Utah Saga Pt. 4

SUNDAY....

This was almost as busy as the day before. Full of conference talks, firesides, and frost bitten toes. Because I didn't get home til about 5 in the morning, I slept in and missed the first session of conference. I had actually planned on that...sad, I know. But I could hear bits and pieces here and there, thanks to my deaf aunty in the room next door, who had the t.v. on full blast. Hahaha.

So, I finally got out of bed at around 11:30, started getting ready for the day. I had planned to go and watch the second session at the Joseph Smith building with Tina. I figured I probably would stay up if I watched conference at a public place. So, after getting ready, I headed over to the Moleni's to meet up with Tina. She sooooo wasn't ready by the time I got there, so I just went ahead with Tito and Kumi. That was just as fun though.

We found some decent parking, so we thought we'd try to get in to the conference center in the standby line. As we walked towards the door, we asked one of the volunteers where the standby line was. She looked us up and down and asked, "where are you from?" I was like, "Oh...Hawaii." She smiled and was like, "oh...just go on in, there's room on the balcony. That was pretty cool. Now I know what to say if I don't have tickets. Lol. We sat at the VERY top of the balcony section. It was cool though, cause we sat in the "wheelchair" section, so we had a bunch of room.

Funny thing, I sat next to this woman who was in a wheel chair, and she started making small talk with me. You know...the usual, where you from? Is this your first time? Blah blah blah. I was nice about it, and answered all her questions. Then all of a sudden home girl straight GRABS my hair and was like, "I just wanted to touch your hair." I was thinking to myself, "uhhh...ok...please don't pull it. And usually people ASK before they touch you." It kinda freaked me out. She seemed nice though, but I definitely avoided eye contact. Lol.

We met up with Bubs and Mele after conference at temple square. Chilled for a little bit, but it was so dang windy, we didn't really want to stay to mingle. Besides, I was with a married couple...I don't think they would wanna kick it with the single folk. Even though they would be totally down, I wanted to go as well. So we headed back to the Moleni house for some grub.

Later that evening, Tina and I went to the YSA fireside at her stake center. We were hecka late, so we just stayed outside and ended up talking story with Moana, None, and Pono. I don't know how they could stand outside...cause it was FREEZING!!! Man...you know you've been on the island too long when you cannot handle 60 degree weather. Brrrrrrrr. The usual post-fireside tradition is to go to Club T and mingle with the singles, but this year was just too dang cold for me. I ended up going home with Phil and Ron, where we watched movies and played Boggle! Exciting huh?! Hahahahaha. But that's how I like it. Just chill and laid back. We played til about 6 in the morning. I kept beating Ron, and supposedly that was HIS game, so he kept wanting to have rematch after reamatch. It was all good though, cause with all the smack he was talking, it was nice beating him game after game.

So that was Sunday in a nutshell. Here's some pix from that day...just for your enjoyment.

Happy Birthday Nono'a

Ok...I had to interrupt the whole Utah Saga to post this. Last week Saturday was my nephew, Nono'a's FIRST birthday. He is the final member of the Saaga 'Ohana...so it was a pretty big deal. Not to mention that he is TOTALLY my baby!!!! My sister had planned on having a "small" barbeque with close family and friends, but I think she forgot that our close family and friends continues to increase in numbers with each new year. So there was a grip of people. But it's all good...the more the merrier right?! Well, here's some pix of Nono'a's birthday photo shoot that I thought was just too cute for words. Enjoy!

How you like the "Top Gun" outfit? Hahaha.

You know I HAD to get a shot with him right?! Lol.

Playing in the bouncer with Kala and Malu Boy!!!



Cheezin' it up with Mommy and Daddy

Utah Saga Pt. 3

SATURDAY...

This was probably the longest day of my life. It was a good thing I got home early the night before, because this day was a doozie! It started bright and early at 6:30...that's the time I had to get up in order to get ready for the morning session of Conference. And yes...I actually went to conference this weekend, and was inspired by the talks and testimonies of our church leaders. I met up with Bubs and her Vegas crew for the first session. We got some pretty good seats too! We sat at the bottom of the terrace, probably the closest I've ever sat in the conference center. It was pretty amazing. Here's some pix of us at the blessed event.

me and bubs

me, bubs and jorge

view from our seats

calling dad to see if he saw me

oops...not supposed to be on the phone

After conference ended, we were greeted by rainstorm outside. And the Hawaii girl that I am, went to conference in a short sleeved (thin) blouse, short jeans skirt, and slippers!!! So you can probably guess that I was freezing my bootie off!!! Oh yeah, did I mention that I didn't have a jacket either?! Jorge, Bubsie's friend, was kind enough to let me use his umbrella at least, as we walked back to the car, which was parked about a block away from the conference center. As soon as I got in the car, I turned the heater on full blast to defrost my frost bitten appendages.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to stay for the second session because I had to do some shopping for Ms. Tito's baby shower, which was scheduled to begin immediately following the last session. So, I hopped in the car and drove over to Mele's house to pick her up so we could go and get a gift for Crystal Lynn. Me, Mele, Char (Mele's oldest sister), and Mele's cousin drove to the nearest Wal Mart to find our gift. Ok...so just a tip. Don't EVER shop at the Wal Mart in West Valley on 54th because it is so dang empty!!!!! Not only was their registry machine broken, but they had NONE of the items that Tito registered for! So we ran through the rain, hopped in the car and drove to the Wal Mart in Taylorsville. MUCH better! After getting all of our baby items, we went back to Mele's house, wrapped the gifts, and went to the shower. Did I mention it was STILL raining?!

As we pull up to the house, I noticed that there were a grip of people inside. So, how embarrassing was it when Mele and I come hauling in our gift (a rocking chair) in front of everyone, and then getting stuck in the middle of the room with it cause there was no room to set it down. Talk about claustrophobia. I ended up kickin' it outside with Ms. Ofo...just catching up. The shower was a success! Everyone from every part of Tito's life was present. Here's some pix of some of us who stayed behind to help clean up. Lol.

Group shot
And another one
The Hawaii crew with Silly Billy

The shower ended at around 7pm, and can you believe that this was the just the halfway point of my day? *Sigh* Tis the life of a young single adult in Salt Lake City during General Conference. What can I say? Sleep is not an option. We all went our separate ways to get ready for yet ANOTHER dance. This time however, we were to be entertained by the skits of each singles ward in the three Tongan Stakes. The North Stake probably had the BEST skit. It amazes me how people are so willing to participate in these things. They're such good sports about it too! This dance was a little more entertaining because all of the girls were there. It was like we were all back at BYUH dancing stupid and making fun of each other. Here's a clip of what happens when me and Bubs gets together at dances. Stinkin' Mele snuck up on us with this one. The beginning of the clip is of Mele's cousins, so just wait til the end.


Watch More Videos Uploaded by www.bebo.com/mayray2a1

Here's some pix of everyone at the dance.

Bubs is always so excited to see me! Lol.
The girlies!!!!

Us again...this time with Nela.

Of course, after every dance, there's an AFTER party. So everyone headed back to the Moleni's for the usual kick it sesh. I was thinking it would just be our original crew there, but I was in for a rude awakening. As I walk in the door, there is MADD people in the house already. Random people were showing up, and I was like "uhhhhhhh.....claustrophobia!!!!" With all those singles there, I hope at least ONE marriage comes out of that. LOL. Kara, Phil and some other talented people serenaded us with their beautiful voices. Man, I wish I could sing. *sigh* I was planning on sleeping over to spend more time with Tina and Crystal, but all those people kinda killed it for me. We didn't leave til about 4:30 in the morning. That's almost 24 hours of activity. What a long day!

The Saga Continues....

FRIDAY....

This was probably the most productive day of the whole week! It started off with lunch with one of my fav cuzzo's, Taualai Fonoti. He is doing BIG thangs in good ol' Salt Lake City. He works part-time at Skywest Airlines so his parents and family can enjoy the benefits of flying free/cheap. But he is currently one of the investment team leaders at Morgan Stanley Investment Bank. Here's one interesting tid bit of information, Morgan Stanley only has two branches, one in New York City, and the other in Salt Lake City. Who would have thunk? Here's a pic of him hard at work. So now that he's making the money, he can take ME out for lunch. Hahaha.

Here's a pic of Lai busy at work!!! Lol.

After lunch, I made the trip towards Provo. On the way there, I HAD to visit my cousin Lena. It's like my second home when I'm in Utah. I guess you could say her home is the Hub for all of our family get togethers out there. Her kids are getting so BIG. It was good catching up with her for that short time. I hate that I always feel so rushed on these visits. It just makes me want to move there even more. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures with her. I see a bad habit forming here....so bad. But, I did get a shot of her kids. Here's Richard and Malia.

After visiting with her for about an hour or so, I drove down to Provo to visit friends. First on the list was Ms. Kara Henderson. After spending a couple days with her in Hana a month or so ago, I was highly anticipating this visit just to spend time with her. She is currently living just a few blocks away from BYU in this cute little house off of 600 North. It was soooo good visiting with her. But, dorks as we are, we actually did HOMEWORK the whole time. It worked out fine though because I was able to finish not one, but two papers that were due that day. That was the first and last time I did homework on this trip. And I'm paying for it now as I type. But oh well, it was ALL worth it.



After we were pooped from all that reading, Kara's friend Jamie came over and they had a little jam session in honor of me. Hahaha...well, I like to think so at least. Kara is another talented friend that I have. Her style as an artist has definitely evolved from when I first heard her sing four years ago. She attributes it all to performing live at the Valour(sp?) in Provo. You hit it sas!

My last stop in Provo was the Hafoka household. I am just the worse because I didn't get ONE picture with Line. I got a couple of little Spencer, that cutie, but none of the parents. So fired...I know...sorry Line. But yeah....it was nice just kickin' back with Line. It's always fun cruising with Line cause we just pick up where we left off. You know you're TRUE friends when you're asked to take them to run their errands. Lol!!! Gotta love it. So we cruised to the grocery store, and then stopped at Fazoli's to grab some dinner. Fazoli's was a huge disappointment....they just lost a loyal customer. What happened to the free breadsticks? Frecc!

Here's cutie Spencer!!!

Anyhoo...after visiting with the Hafoka's for a quick minute, I was already back on the road to Salt Lake. For all you Conference YSA lifers, you know that Conference weekend just wouldn't be the same without a dance. But, by the time I got home it was already 9:30, and I was hecka tired. I wasn't even trying to get ready for the dance, cause I knew it would end by the time I got there. Just as I was about to get comfortable in bed, Taualai called and peer pressured me into going. So I just threw on whatever was around, and made my way to the dance.

As I predicted, there was only half an hour left in the dance, but I'm glad I ended up going because I saw everyone I wanted to see there. Mostly people from the Laie 11th Singles ward that had just moved up to Provo for school. Highlights of the night, seeing my bestest home teacher in the world, Sheldon Carvalho. He just recently moved to Springville to teach math, and also coach their girl's volleyball team. I miss him! But the best moment of all....seeing Ms. Ofo Filimoeatu, my former roommate and partner in crime!!!! This is one cool cat. Even though we didn't get to talk as much because we were dancing, it was soooooo good seeing her.

Me and Ms. O. i really don't like this pic of me, but O looks good...so I had to post it!

It's little reunions like this that made Friday that much better!!!!!

Utah Saga Series

So, considering I just made the trip to Utah, I found it only appropriate to document every single thing that happened. Therefore, the next series of posts will be dedicated to this trip, thus calling it the Utah Saga. Each post will document each eventful day. Whew! Just thinking about writing this blog makes me totally exhausted. BUT, it must be done. And I have to be sure to include EVERYTHING, because, YES, it was that much fun! So here we go...with the first post to this series.

THURSDAY...

The flight left Honolulu at 10pm, with a scheduled layover in LAX for about 4 hours. Luckily, everyone tried to get on the direct flight just a half hour earlier, so this flight was open! I was told that the connecting flight would be open, but all of a sudden people started showing up out of nowhere!!! So, I just barely made the flight. Literally, just barely...like 3rd to the last seat left. Ok...maybe not 3rd, but for sure 4th! Hahaha.

So I get there, and everything runs smoothly. My bags are the first to get on the carousel, and as I'm walking out I run in to Pono! We chit chat for a bit, and then go our separate ways. I walk across the street to pick up my car. The line at Enterprise is a little long, but they're so fast and efficient, I find myself breezing through the check-in counter. I get a free upgrade to an intermediate car, but when we get there, there aren't any left. So they give me the option between a minivan, and a Dodge Magnum!!! As tempting as it was to take the van, I had to opt for the sleeker look of the Magnum, as seen here,



Hahaha. "Today must be my lucky day," I think to myself.


I get in the car, put my purse on the passenger seat, and set my phone in one of the handy slots on the middle console, and head out to Magna. As I'm driving, I reach for my phone to give my cousin the head's up, and am alarmed to find my phone covered in some cleaning liquid, that I later find out is windex!!!! The screen is flashing on and off, and learning from previous experience, I realize that my phone is totally BROKEN!!!!


Long story short, I go to the Sprint store and they say the new one can only be shipped by next week Monday!!! So, how lucky am I to have the best cousin in the world, who lets me use her phone for that busy weekend! Thanks Chantel!!! I didn't get a chance to take a pic with her, but here's a shot of me and her (with Tusi in the middle) in New Zealand.


So, that was probably the most stressful part of the trip. Moving on.

Fortunately, that evening I was lucky enough to go to the Utah vs. Oregon State game with the Crystal Tua'one, and Phil Moleni. They had an extra ticket, so they invited me to tag along. And how grateful was I for that...because that game was probably one of the most exciting games I've ever been to. I was reminded of how crazy those Utah fans can get. The stadium was a sea of red, with one small sliver of Orange for those faithful Oregon fans. Let's just say that Utah won by a field go at, literally, the last second of the game!!! Go Utes!!! You know I HAD to have some pix of that O-some event right?!

Check out that sea of red!!!

Me and Tito

The score just before me and Tito made our way out of the stadium.

Our new view after Utah came back to tie the game.

Our view just before Utah made the winning field goal!!!

After the long hike back to the car, we headed back to the Moleni's for some R&R, where I was serenaded by brother Phil. This kid is so talented, he amazes me with each new song. I can see his style evolving, especially since he started practicing on the guitar. He and Tito are so talented it's disgusting. Hahaha. Here's a clip of one of his new songs. I luv this kidd!

One word....just one!

So, I saw this on Line's blog, and I guess she "tagged" me. What does that mean when you're "tagged" anyway? Hahaha. I thought it was cute, so I thought I'd give it a try. So if you wanna try...go ahead!


1. Where is your cell phone? Counter
2. Where is your significant other? Who?
3. Your hair color? Black
4. Your mother? Crazy
5. Your father? Hilarious
6. Your favorite thing? Happiness
7. Your dream last night? Slumber
8. Your dream/goal? Living
9. The room you're in? Kavaroots
10. Your hobby? Blogging
11. Your fear? Loneliness
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Traveling
13. Where were you last night? Library
14. What you're not? Shy
15. One of your wish-list items? Eternity
16. Where you grew up? Hawaii
17. The last thing you did? School
18. What are you wearing? Jeans
19. Your TV? Nothing
20. Your pet? So'i
21. Your computer? Upgrade
22. Your mood? Tired
23. Missing someone? Yes
24. Your car? Where?
25. Something you're not wearing? Gloss
26. Favorite store? Ikea
27. Your summer? Beaches
28. Love someone? Many
29. Your favorite color? Red
30. When is the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? Today

Itchy Feet

I'm sooooooo ready to leave the rock!!! Well...kind of ready. In two days I should be on a plane heading towards the great Salt Lake!!! The destination doesn't really matter to me all that much. It's all about the journey. I have been island bound for over a year. My little trip to Maui was probably the first time I've stepped on "foreign" soil. But now, I'm officially making my way to the big, BIG island!!! Woo Hoo!!!

Just a few things to get done before I leave:

1. Make sure I'm caught up with ALL my school work. I never thought I would say this, but I actually CARE about my grades this time. So, amid all the distractions....GREG....I've been able to finish a few papers here and there.

2. Get brown, brown, and MORE brown, just so when I get there everyone can be totally jealous of my sun-kissed skin. So, yes...I am planning on soaking up ALL the sun on my day off of school and work tomorrow!!!

3. Fundraising. Even though I'm still single, and ready to mingle up there, I need to make sure my finances are set. There are a couple sponsors that I need to collect from in order to make my trip that much more FABULOUS!!!!

So, that's pretty much it! Utah....HERE I COME!!!!