The NERVE! Or as Anna would say, the VERVE!

I'm posting this chat between me and my friend Moana. Parts of it may be a bit controversial what with talk about body issues, Michael "the molester" Jackson, and Tongan Trannys. But it all gave me a humongous laugh when I read it again. I swear Oprah and Gayle could only dream of having chats like this.

This post also runs the risk of not being funny to you, the reader, because:

a. You may believe Michael Jackson is innocent of all 65,378,923 million allegations of child molestation brought against him.
b. Small town life and humor simply bores you.
c. Questioning the sexual orientation of former head coaches of high school football state champions is just NOT FUNNY. NOT ONE BIT!
d. It's only funny to me. because I'm sitting here at my computer with an ear infection looking out my window at the blue sky over a colonial institute or as I call it, "soon to be Liberty University" wishing I were at the beach. Albeit, the beach that has questionable sewage issues and yeah, the same beach that probably produced the bacteria that caused my said ear infection, but hey, if I do anything well right now, its living in denial.
or
e. none of the above. It's just not funny. I might add that if your instinct leads you to guess this one, then no need to read on. I'm a firm believer in following your gut. This belief was then solidified yesterday when I decided to actually ignore my gut right to the refrigerator where I consumed massive amounts of coconut chicken curry. Believe me, I paid dearly for it last night. Hell knows no fury but that of a stomach scorned. Amen.

P.S. Moana, if you want me to take this post down, YOU'LL HAVE TO COME BACK TO LAIE AND MAKE ME!!
P.P.S. If you're keeping track, there are significant time lapses between some phrases. Those are where I edited the content. Yeah, it's my censor and I'll blog if I want to! Errr . . . wait, I meant the other way around. Nonetheless, name that tune.

UPDATE: Since the comment by Moana, all sizes and weights have been changed to protect the innocent.me: um . . . time for another post, girlfriend.

how are you?

i'm sweaty from exercising and about to jump in the shower

1:29 PM MOANA: I'm missing Laie very much!

How are you??

1:30 PM me: good. laie is perrrrrfect beach weather these days. can't wait till the ear infection gets better

MOANA: You know what I think I have an ear infection right now!

me: ewwww! hate that!

MOANA: Weather is horrid...HOT HOT HOT!!

me: girl, get to the doc soon

oh yeah, we

1:31 PM MOANA: I am

me: we'll be there end of july

1:32 PM me: and then go to utah and come back to vegas for a couple of days

let me know if there's anything yo u want from here

MOANA: the only thing I want is the beach!

and you of course

me: i know. it's really beautiful right now, mo

yeah right me!

whatevers

MOANA: i hate you

1:33 PM me: hahaha!! you know you LOVE me

don't be a hater

be a lover not a fighter

MOANA: I do! you're my bff...and I am a hater

a big hater!! a big FAT hater!! haha

me: omg, i don't know why but i've downloaded old michael jackson tunes and love walking to them!!

he's such a molester

1:34 PM but i'm trying not to think about that while i listen to PYT

and you're not fat

MOANA: a molester with great music, i listened to him a little on my walk this morning

me: you got skinny when you were here

MOANA: far from SKINNY girlfriend I went from massive to just plain huge

me: wait, HOW CAN YOU WALK IN VEGAS?

1:35 PM MOANA: at 7am before it gets too hot

me: hahaha! be quiet about massive and huge

i swear you're like a size 0 right now, yes?

that's so awesome

MOANA: no honey, the super tight skinny jeans were a 2!!

me: before 7 am is still like 90 degrees, right?

1:36 PM but you fit size 0 right?

1 size smaller than me

MOANA: luckily it was overcast this am so it was tolerable

me: lovely

MOANA: barely fit a 0, i fit a 0 for like 10 seconds.

1:37 PM me: YOU are two sizes smaller then ME! i'm size 2

but my XXS was a tiny bit loose on me yesterday

so that'

MOANA: I currently own many things that are a size 2 ...to quote Michael the molester....YOU ARE NOT ALONE....

me: that's something, right?

HAHAHAHA!!

1:38 PM MOANA: xxs is loose....awesome!!

me: tiny bit loose

tiny tiny bit

MOANA: every little bit helps

1:39 PM me: ok, i'm still laughing out loud at what you just said

quoting mj

1:40 PM MOANA: I know he's gross and a freak but I still love him...what can I say I'm a 80's lovin girl! I

me: me too

MOANA: I'm even 80 oz. overweight haha

me: he's so gross and yet, i just downloaded like 10 of his old songs

MOANA: hahaha ..... what a groupie

me: hahahhaha!!

stop making me laugh! i'm spitting out my water!

1:41 PM MOANA: I can just see you all sweaty and crying at one of his concerts like those crazy european fans!!

Don't stop til you get enuf girl!!

me: totally. wanna make something of it???? wanna be startin' somethin'????

hahahhahahaha!

1:42 PM hey, you're the one retrieving mj hits like they're your second language!

MOANA: tru dat

1:43 PM me: girl, but i do love me some old mj. i was lip syncing for ti and he turned away from his history channel show to give me a "thumbs up" and then turned back around to his show!!

MOANA: Ti's a good man

me: hahahhahahaha

i was like, HELLOOOOOO, i'm performing for you!!

MOANA: thumbs up was more than sufficient

me: hahahahaha!

1:44 PM so true and so funny.

1:45 PM ok, so are you just chilling lately?

MOANA: totally! to be honest I feel a bit lost, like a man without a country haha

thrilled to be with the family but don't feel totally at home yet...does that make sense??

1:46 PM me: laie does that to you though! makes you feel like you're home and then lost when you first leave

MOANA: again tru dat!

me: laie is like its own country

MOANA: yep!

me: it has its brand of humor, its schedules, its dramas

1:47 PM its nail place where it all comes busting out!

kind of like "barber shop"

MOANA: where else can you get your eyebrows waxed and have witty conversation with a big ole Tongan tranny

me: OKAAAY

1:48 PM MOANA: good times...good times

me: hahahaha!

MOANA: and no liz, siuaki is not gay

me: shut up!

you're so mean

MOANA: hahahaha

me: i totally thought they knew something i didn't

but wouldn't it be the bomb if he was???

MOANA: totally

1:49 PM me: i would have to stay in laie forever if that were the case.

MOANA: you probably will be in Laie forever

me: i know right?

i probably will

1:50 PM i'm trying to be ok with that

MOANA: it's ok

me: b/c i know if we ever do leave we'll be missin' it and feel lost

MOANA: its a great place

1:51 PM I'm trying to get used to using so much lotion again...really sucks

desert living....gotta love it

me: use yummy lotion. i love lotion, girlfriend

1:52 PM pear, apple, daisies. all be making me smell nice and sweet. giving the illusion that i really am nice and sweet

MOANA: i should i'm using franks boring cocoa butter crap...guys don't know nuttin about lotion!

1:53 PM I need as much of an illusion of sweetness as i can get

me: um, no they don't. but actually in vegas, vaseline is the best thing for my feet.

yeah, me too about the illusion.

1:54 PM was totally on track with eating and then fell off when the lanes asked us over for ice cream.

i have no idea how to say no in times like that

but today's a new day

wait, sorry for shifting gears so fast!hahahaha!

MOANA: ice cream yummmmmmmm

1:55 PM me: it's like my brain kept running even after i got off the treadmill!

ok, so i've got go take a shower now. what are you up to these days anyway?

are you going to school this summer?

MOANA: Nothing, just applying for school and trying to clean my room and unpack

me: or waiting for fall?

1:56 PM oh yeah, HATE unpacking

MOANA: not doing summer, even if I stayed at byuh i wouldve taken summer off

me: totally. rejuvination.

1:57 PM hey, how did you do in the poly sci class. good right?

MOANA: dude totally pulled off a A-!!

B+ in stats!! I almost feel outta my chair

me: I KNEW IT!!

I KNEW IT!

I KNEW IT!

2:04 PM ok, i totally have to shower now! i'm sitting here in my sweat!

nice visual yes?

don't you just LOVE my honesty?

2:05 PM MOANA: ok ok you can go shower you big baby...holla atch laterz

2:06 PM me: hahaha! big being the operative word here. ok, i'll talk to you soon.

NekMinit

What cracks me up the most about having not written on my blog in so very long is that the name doesn't even come up on my computer as I tried to type it in. Not so funny? It is when you're sitting in New Zealand still psyched about the awesome time you had with your family that you can't sleep nor can you remember the blog site address. Yes, the blog that you loved and then hated and then denied it ever existed.

Why? Because the writing got so embarrassing!

How many grammatical mistakes can I make in one post?

And seriously, how appetizing is my vomit on a plate?

Oooh, but what about this one! I actually referred to that photo of Penelope Cruz as Selma Hayek! And then I corrected it. After a month. I'M THE WINNER.

Anyway, it's been a fun adventure, this blogging thing, and I think I'm up for it again. Too much has happened since I've been gone. And just a couple of things stand out in my mind:

1. I finally found my favorite job. Seriously, for me, it's the best job in the world. The population I work with keeps me young even as they remind me that my brain is old and soggy. I come home smiling almost everyday.

2. We've had 4 failed inseminations. If I receive any pity comments about that, I'm so blocking you! The heinous tacky questions and unasked for advice have simmered down a bit so I thought I'd share this little part of our world. It was hard, but it's over and no, I'm not open to any suggestions from anyone. I believe the Lord is with us and that's all the matters. :)

3. Tevita has been around the world. Seriously, he has. I admire him. He's smart, funny, kind, and my best friend. I'm in love and our marriage feels tighter than it ever. For that, I'm grateful.

4. I rescued kittens. Two. Totally different breeds and personalities but so so hilarious. Tevita loves them too. These little animals have been a huge stress reliever for me. Furry bundles of terror can do that to a person.

5. I'm in Aotearoa right now. It's been so excellent to be home and to be reminded of how amazing my cousins are. Tevita and I are loving every minute with them and with each other.

And speaking of all things excellent in Aotearoa, I think I'll go have me an ice cream bar. So incredibly delicious.

Happy New Year!

S**t Kickers

Yeah, I want a pair. In their own way, I think they're fabulous.






Who can resist these? Seriously, It's a wonder every teen in America isn't running around in cowboy boots! Or maybe they are and I've just never seen them. I do live in flip to da flop land.

At any rate, I went online to see if I could wrangle myself up a pair.

And I found THE CUTEST boots ever.

Robert Cavalli. I'm in love. Will you look, just look at that stitching? And what's that design? Are they Autumn looking vines? I don't know but I love 'em. You can do practically anything in 'em! Shoot, if I had that pair, I could've nailed the junk audition I did for the George Clooney movie. With these boots, I know I would've had the courage to actually talk to George Clooney when he sat one table from me on set. I would've walked up to his picnic table and said, "Hey . . . can I take that dirty plate for you?" (if only I had these boots).

Instead what did I do? I stared, ogled, drooled while he was telling a funny story to the producers. And I knew it was a funny story because he was so demonstrative while telling it and the producers laughed. Like really laughed! And oh, how I wished I was a producer! And with these boots, I bet I could've been.

Yeah, I told Tevita about George Clooney and seeing him UP CLOSE. I told him how embarrassed I was when he caught me staring at him. So embarrassed that I looked down immediately and never looked up again until the shoot was over. 7 HOURS LATER. Tevita listened with interest and the next day, he was all, "Mornin', sweetie, you over George yet?" ha!


Needless to say, I was so excited to get me a pair and guess what?

THEY COST $1200.00!!

Dude, George, you're gonna have to wait a little longer for me to clean off a table you eat at because these bad mamma jammas are close to the bottom of the list of things I could do with that money. Right below laser hair removal and just above implants. . . . and yes, this is a family type blog and that word right there just bumped this post up to PG-13. But talk of cowboy boots and George Clooney could've easily gone a different direction so be grateful I kept it clean and didn't also add in the sub-plot of the pot selling former pro wrestler on that set who looked for any reason to talk to me. . . . Oh, how I wish I had those boots!

Homeless Man Under Pressure.mov

I posted this video on my Facebook page awhile ago. But 'tis the Season to think of those less fortunate, so I'm posting here too.

This man is not homeless, but doing this performance to raise awareness.

I love this song and for some reason, this video has a powerful impact on me every time I watch it.

Go Big Red!

I forgot for a minute how to post a photo on my blog. This logo took a couple of minutes for me!

It's been that long.

And I can't believe I even picked up a subscriber since I last posted!

Anyway, life's been handing us a couple of fun adventures lately and since I no longer watch TV, I thought I'd sit down and share.

Ok, I did watch The Next Iron Chef. And then I regretted it. MING TSAI WAS VOTED OFF!!
Look at that face! WHO DOES THAT? It was a bit of a heartbreak.

Speaking of heartbreak, a really doozey happened for us last week.

And I'm giving you fair warning. If you don't like high school football or if you think it's for small town folks with small town minds. If you are one of those who roll their eyes when a community comes together for the big game or when a sophomore becomes a local hero for running 3 touchdowns in by half time, THEN PLEASE DO NOT READ ON!!

A couple of months ago, our hometeacher invited us to go to a Kahuku football game. Now, I have a history with sports. I take them seriously and some might say too seriously. I don't shave my head (or my lawn), I don't wave the foam finger or body paint my face. I don't even wear team jerseys. But I have been known to pull a Charlie's Angels stunt or two at the TD Garden in Boston to get a glimpse of Karl Malone and Jon Stockton. Also, I once threw a plastic lei in the car window of Bryan Russell and thought myself quite the bad mamma jamma for doing so . . . And if you don't know who Bryon Russell is, then you don't know me.

Needless to say, I do get really really really into the game, the players, the calls, the fouls, the fumbles, the interceptions, etc. (I'm mixing sports here, I know).


So basically, I avoid sports. Too emotional, too stressful, too draining.

But first Kahuku Football game and we both were hooked. I kinda never want to move from Laie now just so I don't miss out on seeing the Red Raiders play.

Anyway, you all probably know what happened this season.

We were undefeated. To the point of using the mercy rule with many teams (when one team is so far ahead of the other one, the winning team begin to play their reserves so that the losing team does not get humiliated by the point stretch. Hence, the mercy rule).

And then two days before the OIA finals, which we would've won, probably using the mercy rule then too, the principal got an anonymous phone call saying that one of the players was a fifth year senior.

Turned out that a third string player was in the 9th grade for 2 weeks before they realized that he was held back and so he was sent back to the 8th grade. This apparently made him a fifth year senior. Make sense? I THOUGHT NOT!

Anyhoo, all the politics of the association forced Kahuku High to forfeit their #1 standing in the league and forfeit the finals to the team they were going to play. (read: don't be a hater cuz u ain't a red raider!).

Honestly, my heart is breaking even as I'm writing this.

So six members of the team are in our ward and Tevita spends every Sunday with them in Young Men. He was completely heartbroken as well.

Anyway, the day we found out, the community mobilized. Ti and I had to be with the our friends, Ti wanted to see his boys in our ward, and I just wanted to show my support.

Uh, yeah. We got a tad bit excited.

There's Ti! He said he hadn't been a part of a demonstration since Utah was going to pass an English Only law! YEARS AGO! I think protesting suits him. ha!

Anyway, Ti went on to take photos with all the team members in our ward. And also, with some family. How cute are Sia's daughters?!!

Below are some of the Mothers of the team players. I'm not posting photos of the players themselves because it's sad to see them struggle. You can tell there's a real sadness in their eyes and I don't know if they or their families would want me to post the pics.
But don't you love Ti with the Moms? he!

Anyway, they went to court to appeal the OIA decision and they lost. Kahuku is officially out this year. They have to forfeit all the games the "5th year" senior played in and this will effect their standing in the OIA. It's a total injustice to these boys.

Yet, this is kind of the kicker for me. The part where I say, "Huh. I think our future is in good hands." and "Wow. Wow. Wow. They had that in them? Wow."

Those same players who were at the rally with their jerseys, those same players who conditioned even before practices and also after practice, those same players who were total gentlemen on the field (eg. the local hero sophomore has been seen on camera helping a member of the opposing team straighten his shoulder pad or giving the football respectfully to the ref after he made a touchdown).

These same players made it to the Temple dedication practice the next morning. Early morning.

Also, the local newspaper wrote that these boys had great character and then went on to quote them:

“This was suppose to be our year, but its OK, shake it off, smile.…This is going to inspire the next generation of Red Raiders,” said Tyrone Brown, Kahuku football player.

“We just believe its part of life. We just have to take from this experience and learn from it,” said Kahuku football player, Dallin Muti. (Dallin is one of the best blockers the Red Raiders has seen in a long time. He's going pro in about 4 years. I know it).

Kind of amazing, isn't it?

Oh, and in case you're wondering. YES, we were one of those wards who talked about it during testimony meeting yesterday. In fact, I believe it was the awesome Bishop in red you see above that spoke of the team, their hard work, this trial, their dignity throughout the process, and how inspired he was by them over these last weeks.


And since I can't think of a proper way to end this post, I think I'll say simply in all the many layers of these boys that I've had the privilege to see this past week:

GO BIG RED!

Drummer Man Cookie Jar

Eggplant

K, Tevita does not enjoy the incredible edible egg(plant). Heaven knows he's tried. But it's just not for him and heaven also knows that he's had to make adjustments to his taste buds since marrying me. . . let's just say his wife loves garlic only second to her husband. So I don't fault him for setting a boundary, drawing a line if you will, in our menu. And it's not like he hates eggplant, he just prefers not to eat it if given a choice.

Anyway, eggplant was in abundance at the farmer's market so I bought it. And since Ti has his preferences, I basically ate it all by myself. Which I love because have you ever had roasted eggplant on crusty bread with olive oil and kalamata olives? Divine.

So basically, I roasted all the eggplant in batches.

That's the before photo up there, sliced eggplant with olive oil, salt, and minced garlic.

And below is the "after" picture! They come out with the skins on! It's an eggplant miracle.!

Yeah, obviously one batch is peeled and another is not. I like the skins on but wanted to try something different. It's a pain to peel Japanese eggplant and since I like the flavor, I leave the skins on.

I put all the batches of eggplant in a bowl for storing and made some pretty tasty dishes:

Flat bread with eggplant spread (heated and mushed roasted eggplant from above), feta, and tomato. Cook in 450 degree oven till the edges of the bread is brown. I added kalamata olives after I took the photo.

There's another photo. Just playing around with my camera. This was a really good dinner. I think I ate it with sliced apple.

Another night, I added that same eggplant mush to these:
Added more garlic and heated it all up in a pan! Then added the sauce to:
and Gah! I can't find the photo on the gobs of pictures on my camera. But basically, it's a yummy and very filling pasta (duh.), dish! And also the only one that Ti tried and enjoyed!

And look at this!
It seriously looks disgusting. Ew. It's a veggie and polenta bake. But it tastes WONDERFUL. So I'll end this post with this recipe and hopefully, somebody will dare to try it and take a more appetizing photo.

Veggie and Polenta Bake

2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
1 medium eggplant, diced
1 small zucchini, diced
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of pepper
1/2 cup water
1 10oz bag of baby spinach (a couple of handfuls)
1 1/2 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup chopped basil
1 8x8in pan, polenta already cooked
1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, divided (omit if dairy free)
pinch of hot pepper

Heat oil in non-stick skillet and add the next four ingredients. Stir till tender and beginning to brown. Add water and spinach; cover and cook till wilted, stirring just once. Stir marinara sauce and hot pepper into the vegetables and heat through (about 3 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in basil.

Sprinkle polenta with 3/4 cup cheese, top with veggie mixture, add remaining cheese.

Bake in 450 degree oven until bubbling and cheese has melted (about 15 minutes).

And enjoy!

Tuscan Bean Soup

This soup is delicious. I promise you, it'll knock your socks off. It's one of those dishes where you don't realize or you forget just how tasty it is until you take that first bite. I haven't made it in awhile and am going to make it tonight. This big pot lasts us about 3 or 4 days in my house. Crusty bread and sliced apples or crusty bread and a bowl of berries are excellent side dishes to this soup. And is it a soup?? I don't know about that. It "eats like a meal". And sorry for the 80's reference, I can't think of anything creative right now. My head is exploding with love for our Capitol, which is where Ti and I have been the last week. We're in love with Washington, D.C.

The recipe might seem daunting at first because of all the chopping. At least it did for me. But ultimately, it's a dump and cook recipe. See all those beans? With the red potato and the barley? I can't find the spinach in these photos but it's in there! . . . Come to think of it, maybe I forgot to add it in this batch but it's great with the spinach.

Tuscan Bean Soup

1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped, including some of the greens
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil ( I end up using triple that. Just keepin' it real).
1 tablespoon of flour (can omit if gluten-free)
1 tablespoon of rosemary leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary (I used dry and the teaspoon is overflowing)
1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme (again, overflow)
1 large bay leaf
black pepper to taste
4-14.5 ounce cans organic chicken broth (I like the salt. You can use reduced salt and it will still be flavorful)
1 cup frozen baby lime beans, rinsed (not a science. I throw the whole frozen package in)
1 15oz can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 15oz can red beans, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup barley, uncooked (brown rice for gluten-free)
1 medium red potato cut into cubes (I used three)
2 sliced carrots
1 cup packed, slivered spinach leaves

In a large saucepan, saute the onion, celery, and garlic in the oil 2 to 3 minutes; stir in the flour, herbs, garlic, and pepper, and saute until the onions are tender. Add the chicken broth, beans, and tomato paste to the saucepan; heat to boiling. Add the barley, potato, and carrots. Return to a low simmer, and cook for 25 minutes. Stir in spinach. Cook for 5 minutes more. Remove from heat and fish out bay leaf!!

I hope hope hope somebody out there tries this and shares in the joy!!

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.