"It's Been a Long Day. . ."

3.30.10. I am grateful for full days: controversial lunch conversations, kalua pig, working late, bbq, meeting with the girls, a blackout and coming home to a sleeping son, hubby and 2 doggies.

First of all, this picture was NOT taken today. It is an old picture because my phone refused to upload the photo of my homemade kalua pig up to facebook. So I picked an existing photo of ms. pipilani resting on a pillow. Its been a loooonnng day-early meetings, working until 9pm, homemade kalua pig, bbq at the Finaus, meeting with the girls about the album, lunch talk about the role of men and women in the home (always the women vs. Derek, of course), dark chocolate, getting the big new office, and getting home at 11pm to a blackout, my sleeping son, hubby and doggies. Makes the day all worth while to see them at the end of the day!

"The Green Bag Revolution"

3.29.10. I am grateful for my son's new lunch bag. . .it is our attempt to monitor what he eats at school, a chance to cook more and pack healthy lunches and snacks. It's a step in the direction of healthier living in the Ulima 'ohana! (Motivated by Jaime Olliver's 'Food Revolution'-watch it on Friday nights, it will blow your mind!)
I watched a new reality show last night, Jaime Olliver's 'Food Revolution'. The premise of the show is a British chef who has transformed the school food system in England and is trying to do that in the most unhealthy city in the US in West Virginia and the resistance he meets and the transformation that takes place. I was appalled at what our children eat and I asked Fosi to watch the show. I'd already starting making steps to eat better, even after the diet last month. I'm trying to acclimate my taste buds to dark chocolate and soy chocolate milk and cook from raw and healthier foods. Tonight, I made a delicious whole wheat spaghetti dinner with turkey meatballs and green salad, it was great! My family loved it. So off we went to Wal-Mart to buy my son a lunch bag. We plan to review his menus at school and make him lunch/breakfast on the days with foods we consider unhealthy. It's worth a try and it is never too late to change and to live a healthier life style for our own sake and for the sake of our children and future. I am grateful for being surrounded by good examples at work and around me in the universe. Mahalo ke Akua!

"Chubby Cheeks Unite!"

3.28.10. I am grateful for babies that remind me of innocence and of the sacredness of life.
I adore this baby at church, Dennis Fujii's youngest princess, a joyful bundle whom the whole ward is in love with. It makes me think about our pre-mortal life and, of course, makes me want to have one. As my clock ticks away, I don't know if that will ever be a biological possibility for me, but all things are possible with God, aren't they? We fasted today, even Sonny (for one meal) and its a practice we need to keep up with and teach our son. Attended a great General YW broadcast and had dinner at the Nauahis. Another busy week ahead with the RFP. We will succeed! I am grateful for the gospel and for the beautiful young women I serve. . .imagine, this little blessing from God in the picture is a divine daughter of God who will grow to be a virtuous young woman. It gives me hope for our future!

"Life is a Beach"

3.27.10. I am grateful for Hawaiian beach days with my family.

I slept in late after a long and fun night with Kalani. I worked for

a few hours and Arlynna bought us Thai food for lunch-yums!

Then, I got to spend the day with my family! I told Fosi I wanted to get out of town and enjoy this beautiful island and so we headed to Waimanalo after we picked up some poke, sushi and chicken. We went to Sherwood's and, can you imagine, it was my first time! Ever! It was beautiful and clear and cold (windy). Too cold to swim, but enjoyed music and meditation and the sand between my toes and watching my boys play in the sand. What a glorious time, what wonderful moments, what a blessed life I lead. Mahalo ke Akua!

"I Love Maui. . .the Demigod, that is!"

3.26.10. I am grateful for watching 'Maui the Demigod' at Kumu Kahua theatre! It brought back so many good memories of the original cast and this cast was AWESOME!!!! HUGE fan of Maui Mua, Maui, Loke and mahalo to Wil Kahele and the crew for your graciousness. Much success to you all-everybody on FB, go watch them and support local theatre!

After 19 years, Kumu Kahua did a revival of Maui the Demigod in their Merchant Street theatre. Kalani and I went to watch and it was really good! Its really revolved and the acting was great. I LOVED the Maui, Loke and grandfather (Maui Mua)-superb! And Maui and Loke were fine! Got to see Ron after all of these years, he's in the play. Its a nice, small, intimate theatre and I was so impressed by everything. The director, Wil Kahele, was so gracious to allow me to meet the cast and take pictures after the show. I really want to make an effort to support local theatre more. . .maybe one day I'll act again! Went to the T-Spot to watch Au Uso Moni afterwards and sang 'Why You' with the band. Good vibe and sound tonight. Ate at Zippy's after with Kalani. Worked on a holiday with the managers trying to get the RFP done. May have to work tomorrow. A hui hou!

"I love to clean on my nights off!"

3.25.10. I am grateful for a whole night off and I spent it. . .shopping for healthy food and cleaning out the fridge!

Another busy day at work and working tomorrow for the holiday, but I spent the morning and evening shopping for healthy food at work and home and I'm grateful for that. The day was punctuated by brief moments of humor discussing men, women, ethnic preferences for dating and Prince Kuhio. . .hilarious! I actually had a whole night off while Fosi took Sonny to the chapel and I decided to watch my DVR'd shows, shopping for healthy food and cleaning the fridge and kitchen. Hooray for me! Hopefully tomorrow night sees me and Kalani watching Maui and listening to laser beams, lol!

"Church Meetings and Zippy's"

3.24.10. I am grateful for church meetings on a week night that allow me to eat out with my husband. That's two nights in a row-so naughty!
It is hella busy at work and both Fosi and I had church meetings. Ward counsel for him and Youth Conference for me-somehow I got chosen to teach a 'Dating' class at the conference in June! Even though we're busy, I'm grateful we both choose to serve the Lord. He always blesses us. RFP is kickin' our butts at work, but had a nice break in the day with Thai food for Kathy's birthday and yummy pumpkin chocolate chip bread I bought from Great Harvest earlier in the day. Gonna work on Friday, the holiday, and maybe Saturday, but hoping to go out with Kalani to watch 'Maui' and D's band on Friday night. We shall see. . .

"When Your 7 Year-Old Wants a Girlfriend. . ."

3.23.10. I am grateful for mommy-son dinner dates. Sonny: "Mom, when can I have a girlfriend?" Me: Ah, first of all, girls are trouble; second, you can date after your mission, in college, right before you get married!" He's 7 years old, heaven help me!!!
So I volunteered to take on a big project at work and it will be a crazy couple of weeks getting the RFP out, gotta work on a holiday, this Friday! But, the RFP is priority! Had a nice lunch :) and conversation about humor, patriarchal homes and strong opinions. Worked late, had dinner with my son at Kenny's with a yummy banana split. I'm glad that he can talk to me about girls, but this whole girlfriend thing makes me want to lock him up until he's married and cut off all tv. I pray we can always communicate and that we can teach him the right way and that he'll make good choices in life. God be with us, he's a cutie!

"Rainy Days, Mondays and Hawaiian Food Don't Let Me Down"

3.22.10. I am grateful for Hawaiian food that brightened my lunch and brightened my day!!!
Ah, the joys of laulau, poke and poi. . .sure to brighten any bland day, especially a rainy Monday. I'm tired and still a little sick, but there's an RFP due in a couple of weeks and no time to waste. Wondering how the album, youth conference, work, business, finances will all come together as it should in the next few weeks (sighs). I have faith in God. . .and there's always a little mea 'ai ono to lift my spirits! Mahalo ke akua!

"Ice Cream Sundays"

3.21.10. I am grateful for Sundays filled with family, church, rest and. . .ice cream!
Started the day with Mac and the gang over and cooking breakfast. Watched Song Contest again, did some shopping (naughty girl!), went to church and did laundry (bad bad). Still tired from the week but something tells me this week will be long and busy, as well. Spent the night with Sonny eating lau lau, poke and poi for dinner. . .topped off with lots of ice cream! Wish I could sleep in tomorrow!

"Let the Sun Shine. . ."

3.20.10. I am grateful for watching Louisa rock it in 'Hair' at the Manoa Valley Theatre tonight!

It's been a crazy couple of days, with girl's camp and work on Friday and Saturday, I've been exhausted. Watching KS Song Contest on Friday night was memorable and emotional for me and Saturday was busy with work and then I went with Kalani to watch Louisa in Hair. It was funky, long and pretty darn cool. . .tons of songs and a bunch of 'high' cast members, lol. I love "Let the Sun Shine. . .and Aquarias!" Went to dinner with Kalani girl and Lou after and taking a breather on Sunday before another long week at work ahead. Think I'll watch more theatre in Hawaii and support the local arts, heard they did Maui again. . .it's been almost 20 years since I was in it!

"Luck of the Irish"

3.19.10. I am grateful for delicious green cake at our Irish-themed Friday work party!

I started the day off with a job interview at 8am, was exhausted from camp and little sleep. Had a long day at work, but I enjoyed our monthly EPIC party. . .the theme was Irish and I made an 'Irish pot roast stew' (translation. . .pot roast with potatoes), but it was well received. I was thrilled I got to eat everything there and the food was good, not like last month's party where I sulked to Subway for a piece of chicken breast because I was on my diet. The Irish green cake was amazing! The dinner with Fiji turned into a phone conversation cause the girls couldn't make it, but it's all good planning to finally finish the album! I'm tired tonight, gotta work tomorrow, so it's DVR'd shows and Irish cake from work until I fall asleep! Song Contest tonight, might meet up with Gary and Malia Kurihara for a late dinner later! How lucky can I be?

"Why I Know God Lives and Loves Me. . ."

3.18.10. I am grateful that I started my day with a beautiful Hawaiian sunrise. . . and spent the day with the beautiful young women of the Honolulu Hawaii West Stake at YW Camp

I spent the evening sleeping at the YW camp-Waimanalo, Bellow's. It was rainy and windy and cold. But this morning, I got up at 5 am, listened to music and sat on 'my bench' to watch a cloudy, but beautiful sunrise over the ocean. It was windy but peaceful, just me, the earth and God. My heart ached with gratitude at God's creations and I was reminded of the blessings and people in my life that makes living a gift. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me! I am also SO very grateful that I was born and raised in Hawaii. I am grateful for the beautiful young women of our stake and for the opportunity to serve them. Mahalo ke akua!

"Green cupcakes and Dad!"

3.17.10. I am grateful for Hokulani cupcakes, getting pinched for not wearing green (not really, lol) and remembering my dad today. . .it's been 31 years today. Love and miss you, dad!

It was St. Patrick's Day today and I didn't wear green. I'm usually festive and EVERYONE but me and one other person wore green, even the men wore green! I kinda boycott the holiday because it's the anniversary of my dad's death (31 years today), but after I got pinched by my boss, I used a shamrock from one of the decorations as a broach. Went to meetings and ate ONOLICIOUS cupcakes from Hokulani. So yummy, exotic and expensive all at once! On my way to camp tonight, yikes! Sleeping on the ground and surrounded by tons of teenaged girls. . .should be FUN! Hopefully I'll get a tan, see the sunrise and enjoy the camp snacks!

"I Believe in Miracles"

3.16.10. I am grateful for miracles.
I received a text from Bella at 1:30am that her dad was in emergency surgery that was life threatening and asked to pray for him. I called her back and found out uncle had an aneurysm in his stomach and there was only a 20% chance he'd make it through surgery. I went to the hospital for support and brought food and an ukulele, just in case. Aunty, Lui, Belz, Don and the kids were there and Fita, Star, Aunty Fita, Inamae and her kids and Jazzy and CJ. We talked and prayed and waited until 6:30am when they were told he made it through and was in the ICU recovering, but had a 50/50 chance there, recovery is crucial. The family stayed and the rest of us went home, to come back at another time. Uncle is a very strong man, with a stronger will and it's not his time yet. I slept in and went to work at 1, even though I had called in sick, too much to do. Went with Tahia to the movies, watched "Remember Me", fell asleep, but had good ice cream. Exhausted, need to sleepy sleep.

"Spreading the Gospel Works Up an Appetite"

3.15.10. I am grateful for our missionaries! They sure do work up an appetite after a long day of spreading the gospel!
Long day at work, I'm a little sick, but felt great taking the missionaries-Elder Kau and Elder Moala out to dinner at Ruby Tuesday's. They were hungry! Sonny enjoyed the salad bar and I loved the blondie dessert. It is always a blessing to feed the missionaries, they work hard and they appreciate it. Somewhere out there in Arizona, we pray that families like us are feeding our Elder Timo Ulima. After all the elders we sent out in our families, we know how important it is to take care of God's messengers. One day, I'll be hoping that someone is feeding and watching out for my son when he is 'Elder Ulima'.

"Ms. Pre-Teen Hawaiian Island Beauty 2010!"

3.14.10. I am grateful that my niece, Vaekehu Parker, won Ms. Pre-Teen Hawaiian Island Beauty 2010 today! Congrats Kehu!
I attended my first beauty pageant today at the Pacific Beach Hotel. Vaekehu entered her first pageant with the Island Beauty Productions circuit. There were all age ranges (2-30+), male and female. The production and some of the contestants were kinda ghetto, but we clapped anyway! It was good fun, though, Kehu had a lot of supporters and Tahia worked tirelessly for two days to make costumes and shuttle Kehu to rehearsals in Laie. She didn't sleep for two nights and crashed after the show. Kehu's costumes, grace and talent were fantastic, just gotta work on 'sass' and speaking. She won Ms. Photogenic and Ms. Pre-Teen Hawaiian Island Beauty 2010! We had fun screaming and holding our homemade signs and eating and critiquing everyone. Went to church after and enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the Nauahis with the Peters, elders, Parkers, Huddys-meatloaf, lupulu, oka and my banana dessert. Yum!!!

"Gotta love a boy that cleans. . ."

3.13.10. I am grateful that my son loves to CLEAN! He cleaned the shower and the yard today. . .part of my 'Raise a Man That Cleans' program! Faafetai tele lava, Sonny!
They say 'what goes around comes around', and fortunately, the universe has responded to the fact that Fosi cleaned and did his feau obediently as a child. Now, my son seems to have inherited that trait and I pray it doesn't grow out of him with adolescence! He's always loved to clean and do his chores, and do it well. He loves to clean the shower and the yard and believe me, those are two things I don't like to do! And he's 7! Attended Ratu's baptism at 8 in the morning, had breakfast and am cleaning and doing laundry. Will attend Sonny's last game of the season at 1pm and go shopping with Tahia for Kehu's pageant tomorrow and do grocery shopping. Saturdays are always crazy but they are family days and I'm grateful!

"Burgers, Fries and Tahia"

3.12.10. I am grateful to have dinner at Zippy's with my sister-in-law. . .and a teri burger and fries!
So, I've pigged out these past two days since I've fully welcomed back starch and sugar. . .ice cream, burger, fries, pizza. . .gonna have to lose the weight by Monday!!! Don't wanna gain it back. Well, I know that sweets really affects my body, so I'm gonna have to really eat that in moderation. Busy at work with meetings today, stayed home tonight, except for a quick bite at Zippy's with Tahia. Saturdays are always busy, tomorrow holds a baptism, cleaning, laundry, shopping and who knows what! Had a good business meeting with Fosi tonight, Go! Grateful Tahia has been cleaning the house and taking Sonny everywhere with them. Mahalo!

"I Heart Starches!"

3.11.10. I am grateful for. . .STARCHES!!! Welcome back into my life! And mahalo to my lunch crew for supporting me and celebrating with me today!

So, even though I've cheated, I officially ended Phase 3 today with a celebratory lunch at work. Spanish rolls in the morning, mochiko chicken (Lunch Box), noodles, poi, poke, brown rice for my 1pm lunch crew. They were very appreciative and we had a good time. Idea gave me dark ginger chocolate and it was good! The morning started with a beautiful windy, cloudy sky-so luck to live Hawaii! The trailer of Eclipse came out and I may watch a movie with Tahia tonight while Sonny hangs with his cousins! Coolio!

"A Girl's Best Friend"

3.10.10. I am grateful for Ma'aboy! He's naughty and spoiled sometimes, but always comforts me when I'm sick or feeling down, is super funny and gives unconditional love! Can't imagine life without him!

Ma'a was my first dog, my first experience with truly being an animal owner, an animal lover. He has transformed the way I look at other dogs, other animals. I am always amazed at how sensitive, how insightful he is. He always knows when I'm feeling down, when we're about to argue, when I'm sick. . .and he comforts me. He's stuck by me during my darkest hours, he literally sticks to me when things are real bad and even though he can get out of hand sometimes, I'm so grateful for his friendship and love. Other things I'm grateful for today: preparing for my emancipation lunch tomorrow, staying home and chillin. Fried chicken and chocolate milk!

"When the Lights Go Out in Kalihi. . ."

3.9.10.I am grateful to have gotten off of work early (thanks to electricity going out!). . .which let me pick up my Sonny and gave me time to take pictures of myself in the car, lol!
So the lights went out at work and after singing a few songs in the dark with Derek and co-workers hanging out, we were released to go home at around 3:00! Hooray! I was planning to leave early anyway cause I started the day at 7:30am with a work breakfast meeting. Played a little guitar at lunch, picked up Sonny from school, spending the night doing business planning with Fosi, yeah!

"My Little Eskimo. . ."

3.8.10. I am grateful for my little man! How could you NOT adore this face at the end of each day?
What a blessing to come home to this face every day. Even when I scold him, he always ends up smiling at me. I'm cold today and enjoying hot cocoa and Samoan bread, so what is there to say? I love it! Other things I'm grateful for today: a great discussion about the 'Akaka Bill' at lunch with Derek and Theresa, FHE, poi and tuna for dinner and spending the evening at home relaxing.

"A Cold Hawaiian Morning at the Ulimas"

3.7.10. I am grateful for cold winter Hawaiian mornings. . .and my whole family sleeping together on one futon for warmth!

Cold anything is rare in Hawaii, so its nice to enjoy our blankets, hot chocolate and sweaters whenever we can. Its been in the 60s at night and that is cold for us! I cracked up when I found all these guys sleeping together in the living room on the futon. Love sleeping together as a family! Other things I'm grateful for today: going to church, lau lau and poi for dinner, compliments on my outfit at church, listening to great testimonies.

"Especially for Youth. . ."

3.6.10. I am grateful to have performed for the awesome youth at Waimanalo's 'Especially for Youth'. Thanks Tiare for the invite and Kalani and Jolene for helping Na Wai out-you guys are awesome!

I started my day with the Stake Mission Open House and doing presentations for the Young Women's Program. I did laundry and prepared to go to Waimanalo to perform for their EFY with Na Wai, Kalani and Jo. We had a great night singing and talking for and with these wonderful youth. The music was inspiring. Went to Sam Choy's afterwards with Kalani for Loren's birthday party and came home-I'm exhausted! Can't wait to sleep.

"TGIF"

3.5.10. I am grateful to stay home on a Friday night! Kickin' my feet up and watching t.v. with my son and dogs are just fine with me, thank you!

Last weekend was something else. Friday night dinner with friends, music at a club with the girls, staying up all night and morning to prepare for the pending tsunami. . .let's just say I was exhausted come Monday! Tonight, I'm relaxing at home while Fosi went to the state basketball tournament with Mac. Just me, Sonny and the dogs. DVR'd shows, a relaxing shower, snacks-yup, the perfect evening! Other things I'm grateful for today: pulehu ribs, Friday lunch jokes and getting off of work early.

"Skype!!!"

3.4.10. I am grateful for Skype!!! I can talk to international friends (and local ones on video) for FREE!

I have found out what millions have already discovered-Skype! Free video and internet phone service. I talk with Roni in Australia or even Kalani on video in Laie and its hilarious and FREE! You can even conference call! Ah, technology, gotta love it. Other things I'm grateful for today: a great panel and lunch at the law school, seeing Amy Ono and other friends and teachers. Staying home on a cold, rainy evening and watching my DVR'd shows. And my hubby. . .

"Happy Girl's Day!"

3.3.10. I am grateful for all of the wonderful girls in my life. . .sisters, nieces, friends-HAPPY GIRL'S DAY!!!

Its girl's day or Hina Matsuri in Japanese. A Japanese tradition that honors and celebrates girls! The Japanese doll is the symbol for this special day. I am so grateful for all the many wonderful girls in my life and there are so many! Girls are such a blessing! I think its so important for us to treat our girls well and cherish them. . .they are our future! Other things I am grateful for today: visiting teaching and Tahia cleaning my house!

"Kalihi Girl. . .Born and Raised!"

3.2.10. I am grateful to be from KALIHI!!! Born and raised on Kam IV Road. . .I'll never forget where I came from no matter where I go!

I am a proud Kalihi girl, through and through! I have so many wonderful memories of being raised with my family and friends on Kam IV Road. 1412 Kam IV Road is the home I was raised in with my siblings, parents and grandma. Loved my neighbors, my school, and everything about being from Kalihi. I learned to be real, to survive, to accept different people and situations, to enjoy life and to be proud of who I am. No matter what I accomplish or where I go, I'll always remember my roots and how it's shaped the person I am today. Other things I'm grateful for today: my marriage, my home providing a haven for others and rehearsing with Na Wai, Jo and Kalani for EFY on Saturday.

"I Can Bring Home the Bacon. . Fry it Up in a Crock Pot!"

3.1.10. I am grateful for my crock pot! Easy to use, cooks while I'm at work, allows us to come home to a home cooked meal at the end of the day and makes me feel like a good wife and mother! We can do it all!

My trusty crock pot, if I could, I'd make all of my meals in there and I'd come home to a hot, home cooked meal every night. As I write this, I'm about to partake of the roast I made. Yummy! Other things I'm grateful for today: My hair cut, a great neighborhood meeting in Nanakuli and a beautiful drive listening to my favorite music! Started Tahitian dance tonight with Tahia and I'm sore, but the sweat was good. . .let's see how I feel tomorrow!