Noah's Eventful Birthday

As if it isn't enough that my brother turned twenty-nine yesterday on June 25, there were a few other notable occurances that also took place yesterday.

Unfortunately the construction business as well as most other businesses will not recognize your birthday as a holiday be it paid or not, and in Noah's case it wasn't even recognized as a good enough reason to get off a bit early. Oh well, we enjoyed dinner and a relaxing, mellow evening together and it was very nice.

One thing that took place totally overshadowed the media coverage. And that was the passing of the self-proclaimed "king of pop", Michael Jackson. At age 50, it was echoed throughout the radio and television waves, as well as the facebook community and twitterers that he had some type of heart failure and was pronounced dead. While reflecting on his life, the many, many great tunes that he brought to life played on the radio, recalling what an amazing talent he was.

There were specifically two things too yesterday that were in the news that made the day especially peculiar, other than M.J's death. Both Farrah Fawcet and Ed McMahon. both shared this as their last day here on earth with Michael Jackson.

But, again, a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! to Noah... thirty is just a short year away!! wow. that's pretty freaky! ...lol :)

2009 Kamehameha Day

A little over a week has past since Kamehameha day here in Hawaii nei. On June 11, the festivities took place for Kamehameha at Moku Ola, Coconut Island in Hilo complete with Hawaiian food, dance, music and games.

What made this day such a special one for me and my family was the special afternoon that we had. Me and Vynn were blessed to have Uncle Wede, Aunty Debi, and Julia come over and spend the afternoon with us. It was so nice to see Julia while she was visiting from Arizona. We were left with very warm memories of laughter and stories from the past. So much fun to gather with family, we can't do that enough!

Opihikao, Hawaii is lovely all year round

Truly, God shows His greatness here!

The sun comes up over the horizon and the breathtaking spectrum of colors paint the sky. The smell of salt fills the air as the raging sea crashes into the pure black lava rock and black sand that forms the shore. The leaves and the grass seem to grow greener, and the blue of the ocean and sky seem to appear deeper. The ocean is fruitful in producing fun, fish and life.

My song about Kauai island

Many songs in Hawaii are written about Kauai, and this would be mine

Kauai, an endless beauty
where I always dream to be.

I have only the fondest of memories
that still visits me in a sweet dream.

Kauai, also called the Garden Isle,
a fitting a name as one would see.

Upon visiting it will bring a smile
and a heart filled with glee.

I picture the place called Eden
and that picture is painted clear when

I know that Kauai is Hawai`i's Eden
and a place I imagine in this world to be heaven.

Dance, Song, and Inspirational Message

This past weekend was one to remember.

It started on Friday evening when Vynn and I were fortunate enough to have been sitting in front of the tv channel surfing and come across the 89th Annual Kamehameha Schools Song Contest. It definitely was one of those "lucky we live Hawaii" type of moments! In this years contest, the students celebrated the music of John Kameaaloha Alameida. I guess the fact that I don't remember who the winners were of each division says something about how much that part of it mattered to me...but I do remember that the Sophomore class were my favorites and the Hoike was very entertaining. Vynn and I were very enlightened after the program.

The Tahiti Fete in Honolulu took place this past weekend, and from what I hear is the largest Tahitian dance competition in the state. Of course, naturally we were rooting for Big Island ---congratulations MERAHI Productions!! I heard they did great!

One thing that me and Warren were fortunate enough to do is see Nick Vujicic at the Sangha Hall in Hilo. Although he was born with no arms or no legs, he truly is one giant of a man! His life is truly not only about living without limbs, but living WITHOUT LIMITS!

In his message he mention that the largest crowd he has spoken to was 110,000, so we in Hilo were very blessed to have had a visit from this man. The turnout was very good though. The Sangha Hall was packed to the gills. I estimate that there were at least 1000 people there. Not bad for Hilo!

A care package from Hawaii...

These would be true tastes from home

Li Hing Mui crack-seed
it's something that can only be found in Hawai`i

Big Island Candies
it's a home town fave!

Rubber slippahs from Long's
in the mainland they're called "flip flops", but they aren't the same

Dried Mango
of course, seasoned with Li Hing Mui

Kona Coffee (peaberry)
There's no coffee like it in the world!

Frozen Poi
it's the ultimate taste from home, steam to de-frost and you're set!

Dried Ahi
it will go good with that poi!

DVDs like "The Braddahs" and one from "Augie T"
Again, it's something that can only be found in Hawai`i

Where are we with MS?

As a person who has been diagnosed with MS, I really get excited hearing about all of the new research and development being done for the disease. The progress sounds very promising, and there seems to only be more and more upcoming developments.

This is a very cool video clip

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