Have a great trip Ghost … you’re gonna love England. In my lifetime, I have been to England three times; the last time was in 1985 for a family reunion. Hey … maybe I can set you up with my cousin Cecilia. There’s talk about a family reunion there in 2005. I won’t be able to go if it’s in England … that’s the year Chris graduates from high school. Maybe I can persuade them to come here.

I just got back from my prenatal visit and all is well. No blood was taken today, thank god, but I did have to give a urine sample to test for glucose and proteins in it. The glucose was normal and the proteins were negative. At my next visit on March 4, I will get to choose the surgery date for the c-section with my doctor. We’re going to have the baby on either August 28 or September 4 since he only does surgeries on Wednesdays. I’m hoping to have it done on the earlier date. We discussed the amnio today and I told her that I was leaning towards it but will discuss it with the doctor when I see him. Other than that, the visit today was pretty good.

It’s time for that afternoon nap

Until later …

Hapa

Well, it’s done … Sianna now knows. It wasn’t all that bad either. I think she’s in denial or something. Either case, there were no tantrums flying or crying or anything. She was a little upset that she was the last to find out. She’s happy because she finally gets to boss someone around. I’m happy because I have one less thing to shop for. My sis in law is giving me her less than a year old crib cause my nephew can now climb out of it.

I had the ultrasound today … right on the ball. I even got to have a picture of it. My first question was how many heartbeats. The nurse laughed and said only one. What a relief. This kid is taking after Sianna already. All the time it was being monitored, it was moving around like crazy. I can see it now … some 3 months down the road … no sleep once again. If you click here, you can see how I am progressing.

I ended up in the emergency room last night. They say it was some stomach virus, possibly food poisoning. Ugh. I was in so much pain at work that I had to leave early. They gave me tonight and tomorrow off as well. I go in tomorrow for a follow-up as well as my first prenatal check-up.

Hey Logi, I feel for you. I am real happy that you’re up to your happy-go-lucky self once again. I remember when I had Chris. I stayed home with him for two years. I did however go on jury duty when he was 4 months old, and let me tell you, it felt extremely good to be out of the house. Currently I work nights, but it looks like I’ll be going back to some day shifts when I get off of maternity leave. At John’s job, they have a 24-hour daycare, which is a good thing. He works the late shift, 3pm-11pm, and the baby will probably go with him to work for a couple of nights until I get my full strength back. We still have to discuss this.

So far, Chris wants it to be a boy while Sianna and John wants a girl. I’m leaning towards a girl as well. They’re so much cuter to dress up. Either case, as long as it is healthy and thriving … and sleeps through the night by the time it’s 2 months old like it’s other two siblings. One can wish … right?

I’m off to take my afternoon nap, have a great weekend …

Hapa

Thanks for all the well wishes … you guys were so sweet!

Hope everyone had a terrific weekend. Part of my weekend was spent going through packed boxes of old textbooks. I finally found my Trigonometry and my second year Psychology books and I have already started reading to the baby. It is never too early to read to them. I even got Chris talking to my stomach.

I’m really anxious about telling the news to Sianna. I know for a fact she is not going to take it well. Eventually she’ll get used to it and accept it, but until then it’s gonna be heck. I guess because she’s been the baby all these years, she might feel threatened, for one. Wait until you have your second and third kid WryGuy … the real fun doesn’t start until then … lol.

So, I’m in my 10th week now and nothing fits anymore. John and I went out to dinner last night to Chili’s and I was forced to wear maternity pants that were falling off every 10 steps I took. John thought it was funny as shit … I showed him funny. All weekend I was craving nachos and I finally got my nachos last night. That was one of the best meals I’ve had yet (since being pregnant) … funny, I never really liked Chili’s food either.

Well, I’m off to take a nap before I pick up Sianna from school. Have a great week …

Hapa

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS!

My little boy turns 15 today. He’s getting ready to go out with some of his friends as we speak. I’m taking him out for sushi later tonight.

Like his sister, Chris was always a happy and friendly baby. When he started school, he never had a problem making friends. Growing up, he was always around females. The friends I hung around all had daughters making him the only boy. I think that’s why he gets along so well with girls. In fact, his best friends are girls. For as long as I can remember, they all have been calling him for advice. He doesn’t mind … as long as they stop telling him that they’ve started their period … lol. I raised him well … he’s gonna make a wonderful husband one day.

Chris has never really been the athletic type. He is more the intellectual. He does have a black belt in Kempo and is on the wrestling team, but that is the extent of his athletic interests. He speaks Spanish and Korean fluently, and will add Japanese to that list later this year. He’s my buddy … we share just about everything with each other. There are times, however, that he can get on my nerves. We know how to push each other’s buttons, and sometimes we try to see who can irritate the other the most. His friends think I’m the coolest mom … only because they say I let him get away with anything. I don’t let him get away with everything. It all comes down to trust. He doesn’t really have a curfew, as long as I know where he is and as long as I know and have met his friends and their parents. Once he starts giving me reasons NOT to trust him, then that will be when I get down on him.

As we speak, he’s getting on my nerves so I will end here.

I love ya, ya butthead ...

Hapa

HAPPY BIRTHDAY POOKY!


11 years ago today my daughter Sianna was born. She came two weeks early … she’s a stubborn kid. I had a very interesting pregnancy with this kid. She was a source of entertainment for Chris while she was in my tummy. There would be nights where Chris would sit next to me just to watch her move around inside. Up until she was born, he could name the body part that was floating across my stomach. And did she move around a lot. There were many sleepless nights, especially in those last two months.

From the time Sianna was almost a year old, she was the biggest flirt I have ever seen. She hated women with a passion. I take that back, not all women, just certain ones. But she loved men, and they all loved her. I used to work out of my mother’s restaurant to do my catering back then and they had the office set up with her baby things … a portable crib, playpen, toys, etc. While I was working, Sianna was with grandpa usually taking a walk outside during the down time. The restaurant was across the street from a newly built Costco and we knew all the people that worked there. Just about everyone that worked in the area knew Sianna. If there was ever a day that we didn’t come in to work, they would all ask if she was ok. There was always stuff bought for her when she returned. Thanks to her, I got to go one some nice dates … hehe.

Overall, Sianna was a happy kid. She got along with everyone, and everyone loved her. She’s got a bright future ahead of her if she stays on the path she is on now.

I love you Pooky,

Hapa

When it comes to keeping someone’s secret, I take it with me to the other side. When it comes to my own, I couldn’t keep it if my life depended on it … especially this particular secret I’ve been keeping for about two weeks now. I’m sorry but I can’t hold it in much longer … and thanks WryGuy for not saying anything.

Here goes …

I’m pregnant!

You heard me, I’m pregnant … 9 weeks on Sunday. I’m due on September 8. They say it was conceived on my birthday … remind me no more sex on that day … just kidding.

The plan was originally to wait until the sonogram next week on the 7th to announce the news, but I said screw that shit. Now everyone knows except for Sianna … I’m waiting until the sonogram to tell her. I’ve been hinting to her, rather asking her ‘what ifs’ and I’m getting that she won’t be too happy having a younger sibling. She was perfectly fine with it three years ago, and I guess a lot has changed in three years. Chris, on the other hand, is thrilled … as long as he gets a brother. John wants a girl real bad. Now he’s saying that Sianna is his little girl so he wants a boy. Everyone has been asking me what I would like. I just want it to be healthy. The odds of having problems with both the pregnancy and the fetus go up in a woman over 35. With that in mind, I have decided to have an amniocentesis done later in the pregnancy. They usually do the procedure in the 15th-18th week of pregnancy. Besides, I’ll get to know the sex of the baby. I gave away everything after having Sianna and now I have to start all over from scratch. I’ve already bought a few unisex outfits, and I’ve also bought some maternity clothes for me. John is getting a kick because I’m already in D cups. Please … no requests for before and after boob pics … that especially goes out to the guys at Pfizer & Dean Corp.

So, now the secret is out and I feel better. This makes me about a month behind Spark’s pregnancy. For some reason I have this feeling it’s gonna be a long 7 months. I’m gonna enjoy every minute of it!

Hapa

First off … a big mahalo to some of you who managed to make me smile with your e-mail over the weekend. Speaking of which, for those who asked, Chris wants to get into Forensic Science/Pathology, or possibly into the field that studies viruses and stuff like that (I forgot the official name … he got interested in that after reading the book ‘The Hot Zone’ several years ago). He’s considering looking into the University of Maryland as one of his choices for school.

I didn’t have to check myself in over the weekend because my fever went down below 100 degrees. I still have that nasty nasal drip which is getting on my nerves. I don’t like to take medication for it so I’ll let myself suffer a bit for the next couple of days. Chris has been a sweetie all weekend. I had him massaging my back, with very little protest, and he’s been catering to my every need. I’m starting to get my taste back, which is a good thing … now I can enjoy eating again … not quite fully yet. We’ll see … the big test will be dinner tonight. I’m making spaghetti with meatballs and if I can manage to get a few bites in without gagging, I’ll know I’m on my way.

The weather has been crap all week. Nothing but rain for the most part. At least it has been really cool and not muggy. It’s gonna be like this for the next month or so … it’s our rainy season.

Ok, I was planning on writing a few more stuff, but I’m getting extremely tired all of a sudden and I don’t feel so hot. I need to go sleep or something.

Until next time …

Hapa

Thought I’d take a break from my throwing-up to put in a few words, or so, here. I am so freakin bored I don’t know what to do. Chris is playing his PS2 – Final Fantasy X, and Sianna left for the weekend. I have a temperature of 101.2 degrees and if it gets any higher I am told to check myself in at the hospital. I think I over did it this past week … I’ve been to the gym everyday since Monday and I finally have a day off from work.

I think I need to be heading back to the bathroom soon, so I’ll end here … thanks for listening …

Hapa

I have got so much on my mind lately that it is affecting my sleep. I’ve also found myself to be a bit forgetful these past few days.

Chris is registering for classes for the next academic year. Since he’s been getting excellent grades in Math (he’s currently in Algebra 1), his teacher has recommended that he take Geometry for the summer and skip onto Algebra 2 for his Sophomore year. The high school he currently attends will NOT be offering Geometry for the summer session so I’m going to have to find a nearby high school that will. Since all the schools in our district have gone to a year-round schedule, Chris is looking to cram a years worth of Geometry into about 5 weeks of summer school (4-hour classes … yuck). If Chris continues to take Math during the summer, he should reach Calculus by his Senior year and may be able to take a semester of college Calculus at the University of Hawaii’s Leeward campus (about a 10 minute drive from where we live) as well. That’s a lot of hard work, and I know he can do it.

Sianna, on the other hand, blew whatever chances she had in getting into Kamehameha. She brought home a C her first quarter. She did bring that grade up this 2nd quarter, but it might not be enough. For some reason she having issues this year. I got her seeing a counselor at her school once a week, and that seems to be helping her tremendously. Besides, I think she didn’t really wanted to go to Kamehameha. I’ve come to realize that between the two kids, I expect more from Sianna. I think that only added to her stress level. We had a long talk recently and I told her I would take it a little easier on what I expect from her … just a little.

Well, I am off to the mall … I seem to be growing out of my clothes for some reason and I need to pick up some stuff.

Laters,

Hapa

Oh Logi my dear sweet friend ... you'll just have to wait 16 more days like the rest ...____<~insert evil laugh there.

18 more days ... I can't wait 18 more days ... I feel like I'm gonna burst!!

OH MY GOD!!

It’s that time of year where I start planning for the kid’s birthdays. Chris is on February 3rd, and Sianna is on February 1st. I usually let them pick what they want to do on that day, and then I throw them a party on a separate day so that they can invite their friends. For the past several years it has been at a park overlooking Pearl Harbor. Last year about 70 of their friends was in attendance. Last year for Sianna’s night we took her out to dinner of her choice. Chris on the other hand went with a suggestion I gave him. We went to see ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ at the Neil S. Blaisdell Concert Hall put on by the Hawaii Opera Theatre. This season, the Opera Theatre is featuring 3 operas … La Traviata, Salome, and Carmen. Chris chose to see Carmen. I wanted to see Salome, but it’s his birthday. Once again, we got awesome balcony seats (not bad for 70 bux a pop). We usually dress up a bit and go to dinner before the show. I like this bonding experience I share with Chris. We both love classical music and what a great way to share our interest. Of course, we would ask Sianna to join us, be she’s not into the classical stuff yet. I give her a year or two … that’s how Chris was at her age.

The party is set for Sunday, February 17th. The part I dread is planning a menu. I finally figured out what I’m making. This year I’m thinking of doing an array of ethnic foods. Since we’re Korean, I’m having John barbecue some kalbi … marinated shortribs. I’m also preparing beef broccoli (Chinese) and chicken long rice (Hawaiian). All I need now is a chicken dish. I was originally planning on ordering orange chicken, another Chinese dish, but I’m missing a Filipino entrée. I was thinking of making chicken adobo which is marinated chicken with vinegar, soy sauce, peppercorns, bay leaves, patis (fish sauce), and some other good stuff (Logi, you would love this one). Then there’s the other usual stuff … the pasta salad, rice and/or sushi, vegetable platter with ranch dip, and the fried noodles or yakisoba. All this talk of food is making me hungry already. The guest list for Chris is he’s invited 70 of his friends and Sianna has invited 30 of her friends. This was about the same amount as last year with just a little over half of that showing up … and that’s not including my friends.

It’s off to find an outfit for this Saturday. Chris is performing and I want to get something new to wear.

Laters,

Hapa

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Here is a stress management technique recommended in all the latest
psychological texts.

Picture yourself near a stream. Birds are softly chirping in the crisp,
cool, mountain air. No one knows your secret place. You are in total
seclusion from that hectic place called "the world."

The soothing sound of a gentle waterfall fills the air with a cascade of
serenity. The water is clear. Really clear.... so clear you can easily make
out the face of the person you're holding under the water...

There now... feeling better?

Amazingly, this has actually worked for me in the past.

I'm out,

Hapa

I am in the same predicament as Ghost. I really need to get away and the opportunity actually arose a few weeks ago. I have a few friends that, twice a year, go rock climbing and they’ve invited me to join them this April/May. The last time I’ve been off this rock was back in June of ’98 when I went to visit Ghost, Logi, and Skye. Actually, I have been to Maui for Christmas the following year, but technically it’s the same rock. John and I are taking the kids with us when we fly out to Kauai on their Spring Break in March. What I really need is time for myself. The rock-climbing gig is tempting, but it means that I will need to start training for it now. I need to get my upper body strength back. Three months is not really adequate time to train, but it’s something. I dislocated my left shoulder at work 15 months ago and it’s still bothering me so it might play a factor in my final decision to go. This trip, they plan to go to New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona. The trip will be about a month, if I go, I’ll probably only join them for a week. Oh yeah, another factor in my decision is the company that’s going … if Riley the bitch goes (he’s a major pain in my ass), my decision will lean more towards no.

I’ve been playing Upwords at games.com since last May. I love that game. I bought the board game some 6 years ago. Anyway, I’ve been kicking ass for the longest time. I took about three months off from it because of all the kids that has been playing … well, actually quitting in the middle of a game. That shit really pisses me off, if you’re losing, suck it up and play till the end. I started playing again the past two weeks. The last two nights I got my ass kicked, not too bad, just enough to lose my status. My level, up until two nights ago was a Red. I am now down to an Orange. I think it’s a 60-point difference, it’s still a kick in the ass. I am determined to get my Red level status back and I know I will do it within the next week or so. Anyone wanna challenge me?

I’m gonna get another game in before I hit the hay … have a great day!

Hapa

I was supposed to go in for an operation tomorrow, but because a blood test revealed I’m anemic … again … it’s been postponed to a later date. Nothing major, really, just to take samples of my uterus and to see the extent of the contents inside. Besides, I’m over a week late so now I have to do some other tests. I’ll keep you posted.

Hey, where the heck is Logi? Hope all is well with her.

Chris started his own blog, but it’s not a blog … it’s a different site. He won’t give me the address and I know he’s talking some mad smack about me. I’ll just wait until he makes an entry to get the address … aren’t I sneaky?

Speaking of the boy, he got his Winterball pictures back today. Some really nice stuff. I got two different 8x10 pictures in a frame on the entertainment system with the rest of the other stuff. Which reminds me, I have to order the Homecoming Court pictures. It’s a double frame with the whole court on one side, and the Freshman couple on the other side. I’m kinda bummed cause my video camera decided not to work on the day of Homecoming so I couldn’t get the parade nor the half time festivities on tape. There was a guy who was further down the street from me that looked professional and it turns out he’s a friend of one of Chris’ friend’s family. I really want a tape! Chris looked really grown up in his tuxedo waving to everybody sitting on top of the Mustang convertible during the parade.

I’m off to bed cause I don’t feel all that great. I hate taking iron supplements because they make me constipated. Too much info, huh? On that note, I’m off to la la land …

Hapa

WryGuy – good to hear that Sparks is feeling better. I hated that last month of the first trimester. I threw up all the time, in the mornings, with Chris but I always felt better the rest of the day. With Sianna, however, no matter how nauseous I was, I could never make myself do it that resulted in feeling like crap all day and night. It helps to keep an assortment of crackers next to the bed. For some reason, wheat crackers made me feel worse … go figure.

Just wait until Sparks start having those cravings. I kill myself just thinking about what I used to have the fathers do when I was craving. With Chris, it was almond cookies … the kind from Chinese restaurants. I would get my cravings at night. One night, we were shopping for Christmas and the mall we were at had this food court that had a Chinese restaurant. So, I asked my husband to go and buy me a cookie. He came back a minute later saying they were out. Damn hormones, I started crying and people around me thought I was in labor. We left and all the way home I cried and cried. I still wanted that cookie dammit! So, at almost 11pm, I made him go out looking for a Chinese restaurant. He came home about an hour later with not just one cookie, but TWO cookies! I was overjoyed. I took one bite and went to bed. He was sooooo PISSED! I didn’t say I wanted the whole damn cookie, I was just craving it. I had my bite and went to bed, what’s wrong with that?? Hehe.

Another advise I can give you is read to Spark’s belly. I used to read my college texts books out loud when I was pregnant both times. I also used to listen to classical music while I was driving or resting. To this day, both kids are musically inclined, Sianna is in honors math, and Chris is just a plain smartass … just kidding … he gets excellent grades in everything he does. He’s already thinking about which Universities to attend … he wants to be a pathologist or something within forensic science.

As Sparks gets bigger, perhaps the 7th or 8th months, find a really nice spa that caters to pregnant women. They pamper you like crazy! A bunch of my friends got me a package as an early baby shower gift, and I loved it. They did a total body massage with an organic wrap, a facial, a manicure and pedicure, a couple of other little things and lunch was included.

Lower back rubs and a nice foot massage every now and then will win you points all the time. One last thing … since it’s your first pregnancy I assume you will be taking Lamaze classes. I’m warning you now, it’s all a gimmick … don’t fall for it … it will NOT come into use! When things start happening with active labor, you’ll FORGET everything … trust me, I was there once. Then again, she’ll probably be one of the lucky many that has a two-hour labor and the baby pops out. I had two friends like that. Anyway, keep us informed with her progress, I look forward to them.

Laters,

Hapa

It’s been at least 6 years that I have chosen NOT to do the New Years resolution thing. And what the hell for? It gets broken by the end of the month anyway. I don’t like to quit, so I don’t set myself up for a fall and feel like crap afterwards. I just make resolutions for other people (and you should see the lists) … just stuff I think THEY need to change … heh. I got a lot of bitching from the kids and John last week … lemme tell ya.

My past resolutions have always been mainly for self-betterment. The big one having to be more in control of my temper … I’m half-Korean … I can’t help having a short fuse. It makes me laugh to think about how I used to be way back when. I was holy terror back in the 7th and 8th grades … especially the 8th grade. You even looked at me the wrong way; I was in your face. I must have been called into the VP’s office just about every week for being in some fight. I grew up around boys, so I learned to defend myself because other girls started a lot of the fights … knowing kempo helped as well (I would never purposely use kempo on anyone, it was mainly having the reflexes to block punches and the bitches pulling my hair). I even have a few fistfights with boys under my belt. I hated fighting with the prissy Japanese girls who thought they were all that … lemme tell you, they were NOT all that. They were the ones that pulled your hair, slapped you in your face, or tried to bite you. They used to talk their shit, but one good punch to the face or torso usually did the trick. Looking back, I’m not proud of what I did. Later in my high school years I came to apologize to some of then for what I did … and THAT is what I’m proud of. I usually do well when it comes to sucking in the pride … it may take awhile, but it’s a mighty good feeling when I finally give in. I have done extremely well to control my temper over the past 25 years … I still have a quick fuse, but I know how to control it.

I can’t believe it’s 2002 already. It feels like I had my 10-year reunion just a few years ago. My 20-year reunion is next year. It’s true what they say about reunions. All (or most) of the pretty girls got chunky or had at least 4 kids already, the football team was going bald (hehe), and the plain Jane’s blossomed … just to mention a few. I ain’t saying which category I fell into … I’m going to say shut the hell up in advance to most of you. My last reunion was a two-day affair. The first night was the banquet, you had the option to bring your significant other. The next day was the family picnic and at night was stag night … you came solo. I had so much fun then. The circle I hung out with at the reunion were a bunch of lushes. On stag night after the party we all kept looking for places to close down. I finally got home at around 6:30am. Last I heard they were thinking about having the reunion in Las Vegas. I hope not … Vegas is more like for your 30th or 40th reunion. If they decide to have it there, I’ll still go … in protest kicking and screaming. I just don’t think there will be a huge turn out if it’s out of the state. All I know, I’ll be in first class.

I’m still looking for a scanner. I have a bunch of pictures I need to scan. I was thinking about just going to Kinko’s and doing it there and pay the fee they charge per hour. We’ll see … I’m also in the market for a new computer. The computer I have now is a P2. They person who built it for me has offered to soup it up to at least a P3 … I’d rather go that way than to purchase a brand new one. I’ve heard so many horror stories from friends about their computers … especially Gateway and Dell. I’ve had mine for a little over two years and I have never had a problem … my only complaint is that I want more memory and speed. With Chris downloading his music, I need a lot more memory. I’ll have more of an idea of what I’ll do by March.

Seinfeld is about to start so I’m ending here.

Have a great day,

Hapa

Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a nice of a time as I did.

Well, the buzz of this past week has been the raising of the State minimum wage. As of December 31st, it was $5.25 an hour. For the past several years they have been trying to get it to match the Federal minimum wage of $5.75. I found out when I went to work last night that as of the 1st, it did go up. A year from now it will go up again to $6.25 an hour. Not bad for waitressing … not only do I make tips; I get a nice paycheck as well.

Check out my new friend's place, her name is Chynakatt. Just click onto her name at the left.

Nothing much to add today, just relaxing with Sianna … Chris just left to go to the beach. I’ll probably take her shopping. Have a nice weekend you guys!

Hapa

Hauoli Makahiki Hou!

Aloha,

Hapa

Just a little post, my last post for this year.

As I reflect back over this past year, I am reminded of how lucky I am to have two wonderful children. Chris and Sianna have brought me nothing but joy and laughter and I cannot even begin to imagine what my life would be like right now without them. I am also fortunate to have wonderful friends who have been there for me, especially this past year. I have never been really all that close to anyone, but there are a handful who know me inside and out and they are the ones that have been my life support through what has been the most trying year in my life. I love you guys for that. I am also thankful for having John in my life. He’s been nothing but great to me and my children since we met on August 10, earlier this year. With all the issues that I am having he has stuck by me … even during my bitchiest (my best … haha). I have put him through a lot, and he knows most of the time it’s not really me behaving the way I have. The medications and mood swing due to the hormones I was on didn’t make things easy at times. Hell, most people would have given up, but not John. He keeps telling me compared to his last marriage; my mood swings are a piece of cake … that says a lot about that relationship! Lastly, I want to thank Logi and Skye for introducing me to Blogger. This has been a magnificent tool for me, especially back in May when I first was introduced to it. I had a lot of choice words to say about the soon-to-be ex husband, and by coming to the site to vent has been therapeutic. More importantly, I got to meet a lot of wonderful people. If things go well for me (with the health issues) this New Year, I plan to fly back to New York and would like to get together and meet my new friends (and the old ones). I know we’d have a great time.

It’s that time that I have to run … gotta get ready for the boat ride. Hope all of you have a safe New Years eve, don’t get too crazy and remember to give the key to someone else if you had too much to drink.

See ya next year!

Hapa

It’s now 1am and I just finished watching ‘Silence of the Lambs’. One of the gifts John gave me for Christmas was a nice DVD/VHS player. On the way home from work I decided to head over to Blockbuster and buy the movie since Chris had gotten me ‘Hannibal’ for Christmas … ya gotta have the set. This version had an additional 20 minutes that was not in the original release.

Not much left to say, I just needed to do something before I head out to bed. If I’m not back to post before the years end … may all of you have a safe New Years Eve and a prosperous 2002.

See you all later!

Hapa

A BIG congratulations to WryGuy and his wife Sparks! They’re expecting a baby next year. You can go to his site and check out the sonogram pictures.

I tell you, everywhere I turn it seems someone is pregnant. The last time this happened I was pregnant. I kid you not. For some reason, when you’re preggo, you tend to notice ALL the other preggos out there.

I remember when I was pregnant for the first time. I found out I was pregnant with Christopher in late June of 1986. I was 20 years old. I was in the Air National Guard getting ready to leave for my two weeks active duty on the Big Island. I had my ultrasound on September 5th. I remember I had a first year resident doing the ultrasound. She told me I was having a GIRL … HAH! She kept insisting that the “penis” was the umbilical cord wrapped between the legs. Terrific … I kinda wanted a girl first although any sex was perfectly fine. So, with my husband being a licensed painter, he painted the baby’s room a light pink. I bought a whole bunch of pink accessories, clothes, diapers … I believe that year was the first year they brought out the colored diapers … pink for girls, blue for boys. I ate right, I exercised like it was a religion, and I made sure I looked exceptional when I left the house. I was extremely proud to pregnant. I never broke out with acne, in fact, my complexion was the best it ever was … and I rarely broke out in my teens.
My due date was January 25, 1987. Nothing happened on that day. MY doc said not to worry because I had up to two weeks to deliver on my own. The evening of February 1st I started having contractions. They were about 15 minutes apart. I was told only to come in when they got 5 minutes apart … since it was my first. The contractions died about 2 hours later. They started up again the next night about a half an hour into sleep. That was a nice awakening … NOT! This time around I had to go in because my mucus plug discharged and the contractions were 10 minutes apart. This was around 9pm. I’ll cut to the chase and skip the boring part. My contractions were 5 minutes apart all through the night but I was only dilated at 2 centimeters. They sort of hinted that if I didn’t progress, I would be induced. So, they gave me some Demerol to help me sleep because I was in a lot of pain and they wanted me to get my strength. 2 hours after taking the Demerol, the games began. This was at 7:45am. I was still stuck at 2cm. They induced my labor at 11am and all hell broke loose. The contractions came right after the other with no breaks in between. My friend Mary came to visit and she said she could hear me screaming as she got out of the elevator … and the elevator was a nice walk from my room. A nurse had to come in to help me breathe because she said I was scaring the two other women in labor next door to me. With Mary’s help, I was able to control my breathing, but that didn’t last long. Within half an hour I was screaming obscenities. I remember asking my husband for something, and he came back with something else. I called him some godforsaken name and kicked him out of the room. Another nurse came in later and was telling me how to breathe. I was later told (cause to this day I STILL don’t remember) that I asked this nurse if she was ever in labor and she said no. I then proceeded to slap her in the face and I told her to get the fuck out … hahaha … sounds like something I would have done. After being induced for 4 hours, I only dilated to 5cm. I was begging for a c-section an hour earlier. I got my wish. At 2pm they said I needed a c-section because my pelvis could not accommodate the baby’s passing. At 2:50pm, February 3, 1987 I gave birth to a bouncing baby girl. Hell no … it was announced that I gave birth to a boy! I passed out as soon as I heard what I had. I woke up 4 hours later with my mother, brother, Mary, Malia, and a nurse telling me if it was ok to let the husband in … I was laughing. Within 10 minutes they asked if I was ready to feed my baby. I said sure and they brought him in. I refused to feed him at first because I was arguing that I had a girl. The nurse said no, I had a boy. Finally I came to except that I had a boy and proceeded to feed him. Christopher James Alesna was 8lbs 6oz and was 21 inches in length.

I found out I was pregnant with Sianna in late June in 1990. I was going through so much this time around (a pending divorce, and issues with my boyfriend) that I hated being pregnant. I didn’t care what I looked like … I wore no makeup, my hair was always in a ponytail, and I continuously broke out with acne. The original due date was for her was January 29. I know what you’re thinking … and yes, I pretty much ovulate the same time every year. When I took my first ultrasound, it showed that she was too small to have an early due date. They took measurements and whatever it is that they do, and came up with a new due date of February 14. I remember taking a 2nd ultrasound and both times they could not tell what I was having … even while she was in my womb, she was hardheaded. On the morning of February 1st, 1991, I started bleeding. I called my doctor’s nurse and she said to come in anyway, even though I had no contraction, just for observation. Oh, and by the way, I forgot to mention that when I was two months pregnant, I almost lost her. I was at work and I fell in the refrig walk-in … I fell on salad dressing that someone forgot to clean up. I was in there for 45 minutes before a cook found me. Back to the story, I called my mom because I didn’t want to drive in case something happened. So, she picked me up and we left for the hospital. This was about 9:30 in the morning. After they hooked me up on the fetal monitor, it showed I was having contraction 3-5 minutes apart. That was news to me since I couldn’t feel anything. Long story short, since I had eaten before I came in (juice and crackers), I had to wait 8 hours before they could operate. Sianna Brieann Kauilani Mangus (she took my maiden name)was born at 3pm that day. She was a whopping 8lbs 2oz, and was 18 ¾ inches. She had a set of lungs on her, let me tell you … she STILL does to this day.

So there you have it … the story of how the kids came to be. Sorry it was so long, but I like reminiscing about them.

A few advises for WryGuy and Sparks … take a lot of pictures … and when you think you took enough, take some more. They change in appearance everyday. On potty training – you HAVE to be consistent! This next thing sounds gross, and I couldn’t believe it when the pediatrician told me this, but when you see the baby picking up small things from the floor and putting it in their mouth, be reasonable of course, but let them. They will build immunity to germs that way. Sensible things … of course you’re not going to let a bug in their mouth, or sharp objects. Lately, I’ve been hearing this a lot so I know the doc was not a quack. Good luck and once again, congrats!

Keep enjoying your weekend …

Hapa

So, blogger was down the past 24 hours or so. That was a bitch.

Hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas, I surely did. John spoiled the kids and me. The kids left Christmas morning and won’t be back until next year … my home is eerily quiet now. Looking back to when the kids were younger, all I looked forward to, without sounding mean or anything, was when they got older and was gone for than a weekend at a time … quality time for myself. Now that it is happening on a more frequent basis, I am bored as shit. Sure, I get my quality quiet time, but there’s only so much things one can do while they are alone. John has been spending more time at his boat getting it ready for New Years Eve. I have already taken the Christmas stuff down, took out the tree, and cleaned like I have never cleaned before. I think I’ll wait until next week to do the returning of the gift thing.

May I never see any baking ingredients for a long time. I have no choice in the matter. As of a few minutes ago, I have a few orders for Monday night’s festivities. I have several cheesecakes to make as well as a small catering gig. Doesn’t hurt to make a few extra bucks when you can.

The kids just dropped by to pick up some clothes. Looks like they’re having fun at Chris’ dad’s place.

Over the years I have become pretty good at swallowing my pride and making amends with people I have lost contact with. Last night I added another name to that list. I’m not sure as to what happened, all I know is that a little over three years ago I get an e-mail from this person blasting me for something I was not aware of doing. He then cancels his AOL account so there was no way of responding to him. For me, I need closure of some sort. I was not able to do any of that and it has bothered me over the years. I was fortunate to come across his new screen name and I got to write that response, with a few other choice words and well wishes, and got my closure. I told him that I would still like to stay friends, and that I would leave it up to him. He’s read the e-mail, with no response, so I’m taking that as a no. No loss to me. I know I didn’t do anything wrong. He blew a comment I made out of proportion and never gave me the chance to explain, rather clarify, what I meant. He chose to take the childish way out, like a kid having a temper tantrum. Who cares, all that matters is that I got to say my peace. End of story.

I was going to head out to the North Shore … they got waves of at least 15-20 feet. I woke up late and decided that I wouldn’t have enough time to enjoy myself out there. The drive there from my place would have been about 45 minutes to an hour. Times that by two and that’s almost two hours of driving. I have to be at work by 5pm. I like to relax for an hour or two before I leave for work, so I would have been rushing. I don’t particularly like to rush. It’s still early in the big surf season, I’ll just head out there on a day I have off from work.

I got a meal to plan, so I’ll end here. Have a great weekend!

Hapa

Mele Kalikimaka!

Aloha,

Hapa

As we speak, Chris is at his first official school social ... Winterball. In fact, it should be getting out any minute. He ended up taking a fellow percussionist, Megan, to the event Chris wore a really nice dark gray dress shirt with khaki pants, and I’m not sure what Megan wore cause as of a few days ago she didn’t have anything to wear yet … I’ll just have to wait to see the pictures. As for the flowers, they went with white roses, so I ordered her a French bouquet. Megan got Chris a maili lei with a strand of pikake. They’ll be spending the rest of the night in Waikiki with everyone else who sat at their table, and a few others.

In a few hours, I will be finishing up my baking. I got the day off from work, which is a good thing cause I am exhausted. I was going to deliver all the baked stuff Monday morning, but I think I will do it today instead.

Logi – I wish I was there to help you with what you are going through … my prayers are with you, and I hope things get better real soon. Love ya sistah!

Well, I got a turkey to cook, so I’m outta here …

Hapa

Thought I would do a short post while I am on a baking break.

As some of you noticed, I have figured out how to add links to other people's sites. Now, the question is, how the hell do you make links to archives?

Clueless in Hawaii ...

Hapa

I think being a single mom is one of the hardest things in the world. For one thing, the odds of your kids having issues, whether it is drugs or some kind of emotional trauma are higher than kids with both parents in the home … or so the statistics say. I have been on my own with the kids since Chris was 2 years old. I raised my children by myself. Sure, Chris sees his father every other weekend, but I raised him and I have done everything possible to ensure a bright future for he and his sister. I know Chris’ dad loves him with all his heart, but he has no sense in raising children. If something had happened to me that would have left Chris to be raised by his father, I know for a fact that Chris would not be where he is today. Let me fill you in on the morals of his father’s side of the family. Chris’ dad has 4 sisters and 3 brothers. Combined, Chris has about 20 or 21 cousins. The ages of his cousins range from about 40 years old down to 8 years old. Of all of his cousins, there are only 4 of them that are younger than he is, one is a senior in high school, and the rest are 19 and over. Of all of his cousins, only two went on to further their education … one went to a business college, ended up being a stay at home mom, the other went to a community college but didn’t finish. You might be asking ‘what happened to the other cousins’? Let me tell you. All but one of the female cousins had a kid either their junior or senior year in high school, and the male cousins got their girlfriends pregnant around the time they graduated. As for GPA’s … from what I am told, they all averaged 2.0 or below … some graduated by the skin of their butt. I’d be rolling in my grave if Chris turned out like that. Sianna’s story is a little complicated, she never knew her dad … it’s a long story that some of you already know. Perhaps one day I’ll talk about it. One of the few things that Chris’ dad did that I admire him for is that he took Sianna in as one of own. Despite all the fighting and battling we did in divorce court … for almost 4 years … when the dust settled, he treated Sianna like his own. Now he’s become one of several important male figures in her life.

Going back to what I was talking about …

For the past couple of years Chris has been complaining to me that I have been butting in too much where his social life is concerned. Not so much about going out with friends … he just wanted me to butt out where his school life is concerned. From the 5th grade I have pushed him to get involved in extra curricular activities. I have explained to him that in the long run it will look really well in future college applications. So, to shut me up (as he put it) he joined several organizations and ran for office when he entered intermediate school (middle school). In the 7th grade he was class Treasurer. In the 8th grade he was Student Government Vice President. Now he’s 9th grade class Vice President. He wants to take a break his sophomore and junior year to do other things … I really don’t want him to, but I think I need to let go and let him make decisions for himself … and let me tell you, it’s really going to irritate me if he doesn’t run for anything. He will run for Class President for his senior year … and he will win too. He has been in band (percussion) since the 7th grade and is one of the top players in his age category in the state. He has always maintained at least a 3.8 gpa, except for this year … his first and second quarter gpa has been about short of a 3.5. He’s on the wrestling and judo team and wants to go out for cross-country next year. Overall, as you can see, he’s a really good boy … he just has a mouth on him.

Sianna is only in the 5th grade and there’s not much extra curricular-wise that she can do yet. She is enrolled in honors math and does really well in her science class. She’s still trying to figure out what she wants to do for a living. She’s already telling me to butt out … we’ll see.

I have always been proud of my kids, but what I got in the mail today really made me proud of Chris. In the last couple of years, the high school he attends has this program called Natural Helpers. From what I gather, and I’ll find out more at the January 15th meeting, it’s kinda like a mentoring/counseling type thing … where the students can go to their peers for help with their problems. They assists the grade level counselors in helping students. Anyway, earlier in the school year, a survey went out to all grade levels and some of the questions on the survey asked if anyone they know were having issues and was afraid to seek help, if they felt comfortable going to others with their problems, and to name a student they felt they could go to for help. Well, according to the letter I received today, it mentioned that, overwhelmingly, Chris’ name came up many times. His peers said that they could trust and turn to him if they needed help. If he accepts, he will be trained on specific concerns and resources. The initial training will be in a retreat setting, then will continue with ongoing sessions. For as long as I can remember, friends have always gone to him for advice or to settle a dispute. After I showed him the letter, I reminded him of how proud I am of him and he actually thanked me for ‘butting in’ all of these years. He finally realizes that the things he does in school, especially the things I nag him about, will look especially well on any college application.

I’ve worked hard and made some sacrifices … all for the sake of my children’s future. Even with the odds stacked against me, my kids are turning out pretty damn good. I love them with all of my heart, and there is really nothing I wouldn’t do for them.

On that note, I wish all of you a great weekend!

Aloha,

Hapa

Cookies!! … cookies!! … cookies!! This house smells like a freakin bakery. And my feet hurt from standing all day. In the past couple of days I got a few more pie orders, so now I have to head back out to the grocer for more ingredients … blah!

My children, both, of whom I carried in my womb for 9 months, are conspiring against me. Chris, as a freshman in high school is taking his first year Spanish. He insists that he won’t be taking anymore Spanish after this year. He plans on taking Japanese for the next three years he will have left in high school. He’s pretty good at Spanish, speaks it well for a first year student. He is already teaching himself some Japanese along with the help of his friends. In the last year he has taught himself to read, write, and speak Korean. This is where the conspiracy comes in. He’s been teaching Sianna a little bit of Korean, and they both want to take private classes together. Their plan is to talk crap behind my back. I never learned Korean. I do know all of the swear words though. There was no one around to teach me. Sure, because my mom was pure Korean you would think she’d be the one to take the task. Frick that … the only way I was to learn was by figuring out myself what she was saying when she had her friends over. So, I ended up taking 4 years of Japanese and two years of French when I was in high school. I do not recommend taking on two different languages at the same time. I worked DAMN hard in those classes … and I was still able to maintain my ‘A’ average … barely. I still know Katakana and Hiragana (I forgot all of the Kanji), so I’ve been able to help Chris with that.

Well, the kids officially started their winter break. They have a month off from school. They are going to drive me nuts! Sianna is, anyway. Chris is pretty good at going out with his friends. Speaking of Chris, the high school’s Winter Ball is on this Saturday. He and his date have been at the mall all week looking for her clothes. I have already ordered flowers for Chris and I’m taking him later today to get his hair cut. Chris practically bought the first thing he saw. He’s wearing a nice gray shirt with khaki pants. I know what you’re thinking … gray?? That’s what he and his date decided on, gray. The flowers I ordered for his date is a French bouquet made of white roses. Gawd, I’m starting to feel my age. I can still remember my first Winter Ball … some 22 years ago.

As much as I would like to stroll down memory lane … break is over and I have to get back to my cookies.
Think of me when you eat your next chocolate chip cookie, ok?

I’m outties …

Hapa

Another birthday has come and gone …

Now with all the silliness behind me, I can seriously concentrate at the next task at hand … the dreaded holiday baking. I should be sleeping … getting rested from the weekend and stuff like that. It’s freakin 2:57 in the a.m. I have to wake up John in an hour cause he’ll be going fishing. Then I have to take the kiddies to school 3 hours after that. Then I was SUPPOSED to start the baking, but fuck that … I’m getting in at least three hours of sleep before I do anything productive today.

Once again a big mahalo to everyone with his or her birthday wishes. I got a big surprise this year from people I hang out with in an AOL chatroom … a bunch of them made me a birthday website with birthday wishes from them. I was balling my eyes out when I was reading what they wrote to me. I was crying so much that I made my daughter cry … the big baby. By the way … anyone want some cake? I got way too much in my fridge.

Now I’m actually getting sleepy so I’ll end here. Have a great week!

Just 364 more days until I’m 37 …

Hapa

Happy Birthday to me,
Happy Birthday to me,
Happy Birthday to meeeee ...
Happy Birthday to me.

And a very Happy Birthday to NightSkye!

And yes, I made it out to the gym ... in fact, I just got back.

Just a quick congratulations to my co-worker Kela and his girlfriend who gave birth yesterday to a bouncing baby girl! I forgot the exact stats but she weighed in at a little over 7lbs and was about 20" in length. I say you should have taken every lengths to have held on another 2 days.

I think I’m gong to surprise John at his boat today. I know for a damn fact he’ll still be asleep, and I know how I can wake him up (insert evil laugh here).

I’m enjoying my birthday weekend … how are you guys doing?

Have a good one …

Hapa

I was just informed that the Big Island trip is off … for now. It seems that certain rangers are not allowing people drive up to the summit to frolic in the snow … the bastards. I guess snowboarding in possible 70-90 mph winds are a no go to some people.

Since we aren’t flying, I’m heading out with some friends to do some celebrating for my birthday. I was going to bed early so I can get up for the gym at 6 … I’ll probably go after I get home … right … I’m getting to old for that shit.

I want to take the time to thank all of you who have sent me birthday wishes … and Steve, um … no waist down nakey pics in the future ok? It’s not like I didn’t appreciate them; I just need to be WARNED next time … you know … just to prepare myself.

I got brownies and a glass of milk to get to before I head out.

Laters,

Hapa

Well, the partial eclipse came and went … and where was I? Asleep! I didn’t miss anything though because of the cloudiness. Oh well … next time perhaps.

A big mahalo to UIM for adding my link to his site. Go check it out guys some good stuff there.

As much as I love the holidays, the next few weeks will be the hardest for me. I know I have mentioned many times how I wanted to have a third child, and well, if I had carried to term the last time I was pregnant, my child would be a year old on the 31st. In a way, and I still hate saying or thinking this, it was for the best. I would have been tied to a horrible man for the rest of my life, let alone this child’s life. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to have another child, I’ll just take it one day at a time … if it happens, it’ll happen.

There’s talk about catching a flight to the Big Island to go snow boarding. It’s tempting, but I think my family already made plans for my birthday weekend … or at least they better have. I’ll have at least the next couple of weeks to plan a trip to do just that.

I now have a couple more cookie recipes to add to my baking list. Along with the Lemon Slices, I’ll be making my famous brownies with macadamia nuts, melting moment (the ones that are rolled in powdered sugar), snickerdoodles, and chocolate dipped shortbread. I may add one or two more to that list. I’m thinking about adding my mini cream puffs with a chantilly frosting, we’ll see. Decisions, decisions. I’ll fill ya in as to what I decide.

As I end here, I wish all of you a superb weekend … I know I will, the partying starts tonight and will continue through Sunday night. I wonder if it’ll top last year’s party … there were two strippers involved … just to give you an idea … hehe!

Take care, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do … if there were anything I wouldn’t do …

Hapa

The weather is still sucking. I was just watching the news and they said it’s going to last until at least Monday. Now we got sleet and snow happening on the Big Island. They got winds of up to 90 mph on the two summits along with the sleet and snow. I was hoping to see if the two major Hawaii newspaper websites had pictures of the snow but they didn’t. We’re also supposed to have a partial solar eclipse that starts at 9:30am HST. I was hoping to get out after my post to watch the Geminid Meteor showers but with all the rain and winds, I doubt there will be anywhere with good visibility.

The countdown begins … the holiday baking starts Monday. I’m still in the process of picking out the stuff I want to bake this year. So far I have one cookie recipe … called Lemon Slices. I found this recipe about 15 years ago and over the years I have done some modification. This is an awesome cookie … it melts in your mouth. It used to call for straight granulated sugar, but I’ve got it down to half granulated and half confectioners (powdered) for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. I have this cream cheese pie recipe that I’m pretty known for. I used to make it for parties and other gatherings. Then one day someone offered to buy some if I baked them for her and the rest is history. This was about 16 years ago. Within 5 years I had orders of at least 250 pies during the holiday seasons. I’m nowhere close to that nowadays. One, because I no longer have the facility to store all the pies, and two, it’s a pain in the ass. I had all kinds of variations for my recipe. Of course there was the strawberry or blueberry toppings. Then I did a grasshopper pie variation with oreo cookie crumb crust. Lately I have added a lemon or raspberry mousse type cheese pie. Hey, it’s extra money for shopping so I can’t really bitch. This year, at last count, I have orders for 30 pies. I’m also looking to be baking about 4-5 different kinds of cookies. I’m doing the ingredients shopping over the weekend, lord help me.

In two days I will be 36. I don’t know what all the fuss is about women and age. I’m not ashamed about turning 36. I look pretty good for my age … I get comments about how I still look like I’m in my 20’s ... I’m told it’s an Asian thing. I guess the ones that are embarrassed about it are the ones that look like they’re old as dirt. It doesn’t bother me that I’ll turn 40 in 4 years … I kinda look forward to it. When I turn 40, Chris will be in his freshman year at college and Sianna will be entering high school. Actually, I look forward to 44 … when both kids are out of the house … hah!

Well, it’s late so I’m outta here …

Hapa

Just got home from Chris’ Winter Concert and we had a pretty good time. The concert lasted 2 hours but we had to wait another 45 minutes for Chris to come out because they were taking pictures for the yearbook. The percussion section would be the last to take their pics. Three different bands performed tonight. The first was the 9th grade band. They played three medleys. The second band was Wind Ensemble II – they played 4 songs, two of which were big band and jazz type music. Lastly was Wind Ensemble I … Chris’s band. They played two overtures, a Broadway melody, a March and several Christmas music. Wind Ensemble I will put on another concert this Sunday at Ala Moana Shopping Center at Center Stage.

The weather has been crap all week. Just yesterday we had gusts of up to 45 mph. It poured all night as well. They say this is going to keep up all week and probably into next week. I saw a tree go down across the street, and all along the way home shrubs were uprooted, limbs from trees were broken off … stuff like that. It looked like a hurricane hit us. It’s been cold as crap as well. I’ve got windburns on my face and hands. It’s good cuddling-up weather though!

Well, Chris is bumping me off the computer, so I’m ending here. Enjoy the rest of the week and behave.

Aloha,

Hapa

I had a very productive day today thank you very much. I got most of the bills paid, did some shopping, helped John exchange a birthday present he got, and I (ugh) got the hair cut. As of 12pm the length of my hair was just past my waist. As of 12:30pm a good 4 inches or so got chopped off … and I love it. I look pretty damn good too. John was the first to see it. He said he liked it, but as most guys, for whatever reasons they have, like women with long (er) hair. The kids didn’t notice yet … probably cause I had it up.

Just for the record, I was #8021 on Ghost’s website.

Well, the year is winding down … this year went by really fast. Why, it seems like only yesterday I was having visions of the soon to be ex’s demise on my mind … and that was way back in January. One can only hope.

So, I’ll be another year older this Sunday. Which, by the way, I share with NightSkye … happy birthday to you too! Something is brewing because the kids and John are up to something. I was on John’s boat the other night and we were in the back bedroom where supposedly all the gifts were hiding. Unlike some people, I don’t go snooping or shaking gifts intended for me. I can wait … I am a very patient person. Anyway, he made sure everything was covered up and out of my reach. Most of the last week or so I’d catch them whispering to each other and I’ll make like I don’t see it. I’ve told them all I want is a bell to use when I need to summon them … hehe. I expect to be pampered all day Sunday … I deserve it, dammit.

My week is going pretty well hope it’s the same for all of you. I got wrapping to do so I’m out of here …

Laters,

Hapa

I get this every year at this time from at least 5 different people ... it's still funny as shit ... enjoy!


Dear Santa,
I wud like a kool toy space ranjur for Xmas. Iv ben a good boy all yeer. YeR FReND, BiLLy

Dear Billy,
Nice spelling. You're on your way to a career as a lawn care specialist. How about I send you a damn book so you can learn to read and write? I'm giving your older brother the space ranger, at least HE can spell!
Santa
*****************************************************
Dear Santa,
I have been a good girl all year, and the only thing I ask for is peace and joy in the world for everybody!
Love, Sarah

Dear Sarah,
Your parents smoked pot when they had you, didn't they?
Santa
*************************************************
Dear Santa,
I've written you for three years now asking for a fire truck. Please, I really really want a fire truck this year!
Love, Joey

Dear Joey,
Let me make it up to you. While you sleep, I'm gonna torch your house. You'll have more fire trucks than you'll know what to do with.
Santa
*******************************************************
Dear Santa,
I don't know if you can do this, but for Christmas I'd like for my mommy and daddy to get back together. Please see what you can do.
Love, Teddy

Dear Teddy,
What, and ruin that hot little affair your dad's still having with the babysitter? He's banging her like a screen door in a hurricane, son! Let me get you some nice Legos instead.
Santa
*******************************************************
Dear Santa,
I need more Pokemon cards please! All my friends have more Pokemon cards than me. Please see what you can do.
Love, Michelle

Dear Michelle,
It blows my mind. Kids are forcing their parents to buy hundreds of dollars worth of these stupid cards, and none of you snot-nosed brats are even learning to play the game. Let me get you something more your speed, like "Chutes and Ladders."
Santa
*******************************************************
Dear Santa,
I want a new bike, playstation, a train, some G.I. Joes, a dog, a drum kit, a pony and a tuba.
Love, Francis

Dear Francis,
Who names their kid "Francis" nowadays? What are you, some sort of fag?
Santa
*******************************************************
Dear Santa,
I left milk and cookies for you under the tree, and I left carrots for your reindeer outside the backdoor.
Love, Susan

Dear Susan,
Milk gives me the shits and carrots make the deer fart in my face. You want to be a kiss-ass? Leave me a glass of Chivas Regal and some Toblerone.
Santa
*******************************************************
Dear Santa,
What do you do the other 364 days of the year? Are you making toys?
Your friend, Thomas

Dear Thomas,
All toys get made in China. I have a condo in Vegas, where I spend most my time squeezing cocktail waitresses asses, and losing all my cash at the craps table. Hey, YOU wanted to know!
Santa
*******************************************************
Dear Santa,
Do you see us when we're sleeping, do you really know when we're awake, like in the song?
Love, Jessica

Dear Jessica,
You are that gullible? Good luck in whatever you do, I'm skipping your
house.
Santa
*****************************************************
Dear Santa,
I really really want a puppy this year. Please please please PLEASE.
Timmy

Timmy,
That whiney begging shit may work with your folks, but that crap don't cut it up here. You're getting a sweater again.
Santa
*******************************************************
Dearest Santa,
We don't have a chimney in our house, how do you get into our home?
Love, Marky

Mark,
First, stop calling yourself "Marky," that's why you're getting your ass whipped at school. Secondly, you don't live in a house, that's a low-rent apartment complex you're living in. Thirdly, I get inside your pad just like all the burglars do, through your bedroom window.
Sweet Dreams!
Santa

It’s been a long past week for me and I am bushed. In order to get today and tomorrow off for Christopher’s Winter Concert for Band, I had to work 7 days in a row. I usually have Sundays and Mondays off but I switched those days to get Tuesday and Wednesday off. They perform Wednesday night at the high school auditorium and then they perform on Sunday at Ala Moana … just the Wind Ensemble I Band. I get to see Chris in a tuxedo again.

Well, John’s 31st birthday came and went … thaaaank goodness. Talk about a baby … let me rephrase that, a BIG baby. It all started with his gifts me and the kids got him. He liked them, just not the packaging it came in … hehe. One of his gifts was a shirt. I decided to wrap it in a different type of box rather than a clothing box, it’s harder to guess the gift that way. Anyway … I wrapped it in a Tampax box. It’s one of those bigger boxes you buy at Sam’s Club or Costco. He’s one of those that unwrap his gifts like forever. I swear to God it took him 10 minutes, at the least, to unwrap his gift. He had to get through a layer of newspaper to get to the box. He was a little careless and accidentally ripped a part of newspaper and saw a small portion of the Tampax box. Oh my God did he throw a fit. I was laughing so hard I had to pee. He refused to open the rest of the wrapping so I had to finish. By this time I was crying from laughing so hard. If I was on my deathbed and needed tampons, he would not go to the store to buy some for me. Why does this embarrass men? It’s just tampons. Get over it, sheesh. John ended up staying most of the weekend on his boat. He misses his boat. I got to see the progress of his decorating the boat for this weekend’s festivities. It looks pretty nice. He has 5 days however to get the boat running for my birthday. I expect to be cruising off the coast on Sunday.

I got the munchies so I will be ending here. I haven’t been eating right lately, partly due to the medication I was on. Now that I’m temporarily off them, I get these late night munchies. Not a good thing. It’s ok I guess since I will be at the gym first thing in the morning, and all week for that matter. Have a great week everyone and I will catch you next time …

Hapa

I wasn’t really planning on writing tonight, but I read some of my friend’s blogs and I felt the need to comment on some things.

Logi … it saddens me to hear about your loss. Things do get better and I hope you see the better real soon. By the way, is this the same doggy that ran out of your home when I was last there? One advice when it comes to telling Alex is don’t rehearse what you want to say to her. It’s funny how children her age can pick up on the slightest things. Let the words come out naturally. Believe me, you will know what to say to her to comfort her and explain what happened when the time comes.

WryGuy … thanks for the advice. I used to do exactly the same things you wrote … visualization is a wonderful thing. Lately with the hormone thing, I can’t seem to think straight, and the mood swings are a pain in the ass. But hey, I went back to the gym and someone did report it … a little bit of faith has been restored.

Ghost … hmmm, where do I begin? I have known you for over 4 years now and I would like to finally see you with someone that makes you truly happy. Just a note … sometimes the person who doesn’t meet your standards is really the person of your dreams. I don’t know if what I just wrote made sense to you, it doesn’t for me … I’m exhausted, what can I say? There is an actual saying for what I am attempting to say, with my luck I’ll remember it later. For now just concentrate on school and don’t worry about the small things. Who knows, when you finally stop worrying about meeting Ms. Right, she may just reveal herself to you. Either case, I’m there for you.

It’s raining like a bitch now and it’s 12:45 in the a.m. I am freezing my ass and I need to get to some sleep.

Catch you all later,

Hapa

Mahalo WryGuy for your well wishes … you are a sweet person. Not much sweet people out there nowadays.

I know this for a damn fact.

The cramping has subsided and I am a happy person once again. Even my kids want to be around me again. John has no choice in the matter. By the way John … can you pick me up some Tampax? The bigger the box, the better … hehe.

John just told me that the Marina will have their annual Christmas light show/parade on Saturday the 15th. We went shopping the other night to buy lights for his boat. I think he wants to pick up a few other things to add to what he has. I’m not sure how many people actually participate, but from what he said about last year it was really spectacular. There’s a parade of boats that go out of the harbor and cruises past Ko’Olina Resort in all of their Christmas glory. I’m hoping to get this on tape or have someone take pictures for me.

Well, my surprise gift to John for his birthday has been all shot to hell. I decided to use some of my frequent flyer miles to get a couple of r/t tickets to Maui to have dinner at my favorite restaurant, Koho’s, for his birthday on Friday. The plan was to make pretend that I finally got someone to take my shift on Friday so I could take John out to dinner in Waikiki somewhere. Instead of heading out to Waikiki, I was going to take the airport cut-off at the last minute and explain to him then what the real plans were … or something along that line. He told me Sunday that a friend of his and the friend’s family are going to do a barbecue at the Marina. I’m not mad that he already made plans, I’m pissed that he didn’t think about whether or not I made plans. He assumed that I was working and that was it. Men … you can’t kill them. So, of course I had to cancel plans. Then he tells me that he wants to spend that night with me and that he could probably get his friend to do the barbecue on Saturday. This conversation was yesterday. I told him it was too late because I’m back on the schedule to work and I already cancelled the flight reservations. Mind you, this was at least a month in the planning. Ugh. I lost a deposit for the hotel room, I was able to cancel the car, and luckily I have a friend at the airlines that was able to change the open and close dates on the tickets. So now all he gets for his birthday is lunch.

One last vet before I close for the night. I was working out at the gym today and I had a really good work out. The gym I go to overlooks Pearl Harbor and the parking lot below us. My gym is 4 stories high. I usually work out on the 3rd floor. Anyhow, I make sure that I always park where I can see my car from where I exercise. Along the glass windows are either treadmills or the Precor stepper. My routine is usually one or the other for at least 30-45 minutes then I go to the adjacent side of the room to do the weight training. I was feeling good about myself as I was leaving the gym. Then I get within feet of my car. As I look up, I see a license plate sticking out to the point where it was about to fall off the bumper. It was MY fucking license plate. Some dumbass who didn’t know how to drive must have backed out, hit my front bumper, got scared and left. I wouldn’t know cause I wasn’t there. What pisses me off is that no one reported it. With all the pedestrian traffic that goes on there in the parking lot, someone HAD to have seen what happened. So, after inspecting my front bumper, which only had a small scratch and a fucking license plate hanging by a thread, I went back into the building to the front desk to ask if anyone reported a car being hit by another car. The guy at the desk said no. I was furious. It irks me to hear people say how we all need to help each other out in bad times blah blah blah. If I saw something like this, I would have been the first to report it. At least take down their plate numbers and leave that information with the front desk or call the police. I just shake my head in utter disgust.

Now that my ranting is over, I bid you all good night …

Hapa

I am happy to say I finally started my period on Sunday. When I wake up in a few hours I have to start taking my other medication – Chlomid – I’m supposed to take them on day 3 to day 7 of my cycle. Did I mention I am in great pain? The Midol should be kicking in pretty soon.

I hate this.

After I had Sianna almost 11 years ago I was told I couldn’t have anymore kids. Then I had surgery to open up and clear out my fallopian tubes in September of 2000. I was a few months short of turning 35. I always told myself I was going to get tied if I could not carry to term … all this when I was with my soon to be ex husband … by the time I was 35. Now that I have met John I’m thinking of waiting a few more years. I don’t want to wait much longer though … I’m not getting any younger … shaddup in advance … you know who you are. I know what lies ahead of me if and when we do decide to get pregnant. I’ll pretty much be confined to the bedroom most of the term. I’ll be in the high-risk category. My doc thinks the problem might be in my uterus so he wants to do a hysteroscopy … I think that’s the correct term … I’ve had so many medical terms thrown at me in the last year my head is gonna explode. At least with the hysteroscopy there won’t be any incisions made of any sort. He’ll be inserting a device into my cervix into the uterus to see what’s going on inside … to make sure there aren’t any scars or something like that. For now, we’ll see how the Chlomid and hormones work.

John’s birthday is on Friday … he’ll turn 31. He’s just as bad as my kids are when it comes to presents. He already has one birthday gift under the tree, along with about three Christmas presents, and he already has shaken them all. He’s just a big kid.

Speaking of gifts, I need to get off my ass and mail some stuff to Ghost. It’ll get there … eventually. I got stuff in there for Ghost, Skye and Logi. Just a little something from Hawaii. Hope you guys enjoy.

I need sleep, I have a long day in the morning. Shopping and more shopping, then it’s off to work.

Have a great day,

Hapa

Yesterday official made three weeks that I am late for my period. Being concerned I made an appointment with my Obstetrician. When I was a week late, I took a home pregnancy test that turned out to be negative. When I was two weeks late I took another test which was also negative. Needless to say over that weekend I was a bit nervous because ever since I was finished my HRT back in March my cycles were on the nose … exactly every 5 weeks. So, I saw my doc this past Wednesday and he has me on Medroxyprogesterone – one pill a day for 10 days – to hopefully get my cycle started again. I tell you, since the next day, my boobs are hurting like a mo fo. I dread taking off the bra cause it hurts when I do. I should start my period anywhere up to two weeks after the last pill. Oh yeah, and by the way … I’m NOT pregnant.

I don’t know if I should be happy or sad about not being pregnant. I have two wonderful children and the last time I carried a baby to term was 11 years ago. Since I had Sianna I was told I could not have anymore babies due to scarring in my uterus. I was fine with that … I had my boy and my girl. Then I met my current husband and I had three miscarriages during the three years we were together. I almost got myself fixed until I met John. He’ll be 31 next week and does not have children. He was kinda disappointed that the results were negative. He says he’s not ready yet, but I know he wants children. With all the crap that’s happened to me in the last year alone, my biological clock is running out fast. He’s gonna make a wonderful father and I hope a higher power sees it fit to let me carry another baby to term in the future.

Now that marching season is just about over for Chris, he can concentrate on wrestling. He’s on the JV team. He’s also going out for Judo a little later in the year. I need to find me a new scanner so I can share pictures with you guys. He took some really good shots of Ground Zero and of the Pentagon while he was on the East Coast.

I can’t believe it’s already December. John finally got his boat going and we’ll be spending New Years Eve off the west coast of O’ahu to watch the fire works. I can’t wait. His goal was to get it ready by his birthday and I told him it BETTER be ready by my birthday on the 16th … or else … nah, not the or else … hehe.

Well kiddies, I’m off to bed … I got some major shopping to do first thing in the morning. Have a great weekend and I’ll write ya soon!

Hapa

Chris will be boarding his plane in about 5 hours at JFK. I can't wait to hear all about his trip. A friend of his taped the parade for me and I'm going to let Chris watch it when he ges home.

I decided not to do any shopping today only because I hate crouds. I spent the day watching 'Luke and Laura Through the Years' on the soap channel ... all 10 hours worth. I'll probably start some shopping tomorrow before I pick Chris up.

Hope all of you have an enjoyable weekend ... I know I will ... I got the next three days off!

until next time,

Hapa

The first Thanksgiving feast was made up of lobster, crab, corn, and some other side dishes that was available at the time … turkey was not the main course. I did not know this … lobster? Hey! Count me in. Well, the pies are done and it’s 9:30pm. I really need to get some sleep to wake up early enough for work. Sianna won’t be with me for dinner after all … she’s going to grandpa’s mother’s house for dinner. She’ll have a better time there. It looks like I’ll be heading out to my brother’s for dinner … if I can shake off this cold.

Thank you WryGuy for your heartfelt wishes for my son … and belated congratulations to you and your wife on your wedding. I saw some of the pictures and they were beautiful.

Sianna wants me to download a game for her so I’ll going.

Aloha and Happy Thanksgiving,

Hapa

Mom … did I wake you?

That was the first thing Chris said to me at 5am this morning. I wanted to choke him, but he’s 5000 miles away. He called while they were en route to see a play at Radio City Music Hall. He’s having a lot of fun, I’m happy for him. He’s calling back later in the day because about 10 minutes into the conversation they were starting to tour Ground Zero and he wanted to take pictures.

This year, it will be just me Sianna and John for Thanksgiving. Actually, John and I will be passing each other because I decided that I’m going in to work the breakfast and lunch shift … at least we will be closing at 2pm. I’ll get home just in time to see John for about 5 minutes before he goes to his government job at Hickam. I’m blessed to have many friends. I have yet to decide which of these friends whose homes I will go to for dinner with Sianna.

I got a whole lot of baking to do now so I’ll part company here. Hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow.

Aloha,

Hapa

Technically, it's still the 18th in Hawaii, so ... Happy Birthday Ghost ... ya old fart.

Chris is safely in Virginia. He called me from San Francisco at midnight to let me know he was ok. The flight to Virginia from San Fran was going to be another 8 hours. He called later in the day but I was at work. He heads out for New York Tuesday morning.

It's late, we just got home from watching Monsters Inc. I love that movie! I can't wait for the video to come out.

Have a great week everyone ...

Hapa

Went to the gym, bought my 2002 calendar, picked up Chris’s uniform at the dry cleaners, bought new wool socks for him as well …

Oh man, I forgot something …

What the hell was it??

Holy shit, I forgot to buy him some white shoe polish for his marching shoes … crap.

I have 27 hours left to get my shit together … and Chris is being no help to me.

Oh well, I best be off …

Laters,

Hapa

What's coming up:

Tomorrow is Ramadan
7 days until Thanksgiving
17 days until Advent
25 days until Chanukah
31 days until Posada
36 days until Winter Solstice
40 days until Christmas
41 days until Kwanzaa
47 days until New Years Day
53 days until Eastern Orthodox Christmas

My day today will be spent looking for a carryon and possibly a new suitcase for Chris's trip in two days. I'm making a mental note to never fly with ATA, even if my life depended on it. The band, with approximately 350-400 people traveling - that's the band members, school administration, chaperones, and tag-alongs, will be heading out to New York on three different flights. The plane that will be carrying the kids and school official, along with a few of the chaperones, will be on the ATA chartered flight. The other two planes, United and NorthWest, will carry the remaining chaperones and tag-alongs. This past Tuesday night was the last parent information meeting before the trip. In that meeting they went into the specifics of airport procedures and the requirements of the luggage situation. Luggage is allowed up to 40lbs … what the fuck … how the hell are you going to fit 8 days worth of crap into a suitcase that is only allowed 40lbs? The carryon measurements are 9"x13.5"x19". If you happen to go over the weight limit, you will be charged a $50 fee for every 10lbs you are over. How the hell do you go shopping with limitations like that? Chris is like me … I like to pack a little extra clothes just in case. Sorry Chris, no can do this time. So far, the plan is to pack shirts he sleeps in that are pretty much ready to throw out, so after each wear he can throw it away. It's four to a room, so I think he and his roommates are going to buy the essentials - shampoo, soap, etc, up there and just share those. He wanted to go clothes shopping while he was there. I told him that it's pretty much the same price as it is here. If anything a mother of one of his friends is going as a tag-along and I was going to ask her to ship stuff home if it comes to that.

It's already 8am and I need to pay the rest of my bills today so I can figure out how much I will be giving Chris for spending money. Hope you have a great day, it's looking pretty nice on my end and I might just head out to John's boat for some action … heh.

Coming soon - more Hawaiian Words of the Day ...

Aloha,

Hapa

I hope all of you had a great weekend. Mine was pretty good. Last night was Chris’s last marching band performance at Aloha Stadium. His last actual gig for the marching season will be at the Macy’s Parade next week in New York. There was about 15 schools that performed last night at the Meadow Gold Rainbow Invitational, and Pearl City performed second to the last – right before the University of Hawaii performed. Of course it rained all night. It always rains at these functions. Sianna and I had fun. There were several schools that put on a great show. I was still kinda disappointed that Pearl City did not do their drum feature. According to Chris it was a very difficult number to do and they may do it in next year’s show.

Now that the marching season has come to a close, concert season, with the Winter Concert happening next month, is beginning. I saw some of the music sheets in Chris’s folder and they looked really complicated. I’m really proud of Chris. It’s unusual for a Freshman to be in Wind Ensemble I – otherwise called top band. When I was in highschool, to be in Wind I, you had to audition for a seat. Nowadays, from what I was told, you had to be asked by the Band Director personally to join. Chris was spotted last year at the Spring Concert when he was in the 8th grade. Another condition is that you have to take lessons, which he has been since earlier this year.

Well, Chris leaves this Saturday. He’s really anxious and wants to leave already. He and his sister are really close and they have already, on separate occasions, mentioned that they were going to miss each other. I have to take Chris later this week to get his traveler’s checks. His father’s side of the family is taking him out Friday night to dinner, and my family will go out for brunch Saturday before we take him to the airport. I still have to put more money into his Visa Buxx card … I really don’t want him to carry a lot of cash. He’s gonna have a lot of fun.

Before I end, I just want to say ‘aloha’ to my new readers. A big howdy to WryGuy in New York, he’s a friend of my friends Ghost, Logi and Nightskye. He’s got a link to my site on his site and hopefully soon I’ll have a link for him on mine … hint, hint … when I finally do make it to New York again Logi, you have to give me a crash course on all this html crap. Another howdy goes out to Dave and Tyler at Schofield. Sorry that was a little late guys but this is the first night making a post since I met you guys over the weekend.

Hope you all have a great day,

Hapa

I can't seem to shake this lethargic feeling I've been having lately. I really don't know what it could be. I'd at least thought that by doing my workouts again I'd have more energy … nope. I have been sleeping a lot more which is not a good thing. The last time I actually saw my Obstetrician in person, he wanted me to get tested to make sure I was in working order. All my life I have always been anemic. No matter the amounts of iron supplements I take or incorporating foods high in iron I eat, I can't seem to raise my red blood cell levels. Oh well … I'll eventually get to making that appointment.

From what I have been reading in other blogs written by friends and their friends, Nightskye's wedding was a beautiful one. Once again, congrats to the happy couple.

Well, Chris leaves next week Saturday for New York. I have to admit I am a bit nervous. He heads out to DC first then be in New York by the following Tuesday. With all that's been going on with the anthrax and terrorism, especially in those areas, I'll be a wreck the 8 days he's gone. He's kind of worried about all that is happening in the world, but we both agree that you can't have fear run your life. He's really looking forward to this trip. It's his first trip that he is taking without his parents. I have to admit that another reason I'm not on this trip with him (besides not being able to get a flight out on time) is that I wanted him to have a little freedom … not too much though. He's my first born and I need to get used to giving him a little more free range every now and then. He'll be leaving for college in three years and I'm going to hate that day. He better not get any ideas on his Japan trip in two years … I'll be on that trip for sure.

I don't know what is up with my attitude lately. I can't stand to be at work, and I'm having a little spat with John … if you can call it that. It can't be PMS cause that was last week. I guess I'm stressed, who knows. I really need to get out of this nasty funk I'm in soon. I hate when I get this way. Oh well … until I figure out what is up, I'll be here to vent.

Have a great weekend,

Hapa

BOO!

Bet I scared ya ... Happy Halloween!

I love Halloween ... it's my favorite night of the year. All that frolicking and fun and other 'F' words ... hehe. Hope all you freaky people out there have fun, and most of all be safe and be aware of your surroundings. And for God's sake if you're gonna drink, don't drive ... you might spill something and that won't be a good thing. Seriously, have someone drive you home ... hey, you might get lucky ...

This pumpkin is outta here

Hapa

I got this in my e-mail today.

We Are All Alone

October 26, 2001

By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN


So let me see if I've got this all straight now: Pakistan
will allow us to use its bases Mondays, Wednesdays and
Fridays - provided we bomb only Taliban whose names begin
with Omar and who don't have cousins in the Pakistani
secret service. India is with us on Tuesdays and Fridays,
provided it can shell Pakistani forces around Kashmir all
other days. Egypt is with us on Sundays, provided we don't
tell anyone and provided we never mention that we give the
Egyptians $2 billion a year in aid. Yasir Arafat is with us
only after 10 p.m. on weekdays, when Palestinians who have
been dancing in the streets over the World Trade Center
attack have gone to bed. The Northern Alliance is with us,
provided we buy all its troops new sandals and give U.S.
passports to the first 1,000 to reach Kabul.

Israel is with us provided we never question the lunacy of
7,000 Israeli colonial settlers living in the middle of a
million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Kuwait would like
to be with us, it really would, since we saved Kuwait from
Iraq, but two Islamists in the Kuwaiti Parliament spoke out
against the war, so the emir just doesn't want to take any
chances. You understand. The Saudis, of course, want to be
with us, but Saudis are not into war-fighting. That's for
the household help. Don't worry. Prince Alwaleed has
promised to rent us some Bangladeshi soldiers through a
Saudi temp agency - at only a small markup.

The Saudi ruling family would love to cooperate by handing
over its police files on the 15 Saudis involved in the
hijackings, but that would be a violation of its
sovereignty, and, well, you know how much the Saudis
respect sovereignty - like when the Saudi Embassy in
Washington rushed all of Osama bin Laden's relatives out of
America after Sept. 11 on a private Saudi jet, before they
could be properly questioned by the F.B.I.

And then there's my personal favorite: All our Arab-Muslim
allies would love us to get bin Laden quickly, but the
Muslim holy month of Ramadan is coming soon and the Muslim
"street" will not tolerate fighting during Ramadan. Say, do
you remember the 1973 Middle East war, launched by Egypt
and Syria against Israel? Remember what that war was called
in the Arab world? "The Ramadan war" - because that's when
it was started. Oh, well. I guess the Arab world can launch
wars on Ramadan, but not receive them.

My fellow Americans, I hate to say this, but except for the
good old Brits, we're all alone. And at the end of the day,
it's U.S. and British troops who will have to go in, on the
ground, and eliminate bin Laden.

Ah, you ask, but why did we have so many allies in the gulf
war against Iraq? Because the Saudis and Kuwaitis bought
that alliance. They bought the Syrian Army with billions of
dollars for Damascus. They bought us and the Europeans with
promises of huge reconstruction contracts and by covering
all our costs. Indeed, with the money Japan paid, we
actually made a profit on the gulf war; Coalitions "R" Us.

This time we'll have to pay our own way, and for others.
Unfortunately, killing 5,000 innocent Americans in New York
just doesn't get the rest of the world that exercised. In
part we're to blame. The unilateralist message the Bush
team sent from its first day in office - get rid of the
Kyoto climate treaty, forget the biological treaty, forget
arms control, and if the world doesn't like it that's tough
- has now come back to haunt us.

And who can blame other countries for wanting to shake down
U.S. taxpayers when Dick Armey and his greedy band of House
Republicans are doing the same thing - pushing a stimulus
bill with more tax breaks for the rich, lobbyists and
corporations, and virtually nothing for the working
Americans who will fight this war?

My advice: Try not to focus on any of this. Focus instead
on the firemen who rushed into the trade center towers
without asking, "How much?" Focus on the thousands of U.S.
reservists who have left their jobs and families to go
fight in Afghanistan without asking, "What's in it for me?"
Unlike the free-riders in our coalition, these young
Americans know that Sept. 11 is our holy day - the first
day in a just war to preserve our free, multi-religious,
democratic society. And I don't really care if that war
coincides with Ramadan, Christmas, Hanukkah or the Buddha's
birthday - the most respectful and spiritual thing we can
do now is fight it until justice is done.

It all started in 1972; I was in the 2nd grade. Every week at 7pm I was glued to the television set waiting to see what was going to happen to my super hero. His name was Kikaida. Between the years of 1972 and around mid 1975, Hawaii was taken by storm by a popular Japanese show called Kikaida. In this Honolulu Advertiser article it mentioned that the show was on Wednesday nights. I remember it being on Saturdays. Anyway, I was, and so were thousands of other little girls my age, infatuated with Kikaida … well, actually his human form called Jiro. My friend and neighbor Janelle was completely gaga over him. She used to come over and watch it with me and my brother every week … like it was a religion. We used to make popcorn and kool aid then sit comfortably in front of the television. We didn’t dare budge from our seats. Of course, when it was commercial time, it was a mad dash to the bathroom. Ah, what memories. I mention this because I found out two weeks ago that they plan to bring the series back to Hawaii. Every Sunday nights at 7pm starting on November 4, I will be in front of my TV with my kids watching Kikaida. Several years ago, I believe it was around 1993, the show was brought back and my children got to experience the madness. Back then it wasn’t as hyped as it is appearing to be now. I guess it’s because it’s about to celebrate it’s 30th anniversary. I can recall back then when the show came out that there was an increase in enrollment in karate classes all around the state … or at least the kids in my school. I was amongst many lucky 8 year olds who got an autograph from Kikaida/Jiro when they came here in 1974 to our State fare. Man, that autograph would be worth thousands today.

Ok, it’s that time … it’s payday and I got bills to pay.

Until later,

Hapa