"Halloween Ward Party, Take 2"

10.30.10. I am grateful for a fun night with my son at our ward Halloween party and for a great UH game!!!

Halloween is on a Sunday this year, so my son's Halloween lasted two days-dressing up at school and Aliamanu ward party on Friday and our ward party on Saturday night at Halsey Community Center on the military housing property. It was small and simple but he had fun. There was food and trunk or treating and then we went home to watch UH kill Idaho: 45-10, yeah baby!!! Sonny played with the Ulima kids. Earlier in the day, we cleaned while Fosi had meetings at church and then I went to studio to get a rough mix of "Silly Girl" and "Siva Siva Mai" and pay Wendall. The songs sound good and I love the new guitar on the taualuga. Send photos and video to Roni and D. Great Saturday.

"I Love Furlough Fridays!!!"

10.29.10. I am grateful today for a fun Halloween work party, winning an award for my costume and for making beautiful music in studio with friends. =)

What a busy Friday! I dressed as governor Linda Lingle, with a gray wig and button that said, "I Love Furlough Fridays" and won for 'scariest costume'! It was a hit, although I got a lot of Facebook comments that I looked just like mom-which wasn't my plan, but I can see that I do and that's an honor. Lunch was a fabulous burger bar Halloween celebration and I got a Jamba card for being an October birthday baby. After work, I got to see Derek!!! He worked on laying down the igi and guitar for 'Siva Siva Mai', it took over 2 hours but it was worth it! He did a great job, it was wonderful and Luisa got 'chicken skin'. Its gonna be a hit, I just know it! So proud of him and grateful it all came together, finally. We also laid the vocals for 'Silly Girl' and Kawika, Maka and Pua got to join Lui and I in studio. Fosi and Sonny went to the Aliamanu Ward Halloween party and had a good time there with the Nordgrans and Parkers. Sonny look great in his police officer uniform, with the real HPD shirt from Uncle Chad Morimoto!!! Whew, I'm glad I have tomorrow off!

"I Knew Barack Obama went to Kapalama!"

10.28.10. I am grateful today for finding my costume!!! (can't show it until tomorrow though, so enjoy my son!)

Wal-Mart meeting with the manager after work to ask for donations and place an order for the Youth Board's "Bag of Hope" service project. Then, purchasing costume materials for my 'winner' costume for EPIC's party tomorrow-I HAVE to win something! The stores were a madhouse and Sonny looked great in his Barack Obama mask!

"Lavendar, Melaluca and Frankincense. . .Seriously"

10.27.10. I am grateful today for essential oils!

Used the oils last night, lavendar, to help with sleep and had a very restful sleep and used some Melaluca and Frankincense on Mele and her tail and it was far less agitated today. Youth dance rehearsal at night was good, even though I had to run it without David. Cracking down on the performance and talked to the youth about who they represent and to do their best, got a tad emotional, but that's part of the gig. . .=)

"Oils are Essential. . ."

10.26.10. I am grateful for working in the temple today. The renovations are beautiful, it is truly the House of the Lord.

Today, Fosi and I took off to serve in the newly renovated Laie temple. We worked from 7:30-12:00, Fosi in parking and me as an usher. There were several on-going tours of members and non-members and the renovations were beautiful. I can't wait to do a session! What a wonderful opportunity for people to see the temple and learn a little more about what it is we do and to share the gospel. It was a privilege to be there and to have some time to be quiet and meditate, I felt very moved and I knew mom was near and who knows how many countless other loved ones. We ate at Papa 'Oles, picked up some famous shortbread cookies and headed to a 2:10 parent-teacher conference. We learned about Sonny's progress and challenges and shared our concerns about his learning challenges with reading and math. Mrs. Kido shared that he is a helpful and polite and like by his peers. That's a constant with him, thank goodness. At night, I helped Dinah host an essential oils presentation for doTerra, with Pakalana and Kaleo presenting. Toafa, a childhood stake member, was with them. It was really good, the desserts too, with oils in them and I ended up buying a Family Kit, with the hopes of helping Mele naturally with her many ailments and inflamed tail. Hopefully it was a good investment.

"Rainy Mondays and Missionaries"

10.25.10. I am grateful for rainy Mondays and feeding the missionaries.

The rainy season has begun, our 'Fall' is here and 'Winter' soon to begin. Busy day getting back in the groove at work as Fosi prepared for feeding the missionaries tonight. Emily stopped by at work today with her cute son to do an asset purchase for a deposit on a Hale Kipa apartment for her (she's 18), her 5-month old son and 17-year old boyfriend! I give her credit and wish her the best in her life. I'm so grateful for the gospel. Dinner was lasagna and garlic bread and a really tasty pumpkin pie. Up early tomorrow for the temple!

"The Day After. . ."

10.24.10. I am grateful for a full day of church and church meetings. Sonny enjoyed being recognized in church. Great to have Uncle Kesi joining us for church!

Day after the baptism, tired but happy. Sundays are not usually restful because there's laundry that I didn't have time to do on Saturday, light house cleaning, food to make, prepping for church meetings, making sure Sonny did his homework, then church from 3-6 and there was a tri-stake youth conference planning meeting from 6:15-8:15. Come home, hungry, tired and wishing there was a holiday tomorrow. Nice to have Sonny stand in church and be recognized-he was so proud. Uncle Kesi joined us, Fili is in Samoa and he's keeping himself busy. Another week begins tomorrow. . .what a blessed weekend.

"Sonny's Baptism Day"

10.23.10. I am grateful that today was such a special day for my family. Sonny was baptized along with his cousin, TJ. Mahalo to our family and friends who came to support them and attended the party tonight. What a wonderful day!!!

We've talked about this day for so long, ever since we got Sonny. He's looked forward to his special day, too. He met with the bishop last week for an interview, Fosi got him a white jumper from the ward, I was asked to give the talk on baptism and the Holy Ghost at the Stake 'child of record' baptisms. All 8 year olds who turn 8 in that month are baptized on the same Saturday. I was not too thrilled with the idea of a 'mass' baptism and not having the leeway to specialize my son's baptism-from program to musical performances and talks, but it ended up being special, nonetheless. There were 5 getting baptized from Halawa, Nuuanu, MII (TJ) and MI (Sonny). The stake prepared the printed programs and we had opening exercises in the chapel with all the children and their family, ward members. Pres. Tenney conducted and Pres. Stubbs was there, along with bishops from the wards represented. The Stake primary presidency was there-Priscilla Young, Lokahi Molale, etc. Our ward was in charge of the program this month, thank goodness, because I actually got a chance to participate in my son's baptismal program. I thinkg the talk went well, I was only given 5 minutes to talk on 2 subjects and I used props ( a wipeboard and camera/flashlight, keys.) Sarai said it was the best talk she'd heard at a baptism and I thanked her. Lol. The wards were then led to the font one by one. We were last, with TJ baptized by Timo first and then Sonny by Fosi. Sonny was SO excited, you could see it on his face in the water. They both went perfectly and then our wards went back to the chapel for confirmation and closing exercises. Niu confirmed TJ and dad, Fosi, Niu, Timo, Don, Bro. Nauahi, Bishop Tupuola stood in the circle. Fosi confirmed Sonny and the same people stood in the circle along with Pres. Tenney, Bishop Fujii, Mac and Austin. It was a very special moment and Fosi gave a lovely blessing and talked about Sonny being a good example throughout his life and listening to his parents and honoring his priesthood responsibilities and going on a mission and marriage in the temple. You could definitely feel the Spirit and Alyssa Tenney told me afterwards that she was impressed that my parents and other family members were there. I'm sure they were. I hadn't even thought about mom, with all the busyness, but of course she would have been there. We had a nice turnout: Mac and the kids (Ang was at work), Aus and the kids (Tahia was at a fair), Dinah, Deb and her family, the Ulimas, Apa, Lani, Kesi stayed home to watch the food and tent. The Nordgrans, Nauahi, Bro Theurer, the Huddys with Nathan Matsuda, Jen Luke-Payne, Theresa from work, Sister Finau, Luisa, Bella, Don, Elaine, Jonah and Lala. And Kalani came all the way from Laie for the baptism. And of course, Bishop Fujii, Robert, Pres. Tenney and Bishop Tupuola. We took pictures with much of them afterwards. Then we headed to the house where we had been preparing all day cleaning and cooking. Fosi made great potato salad, mom made sapa sui. Sonny cleaned the bathrooms and vacuumed. Timo and Fosi and Kesi/Apa put up the tents and did the BBQ-with Mac, too and dad while they all watched UH kill Utah St. 45-7, yeah baby!!!. We had most of the same people come to the after party (minus Nelson and the kids, Luisa, Fujiis, Tenneys, Tupuolas, Theresa, Theurer and stake primary presidency). The menu: bbq chicken, hot dogs, sapa sui, potato salad, rice, green salad didn't make it, lupulu from Sis Nauahi, cake and ice cream from the Nordgrans. Homemade pumpkin pie from Nani (it was a hit!), pumpkin pie from the Huddys. Drinks provided by Niu. Everyone enjoyed, ate a lot, watched the replay of the UH game, talked story and the kids played. Afterwards, we cleaned up and relaxed. Sonny was blessed with lei, cards, money and a song book with his name engraved from the Nordgrans. It was a wonderful and successful today-one we told Sonny to remember all his life as we talked with him and prayed as a family before the baptism. And it will be one that we will always remember, as well. Mahalo ke Akua.

"F.A.P.E. Now!!!"

10.22.10. I am grateful for the chance to participate in a live public television show on Olelo tonight with HI HOPES board members. Great job Adrian and Gernani!!!

Friday, took half the day off to do some errands and get ready for the evening. Sang with the girls at Lina's aunty's funeral-Aunty Bernice Kaopio, Matt's mom. It was a nice memorial service, she was cremated. People sang and talked at Borthwick. After that, I met up with Adrian and Gernani and we went to the 'Olelo station where we were to be on a live hour-long talk show, "F.A.P.E. Now", with host Gerald de Heer, shown on channel 54 and 10 times in the month on 54 and 56. We spoke about the Initiative and the youth board and the two boys did a good job. Spent the rest of the evening chilling at home.

"Is the Day Over Yet?"

10.21.10. I am grateful that this 12-hour work day has come to an end and that I can veg out by being on FB, posting up cute photos of my son and watching mindless television. . . ahhhh.

Work, youth board meeting and then home at last. Can we say tired? And yes, I like to come home and simply veg. A little facebook a little skype. I didn't have a gratitude photo, so I used one Fosi took of Sonny today of him on Chad Morimoto's police motorcycle-thought it was appropriate given that he will be a police officer for Halloween, lol. Here's to mindless television to lead me into a comatose sleep. . .

"Shall we Meet?"

10.20.10. I am grateful today for. . .meetings. Yes, I embrace the fact that my life is one meeting after another. But with meetings and agendas come planning and progress and change and good things accomplished and service rendered. So if that's what it takes, then call me the 'meetings queen'!!!

Meetings, meetings, meetings. My life, lately, seems to be all about meetings. Meetings at work, meetings in the community, meetings at home, meetings at church, meetings with the group. But you know, all of these meetings have a purpose-to plan for the success of programs and endeavors and life. Attended a youth dance evaluation and planning meeting for youth conference. It's tough when there's something every night, though, and it cuts into my time with my son, but I know the Lord will provide. He provides for our family in every manner when we do his work.

"Back at Kapalama"

10.19.10. I am grateful for a visit to beautiful Kamehameha schools, a great training, a great youth rehearsal and a great piece of ice cream cake waiting for me at home at the end of the day!

I started the day at a Youth Circle for a young lady on the Kamehameha campus, Smith Hall. It was a good circle, I wish her well, and it was nice to be on campus again. The view was spectacular and the campus lovely, the students in uniform now, but it brought back a lot of great memories. I headed back to the two-day training I'd been attending since yesterday on race disproportionality in the juvenile detention system. It was conducted by the Burns Institute and JDAI (Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative-a Casey Family Programs Initiative) and it was very enlightening, I saw a lot of parallels with the foster care work being done here. That night was youth dance rehearsal and we assigned the front row and other rows. They look good, although there's a lot of tweaking to do.

"The Haunted Lagoon"

10.18.10. I am grateful for a fun night at the Haunted Lagoon, PCC with the Parkers, Nordgrans and Ulimas. 23 people, tons of snacks, our own canoe and my 'haunted friends' in the show made for one spooktacular evening!!!

Ah, the Haunted Lagoon. What a great Family Home Evening activity! We've looked forward to it all year and it didn't disappoint. Although we almost didn't make it because of Sonny's misbehavior at home, after a lecture and agreement on being grounded tomorrow, Fosi, Sonny, Timo and I set out to Laie. It was raining and we were afraid it would be pouring in Laie, but it was just fine, muggy, but no rain. It was a great evening. Mac and Aus and their families joined us, as well as the Nordgrans and Ulimas and bless the Nordgrans for brining spam musubi, chips, grapes, water and cookies for everyone. It made the 30-40 minute wait in line bearable, what with the laughing and talking story and fun creatures walking around and picture taking and ice cream that Fosi and I bought for the whole group. The ride was longer, with new features, the most impressionable one being the 'killer clown' section!!! I HATE clowns and this was straight out of my nightmare, lol. Kalani was in the waters near the Maori village in the water and she came up to my canoe with a light to her face and touched my hand. I somehow ended up being the only person on my row, trying to be in back of Sonny and Sarai because they were scared and wedged between the Nordgrans and Fosi. Therefore, all creatures felt it necessary to touch me and come up on me, including the clowns!!! And when we got there, one of them in the water was yelling, "Where's Delia????". OMGosh!!! Come to find out, it was David Tiave and his crew and he had them all 'attack' me, try to grab, touch me, it was hilarious and frightening at the same time. We bought the group photo and headed home. What a memorable and fun occasion!!!

"Happy 38th to Me!!!"

10.17.10. I am grateful today for my life. . .for God who grants me daily breath and blessings, my ancestors who came before me, my parents who gave me life and love, my husband, son, family, friends and dogs who give my life meaning and something to celebrate not only on my birthday but each and every day of my life. . .I am truly blessed!

It's my 38th birthday today, can you imagine? I never thought I'd get this old and I thought my life would be much different than it is now, but I have nothing to complain about. I feel so blessed and God has been so good to me all of these years. Had a nice lunch with the Macdonalds and the ohana today after attending the Samoan ward and a wonderful Primary Presentation. It was so beautiful, all the children dressed nicely, speaking all in Samoan. I was so touched. The lunch was great and I had the best strawberry red velvet cake from Coldstone's!!! Still working with Sonny on attitude and obedience, its an uphill battle. I gave him a sasa today and told him he could get out of my house if he's gonna act like that, drama much? I gotta be more patient! I love my son and I want to teach him the right thing but its hard. Spent the day with the Macdonalds-the kids are so great and cute, gotta go to Maui more often! What a simple but great day. Stayed home from church and had a nice time with the dogs and dinner with the family. Tons of well wishes from FB people. I am so grateful and loved. I've had a great life and am looking forward to many more great years to come. This is gonna be my best year ever!!! Mahalo ke Akua!!!

"A Night with the Macdonalds"

10.16.10. I am grateful for a great UH win and spending the evening with the Macdonald keiki.

Another busy Saturday. HI HOPES board meeting, voted on Gernani as the new president and planned for the service project and took pictures with the polo shirts. Did laundry and spent the evening watching the UH game. It was so exciting, UH beat #19 ranked Nevada (27-21), while we watched the Macdonald children: Kade, Mason and Ava while Paul and Celeste went to an event at Rumor's. They were here for 3 days enjoying with the keiki and Fosi and Sonny spent the day with them at the Ala Moana hotel pool. Still gotta work with Sonny on not showing off and acting up in front of guests-he gets way too excited, gee, who's he like?

"My AHA Moment. . ."

10.15.10. I am grateful for attending the Native Hawaiian AHA Conference in beautiful Makaha to discuss with our statewide community the importance of supporting our Native Hawaiian families and keiki involved with foster care.

It was so nice to spend the day at a wonderful conference in beautiful Makaha. The sky was blue and the ocean was bluer, it was so nice to be out in the open, meeting people from all over Hawaii discussing and planning for the welfare of Native Hawaiian families and children in foster care. The Hawaiian food for lunch was amazing and I made some good contacts. Friday night was spent with Sonny and grabbing some nasty McDonald's and watching tv. Great!

"A License to Drive"

10.14.10. I am grateful for a new license, breakfast with the hubby and costume shopping today!!!

Spent the morning getting ready for my renewal license-the new IDs are nice and the picture actually came out decent! Had breakfast at 'Pancakes and Waffles' with Fosi and worked. Opened bank accounts with 9 new youth and went costume shopping with Sonny. He finally decided to be a police officer after trying on several ninja outfits. Finally, a year without ninjas or superheros! Had a good youth rehearsal tonight.

"Washing Cars and Washing Dogs"

10.13.10. I am grateful for doggie baths and new business ventures. . .not in any particular order and no, my business is not grooming dogs! I wish! =) Cha Ching!!!

Finally bathed Ma'a after we realized that he was a magnet for ticks. Put a tick collar on him. Ed met with Fosi and there are great opportunities for a new business venture with auto detailing and a new machine, and opportunities with i-9 on the North Shore. Lots of choices, lots of blessings and I pray that we will be guided in what to do and when to do it. Mahalo ke Akua!

"My Own Personal Massage Therapist"

10.12.10. I am grateful today for a much-needed massage, for me and Sonny! Thanks Aunty Dinah! (gonna send her to my uso down under who really needs a massage today, too!)

I was still hurting from days of being sick and lying around and so it was great when Dinah came over at night to give me a massage for two hours. It felt so good, especially because my arms were so sore. After a day of work and a long PTA meeting to discuss what to do with $38,000, I was tired and in need of a massage. And so was Sonny! Thanks Aunty Dinah! Already can't wait until the weekend.

"Bring On the Strong MEDS!!!"

10.11.10. I am grateful today for medical coverage which provides for doctor's visits and prescriptions for STRONG meds-I WILL sleep tonight!!!

So, the illness lingered on but there was a lot of work to do, meetings with Arlynna and Jeanne and then I HAD to go to the doctor's for a check-up and meds. The coughing keeping me up at night has been killing me!!! Saw Dr. Lee at Straub, Windward Mall and got prescriptions for Tussinex and antibiotics. Sleep, here I come!

"Constants in My Life"

10.10.10. I am grateful for constants in my life. Sundays mean church and Sabbath and reverence. Even when I'm sick, I know my boys will be praying for me in church!

Still sick, a little better. Fosi made lunch and dinner, I did laundry (yes, sick) and they went to church while I rested. I love Sundays and I love that my son will grow up knowing what the Sabbath is and why its so important and he'll 'feel' when its Sunday and know what to do. I love seeing them all handsome in their suits! Another constant is knowing that they love me and I love them and all of my family and friends. Other notes today: King got moved back to the backyard after 2 weeks in the front. I wrote a song for Roni, "Moving On". Back to work tomorrow. . .ugghh. Sonny off tomorrow, too. Incidentally, there's something in the air, I think it feels like winter in Hawaii, Christmas and the holidays are near. Dreading my plane ride to Florida, so I gotta get to work! Lord, help me! Another week, here we go!

"Bruddah Waltah!"

10.9.10. I am grateful for the privilege of working with a local musical icon today in studio, Bruddah Waltah-after all these years, he is still da man!!!

So sick and all, I dragged myself to studio. Bought an external to save all our music, bought food and had a good day working with Danny and Bruddah Waltah on "Keep Hawaiian Lands". He is so awesome, a true local musical icon, and that voice is so distinct and still strong as ever! What a privilege it was to have him sing on the song, a show of respect and I think it made the song fabulous! Sent the new version of "Siva Siva Mai" overseas for critique and possible new igi, I like it a lot, too! Lots to finish, but almost there on the album! We gotta do this! Watched UH sasa Fresno (so rewarding!), enjoyed another Jamba (I might need an intervention) and rested at home. Cough, cough. ;(

"Sick, Again!!!"

10.8.10. I am grateful today for sleep, sleep, sleep and my two nurses, Sonny and Fosi, who took such great care of 'sick mommy'.

Yup, I'm officially sick! Called in and spent the day sleeping, blowing my nose, hacking my lungs out and feeling uggghhsss! Thank goodness for my boys, Sonny is off this week. They took such good care of me, feeding me and checking on me. It sucks to be sick but with my two nurses, I can't help but get better!!! On a preventative note, I gotta take better care of myself!!!

"Oh No, Sick Again!!!"

10.7.10. I am grateful today for medication. . .in the form of DayQuil, NyQuil, a warm bed, kisses, a power banana berry with immunity, well wishes from friends and a night of great television. . .(Happy Bday, Bella!!!).

Today was Bella's 39th birthday. I worked and had to leave a little early because I am sick! This always happens after a big event, stress and then when I decompress, I'm out! So into bed, with a Jamba (of course), lots of loving from my boys, television and I was down for the count-I hope this doesn't stay!!!

"Hump Day"

10.6.10. I am grateful today for igis, youth rehearsal and jamba juice.

D sent some great igis today, he's so talented, for the Samoan song on our album. Work was alright, still tired and lots to do! Youth dance rehearsal was good and Jamba Juice makes any day a good day! Glad the week is half over!

"So This is the Color of Springtime Grass?"

10.5.10. I am grateful for Sonny's room makeover. It took a lot of work and love, but my 8-year-old is ready for his 'big boy' digs. Maybe he'll actually sleep there now!

Day two of my 'days off' and I spent it picking out paint with Sonny, arguing with Fosi (a little) and working our butts off until midnight painting Sonny's room a bright 'springtime grass' green, getting paint everywhere and shopping for new covers and curtains. We renovated his room and it looks awesome, just perfect for an 8 year old boy! I'm so proud of our work, even though I'm exhausted and I have to work tomorrow! Lol.

"This is Why I Don't Have More Kid Parties. . ."

10.4.10. I am grateful for a day off to help Sonny prepare for and celebrate his birthday with an 'all boys' pizza and video game party. Eight boys yelling, screaming, eating and running around the house. . .I must REALLY love my son!

I took some much needed time off and Sonny and I cleaned the house in preparation for his little birthday party. He was so good, vacuuming and mopping. The boys came after 5-Ryan, Kyle Massey, TJ, Jacob, Jonah, Lala, Maka. 8 boys between 5-10 running around my house!!! At least Bella and Don stayed and Niu and that was helpful. There was pizza and cupcakes and ice cream, video games and tv and playing and lots and lots of noise-fighting, crying, time outs, but there was also laughing and singing and although Kyle had a rough night, it all turned out good. TJ and Jacob slept over. For a day off, that was tiring, but I'm glad Sonny had a good time, even though he wanted all the boys to sleep over.

"Happy 8th Birthday, Sonny!

10.3.10. I am grateful and happy to celebrate Sonny's 8th birthday today. What a blessing he is to all of our lives. May God continue to bless you, son, and may this be your best year ever. . .we're going to Disneyworld!!!

Happy Birthday Sonny! I can't believe he's 8 years old, so big, so fast! How he's grown and what a blessing he's been to our lives. I'm so proud of the little boy he's become and am so excited for him to get baptized and have a great year-especially because its starting out with us going to Disneyworld!!! We started the morning with him opening his gifts-a big Mickey Mouse bag with a remote control car and Hot Wheels cars, the Wet and Wild waterpark pass from Aunty Roni and of course, the revelation that he's going to Disneyworld with us! I gave him hints by printing out a travel voucher and placing it in a Disney card and a Disney coloring book and he got it. He was surprised and Fosi yelled out, "You're going to Disneyworld!" and he said, "I'm going to Florida!!!". It was great. The Ulimas slept over for Conference, we watched and made Sonny's bday breakfast, bacon and portuguese sausage and eggs and rice. The Ulimas made fried chicken for lunch and then the Nauahis, Parkers and Nordgrans came over for ice cream and cake. They brought gifts and we played games. Sonny got to talk to his sisters. It was a nice bday for Sonny and a nice Sunday for all.

"Bringing Youth and Adults Together. . ."

10.2.10. I am grateful for a great Youth Adult partnership training today and the end of a successful launch week!!!

That was a great training! I picked up Gernani and he helped co-facilitate. It was long and intense and felt kinda like therapy, but I think it was a success, with 9 HI HOPES board members and 4 CP Hui members and the HYOI Site Team, there was a lot learned, a lot of ground covered and plans for progress made. Finally, the week is over and we can relax for a bit. I meant to go out with the trainers from Jim Casey, but was exhausted, bought and prepared Sonny's gift for tomorrow (hints about Disneyworld) and rested in bed most of the evening.

"Every Friday is Mommy-Sonny Date Night"

10.1.10. I am grateful that Friday nights mean date nights for me and my little Fosi and football nights for my big Fosi.

Another long day, Site Team retreat and preparing for tomorrow's training. At least I got to spend it with Sonny while Fosi went to his football games. I started his 'birthday weekend' off with dinner at Kenny's and a little 'Fun Factory'. Then an evening of video games and movies. Sleeping early to get up early in the morning.

"Army. . .blankey?"

9.30.10. I am grateful for my new blankey'. . .cool, light, just wish it was a more friendly color. . .

Had a great meeting with Congressional staff, Senator Inouye's conference room and offices were something else, but there's a couple more days of the launch event left! At home, Fosi brought home a bunch of army blankets that mom cleaned and it's so nice and cool. Hopefully it will bring me good sleep. . .

"Door Openers"

9.29.10. I am grateful for a successful launch event of the Hawaii Youth Opportunities Initiative tonight!!! Thanks team! The youth board rocked!

After a day of not eating until 4pm and almost passing out, preparing for meetings and the launch, the projector not working and the sound. . .it all panned out. The "Door Openers" Launch Event was a great success! The Funder's Hui meeting was a success, the HI HOPES board looked great in their polo shirts and did a fantastic job presenting and mingling with funders and other 'important people'. I wept while talking and made other people cry (how embarassing on public tv-Olelo!). It all ended well, though, the flowers were beautiful, the 'doors' were a hit and the people who came all stayed and enjoyed, Lillian Koller made public promises to assist with medical and employment for transitioning youth. I went home tired and happy-still a few days left!

"HYOI Launch Week Begins"

9.28.10. I am grateful for the beginning of Launch Week for the Hawaii Youth Opportunities Initiative-starting with the morning news!

Launch Week began with a 6:45am interview on the KHON2 morning news with Gernani. Ipo was supposed to accompany me but she had to leave suddenly for California, as her mom was dying. Gernani was nervous but did great and wore the HI HOPES polo shirt. I think we did a really good job. Then it was off to meetings at DHS, Family Court and the State Capitol (Noy joined us) with Gary Stangler and the HYOI Site Team. Busy, busy, busy. Tomorrow is the Funder's Hui mtg and the big Launch Event. Details are falling into place with shirts and flowers and the 'doors' look great. Thanks goodness for Bella and Jeanne! Then, of course, youth dance practice in the evening was great. Exhausted!

"Happy Freakin' Bday. . ."

9.27.10. I am grateful for celebrating the lives of others. . .even when they don't feel much like celebrating, it's important for them to know their life is a blessing to others!

It was Roni's birthday in Australia (Sept. 28 there today) and she turned 31. Unfortunately, its been a terrible birthday, with stuff happening with her best friend, her ex, grandparents in the hospital, trouble overseas and so forth. She said, "birthdays are overrated!" Unfortunately the present I sent has not arrived, but she did end up receiving a box from 'overseas' and loved what was in it. Launch Week has officially begun and its gone be a crazy one! Early morning tomorrow on the news! Happy Bday Roni, I hope this is a great one for you and that tomorrow is an even better day for you!

"How Old is That in Dog Years?"

9.26.10. I am grateful today for Ma'aboy-happy 10th birthday to my canine companion and protector. Mama loves u-Dogs Rock!!!

I can't believe Ma'a is 10 years old. I remember when he was just a few weeks old and Fosi brought him home from his co-worker's house, the Brights. he was so small and had a brown spot on his head and they had called him 'Milkdud'. But that spot went away and he grew bigger and was SO naughty, I had scars all over my arms from his teething and despite professional training, he was always a bit spoiled. But more than that, he's been loyal and loving and a salve to the soul in times of despair and sorrow-he's so sensitive to our emotions and needs. I know that he's 70 years old in dog years and technically an 'old dog', but he's still a big pup, a lap dog, to me and so handsome and funny. I thank the Lord for him in our lives, I pray for many more years to come for him, in health and joy! Happy Birthday my 'first son'! Lol.