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.