I’ve been thinking about my life a lot lately. Trying to make some changes — nothing major, just typical New Year Resolution type stuff. Anyways, I was thinking about how much I’ve changed in the last couple of years, some for the better, some for the worse. I started thinking about our tour here in Hawaii, and the benefits and drawbacks. (pretty introspective huh? and can you see how my mind wanders?? It’s really too small to be out on its own).  So I thought about things I had learned this last year and 1/2. Here are some of them:

1. I never get tired of rainbows, even seeing them almost every day.   

2. I do get tired of the rain that makes the rainbows.  

3. There is a point when going to the beach doesn’t sound good, in fact sounds like a chore.

4. Gas prices on the mainland look good to me, I wouldn’t mind paying those prices — at any time they run about $0.50 less than here.

5. Living on an island means you have lush tropical beauty in all 4 directions.

6. Living on an island means limited resources.

7. There are more stars visible here than anywhere I’ve ever been before, even way out in the country on the mainland.

8. You haven’t seen a sunset till you’ve watched one from above the clouds.

9. Racism isn’t just for white people.

10. I am sick of rice, and SPAM should never be on every section of the menu.

11. Nothing beats the taste of fresh pineapple, mango, strawberry guava, apple bananas, or coconut.

12. It’s very cool to have a banana tree out your bedroom window.  

13. Banana trees have banana spiders…not so good.

14. Fleas love Maui too.

15. April 20th is a (unofficial) holiday — for those of you who are unaware, it’s national pakalolo day, founded by Bob Marley.

16. It’s great to be able to wear a swimsuit and slippahs to restaurant, stores and even church.

17. I hate myself in my swimsuit.

18. I never get tired of exploring the ocean reefs.

19. Swimming with Manta rays, eels, octopus and sea turtles is indescribable.

20. My hair hates humidity.

21. My allergies had magnified exponentially since moving here.

22. It is possible to (and extremely unpleasant) to rub your eyes raw.

23. The lush tropical landscape and amazing variety of flora and fauna make up for my suffering.

24. I love to watch hula and listen to native chants.

25. It’s hard to be unhappy when the world around you is in constant bloom.

Alright… that’s just a few… I might add more later. What types of things have you learned this last year???

 ok,

I’m a bad xangan. I understand the point of  a blog is update and write on a regular basis. What can I say. Life interfered. So here we go….

The drama with home schooling (aka tutoring) the landlord’s son. The biggest issue…. inconsistency on the parents part! He has a lot of different diagnosis for a variety of different things… however I have very little difficulties with him. He is fairly cooperative (for a 13 year old boy), he focuses and pays attention for the most part, not a whole lot worse than my own daughter, and produces a satisfactory level of work. However, he frequently shows up at 10:30 instead of 9:30. He brings breakfast with him (that his folks took him 20 minutes each way to get) and then takes his time eating. However he works quickly and gets a good deal done in the time we have so…. whatever.

Last week we had a major melt down, but it wasn’t here at the house during the school day, it was after because neither of his parents were home and they had no arrangements for him to get back to his house. He got frustrated after trying to track them down for 2 1/2 hours and lost it. Tore up the cottage where his dad lives. Dad decided he couldn’t handle a 6 hour school day. HUH??!!  I kept telling him it wasn’t the school day that caused the meltdown, but nope……. it couldn’t have been HIS fault!! — ::heavy sigh:: THAT is one of the biggest problems, not just with education, but with everything, parents don’t want to take responsibility for the upbringing of the childern and the behavior and attitudes of their children.

Ok, enough educational drama….

Here’s something,

Why is it that when you have major vacuuming to do, the vacuums die? Notice I said vacuums…. how is that possible? You would think the laws of averages would be with me, but no…. both failed when I needed them.

The same thing when there is a ton of laundry and all of sudden you realize you have just enough to do, a midget sized load.

If only the lawn mower would disappear, I would have an excuse to not mow.

This week there is a Franciscan Friar at the church. He is very inspirational. He will be giving talks every night for the this week. We plan to attend tomorrow and Thursday. (It’s a long drive). In addition Hubby will be going over to Oahu for a day or two, and this week he is busy guiding tours for the NATO conference. In addition we will have a teenage houseguest, as her mom is TDY this week. Sounds like fun huh? I have so much school work to do, it’s not even close to funny!! So I’d better be off, to start getting some of that done!

Found this cartoon and it soooo fits!! For both me and the girls, not hubby, he can’t focus on more than one thing at a time…. MEN!!

What about you?? Can you multi-task???

 

 

 

I will make an update entry later (I hope) but for right now I just wanted to say

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS!!!

 

We miss you and love you bunches. Hope you have a fantastic day!

   

 

Alright! Here a few pictures from the Underwater Easter Egg hunt. Fun was had by all… well, not so much for Silver_Fangz. Due to being sick, she’s was unable to equalize and had to cancel her dive. Very sad!! Although she did still get a tee-shirt! Hubby, Squirt and Commander’s daughter continued. Squirt found 1, Commander’s daughter scored two and hubby was skunked! All got prizes and had a great time however. They hope to do better in October during the underwater pumpkin carving contest.

Easter was quiet and filled with family and worship. Just how it should be! We attended the early mass (7:30) which meant getting up at 6:00 am and leaving by 6:30 to get a spot. However, we had to turn around and go back for chairs and mats. We were attending the outside service and the girls had heard them announce to bring these things to the outdoor services. I felt kind of foolish walking up to church, dressed in Sunday Best, carrying camping chairs. Half an hour later I was very thankful I had hauled that chair, as otherwise I would have been getting tired of standing! We brought some extra beach mats and shared them with other families. It was a beautiful service. I’m also so glad when Easter arrives as the music improves at church, like the Glory comes back and the Alleluia. I miss those during lent.

Afterwards we hid eggs for the kids. We had some special eggs this year that you could hang and stick on walls and in dark spaces so that bumped the challenge up a bit. Which was good, otherwise the kids are kind of bored with the hunting stuff! Later we had dinner, I finished my school work and then we played Pictionary. Hubby and Silver_Fangz tromped us, even though we had a big lead in the beginning. They got on a roll, and we got stuck!!! It was lots of fun. I love just hangin’ with my family.

---

Talking with my dad this week end about the state of this country’s education. It’s amazing what could be learned through an 8th grade education back in my dad’s day. I thought this would be appropriate to demonstrate.

A very self-important college freshman at a recent USC football game, took it upon himself to explain to a senior citizen sitting next to him why it was impossible for the older generation to
understand his own. “You  grew up in a different, actually almost primitive, world,” the student said  loud enough for the whole crowd to hear. “We young people today grew up with television, jet planes, space travel, man walking on the moon, our spaceships have visited Mars… We even have nuclear energy, electric and hydrogen cars, computers with light-speed processing ….. and uh.”

Taking advantage of a pause for breath in the student’s litany, the “wizened” one said, “You’re right, Son. We didn’t have those things when we were young…so we invented them.. you arrogant little shithead!!  “Now….what are you doing for the next generation??”

I love senior citizens

Today was Math class for Squirt. Then we went shopping for an Easter outfit for her. Found an adorable dress and some really cute sandals/heels she’s a size 7 already!! I can’t believe it! Then out to lunch followed by a stop at the Wiki Wai car wash were we restored my jeep to a burgundy color and the windows are once again clear. Which, I find very helpful in driving. This afternoon we have horseback riding lessons, followed by mass.

Saturday the kids are going on an underwater Easter egg hunt thanks to our friendly local dive shop. They also sponsor an underwater pumpkin carving contest in October. I think it will be a blast for the kids. Of course hubby is going too… any opportunity to get in and dive. I really wish I could join them, but I guess I’ll have to settle for pictures. Instead I guess I’ll relax on the beach and maybe get some more homework done. That’s a novel idea! Actually doing homework. Hmmm… that’s so crazy… it just might work!

I wandered around the GNC and Vitamin World. I was looking for Transfer Factor, but I guess I’ll have to order it. I’m actually wanting it for my dog. I think if I can get her resistance up, we might finally get rid of these fleas. We have certainly decimated their population, but no success in actual elimination.

---

I had a very strange dream last night. It involved looking for an old boyfriend, a station wagon, a friend in stilettos, and an alien plant that shot out jewelery. Needless to say… I woke up going what the ??????

They say that dreams are a manifestation of our subconscious. What on EARTH could I possibly have buried that would manifest in that way? Maybe it means I’m really an alien. That would actually explain a lot! LOL. My hubby once joked about this as I spent my early childhood years (late 60′s) in Roswell. You know.. the alien’s have landed country. He thinks I may possible be an alien descendent. Hmmmm…. Nope, I’m afraid I’m just weird.

What’s the weirdest dream you’ve ever had?

I was thinking about the changes we have made as we transitioned from babies to teenagers. All the paraphernalia that accompanies having a baby is replaced with other paraphernalia… it didn’t actually go away like we hoped. Here’s a breakdown.

Strollers replaced by roller blades, or razor scooters.

Car seats replaced laptops

Formula and baby food replaced by pizza and dip and chips

Walkers and bouncers replaced by skate shoes and converse

Swings replaced by books and video games

Blankies replaced by favorite jackets and shrugs.

Baby monitors replaced by cell phones

Pacifiers replaced by ipods

And finally, diaper costs replaced by tuition costs.

I always thought that having babies was so expensive, now I realize that having teenagers are even more expensive and as they move towards driving and college, the expense is sure to grow. I love them at this age though. I’ve loved each stage. So I guess I’ll just sit back and enjoy the ride. It will be over before I know it, and then I can began the financial recoup I’ll need!

---

What stage has been your favorite? Or which one are you looking forward to?

 

I just can’t get motivated. I think I’m suffering from major burn-out. This term I have classes I’m actually interested in. Regardless, I can’t force myself to pick up my text books. I did finally get my stuff done by the required deadline. Haarumph. I think I just need a break. I think instead of taking courses this summer I will take a break, maybe get a part-time job. Then again, maybe not. Being held accountable to a schedule during the summer doesn’t sound that appealing either. If I’m taking courses, I can take my text books to the beach and complete my readings there.

Mickelson won the Master’s yesterday. He’s been a bridesmaid never a bride until this year. 42 majors, no wins, last 9 majors, 3 wins. That’s turning the corner! Evidently he’s a late bloomer! What’s funny is he’s always right up in the top 10 ~ just couldn’t pull out the wins. Anyways, I say good for you Phil and Congrats.

I’ve been ferrying children back and forth, to and fro… I’m now regretting getting rid of my huge gas guzzling 8 passenger Expedition for a cool, fun but only 4 seat Jeep. Makes taking taxiing kids a little more challenging. We’ve been having car challenges lately. Hubby’s red BMW has been inoperable for about 6 months now. His silver BMW keeps breaking (daughter calls it “fragile”) and he keeps cannibalizing the red one for parts to keep the silver one running. This means a delay in getting the red one running, and more expense. Haarumph. Yesterday he had to replace the water pump. Luckily it only took him a couple of hours~ he’s skilled that way! Still it’s annoying.

Well.. I’m feeling truly uninspired so I’m off, I think I’ll try to get some school work done.

---

 I have been sooo busy this week… New classes have started, as well as the landlord’s son is back for tutoring 3x  a week. Whew… he is quite a challenge! He is sick today, which I have doubts about, but I’m kind of relieved. On the other hand, this kind of inconsistency is exactly his problem. One of things I’ve found with ALL children is they benefit from consistency. Discipline doesn’t work if you’re not consistent, rewards don’t work if you’re not consistent, schedules don’t work…. if you’re not consistent. So… I’ll wait and work with him again on Monday. I just feel like I’m taking two steps forward, one step back all the time. It’s very difficult.

My two new classes are great however, I think I’m really going to enjoy them. They are: Critical and Creative Thinking and Growing up Gifted.  So far the texts have been very good, and I’m enjoying the readings.

On another note… I am contemplating how to best handle a situation in my daughter’s school. She has been selling Rice Crispy treats to raise money for her People to People trip to Europe this summer. On Tuesday she was pulled out of class by the “acting” vice-principal. She was not given information about why, and when she asked she was repeatedly told to not worry about it. She was then told to take her bag with her. At this point, she is starting to panic. She doesn’t know if she’s done something wrong, if something has happened to one of us, or what. The vice-principal is a very tall African-American man. My daughter is about 4’10. He starts getting in her face and questioning her about selling on campus. He then tells her he’s going to let it go with a warning “this time” but he better not hear about it again. His justification, “No one can be allowed to compete with the cafeteria”.  He then gets both our home number and my cell phone and tells daughter that he will be calling her parents about this.

So here’s my problem. I’ve blogged before about the rampant drug use, selling and smoking on campus. The security and administration do very little about it because it occurs on the 3rd story and they don’t want to climb the steps. In addition they have teachers that sell ice cream after school for fund-raising for various causes. Now… they choose to not stop the drug selling or usage, but focus instead on entrepreneurial students who are making efforts to be responsible for their lives and education. It’s ok for teachers, but not for students to fund-raise. In addition, the cafeteria does not accept cash, and you can only put money on your card before lunch. So… this money that the kids are spending on rice crispy treats, or masubi, or lollipops, is not money that would go for lunch either way. The premise is that if they buy that rice crispy treat they won’t eat a cafeteria lunch because they will be too full???? Come on!! They are teenagers…. they don’t get full… ever!! Surprisingly I have received no phone call. …. hmmmmmm… So I continue to stew,  trying to determine the best way to handle it. DD and some friends are talking about meeting with the principal, circulating petition, and creating surveys. I say go for it!! The “acting” vice-principal has selling on campus and tardies as his “mission” for this year. You ask me, he’s ignoring the elephant. There is rampant drug use, fights everyday, gang issues and a massive drop out rate. I think rice crispy treats and lollipops are the least of his worries.

So… suggestions??? I have to wait, cause otherwise I will be reacting rather than responding. What do you guys think??

---

           

Cleaning Poem ?

I asked the Lord to tell me
Why my house is such a mess.
He asked if I’d been ‘puttering’,
And I had to answer “yes.”

He told me to get off my fanny
And tidy up the house.
And so I started cleaning up
The smudges off my mouse.

I wiped and shined the topside.
That really did the trick…
I was just admiring my work…
I didn’t mean to ‘click.’

But click, I did, and oops I found
A real absorbing site
That I got SO way into…
I was into it all night.<<Sigh>>

Nothing’s changed except my mouse
It’s very, very shiny.
I guess my house will stay a mess…
While I sit here on my hiney.

This is a writing challenge from the Kween_of_the_Queens

7 things you used to do, but no longer do and 7 things you want to do but don’t do now.

Most of all, enjoy yourselves!  This shouldn’t be a difficult challenge, we have all changed over the years and I’m sure there are bad habits (perhaps even good habits) that you have given up or changed.  And most certainly there are new things that you have learned and practice now that you didn’t when you were younger. .

And here I go again, listing things I probably shouldn’t! But let’s do it anyway, just for the heck of it!

7 things I used to do but no loner do:

1. Smoke. This goes off an on, mostly off. I started when I was very young, and continued to my early twenties. Since then, I have occasional relapses, sometime they last for a while, sometime it’s only a few days or weeks.

2. Drink: Again, started very young and found out quite early on that alcohol and mind/mood altering drugs and I don’t get along. I continue to not drink rather than risk going through that mess again!

3. Jog: although this is something I want to get back too.I’m working my way back to that.

4. Ride a motorcycle: but in all honesty, it’s only because I don’t have one to ride. I hope to remedy that as soon as possible!

5. Go dancing several times a week: ahh.. this is another one I really miss!!! No I just dance in the living room

6. Play my flute: hmm…. I’m seeing a trend….. again, maybe I need to remedy this!

7. Date: So glad I’m out of that situation!

Ok 7 things I want to do, but don’t do now. This one should be a lot easier!

1. Surf. — I live in paradise, should get busy on this!

2. Sky Dive: This is definitely one of my life goals.

3. Run in an organized event. — I’ve got a LOOONNNGGG way to go, but it’s on the goal list!

4. Eat healthy all the time. — yeah ok, this one is boring and contradicts number 2, but hey gotta do something that PROLONGS life, to balance every thing else… right?

5. Develop my own pictures. That’s been on the goal list since 1984. In other words, too long.

6. Own my own house, preferably, have it built.

7. Play the drums. Always wanted to do that. Someday, I just might!

Alright, everyone have a great day! I’ll catch up tomorrow!