Apologies blogsters but I've been unbelievably busy with work, which I think will be the subject of my next blog. I also just reread some of my past blog entries. They’re terrible! Maybe it’s because I haven’t defined my perspective... I'll try to work on that.
Last weekend, I spent a considerable amount of time with my family. My mom was in town for a week and both my brothers made an effort to spend time with her and each other. My recently married younger brother brought along his new wife and child. Because both of my brothers were married in non-traditional conventions (read: eloping), I've never really had that period during their courtship to develop a relationship with their wives. And since both of my sisters are single, I've never had to really deal with sibling in-laws. I decided last weekend to cultivate a relationship.
My younger brother and I are an interesting pair with numerous similarities. We have similar humors (his is slightly blonde at times...) and share a passion for reading, bacon cheeseburgers, food in general, athletics and tv shows. I think us being the younger children of five have allowed us to bond in a way unique from the rest of my siblings. If I'm close with my brother, I wondered; how close would I be to his wife?
Turns out Uli's wife is slightly reserved at first yet incredibly sociable when comfortable. We spent last weekend bonding over tv shows (Glee, sytycd, Cupcake Wars) and exchanging stories over great food. I understand that an adjustment is needed when joining another family - especially a close knit unit. But I hope, in time, we're more than just in-laws. I'm interested to see how her personality and character diversify our family for the better. Welcome to the tribe, sis.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The One About Mi Amigo Sam...
Arguably considered unpatriotic, I spent my July 4th weekend in Guadalajara, Mexico visiting my oldest friend. In 1991, my family moved to Hau’ula, Hawaii as my eldest sister, Rochelle was attending Brigham Young University-Hawaii. It was at Laie Elementary that I met… Sam Moe. Duhn Duhn Duhhhhhhn. Haha.
Sam, to this day, claims that I had a fob/kiwi accent when I greeted him with a friendly, Cowabunga dude! (I was a teenage mutant ninja turtle fan…) in 2nd grade. A year later, Sam and I enrolled in an after-school Spanish class. We were the only two students truly dedicated to learning a language deemed exciting and exotic, both characteristics absent from a
Sam, to this day, claims that I had a fob/kiwi accent when I greeted him with a friendly, Cowabunga dude! (I was a teenage mutant ninja turtle fan…) in 2nd grade. A year later, Sam and I enrolled in an after-school Spanish class. We were the only two students truly dedicated to learning a language deemed exciting and exotic, both characteristics absent from a
predominantly Pacific Island community. We even continued studying Spanish as part of a handful of 8th graders taking High School Spanish. The class allowed us to have High School Lunch – which separated us socially from the our intermediate peers. Can you imagine how cool we thought we were?
Sam recently graduated from Brigham Young University. He decided to cap off his collegiate career with a six-week study abroad program in Guadalajara, Mexico. And I jetted off to spend his last weekend there with him. On Saturday, July 3, 2010, I met Sam in front of the Catedral in Plaza Tapatia (see left). This time, he looked like a fob with his Mexcian moustache. haha. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of him. Check facebook! We spent the rest of the weekend listening 
to the most amazing Mariachi band, exploring Guadalajara on the bus (kinda amazing!), shopping, attending the local ward (entirely in Spanish!), hanging out with Sam's host family, and eating everything! Seriously, I couldn't believe how great and cheap the food was. One of my favorites? Torta Ahogada, a unique bread made only in Guadalajara with beef drenched in a creamy tomato sauce.
Despite my attempt at Mexico becoming a relaxing getaway from Salt Lake City, I couldn't escape certain issues that have been recently consuming my life. Namely, determining my optimal career and navigating singledom. Sam, at this point of his life, is a throwback to my own transition from college student to real world adult. His plans include moving back to Hawaii 
and finding work within a non-profit organization. Normal, right? Except Sam shared his anxiety from the immense pressure of moving home as an adult -- hoping to achieve his life's goals. Whoa! I considered Sam's experiences along with my own and wondered: faced with endless opportunities, is it natural to fear the unknown? What a relief to learn that I was no exception to this feeling.
Monday, June 14, 2010
The One About Operation 30...
On thursday, I had dinner with some friends at my place. One of my friends admitted to dating someone we didn't know. Of course, we looked up his pretty little teine (girl) on facebook. Not bad... Before I realized what was happening, my friends started perusing my pictures. From 2003. When I was skinny skinnier. All of a sudden, judging pictures wasn't so fun...
Today, I decided to start Operation 30 - losing 30 pounds in the next 2 months. I've been wanting to get back to my lean-mean-fighting-machine size. And now would be the best time to start. So after ditching church yesterday 15 mins early to pick up cousin Pono, we headed out to Chuckarama (Utah's best all you can eat buffet) for my final feast.
For those interested in my regimen, Operation 30 is a combination of exercise (weights, yoga, running, tennis) and a diet of healthy foods, protein shakes, and twice-daily vitamins. Let me know if you have any questions. Wish me luck!
In 2003...
Today, I decided to start Operation 30 - losing 30 pounds in the next 2 months. I've been wanting to get back to my lean-mean-fighting-machine size. And now would be the best time to start. So after ditching church yesterday 15 mins early to pick up cousin Pono, we headed out to Chuckarama (Utah's best all you can eat buffet) for my final feast.
For those interested in my regimen, Operation 30 is a combination of exercise (weights, yoga, running, tennis) and a diet of healthy foods, protein shakes, and twice-daily vitamins. Let me know if you have any questions. Wish me luck!
In 2003...Saturday, June 12, 2010
The One About Gleeful Alaska...
Before deciding to blog during a cold, rainy night, I was struck with two major realizations. First, I'm so exhausted that I have dark circles under my eyes. Second, it's FRIDAY! I swear it was Tuesday yesterday...
Exactly a week ago, I visited Caryn Kunz Lesuma in Fairbanks, Alaska. Caryn and I grew up in the same town but became friends in college. Besides having common Hawaii roots, Caryn and I shared the same faith, sang together in an a capella group, and collided into a number of adventures that only happen in movies. During my freshman year, I decided to choreograph a Samoan dance for our college lu'au. Days before the lu'au, Caryn hurt her arm rollerskating (probably on a date). With her arm in a sling, Caryn could not dance in the lu'au. Instead, she spent the night in my room hemming the dancer's costumes (while I napped) and single handedly drenched dancers with baby oil prior to the show. I think she even used her good hand to fill in as the bass drummer during our number...
My visit with Caryn and her husband Vaughn exceeded my expectations. I ate amazing quantities - bacon burgers, nachos, baby back ribs, 2 lbs of spaghetti, pizza, marshmallow cereal - spent an afternoon soaking in the Chena Hot Springs, visited an Ice Museum, watched an Arena Football Game, skipped church to watch a movie, visited the North Pole, took a semi-risque picture on Santa's chair, and ran a full mile in crisp Alaskan air. More importantly, we talked and exchanged experiences, insights, future plans and advice.
Still dazed with the adjustment of being back in SLC, I was excited to catch the season finale of Glee. I've been following the show religiously since it's pilot episode and am a proud Gleek. Despite the crazy theatrics of a baby birthing spliced into the dazzling rendition of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody (yes, the show is that crazy!), I was moved by the group's distress at not placing at Regionals resulting in the Glee Club being disbanded. Realizing how much their relationships meant now that club was over, Schuester's advice provided no comfort.
''One day, all of you are gonna be gone, and all of this, all of us, will be nothing but a hazy memory.''
My friend, Vanity told me last night that friends resolve temporary voids. Once fulfilled, the friend is no longer necessary. I couldn't disagree more. My experiences in Alaska prove that my friendship with Caryn is still as nurturing as ever. Sure, the extent of our friendship has changed. I've only really seen her once or twice this year. But I measure friendships by the ease and ability to fall into a natural social rhythm already established. Last week, during those four days, I relived four years of college while created new memories that are anything but hazy. Thanks Car Ku.
Exactly a week ago, I visited Caryn Kunz Lesuma in Fairbanks, Alaska. Caryn and I grew up in the same town but became friends in college. Besides having common Hawaii roots, Caryn and I shared the same faith, sang together in an a capella group, and collided into a number of adventures that only happen in movies. During my freshman year, I decided to choreograph a Samoan dance for our college lu'au. Days before the lu'au, Caryn hurt her arm rollerskating (probably on a date). With her arm in a sling, Caryn could not dance in the lu'au. Instead, she spent the night in my room hemming the dancer's costumes (while I napped) and single handedly drenched dancers with baby oil prior to the show. I think she even used her good hand to fill in as the bass drummer during our number...
My visit with Caryn and her husband Vaughn exceeded my expectations. I ate amazing quantities - bacon burgers, nachos, baby back ribs, 2 lbs of spaghetti, pizza, marshmallow cereal - spent an afternoon soaking in the Chena Hot Springs, visited an Ice Museum, watched an Arena Football Game, skipped church to watch a movie, visited the North Pole, took a semi-risque picture on Santa's chair, and ran a full mile in crisp Alaskan air. More importantly, we talked and exchanged experiences, insights, future plans and advice.
Still dazed with the adjustment of being back in SLC, I was excited to catch the season finale of Glee. I've been following the show religiously since it's pilot episode and am a proud Gleek. Despite the crazy theatrics of a baby birthing spliced into the dazzling rendition of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody (yes, the show is that crazy!), I was moved by the group's distress at not placing at Regionals resulting in the Glee Club being disbanded. Realizing how much their relationships meant now that club was over, Schuester's advice provided no comfort.
''One day, all of you are gonna be gone, and all of this, all of us, will be nothing but a hazy memory.''
My friend, Vanity told me last night that friends resolve temporary voids. Once fulfilled, the friend is no longer necessary. I couldn't disagree more. My experiences in Alaska prove that my friendship with Caryn is still as nurturing as ever. Sure, the extent of our friendship has changed. I've only really seen her once or twice this year. But I measure friendships by the ease and ability to fall into a natural social rhythm already established. Last week, during those four days, I relived four years of college while created new memories that are anything but hazy. Thanks Car Ku.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The One About A Fanged Bride...
I was enthralled with Shoney Hixson the first time I saw her. In October of 2002, she soloed Take 7's, Gonna Love You Right in full vampire regalia. As much as I loved that song, I was completely distracted by her blood red lips and sharp fangs. You try saying, Gonna Love You Right, and imagine how much sexier you'd be with fangs. I should know, I bought fang implants the next day and tried it out. haha. Okay, I really didn't. But I regret not trying...
Fast forward to this past Saturday and I'm watching Shoney glide down the aisle of First Presbytarian church in Oklahoma City. The rest of the wedding carried on quickly and my backup wife (if we're not married by 30, we're taking the plunge) and I drove to the reception excited to start celebrating. Highlights: Shoney's surprise musical number, being adopted by Shoney's Aunt Janet, racy pictures in the photo booth, open bar, amazing wedding cake.
As part of the wedding party, I could not deny the genuine love between Shoney, Ray and their loved ones. It was truly a pure union of two individuals and their families. Congrats again! I hope Shoney took my advice. I recommended her taking fang implants to Aruba for their honeymoon... hahaha.
Fast forward to this past Saturday and I'm watching Shoney glide down the aisle of First Presbytarian church in Oklahoma City. The rest of the wedding carried on quickly and my backup wife (if we're not married by 30, we're taking the plunge) and I drove to the reception excited to start celebrating. Highlights: Shoney's surprise musical number, being adopted by Shoney's Aunt Janet, racy pictures in the photo booth, open bar, amazing wedding cake.
As part of the wedding party, I could not deny the genuine love between Shoney, Ray and their loved ones. It was truly a pure union of two individuals and their families. Congrats again! I hope Shoney took my advice. I recommended her taking fang implants to Aruba for their honeymoon... hahaha.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The One About Popped Balloons...
Life P.A (Post Arrest...) has been a non-stop roller coaster ride - half tea cup ride from Disney and half Goliath from Six Flags. Good News: Cleared warrant (see last post regarding arrest) for only $50. Bad News: Canceling trip to India with friends, Tyrone and Vaman. We had planned this trip since February. I was most excited at waking up in Bangalore to the smell of curry and cinnamon, strolling past exotic street vendors or occasional snake charmer, and waiting for a Bollywood musical number to spontaneously evolve from the beat of a simple bongo drum.
Yeah yeah, I know. All Indian cliches... But I'd gladly join in on the 2nd 8-count of that Bollywood routine if it ever happened. haha.
At my church's Family Home Evening (weekly program designed to strengthen individual and communal relationships) on Monday night, we were split into four teams and forced to construct a tower using balloons and tape. The catch? Teams had to do this all while remaining completely silent. A representative from each team received the instructions/materials and attempted to mime directions to the team. As one of the moderators, I was to monitor my team and pop a balloon each time they made a noise. And of course, I took my job seriously. Sorry team, even sighing is a noise. POP. Saying sorry to me? POP. In total, I popped six balloons. And the completed tower looked more like a misshapen upright hook... But I was more intrigued with my group's behavior. Every balloon popped did not ever detract them from building the tower. Sure, they glared at me like they wanted to pop me. But they did not once turn on each other or the noise offender - what I had believed was inherent human behavior. They were more concerned with the larger picture regardless of minor setbacks.
With all that's happened in the last two weeks, it seems like I've only been hearing the sound of balloons popping. Phone lost? POP. Car Impounded? POP. Losing ticket to General Conference? POP. Extremely embarrassed at being arrested in front of coworkers and knowing it circuited the ranks, I took time off from work to lay low at home. Combined with other self-punishing behavior as a result of these setbacks, I'm relieved to learn that this behavior is really detrimental to my progress. My reaction to these mistakes is my own choice. It took popping balloons for this realization to surface. Here's to constant education and hoping I actually make it to India someday. Anyone want to meet me at Star of India for lunch in the meantime? My treat.
Yeah yeah, I know. All Indian cliches... But I'd gladly join in on the 2nd 8-count of that Bollywood routine if it ever happened. haha.
At my church's Family Home Evening (weekly program designed to strengthen individual and communal relationships) on Monday night, we were split into four teams and forced to construct a tower using balloons and tape. The catch? Teams had to do this all while remaining completely silent. A representative from each team received the instructions/materials and attempted to mime directions to the team. As one of the moderators, I was to monitor my team and pop a balloon each time they made a noise. And of course, I took my job seriously. Sorry team, even sighing is a noise. POP. Saying sorry to me? POP. In total, I popped six balloons. And the completed tower looked more like a misshapen upright hook... But I was more intrigued with my group's behavior. Every balloon popped did not ever detract them from building the tower. Sure, they glared at me like they wanted to pop me. But they did not once turn on each other or the noise offender - what I had believed was inherent human behavior. They were more concerned with the larger picture regardless of minor setbacks.
With all that's happened in the last two weeks, it seems like I've only been hearing the sound of balloons popping. Phone lost? POP. Car Impounded? POP. Losing ticket to General Conference? POP. Extremely embarrassed at being arrested in front of coworkers and knowing it circuited the ranks, I took time off from work to lay low at home. Combined with other self-punishing behavior as a result of these setbacks, I'm relieved to learn that this behavior is really detrimental to my progress. My reaction to these mistakes is my own choice. It took popping balloons for this realization to surface. Here's to constant education and hoping I actually make it to India someday. Anyone want to meet me at Star of India for lunch in the meantime? My treat.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
The One About Salt Lake County Jail
Exactly three hours ago, I ran out of Salt Lake County Jail thrilled with the falling snow, fresh air and bright moon. Freedom is amazing, I thought. For exactly 4.5 hours tonight, yours truly was locked up in jail. That's right, jail. But I'm getting ahead of myself. And like Julie Andrews sang in Sound of Music, Let's Start From the Very Beginning...
I was eating dinner with friends when we were interrupted by a colleague regarding an urgent matter. I followed him to two policemen, who notified me of an outstanding warrant from a year ago. As a result, they would be arresting and escorting me to the Salt Lake County Jail. While they continued talking about bail and possibly spending the night in jail, I was hit with the full realization that this wasn't some cheap punk'd practical joke. After promising to be discreet, they slapped handcuffs on me and marched me to their car in plain site of my coworkers, friends and random strangers staring at me like I was a national threat.
Fast forward to being handcuffed to a rail in a holding cell. Still in a shocked I-Can't-Believe-This-Is-Happening-To-Me state, I became aware of my five prison mates. There were two African American males, two Arab-looking males, and the fifth was a Caucasian female. In complete silence, we waited as the jail officials individually conducted a body search. I was wearing overalls at the time and panicked because I was only wearing boxer briefs beneath them. This led to a very nervous confession forcing the searcher to awkwardly pat me down without removing my overalls...
Led to the"Pit", I was directed to the wall of phones and realized that I had to let someone know I was in jail. Not having memorized too many phone numbers, I called my cousin, Pono and asked him to call friend, Tiffany for a ride. If I were released... After taking mugshots, fingerprints, and sitting in three different holding cells, I had my pretrial. Turns out, I had received a ticket a year ago for a broken tail light. Because I had not paid the ticket, I was charged for vehicle equipment requirement. Even my pretrial admin could not believe the silliness of my arrest. She immediately issued my release papers and I returned to my group excited to be leaving. Unfortunately, not everyone in my group was as lucky. One of the African Americans has 5 felony and 3 misdemeanor charges. The other had 5 different traffic warrants. Both would be spending 1-6 months in jail. In order to take my mind off their news, I began watching the news interested to see who got kicked off American Idol when mugshots of the 2 Arabs were shown. They were arrested by the FBI for a credit/debit card skimming scam in Richmond, Utah. Check it out!
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=10217683&s_cid=E0002
To think that I was handcuffed and held in the same room as these criminals for a BROKEN TAIL LIGHT is CRAZY!
Lesson learned. After enjoying my freedom and slowly gaining closure on tonight, I realized that I need to be accountable. That night I was ticketed, I drove my car knowing full well that my lights were a lil shady. However, I thought it would be fine. After receiving the ticket, I promised to pay but forgot as I didn't think the consequences would be that severe. Especially after discovering that ticket was only a measly $50. Definitely a bargain compared to the embarrassment and jail time it eventually evolved into. To make a long story short, I either need to step it up or move out of Utah. I'm gunning for the former but the latter seems more appealing.
Shout out to my fellow Pit/jailmates - Robert, Lavon, Steve, Scott and (especially) Amber. You all made my first (and hopefully last!) experience truly unforgettable.
And I'm hoping this jail time ups my street cred. Maybe I should release an album based on my time in the joint... hahaha.
I was eating dinner with friends when we were interrupted by a colleague regarding an urgent matter. I followed him to two policemen, who notified me of an outstanding warrant from a year ago. As a result, they would be arresting and escorting me to the Salt Lake County Jail. While they continued talking about bail and possibly spending the night in jail, I was hit with the full realization that this wasn't some cheap punk'd practical joke. After promising to be discreet, they slapped handcuffs on me and marched me to their car in plain site of my coworkers, friends and random strangers staring at me like I was a national threat.
Fast forward to being handcuffed to a rail in a holding cell. Still in a shocked I-Can't-Believe-This-Is-Happening-To-Me state, I became aware of my five prison mates. There were two African American males, two Arab-looking males, and the fifth was a Caucasian female. In complete silence, we waited as the jail officials individually conducted a body search. I was wearing overalls at the time and panicked because I was only wearing boxer briefs beneath them. This led to a very nervous confession forcing the searcher to awkwardly pat me down without removing my overalls...
Led to the"Pit", I was directed to the wall of phones and realized that I had to let someone know I was in jail. Not having memorized too many phone numbers, I called my cousin, Pono and asked him to call friend, Tiffany for a ride. If I were released... After taking mugshots, fingerprints, and sitting in three different holding cells, I had my pretrial. Turns out, I had received a ticket a year ago for a broken tail light. Because I had not paid the ticket, I was charged for vehicle equipment requirement. Even my pretrial admin could not believe the silliness of my arrest. She immediately issued my release papers and I returned to my group excited to be leaving. Unfortunately, not everyone in my group was as lucky. One of the African Americans has 5 felony and 3 misdemeanor charges. The other had 5 different traffic warrants. Both would be spending 1-6 months in jail. In order to take my mind off their news, I began watching the news interested to see who got kicked off American Idol when mugshots of the 2 Arabs were shown. They were arrested by the FBI for a credit/debit card skimming scam in Richmond, Utah. Check it out!
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=10217683&s_cid=E0002
To think that I was handcuffed and held in the same room as these criminals for a BROKEN TAIL LIGHT is CRAZY!
Lesson learned. After enjoying my freedom and slowly gaining closure on tonight, I realized that I need to be accountable. That night I was ticketed, I drove my car knowing full well that my lights were a lil shady. However, I thought it would be fine. After receiving the ticket, I promised to pay but forgot as I didn't think the consequences would be that severe. Especially after discovering that ticket was only a measly $50. Definitely a bargain compared to the embarrassment and jail time it eventually evolved into. To make a long story short, I either need to step it up or move out of Utah. I'm gunning for the former but the latter seems more appealing.
Shout out to my fellow Pit/jailmates - Robert, Lavon, Steve, Scott and (especially) Amber. You all made my first (and hopefully last!) experience truly unforgettable.
And I'm hoping this jail time ups my street cred. Maybe I should release an album based on my time in the joint... hahaha.
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