Lights Out!

What are the chances that everyone (well, nearly everyone) on the island experiences a power outage all at the same time? Well, that's what happened last night. It was around 6:30 p.m. I got off work early, in hopes to make it back in time for the wedding dance for two friends that were getting married the next day. Gas was low, and instead of filling up at the Chevron gas station in Sunset, I thought it would be more convenient to fill up in Kahuku since I needed to make a deposit at the ATM at my bank. So I go through the normal routine of my daily deposit, and just as I'm waiting to get my card back, ALL THE LIGHTS GO OUT!!!

Yup, so I'm standing there in the dark in disbelief with what just happened! The freakin' power went out before my card came out of the dang machine!!! Luckily, I had my cell phone handy, and was able to cancel my card. They told me that I would be able to get my card from the branch the next day they're open, which would be Monday. Unfortunately I would be on a plane headed to Maui by then. Just my luck.

There were weddings, and not to mention it was the last day for the temple to be open so you can just imagine how crazy things were there. But luckily for them, all went well. The power came back on at around 2:30 the next day, and all went as planned. Just include this on the list of crazy natural disasters in Hawaii in '08!

One of the first things that came to mind was...

A Thousand Splendid Suns

I was given this book as a Christmas gift from one of my friends in an effort to share his favorite story with me. Definitely in my top ten. Inspiring. Riveting. Beautiful. That's all I have to say.

Sickness and Goodbye's

I've been hit by the icky-yucky-blah-blah-blah sick bug!!! And of all the sicknesses I could have inherited, I got the "puke-your-guts-out-can't-stand-the-smell-of ANYTHING" kind!!! Ugh...I hate it when my stomach gets sick. So, I spent all day Sunday and half of yesterday stuck at home sleeping and reading the Twilight series....AGAIN! Hahahaha.

Well, late Sunday evening, I got a call from Greg. I thought he was gonna try to get me to do a Zippy's run with him, because he thought I was lying when I told him I was sick. He was heading to California the next day for Christmas break...so he wanted to do one last run for the year. Sadly, that has been our late night habit for the past few months....running to Zippy's. How pathetic! Hahaha. Anyhoo, imagine my surprise when he told me that he would be MOVING back to California!!! My initial reaction was to just laugh because this guy has been living a vacation lifestyle in the past 4 MONTHS!!!! So I thought it was pretty funny that he only NOW decided that he should actually go home to start working! Anyhoo...that's another story that I'll let him blog about.

So...the next day Ane and I took him to the airport. It was a little sad, but not really cause I know I'll see him again. I've come to the realization that I am officially the President of the "Farewell" committee considering all of my close friends all end up "leaving" me on this stinkin' rock. Talk about drowning in island fever!!!! But I know my time will come soon. So until then, I have yet to find someone to hand over the torch. Lol. *Sigh*

Rain and Books

"It rained" would be an understatement to describe what happened yesterday. More like the heavens opened up and someone forgot to turn the tap off. I think within a matter of hours, most of the island was flooded. It's amazing how a whole community comes together to help each other in the midst of a crisis. While I stayed home to watch the younginz...my sister, her husband and their two older boys went out helping other families whose homes were knee high (some waist high) in water. Kaloz. Boy was I thankful I didn't have to work that day.


So, besides watching movies, and stuffing my face with anything warm. I snuggled up in bed with my latest reading project, "My Sisters Keeper" by Jodi Picoult. From stem cell research, to leukemia, to family relationships, this book really makes you think about life decisions. I won't say anymore in case you plan on reading it yourself. Made me better appreciate my family and my sisters.

Chelsea Lately

With the school semester winding to an end, I have found myself distracted by youtube. It all started by looking up interviews with Robert Pattinson a.k.a. Edward Cullen. Yes...I admit...I am OBSESSED with this movie and its characters. Anyhoo, as I was googling everything about Twilight, I came across a funny little show called Chelsea Lately. It's a late nite t.v. show on E! This lady is freaking hilarious!!! Here are some of my favorite clips. Just wanted to share cause she had me laughing for days. These have definitely helped with the fanatacism of Rob. Enjoy!!!

*WARNING: If you're a fan of Tyra Banks, you may get a little offended.

Wait til the end of this clip. It's freakin' hilarious!!!!!

LIAR!!!!

OK....so I just have to apologize because I totally lied! After much contemplation, and discussion, I have come to the conclusion that I am "unconditionally and irrevocably in love" with the movie Twilight!!!! Ahhhhh!!!!! Hahahaha. What did you think I was going to say?

Anyhoo...as I mentioned in my review of the movie earlier, I thought it was cheezy and blah blah blah. But how come I couldn't stop thinking about it that whole day and the next. Mind you, it didn't help that Ane and I couldn't help but fill Greg in on what happens in the three books to follow. So that discussion only made me wanna watch it again! So Greg and I went on Saturday night. I was fully satisfied after this viewing. I couldn't help but find myself sucked back into the world that I had left behind after reading the series. I did the whole research on all the actors, interviews, the author, the soundtrack, and everything else Twilight.

After watching the movie the first time, I didn't agree with the music choice all that much. But after downloading it (mostly because I loved the song at the end) and listening to it, I found myself loving it as well. Probably because I could imagine each scene with each song! Especially the songs that they play during the scenes with the Cullens. Those are without a doubt my favorite parts of the movie. Especially the baseball scene! Ahhhhh!!! Now I wanna watch it again!!! Freakin' A!

So if you haven't seen Twilight, or even if you've seen it once and weren't fully satisfied, I suggest you go! And then go and read the novels, because it just makes the movie that much better! So I feel like a little teenie bopper all over again!
YAY for Team Edward!!!!!

Looking for a New Family

As I pulled into the driveway, I noticed my sister, brother-in-law and some of the kids standing outside looking towards our neighbors house. Then, Conrad, the eldest, comes running up to the car laughing. He goes on to tell me the story:

So'i was in their room, and began packing all his clothes in a box that he found somewhere in the house. Then he strolled to the living room and announced:

"Mommy, Daddy, I'm gonna go look for a new family."

Of course his parents thought he was just messing around, so they played along. Ope told him, "Go! Go find you a new family. No one wants you anyway." < < Ok, so I realize that statement sounds pretty harsh...but just keep in mind that he was totally joking. And this, I imagine would be the face that So'i would give him in response to that.



Anyhoo, So'i proceeds to go outside. They think nothing of it until they see him walking to the house across the street. Again, no need to worry. Then he starts walking up the stairs! And then knocks on their door! Hahahahahahahaha!!!!! This kid straight tried to run away to the neighbors house!!!!! He is too funny. When I asked him what he said when he knocked on their door he said, "I just ask them for one drink." Hahahahahahahahahah!!!! Who does that? Then he started going off and telling me some other stories that I didn't quite fully understand. So I change the subject and I was like, "let me see what you can count up to." And this is the answer I got. Makes you wonder about his education. Hahahaha...j/k.

Random Conversations with the Parentals

I LOVE my parents to eternity! Yesterday, I went to pick them up from the airport after a three day trip to the Big Island where Mom was a representative for BYUH Admissions at the various Career Fairs on the island. Dad, of course, went along as her "personal assistant/chauffer." Hahaha. Well, on the way home, I was entertained by their constant bickering, and "frustration" with each other. I guess that's what happens after being married for 36 years. Lol!

Anyhoo, we started talking about all the weddings that were planned for next month, considering the temple will be closing for the next 18 months or so. This is how it went....

ME: Spencer Hafoka's getting married next month.

MOM: Oh wow! Good for him!

DAD: What about 'Inoke?

ME: Uhhh...'Inoke is a Funaki...not a Hafoka.

DAD: I know dat! I just asking...when HE getting married?

ME: Hahaha. I don't know.

DAD: And what about his braddah?

MOM: Yeah...the one that graduated with Jason?

DAD: Yeah...when he getting married? He still dating da Moea'i girl?

ME: I don't know.

DAD: You better tell him hurry up before he become one mermaid!

ME (thinking to myself): Mermaid?! Is that a new slang? Am I behind on the new lingo?

MOM: MERMAID?! Hahahahahaha! You mean OLD Maid! Hahahahahahaha. And you don't call a guy an OLD maid!

ME/MOM: BUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
(constant laughter for the next five minutes)

DAD: Well, whateva! You know what I mean. Yeah. Go...laugh! I'm glad I can make you two laugh!

Oh man! This was probably the highlight of my day!!!! I laughed so hard. My dad always seems to have his moments...but I think this one is probably Top Ten status. Gotta love it!

Twilight Movie

SPOILER WARNING!!!!! If you haven't seen any Twilight yet, you may not want to read on. Consider yourself warned.

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I just got back from watching the premier of "Twilight" the movie, and a lot of mixed feelings about that movie. I'll be completely honest...I REALLY enjoyed it. But not so much because it was good. I just couldn't help but find EVERYTHING hilarious! Sad to say, it was a little cheezy. Just a whole lot of staring, mumbling, stumbling, and blah blah blah. The facial expressions were the best!!!!

I think the most unenjoyable part about the whole experience was the stupidity of theater management. We get there to see a line for only ONE of the THREE theaters that was showing the movie. Tell me this? Why would there be a line if there are two OPEN theaters? Yeah...I don't know the answer to that one either. Unfortunately, our tickets said that we were in that line. So of course, we had to complain. We ranted and raved at how stupid it was that they didn't just let everyone go in to the other theaters that were already available. And of course...we got our way, and were able to skip the whole standing in line part of it all, and got to wait in the comfort of a chair. That was probably the most exciting part of my night.

A Picture Says a Thousand Words...But HERE It Just Says ONE!

So, I accepted Karess' challenge and decided to do it! I came up with some pretty interesting pix. Some of them I didn't even want to post because they were a little inappropriate....so yeah. Take the challenge...I dare you! LOL.

For each question, look up the answer in a Google Image search. Then choose your favorite image from the first page of results only. You get some fun and often CRYPTIC answers. If you need clarification on any of them leave a comment, also let me know if you do it so we can all see yours!!
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MY AGE

A PLACE I'D LIKE TO TRAVEL TO

MY FAVORITE OBJECT

MY FAVORITE ANIMAL

MY FAVORITE COLOR

THE TOWN WHERE I LIVE

Originally....

and Currently...

A PAST PET

A PAST LOVE

Yup...this was during my "white boy" phase. Thank goodness it only lasted 3 months. LOL!!!

MY BEST FRIENDS NICKNAME

She doesn't have a nickname, and I don't know who this lady is...but it was the only pic with her name

MY SCREEN NAME

They didn't have anything for "oohbaybee23"....so I figured "oohbaybee" would be the next best thing, and this is what i found. The things people do with their camera's nowadays. CRAZY!

MY FIRST NAME

MY MIDDLE NAME

I have no clue.

MY LAST NAME

ONE OF MY BAD HABITS

MY FIRMY COLLEGE DEGREE

WHAT I'M DOING RIGHT NOW

I just left the pic Karess had cause I'm literally doing the exact same thing. Hahahaha!

Have fun finding pix. Some of them are pretty crazy.

Christmas Fever!!!

Next week Thursday is already Thanksgiving, which means only ONE thing. Christmas is just around the corner. I'm too EXCITED to function. It's true. I'm currently sitting in the library, blogging my life away when I should really be working on my 6-8 page paper that is due at 8am tomorrow morning. Did I mention I have a presentation at that time as well? Yup...this is what I do best. And all I can think about is what I'm gonna do during the Christmas break. No school. Just work...which is the coolest thing ever! No worries. No due dates. No papers. No tests. No classes. No life for a good 3 WEEKS!!!!! But until then, I have about three weeks left of school. so gotta make the best of it I guess. Wish me luck!

The Gatekeepers of Our Country

This is dedicated to all the TSA workers out there. Thank you for keeping our airways safe and clear!!! Hahahaha

Laughing Hyena!

Just had to post this short clip of Nono'a cracking up on the drive home from Ala Moana. He was laughing straight for a good 30 minutes. Gotta luv this kid.

Meet the Keo's

Yesterday, our entire family made our way to Kalihi to attend the funeral services of my Dad's oldest sister, Josephine Leilani Atkins. Even though most of my dad's sibling live on the island, we don't get to see them or spend as much time with them as we'd like. It has pretty much been like that my whole life. It's not that he wants i to be like that, it's just the way it is. It seems like the only time we DO get to see them is at weddings and funerals. Besides the retirement party that we threw for Dad back in April, the last time I saw Aunty Leilani was at her husband's funeral about 3 or 4 years ago.

That made me realize that I really need to document more about my Dad and his family. Of his 10 siblings, I think there are only 4 left. Aunty Maumae, Aunty Helena, Uncle Bano and Uncle George. But he also has a half sister who lives in Waimanalo, Aunty Jenny. I love seeing them because I forget how they all look alike. I tried to have my dad take a picture with his siblings at the funeral, but he was too busy talking story. So by the time he was free, both Uncle Bano and Uncle George had left. But it was nice to have a picture of him with his two sisters. This will be one of the first pictures for the first "Keo Reunion" slide show.

Aunty Helena, Aunty Maumae, and Dad

My dad always talks about how he wants to coordinate a reunion for his side of the family, and I am in full support of that!!! This is something that I feel we need to do, because we need a reason other than funerals to bring us together.

Day with the Tuioti's

Last week Tuesday I offered to watch my friend's sister-Keala's (I guess I can consider her my friend as well)-kids so she could do a session at the temple. Since Keala always hooks it up with the UH tickets, of course I couldn't say no. Not to mention that her kids are so darn cute! So, after work, I headed over to their house, and waited for my partner in crime - Greg - to come over and help. Did I mention she has SIX kids. Yup....six kids all under the age of 8.

I could tell Keala was worried that I would be overwhelmed, but I reminded her that I've been doing this since I was 10...so I had it under control. Not too long after Keala left, her cousin Sina came over to take the two babies with her. So, I was left with Teisa (8), Teivis aka Bubba (6), Teilor (5), and Teitum (3). Those kids are CUH-RAY-ZEE...I LOVE it!!! From Teisa getting stuck in the playground equipment to finding beer bottles by the tree, it was quite an eventful day.

Te-te-te-teitum!!! The biggest 3 yr. old I know.
Teitum and Teilor

Teisa getting stuck! Hahaha...I don't know how...but it happened.
Classic

That last picture might give you an idea of how much fun it was to cruise with this crazy bunch. They came running up to me with those bottles saying, "can we take this home with us?! Did you know we recycle?" I was like...."ummmm....considering Aunty's car registration is expired, it probably won't be the best thing if a cop pulls us over and finds two kids holding beer bottles. How bout we save the planet another day." Hahahaha.

Feelin' the Love

I feel so loved! Thank you Kava for giving me the honor of inheriting such an awesome award! Good to know that my life in the "single lane" can still be entertaining.

Here's the way the "Blog Awards" work:

1. Whomever I nominate get to put this same picture on their blog.

2. Link back to me on your post (it's all about getting visits to your own blog and to others).

3. Nominate 5 other blogs.

4. Link up to them.

5. Leave a message (comment) on those blogs to let them know they were nominated.

Here are only 5 of some of my FAVORITE blogs!

Spencer and the Hafokas: Line is one of my closest friends who now resides in Utah, so it's good to catch up with what's going on in her life. Not to mention, I love seeing what mischief Spencer's been up to. Lol. Just kidding Line.

Neena: Thanks Coreen for your words of inspiration. Your stories give me a whole new perspective on life.

Lotoa and the Lesas: Alex is another friend from the BYU Provo days. Her wittiness and play on words are always entertaining. From Lotoa throwing up on her, to the simple things in life that she expresses her gratitude for. It's definitely a fun read.

Toelupe's: Hine, Shennan and the 3 B's are so hilarious!!! Those kids say the darndest things, and I love how Hine documents ALL of it. The best is that the pidgin comes out when Hine's writing, and I think that's my favorite part.

Ilihia and the Owan's: Luana is good people. She and I met while working at Turtle Bay. Now that neither of us are working there, and that she's living in town (but I just heard a rumour she moved back to Laie...YAY), it's good to see what's going on with her little family. Ilihia is probably the cutest thing ever! And I love how Bryant always films the random moments of their lives.

Rumble at Kavaroots

Ok, so most of you may know that I work at a quiet, peaceful and serene smoothie shop up on the North Shore. People come from all over the island to partake of our oh so scrumptious Acai Bowls. So you can just imagine my surprise when these two (excuse my lack of a better word) faggots come and start a fight in my store!!!

I was sitting at the counter, engulfed in a game of Text Twist, when a hear what sounds like someone falling down the stairs. When I stand up to see what's going on, I see a local guy, around the age of 40 running up the stairs and into the store, with another local guy, about my age chasing after him. At first I didn't think it was anything, just some guys acting stupid, but then the younger guy, we'll call him Bob, starts calling out the older guy, his name is Johnny. All that came to my mind was, "are you freaking serious?" YES, they were. Before I could do anything, Bob starts swinging at Johnny, who mind you, is wearing a cast on his arm! So, my initial reaction...scream and yell at them to take it outside!!!

Bob gets in a couple of swings with our trash can cover, (which he broke) as I come around the counter to attempt to stop the madness. So, I grab the first thing I find, a broom! Hahahaha...yes, a broom, and I start yelling at them to stop and get out. Bob stops as his friends run in to grab him and they go outside. And he's like, "sorry eh Aunty, but you better tell that &*$%* to watch his back." And I'm thinking, oh heck no! First of all, you are the same age as me, so I don't know who you calling Aunty!

ME (to Bob): Get the hell out of my store and take this somewhere else. And where the hell is my trash can cover?!

BOB: Sorry Aunty. The cover stay inside. Here, I get 'em for you.

He comes inside and starts yelling at Johnny again, reaches for the trash can cover, which is like two feet away from Johnny, and then he starts wailing it at Johnny AGAIN!!! What the heck?! I don't know what came over me, but I ran, and grabbed Bob by the shirt, and yanked him off of Johnny and threw him out the door. Talk about Barbella!!! I just didn't want them to break anything in the store, because mind you, there are a ton of glass displays in the store. But they did manage to knock down a few plants, and some of the merchandise that was on the shelves. I was pissed! Bob leaves and walks across the street.

ME (to Johnny): GET THE HELL OUT OF MY STORE!!!! Look at what you faggots did!

JOHNNY: I aint going out there. He get all his friends, and they goin' mob me. You gotta call the cops.

ME: I don't care WHAT they do to you...I just don't want it in my store, so get OUT!

He would not get out, so again, I grab the broom and start pushing him in the back, OUT of the store. Hahaha. Yes, like how you see in the movies. He would not move! So I tell him, "I got knives in the kitchen, and I aint afraid to use 'em, so you better get the hell out!!!"

So he leaves, I call the police, and start cleaning up. Mind you, some customers just walked up to the window while all of this was going on. So, after I clean up, I take their order, and I see Johnny sitting outside on our stairs, STILL calling out Bob, who's across the street in the parking lot with his friends. One of the customers was like, "why is he doing that?" And I think to myself, for real?! What an idiot...he's just asking for it. Then next thing you know, Johnny comes running back in the store!!!

Bob is swinging at him, misses, and they both fall on our glass bookshelf right next to the door. Glass flies everywhere! They get up, and start coming towards me. The broom is gone, so I grab the mop. I come from around the counter and start hitting BOTH of them with the mop. Bob is like, "oh yeah, give me the mop, give me the mop." I was like, "heck no....get the hell out!" Then I get in the middle to break it up, and something, I don't know what (a fist, a mop, an elbow?) hits me in the head. Pissed me off even more. I grab Bob's shirt, since he was wearing one, and throw him out AGAIN! His friends, who if you ask me, are another group of slow idiots, come and take him across the street.

JOHNNY: Did you see that? Did you see that HE attacked ME?!

ME: You're the idiot that kept provoking them, so good for you. Now this is the last time I'm gonna tell you, GET OUT! I already called the cops, and they're on their way!!!!

Johnny must've cut himself on the broken glass, cause there was blood everywhere. I locked the door so that wouldn't happen again, and went back to helping those customers. I took their orders, and made their bowls. When I realized Johnny and Bob were gone, I opened the door and started cleaning the shop. Then the customers were like, "is it ok if we eat inside?!" Who does that?! Why would they wanna stay after seeing all of that. And what irritated me even more was that two of them were GUYS, and they just stood there while they watched me defend my store!!! Freaking mahu's! Aaarrgggghhh!!!! And then, none of them offer to help me clean up! But whatever.

So...yes...it was quite an eventful day at Kavaroots yesterday. I swear this kinda stuff only happens when I'm working. I already told my bosses that we need a BB gun, cuz the broom and the mop just weren't as effective. Next time, if there ever is a next time, I'll just shoot them! Hahahaha!

Random Conversations at FHE

Ok...so I just had to post this because I don't think I've ever laughed so hard. You probably won't find it that amusing...so just keep in mind, you had to be there.

ME (directed to Greg): Hey, I heard somebody died!

GREG: Huh? What are you talking about?

PETER: Oh yeah...Chuck Akana.

ME: Chaka Kahn?!?! What?! How did she die?

PETER: Chaka Kahn? I said CHUCK AKANA!

ME: *sigh* Oh...I thought you said Chaka Kahn. I was gonna say. Who's Chuck Akana?

GREG: Yeah. I thought you said Chaka Kahn too.

PETER: He worked at the BYUH Honor Code office for like 50 years.

ME and GREG: Oh...hahahahahaha!

PETER: Yeah...uhh...but I do find it a little disturbing that you're more worried about Chaka Kahn dying than Chuck Akana. Who's Chaka Kahn?

GREG: She's the one that sings, I'm every woman. It's all in me!

PETER: Oh, I thought that was Ru Paul!

ME and GREG: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

So yeah....you had to be there. I just thought I'd document this moment so I can look back and laugh at how random our conversations can be.

Haunted Lagoon

This year PCC hosted its first annual Haunted Lagoon for Halloween. I'm not sure they anticipated how successful it was going to be considering the average wait in line was about 2 hours. But, if you ask me, it was well worth the wait. Just a few recommendations before you go:

1. Be enthusiastic about it, and go with people who feel the same. If you are a party pooper, save your money and don't go. You won't enjoy it.

2. Make sure there is at least ONE scaredy cat in your group. They just make the experience that much better, because if you don't get scared by the ride, you can laugh your butt off at how easily the "scaredy cat" freaks out.

3. Wear something that can dry quickly. YOU WILL GET WET NO MATTER WHERE YOU SIT!!! So, be sure to cover your mouth when you scream, cause there's nothing worse than getting that nasty lagoon water in your mouth. And trust...the after taste is soooo not the bizness!

Now, to share my experience. I would like to think that I got all three of the aforementioned tips down when I went. I went with Greg and Ane and Ane's cousins. Luckily, Ane got there before us, and saved us a place in line. Unfortunately, we still had about an hour and a half to go before we got on the canoe. But, the wait wasn't so bad cause we had good company. See how excited we were to be there!

Me, Greg and Ane...holding up our tix!!!
Greg, Ane, Heidi and Losa...all excited to get their scream on!

So...they said no camera's allowed on the boat, so these were the only pix I got. Not to mention I was too slow to pull it out when we got to the loading dock. So sorry.

DON'T READ ON if you plan on going on the ride.

We finally get to canoe, and me, Greg and Ane decide to brave and sit in the very front. So...first of all, can I just say that riding on a canoe in dark, murky water, at night, is just scary in itself. What's even scarier is that the only thing that separates you from the water is about 4 inches!!! So, as we enter the lagoon, they have this audio recording telling us the story about some lady in white, and blah blah blah. I didn't even hear the story, cause I could see the lady in white standing on a landing in the middle of the lagoon. As we're passing her, she just stares at us, and continues to stare as we head for the bridge. Just when I think we're safe, she starts walking towards us. But, she's stuck on an island which is about 15 ft. from us, so I think we're good. And then she starts walking on the freaking water!!!! Thank goodness I was on the far end of the canoe, otherwise I would've had a heart attack! Homegirl came right up to the canoe!!!

Then just as we leave, and I think we lose her, I turn towards the bridge ahead of us, and see the same girl walking towards us from the front!!!! Oh snap...me and Ane fly ourselves, along with Greg, who is sitting in the middle of us backwards, and we land on Ane's cousins sitting behind us. We found out later that because we fell backward, the people behind us fell, and the people behind them fell, and...yeah...you get the picture. Full on domino effect! So shame. The people in the back probably hated us..but oh well. Hahaha.

Anyways...back to the white lady...she just wouldn't stop. She came up to the canoe, and was jumping up on the damn boat! Me and Ane were freaking out while Greg laughed at us!!! Then...the girl disappeared under the boat, and came up on the side to scare the people in the back. All I gotta say is....GOOD actors!

Ok....scary part #2. This one takes the cake for realz! So, we're coming by the Maori village, and these kids are playing jump rope. They stop, walk towards the edge, and just stare and point at us while we row on past them. I think to myself..."ok...this isn't so bad. I can handle this." Then, as I look down, I notice the plants in the water start moving a little. And then all of a sudden, those freaking plants jump out at me!!! Talk about freak out of America...I screamed so loud! But not only did I scream, I was like jumping up and down in my seat, and pushing against Greg so hard, trying desperately to get away from those freakin' laua'e bushes!!!!!!! Those damn bushes would not quit! They kept coming after me...I swear I almost kicked one in the head.

Apparantly, after the ride, Greg and Ane said they were yelling at me to stop freaking out, cuz I guess I was pushing so hard against Greg, that I almost pushed Ane off the canoe!!! Hahahahaha. I felt so bad. they were saying that they were screaming at me, "STOP! STOP! UI STOP!!!" But i swear I didn't hear anything!!! I was so focused on those dang moving bushes!!!

By the end of the ride, I had a headache from laughing/screaming/the stinky fog/the smell from the dang chainsaw!!! BUT...I had so much fun!!!!! Memories to last a lifetime for sure! I'm glad PCC did something like this, cause our community needed that. They probably should charge more next year. I'm excited to see what they'll add next year. Whatever they do, I'm sure it will be just as good, if not, better!

Duke's Factory....

Earlier this month, Greg's best friend Josh flew in for a short weekend visit. It was nice to finally meet the person on the other end of the phone. I like to think Josh has always been a part of our weekly adventures since Greg ALWAYS calls him when we're out to give him the whole play by play. The first night he came in, we decided to take him out to dinner. Since he LOVES Duke's restaurant, and my sister Mahea can hook it up, we ate there. So, of course, in order to get the discount, Mahea had to come with us...which turned out to be the best idea considering she was our entertainment for the evening. Jan ended up meeting up with us later. I highly reccommend the ribs if you ever find yourself at Duke's for dinner. Thanks Mahea and her bosses for hookin' it up!!!

And, since what we do best is eat....we decided to hit up Cheesecake Factory a couple days later. Unfortunately, Mahea couldn't join us this time, but Joe and Nephi did. First we hit up Hale'iwa for some ice cream at Scoops of Paradise...which by the way has the BEST Chocolate Macademia Nut ice cream. We spent our usual hour there because we were consumed by that stinkin' photo hunt game. Now that we got dessert out of the way, we drove and drove until we finally decided to eat in Waikiki. The line was forever long, so we spent our time waiting in the new Mac store. I swear they come up with the coolest stuff. I want a MacBook sooooo bad. Dinner was delicioso!!! I gave in to peer pressure and had the ribs. A bit of advice....don't EVER listen to a vegan's reccommendation. They just want you to get the food that they can't eat, and when the plate comes you realize that you can't eat it either cause it's so dang BIG!!! But...it was scrumptious! We ended the night with a mercy match between Joe and Jan. It was pretty funny! Thanks guys for the great evening, and thanks Josh for visiting, and giving us an excuse to go out!

My partners in crime....Greg and Nephi

Cheezin it up at Cheesecake

GO WARRIORS!!!!

This year I've been fortunate enough to attend the UH football games to support my buddy 'Inoke Tulukinga Funaki, thanks to Keala and Tony Tuioti. Tony is the recruiting coach for the team this year, so he hooks up the tickets, and I provide the additional set of hands and eyes for Keala as we take their 5 of 6 kids to the games. It's been quite an adventurous season so far. We've experienced some wins, and losses, some good times, and rough ones, but overall it's been great! Now with three more home games left (damn that season came and went in a blur), we're ready to take on whoever comes our way! GO WARRIORS!!! I just wanted to share some of the good times that we have at these games.

rain or shine...we are die hard fans! lol

Me and Teimana...Uncle Kapano's mini-me

Teilor...Tony's mini-me

and Teitum....the biggest 3 year old I know

Keala is totally camera shy, so I don't have any pix of her. But her kids are the cutest things ever!!! They make the games so much fun with their non-stop inquiries about what's going on around them in the Stadium. The trips up and down the stairs to take them for bathroom breaks, snacks, drinks, and anything else to keep them entertained during the 4 hours spent there. It's quite entertaining. I'll have to blog about an actual game later. But yeah....GO WARRIORS...and GO NOKE!!!

The Final Chapter....

Monday....

I know it's been like almost a month since I've been back from Utah, but I just need to finish with the last couple of days of my trip. After the whirl wind of a weekend, it was nice to finally sleep in and just relax. Some of my friends in Provo had planned a huge FHE at Line and Saia's house in Provo. All of my old friends from the early BYU Provo years got together to spend some time with yours truly. Well, I like to think so at least. Hahaha. Did I mention that almost all of my friends from that stage in my life are married and most have kids? And here I am with my single-never-gonna-get-married-cause-i-love-traveling-more self in the mix with them married folk! But it was awesome. Line....you're the best for hosting such an awesome event. Crystal and Kara came as well with their other halfs...so it was like the old and new getting together.

Unfortunately, due to the lack of sleep from the weekend, I had a major headache and wasn't able to enjoy everyone's company like I had anticipated. BUT....it was good seeing everyone. It has definitely been a while, and it's always good to get together with everyone and reminisce about the good old days. All the kids were looking at me like, "who the heck is this crazy lady?" Pretty funny. But yeah...here's some pix from that eventful nite. Sorry Line, I don't have any pix of you considering you deleted them ALL....RUDE!!!

Baby Tau...what a cutie!

Ms. V and her son Etano...gorgeous!

Spencer...look at those fabuLASHES!!!

tina and V

micah and karlee. why u gotta block karlee for micah? lol


granny and his roomie

me, tito and kara

Ok....so my bad. I just realized that I didn't even take that many pictures that nite. So fired. But everyone who was there, you know who you are, thanks again for coming, and making it a memorable evening. We'll have to do that again the next time I come up, and this time I'll be sure to have pix of everyone. Blame it on the headache. Lol.

TUESDAY.....
I had originally planned to leave this afternoon, unfortunately the flights were all booked. However, the morning flight to Honolulu from L.A. the next day was promising, so my cousin had arranged for me to leave on the last flight out to L.A. that night. This gave me more time to visit with people. So, I went back to Lehi to cruise with my cousins out there. I always feel bad cause I feel like it's a rushed visit. The day always seems to fly when you're pressed for time. I wonder why that is?

After saying our goodbyes, I headed over to IKEA to meet up with Ms. Crystal Lynn. She ended up calling in sick to work, so she was nice enough to meet me for lunch. It's crazy to know that our friendship started 8 years ago at S.O.A.R. at BYU Provo. After our lunch, I went home, and did the fastest packing of my life (5 minutes) and headed to the airport. The flight was wide open, so I got on.

Ana Bunz met me there with open arms. I was lucky enough to spend the night in L.A. with her and her brother. They live about a half hour away from the airport, so she was able to take me back the next day. I haven't seen her in about 5 months, so it was nice to catch up with her. I can't wait til she moves back to Hawaii. Here's some pix of us at our late nite dinner/early breakfast at IHOP.

i don't know what this is but i thought it was super pretty! lol.

me and bunz

us again...i luv this girl

we ended up getting back at her house around 12am, and had to leave for the airport in 5 hours. By the time we got caught up with each others lives, and the happenings, it was time to leave, and this is what happens when you get an hour of sleep.

Yup...we were hash burgers!!!! Sooooooo not the tee!

WEDNESDAY (kinda just mixed in with Tuesday nite...all a blur)....
Anyhoo...after I checked in my bags, I headed to the gate. That is where I saw half of Laie waiting for the same flight I was listed for. FREAKIN A!!! I knew I wasn't gonna make it. So, I hid away, and found an awesome corner to catch some Zzz's. This is where I camped for the next couple of hours.

waiting for the next flight
finding out that i would have to fly to lihue, kaua'i instead
taking some time to relax, and catch up on some much needed sleep.

The flight to Lihue was a full flight which fully sucked.

Big Girl + Full Flight + Small Plane = Suckiest flight ever!!!!!

Luckily, I had a window seat, so I didn't get hit every 5 minutes by the flight attendendants and their carts. I sat next to the smallest Mongolian girl, who found every way to possible to irritate the heezy out of me. Not only was she taking up ALL the room, the whore stole my drink! She's lucky I was flying standby otherwise I would've slapped her asian $%$ back to China!!!! So yeah...if you can't tell, I was a little irritated.

When we got to Lihue, I had about an hour before my flight left. Thank you Ana for letting me use your miles to get a ticket to O'ahu. You are a lifesaver...I owe you! After the 15 hours of waiting and flying, I was finally back in the hot and sticky!!! It was good to be home. But sad at the same time. This trip was A-Mazing!!! Thank you everyone for making it one of the best! I have memories to last me a lifetime!!! I'm already planning my next trip...so be prepared!!!!