Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!

Happy New Year (how-oh-lee ma-kah-he-key hoh)!!  Here's the briefest year in review I could do for y'all before it's midnight on the East Coast.  Enjoy 'cos I think we did, after all.


Okay, I'm messing with Hols here, but I was so GLAD GLAD bloody dern GLAD to get rid of that furniture!

 Good-bye, Baltimore!

 

Ach, my heart aches!  God be with you, Galadriel.

 

Well, no.  No good-byes to our silliness.  I absolutely promise to keep that nutter business going!

 

Good-bye, D.C.

 

Good-bye, Our Lady of Peace, Fort Meade, MD.  This picture was with my MIL and BIL.

 

Congratulations to our newly Confirmed, of whom Squirrel Boy was one!

 

 See, this good-bye was terribly hard on Teenie.  So, Galadriel, we hope you are happy in your new home.

 

Good-bye and hope to see you again to so many we left in Maryland, like this cutie patootie, GMAC. 

 

Hello, horridly long plane ride from hell.  Why, every few minutes Crickles would ask, "How much longer are we going to be on the plane?"  It started about five minutes in the air over MD and kept on for twelve very long, oh my God I want to knock him out, hours.  Needless to say, we made it.  Enduring was hard, but done.

 

Zee beach.  First time on the sand in Waikkiki.

 

Many smiles from Heaven.  We still get giddy when we see them, even if they are almost daily!

 

Ah, the new furniture.  It was a long long long wait, my darlings, but we are together at last.

 

Dumdum got herself a puffy pillow to rest on.

 

Dumdum has finally settled in, but when we first moved into the house, she was on me like white on rice.  Do you like my new throne? 

 

Remember that glorious view from the condo?  Here's the building across.  I think there are window cleaners on it.  Nope.  Not the job for me.  I think they're just sitting on planks. 

 

The silliness . . . ran rampant at the condo.  Here's SB in Teenies top and skinny jeans.

 

Here's Teenie in SB's cap, shorts, and jacket.

 

Oh, dear.  Do you think this will be removed from  this space soon?  Crickles, fortunately, is much like me.  He has a go for it attitude to grab a laugh.  I think I will have to burn it and delete it at some point . . . not good if it shows up in the possible future seminary.

 

We visit many hallowed sites, where America's brave have been buried.  This is Punchbowl.

 

Punchbowl.

 

U.S.S. Missouri.  She'll be back at her station outside our front door some time this January.  I can't wait to see her out there again.

 

U.S.S. Arizona Memorial. 

 

Of course:   Dole.  More Dole, please!!!!

 

The beauty of O'ahu is ever present and I love it.  It is so beautiful.  I find myself pinching myself and reminding myself to enjoy it.  I do not want to be complacent here.  I want to absorb it and keep it in my memory . . . I'll need it when we move back stateside, where I believe we'll have true seasons and harsh winters.  But, does Minnesota want us?

 

This move was HARD, but we did it.  We survived it.  We're making it. 

Who knows what 2010 has in store for us, but with our Faith, I believe many good things. 

God richly bless you all and enjoy your New Year's Eve . . . be safe! 

Kids and Their Crazy Crafting!

The Sock Thugs:

Here's the latest nutty crafting that went on here yesterday as we watched (I think I watched, ahem) HP2 extended edition (brilliant bit of background information; love the behind-the-scenes stuff).  And, now that I have won a scarf from the lovely Musings of a Mom, Therese, I have a hunkering to make one myself.  I got the loom a long time ago.  But, I've noticed I had begun an hat . . . I will finish it first.  I always say I'm going to finish something once I have begun it, but I get burned out and move on to something else . . . . and find something half-arsed much much later.  Anyone else do that?

Anyhoo, the two knit capped dudes above were made by Crickles.  The other two were made by Teenie.  What cracks me up is they are socks.  Fiber-filled with glued on yarn hair (in Teenies dolls cases).  They are so dern hilarious.  The ties on the dudes are just tucked under the gray collars of the shirts.  They just pull this stuff out of thin air.

No Resolutions but to Keep On Keeping On to the Foot of the Cross

Boy, you all sure liked telling about your favourite fragrances . . . . I like getting to know you all better and simple questions like that really get answered quick, and, in large numbers! 

I'm also pleased so many of you like the Confession post . . . it came on me so suddenly, the idea, that is, to post in that format.  God is good!  He does provide the love, trust, and an irrefutable message! 

I should have added in that particular post what the priests lovely words were to me.  I'd never had a priest say this to me after Confession, but this time it really hammered home the POINT of Confession.

He said, "Welcome home; it's good to have you back!"

Many are speaking/writing about New Year Resolutions.  Have you any? 

I think mine is in the title of this post.  I just want to continue on the path to Him.  Pray more.  Take care of my body, which belongs to Him, as His temple.  Be Christ for others who may not know Him as they ought (much like me, I'm still working on this relationship!) or know Him at all, for whatever reason. 

Let us pray for one another.  Let us never stop praying!

Fragrances

I found this fragrance at the Navy Exchange (NEX) a few weeks ago.  I love the box, but the scent is a patchouli mix so it's spicy.  I like it a lot!  My old stand by is Giorgio.  The kids comment that they like the way I smell when I wear Gina, but Chief likes Giorgio best.  He only ever comments about how lovely I smell when I wear Giorgio. 

I did not think men really cared.

What is your favourite?  What does your significant other prefer? 

It's Still Christmas . . .

I'm hearing some really loud, obnoxious "rock" music coming out of Squirrel Boy's bedroom.  My room is directly across from his . . . it's going to drive me bonkers . . . if I let it.  Does this mean I'm "getting old"?  I mean, I love Led Zeppelin and Van Halen . . . but . . .

I'm tinkering with the blog some.  But, I need to clean the bathrooms up here today.  Wednesday I'm hosting the coffee here . . . hosted at the park last week due to the possible flu in this house . . . so looking forward to having the gels who didn't leave O'ahu come on in for some scrummy eats and hot coffee.  It has absolutely nothing to do with my having to clean the upstairs bathrooms . . . my mind is starting to wander all over the place now.  

I need to get some chow first.  I worked out on the Wii (fit plus) today . . . a lot.  Phew!  I like the biking stuff and I keep doing so dern well that I crack open a new trail, and, of course I have to try it!  I think I may get cramps in the night if I'm not careful.

But, I feel terrific!

Bring it on 2010!

How Sweet the Sound

When you are dirty, and, quite frankly and honestly ashamed of what you have done . . . or left undone:  You need a spiritual shower.

The Church provides the Spiritual shower through the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession):

 

When you feel wretched inside (not unlike this character) for being wronged and doing wrong:

 

There's always Saint Michael to call upon; and, call upon him you should!

With the help of some mighty godly Saints!  Like St. Faustina (Divine Mercy):

 

and Little things with love, from Saint Therese:

 

To Honor the teachings of the Church, to follow Christ more perfectly, the Saints are at our side!  They teach us to love and trust in Jesus, through Mary, and love our Pope.  Reconciliation means an imperfect person is sorry and ready to make amends . . . and forgiven.

 

So we can be better examples to these (our children) on Earth:

 

One day God's only begotten Son was born and given to us.  He's not just a gift, He's LIFE.

 

Let's use our gifts well, and, give thanks to God's Perfect Gift:  Jesus Christ.

Confession & the State of the Economy

Please pray that the priest who is supposed to be in the confessional by 4:30pm today is in there as I approach.  I have been in desparate need of confession for about five weeks now.  I really loathe the "scheduled" confessions . . . I usually only go when I.have.to.go.or.I.don't.get.Jesus.in.the.Sacrament.

I pray that I'm able to get "in the box" so I can Receive again.  I've been so very lost.

That said, I know my whole life will improve incredibly after I go!  That's what I like about confession.

Okay, now on to this consumer business . . . "they" are predicting again . . . based on what's sold and gift cards etc. used to forecast the shape of the economy.  I think holiday's are the economy . . . which is really rather pathetic. 

I'm really re-thinking how Christmas 2010 is going to be spent.  What about you?

Christmas: A Joyous Time!

I love this shirt so much . . . I bought one! 
Merry Christmas to you all and I pray God richly bless you all in just the way He would.

I Wish I Had Pictures

The harbor tour of lights was nice.  We first had a meet and greet finger food fest with sodas (and a first Long Board beer, for me - not too bad, but I still like my Guinness better) at the Boat House.  It's only open to the Navy.  We boarded a nice little boat and were driven to the shipyard where the USN ships dock and are decked out with lights:  candy canes lights, string lights, ice cycle lights, all colours, and even some blow up decorations of Santa and such.  Most of the submarines had Santa on their sails.  Those subs are something else!  I toured the inside of one as a kid 'cos my dad worked at PSNS in Bremerton, WA, when I was growing up.

I grew up around the Navy in a way . . . hence my avoiding sailors at all costs.  I did not want that life for me.

Either God has a funny sense of humour . . . or He really knows what is best for me.  I think both.

Anyway, the boat ride was just what this Bainbridge Island born girl needed.  I have not been on a boat of any kind in YEARS.  I really miss it!  I like the feel of water beneath me.  If I fall out, not so much.  That hasn't ever happened, but if so, I may drown and die since I can't swim.  I keep thinking I'd figure it out real quick.

I think my favourite part was when we were heading back and cut close to the Arizona memorial  . . . the sky was darker and people on board were falling silent as we approached and passed.  Then, we popped under the Admiral (someone, I forget) Bridge we drive over to get home and back . . . . that was fun!  I like seeing things from different perspectives.

After we disembarked the vessel, we toured the tiny museum that holds many original pictures from the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Very cool.  I like seeing things one would not normally get to see every day.

Merry Christmas and God's peace to you all.

People Are Nutters

I think you can click on the images to enlarge.
Here's the monorail station at the 'upper' bit of the mall.  Pearl Ridge Mall, to be precise.  It's an okay mall, as malls go.  This monorail is slow.as.shit.  The one in Seattle is breaking the speed of sound, my friends, in comparison.  But, it was fun for a laugh.  Oh, that bridge?  That's the bridge I drive over to get home. 

Here is SB waiting to get on the monorail.  He's been sick, but getting better . . . the mall was a bit much for a first outing.  Besides, it was hot as hell today. 

 

Teenie having a preppy drink.  Oh, Crickles is having a cold preppy drink.  Smart.  It's soooooo hot inside those tiny monorail cars . . . and you can't bring your drinks with you . . . by the time I got out the other side (and it really is a short ride, and they really could speed the whole process up for my fiddy cents!!) I was completely dehydrated.

 

I told Crickles to hop up into "Santa's" seat . . . being as it was after 2pm and he wasn't coming back until half past 3pm . . . nobody was around and there wasn't any ropes or signs saying to stay the heck out . . . so I took some pics and some weird lady came by and said, "No one is supposed to be in there" as she walked by me and I just said, losing my cool, "Geez, like he's going to ruin the dirty green chair!"  In Maryland, I'd have been "mall copped".  Here, it's a non-confrontational "hey that's a no no" walk by. 

 

I've had it.  We need to leave.  My tongue is now sticking to the roof of my mouth, I'm so thirsty . . . which is likely a good thing so I did not say.any.more.than.I.already.had.'cos.I'm.so.mean.when.I'm.hot.sweaty. and let's not mention:  broke.

Video later (it's of Holly and me playing) when I can figure out loading to Picasa and what not.  Dawn, I may call you to walk me through it tomorrow if I just can't crank it out.

Time to do the Harbor Tour of Lights.

Mele Kalikimaka

I was trying to upload a video, but it was taking far too long!  I'm far too impatient!  I'm about to embark upon major stupidity for my children's sake.

We are going to the mall.

On December 23rd. 

Either it is going to be a really pathetically stupid move or . . . it might end up enjoyable, successful and fun. 

Let's hope for the later!  Of course, I'm bringing my camera and I'll share pics later.  I may get Teenie to snap a few of me snapping. 

Oh, I will snap, too.  Make no mistake.  I will.  The mall makes me nuts.  The people in the mall make me nuts.  I will definitely go nuts.

Still Waiting

Only a few more days and we get to celebrate the coming of Christ.   I love midnight Mass.  I can't wait!

So.  Okay, I am now under the impression that I must have somehow made y'all think I was sick.  I'm not sick.  I'm having a "visitor".  Ahem.  Chief brought home the flu (I think Seasonal, but could be Swine), but is back to work and only just sniffling still.  Squirrel Boy has it bad . . . but is recovering now (thank God).  He really only complains about his face feeling full.  Snot can be fun that way, yeah?  Teenie has a mild scratchy throat, but otherwise feels fine.  I'm fine.  Crickles is fine. 

However, I do want to thank you all for your concerns and prayers for us!  They do count for a lot!!!!!

Today I will finish that Oreck Steam-It job downstairs.  I love.that.steamer.  It is slow going to use it . . . not as smooth until the pad gets a bit wet.  However, does it clean the floors good!  I also forgot to wrap two presents so I'll do that today as well. 

Tomorrow morning Crickles and I will go to his appointment to get a referral to Ped. Urology.  I bet we'll get an appointment for mid-January.  In which case, I may have to ask about refilling his antiobiotic?  Not sure about that, but I'll ask.

Tomorrow night we'll take the Harbor Lights tour . . . and see all the Navy ships lit up for Christmas.  I would bring my camera and take pictures, but I'm absolutely positive I would muck it up and the pictures would not be worth the effort.  So, just imagine it with me.

Thanks to my friend Dawn I now have the name of an old black and white film that I have seen twice and absolutely love:  Follow the Fleet, starring Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, and Ginger Rogers.  I'm not usually one to like musicals, but this one I like, as well as (of course!) The Sound of Music. 

Wishing you all a very Merry, Happy, and Blessed Christmas!

Even Though . . .

. . . Mother Nature insists on knocking me about, I'm just rearin' to go get go!!!! 

I don't know if it's the third cuppa cruising my veins or what, but I'm feeling groovy good!  Very daft of me, I know, but I just feel fantastic!!!!  Endorphine rush?  Whatever. 

I think it is this:  I'm gettin' some stinkin' stuff done!

The kitchen, 1/2 bathroom, and back hall (by garage and said 1/2 bathroom) have been steam-cleaned.  I'm washing the terry wipes at the moment so I can reload and finish the living room and dining room floors later today - or tomorrow.  Whichever suits me . . . I have a tendancy to think I'm going to finish up a job and then later find my rather large, actually lazy bone.  But, for the moment, I feel good about getting a good start.  I also cleared away shoes and clothing that mysteriously grew outside the master bedroom closet.  After a few good trips over said things, and cursing the layabouts who won't pick it all up . . . I decided it was time to stop being that cursed layabout and pick the stuff up myself. 

It's nice.  It's really really nice. 

Chief went to work today and came home early.  I think he came in the door about one o'clock.  He asked me if I was feeling better.  Gee.  Not really, but it's about time I get off my lazy arse and do something now, in'it? 

Squirrel Boy and Teenie are feeling the minor feelings that Chief brought home.  However, they still eat and play and fight just fine.  There's just more Kleenex being used.  I've had an headache that would fell an elephant for the past two days, but that's an hormonal inflicted bit of life as I'm going through the Kleenex at the same rate I usually do due to allergies (to dust mites and fresh cut grass).  Anyhoo, all is well.

I wish I could hug y'all!

Happy Birthday Teenie Tiny!

 

 

You are the song in my heart, the whisper of love so dear!  You are growing so fast, but you are guarding your heart against the tides of this time we're in.  I pray Our Mother keep her watch over you, and, that you continue to listen to her guidance.  Teenie:  you really are the most precious daughter to me, and, I am richly blessed to be your mum.  I pray you have many more years of life ahead of you.  Years that bless you, but years that you also bless.  I love you . . . always and forever.   Love, Mum

Something Else that Freakin' Annoys the Hell Outta Me

If your spouse is in the service, they have to get shots for everything under the sun.

My husband felt a little under the weather the other day, but he was given the H1N1 anyway. 

Guess what the hell he's got a tad of now?  Yup.  He's coughing, mildly feverish, and blowing his nose to kingdom come.

Guess who hasn't been vaccinated?  The.rest.of.us.

Bastids!

Just Thinking

One day actual white people will be a special interest group in this country again.  One day.  Can't I get a free ride because of something I lack?  I mean, really?  Who can I blame to get something for nothing at the expense of everyone else I think is repressing me?

I can't be proud of my heritage because of my skin colour?  But it's okay for those with darker skin than me (and believe me, it's not hard to be darker than me) to wear "pride" shirts and it actually be a proud thing to do without being racist?

I guess the state of HI is trying to single out the actual Hawaiians a special indiginous group, like American Indians, with special privledges . . .

I guess my thoughts and questions are:  ARE NOT WE ALL AMERICAN?  Aren't there some pretty neat things given us just based on that?  In comparison to some other countries available for one to be born in, raised in, lived in . . . heck yeah!  Even with the passage of this STINKER of an Health Care Bill . . .

. . . I felt pretty poor before, but now with it's going through, OUR TAXES are really going to hit the roof, supid morons in Washington and every ejit that voted for that administration!

Ah, Jesus?  Why can't we all just love one another as we ought? 

If I'm Not Careful . . .

I'll lose this purse to Teenie, who keeps saying "It so suits you!  I love it!"  and then traipses through my room with it on her arm. 

Thank you, Erika!  It's just gorgeous and the strawberry-lavendar jam is divine!

By the way, Erika, I'm still getting plenty of use out of that lap quilt you made me for my birthday years and years ago.  It's still my favourite!  (for everyone else:  it's in the picture with the purse). 

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas . . .

Today is the last day of school for this semester.   The kids will ride the bus home and be on holiday until January 5th.  I'm glad.  I miss them.  Beginning in January, however, I will be driving the two older ones to school and back . . . the youngest will still take the bus round trip as long as there is bus service.  I touched on this topic a few posts ago.  The "state" is saying the money will run out March 1st unless the BOE gives up the cash to keep the buses going.  Well, their half (or portion) anyway.  They raised the rates by 50% for third quarter for the parents.  They also extended no bus service for those living 1.5 miles from the school from the previous 1 mile.  Nice, huh?  Having no bus service (or at least the BOE messing with the contracts) as well as basically sticking it to our kids by taking away school days from an already short year by Stateside comparison:  wow.  The education system is not important in Hawaii.  It's hard not to have that opinion.  Not enough people care. 

Teenie and I ran off to Ben Franklin's craft store and got some buttons (we bought them all out, in fact) and wire to make ornaments for her friends.  I must say, I saw the wreath one on the Gum Tree blog c/o Jenny of Elefantz.  I'm so glad I suggested this for Teenie as she was getting flustered about what to do for her friends.  She's so creative, she went beyond the wreath and made a tree!  And, speaking of her creative side, the aluminum helmet she made based on Monty Python's Holy Grail.  The boys made some fighting pieces and a Roman helmet (no pics).  Funny stuff!  See why I miss them when they're not here?

The last picture should be the one of the Oklahoma memorial on December 7th Remembering Pearl Harbor Day.