Good News Moment

I have a couple things that I wanted to share....

1. I get to go home to Laie in a couple days. I'm SO ready to go. I'm excited to be with my family again, see some friends, and to just hang out and take a break from Utah.

2. I've decided to receive my endowments when I go home. It's a big move and decision for me. But it is also time for me to go. (For those who are wondering... yes, this is just for me. And no, this isn't because marriage is around the corner.) I've had a lot of trials come my way. They have only made me stronger and brought me closer to Heavenly Father. I've had to learn to rely on my family, my true friends, myself and Heavenly Father more then ever.
I'm excited that I get to go through the Laie temple and that my parents will be there with me. I look forward to the day when I can go with my whole family.

Trials to be had... Lessons to be learned....

So this past week of life has been... interesting and very trying.

Sat Dec 13

After a long day and night at work I decided that I would be social and go to my single's branch Christmas party. It was in Bountiful... which is about 20 min south of where I live. I went and had fun. A snow storm was starting to hit, so we left. It was after 1am by this time. Well I didn't get that far. Sparing the details... I spun out on the freeway and hit the wall. Luckily no one else was involved... no one was near me... and I wasn't hurt either. PLUS there was minimal damage to my car. And YES.... it happened in SLOW MOTION!!!! I tried to reverse, but was stuck in the snow. I looked over to see that a car had pulled over. It hadn't even been a full minute yet. I saw someone walking over. A guy opened my door and asked if I was okay. I told him that I was but couldn't get out of the snow. So he and his friends... about 6 guys... all pushed me out of the snow and back onto the road. The same guy checked on me again to make sure I was okay and said to drive safely.
I was VERY grateful for those guys who stopped to help. They were all in nice clothes and still got dirty. i never did get their names or anything but I hope that they know how grateful I am to them.
Eventually I did make it home safely... I finally made it to a part of the freeway that was plowed!!!! Called a friend on the way home to help me calm down. But didn't go til sleep til 3am.

Sun Dec 14

When I woke up it was snowing HARD! I had to be at the chapel early, so I hurried and got ready. Plowed myself out so I could drive. I got to the chapel just fine. No accidents. After church when I got to my car... it wouldn't stop. Apparently I had left my headlights on the whole 3 1/2 hours. I called my lovely brother-in-law Marty to come and jump my car.
I also stayed up late for other reasons... that are just too dumb to mention.

Mon Dec 15

After a long day of work I headed down to Provo to help a friend with a project. I was over tired and frustrated with a few things. So after I helped my friends I went over to my sister Kahi's house. I stayed up late talking to Kahi and Mike... thanks again for that... and it helped a lot. It had already started snowing pretty good. I figured that the freeways wouldn't be plowed yet, and didn't wanna drive in it so I stayed the night at their house.

Tue Dec 16

I woke up... it was STILL snowing!!! I left as soon as I could. Normally it is an hour drive from Kahi's to my place. Because of the snow... it took me 2 hours. I was overly tired and started falling asleep. But stopped to get food. I had to call my co-woker and switch her shifts so she could open the store for me because I wasn't going to make it back in time. I finally made it back, changed and drove to work. On the drive to work... which is only about 1 mile... my car sounded HORRIBLE!! I wasn't sure what it was. When I got to work I discovered... a falt tire!!! HOORAY FOR ME!!! So after another long day of work... and getting out late... I went outside in 30 degrees to change my tire. My friend Sarah was with me and helping. Yes... I know how to change a tire!!!! BUT I've also never had to change one when its 30 degrees outside. I was having some trouble... so I called MARTY!!!! AGAIN! Poor thing!!! But right when he was on his way over some nice guy came to helped to loosen the lug nuts for me. So Marty didn't have to come!
Lets just say by the end of the night I was DONE and asked Marty for a blessing. I also stayed up late too.

Wed Dec 17

It wasn't a bad day... just long. I did feel better about things over all too! I was still overly exhausted too!

Thur Dec 18

They day was going pretty good. Until... later that is. I went over to my sister Pua's house to use her computer to pay a bill. No one was home at the time. As I walked out I checked to make sure the door was locked. I got to my car to realize... my keys were still in the house! So this time its 33 degrees outside. I'm locked out of Pua's house AND my car. I'm wearing jeans, a long sleeve shirt and a hoodie! THAT'S IT!!!! I called Pua... cause I was ALWAYS calling Marty... she was still in schoool in Salt Lake. So I called Marty, he was in Sandy on his way home. But it would still take him an hour to come home. So I ended up walking to the gas station. It took me about 40 min to get there. I was pretty much numb when I did get there. I bought some hot chocolate and went across the street to the grocery store to wait for Marty.

Fri Dec 19

I worked a double and hoped things would be okay if I just stayed in one spot!!! There was a bad storm, so Marty was nice enough to check up on me to see if I was okay. Which I was. The whole was actually okay.

Sat Dec 20

I woke up and got stuff done. I even made a list of things that I needed to get done. I made my way over to the post office to have them stop my mail while I'm home. On my way out I realize... My keys are still in the ignition. FABULOUS!!!! So I called for Marty AGAIN to come to my rescue. He did. He brought a hanger and was able to unlock my car pretty quickly... HOORAY FOR MARTY!!!!
I went to Pua's to get some stuff done. And as I was leaving to do a few mre things I got called into work early. So nothing else got done. Work for the most part was pretty good. BUT I did get the LAST party of the night... the manager thought she would volunteer me. So sweet of her right?! Yah... well, we close the store at 10pm. This party stayed til 1145pm. So I didn't even get out til after mid night.

Sun Dec 21 TODAY....

I woke up and my body hurt ALL OVER! So I crawled back into bed. And didn't wake up til 12. Church starts at 1230. LOL! I eventaully did make it to church. But during Sunday school my asthma started acting up, I thought I would go out for a few min to see if I could stop the attack from coming on. As I am passing people to get out of class this guy puts something in my hand and says Merry Christmas. I thank him, but I'm REALLY confused. Outside I see that he's given lip gloss. Odd, but okay. After I get my asthma under better control I walk back into the chapel and run into my ex! WONDERFUL! It actually wasn't all that horrible or awkward. We talked and caught up. The awkward part was when everyone walked out of Sunday school and saw us an kept staring at us. And that poor guy that had given me the lip gloss looked mad and disappointed. And then it was embarassing when my branch pres came up to me while I'm talking with this guy to ask me if I will give the closing prayer in sac mtg. I agree. Then he looks at me and says, Is this someone I should know? We both laughed. I said not neccisarily, and then introduced him. GOSH!! AWKWARD!!!!
Then after sac mtg we had a linger longer... and that same guy who gave me the lip gloss was ONE person away from me the whole time. I don't even know what to think. I have only talked to him once... at the branch christmas party. And JUST learned his name. I'm sorry to say but he's one of those very odd people in singles wards! AND I was confused even more because he was sitting by the same girl in sunday school and sac mtg who is NOT HIS SISTER!!! Now I'm REALLY confused!!!


So that's been my week everyone!! With that said.... hahahahahaha all I gotta say is story of my life I tell ya!!!!

No, but really. There are things that I'm grateful for. I'm very grateful that I have a brother-in-law who is willing to come and help me when I call. I'm grateful that I'm comfortable enough to ask him for a blessing or to just call him to come help me. I'm grateful for siblings who help me anytime that I need it. I'm grateful for strangers who are willing to help.
With all of things going on I can't help but say SATAN YOU SUCK!!! And then wonder what Heavenly Father is trying to teach me. What lesson do I need to learn from this? What can I take from this whole experience? How can I become a better person? How do I strengthen myself? Its also helped me rely on Heavenly Father a lot more. Its allowed me to open up to him and say "PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!" when I can't think of anything else to say.
Its amazing the lessons you can learn while going through experiences like this. The things that are brought into perspective and brought to light are amazing. And although I'm sure I still have lessons to learn from this week... knowing that I will make is through this is comforting. Knowing that I have people around me that are there for me and that care is a big help and a wonderful gift. Knowing that I have this gospel in my life brings me joy that can't be described. And knowing that Heavenly Father is there for me and loves me no matter what is priceless.
I've tried to make the best out of this lovely week... and although its been hard and I haven't been all that positive, I think I'm getting hang of it. Hopefully I continue to do so.
Thank you to everyone who has helped me!! I love and appreciate you all!

My OTHER best friend....

So like most people I have a best GIRL friend... Kelly AND a best GUY friend... Nela!!!

Nela and I met Fall semester 2000 at BYU-Hawaii. We had a class together, and the rest is history! For those of you know the rest of that story.... KEEP IT TO YOURSELF!! HAHAHA... no fo real! (Esp YOU KELLY!!!!)

Nela and I... well... we've been through A LOT! I think even that's an understatement. But oh well... we've had the good, bad, ugly, pretty, hash... and everything in between.

Probably one of my favorite memories of Nela is.... one night we went to Kaneohe to go to the movies. One the way home, I didn't feel like driving so I told him to drive since he was pretty much my ONLY friend that knew how to drive a stick shift car. I probably should not have let him drive mostly cause he's Nela. Oh well... too late now. So we're driving home... and we're right by the sewer plant thing. Right where there's that ONE stop light. Well we were coming up to the light... and its red. But Nela's not slowing down. There isn't anyone at the cross street waiting to come out... but he's still not slowing down. THEN WE GO THROUGH THE RED LIGHT!!! I automatically hit him of course... and asked him the hell he was doing. His response.... "I thought it was gonna turn green by the time we got there!" Of course... I slapped him again!!! I couldn't believe that he just did that. Of course when the shock wore off... I was laughing. Its totally something that he WOULD do.

Nela's favorite story... or one of them anyways would involve he and I and a few friends going on a hike. And me showing off my amazing balance! More like me falling and rolling down a hill. But that's all I'm saying about that.

One thing that I love about Nela is his smile! You can't help but smile back at him... Its contagious! Its one of the first things you notice about him. He's also hilarious... lil bit off but hilarious nonetheless... maybe that's why we get along so well. Hmmm... LOL! he can definitely dish out some humble pie... he can also take it too. He loves to dance and sing... esp loves. performing in front of a crowd... something that he is really good at.

I admire Nela's love for the gospel. His faith is never ending, no matter what. He always does what's right. Throughout the years that I've known him, he has taught me so many times to have faith and rely on Heavenly Father. He's been and continues to be such an amazing example to be. He shows a Christ-like love to all those that he comes in contact with, no matter who you are, where you come from, your past, or your current circumstances. There was one particular experience that happened years ago and I didn't find out the whole story and why he made the choices that he did til recently. When I finally understood I was in awe. That's probably the best way to put it. I suddenly admiring him so much more. He choose to do the right thing even if he knew that it would hurt someone else. He chose to listen the his heart, the spirit, and honor his priesthood. During some of my "hard-times", I'll talk to Nela, by the end of our conversation I'm laughing my head off and I don't have a care in the world. He has an amazing talent to help people forget what is keeping them down, remember the good things in life and lifts them up without them even being aware of it.

On a more serious note... Nela has been there for me through it all. With the exception of ONE night that was VERY unexpected, I haven't seen Nela since he left Hawaii in 2003 to go home to Tonga so he could get ready for his mission. As life would have it... we haven't been able to spend more than a couple hours together. And in the five years since he left... we've been in separate countries the whole time. Through all that we've been through our friendship has only gotten stronger.

I'm grateful and very blessed to have Nela not only in my life but as my best friend. I wouldn't want it any other way. Hope you're birthday is amazing!!

Love ya... you OLD FART!!! LOL!

The newest addition!!!

Recently we had a new lil one join our family!!! Kahi and Mike had their third lil one, a girl!! Her name is Chloe! She's of course, adorable!! I was fortunate enough to be there shortly after her birth. I loved just holding her! Its been awhile since I've held a new born. I loved it. It brought back a lot of memories for me.

She's just a few hours old!!!

I just wanted to hold her for a LONG time!

Just before her first bath, that girl has some bombucha (big) feet! LOL!

After her bath... the nurse even gave her a hair-do!!

Welcome to our family lil Chole! WE LOVE YOU!!!

Grateful and proud to be American!

I know that this is random and REALLY late... but I still think that its amazing and I wanted to share it.

In memory of Sept 11th, there is something called "Healing Fields." They pretty much have a huge field full of flags for those who died that horrible day. The company that does these Healing Fields is based in Utah. They have it every year. But this year my first time. It was amazing. It made me very grateful for this wonderful country that I live in. And thankful for those who still continue to allow me to enjoy the freedoms that I have.

Here's some pictures that I took.

The flags seemed to go on FOREVER...

This flag has names listed on the stripes! It was really cool and I wanted one!

This car is a tribute to fallen soldiers! Its beautiful!

If you live in Utah, you should take the opportunity and go at least once.

Good News Moment!!!!

So I picked this up from my friend Ashlee, who got the idea from Relief Society. Its called "Good News Moment", its where I get to share something fun and exciting... AND this is also help me be more grateful for the amazing things in my life!!! I'm hoping to be this once a week... hopefully that's what happens!!!

Today I got a call this morning from our exec sec. He asked if I could meet with our Branch Pres for just a few min before church. I said sure, and didn't put much thought into it. When I started thinking about it, I figured he just wanted to update and on some things and had a few questions. Then suddenly it hit me... OH NO!! He's giving me a calling!!!! The horror hit!! LOL!
I went over a few min early and waited. When I went in, we talked about a few things. Then I thought that maybe I was wrong. That my initial idea was correct. Then suddenly he says... Okay, that was the first part. I laughed.
He did extend a calling to me, and told me about the process that happens when they are deciding on extending a calling. It all brought me such peace. He extended the calling of Visiting Teacher Supervisor. I also laughed at this, but new that it was the right thing for me. Some of you know and some of you don't but I am absolutely HORRIBLE at visiting teaching. Which is why I laughed.
I know why I got this calling. I know that its the right thing for me right now. Besides that, I don't really know how I feel about it. I do however have an even bigger respect for my Branch Pres. He's amazing and definitely follows the spirit and Heavenly Father. He said somethings to my in my interview and while I was set apart that were dead on correct, that I've never said to him. He's amazing and is called by God.
So here's to a new chapter in my life!!!! HOORAY!!!

Moving to Utah... Regrets?!

So recently in a conversation with a friend the topic of me moving to Utah came up. She knows why I came out here, but she asked in so many words if I regretted it or if I'm even happy here. That got me thinking... So here's my response...

As many of you know I moved to Utah on faith and a prompting. I knew that it was the right thing for me to do. I didn't understand why or even how it was all going to work out, but I knew it was what I needed to do for me. As I planned to move here things fell into place, which only confirmed that I needed to go. I moved into an basement apartment in Orem. Probably for the first 6 months I REALLY did not like the fact that I was in Utah. It wasn't horrible, it just wasn't where I wanted to be. I took a trip home that Christmas and realized how much I had gotten used to being on my own and how much I had grown. I came back to Utah with a bit of a better attitude. Although I will admit I still had a bit of a chip on my shoulder. I did get out a lil bit more and made some friends. I later moved into an amazing house and loved my roommates. I also got a job that I enjoyed a lot more. Although I still missed home a ton, and still told people I don't know what I was thinking when I left Hawaii, I was learning to love Orem and the life that I had... it only took me a year and a half. I enjoyed the two jobs I had, loved my bosses at BOTH jobs, I had wonderful roommates, loved my ward and bishop, and I had good friends. What more could I ask for right?! Well, Heavenly Father had other ideas. He felt it was time for me to move AGAIN! I was SO SO SO not happy. I mean, I know the man has a plan and purpose for everything BUT FOR REAL?! WHAT THE HECK?! If anything this prompting was even clearer and stronger then the one I got to move to Utah. I immediately craved that chip back on my shoulder that I had when I moved to Utah and that I had not too long before that had gotten rid of. But, I quickly quit both job and picked up my life and moved an hour north of where I was, to a little place called Clearfield. Luckily, I had my sister Pua up here with me (and Kahi in Provo), or else I might not have made it. Since moving to Clearfield... WOW! I have been challenged like I didn't even think possible. I had a plan, and when things did not come together as I thought they would have, I got very discouraged. I never questioned if I made the right move by picking up so quickly and moving because I knew that I did the right thing. But I questioned my purpose for being moved at all. I didn't see it. And even though I know that I may not see His purpose in the things that he does, it didn't help me stay positive. I struggled everyday. I still struggle. But after being here for 9 months, things are feeling more enjoyable and less like a struggle, which I LOVE! Things feel like they're coming together. Things seem to be a lil better every day. I still get tested every day, but I have a renewed hope about life in general. Its very nice. I'm learning to let go of my bitterness and do away with that chip on my shoulder. I remind myself daily to find the simple pleasures of life!! To be that happy person I know I am.
Overall, I'm so grateful for the experiences that I've had since moving to Utah. They have all not been enjoyable or pleasant. BUT I've been able to learn and grow so much. I've learned how to live with strangers... amazing, fun, crazy (literally), and unpleasant. Something that I really needed to learn was how to rely on my family more. I've always pretty independent. Its amazing when you move away to a place where you know few people (as few as I can in MY world, being from Laie, and Uncle Sam's daughter), I really learned that my family were the most constant people in my life that I could call upon at any time and they would be there for me. I learned to appreciate my parents both individually and together. I constantly catch myself doing things or remembering things that they taught me and worked so hard to instill in me. And some I admit I NEVER thought I'd care about, or I didn't even realize that I WAS listening and paying attention to what they were trying to teach me. I learned how to communicate better with family and friends. When you're so far apart there are so many things that can just be assumed... and we all know what assuming does... so through trial and error I've learned to not assume and communicate. I've learned who my REAL and TRUE friends are. I've learned to let go or distance myself from those who bring me down. I've learned to be grateful for the little things. I've realized how much I took home and all of Hawaii for granted, wish I never had, and know that I never will again. I've learned to take care of myself in so many ways that I had neglected before. Most of all I've learned to trust and rely on Heavenly Father. To have the faith that I need. My tetsimony has grown so much since I've come here. I can't even begin to explain all the I've learned and how much I've grown since coming here.... words wouldn't do it justice.
My only 2 regrets... 1. Some of my stupid mistake that I've made, man I wish I could take some of those back. But I also realize that with those choices came the experiences that have made me who I am. 2. That I haven't had a better attitude about moving here. That I wasn't so bitter for so long. I know that there has been a plan all along. I know that there was and is still a purpose to me moving here. But I realize now that even though I moved here because I was doing the right thing I didn't do it with the right attitude. There's a difference in doing something willingly because you are asked, and doing it JUST because you were told and not really looking at it for what it truely is.
My plan now... learn all that I can. Take every alst bit in... with the RIGHT attitude. Grow as much as I can... spiritually MUCH more then physically LOL! Work as hard as I can to have my own life plan match up with Heavenly Fathers. Learn to love Utah... as much as my mom does or at least close to it, appreciate all it has to offer and its beauty. And to smile and laugh my way through life!!! I'm sure there are hard times ahead... but now more then ever I realize I get to choose if those hard times are gonna get to me or not. Like my mom says... Water off a ducks back!!!! Or my favorite new motto... Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... its about learning to dance in the rain.
Dancing here I come....

Tagged by Lia... AGES AGO!!!

The Picture Mem: Find pictures that fit the following categories.

Dream Vacation:

I would love to go to Venice, Italy. Mostly cause that's my name and also cause I just think it would be cool.



I would also love to go to New Zealand. I just think its beautiful and since I haven't been out of the country yet, so hey why not right?!




Okay but FOR REAL... what I'd REALLY LOVE to do for a vacation is go around the USA and Canada to visit all the temples. Drive all over the country and sight see. PLUS see the temples. Then later I'd like to go around the world to see the rest.

Dream Car:

Its all about stow-n-go!!!! Seriously, I'm not only really all about vans... yet anyway... but I'm sure as a mom I'm gonna want or even need a van. And when that time comes... it'll be all about stow-n-go!!!



But really... I like trucks! I don't know that I have a specific truck that I'm really into at the moment. But I'd MUCH rather have a truck then a van!!!

Favorite Place to Shop:

Okay... so really I don't have a fav place to shop. PLUS I don't really go shopping, partially cause I'm poor and partially cause I don't have the patience to shop. But here are some of the places that I do shop when I do... or that I have been recently anyway.

Favorite Flower:

My favorite flower at home is the plumeria for a couple reasons... it reminds me of home and they remind me of my grandma.



I also really like gerber daisies!! They make me happy. I love how big and colorful they are.

Guilty Pleasure:

I'm gonna have to go with sleeping. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to sleep!!!! Some of you may laugh... cause I don't always get a lot of sleep, or my life style doesn't allow a lot of it. BUT when I do sleep... man do I sleep. Sometimes I feel like I'm wasting so much time. I could be doing so many things, like working on one of the ten projects I usually have going on. Sometimes I'd just rather sleep though, instead of be my normal-productive-self.

Favorite Hobby:

Reading seems to be the thing I do the most



I like going to the theater or just staying home to watch movies... although I don't seem to do it as much as I used to.

Maybe I'm crazy but I like playing with kids!



And yes, I do enjoy scrap booking... or just doing crafty things.

Favorite Actress:

Okay, So I don't have a favorite actress. But here are some that I like.

Favorite Actor:

Same goes for actors!

Birthplace:

I was born at Castle Hospital in Kailua, HI

Favorite Color(s):

Orange is my fav color. It has been for years. My mom used to hope that it was a "phase"... SORRY MOM!!! This one is here to stay.

Dream Career:

I've wanted to be a teacher my whole life... as far back as I can remember. And although I may have lost interest in it along the way, I have found my passion for it again!!!

However, I have always wanted to be a stay-at-home-mom. Always. There's never been a question or a debate about it. My mom did it, and I see the benefits of it. I feel its one of the most important things that I can do in this world. And even though this picture is probably a good guess at what I'm going to look like, its not the reason it appeals to me. I want to be able to stay at home with my own children and watch them grown and learn. I want to be able to teach them things. And to be able to play with them. That's what appeals to me about it.

PS I tag Kelly, Head, Pua, Lilia, Kahanu, Kahi, Liz, Marie, and Ronna... and anyone else who wants to do it.