2009

It started with a knock at the door when we lived in TVA. My friend of twenty years came to surprise me and I was so excited to see her! Not. A couple of years before she, having 4 siblings and parents in Hawaii, asked that I come and pick up her and her husband from the honolulu airport at 6AM so that her family would not have to get up so early. Yeah, I recognize that I agreed to it so no victim or martyr identity here, k?


Anyway, on our way back from the airport, she goes on a rampage. This is not new for her, but a friendship of twenty years can really only exist if we are willing to overlook the unpleasant aspects of each others' person, yes? And that while I overlooked her stuff, she more than willing and very generously ignored mine as well.

So on our way back, she's going off. Again. On Tongans. Again. She had been doing this for years and did she not know that my husband is Tongan? Yes. Yes, she did. And she was entirely supportive, excited, and grateful that Tevita and I got married. She has a blindspot, though.

Now this is one area where I have to stop and make a side note. I think everyone has biases. It's just part of being human. Health issues have been the cause of my weight gain for the past 6 years and Doctors are just figuring out now how to help. But in these years, I have noticed an incredible amount of bias toward me. Seriously. People treat me differently than when I was a skinny, assertive, sarcastic, feminist. Now that I'm a overweigh one, they discount and even ignore all the personality attributes that used to be admirable at worst.

That said, how CUTE is this photo that is totally unrelated to the subject at hand?

I took it at Newseum in D.C this 2009 year when I got two tickets to go to President Obama's Inauguration. I stayed for a week and after the event, I toured the town like the shameless Aloha-shirt wearing visitors I've made fun of for so many years here in Hawaii. This photo reflects the blessings of the Freedom of Press. In the display there were cute demonstrations! Ok, some of them not so cute. (I don't do graphic violent depictions of babies and feel there are more dignified and effective ways of communicating a desire to change a law, pro-life demonstrators. But hey, THIS IS AMERICA!!). This particular image inspired me so I had to take a photo of the photo.

And on another side note, I think President Obama inspired/s us all to stand up for what we believe and I love that this was an issue for these little girls and that they used the first amendment and took a stand!

Oh, and here's another photo unrelated to the topic, but also a hilarious reminder of the highlight of my year.

This guy was in LOVE with Megan, my friend who braved the FREEZING COLD with me. This was on Inauguration Day right in front of the reflection pond at the Capitol. I still laugh when I remember the little soap operas that occur when you've been standing with the same people for over 7 hrs in 14 degree D.C. weather.

This is Megan with Neil, her husband. (And this photo is me showing you how easy it is to pilfer pics from another blog. Had to do it, Megan )
I stayed with these two, last minute. And the reason it was last minute is a horrifying story to be told . . . never. Anyway, I love these two. Seriously, I can't decide who I love more out of this couple! ha! So I'm glad they're together, I don't need to decide.

And since we're on the D.C. subject, here's the capitol.

Don't judge the photo. I was freezing and did my best. Besides, you can see perfectly balanced and symmetrical depictions of the United States Capitol ANYWHERE. It's the flaws that make us appreciate the reality of reality. And also, that make us laugh.

Ok, one more.
Does this not look like a fun congratulatory sign for the President???

It's an advertisement.

FOR PEPSI.

Yeah, everyone was cashing in on the inauguration. Including a former friend who used my ball ticket and never paid me.

Which brings me back to the the issue at hand.

2009 was an unexpected year of "cleansing".

Why had I been hanging on to the same dysfunctional, sometimes even toxic relationships for so long? It took a surprise visit, the inauguration of a President, and a large dose of healthy friendships to help me recognize, work through the letting-go process, and be open to fun new possibilities.

Also, as I did this, my health improved! SERIOUSLY IMPROVED.

So 2009 was a buggah. But I'd say it was worth it. I'm happier, healthier, and have fewer friends (and thus fewer people-pleasing tendencies) than ever!!! Quality, not quantity was the lesson learned.

And of course, my bestest friendship is still in tact!
An old photo but Ti has all our current photos on his computer in his office. I love him more now than the day this one was taken 7 years ago. Plus, Tevita can't stand his smile in this photo but it totally cracks me up! I love it. Completely reminds me of this episode of Friends. The first minute will give you an idea of what Tevita says is his issue! hahaha!



Super fun things happened with Tevita as well. An invitation to Oxford, a coming into his role as a young Bishop, and a new passport! All things I'll get to posting about soon.

In the meantime, hope you all have a very very Happy New Year.

YAY!!

I had been going back and forth since March about getting professional representation. There are 40 or 50 agencies here in Hawaii but only 2 are considered credible. And by credible, I mean they are regulated through various union rules to limit exploitation.

Anyway, the thing about getting an agent is that you basically have to go to an agency, make a case for yourself, and audition. And then you have to hope to get a call back for a second audition or hope for a call saying they will (or won't) represent you. . .

I'm not gonna lie, the thought of going through that process was nerve racking. So much so that I didn't know if I wanted to try and sign with anyone until I felt ready for rejection. (Do you love that defeatist attitude??).

But months and months ago, I had made a goal to get my nerve up by December and then to start inquiring to the 2 agencies.

Well, it's December and my nerve wasn't "up" at all! I wasn't ready. But I decided to go ahead with my goal. I have a couple of friends who recommended one of the two agencies so I emailed that one. This particular agency, by the way, historically represents MODELS.

Now before you fall out of your chair, this agency has been around forever. They are well known and well respected. Recently, about 15 years ago (i think), they started taking "talent" in addition to print and runway models and again, since they are highly respected and one of 2 SAG affiliated companies, I was excited to be able to read for them.

Long story short, I expected to at least get a call back. But instead, I walked in, peed my pants, auditioned, and was handed a contract not minutes after the audition. I signed the contract so it's official as of today! I am represented by Kathy Muller Talent and Modeling Agency!!!

Kind of a big deal for me. And since big deals for me are so few and far between, I wanted to share.

Also, if you are planning to make a multi-million dollar film in the near future, I wanted to make sure you have my new contact info!! ;)

Holiday Escape

There aren't many books lately that I've been enthusiastic to read. I've felt like there's been a dearth of new, interesting, good, wholesome, non-violent, non-graphic reads about smart, strong, compassionate women. And the men who love them and are deserving of their love.

Can you tell I just came off of a Pride and Prejudice marathon?

Tevita was out of town, what else was I suppose to do?

And actually, I didn't have the marathon I wanted to have.

I just watched one movie version of the book. The best version, if I do say so myself. (I heart Colin Firth).

The day after my marathon was fast Sunday, and I bore my testimony about how I married Mr. Darcy.

Yes, my few readers, yes I did. And now if you could help me find a medication that would switch off the part of my brain that makes INCREDIBLY IDIOTIC AND GRANDIOSE STATEMENTS, it would very much be appreciated. THANKS.

Anyway my friend, Jennifer, loaned me this sweet, smart, engaging, funny book :
Like all the good books (and some really really bad ones) in the past that I got my hands on, I read this in a day. It's full of quirky characters that made me laugh and cry. And it's a sweet love story too! I highly recommend.

I'm on to another set of books now and I haven't had time to read them yet. I've been too busy doing this:

And this:
And while I'll politely skip over the fact that rather than shower after pilates, I chose to sit here and take photos of my sweatiness for all the world to see (all 3 of you), I will go ahead and say that things have been a bit topsy turvy lately. (As if those photos didn't just speak those words for me).

I'm way too tired to go into detail right now. Tired and . . . (oh look, my underwear has finally dried, I can go to bed now!). But I will say that some interesting things have happened and that I am learning important lessons. And trying to enjoy the learning. And a good book!

This is the thing about head shots.

They need to look like you on a really really really good day. So what does it mean when the lady behind the counter in the photo department at Costco says, "WOW! This is a reeeeeaaaaalllly good picture of you! The photographer did a reeeeeaaaaaalllly good job!"? It means that every actress and their business manager love the magic of airbrushing is what it means . . . but I'll bet you all the change in my pocket against all the change in your pocket that Michelle Pfiefer never had to use photoshop.

And this is where I understand the need for the phrase SERENITY NOW.

Totally Uninspired

 . . . to blog about anything.

i've taken lots of photos of food that i make and eat.

but not feeling the energy to post and explain any of them.

although there's a tuscan bean soup that so so tasty, i almost feel guilty for withholding the recipe.

but it's not deliberate. 

i'm just feeling uninspired.

i just had a birthday.

we ate our way through the day.

began with cinnabons in the morning

and ended with kalbi ribs that evening.

my favorite present was the card from Tevita.

second favorite: a phone call from a friend.

third favorite: david sedaris concert

except when it was finally our turn to have him sign a book, he made THE LAMEST joke about pupu's. (you can already imagine), so turns out that his humor isn't always humorous. 

but today was fun.

i, along with the wives of my husband's counselors, broke the law. 

a couple of  times.

i won't go into details except to say that breaking and entering wreaks havoc on linen skirts. 

tevita just interrupted my writing to bend down and give me a kiss.

this gesture, even after i confessed my felony. "at least i was unarmed", i said.

"yes, baby, you were unarmed. proud of you." he said.

you know that last line made you giggle, like tevita's deadpan humor always makes me giggle.

i'm now off to enjoy a quiet moment with him. 

he always inspires.

Lazy and Delcious-Just Wanted to Share

Cut broccoli in spears, spread on baking sheet, pour olive oil to coat the broccoli and add minced garlic (fresh or I use the kind that you can buy in a jar at Costco).
Put in 400 degree oven. Check in 15-20 min. And done. (Also, add fresh parmesan, if desired).

I'm not a foodie. Never have been, never will be. But I did spend summers with my Grandmother who was. Italian style. Turns out, I can cook.

So this dish is so simple and DELICIOUS.

You can also use the same "recipe" with red potatoes.

I'm A Little Bit Bored Today

Took it about a week ago. And I've held the expression since. Every question gets this, "the response."
"How are you?" the response
"How's unpacking?" the response
"Did you run today?" the response
"Hey, is your hairline receding?" the response

I swear, someday soon I'm gonna change my expression. I was super tempted to do so yesterday when I was saw and heard what Tom Tancredo said.

This is my "wanna piece of this?" face. Which I almost pulled when he said what he did.
But instead, I decided to experiment. How would "the response" work in a situation that had roots in gender and race bias? What if a question or statement was offensive, inflammatory, and false?

Let's see:

"Sonia Sotomayor is a member of LaRaza, a Latino KKK without the hoods or the nooses."
- Tom Tancredo

Now watch "the response" in action:
I think, though not the initial intent, "the respone" has some great potential in looking condescending to people who say stupid things! It still has a hint of sadness, though. Which I'll work on. Or not.

Either way, I feel like I've hit a little bit of a jackpot with this one. I may keep it.

Jenky Scanner So No Old Photos, BUT . . .

OHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOOOOOOOSHHHHHH!!!

Is Justice Sotomayor not THE MOST FABULOUS SUPREME COURT NOMINEE!!!

The President knows how to put sexy in the smart, man! Is he just modeling his choice after his wife or what?

I kid.

But I love this lady!

And although I've been furrowing my waxed brows at President Obama's recent decisions about Guantanamo and especially his handling of those who ordered the torture of its prisoners, I'm almost willing to overlook that because he chose a star!

Ok, I'm actually not willing to overlook the war crimes he's becoming complicit in, but I am thrilled with this pick.

And in the same vein of happiness shared by thousands about Sonia Sotomayor, I feel like sharing some random things that I love.

1. I heart Amy Goodman
2. And being a liberal
3. And being a Christian
4. And renewing old friendships
5. And frizzy hair worn with fat hoop earings
6. And the scriptures
7. And my long suffering husband
8. And my growing acceptance of my limitations
9. And the Scripps Spelling Bee
10. And kittehs. Especially this one today:

oh, and this one:
and last one (me in D.C):Ok, for realz, this is last one, I promise!
Hope you are finding happiness too. Joy is good.

Timewarp Tuesday: The Mission 1991-1993

Finally. I figured out my scanner. I think.

Today marks the day that I copy some degree of concept and content from two other bloggers. Ashley and Jen (of the now defunct Analogue in Digital blog).

We're moving in a couple of weeks and in an effort to minimize moving day anxiety, I thought I'd get a jump start on the organizing, when I came across a ton of photos.

So here's the first of probably many Timewarp Tuesdays. This week is my mission, next week Ti's.

I served in the Virginia Roanoke Mission for 9 months before it was split and then I served in the Virginia Richmond for the remaining 9. I remember getting the big envelope and thinking, "I'll go where the Lord wants me to go." Mind you, I had told anyone and everyone who had asked, that I "felt" the Lord was going to call me to South America. I think. Or maybe I said Taiwan. I can't remember. Point is, I was called to Virginia and I was mortified. This was one of many lessons of faith, pride, and humility that I learned about life from the Lord. It was an amazing experience and I can honestly say that I would never EVER trade the experience for anything.

This is a jenky photo but it still has meaning for me. It was taken the day I was to report to the MTC. I was with Jared Uyehara. Who lives in St. George with his beautiful wife and 3 kids. My sister was getting married a month after I was to report, so financial and familial support were a little off, and going to the MTC with me just wasn't an option in the mind of my family. This is where my great brother, Jared came in. I stayed with his family before I went in and still remember how wonderful they were. Jared and also Mike Jackson were my brothers for quite some time. Don't you think Jared and I even look related in this?

I was with Lisa Lattimer in this one. She was cool and significant because she made me learn how to drive!! Yes, I was 22 yrs. old before I got my license. It was a thing with my companions. I memorized all my scripture mastery cards in half the time that they did because they drove while I learned. Totally benefiting me and Sister Lattimer wasn't having it. Which makes me laugh now because I don't know that I'd be driving if she didn't sweetly demand it!

These are two of my closest companions. We LOVED each other. Always laughed, so real with each other, and did some hardcore work in the field. Wait, did I mention that I was crazy obedient on my mission? It's true. I was a zealot for the work. Felt like the world depended on it.

This is me with Rebecca Richardson

And me with Jill Mikkelson
And this is the Price family. I wouldn't call them golden contacts in the traditional sense of the word. But for us, they were a Golden Family. We loved the Prices. Jill, Rebecca, and I all served in their ward with different companions. So many awesome families, and they were one of them. Joel (the dad) was the last one to be baptized and just in time to baptize his daughter, Jessica. He became truly converted to the Book of Mormon, reading it during lunch breaks in his office or in restaurants. I loved this family so much and also got to see so clearly how the gospel enhances the lives of great people.
And that concludes this edition of Timewarp.
Keep the Faith!

Let's Play "Have You Ever?"

1. Have you ever agreed to work on a certain date thinking it was a Saturday but found out it was really a Sunday AFTER YOU COMMITTED TO WORK?

I have.

Yesterday.

And I felt so not good about it! Especially since I heard the conference talks were amazing. I'm never doing it again.

2. Have you ever been paid $25 for a 9 hr. day?

I have.

Yesterday.

And even though I would've done it for free because I loved having the experience, the yuk feeling of #1 coupled with the pay just made me feel like a cheap date breaking the Sabbath.

3. Have you ever seen chocolate syrup and raw chicken used as blood and gore and veins in a hospital scene?

I have.

Yesterday.

And I still had to avoid looking at it else I would've fainted right there on camera! Seriously, it's so gross!

4. Have you ever been the biggest woman on the set of a show?

I hadn't.

Until yesterday.

Which explains why I was at the gym at 6:30 this morning. There was this 60 yr. old lady who told me she had just lost 95 pounds. SHE LOOKED GREAT. But then she started lecturing at me. NOT SO GREAT. Still, she was totally inspirational. Oh, and a big thanks to Melissa who spent a good portion of time teaching me how to use the weight equipment. That was a Monday morning blessing right there.

5. Have you ever been on a low budget cable show that next to no one will watch?

I have.

Yesterday.

The show is called, "How I Survived" and is a brand new unscripted series that documents "individuals incredible encounters with animals and how the power of the human spirit ultimately enables them to survive." It'll be on Animal Planet this year.

I played a wild and deadly boar.

Just kidding! I played a nurse and then a doctor. Please do not watch it. I'm so scary on film. Or if you do watch it, make sure you're not eating anything and make sure to remember that the nurse who looks like a man is really me with a bad brow wax!

So I learned a lot of hard lessons from yesterday and feel sufficiently chastised by the Lord. I mean, he does chasten those he loves so without going into any explanation, I feel like he gave me choices and instead of just canceling, I chose to follow through with a commitment that I had made. And there were some painful consequences that I reaped. Like I said, I'll never do that again.

Funny thing though, out of a cast of about 15, 6 of us were LDS. One lady was from a Mililani ward and was going on about how she "felt inspired by the story" to come and work on this and how it seemed "appropriate given the power of the spirit that's shown in the show" and since her call time was after conference finished (mine was right smack in the middle of conference) that it was fine that she worked on the Sabbath.

But all I heard were justifications of making a poor choice. Which in fact made me feel worse about the choice I had made, and also made me more committed never to make that choice again. Many professional productions do not film on a Sunday and those are the ones I can aim for from now on.

6. Have you ever learned from a mistake and become more resolute to never make that mistake again?

I have.

Yesterday.

But I'm learnin' and growin' and repentin'! Geez, what a day that was!

Have You Seen This Movie Yet?

I have an aversion to certain images. Any type of violence completely freaks me out. I have to leave the room even while I watch the news.

So I have wanted to watch this movie since I heard about it a couple of years ago. It was nominated for several awards and I knew it was a great movie. I put off watching it because I was worried that it would have some brutal images that news often contains and I am NEVER in a place emotionally where I am able to see those.

Anyway, Ti and I finally watched it tonight and we are so glad we did. No violence or allusions to violence at all. It is Rated PG so I should have known. (You can click on the photo to read the quote).
I really loved the message of this movie. I think because I love my country so much, I don't know. I know that when I tell my friends and relatives that I am unabashedly American and that after having been to several different countries, I would not want to live anywhere else but America, it can sound offensive or ethnocentric or even "uncool". Everybody is suppose to want to travel and explore. I think to me the "Western tourist gaze"is embarrassing and I can say that because I have been a willing participant in 13 countries (I think. Unless I missed a couple just now trying to write out a list).

My passion is thinking and doing locally and nationally. There are problems this country has. Lots of them, actually. Even here in Hawaii, clean water, land, and GMOs are things our legislature are grappling with and it looks like there's no end in sight sometimes. But I really believe in our country's ability to work through these things. I believe in our political system. Is it steadily being controlled by lobbyists, corporations, and especially pharmaceutical companies? YES. But it's the best system in the world. The best because we are ultimately responsible as individuals to research and decide for ourselves what we would like for our country. I wish more Americans would do just that actually.

And I believe our media has an important function and responsibility to facilitate our acquiring of knowledge through the freedom of press.
And because America is such a gift, I feel like we need to really LOOK at the issues (and look out for each other while we're at it), while looking at ourselves and looking away from the caustic, dishonest, hate filled rhetoric that is so accessible. How do such idiots make it into the discussions of respectable political pundits? I don't know. But I do know that I'd never stand with a group who wanted to take even their right to free speech away.
These photos are from Newseum. Aside from attending the inauguration, spending the whole day in this place was the absolute highlight of my trip to D.C. Every minute of it was packed with history, education, controversy, and compassion.
This is just a piece of the Berlin wall. Were it not for the media, this may still be up and not on display. East Germans would stay awake late at night and listen to the Western media on their radios or call a number that would give them updates. This was one of many powerful exhibits about the power of our beloved press.

The first photo of this post is just part of their 9-11 section. What a horrifying occurrence in our country's history. I'm getting teary-eyed just remembering that exhibit. So much loss and yet so much love on the part of many nations who stood with us. We knew this because the media let us know.

For all the complaining we do in our country about the media, I wouldn't change it for anything. I'm so grateful we have it. I'm grateful we have a constitution that protects them and I'm grateful for reporters who so willingly take risks in the name of honest reporting.

I loved the movie and hope you get a chance to watch it.

Happy International Women's Day!

My favorite woman this year . . .

And don't lie, she's yours too.

Was Freida Pinto not the coolest, smartest, most talented, and best dressed person at the Oscars this year?

Ok , she wasn't.
There was a definite tie.

I love that I did not understand the last part of Penelope Cruz's acceptance speech. I love that it reminded the non-bi-lingual sector of viewers that there is a larger world out there and that world does not revolve around the english speaking population.

Well, actually, it does . . . For now . . . Unfortunately. But her speech did remind me that guess what, there are more ways than one to express love and appreciation and devotion to family, friends, and fans while on national television. And they don't have to include a foam finger or a jumbo tron.

Love the flava happenin' in this ever changin' world.

And while you revel in the wonderfulness that is us, remember there are those who still suffer in this world.

I know you know this. And I know you know that I know you know this. (will that Albert and Costello meme ever die?)

But in case you need a reminder. Here's an article. It's a short one, I promise. And it's different in that is gives you tools on what to do and how to help.

So to all my homegirls, BFFs, frenemies, and even that grouchy gal I talked to at Foodland last night, I hope you have a wonderful day. And while I'm not sure how my favorite poem exactly ties into the tenor of this post, I want to share it anyway:

"All blood is menstrual blood."

JUST KIDDING. Ok, that really is a poem though! Isn't it hilarious? So not my favorite. Nonetheless, it makes me laugh and blush, and laugh some more. (Because the author is serious!!).

Here's my real favorite poem:

i swear it to you
i swear it on my common woman's head
the common woman
is as common as a loaf of bread
. . . and will rise.

Another Book

I have a gob of stuff to blog about but my jenky scanner is not working properly.

Until it does, I wanted to give a shout out to yet another Legrand (the librarian) endorsement.

The name speaks for itself. A very good read.

Thanks again, Legrand, for the recommendation, proving once again that even the offspring of polygamists got game.

I Hope You Love It.

This book was written in 2006 so some of you may have read it. I had not.

Since I decided to sponge off of my husband for the next two years, I've been reading. A lot. I was going through a book a day at one point during this vacay and I had to consciously spread out the reading over a period of days since I usually lacked a backup plan when I finished. What was I suppose to do after turning that last page?? Clean the bathroom? Scrub the screens? Vacuum our home? Uh, I went on vacation to relax, not to channel the inner workings of a desperate housewife. I'm all about living the good life. So y'all can go Jane Eyre someone else. This wifey likes to nap.

Just kidding. I do housework. But I use a timer so that I don't waste my day baby-wipin' the louvers and pullin' 5 feet of hair out of my drain. (3 feet is sufficient to keep the drain clear for at least a week's worth of leg shaving, thank you very much).

Anyhoo, during this time, I've read a lot of really really BAD books. (How many ways can a lady attorney journey from her mid-west town and "find herself" in NYC as well as a time share in the Hampton's while accidentally falling for her best friend's fiance'?). No joke, there's some bad shiz out there. (Don'tknowifI'mallowedtosayshiz).

So after asking my friend, Legrand (a librarian) for some suggestions, he recommended "Mixed" by Angela Nissel. HILARIOUS. So much so that I'm contemplating overlooking the polygamist overtones of his name to call my first child after him.

Mixed is about Angela Nissel's life having a black mom and a white dad. In the 70's and 80's. While living in Philly.

I'm still laughing out loud thinking about the time her Mom lied and told her that David Hasselhoff was half black so that she would have at least ONE person to identify with on TV (“Look at his skin! It’s as tan as yours. And his hair, isn’t that what your hair looks like when it rains?”). She was in the third grade and ended up doing a report on him for Black History Month. Had the whole class convinced he was bi-racial.

Or her first date with a white guy when she was in her mid-twenties. She decided to act just like she would with a black guy. So while they were browsing through a toy store, she taught him how to play "Find the Black Person", wherein they had to find at least one black doll that did not have a gold chain attached to it. He found a Lawrence Fishburne Matrix figurine, but "no points. They have to be fictional dolls. Not based on movies or real people." They ended up finding three tiny figurine dolls in the back of the store, and as the date came to a close, "he nearly shoved me in my car before giving me a cheerful wave and jogging off." Obviously, he wasn't the one. And while some of her stories have a sad tone, this one just made you pee from laughing so hard.

On asking her Mom (a nurse at the Black Panther free clinic) how she met her Dad:

“Mom, what did you think of Dad when you first met him?”

“I thought he was black,” she replied.

Oh. My. G**. Who approved my mother’s Black Panther application? If she couldn’t tell the difference between a black man and a white man, how effective could she have been at fighting the Man? How could she ever think my green-eyed, freckle-faced, sandy-haired father was black? He’s so pale that my mother’s post divorce code name for him was Master Alabaster, as in “Girl, I have to go to court again. Master Alabaster hasn’t paid child support for six months, but I saw him driving a brand-new car.”

During this time of racial inequality and straight out bigotry, as was reflected in the heinous NYP cartoon last week, it's nice to have an author choose humor to actually dissipate (rather than perpetuate) the language and disease of racism.

Really, a must read.

Where To Begin . . . The Inauguration.

300 photos. I took 300 photos in the one week I was at the inauguration. Where in the world do I begin to explain the FUN I had? I've been home for 3 weeks and haven't been able to get myself to look at the photos. Why?? Because I didn't want to remember WHAT I'M MISSING living here in Laie.

Was that ragey enough?

Thought so.

I LOOOOOOVED D.C. Every single minute was a blast. So much so that I'll even include the last minute hula and tahitian numbers I had to dance in that statement. My sunless skin wrapped in a too small sarong won't even begin to ruin my perfect perfect memory of that wonderful, marvelous, hope that Tevita gets a job at the Smithsonian even if he doesn't want one there, city.

This photo was taken at the Lincoln Memorial "We Are One Inaugural Celebration." All the photos of the event were taken from the jumbo tron. We got there very early and were in the front but we were still VERY FAR from the stage. And with my camera being all jenky (just got reminded of that word from a tech nerd blog I follow), it was easiest to just take the photos from the screen.

Anyway, do we have THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST working for the American people now or what?? Plus, I love the First Lady and the VP's wife. Did you know that Jill Biden is back teaching her classes? She's the only Second Lady ever to hold a paying job while her husband is in office. We all know that Michelle Obama has degrees from Princeton and Harvard but did you know that Dr. Jill Biden had TWO Masters before she got her Doctorate? YES SHE DOES!

(Am I going to use an inordinate amount of loaded questions with capital-letter answers in this post to express my excitement? PROBABLY!).

Um . . . and how CUTE are these little girls? They are going to grow up to be great women. I'm excited for them and this country. Missed shot: Sasha was shading her face from all the heaters that were blowing on them! Too sweet. It was FREEZING that day so I'm sure organizers had those outside heaters on the Obama family full blast. Sasha wasn't havin' it. And her mom was totally trying to help her out. Sigh. Love the first family.

Starr, Me, and Talia. We stood for 4 hrs in the cold before the show began. To the hand and foot warmers I wore, thank you. You saved my life. I'll love you forever.

So I have 10 layers of sweaters and sweatshirts on under that jacket. And why does Talia get to look so cute with about 15 layers under her coat? I chalk it up to her living in DC and knowing how to front the Winter look. Starr is from So Cal and I'm from Hawaii. We both just wanted to be warm. . . which we weren't.

Until we saw . . .


Now I KNOW you wish you were there if for no other reason then to see Barack Obama and Bono Vox within the same hour. Internet, I have a hawt husband. You know I do. But this? This experience came in second to my wedding day. Scratch that. My wedding day was akin to standing in quick sand hoping some intuitive vulture circling above would throw me down a vile of acid just so I could end the heinousness of it all WITHOUT DELAY. Yeah, I would say the hour long show was EVEN BETTER than that day. (Thank goodness for my happy ending, right Ti? ;) )

U2 sang "Pride (In The Name of Love)". It made us cry. Made everyone around us cry, too. Here's the last verse from that song:

Early morning, April 4
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride

In the name of love
What more in the name of love
In the name of love
What more in the name of love
In the name of love
What more in the name of love...

The day before Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and two days before the Inauguration of Barack Obama. Who wouldn't cry?


Here's Mary J. Blige singing "Lean On Me"

And here she is the night before.

I would've posted a photo of her without that glass, but I can't recall her not having it glued to her person the whole time she was on stage. Our strong and beautiful MJB was binge drinking. Plus, is it me or might she be wearing the same turtle neck on both days? She was wearing the same slacks for sure (no photo). I speculate that one of the greatest singers of my time did NOT change her clothes before singing for the first family. And I'm still a bit sad about that.

Speaking of drunk, who looks inebriated out of all the women below?? Two of us are LDS and none of us drink. Is it not ironic that the Bishop's wife is the only one lookin' juiced? And this my friends, is why there are very few photos of me posted on my blog.

Next week, I'll post more. Like how about some photos from the actual inauguration?? :) It's 1:51 and I'm about to pass out. Sauced from sleeplessness.

Good Bye and Good Luck

My Urban Chic BFF in DC has the WHOLE WEEK PLANNED. Including but not limited to a homemade rhinestone "i heart obama" t-shirt that we'll be wearing everywhere this week (maybe even underneath our formals too . . . i'll have to think about that).

Anyhoooo, I'll be twittering (and not blogging) for this whole week. Details. Lots and lots of details are forthcoming.

See you when I return.

Barack Obama is our President!

I Just Had To

Long time since I've had the desire and patience to shop. And I'm not sure why! I forgot how completely FUN it can be. The hunt, the chase, THE FIND!

Aside from buying the BEST BRA EVER! (can I say "bra" here?), I got a couple of pairs of shoes. And I like 'em!

These are for standing outside in the cold for what's predicted to be a SIX HOUR wait in D.C. at the inaugural. I am a dansko fan, I have a pair of the cutest sandals ever made by them. These are a very conventional style. 50 yr. old women wear them. But I thought since they'd be hiding under my long jeans, that I'd go ahead and give them an audience with President Obama.

Ok, I have no idea why there is so much space between the shoe and that last paragraph.

Anyhoo, I got this second pair for wearing with dress pants and skirts at the various activities/parties I'll be attending. Some of you may not like 'em. BUT I DO!

In fact, seeing them again just now made me sigh with love.

So it's getting closer before I fly to DC. All of my communication (and I WILL BE COMMUNICATING) about my experience in our nation's capitol will be done via twitter. You can sign up on twitter and follow me here: http://twitter.com/LizLovesTi