Wake Up Call

February 27, 2010 sirens alarm at 0600 & 0700. (I was not so happy about this, as I went to bed around 0200, however...it is a good thing) Scott and I decide to go inland to UH (stores all over Waikiki are either closed or have massive lines winding around the block, just to get in) So, inland we went, with our important papers...


We found an Internet cafe that served breakfast, YAY Coffee! We were both exhausted, and had to go sleep somewhere. I decided to call the house Hospice Hawaii uses for patient care up in Palolo. The nurse answers the phone, and I don't even ask if we can come up..When she hears its me she says come up. I love my job and the people I work with...it is the most amazing organization and works with the heart, manifested in the hands. I couldn't ask for a better work place.


We arrived at the house and spent time watching the news and attempting to sleep on the couch in the staff room. (I couldn't sleep, just toss-n-turn)We watched as Hilo Bay's(on the east coast of the big island) waters surged to and fro...waiting to see if disaster would hit...

Needless to say...the 'disaster' was avoided and the only changes seen were severe and rapid surge changes along the shore lines, no damage seen. Luckily..

However, on my way home from work I saw the most beautiful sky. Similar to the one pictured above. Brilliantly vibrant purple and blue clouds on a back drop of reds, pinks, and oranges. Beautiful...a calm after the 'storm' of a day I had. It reminded me that I am still lucky to live here, on this beautiful island and that I can make it through the challenges along the way. No matter what, there is always a beautiful sunset at the end of the day.

Much thanks and blessings to all of those who sent thoughts and prayers my way yesterday.

Do it Anyway...

"If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives:

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies:

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you:

Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight:

Build it anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous:

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow:

Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough:

Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God:

It was never between you and them anyway."

-Mother Teresa

This poem by Mother Teresa has always inspired me, and pushed me to be a better person. As I reflect on my past week, I have decided to "re-oath" this as my life's motto. Now complete with a theme song (posted below, WONDERFUL Music Video) Of course I cried, but that is no surprise. :D

YouTube - Martina McBride - Anyway

My week was a learning experience. Cried a little, stressed a bit, learned a lot, but most importantly loved and enjoyed it all! From surfing to sea turtles to work to snuggles. I am blessed.

Ash Wednesday...

Well folks, today marks the start of Lent. A time I usually spend reflecting on where I am in life and where I want to be. A Lenten devotional I have received is phrasing it as "Letting go and Holding On". I really like that topic, especially after the big move to Hawaii.

Since the move I find myself letting go of some doubts and fears and blossoming into a woman I can be proud of. I am letting go of being in control (for the most part) and learning to go with the flow. (Turns out its a much easier thing to do, as opposed to constantly fighting the currents).

Since the move I have also found myself holding on (and reaching out) to friends and family back on the mainland. Distance has taught me that time is precious, and I have loved catching up (and staying current) with friends both near and far. A goal is to continue doing this for the rest of my life. (I mean who doesn't like letters?!?)

So, 6 months after the big move (I know! It's already been 6 months, can't believe it) everything has fallen into place. Like a 10000 piece puzzle; extremely difficult at first but as the picture forms it gets easier and easier, until every piece has its place... Lent brings to mind the concept of letting go and holding on this year. That topic fits me perfect, can't wait to see what else life has in store.

Counting my Blessings

This week has been absolutely wonderful! Started out with my family still being in town. That break from work was wonderful, and it was fantastic to see them again. Next, work. Work is just amazing! I feel like I'm finally getting the hang of it...after an attempt at a shift by myself last Friday it was nice to work along side of a mentor on a nice day, just as a reminder on what I want out of nursing. (and how rewarding it is, when you are not stressing about patients, their pain, and an admission) I can't believe how lucky I am to have found such a job as a hospice nurse. It fits me like a glove and the people and company are everything I could hope for. Lastly, spending time with my baby. We went to the beach today, relaxed in the sun, and drank in each others' company. Now that I started working we don't get to do that as often. It was a perfect ending to the perfect week. (plus, tried out boogie boarding...killer waves this week...totally going surfing tomorrow..but boogie boarding was totally awesome!) I try out my first night shift tomorrow night..hopefully all goes well! Life is good...

Slice of Heaven

My lovely family came to visit, for a few days, to escape the snowy Utah winters. It was so..so..so wonderful to see them again. Lounging on the beach, snorkeling, scooting around town with the family was just what the doctor ordered. It was a relaxing slice of heaven in my already blissful paradise. Below are some highlights from the mini vacation. Enjoy! :D

Me and my Daddy! Good Morning beach and coffee :D


The fave snorkel spot, yep...we went every day. Love it!Me and my Momma! Bathing beauties...while the boys are snorkeling of course ;DAt the Honolulu Zoo, eating my dippin' dots. I LOVE Dippin' Dots, they are the best. My Daddy bought me some...I love my daddy :D (and not just because he bought me dippin' dots)
My hunny and me at the Zoo. Super close to a giraffe eating off of the grassy hill. AWESOME! I had never been that close to a giraffe, my favorite animal, so I loved it.
My momma and daddy during the hike of Diamond Head! The cute couple made it in record time, even with 100 stairs! :D The view from the top was worth it, totally saw some whales! :D Breath-taking...Fishes! This time at the Waikiki Aquarium, and not the ocean...but cool none the less. :D I love aquariums, and this nice little aquarium is all about conservation. Save the corals, and the beauties of the ocean for generations to come! Humuhumunukunukuapua'a or Bob as we like to say it....the state fish of Hawaii! In the real meat and scale! Snorkeling in Waikiki. :DMr. Puffer fish, also found while snorkeling...fun was had by all! :DAngel fish, or Scar (from Nemo) as we call 'em. These are my favorite fishes! :D

That's all folks! Lots of love to my friends and families! Come visit :D I love company and the memories made are more precious than gold and silver. <3

Gandhi's right again...

"When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it-always."
-Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi has always been one of my idols, someone I aspire to be like...but will probably fall short of. This man had immense amounts of patience and courage, and he never faltered in his stance of non-violence to change the injustices around him. I admire that, and look up to it.

Patience and courage...two qualities I'd like to think I possess. Frustrations bring out the worst in me. When I notice injustices they eat away at me because I don't know what to do, or how to go about changing them. It's frustrating and infuriating. I am not like Gandhi, I don't know how to stand up and fight for justice. I am the nurse, coming up behind a tyrant and nursing the wounds created by bad. That too takes patience and courage, but sometimes it doesn't feel like enough...

I just have to remember injustice is 'fought' when many paths join together. Nonviolence, the foundation supported by-patience, courage, faith, and unconditional love. No matter how small the injustice, the tyrant will fall. As they say "Karma is a b*&%h".

Monday Morning Bliss

This morning I went swimming. It took some motivation to get my butt out of the warm bed and out to the cold ocean, but boy am I glad I did! During my last lap a huge school of fish swam from behind me. It scared me at first then as they swam around me, made room for me, as I swam forward it was just inspiring. Watching their bodies fold in the light, sending shimmers all around as they move as one being. Just inspiring, no other words can describe it.

Made for a most excellent morning, which usually lend themselves to excellent days. A wonderful start to a what promises to be a wonderful week. My family is coming to visit later this week for 5 days. It will be wonderful to see them again. I am very excited!! :D

Cheers to wonderful weeks for all my friends and family! Love and miss you all!