I love where I live

Everything is so close now that I live in town. Five minute walk to work... five minute walk to the stores around me... Ala Moana just about 10 minutes but really five if I run.

I'm home today... sick... my throat is clogged up so talking is not an option.

It's too bright to sleep... too noisy with the trucks passing by so often.

Can't complain though. It's still much better than being where I was before. It's a place I can call HOME.

I love where I live.

Tsunami, soccer, and change

I'm always so amazed by what God challenges us with at all times. Sometimes, it's small and "insignificant"... but that's just because He's trying to get our attention to see if we respond in a positive way.

In the last two weeks, our company went through quite a few layoffs. Very challenging. Friends of mine that I lost in the company.. but I know He's just telling all of us that change happens. We can't stay in a foxhole forever.

I enjoy my time at GBC Pearlside and my soccer team. They are my Sunday mantra!!!

Pastor Norman is amazing and so inspiring. I know I get my weekly dose from him to keep me positive and thankful for everything I receive.

We picked up a new gal for soccer today and she's right on awesome. :)

I'm always so proud of our ladies - we hang in there and enjoy the game as well as continuing to learn about each other. Today was no different. Sun - hot. Running - tired. But for the most part, generally FUN!

Hawaii Athletics - Women's Soccer Clips Utah Valley In Overtime

Hawaii Athletics - Women's Soccer Clips Utah Valley In Overtime

Graduation, learnings, and just plain trying...

Did I tell you that my oldest finally graduated high school? A 13 year student at Kamehameha Schools and she finally did it. I cannot put into words all the things that have been going through my mind since she was a little girl and now a grown woman. 

It's been certainly a journey that as parents, we don't really know what's gonna happen each step of the way. Oh yeah, there are manuals, books, and even going to counseling sessions to help us be better parents. What the books don't really tell you is all the heartaches, the twists and turns that no flow chart can follow. Everyday is an adventure, not a consequence. A challenge, and a choice. 

There are many choices I know she could've made - ones that her fellow classmates took and well, there were harsh consequences (getting kicked out of school) or lifetime learnings (having a baby). Peer pressure is still difficult as ever, and still choices that each teen needs to make for his/herself.

I've pushed her to be better than who she really is... and of course, she resisted; being the teenager and all.  She didn't realize how much potential she had that has always been God given. Now, she knows. She's finally "grown" into her skin and has matured into a beautiful, young lady. 

I am so proud of my daughter. We've gone through our struggles, our "I don't want to talk to you" moments... and through it all, we persevered. We loved. I loved! I wouldn't change it for anything. 

Thank you God for all that you've given me in this child of mine. She has always been a blessing. 

your thoughts...

Do you think sometimes life just had a funny way of throwing things at you, making it hard? Or that timing is horribly wrong when you meet the right person? Watching one of my favorite movies... You've Got Mail...

Finally.. made the move

Yay!!! New place! All mine... well, ours really. :)

It's all G from here on out

So after a long two weeks of craziness and name calling and gosh what else??? Ho'oponopono happened and it's all good.
It's good to know that people have a conscience and can see the right from wrong. Sometimes, misplaced or displaced anger just gets out of hand and no one understands why. Then once explained, everyone understands.
Words were already said, spoken, hurt happened... but with a simple "I'm sorry" helps in the healing.
Glad that we're moving on and helping each other grow from all this...

Abomination explained

So.. what do you think?

My God says to Your God...

This weekend I was told by a close "family friend", "My God says that you are an abomination."

I don't do drugs. I an certainly not an alcoholic. I don't steal or am planning on living the life of a theif. I don't beat my kids or hurt any animals. When I drive, I try to stay in the speed limit and follow the rules. I got good grades in school. Graduated with honors. I raised my kids to be respectable people; even making sure my son opens the door for anyone (being a gentleman that he is). Yes, my kids do say please and thank you for everything.

So I suppose the reason why this was said to me was because of the lifestyle I chose to lead.

I do go to church - Grace Bible Church - and worship God. I tithe every Sunday that I do go (which is about 3 out of the 4 times a month).

But... Apparently He's different than the the other God that this person told me she worships. I try to lead an honest life, loving my kids, my family, my partner, my God. I work at a place that I hope I make a difference in someone's life; bringing positive energies and love to as many people I meet.

This being said, I'm discouraged. :( Yes, God does forgive. This I know. But to be told I am an abomination to her God, the words alone hurt.

Growing up...

It's come to my attention that the world is certainly a very "scary" place as my little ones are no longer "little". I could protect them from all the harmful elements and be their guardian.
As time passes, they're growing older... I can't do that anymore. I have to trust their judgement, their choices... they'll be fine, right?
Last night, I found out that one of our girls that we used to coach is in the hospital.. ICU... fighting for her life. Why? A choice she made. Costing her, her life.
I listened to her parents talk so lovingly about her, how she was going to UH Hilo, playing soccer, on the long distance running team... happy, starting her life as a young adult...
We went in to see her.. she looked so peaceful, even though she had all these tubes and IV lines in her. We stood on each side and prayed with her family.
Only God will be able to answer the next questions - will she survive? Will she go home? How will she be if she gets out of it?
I don't ever want to be in that position that her parents are in. I can't even fathom the thought...I cried. I hugged.
So, for any of you that even think that it's just a Spring Break party, think again. There are more things offered there than just a good time with friends.

I've Decided...

My birthday's come and gone, but my request is still going! I would like to have everyone that I know - run a race this year. Yup, any race. Could be a 5K, 10K, or even the marathon!

I've already done the Great Aloha Run. Next up (so far that I've signed up for):
March 4th - Women's 10K - used to be the Straub 10K - my kids will be running with me on this one!
April 7th - Ford Island Run - 10K
May - ??

Towards the end of the year:
September - half marathon
October - another 10K
November - PF Chang's 30K
December - Marathon

IF you run/jog/walk any of these races, then I'll have a shirt that will say "Flower Power" on it - and a thank you for keeping yourself healthy! Sounds like a good deal right?

Who's in???

It's already February...

It's already the END of February, and I haven't blogged in the NEW YEAR!!! ARRRRRRRGGGGHHHHHH!!!

Okay - so to recap - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my favorite Auntie on new year's day! Although she's gone from this world, when I "pop" those fireworks, I know I'm celebrating her beautiful life she LIVED!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my LOVING and very patience Sis - Ger!!! Thank you for all that you do and have done for me and the kiddies!!! Thank you for letting us hang at the house and take care of all the creatures that live there. LOVE Pua and Kia'i and all the chickens...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Arna! Fellow Aquarian!!! I am so blessed to have a patient soul as you! The party with you and Tiki was AMAZING!!! Oh, and can't forget our Reggae friend Bob Marley!!!

And here we are, passing my Birthday another year! A HUGE mahalo to my bestest friend - Deana - for surprising me with a GREAT birthday party! My high school friends, my family were all present to enjoy the festivities!

The Great Aloha Run was a SUCCESS as usual - Mahalo to Leahi Soccer Club for all their help!!!

Soccer has still been happening through out the last two months - Makule Team C! We did pretty good with just 2 losses. I truly enjoyed the playing and learning.

Spring Soccer will start this upcoming Sunday and I can't wait!!!

Monday - House sit again! Yippee!!! AND how fortunate Sis gets to go to New Zealand!!! So happy for her!!! Please angels, fairies, and other positive lovely souls - watch over them as they travel far!!! Take care of them!!!

More to blog later - I'll do my best to keep up every day or every other...

Mele Kalikimaka a me Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!

Wishing all of you a wonderful and blessed holiday season!

Mele Kalikimaka a me Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!

Blood Drive

I gave blood for the 3rd time this year! Yippee!

I know that there are those that just can't do it - the needle is just too much to handle.

I just focus on the reason why I'm giving - saving lives! That's one way of giving right? Costs nothing but your time.

Hanging out at Conie All Hair...

You know the new iPhone 4S, that has Siri? Well, itʻs not really all that accurate when it comes to HAWAIIAN WORDS, so you can only imagine...

"Conie all hair..."

"Conie okay..."

All equates to Kaneʻohe!!!

What the heck...

It's Christmas and what am I thinking...

I've realized that no matter what happens in life, I'm still always in control of my own destiny. No one can take that away from me.

Gosh, yeah, I know I have a lot of faults. A LOT. Now whether or not that is a good thing, I am who I am.

With all the blessings and positive things that have been happening in my life, I tend to take 10 steps back with the negative that pushes me on the inside and out.

Am I even making any sense????

Motivational Quote of the Day...

"Chase your passion - not your pension. If you are not doing what your passion is, you are putting it on layaway."
Denis Waitley

OMG... only 10 more days..

The days are just flying by and I haven't even gotten my kids their Christmas gifts!!! ACK!!!

Thoughts about the marathon

There were all walks of life that were running this marathon… from the HUGE Japanese entourage (they probably made the bulk of the runners), to the costumes that people wore…

People were running for many causes – Team to end Aids… Finding a cure for Leukemia… In memory of - their Mom, Dad, Grandma, friend, cousin… to thank everyone for help to Japan…

Some ran to start their life with someone by proposing before crossing the finish line… Some ran the race for the very first time (Like ME!) Some have ran it so many times, they could make a quilt! Young as 8 years old that day, to 93 years old…

Some ran in costume! I saw Darth Vader…the Viking guy… Mario and Luigi… a guy on stilts… Mickey and Minnie Mouse… a guy in a tux… a gal in a veil…a lady in a cheetah outfit… a guy in a tiger outfit… a Hawaiian Warrior (full getup too!)… Santa… a sexy Mrs. Claus…hats of all sorts that had characters on them like snowmen, antlers…many colored afros… tutus of all colors… someone ran with the American Flag all the way… some ran in cadence… some even ran BAREFEET. Crazy… there was one guy that had a swan/goose hat with the “matching” swan goose shorts – the swan/goose was bobbing up and down as he ran… I even saw a guy with an actual faucet in front of his shorts! What the heck…

What got me most of all were the people that came out to cheer all of us… Of course there were the sponsored events people – JAL, HIS, JTB, Satohap… with all their noise makers and cheering everyone to continue going… there were the smaller stores like Lululemon that had their signs of encouragement – “You are a winner” “You can do it” “I believe in You”…

There were families and friends that came out to cheer for their significant other with food and signs… I got choked up with the first two signs running up Kapiolani Blvd.. a little girl in her stroller at 5:15 in the morning. Her Dad was there sipping his cup of coffee. She was holding a sign “I love you mommy!”… Then there was an elderly lady with her big white sign that read “You are all Winners!”

I thanked people that were just saying such wonderful words, encouraging us to continue. They were out there cheering us on and I had no idea who they were! I told them “Thank you for being there.”

When starting the race, I looked up at the moonlit sky, and thanked God and my Mom…. The fireworks were amazing!!! I couldn’t stop looking at the sky so lit up in lights! There were over 27,000 people that were running the race and yes, for those of you that thought we were crazy… yes, there were thousands of us that certainly were!

When I saw my family, my sister was taking pictures of us running.. my kiddies with their signs that read “Awesome You”… I was told later that it was supposed to say “You are Awesome”. Ha ha ha! I think the 1st one was sufficient enough.

As of today, I’m finally recovered… had my pedicure the next day, and relaxed. I’m ready to go back to running and staying fit again for the next race. What’s that you ask? The Great Aloha Run, Ford Island Run, Pearl Harbor Run… just for starters…

Honolulu Marathon 2011

Wow… What an experience to remember.

First of all, I’d like to thank key people that helped me through this journey to the Honolulu Marathon… God… thank you for allowing me to walk, run, and do things that I am able to do because you made me to be who I am. Mom… for being my guardian angel, watching over me, taking care of me from where you are… it’s because of you that I am inspired by your determination when things were down, you still continued to persevere. I love you forever MOMMY!!!

To Emma Chang - You are an inspiration to all. In honor of you, your light will always shine in those that believe, that anything is possible. Thank you for being a part of this life. I know you are certainly shining in the next! Love and miss your light! God bless you!

To my Sis, Ger – my Manang… you have been MY wind and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Thank you for the carbo loading night! That was perfect!! Thank you for bringing my kiddies to the finish line! And the beautiful signs!!! Thank you for the pictures that I will FOREVER cherish. You captured expressions and moments that I will look back and tear and smile joyfully as I was able to cross the finish line.

My Chillin’s… Jayna – Thank you for the iShuffle “Kermit”…I was able to listen to music the entire duration of the race… Chrislyn – Thank you for loading HUNDREDS of music onto Kermit. I didn’t even get to loop through all the songs. How ironic that at the moment I was feeling down and only 2 miles to go, what song comes up? Today My Life Begins… Ethan – Thank you for always encouraging me that I can do it! Your hugs, your smiles, you make everything in the world disappear and I can only see you and your heart. Thank you. You three are my feet that keep me going!!!

My Friends – so countless! Trudie – encouraging me from afar and eating carbs to get ready “with” me. Chica Apisa – you are so forever my lifelong friend! Arna - for believing in me!!! You are a beautiful light! My co-workers Lele, Yushiu, Ashlyn, Christian, Joann, Sarah, Dennis… so many of you that helped me believe, get ready, and continue to encourage me. Lele, thank you for holding down the fort on Monday!!! HAF – Diane and Kimo… thank you for having Deana and I join and crossfit with your ‘ohana. I am so sorry we didn’t get to stop by! I was so sore!!!! My Leahi Moms gang… I am so grateful to have you all in my life! Thank you for believe in me too! Tracey… What can I say? I think we were soul sisters… I miss you immensely!!! To all my FB friends – you are amazing to me! Each and every post you wrote made me realize how I am blessed to have GREAT friends!!! I don’t want to miss anyone else, but know that I am SO grateful and encouraged and feel so LOVED by ALL OF YOU!!!

My running mate & best friend Deana – thank you. August 2010, you broke your right ankle and were out of commission for 5 months… no running, no jumping, no soccer, no nothing. You were determined to be physically fit and ready for spring soccer 2011. With pt all squared away, your first run was the Great Aloha Run. That was 8 miles… then the Ford Island Run 10K… the half marathon 13 miles… the Freedom Run 10K…the PF Chang 30K… Turkey Trot 10K… and now the 26 mile run – the Honolulu Marathon… What a year to complete that many runs and still played soccer! Yes, you inspire me! Even though I pushed you to run 16 miles, you pushed me the final 4 to keep going. Thank you for everything!!!