hawaiian surfer girl story

“Howzit, brah!”

“Howzit!”

My husband overheard this exchange between two Hawaiian locals in a shopping center on our recent vacation. It was his first introduction to pidgin, the local lingo.

After experiencing pidgin, my haole (HOW-lay, meaning Caucasian, foreigner) husband has since tried many other pidgin-like phrases on me, most of them he made up himself. It’s quite funny to experience his variety of linguistic humor and/or imitation of different languages. Now, he texts me in pidgin even though it’s been at least two weeks since we’ve been back from our vacation.

This morning, he texts: “How’s it?”

Me: It’s spelled, “Howzit.”

Him: How u know?

Me: Looked it up on the internet. (Because everything you read on the internet is true, right?)

Back to our vacation…

Fresh off the plane in Honolulu on our way to the rented house in Kailua (which we shared with our family who arrived a few hours before us), we drove on the Likelike Highway, known as Route 63, pronounced LEE-keh-LEE-keh.

I practiced other street names on the way. I was trying to prepare myself so I wouldn’t look so haole. I was attempting, in vain, to boost my self-esteem by not displaying any blatant haole ignorance. Why? Because I’m Japanese. But I’m really a wannabe Hawaiian girl.

At the risk of digressing, I’ll share that I only remember a few pidgin phrases from my high school friends (yes, Todd, Craig, and Jodi). My favorite was “da kine” which can virtually mean anything. “The word you use when you don’t use the word,” is my favorite definition I found on the internet.

Back to our vacation…

“Humuhumunukunukuapuaa.” “King Kamehameha.” “Iolani Palace.” These words were the highlight of our conversation traveling one day from Kailua to the Ala Moana mall. It was our homeschool language arts lesson for the day, which included many other hard to pronounce street names.

A history lesson on King Kamehameha (kuh-MAY-uh-MAY-uh) and the Iolani Palace were the topics for Social Studies.

My haole (yes, Caucasian, white) husband and I taught homeschool math by explaining the time change on the flight over to Honolulu from the mainland.

The subject of science was the most memorable. The kids learned about two different types of sharks, let’s say, upfront and personal. The two older kids and haole husband paid good money for the thrill of stepping into freezing cold water in an 8’x8’ cage to view sharks. They saw Sandbar and Galapagos types.

We also toured Hanauma Bay’s historical museum before snorkeling. That’s where we learned that the unofficial Hawaiian state fish is the Humuhumunukunukuapuaa. (It's pronounced HOO-moo-HOO-moo-NOO-koo-NOO-koo-AH-poo-AH-ah; yes, it’s the name of the fish song in High School Musical.)

We satisfied the PE requirement through a few different activities. Sunlight and fresh breezes invited my son and me to run barefoot on the Kailua beach. The kids swam in the ocean. And the kids and haole husband surfed for the first time on Waikiki Beach. Yes, I was jealous. (Now vain and jealous.) Well, someone had to make sure the 2 and 4 year olds didn’t get swept out too far in the big ocean. But…I still got a nice tan.

And this is my wannabe Hawaiian surfer girl story.

But it wouldn’t be complete, however, without mentioning a few of the things I loved most. I loved sipping wine and hanging out with family on the lanai. I loved the North Shore coffee, cookies, and window shopping. I loved the long walks on the sandy beaches with my husband. I loved our shopping at the International Marketplace. I loved our family outing to the Outrigger to have appetizers with the tiki torches at Duke’s. And I loved the many memories that we captured and brought home to share.

But one very special trip was to get shave ice. It’s not everyday, when you live on the mainland, that you can experience it the way locals do. Cool and refreshing…. Make sure, however, that you don’t call it “shaved ice” or compare it to a snow cone, or you’ll be haole for sure.

*Since this is neither formal nor free of grammatical errors, I’ve omitted all okinas. That’s the backwards apostrophe that makes Hawaii into the more proper form, Hawai`i. 

grateful for my Japanese heritage

It is my desire to dive back into my Japanese heritage after long years of enjoying the melting pot of Southern California culture. My kids know only a few Japanese words related to food: gohan (cooked rice), sushi (you should know), and hashi (chopsticks). There are possibly a few more words but we don't exercise their tiny Japanese vocabulary often.

My husband and I and our four kids recently took a road trip to

Northern California to spend time with both of our families. We planned on going to the San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco with my parents. To find parking, we had to brave the crowded and narrow streets to find a lot close enough with a walk to Japantown without having to take a breather. But since I managed to forget an important toddler necessity, we took a break at the local Safeway to buy diapers. And because I am married to the smartest guy on the planet, we enjoyed two warm lattes to help us battle the brisk city winds. Heavenly.

The sights and sounds of the festival brought back memories of my local cultural center's summer festivals that my sister and I participated in during our childhood. Back then, we danced in the traditional Japanese Obon, a custom to honor one's ancestors. I recall the dance practices, the kimono fittings, and how tight you had to tie the obi around your waist to carry all the noisemakers. My favorite things were the dainty Japanese fans and the sparkly silver and pink hair ornaments you were fortunate to wear if your mom remembered to bring them.

But here, in San Francisco, we followed the beating of the drums to the center stage to watch the talented Taiko performance. The ornate and artistic backdrop possessed certain beauty to the entire crowd of excited onlookers, from every walk of life. The style and flair of the exhibition was amazing, although the drums were a little too loud for our three year old. Yes, our adorable kids love the stage!

A few of us entered the Katana exhibition of the Japanese sword. Our eight and ten year old had many questions about the majestic swords. I was somewhat wary of them getting so close to exotic but deadly weapons, but it turned out to be a learning experience for them.

After splurging on some chicken and sushi, we ended our day with observing the karate demonstration. The best part of this entertainment were the kids that were up on stage enjoying the limelight. I thought our 8 year old son would plead to learn martial arts, but it was our 10 year old daughter that urged us to sign her up. 

Our trip to the Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco was a taste of Japanese culture that I had enjoyed growing up. Thank you mom and dad for raising me to be a American citizen, proud of our country. And thank you mom and dad for also giving me the opportunity to cherish the Japanese heritage to which I was born. Thank you mom and dad, I am grateful.

locks of love

There was only one time in my life that I had my hair cut shorter than shoulder length. In some strange way, I feel like I can be more mysterious behind my long hair. Naturally, I've loved my girls to have long hair, flowing, glistening, and shining in the Southern California sun. 

A short time ago we talked to our oldest daughter about trimming her long, soft tresses. I mentioned to her an article that I had seen about girls donating their hair to worthy causes. She liked the idea and over time decided to take the challenge.

I am proud of her! She had a few surprises along the way...she didn't like the initial haircut, but endured the awkward stages. I thought she was graceful the entire time. And she gave up something for the sake of others. Not easy for any 10 year old.

Months later, the short hair is only a brief memory. But it serves as a reminder of a small sacrifice. She complains when I try to fix her hair. "Mom, why do you make such a fuss about my hair? Can't I just do it like I want to??" Sigh. 

Go, beautiful daughter of mine...be free of mom's controlling hair issues...be free of mom wanting it to be perfect in every way! I'm just starting to understand that it's just right for her, without me getting in the way.

So here's a candid shot while we were on a field trip to the neighborhood dump. Isn't she confident? Radiant? Naturally beautiful? 

Up next...Do you know where your trash goes? Do you know where your recycled materials go? The trash site story is for another post, for another day. 

sweet jewelry

My daughter has loved jewelry since she was old enough to talk. She loves little bracelets and necklaces that match her uniqueness and beauty! We made this cute glass piece together, made from authentic japanese papers. It was our first one...I think it turned out wonderfully!

Also, since the beginning of last year, I've started a journey of love for the written word. What I mean is I've been interested in

writing and designing jewelry with words "written in my heart," that is words of affirmation, inspiration, and passion.  This one is personalized but I'm in the process of creating others with a heartfelt message. It is a sweet hand-stamped sterling silver disc with gorgeous crystals or semi-precious stones.

I'd love to also include creating jewelry with acai beads, a bead that is a by product of acai berries that are known to give wisdom, strength, and good health. They are eco-friendly and acai is saving the Amazonian rainforest from extinction.

Lots of ideas and so little time...

giggle and wiggle

I've been into videos lately - can you tell? I giggle every time I watch my son wiggle! I just learned how to post videos on you tube, blogger, and facebook. I know, finally! 

cheerios monster

I have a cookie monster eating cheerios in my kitchen. He's not blue or from Sesame Street but he's cute...

sweet valentine

Hope you had a terrific Valentine's Day! We sure did! Our kids made precious Valentines for us. Our 3 year old daughter decorated a card for me. She lovingly gave me this one...(ERSHP) and she said, "Here's your card, mommy!" How wonderful! I think it says mommy on it? 

We had a blast at the kids' homeschool Valentine's Day party yesterday. The mom who organized the party was so creative! She made a bingo game and had the girls decorate cookies and cupcakes, to name a few of the activities to keep the kids occupied. We were indoors because of the rain, but we made the best of it! I'm going to post some pictures on facebook so you can see the creative talents of all the kids who made tasty goodies!

You probably love music like I do. You'll have to check out Pandora for free internet radio. You'll love it! I'm listening to Pandora right now while I'm typing. You can set up your favorite songs to play with no commercials! Oh, just had a thought! And yes, it works! You can type in "Disney" and with just a click of a button you can set up Disney Channel songs that play with no interruptions! No bothersome commercials that sell the kids on stuff that they don't need but think they need because they heard it on the radio or saw it on TV. Thank you Pandora!

mommy intelligence

I have felt unintelligent before. I'm a stay-at-home mom of four and homeschool the two older ones. I put all my efforts into raising and teaching my kids, while saving some time and energy for my husband! Very little left for just me to do what I want to do. I mean, how much intelligence does it take to do a load of laundry or turn on the dishwasher or change a diaper?? If you have felt like this before, I have hope for you.

You need to read The Success Journey by John C. Maxwell. Books by him, in my opinion, aren't usually geared for the mom types. I used to think that they were mostly for the corporate business minded types. But lately I've been very glad to have them around. I was cleaning the living room (miracle!) and came across The Success Journey. He has a section on "Steps to Building a Strong Family." In this section, he states that there are certain tools for us to help us appreciate each family member's uniqueness and to enhance our ability to see each other's natural talents. One of the tools is Thomas Armstrong's book, Kinds of Smart.

There are seven kinds of intelligences in Kinds of Smart. Now, I do not have linguistic intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence, spatial intelligence, or the few others that are mentioned. My husband is blessed with those! But what did catch my eye is the Interpersonal Intelligence. It is described as understanding and working with people. Armstrong says, "Those who have this intelligence are able to perceive and be responsive to the moods, temperaments, intentions, and desires of others."

I HAVE INTELLIGENCE!!! I know when my friends need someone to talk to. I know when my kids need a pep talk. I know when my three year old needs a spanking. (Ok, not rocket science.) I know when my husband needs me to be his sounding board for his ideas and thoughts. I am no longer just the housewife...I am MOM and I am INTELLIGENT! 

life lessons #1: top 5 reasons to have good friends

I believe that good friends keeps life interesting and enjoyable, as well as has health benefits. Relationships are not just important, they are necessary. Good friends are good for you.

1. Friends share all the stories of life – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

What about the time my three year old stuck a tic tac in her nose? I was distraught when telling my story to my friends, stricken with the thought that she would actually do such a thing. But I found out that a friend of mine has a child that, when he was young, stuck food in his EAR and up his nose. What giggles we had sharing stories!

2. Friends give support when life has its setbacks.

I was furious when my child’s homeschool test was erased after spending hours typing the answers (not really hours but it seemed to take forever) and I needed to vent my frustration. My friend was there for me. Needless to say that she told me that my son should do it faster the second time around because he already knew the answers. That didn’t help because typing for a 3^rd grader is almost a aggravating as trying to put a three year old to bed. She did help me by letting me vent and helping me brainstorm about things I could do to prevent it from happening ever again. That is a friend.

3. Friends are the sounding board in your life.

Personal growth is important not only in your business life, but also your personal life. I believe in personal development books to help shape your thinking, your habits, and your beliefs. But books do not take the place of those around you who can who can offer experiences that you can relate to…oftentimes better than a well-known author.

4. Friends make social activities are more fun.

I have met some friends through our kids’ activities and sports. Part of the fun is experiencing them together with other parents! Our son’s football team just had their end of year banquet. That marks the end of a tremendous undefeated season! They were league champs, division champs, and won the Superbowl! Go Cowboys! I miss the trials and tribulations of the moms and dads. We either had practices or games 4 times a week! You get to know the other families when you see them that often! Phew!

5.   Friends help reduce stress.

Let’s face it. Women are emotional. When we are sharing time with our friends, we think less of ourselves. It is my personal experience that the less I think of myself, the less critical I am about cleaning the house, my parenting skills, my need to exercise more, etc. In fact, the less I am alone with my own thoughts, the better off I am! Reducing stress has heath benefits.

***   ***   ***   ***

Friendships are to be savored…each memory together is like a chocolate cake with heavenly rich frosting and sweet chocolate shavings on top. Each honest comment (that you may not want to hear) is like sinful empty calories, unwanted and hard to bear. But each helpful word of encouragement is like a mouthwatering bite of sugary bliss that you cannot live without.

Friendships take time. Meet for coffee. Email each other, text each other, or mail a card. We are often busy with life but don’t be too busy to say I’m thinking of you! Give of your time, energy, and most of all your heart.

valentine's day gifts

Want to send a little bit of love every time you send a card? Check out these pop-open cards at Compendium, Inc. They are fun to give and get! It's a little smile wrapped up in a card. Drop one in your kids' lunch bag to let them know your are thinking of them. Brighten your co-workers day! Encourage and inspire!

Here's the sassy description of the LOVE Window Card Collection. 

One month of daily flirting. Add romance to your love life with 30 pop-open love notes. Hide one under the pillow. Place one on the mirror. Give one card or the whole collection, and you'll make someone's day. 

Very unique! Enjoy!

Photo property of Compendium, Inc.

the gift that will keep on giving

My husband and I decided that our gift to each other would be a gift that will keep on giving. We decided that we were going to join the thousands of wannabe photographers and get a digital SLR camera. 

We have been taking inside shots of the kids at Christmas...opening gifts, making gingerbread houses, and playing monopoly and jenga. All good events to photograph, but you do not really need the nice Nikon camera to do it. 

Well today, we took outside pictures of the kids practicing basketball and some at the park. It was fun holding down the shutter release button and taking 3.5 frames per second. Nice. We got some action shots of the kids doing lay ups. It reminds me of those books that you flipped lots of pages quickly and it looked like the images on the pages were moving! What were those called?

I would post some of those pictures of the big kids playing ball...but it would be a lot of pictures to get that same desired effect. Not so appropriate for a blog post. But I'll share some cute pictures of the little ones playing in the sand, on the swings, and going down the slide. Typical December day in Southern California...clear and sunny.

Happy New Year! Thank you for coming back to my blog and may your year be the best ever!