"A Girl and Her Guitar. . ."

2.28.10. I am grateful for my guitar. . .for the sweet music she makes and the people I get to play it with and for.

My guitar, she's a beauty. I bought her from Mento Mele some years ago and she still sounds great. Now, I'm not a great guitar player. . .yet, but I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to play music for people and that they actually enjoy it. I'm grateful I get to play with Na Wai and I'm grateful to represent female musicians who play their own instruments. I'm looking forward to improving my guitar playing (I need to find a guitar mentor!) this year and plan to make more use of her and the gift of music in my life. Other things I'm grateful for today. . .staying up on Skype until 5am with Roni, sleeping in, getting my hair down (on a Sunday, I know-tsunami threw everything off!), good food and kickin' it at home playing my guitar on a Sunday evening.

"ALL CLEAR!"

2.27.10. I am grateful that the tsunami has been cancelled for Hawaii and that everyone is safe, mahalo ke Akua!

So I didn't go to bed last night. After listening to music and eating at Zippy's with Sina and Kalani and learning about the pending tsunami, I went home in time to wake Fosi up and galvanized him into action. We filled up gas on the cars, bought batteries, toilet paper, water, milk and I started the laundry. I had TONS of it! Watched the news reports all day and slept off and on. Received the 'all clear' in the late afternoon, only a little action seen in the ocean, thank goodness! No damage, no injuries here or in the Pacific, I believe. Just goes to show that our prophets are correct, we need to always be prepared. As they say, it's not if but when it happens! Niu and his family hung out here, as did Kesi and Fili, since they were in the inundation zone. I'm grateful our home is NOT in the inundation zone and that all is well. I'm also grateful that my hair appointment was re-scheduled. Yeah! Gonna chill tonight with the aiga and get ready for Stake Conference tomorrow.

"Dinner with Friends"

2.26.10. I am grateful to Jyron and Mai for making us a wonderful dinner at their place tonight!
So Jyron invited us over for dinner. He's a long time friend of Fosi's and I finally got to meet his girlfriend of 3 years, Mai. She is really nice and it's good to see him settled now, they live together and he made awesome fajitas for us. Then, I went to pick up Kalani and met Sina and we went to the "T Spot" in Kapolei to watch Derek's band, Au Uso Moni. They were rockin' the place and it was cool to hang with the girls, play pool and listen music and dance, then late eats at Zippy's. Met some interesting people. Bad news is there was a bad earthquake in Chile and Hawaii has a tsunami warning, looks like it will hit tomorrow morning. Gotta prepare, I swear the end of the world is near. Our prophets have warned us! God Bless Us and all the people affected by disasters everywhere!

"KING!"

2.25.10. I am grateful for my 'hanai' neighbor dog, KING! He's an old man and can't really hear, but when he catches my scent, he runs to the fence and cries for me. . .to feed him, lol. Can you tell I LOVE dogs?!?
OK, I'm feeling sentimental this week because "Daddy" died and "King", my neighbor dog reminds me of him. Big dogs, big names, big hearts. King spent his life watching my neighor's warehouse and when they closed that down, he moved in next door, close to my fence, last year. Mele adjusted to him and they smell each other through the fence. He's deaf, but has a really good sense of smell and when I go into the backyard, even when I'm sneaking, he catches my scent and runs over and cries like a big baby until I feed him (he loves Ma'a's and Mele's food better than his own). I feel for him at night when it's rainy and windy because his 'dog house' is exposed to the elements and I hear him moving around and wish I could bring him in the house or build him a roof. He's an old man who's served his humans for years and he deserves a warm bed, good food and lots of human love and contact, that's just my opinion. But it truly brings me joy to see him and feed him. May God watch over him. Other things I'm grateful for today: going to Sonny's curriculum fair, playing music at lunch, getting off early, eating at Genki's with Sonny, shopping for new clothes, buying a hat(!), and getting my eyebrows waxed (ouch!).

"My Office"

2.24.10. I am grateful for my office. It is decorated with pictures of people and things I love, it lets the sunlight in and it's surrounded by great people that I get to work with everyday!

I love my office. Aesthetics are very important to me and I've taken great care to surround myself with photos, flowers, plants and things that make me smile. A teddy bear from Fosi, great music to listen to, well chosen frames, a warm coat, a 'goodie' draw of toiletries and snacks, my purple water bottle, and an orderly desk and work space. I'm contemplating a big potted plant, a water fixture and maybe something scented. . .hmmmm. It's stressful sometimes, like today, I was pretty stressed, but my office can be a little haven when I need it to be. Add to that the great people I work with and I'm pretty lucky, as far as work places go. I'm grateful to have a job doing something meaningful, that pays me and good people to work and laugh with. The polygamy conversation from yesterday's lunch spilled over into today and it was still heated, controversial and hilarious! Let's see what we discuss tomorrow! Grateful to stay home and watch my DVR'd shows tonight!

"Daddy. . .RIP"

2.23.10. I am grateful for "DADDY", my pit bull idol. The Ulimas will miss you! RIP.

I shed a few tears today when Fosi called to tell me that "Daddy", Cesar Millan's ('The Dog Whisperer's) faithful companion, partner and best friend past away at the age of 16 from cancer. He was my favorite celebrity dog, a beautiful pit bull, the epitome of 'calm, submissive' behavior and a model for his breed. He and Cesar had a chemistry that was undeniable on television and he helped to rehabilitate dogs and owners, alike. I must admit that I thought about my dogs' own mortality and I felt for dog owners everywhere who lose their precious companions and I do NOT look forward to the day when it's time for our doggies to go home to heaven. I am so grateful for the love of animals, for the lessons they teach us and for their loyalty, unconditional love, companionship and sweet spirits. Other things I'm grateful for today: learning a new song, "Hey, Soul Sister" on the guitar, delicious homemade kalua pig and poke for lunch, rehearsing with Jolene, Kalani, Bella and Lina for the Waimanalo EFY next week. Having dinner with Bella and Lina at Ruby Tuesday's and catching up with Bella.

"Nico's!"

2.22.10. I am grateful for healthy, yummy lunches!
Now that I can eat real food, I thought it would be nice to go to Nico's for lunch. A fresh swordfish salad = delicious and healthy! Picked up lunch for Shona and Derek, and they enjoyed Nico's too. Lunch conversation surrounded our names and how we got them, how we got teased because of them, etc. Another stellar 1pm lunch crew conversation. Other things I'm grateful for today: I made kalua pig in a crock pot, 20 hours later it was pure heaven and with poke (and a little poi), to die for!

"Scripture Power!"

2.21.10. I am grateful for daily family scripture study.

As the primary song says, "Scripture power, everyday I need, the power that I get each time I read!". I'm so grateful that we've committed ourselves to daily family scripture study. OK, sometimes we miss a night, but for the most part we've done really good and Sonny is actually reading along and learning scripture 'lingo' like, 'unto' and 'brethren' and 'thou'. What a blessing the scriptures are and what a difference it makes when our family reads and prays together. We want to give him what we didn't have growing up-a knowledge and love of the scriptures. Other things I'm grateful for today: attending the last ward conference at Aiea Ward. A fun night on Skype with Kalani and Roni.

"A Day with Sonny"

2.20.10. I am grateful that I opted to spend the day and evening with my Sonny boy. . .just me and him ALL day (basketball, visited the graves, PCC dinner and night show and rockin' in the car along the way-what a blast my 7 year-old is!)
Well, it's been quite a day. Fosi had an overnight boy scout camp and came home just in time to take the youth to EFY at BYU-Hawaii. So we didn't see him, really, since yesterday. I spent the day with Sonny doing chores, I did shopping, and took him to his basketball game at 3. He did much better today, especially on defense and scoring. I was supposed to go to a fundraiser with Kalani girl and Louisa tonight but when my son asked why I was going out, AGAIN, I knew I needed to spend more time with him. So, after his game, we headed to Laie to visit the graves, ate a buffet dinner at the Gateway and watched the night show at PCC. It was great and I got him some laser 'dentures' and sherbert delight. I had loaded new songs on my iPhone and we rocked on the way to and from Laie. It was a great day with my son. I know that I'll look back on times like these in a few years when he WON'T want to hang out with me and cherish them. I want him to always know and I want to show through my actions that he always comes first.

"Welcome back to REAL FOOD!"

2.19.10. I am grateful that Phase 2 is over and Phase 3 means I can eat REAL FOOD!!! Hooray!!! (Even though I can't eat sugar and starch for 3 weeks. . .I'm not complaining!)

OK, so I've cheated off and on, but in general, I've been good and lost 16 pounds and am thrilled that I can eat everything but starch and sugar. I had a yummy laulau and lomi salmon for lunch and my lunchmates were thrilled for me. Fosi is camping with the YM tonight and its just me and Sonny. Gonna take him to get a movie and play a few games at the Fun Factory. Its still so cold, gotta keep warm. Hopefully, I choose to eat better and exercise so I can keep up the good work!

"New Beginnings"

2.18.10. I am grateful for the YW New Beginnings program I attended this evening at Moanalua I Ward. It reminds me of how wonderful this worldwide sisterhood is!

Being a part of the YW program is amazing. I loved my years in the YW and to see the spirit and faith of these young women in this day and age is truly inspiring. It was great to see the new YW be introduced and welcomed into the program by their older church sisters. I thank the Lord for this wonderful program.

Other things I'm grateful for today: MY LAST DAY OF PHASE 2!

"The Face I See. . ."

2.17.10. I am grateful that this is the last face I see at night and the first face I see in the morning.

Children, they look like angels when they're sleeping. . .often a far cry from how they can act when they're wide awake! Whatever the case, I can't help but think about mothers all over the world who don't know where their children are sleeping or have children sleeping in hospitals, terminally ill, or in a tent on the beach. And every night my healthy son sleeps, safe and sound, in a warm bed and arises to love, food, clothes, a good education and a bright future ahead. What a lucky boy and what a luckier mom! God is good.

"The Hands that Lift Me Up. . ."

2.16.10. I am grateful for hands that lift me up. . .Bella, Luisa, Lina. . .thanks sisters!

What would life be without our girlfriends? My sistahs of Na Wai have been uplifting me, through good times and bad, for over 20 years. We met at Kamehameha and church, we were all loud, opinionated, funny and had a love of music in common. And just like sisters, we've had our shares of laughter, fights, all-night jam and talk sessions and tears. And just like sisters, we're always there for each other, we're loyal to each other and we love one another. I am so grateful for these beautiful ladies and for their hands (and hearts) that lift me up through the years. Other things I'm grateful for today: my LAST day of drops!

P.S. OK, the hands are poignant, but I had to settle for a picture of their hands and not faces because they didn't want to take pictures! That's women for you! LOL.

"On my Day Off. . ."

2.15.10. I am grateful to spend my DAY OFF with my two funny guys.

It was a holiday and I actually got a day off (hooray!). It was a GORGEOUS day outside, but I spent the day doing laundry, hanging with my dogs, watching 'Big Love' online and going to Aiea Bowl with Fosi and Sonny. There was ONO LOA food there and I cheated. . .again!!! What a terrible food weekend I've had. . .and only 3 days until Phase 3, I need to get back on it! I dread hearing it from certain people. . .ah well, gotta face the music. FHE tonight and ready for another busy week ahead. Thank goodness for days off and thank goodness for spending it with my guys!

"My Funny Valentines. . ."

2.14.10. I am grateful to spend my Valentine's day and every day with the people I LOVE the most! Happy Valentine's to my sweethearts. . .Fosi, Sonny (Ma'a & Mele, too!).

Valentine's day. . .the day of love-hearts, flowers and chocolates everywhere! For me, it was simple and sweet. . .my son kissing me and wishing me a happy Valentine's and he and Fosi making me a Valentine drawing. Church with the boys (I attended 2 other ward conferences and got 2 lei). Got homemade chocolate chip cookies from my visiting sisters (and I ate one!). And the day will end with dinner at the Nauahis. I have the people I love with me and my dogs, what more could I ask for? Happy Valentine's Day to everyone out there, may the gift of unconditional love be something you enjoy every day of the year.

"Can you Cheat and be Spiritual at the same time?"

2.13.10. I am grateful to have attended an island-wide church auxiliary training tonight with Sis. Dibb from the General YW Presidency (she also happens to be President Monson's daughter, cool!).

Tonight, I attended an island-wide auxiliary training at the Mililani Stake Center. The YW leaders were taught by Sis. Dibb, second counselor in the General YW Presidency. She is the daughter of the Prophet, pretty awesome. It was great and a spiritual experience. It was also packed and I got to see a lot of familiar faces. Afterwards, caught ride home with the Nauahis, but not before eating at Ruby Tuesday's!!! I also went to watch "Tooth Fairy" today with Fosi and Sonny at the movies. So that's TWICE in one day that I cheated on my diet!!! Arrghhh!!! So weak. . .so weak. . .how can I cheat and be spiritually fed all in one day? Proof that I'm WAY human. Ah well, repent and start over again tomorrow!

"Dancing Queen or The Enforcer?"

2.12.10. I am grateful to go dancing with my husband! (Its a church youth dance but its still a dance!)

I attended a great meeting in Waianae this morning with other service providers on the Waianae Coast to see about implementing a vision patterned after the 'Harlem Children's Zone' and going after a federal grant to assist with that. It is an amazing vision and will take collaboration and synergism and I hope that we're a part of that. There was manapua and doughnuts, but I stuck to the oranges. I'm 4 pounds away from my goal weight for this round and I only have until Tuesday to reach it. At night, while Sonny went to the Lanakila Ward Conference dinner with Austin and the girls, Fosi and I chaperoned at a multi-stake dance in Kaneohe. It was my first dance on the Stake and I was surprised at how many infractions of the dress code there were and I was kinda like the gestapo. . .the enforcer of 'wear shoes on the dance floor'. OK, perhaps I was a little over the edge, but hey, I'm trying to abide by the rules! Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to dance but I must say that the DJ was pretty awful. Had a steak and salad at Zippy's afterwards, was dying for the french fries and grilled cheese. Next time, I'll dance more! Oh, and Fosi dropped off a Valentine's gift at work (stuffed animal basket, soooo cute! Thanks Honey!).

"We're on iTunes!"

2.11.10. I am grateful today that Na Wai's singles, "Oh, Boy" and "Just You and Me" are FINALLY on iTunes!!!
After several months and a glitch in the system, Na Wai's singles are finally up on iTunes! I hope it makes a lot of money and is a good pre-cursor to our album. People have been asking for the songs forever. I'm grateful that we are finally getting things in order to get back in studio and finish up the album! Other things I'm grateful for today: resisting the leftovers and cupcakes at work, the Peters ohana dropping off a goodie basket (which I can't eat!), attending our ward Relief Sociey dinner (it looked delicious but I was good and just had some meat and veggies), going to my Stake YW meeting and Fosi getting another van.

"I AM Discipline!"

2.10.10. I am grateful today for DISCIPLINE! (And not giving in to temptation today!)
The word of the day is 'discipline'! At least that's the word that Coach D says my diet is all about. Well I was definitely disciplined today and quite proud of myself. While EPIC enjoyed their monthly potluck and some of the best food I've seen yet (Mardi Gras, Valentine's and Chinese New Year foods and glorious desserts), I quietly snuck out to eat my chicken breast and tomatoes. Although the cupcakes and brownies called to me, I resisted. Only 8 days left so I gotta hang strong and lose as much as I can. Came home to a black out because someone hit a telephone pole right next to Kalihi Market (formerly Dot's). It didn't come back on until 2 or 3 in the morning, so we slept early after I got home from doing splits with Kalihi ward. I will succeed!

"What You Having for Lunch?"

2.9.10. I am grateful for my lunch crew! They make me laugh and encourage me through this crazy diet! (Thanks coach DEREK!)

My 1 p.m. lunch crew always makes me laugh. At work, we are assigned to eat at certain times and so the 1 o'clock 'ohana' consists of Tiffany, Kathy, Shona, Theresa, Derek and I. Our mealtime conversations are always interesting (and sometimes downright scandalous!), often amusing, sometimes intellectual and once in a while, heated. Today's discussion with Derek and how he thinks it's okay for a man to hit a woman if she hits first. . .well, I give him credit for standing his ground in a group of women. On top of that, he is 'camera shy' and would only allow his arm and sandwich to be in the photo (what a burgah!). Ah well, that's my lunch crew! It was nice to have the whole crew there, Theresa is often busy and Shona has showed up more lately. And through these weeks of salivating over everyone else's food while I drink skim milk and eat celery, they are all encouraging (even Derek, who's 'encouragement' comes in the form of "mmm, this sandwich tastes REALLY good, you want a cookie?". . .gee thanks, bro! I have a very looong memory. . .one day, lol). Other things I'm grateful for today: meeting with the ladies of Na Wai after a long hiatus, my husband bringing 'lunch'.

"Doggone it They're Cute!"

2.8.10. I am grateful to spend time with my DOGGIES!!!

I wasn't feeling too great today because I gained almost 2 pounds from my weekend slip-ups. So I spent most of the day not feeling so good about myself and asked Fosi to stop by to see me. It was the first time he came to my work and he liked my office, met my boss, said hi to some of my co-workers and gave me a supportive hug and kiss. When I got home, I sought further solace from my favorite canine companions, Ma'a and Mele! I watched them as they enjoyed playing in the front yard and it made me feel better (despite getting a surprise $200 phone bill I knew nothing about) while I waited for Fosi and Sonny to come back from basketball and tennis. I have re-dedicated myself to my strict diet. Only one more week of drops and I start Phase 3 next Friday. I can DO this!

"Families are Forever"

2.7.10. I am so grateful that FAMILIES ARE FOREVER!

Fosi, Sonny and I went to the graveyard today. We visited with mom, dad, grandma, grandpa and Feala. We had our little Family Home Evening there and talked about what we missed about mom and took pictures. It just made me ever more grateful that we have a knowledge and testimony that we will live together as a family together again one day. It lessens the sorrow and gives me hope for the future. It was Super Bowl today and the Saints beat the Colts, but Fosi did not watch it. We don't watch t.v. anymore on Sunday (but we watched 10 minutes of the end of the game) and we slipped again by eating at Papa 'Ole's after the grave (and I slipped off my diet AGAIN by partaking of a little food and a little shortbread cookie, how could I not? It's like my favorite foods and my family dares to tempt me that way!). Back to being strict tomorrow, I swear! Although I did weigh exactly the same as yesterday, even after last night's red velvet slip up. Scout Sunday, Fosi and his young men dressed in scout uniforms and I met with Austin and Dinah about wrapping up mom's financial details and planned for her headstone. Another week ahead. . .*sigh*. Family makes all the work and the 'day in day out' worth it! Families are Forever!

"That's How we Roll in Paradise. . ."

2.6.10. I am grateful for Hawaiian sunsets and beach parties with good friends, food and music.

It's 'winter' in Hawaii and while millions of people around the world are freezing and fighting snow storms and icy roads, we're enjoying gorgeous Hawaiian sunsets and hanging at the beach with family, friends, bbq and kanikapila until after dark with nothing but stars above and a cool evening breeze. Lucky we live Hawaii? Hell yeah! And on that note, I'm blaming my surroundings for tempting me to do what I did. . .I cheated! Yikes! A red velvet cupcake called me and I responded like a child to the music of the pied piper. Trust me, I suffered afterwards and I'm sure I'll suffer when I see the scale tomorrow! Can we say apple day? Other things I'm grateful for today: seeing Luisa, Aunty and the kids at basketball, watching Sonny's game, cleaning and doing laundry, learning a picking technique on the guitar, chillin' at home and celebrating Ami's birthday at the park in Waikiki with the Nauahis.

"T.G.I.F. . .at Home"

2.5.10. I am grateful to spend Friday night at home with my family.
It's been a crazy couple of weekends. Throw da Shaka two weeks ago with a 'jam sesh' at the Waikiki Aquarium (lol), PCC last Thursday night, The Shack last Friday night, Fusions and another all night 'jam sesh' on Saturday night in Waikiki, karaoke and games on Wednesday night. . .I'm TIRED! So I am very grateful to stay home tonight and watch television with Sonny, Fosi and the dogs. I'm still on my diet so I can't eat anything fun, but I'm enjoying just chillin' in my sweat pants and kickin' it with my favorite people. Day 10 of the diet, 11 days left. . .it's been so hard and I'm living on eggs and milk, but I'm hanging in there. 14 pounds so far and even though Fosi quit, I'm determined to see this out. I'm especially motivated by my supporters who tell me I can do it, not to quit, be strong (even those who are mean about it! Thanks 'coash' D!).

"I Love My DVR!"

2.4.10. I am grateful for my DVR! It records all of my favorite shows and gives me something to look forward to!

These days, I'm WAY too busy to spend hours in front of the television and sit through commercials. So. . .I put my trust in my favorite gadget in the house-my DVR. It records all of my shows (LOST, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Idol, Shark Tank and so much more). I do love to watch television and my DVR allows me to watch my favorite shows when I want, no commercials! Other things I'm grateful for today: getting up for work and Kalani visiting me at work (with some very interesting information! LOL!!!).

"Krazies at Karaoke"

2.3.10. I am grateful to go to karaoke with da crew!

Krazy Karaoke was the place to be! Even though there were only 4 of us and only 3 of us sang, we had a blast! Good singing, lots of laughing. When I first got there and was shown the "small" room, I burst out laughing because it was smaller than our bathroom at work. We upgraded to a medium room, but not before taking pictures in the small room and laughing until I almost pee'd in my pants while Kalani got injured sitting on the bench in there. We headed to Roni's condo after for more music, games (*ahem*) and conversation. It was an interesting evening. . .malo Royal Aloha! Other things I'm grateful for today: NOT partaking of the BBQ Fosi and my in-laws made, being strong in my diet! Having lost 12 pounds so far. Where my skinny jeans at?!?

"Let's Do Lunch!"

2.2.10. I am grateful for having lunch with friends today.

Day #7. . .hunger. And I poured salt in the wound by having lunch at Young's Fishmarket with Ronnie and D. I took my egg and orange like a good girl and had a little bitty lomi salmon for my veggie (lol) while I watched the others eat kalua pig, laulau and poi! I took a looong lunch break today and went to my son's PTA meeting after work and then, I did a very good deed for the day (but I can't talk about it here. . . I was sworn to secrecy!) All I can say is, "Damn, I'm good!" 14 days to go!

"Day 6. . ."

2.1.10. I am grateful that day 6 is almost over and that there are only 15 days left!

Day 6. I called in sick to work today for the first time. I felt weak, sleep deprived and on the verge of getting sick. I am definitely feeling my age. . .and the lack of sleep and lack of food culminated in me having a sick day. Rested for half the day and did laundry and cleaned the other half. I must admit, I'm reaching for something to be grateful for today (with a photo) and so I chose the fact that there are only 15 days left with my trusty orange. I am sad to confess that I cheated tonight! I felt like if I didn't eat something more, I was going to give up the whole diet. So I had some cheese and crackers. Tasted great, I feel physically better but bad about cheating. Well, I won't get down on myself, just pick myself up tomorrow, hopefully won't gain weight. Maybe Day 7 will be lucky!

"The Big 8"

1.31.10. I am grateful today for attending my nephew, Jonah Kauhi's, baptism.

Although I was functioning on just a few hours of sleep, I attended ward conferences (YW class) at Aliamanu and Nu'uanu wards. Great girls and great leaders! Then I went to sacrament at my ward and finally ended the day speaking at Jonah's baptism at the Makakilo Stake Center. He turned 8 today. I gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. It is always wonderful to hear inspiring lessons, renew my belief in the blessings of the YW program and be reminded of the basics at a baptism. I wish the best for Jo-Jo. It will be Sonny's turn in 9 months! It is day 5 and Fosi and I were particularly HUNGRY today, but we didn't give in. I am feeling kinda weak and almost sick, but its probably the lack of sleep. I'm too old to be partying like I did this weekend! But it was a BLAST! Back to work tomorrow! I am grateful to Fosi for being supportive of me!