"Women, Food and God"

7.25.10. I am grateful for the Ulima sacrament program, family get together and starting a new book!

Busy Sundays. . .laundry, cooking, sacrament meeting where Fosi and Timo spoke and Timo and I sang, "Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy". Bro. Nauahi played, it was good and the boys did a good job. Had lunch/dinner at the house with the Ulimas from Laie and Apa/TJ. I bought a book yesterday, "Women, Food and God" and started reading it today. Talks about, as you would imagine, the relationship between women and food and how that relates to what we think about ourselves, our lives, our divinity and relationship to all people and things, including God. It's kinda what I knew and kinda heavy (no pun intended), but I hope to really get a lot out of it. I've been eating a lot and gaining a lot lately-not great before the Birthday Bash! Oh well! Great and busy week ahead!

"Corn Holes and DVR'd Shows"

7.24.10. I am grateful for a successful event at the Hawaii Foster Youth Coalition and a night home with the kids to catch up on my DVR'd shows, laundry and sleep!

Saturday-Real World Event at the Hawaii Foster Youth Coalition. Idea, Theresa, Jen and I attended, helped teach workshops, ran a resource booth and donated things. It was a good event, I went after to buy a Japanese guidebook for Faavi Sensei as a meaalofa. Headed home for a night of laundry, tv and hanging out while Fosi and Timo had a gig at the Stake Center and TJ and Sonny watched a video. I bought a book, "Women, Food and God". . .my, oh my, it sure sounds like I need that one! Lol.

"HA"

7.23.10. I am grateful today for a night at PCC with my boys, visiting the graves and visiting Kalani and her beautiful ohana (Dalli K!).

Half day off, hooray! Missed the EPIC potluck (Polynesian food them, shoots!) but went to PCC with Fosi, Timo and Sonny. They walked the villages and I visited with Kalani and her new niece, Dalli K (Dallas Kamakanaokalani, her namesake). She is SO adorable! Then I went with the boys to eat at the Gateway (the food was mediocre today). Watched the nightshow and David Tiave got us better seats next to the sound box (Hauga was running sound). The show was great, much improved and Timo loved it. Ate sherbert bowls and shortbread cookies from Papa 'Ole's and headed home. Great day!

"Imagine"

7.22.10. I am grateful today for a successful board meeting, spending time with the family, practicing a hymn, learning a song on the piano and watching Eclipse with my sister Debbie.

So with only a few hours of sleep, I picked up Gernani and made it to the CP Hui meeting at the Pacific Club, which started at 7:30am. It turned out very successfully and I was relieved. I went back to prepare for Saturday's Real World event and then left early. We went to the Nauahis and the boys swam for a little while before the evening's church meetings. I'm excited today that I learned how to play "Imagine" on the piano thanks to youtube! Don't you just love technolog? Debbie and I went to Eclipse at Dole Cannery. It was her first time and she really liked it. I fell asleep, of course, but still enjoyed it. Can we say 'tired'?

"Late Night Company"

7.21.10. I am grateful for my family keeping me company as I worked late after rehearsal. I'll be grateful when I'm on vacation soon!

So it was another long day at work preparing for the CP Hui meeting early tomorrow morning. I left work at 6:30, had a good rehearsal with the full band at Jan's (ate chili and cornbread), and returned to work until 1am. Fosi, Timo and Sonny brought me a late snack and stayed with me until I was done. I was grateful for their company and I finished everything I needed to. Can't wait until I go to the Big Island in a couple of weeks!

"iLove the iPhone"

7.20.10. I am grateful for my iPhone- my must have through the day! Phone, texts, music, email, Internet and, of course, FB all in my pocket! Great dance rehearsal tonight for the Bash! Happy BDay Mac!

Another busy day, ending in choreography rehearsal with Na Wai and Ms. Brandy at Lina's kumu's studio, her home in Kaneohe. It was so cute and homey and perfect for us! Needed to find something for my status-so I must say I am grateful for my iPhone, I LOVE it! Can't imagine life without it! Happy 43rd bday to Mac!

"From Ewa to Japan. . ."

7.19.10. I am grateful for rehearsal at Jan's, Teri making us pumpkin bread, mandoo and pasta and the great news about my Ewa Beach (boo!) braddah!

So today I found out from Idea that Derek signed a contract to coach in Japan! He's not coming back to work after vacation in Vegas, only to turn in a letter of resignation and return YC stuff and say good-bye. I had mixed emotions, on the one hand, sad that he's leaving and knowing that I'll miss seeing him and teasing him everyday. On the other hand, and more than anything else, extremely excited and happy for him. He'll be able to follow his passion, live a different life experience and grow as a person and coach. Good luck, coash! Rehearsal at Jan's was great and his wife, Teri, made crazy good pumpkin bread, mandoo and pasta pesto-it was so 'ono and we are SO spoiled!

"Missionary Sunday"

7.18.10. I am grateful for Elder Ulima's welcome home talk in the Samoan ward and feeding the missionaries on a beautiful Sabbath day.

Timo spoke in the Samoan ward and sang acapella (I Heard Him Come). Nora Taua, Mary Leilua and Chris spoke about going through the temple yesterday, on their way to the mission field. So great to see more missionaries going into the field, especially women. We took pictures after and home for lunch, church and feeding the missionaries tonight. Another lovely Sabbath evening, but work tomorrow! Can't wait for vacation!

"88 Keys and Lexie"

7.17.10. I am grateful for a new (free) piano and dinner at the Nordgran's!

We haven't had a piano in the house since we gave mom's to Mac's family. I remember mom playing her favorite songs. Although we never played, I've always wanted to. When Fosi and I started talking about having Sonny take piano lessons, we knew we needed a piano. So when Sis. Pratt was giving away hers, Fosi volunteered to take it. It's old, but well worn and loved and needs to be tuned. It matches with our furniture and looks great in the living room, more homey now. I worked, teaching Module 3 of the Financial Literacy Training to the youth board and it went well. Watched a video and went to the Nordgrans for dinner. Their new military home is lovely and new, central a/c, quiet, spacious, well decorated (in that country style decor that Utahians are famous for) and clean. Heather made yummy overloaded baked potatoes and chicken pillows (chicken cream cheese fillings inside croissants) and homemade smoothies. We played games and had a great time. The best part was hanging out with Lexie, their big, beautiful 9 year old collie that looks just like Lassie. She was SO sweet and gentle and obedient (not like our naughty doggies, but I love them anyway!). She loves for humans to pet her and she really like Fosi, she lay by him and licked him. It was a great night overall with the Nauahis and Parkers.

"Leaving the Nest"

7.16.10. I am grateful for a day off, helping out a friend and eating at Helena's!

Day off today-woo hoo! Thought I'd spend it going to the beach or PCC or around the island but that didn't happen. Fosi and the boys picked up the piano, I helped Bella paint her old place and move some boxes to her new place in Kaneohe. We had a nice dinner at Helena's and caught up. I so happy that she's getting her own place with her family-it's time to leave the nest. I hope everyone at home is happy with their new spaces, as well.

"Have Beavuh Will Travel"

7.15.10. I am grateful today for: a confirmed flight for my sistah down under, shopping sprees (not for me!), Stake Council and my friend, Breyer's!

So finally, after weeks of vascillating, Ms. Veronica Milford (beavuh) confirmed her flight and Austin booked her ticket. I'm looking forward to her trip here and our trip to the Big Island in a few weeks! I took Ipo and Gernani shopping for their trip for the Intiative and it was great to see them enjoy themselves. They were thrilled with the free clothes, shoes and luggage. I hope they have a great trip and I'm so happy to be a part of the Jim Casey Initiative and all they do for transitioning foster youth. I attended my first Stake Council because Dawn couldn't attend and Timo reported to the council on his mission. Mom and dad came to listen. And of course, nothing like ending the evening with a bowl of 'all natural' ice cream!

"Wednesday Night R&R"

7.14.10. I am grateful for a night off to. . .watch a Tahitian dance on tv, eat a piece of chocolate cake, read a book, watch a video and lay in bed.

Finally, a night off. And what do I like to do on my nights off? Eat, watch tv and lay in bed-that's pretty much it in a nutshell. Dogs lounging with me, son running around, Fosi nearby or playing basketball. It was "So You Think You Can Dance" night and the first dance of the night was a Tahitian number-was so chicken skin to see it on national television. A girl from Nonosina taught it and Mark Kanemura was the male dancer. Leftover cake from Timo's party, a little Breaking Dawn, planned on the video but didn't make it, but slept early. Great Wednesday night!

"Welcome Home, Elder Ulima!"

7.13.10. I am grateful and proud to welcome Elder Timoteo Ulima home from a two-year mission in Arizona. Great job, bro! Mahalo ke Akua.

I can't believe two years have gone by and Timo's already home. I remember when there was a time we really thought he wasn't gonna make it, but he did and he went and by his own words, it's been the best two years of his life and he left a boy and has returned a man. He gained a little weight, speaks a little more haole and wore his shoes in the house and I had to remind him to take it off! Dad and Fosi and the family made a big bbq feast. Ulimas came down and Mac's family and Timo's boys to greet him and celebrate his return. We all shared and prayed and are so happy and proud of him and look to him for that 'sparkly RM' inspiration in our home and for the Ulima ohana. We look forward to him moving on with the next phase of his life: work, school, career, marriage, family, church callings. It will take some adjustment, but he'll be fine and he will always have those two years to look back at and be grateful for. He's moved into mom's room and will start driving for Fosi soon. Welcome back, Elder Ulima!

"Music and Laughter"

7.12.10. I am grateful for great music, awesome musicians and lots of laughing-all at a Monday night rehearsal!

Another great rehearsal with the full band-Jan, Koa, Jack, Cody and all the girls! Always a lot of laughter and great music!!! What a gift to work with amazing musicians-Jack is crazy on the bass! Its gonna be great! Long day at work and rehearsal and talking with Bella until midnight but was great to catch up and be a listening ear and excited for her move to Kaneohe!

'Sunday in the Park"

7.11.10. I am grateful for church leaders who care, a surprise treat, and reading a book under a tree with my boy on a peaceful Sunday afternoon.

Renewed my temple recommend with Pres. Tenney, enjoyed toll-house cookies from the Mirandas and had a Jamba (oops!) under a tree with Sonny at a park in Nuuanu after sacrament. Sorry, I just had to get out and think. Fosi was at a gig, grateful for that income. It was a lovely Sunday and gorgeous in the park. Rejuvenating for the week. Sonny had an earache and we didn't go to the Nauahis as planned.

"Let's Luau!"

7.10.10. I am grateful for baby luaus with Ono Hawaiian food, good music, friends and family. Gotta love Hawaii!!

Had a great day with the Youth Leadership Board, conducting the Board meeting and Jen taught them the first class in the Financial Literacy Training. It was a success and we got 4 new members, including one-third of triplets! Their cute cousin/guardian brought them and sat in on the class, so nice! Then I got to see Kalani when we went to Cameron Tuitele's baby luau at the Tabernacle. Saw a lot of family and friends, great food and entertainment by Touch of Gold!

"An EPIC day at the Courthouse"

7.9.10. I am grateful for participating in an awesome Teen Day Event at the Kapolei Court House with a great EPIC crew! Happy Aloha Friday everyone!

Had a nice break from the office by participating in the Teen Court out at the new Kapolei court house. Although Theresa and I complained about how haole the architecture was and not reflective of Hawaii, it was lovely and the event was great. We did presentations from the Youth Circle, Ohana Connections and the Initiative and had a table passing out flyers. Met potential Youth Board members and family court judges, DHS key staff and more. Worked until 10pm preparing for the Youth Board meeting and training tomorrow.

"Relief Sociey Night"

7.8.10. I am grateful for Relief Society night with the ward sisters, 'ono food and great fellowship!

Long day at work, Stake meeting and straight to Relief Society. Good food, though, and always nice to fellowship with the ward sisters. Happy Bday Eileen!

"I Know I Can Dance!"

7.7.10. I am grateful for watching my favorite shows like, ''So You Think You Can Dance'! (Although I think I can dance, I wish I could dance like the dancers on that show!)

I love this show and the dancers on it! So much better than "American Idol", especially lately. Ah, in another life, I would be a professional dancer and fly through the air, but the only way I'm flying through the air is on a plane! I can still watch and enjoy, though! I do enjoy dancing, though, especially dirty dancing and no matter what, I can still do that!

"A Lovely Stroll in Kalihi"

7.6.10. I am grateful today for exercise! Nothing like walking the dogs through lovely Kalihi to get my cardio for the day!

I exercised! I walked both Ma'a and Mele (separately) through Kalihi and we were all exhausted. Ma'a even threw up, but I think we all had a good time. I need to exercise a lot, I'm tired of this unhealthy body and I'm in charge. I'm grateful for my body but I could treat it better. Maybe a walk through Kalihi everyday is just what we all need!

"Holiday Pool Party"

7.5.10. I am grateful for a holiday BBQ pool party at the Nauahis with family and friends.

A day off from work, hooray! And I actually spent it with Fosi, Sonny, the Parkers and Nauahis at their new home with a lovely pool and great bbq. Enjoyed eating, reading, playing games and hanging out. Sonny swam a lot (not me) but I was traumatized by the death of the Nauahi's fish (who pled for oxygen but I didn't know that it needed help) and I pray for its peaceful ascent to that big fishbowl in the sky. Back to the grind tomorrow!

"Ms. Independent"

7.4.10. I am grateful for farewells, freedoms, family and fun today.It's Independence Day in America.

Although I don't personally celebrate this day (I'm a wanna be Hawaiian activist, right?), I am grateful for the freedom to choose, the freedoms that the Lord and the gospel provide and I am not unaware that things are much worse in other places in the world. I am grateful to live in Hawaii, my native land. It was the last Sunday for the Dugans and Fujiis, so many great families leaving. We enjoyed a nice dinner at the Nauahis with board games.

"Reflections From a Mother's Heart"

7.3.10. I am grateful that our ohana cleaned out mom's room and were able to reminisce, share and honor her-precious finds, precious memories, a precious life. We love and miss you mom!

After 8 months, we finally cleared out mom's room. Timo's coming home on July 13 and he needs his own room. It's hard to imagine someone else in mom's room and difficult to clear away her things, but it's a part of life and moving on. I know she's in a better place, but that doesn't mean we miss her any less. Mac, Ang and the kids helped and Aus for a little while. We donated, threw out and divided things. My most precious finds included photos and a book called "Reflections from a Mother's Heart" where she wrote answers to several questions about her life. I read some and plan to read more when I'm ready. I am so grateful for mom and the life she gave all of us and I pray that we may keep her in our hearts always, and in our memories, where she'll always live. We know she lives and that we'll see her again one day.

"Eat, Pray, Love"

7.2.10. I am grateful for spending my Friday night eating pizza with my boys and curling up with my dog and a new book (I'm loving the book so far!).

Bought a new book, "Eat, Pray, Love" and enjoyed reading, eating pizza and chillin at home with my peeps on a mellow Friday night. Good book about a woman who seeks pleasure, devotion and balance in Italy, India and Bali. I'm enjoying it so far and reflecting on the things that hold me back from true happiness and the need to let go and let God. . .

"Eclipse Take Two"

7.1.10. I am grateful for stealing a little time with Fosi today at the movies. OK, it was also a ploy to watch 'Eclipse' again, but we had a great time! Werewolves Rule. . .but I likey the Cullens, too!

OK, I couldn't stay away too long, I had to watch Eclipse again. I took a little time off of work and Fosi agreed to watch a matinee with me. We had a nice time-snuck in some Costco hot dogs, mochi crunch and candy. Enjoyed a big mint choco chip ice cream. Movie was great again. Fosi thought it was good but that two real men would never sit in a tent and talk about their feelings for the same girl. Well, that's why it's fiction and that's why women love it. . .

"ECLIPSE!!!"

6.30.10. I am grateful for watching Eclipse with family and friends at the KCCN private viewing. The movie rocked! Thanks Davey! Team Jacob, baby!!!

After several months of waiting and re-reading Eclipse in anticipation, Eclipse, the third book (and my favorite) in the Twilight saga, came out today. Thanks to Davey D of KCCN, Na Wai and our families got tickets to watch a special showing-free tickets, prizes and Vita Water. I won a goodie bag for answering which team Lina is on (Team Alice). I took Tiffany from work and Tahia and Dinah because Fosi didn't want to go and I don't allow Sonny to watch PG-13 movies. It was great! The best movie in the series and fun to watch with a theatre full of screaming fans (Team JACOB baby!!!). Great kissing scene between Jacob and Bella (even though she's a hoochie mama!). Can't wait to watch it again!

"Bless my Bills"

6.29.10. I am grateful for the ability to pay our bills and provide for our family.

Bills, bills, bills. . .everybody has bills. But not everybody blesses them enough, so today, I bless my bills and thank God for the ability to work and pay for them, provide a roof for my family and food for my loved ones when so many are struggling and losing their jobs and homes. Mahalo ke Akua.

"Jammin"

6.28.10. I am grateful for jammin with awesome musicians!!! July 31 here we come!

Practice at Jan's house was great! The girl's medley is gonna be da bomb with: We are Family, Respect, I Will Survive and Dancing Queen. Can't wait to add Cody and Jack on bass! This year's set for Birthday Bash will be the best ever!

"The Gift of Sundays and more. . ."

6.27.10. I am grateful for a friend joining the Church, singing in sacrament meeting and spending a Sunday evening with the doggies.

I'm so happy and proud of Theresa, she was simply glowing after her baptism yesterday and receiving the Holy Ghost today. The Elder and I sang again today in sacrament meeting in the Institute single's ward. Then, another quiet evening with the family and the doggies.