefs in the company. (Pictures on Facebook). I also had the privilege of attending Viliami Nauahi's college graduation party at the Honolulu Hawaii West Stake Center. (Photos on Facebook) The Nauahis are close family friends and it was awesome to celebrate Ami's graduation from UH. The decorations were classy, the food was divine and we had fun dancing and hanging out. Highlights of the party included Ami dancing a hula (he's REALLY good), Kehu and Sarai dancing Tahitian, watching Sonny dance like a maniac, dancing with friends from the ward while Fosi DJ'd, winning a prize and laughing until I cried at the emcee stylings of Shawn Kihewa. It was a great day!

"Do They Play Basketball in Samoa?"

1.21.10. I am grateful that my son is going to play basketball in Samoa this July.

OK, my seven year old son is fundraising to play basketball in American Samoa with, like, 400 other Hawaii kids this July. Isn't that a riot? He barely knows how to dribble properly, but Coach Faatea is taking them! Wow, talk about opportunities for the young! Fosi is planning to take him, but I can't go if I'm taking the Bar-shoot! Anyway, Sonny had a game tonight and they got smashed, but at least he made 4 shots, that's 8 points of the 13 or so total his team made! Chee-hu! Other things I am grateful for today: hilarious lunchtime conversation (and naughty, too!), roast for dinner, selling fundraising books to my co-workers (thanks!) and preparing for a nice luncheon tomorrow at work.

"I Love Pasgetti!"

1.20.10. I am grateful for cooking dinner and sharing it with my two favorite men.

I have been remiss in cooking lately, so it was really nice to prepare a home cooked meal, and Sonny and Fosi loved it! Either that or they were REALLY hungry! Other things I'm grateful for today: yummy meat loaf from Kanak Attack for lunch and my new purple flat iron.

"Stand for Truth and Righteousness"

1.19.10. I am grateful to be a part of the Young Women's program.

I am in the Stake YW program and I love teaching and learning from these amazing young women about the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a privilege and an honor. Other things I am grateful for today: laughing a lot at lunch, Mele's test results being fairly good, visiting with the Savusa ohana tonight.

"Dogs are a Girl's Best Friend. . ."

1.18.10. I am grateful for my dogs, Maaboy and Melegirl.

It is such a privilege to share my life with two canine companions. They are so loyal, protective, intuitive and provide unconditional love. I can't imagine my life without animals. They bring me such joy. Today, I found out that Mele has been having mini seizures throughout the day. I took her to the vet and they are doing blood work and kept her the day for observation. I'll find out the results tomorrow. It could be anything and I'm very worried because she's always so strong. To see her like this breaks my heart. I'm not prepared for another major illness or death in my life right now, so I'll pray that she's alright and that the Lord comforts her and watches over her when we're not here. Other things I'm grateful for today: enjoying the holiday at home with my son, our vet, Dr. Koreyasu, Fosi doing all the laundry, making kalua pig for dinner and Family Home Evening.

"Proud to Be Hawaiian"

1.17.10. I am grateful and proud today and everyday to be Hawaiian.

Today marked 117 years since the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom. It was commemorated in Honolulu with a march and other activities at Iolani Palace. I felt it was important for Fosi, Sonny and I to go to the palace and watch the march. I took some wonderful photos (check them out on my facebook page) and it gave me a lot to think about. I'm so proud to be a part of such a wonderful heritage and I hope to pass that on to my son. I will try my best to honor my ancestors by being pono in my life, seeking knowledge and wisdom, educating others and serving my people. Other things I am grateful for today: visiting with the beautiful young women of Pearlridge and Moanalua I wards and spending time with family and friends at the Nauahi home.

"Everyone loves a good BBQ"

1.16.10. I am grateful for good food and good friends at the Moanalua I Ward picnic.

It's our ward conference on Sunday, so the ward activity was a picnic and BBQ at Moanalua Middle School. Josh brought the mother of all BBQs from the Navy. There was food, swimming, volleyball, basketball and other games. Ward members and their families enjoyed one another's company until after dark. We had a great time! It was a busy Saturday! Other things I am grateful for today: grocery shopping by myself, buying new ear phones, a gorgeous day for hanging clothes, chillin' with Mele in the backyard, taking Sonny swimming, seeing my friend Malia from Utah, and watching the Notebook with Fosi.

"It's All in the Game. . ."

1.15.10. I am grateful today for the chance to watch my son play basketball.

Watching a bunch of 7 and 8 year olds play basketball, especially at the world-famous Kalihi Valley gym, is downright hilarious sometimes. They just enjoy the game, and that's inspirational to me, even when the adults are acting like it's the NBA finals! Other things I am grateful for today: looking forward to a 3 day weekend, spending the night with my two boys having dinner, going to the Fun Factory and watching my DVR'd shows!

"Ahhh, Morning People. . ."

1.14.10. I am grateful today for spending my morning commutes with my son and his happy face.

Sonny is a morning person, and an afternoon person, and an evening person. . .he's pretty darn chipper all day long (thank goodness!), except when he doesn't get his way, lol. Other things I'm grateful for today: my boss letting me go home early to rest because I wasn't feeling well, lunch with my husband, napping and going 'holoholo' with my doggie, Ma'a, and a meeting with my fellow Stake Young Women leaders to discuss the welfare of our stake's precious young women in the gospel!

"The Purple Fountain"

1.13.10. I am grateful today for meeting my goal of drinking 3 liters of water with my new purple cup, aka, "The Purple Fountain".

I LOVE the cup (from Wal-Mart) and the water, even though it means a lot of trips to the lua! Ah, cleansing! Other things I am grateful for today: visiting the inactive Young Women in my ward, having dinner with my husband and NOT being sick!

"Who says there's no such thing as a FREE lunch?"

1.12.10.  I am grateful today for the FREE lunch I ate at work.

An 'Ohana Conference fell through, so I was the thankful recipient of a turkey sub sandwich and chips! Other things I'm grateful for today: a good morning meeting, my husband getting paid, my mother-in-law cooking dinner and my sister, Dinah, giving me a 1.5 hour massage.

"Footsies"

1.11.10. I am grateful today for my co-worker, Theresa, giving me a foot massage at lunch.  

I wasn't feeling well today and she offered a lomilomi technique on my feet.  It was wonderful, made me feel better and was totally unexpected!  Theresa is a very kind soul and I'm thankful to know her.  Other things I'm grateful for today: lupulu and oka for lunch, rolling $200 in quarters, mint chocolate chip ice cream and Family Home Evening.

"Why I Love Sundays"

1.10.10. I am grateful for going to church with my husband and son.
I love going to church every week. To renew my covenants, worship and fellowship with my fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord uplifts my spirit for the week ahead. But going to church with my two favorite men, Fosi and Sonny, looking all handsome and ready to share the Sabbath with me, is more than I could ever ask for! Mahalo ke Akua!

"I Can Feel the Mana. . ."

1.8.10. I am grateful today for going to PCC to watch 'Ha' with the Nauahis.
(I would be remiss if I didn't say that I'm also grateful for beautiful Polynesian men!) So, Sina Nauahi is back from Japan for three weeks and her family wanted her to see the new night show, 'Ha', at PCC (being as she is a dancer for Tokyo Disneyland and used to dance for PCC). Since Fosi, Sonny and I have annual passes, we said, 'why not'? Friday evening found us eating da best kalbi ribs at Papa 'Ole's in Hau'ula and having a great time at the night show with fantastic seats! Throw in the fact that I got to watch beautiful men dancing and took a picture with the star of the show, "Mana", and that pretty much wrapped up a perfect evening!

"Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!"

1.1.10. I am grateful for the blessings of 2009 and the blessing of another miraculous year that God has given to me upon this earth.
I can't believe 2010 is already here, where did the time go? The new year found me celebrating in my hometown of Kalihi, with family, food and fireworks. The illegal aerials were spectacular, as always, and there was small kine dramas with a neighbor shooting his gun in the air (you gotta love Kalihi!!!), but other than that, it was quite mellow. This is gonna be a good year, I can feel it in the air. Mahalo ke Akua!