Playing Tourist in Waikiki

We enjoyed an overnighter in Waikiki "playing tourist" ... we stayed at the Sheraton Waikiki hotel thanks to my cousin who got us a "family rate". This was perfect timing so that we could go to Duke's (the legendary surfer) Restaurant to enjoy listening to local Hawaiian music with the well known band "Kapena". The drummer is a Pac Rim student whom Guy mentors and the lead singer knows my dad from the good old days on the beach. The weather was nice on the beach and it was relaxing to say the least.

Hauoli Makahiki Hou - Happy New Year!

We started the new year with a bang ... literally with a bang. From 9pm New Year's Eve to Midnight New Years Day the family set off fireworks non-stop right in our driveway. We celebrated at my (Lori's) mom's house with extended family and friends visiting from LA. It's been four years since we've been able to "play" with fireworks so the family went a little crazy. The entire island was filled with smoke and loud bangs in every neighborhood you wouldn't know it's a recession or depression with they way people were spending money on fireworks. It's also a cultural thing ... fireworks represent scaring away evil and bringing in good for the new year. It was a great evening!

Who's Afraid of the Dark?

Well around a little before 8pm last night the entire island of Oahu went dark. Apparently a lightning bolt his one of our major transmission. Whatever that means? Bottomline is ... we were without power from last night until around 720amish this morning. I had a feeling before jumping in the shower so as soon as I came out I told Guy to charge the portable dvd player. Lo and behold as we are in the middle of watching a movie the power goes out. We were thankful that I had just ordered two battery lanterns from Amazon and had just bought the 20 D batteries required for those 2 lanterns. Guy, Josh and I played a round of scrabble and listened to whatever radio station on the air via my little mp3 player and Guy's mini amp. How's that for making things work. We slept somewhat into the early morning when the hallway light turned on. We cheered loud because I had to get Josh's basketball uniform cleaned before his game. Later we found out that many parts of the island was still without power even 24 hours later. How did people live without electricity? This does remind us to be prepared!

Ho'oponopono - I Apologize

One can never make up for lost time. I have been so delinquent on keeping up with our blog. To say "I've been busy" seems like a sad but true excuse. I don't think I was even really ready for Christmas and .... now the New Year, hum.

November and December had it's share of activity. Too much to get into but we survived and actually are standing on two feet. Now we are in the midst of the bible college being off (like Fuller) until the office re-opens on Jan. 5th. We are enjoying the much needed time off. Guy dreaded the nasty "to do list" that I so lovingly ask to be my Christmas present. Change the shelving in the laundry area, paint the inside of the kitchen cabinets, give the house a good cleaning, change our area rug, etc. Soon Guy will dread "days off" with me. Oh no, I have to keep my good graces with him.

So ... a New Year's resolution to keep up with our blog. Life is interesting and I love reading other friend's blogs so what's holding me back. I have to make time that's all - simple? We will see.

So Mele Kalikimake a me Hauoli Makahiki Hou!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Pumpkin Carving Time

We loved carving pumpkins in California but Jamie and her family was always missing so this year we enjoyed having all the kids carve pumpkin. Jamie, Shayna, Sherri & Josh did Dinsey themed and Michael did his own creation by carving his two kids names. 

Maicah just thought the lighted pumpkins was cool in the dark. In fact, this morning his ran to the sliding door to point to the pumpkins. We love family times like these. 

Back to the Norm

Unpacking is the part I DREAD when coming home from a trip. Normally I unpack immediately but this time, I am taking my sweet 'ole time.  I want  to savor the memories. I realized this was the first time I wasn't homesick. 

We missed the kids and grandkids no doubt. In fact our favorite part is giving them their gift from our travel. This trip we weren't able to really do shopping but thank God the Narita airport had many shops. This is where we did most of our shopping. 

We are home for 2 weeks then we're off to the Big Island of Hawaii for a Foursquare conference. I guess I have to keep the suitcase out.  

Conference Thank You to Volunteers

Pastor Talo & Nori did an excellent job to thank the many volunteers. The restaurant was filled with laughter and loud conversations. Their spirits were high and joy was on their faces. 

At the end, Nori shared the ribbon crosses made by the New Hope Hawaii Tutu's (grandmas) to bless the people of Japan. The volunteers were so touched that the grandmas in Hawaii was thinking of them. 

My soon to be 85 year old Grandma is one of the tutus and she initiated the making of the ribbon crosses.