IT'S ALMOST TIME

Friday June 5th: LOVE SEAT!! Today in bible class we had to do this activity called the love seat. Its where someone goes up to the front and everyone says something nice about them. Well my three really close best friends happen to be in my 6th period bible class with me so i knew that i would probably be shedding some tears. A couple people went and of course i started to get teary eyed but no tears yet. Then one of my best friends (Kyle Mugica) decides he wants to go up and as he is passing me to go sit in the love seat i start balling. Kyle has always been there for me and i feel like i can tell him everything and anything. This activity also went on to monday when my other two best friends (Shelby and Melissa) had to go up there and man did i go blank for words for these two. Shelby has been the greatest best friend since we were 3 years old and Melissa has always known exactly what was wrong and how to deal with it when i was in pain or not being my usual happy go lucky self. I LOVE MY FRIENDS WITH ALL MY HEART and honestly i don't know what i will do without them.

Monday June 6th: YEARBOOK DAY!!! We finally got our yearbook and the first thing i did was check out my 8th grade dedication page because i knew my mom had been working so hard on that thing to make it perfect. When i turned to that page and saw that my family members had written things to me i was so surprised and happy. So thank you so much to those of you who wrote me things. When i found my page i didn't even realize that on the page next to mine was Shelby's dedication, i promise you it was not set up that way but just meant to be. Shelby and I side by side

Tuesday June 7th: DISNEYLAND!!!!! Today was the day where the 8th graders got to go on their end of the year trip. We had to split up into groups and my group was Melissa, Shelby, Kyle, Mikey, Lauren B, and mommy. We had so much

fun, we went on so many rides. After my group left, a few of us who had passes to go to both parks stayed and that was Cody, Timmy, Mikey, Kyle, and i and of course the moms except for Cody's. We had the time of our lives and man did my stomach hurt from laughing so hard. They all made me go on Tower of Terror but it wasn't as bad as i thought it would be but next time who knows. Thanks for the time of my life. Oh and btw now im buying season passes so if you wanna go to disneyland don't forget lauren :D

Wednesday June 8th: GRADUATION PRACTICE!!! Today was kind of boring because all we did was get our gowns and practice for graduation. We got out half day today but i usually stay in child care so i got to go hang out with mrs. Lowell but before i did i went with Pam (Mikey's mom), Karla (Kyle's mom), Kyle, and Mikey to eat lunch :D When we came back to the school pam and mikey went home and kyle came over with me to mrs. lowell while karla helped with graduation set up. Kyle and I watched the little kids play this summo game thing in these big tubes it was hilarious. We went through the yearbook together and just sat there and talked. I went home and started fixing some stuff for graduation and i wrapped some presents.
Thursday June 9th: GRADUATION DAY AND THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!! In the morning we had this ceremony/chapel/meeting type thing where a couple of our teachers talked to us about moving on and high school and stuff. We cried, cried, and cried, i figured if i cried then i wouldn't cry later that night and man was i wrong. This year we had 4 valedictorians Allison Smith, Jonathan Meglia, Claudia Sison, and my best friend Kyle Mugica. I told myself i wasn't gonna cry during grad because then i would ruin my make-up which took too much time and money for it to get ruined so early. Thank you mom for going with me to get my nails, hair and make-up done and thanks even more for paying for it :D. During the graduation i had those moments where i felt like i was about to burst into tears like when Mr. B was talking about friends and stuff and then he said haven't we lost a couple students already and all i kept thinking about was Uncle Emil. I was thinking about him a lot that day.

Thursday June 9th AFTERPARTY: I'm really sorry to my family for leaving without saying goodbye i was just caught up in the moment. Thank you all for coming and celebrating with me. Before i left to the after party i asked mommy to ask uncle nato to put my lei that she gave me on uncle emil's tree since he wasn't at his graduation to get his. We left the school and took 4 hummer limos to get to Mountain Meadows where our after party was being held. We had the time of our lives dancing, singing, ohh and watching the lakers win :D. We had so much fun that it was even harder for us at the end to say goodbye. All the girls started crying as the first person left and i couldn't hold it in anymore. First Claudia, then mimi, then timmy, then cody and shelby. It was easy at first cause i knew i would see them again but the thought of not seeing each other everyday just freaked me out. After them, went Grant then me i couldn't stop crying i was like hysterical. I hugged everyone and told them all i loved them. We took Rocki home and as we were in the car i started to get text messages from my friends telling me that they loved me and that we always have to keep in touch. They made me cry even more but they were happy tears i think. I LOVE YOU ALL AND CONGRATS TO THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2009!!!

I would also like to thank the mommy's of the students who put their time and effort into making it the most memorable night ever

PEACE,LOVE AND LAUREN:D

SPRING BREAK - DAY 6

Had to take a little time-out from the spring break fun this morning. My doctor wanted to see me to discuss my latest test results. I stopped by my work to take care of a few things. Lauren stayed in my office while I was at the doctor's office. Came back to finish up some stuff then resumed our "spring break".

We hit the mall "again" and decided to watch the "Hannah Montana Movie". She's not a Miley Cyrus fan but the movie looked cute. Both Lauren and I enjoyed it. There wasn't a boring part and the songs were pretty good. Two thumbs up.

Lauren's friend, Shelby, and her mom and sister, met us for lunch at the mall. We walked around with them for a while. Lauren went shopping again. Lots of "Thank you, Mommy" and "I love you, Mommy". She seems to say that a lot when we're in the mall.

Got a call from the party location and the party is a "no go". They want me to have a licensed caterer for this event. That's what I get for planning a last minute party. She's ok with it though.

Tomorrow is beach day and we will be joined by "Daddy" who is finally off work.

a hui ho ... teena

SPRING BREAK - DAY 5

It was a cold morning so sleeping in was our activity of choice. Lauren was chilaxin' and reading a book. Our stomachs finally told us it was time to get moving so we got ready and headed to the local Chili's restaurant for some lunch.

Lauren before dessert was served ...

Lauren after dessert was served ...

After lunch we went to watch my nephew, Anthony's swim meet. Met my sister-in-law, Amy, there. Peter and Claudine followed up. We are all so proud of him and his progress. He is such a great swimmer and has so much potential. Hope to see him winning Olympic medals someday. Go Anthony!!!

After the meet we went straight to the O.C. for Lauren's hula practice. Our usual Wednesday routine. 35 mile drive there ... sit around while she dances for 2 hours ... 35 mile drive back home. I don't mind it as long as she still enjoys doing it.

4 more days to go ... a hui ho ... teena

SPRING BREAK - DAY 4

We decided to check out 3 locations to have Lauren's 8th Grade graduation party. She really liked one of them so the decision was made to have it there.

We went to the mall to go look at some dresses for the grad ceremony and her party but no luck. That didn't stop her from shopping for other things though. We went home after a long day of store hopping just in time to see Kelly Slater lose his heat. I waited a month to watch him compete again and he's out the first time he surfs. Cheating Aussies!!! Thank goodness the next stop of the tour isn't in Australia anymore. Go Kellllyyyyy!!!

till tomorrow ... a hui ho ... teena

SPRING BREAK - DAY 3

Museum Day ... Lauren and I had a wonderful day visiting 3 museums and a concert hall.

First stop ... Natural History Museum, Exposition Park, Los Angeles ... It's such a great place to take kids. I was looking forward to seeing the Dinosaur exhibit but it was closed for renovation. Plenty of other things to see though ... insects, shells, birds, mayan artifacts, lions, tigers, wolves, bears, elephants, etc., etc. ... fun morning.

Next ... Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles ... We were able to take an audio tour to learn about the architecture of the building. What a sight to see! Beautiful inside and out. Took so many pictures. I recommend everyone to stop by and take a look at this place.

Next ... MOCA - Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles ... It was across the street from the Disney Concert Hall so we just walked over there. I enjoyed their permanent collection but the featured artist was just way too out there for me. Weird!!!

Last stop ... Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena ... Beautiful, small museum not too far from my office. They had an exhibit of Matisse poetry that I was looking forward to seeing only to find them all in French. Of course it would be. Should've taken french lessons first. Asian exhibit was really nice and so was the sculpture garden.

It was such a beautiful day to go museum hopping. We were exhausted and hungry by the afternoon so we stopped at Olive Garden and had enough food for four people. Oink! Oink! We took most of it home for Joel since he couldn't join us. How do we top this day tomorrow?

a hui ho ... teena

SPRING BREAK - DAY 2

HAPPY EASTER!!!

It was a beautiful Sunday and we all gathered at Claudine and Joe's place this year. It's always nice to get together with the family and enjoy each other's company.

This Easter Sunday was extra special because in the middle of watching the very moving and inspirational movie "Wolverine", my sister "the baby" ... announces that (drum roll please)

SHE IS "PREGNANT"!!!!!

Three amigos soon to be three babysitters.

What wonderful news to receive on this day. Congratulations to the Go-Go's! We are looking forward to a special Christmas arrival. We are all very happy for you both.

a hui ho ... teena

SPRING BREAK - DAY 1

It's been a few years (okay, a few decades) since I've been on "spring break" but I do like to take that week off with Lauren. We like to do fun stuff together during this week off and thanks to "Uncle Carlo" ... we started it on a fun note.

We were the lucky recipients of two tickets to the musical "Mamma Mia". Lauren and I made our way to the Pantages Theater early enough so we can get a bite to eat at this small cafe we like to visit next door to the theater. We parked our car and crossed the street to the cafe only to find that the place had "closed down". Noooooo!!!!! Damn this recession. Having a meal at this cafe before the show has been part of our ritual. We stood in front of it just staring at the multiple "CLOSED" sign plastered all over the windows and door for a few minutes before walking over to the theater. We had to settle for getting an overpriced chocolate chip cookie, M&M's and a couple of drinks in the theater. We figure we'll pick something up on the way home.

On to our seats and they were good. We had a great view of the stage. We sat there for a little over half an hour playing with our phones. I would've taken pictures of the beautiful interior of the theater but it's not allowed.

The show was about two and half hours long with a 20 minute intermission. Second half kinda started slow for us but we really enjoyed it towards the end. The cast was great and the music was excellent. Definitely showed my age coz I knew almost all the Abba songs they performed.

We headed home and enjoyed a late night meal from Burger King. Great night. Thanks "Uncle Carlo".

a hui ho ... teena

MARCH

Never really favored a particular month but I surely would like certain months to pass faster than others. March would be one of them.

It's been difficult this past week to focus on anything other than death. It's been six years this past Sunday since we lost Emil, our dear cousin and uncle to Lauren, and it's still hard to get through that day without getting emotional. Especially for Lauren.

What do you say when she comes in your room crying at midnight coz she misses him? How do you assure her that it'll get better when it hasn't? She misses someone whom she use to see everyday at school. Maybe she feels like she was robbed of time with him since she was only 8 years old. Would they have been close and hung out? Gone to concerts or the mall? We'll never know.

She's at the same age now and going through the same hallways and classes he was going to. Preparing for 8th Grade graduation like he was although he never made it to his. I'm pretty sure she'll be thinking about him that day. Maybe finally leaving that school will help her cope with the loss. Maybe?

It's never hard for the people that die but for the people they leave behind. What can you say to make them feel better? Nothing at all but to be there for support and to pray for their loved ones speaks volumes. That's when you know who your friends are. The ones that go to your grandmother's funeral even if they didn't really know her that well. You know that they're doing it to give you whatever type of support they can. Just by being there.

That's why during this past week, it was really important for us to show support to our friend Rachel, who lost her grandmother... a really sweet lady ... because she and her family were there for us when we lost my father-in-law, Emil, our grandma and uncle. Also, to attend the prayer vigil for Carlo and Amber's cousin, Claudine Lopez, because she and her family were not just present during the wake and funeral but also to the prayer vigils for our loved ones. If being there could bring just a tiny bit of light to their grief then we're there. Our hearts and prayers go out to Rachel and the Magtoto/Garcia/Ortega family for their loss and to the Lopez family for the sudden passing of their beautiful daughter. May time help ease the pain that are in your hearts.

Don't forget to "LOVE" your loved ones coz life is too short to sweat the small stuff.

Just one more day ... a hui ho ... teena

5 ... FIVE ... LIMA ... CINCO

That's my new favorite number.

March 19th, 2009 marked my 5 year in remission. Non-hodgkins Lymphoma gone for that long and hopefully gone forevah... evah... evah.

5 years ago, you couldn't get me to go to the beach. Now, it's my favorite place to be. I never wanted to vacation in Hawaii coz I wasn't into that tropical thing. Now, all I think of is Hawaii and I'm always looking to go on vacation there.

People and priorities do change and sometimes it takes something drastic for that to happen. I'm never the type to celebrate anything but this one I was happy to enjoy with my family and friends. My photographer (Lauren) was too busy eating and chatting with everyone else that she only took 3 pics. Sorry for the ones that weren't captured photographically that day. Blame her.

My sis, Claudine. (Joe was M.I.A. for a b-ball game).

Peter and Amy (my brother & sister-in-law)

My mom ... friends, Miguel and Annette ... and my dad.

Thanks to all my family and friends for celebrating with me. Thanks to Greggy for the yummy chocolate cake that everyone enjoyed. Thanks to Nicole, Artie, Anthony, Mom D., Donato, Jan, Marco & Greg for coming. Most of all thanks to Joel and Lauren for putting up with my sunny disposition.

Luv ya all ... a hui ho ... teena

AJ-100

I need to come up with an invention that will help the economy. That's what Lauren said and that's when the name of the invention was born. Yes the name came first then the invention. It's called the AJ-100. Take a wild guess why she named it that. Luckily, after brainstorming for a few days, we came up with an invention that fit the name by accident.

It's an "Automated Journal - 1st Generation" intended for K-12 students. The casing is made of 100% recycled materials which could be recycled again, and again, and again. The touchscreen is mercury free and non-hazardous. Recycled tires will be used over the casing so that the journal will be durable enough to withstand the abuse our kids will put it through. The journal will rely on solar power. A "green" product for our kids.

My daughter has this habit of always forgetting something in her locker and never remembering it until we get home so we're always driving her back to get it. Well with this product, there is no need to do that anymore because everything will be in it. Homework, books, tests, reports, etc. etc. There is no need to cut down trees to make books and wasted paper anymore. It will use wi-fi technology to send all info back and forth between students and teachers. It is intended for all ages. It may cost a lot more than a binder and paper but I would be more than happy to spend a little bit more for something that is eco friendly and could be used for many years.

She made a board to show what the invention is made of and what problem it solves. She made a prototype of the journal with the help of her Dad.

Since it was a concept product and we're no techies that could actually build an operational journal, a video accompanied the board so that everyone will get an idea of how the product would work. Here's the video shown.

Her science teacher really liked her project and asked if it would be ok with her if he kept her board, prototype and video to show his future classes. He also played the video to "ALL" the other classes the following week which embarassed her to no end. I know I've said it a million times but I am so proud of her.

Glad to see that Lauren is doing her part to think and be more eco friendly. Hope you are too. Remember to "reduce, reuse, recycle" everyone.

a hui ho ... teena

I-POLY

Lauren got in I-Poly! Yay!!!!!!

She's excited deep down inside but she can't get herself to enjoy the good news coz that means she'll be leaving her friends behind.

It's okay, Bubba. You'll make tons of new friends and Shelby is just around the corner. You'll still see each other.

Congratulations!!!

WHAT IS AJNITIS?

AJnitis is an AJ infection. AJ Rafael that is and Lauren has it really bad. She listens to his songs everyday. She waits for his posts on Myspace and Facebook. She reads his blog. She watches him on BlogTV and makes sure she types her name enough times in bold pink so he'll say hi to her during his shoutout song which he always does (Lauren, Lauren Boren, Bonky, Bonky butt). She makes sure she knows when he's coming back to Cali to do a show.

AJ Rafael is a very talented Fil-Am artist adored by many young teens in the SoCal and NorCal area. He also has tons of followers in different parts of the world from the P.I. to Hawaii to Canada to Australia. He attends a very prestigious music school in Boston called Berklee School of Music. Many alumni of the college are notable figures of the music industry such as Quincy Jones, Diana Krall, Melissa Etheridge, Gavin DeGraw and one of my favorites, John Mayer. He's from Moreno Valley, CA. His father was his biggest musical influence but lost him at an early age. He and his two sisters were raised by his mom. He directed the choir at his local church and through word of mouth started spreading his music into all our I-pods. It's nice to see that there are still positive influences out there that my daughter can look up to and admire (and stalk).

Joel and I first took her to see AJ and other artists back in November '08 at the F.A.M.S. show and she got to take a picture with him. She's had AJnitis from that point on.

We took her to the Feel the Beat show in Anaheim last Friday to watch him again along with other artists and dance crews from MTV's Americas Best Dance Crew. From across the aisle where she sat with her best friend, Shelby, I looked over and saw how happy she was to be able to watch him perform again.

Yes, we definitely felt old amidst all those screaming teens. Girls (and boys) screaming "I love you AJ", followed by another group screaming "I love you more" ... "mahal kita" ... "you're so sexy Gabe" ... "marry me" etc. Even Greg who was the youngest of all her "4" chaperones felt old.

After the last crew performed, we went out to the lobby and there he was. Meeting and greeting his fans. Of course, she had to take another picture with him but this time she got introduced by Greg (whom AJ wrote a song for his "secret" show) as his "biggest fan". She was speechless which for all of you who know her is not like her at all.

Coming out of the venue, we see rows of cars with parents waiting to pick up their kids. It's sad to see how many parents are not willing to experience something with their children or how many kids don't want their parents around. There's enough time when you get older to be on your own. Why not experience things together so you can relate to one another. We hit IHOP after and had fun eating and talking about the show. It was definitely a fun filled night with the Soriano boys (minus one ... maybe next time Donato & Jan can join us).

The following day we spent watching another one of her volleyball games and just vegging out at home. 6:30 pm rolls around and here she comes into the room and announces "I'm bored". I know what she's up to so I pretended not to hear her. She then asks me ... "Can we go see AJ perform in Rancho Cucamonga tonight?". I said "no, you already saw him last night" and she went back to her room real sad. But being a sucker for sad faces (sometimes) and stalker enabler that I am, we took her anyway. I figured if she could travel to Hawaii with me just to see Kelly Slater surf then I could definitely drive her 20 miles to see AJ. So off we went to Starbucks in Rancho Cucamonga and I must admit that I enjoyed this show because of the smaller audience and I didn't have 1300 teenagers screaming around me.

As we were waiting to get another picture taken with him I happen to be standing next to his mom and got to talking with her. Very nice and very proud mother. I told her how much we as a family admire his musical talents because it's a great feeling as a mother to hear positive feedback about their children. AJ came over to us and said hello and took another picture with Lauren. She's happy now and won't be bored anymore until the next time he comes to town. I'm pretty sure she knows exactly when she'll be bored again.

I guess if I had to choose the type of infection she would contract, it would be the AJnitis. She loves music, singing and she now wants to learn to play the guitar. I hope that AJ reads this blog someday and realizes what a great influence he is to so many teens and continues to be a positive one. Check him out at www.myspace.com/ajrafael or subscribe to http://youtube.com/ilajil To all my Winnipeg friends and their families, he's performing there on May 15th at the Prairie Theatre Exchange (3rd floor Portage Place) so show him some love and spread the word.

I read a quote that said "aspire to inspire before you expire". Hope you enjoyed my banter and hope you all contract AJnitis. It's painfree and no antibiotics needed.

til next time ... a hui ho ... teena

p.s. Doesn't he remind you of Emil?

CAN I HAVE MORE GREENS PLEASE? NO!!!

I know times are tough for a lot of people but some more than others. I've been truly blessed or "lucky" enough to have such great bosses that look out for me not just in the "here and now" but "to infinity and beyond". I'm reminded of this today because of an experience Lauren had this week. An adventure to another world she personally knows nothing about. Meeting people that are completely "alien" to her. A place that taught her to be more compassionate to others ... a hui ho ... teena ... here is her personal account of the day ...

Yesterday was an interesting day for me. I went on a school field trip to the Union Rescue Mission in L.A. ... yep ..."SKIDROW". We took a train from a local train station to Union Station in L.A. and a van picked us up and shuttled us over to the Mission. When we first got there we had to take an elevator up to the main floor and i think it was the most nerve wracking time that I have ever experienced. The way our teacher explained it, I thought it would be smelly, scary, and just gross but it was far from that. The first place that we saw was the cafeteria and the first group was already there washing their hands and putting on aprons and hair nets. We looked hilarious! My dad ended up coming with us and he also had to put these things on. My friends were all laughing because my dad wore a hair net but doesnt have very much hair to keep in it.

My job was to put plates on big trays the first two shifts. I know I got off easy. It was kind of slow because there wasn't very much action. During the first shift we served the men of the "program". The program is when these men from off the streets come into the shelter and ask for help. They get jobs, just stay clean and if asked they will tell you how long they have been off drugs or alcohol. Anyway, the second shift we served women and children. The people who were helping us were warning us about the ladies. They said that they can get very rude and catty but from behind the counter it didn't seem that way at all but obviously i was wrong. My friends who were serving said that they were very rude and not polite. The children were adorable. They were running around, smiling, and just being happy little children. After the second shift was over we ate lunch and took a tour. We ate exactly what we served which was Green chicken nuggets (Dad said it was green because of the seasoning ... I hope that's true), fries, greens, bread and water. It was pretty good but not like our cafeteria food at our school but it wasn't bad. After we ate, we hung out for a little bit and one of the guys who worked in the kitchen was showing us some tricks like coins tricks and belt tricks it was really cool. Then we took a tour of the building. It looked nothing like what i expected. It was a very nice building. We checked out the offices and talked to the big man in charge of the whole mission. We went to the clinic area and we also visited the rooms where the people slept. It made me so thankful that I have a bed to come home to every night. The last part of the tour was when we went to the roof of the building and took group pictures. It had an amazing view of downtown L.A.

After the tour, we did the last shift of the day. This time we were serving the men straight off the streets. The people helping us this time were very serious about making sure that we were safe because some of these men were very aggressive. For the last shift, I got to put bread on the plates. Yay, that was fun! After a while we started running out of food and we had to start doubling up on chicken because there were no more fries and it was just very crazy. While we were still serving the first group had to leave to go back to Union Station. A man in a wheelchair came up to the line and asked for another plate of food and the security guard told him no you already had one, but this guy kept asking and asking. The security guard was starting to get mad but he gave him the plate anyway but this guy was still mad. He was cursing and all my classmates that were still there were all getting scared. Then, the man went behind the rope (in his wheelchair) right behind my classmates and was gonna go through the line but security pushed him back. The head chef stopped the line and had my classmates come behind the counter because it was getting intense. Security was handling it but we were still scared. After a while the man just went away and just let it go. It's sad to see this happen just because he was still hungry.

We started the line again and there were still a lot of people in line and waiting outside but we had to leave. So the next chance we had we left right away because if we were to serve all the other people we would have missed our train. So we left and got to Union Station and headed home. Once we got back to our local train station the first thing we did was hit McDonalds. My best friend, Shelby, came with us because we were gonna drop her off at school. So we had a good time. It was a lot of fun and very good for me. I learned a lot while I was there. It was truly a great experience.

Well that's all for the Union Rescue Mission experience or as we call it URM!! Hope one day I can go back and all of you can come with me :D

PEACE, LOVE AND LAUREN :D

BUMP ... SET ... SPIKE

14 YEARS ... that's how long we waited for her to finally like a sport and actually participate in a team game. volleyball. trying out for her school team was out of the question but joining the local city league wasn't. go figure.

• 6 yrs old ... golf ... junior golf clubs $$ ... lots of time at the driving range ... buckets and buckets of golf balls $$ ... "dad it's all gone, can i get another bucket?" $$ ... "mom i don't want to hit anymore golf balls, can we go eat?" $$ ... that lasted about 6 months ... she didn't even outgrow her junior golf clubs ... she did hit a birdie once ... unfortunately it was a real bird ... on to the next one.
  

• 7 yrs old ... karate ... uniforms $100 ... (3) private one-on-one lessons $75 ... she finally was brought in to join the rest of the class after 2 weeks ... she was the smallest one there ... after an hour of karate chops n kicks, she said goodbye to her instructor, walked out and said "i don't want to do this anymore mommy, can we go eat?" ... expensive halloween costume ... next
• 9 yrs old ... tennis ... tennis racket $$ ... tennis balls $$ ... hours practicing with her dad ... "daddy, can you go get the ball" ... "i don't want to play tennis anymore ... i don't like running" ... racket collecting dust in the closet ... next
• basketball ... next
• swimming ... next

needless to say, we're very proud parents and we're excited to unveil her very first sport pictures. ta da! doesn't she look like she really loves it. she does. yay!!! go team lauren! Woooohoooooo!!!

league cost ... $125

shorts, knee pads and volleyball ... $60

smile on her face ... priceless

till next time ... a hui ho ... teena

LOOKING BACK AND LOOKING FORWARD

happy 2009! i finally got our blog up. hope this finds you all in great health and have lost all the weight you've gained during the holidays. personally, i need a few more months.

looking back really quick. we truly enjoyed our oahu getaway last december. went to a lot of new places and back to old ones we like to visit. can't seem to get enough of that place and can't wait for our next visit. got to see kelly slater surf at the pipeline masters. we finally went to pearl harbor and that was a great learning experience for all of us. enjoyed the movie set tours at kualoa ranch. loved the majestic views at the pali lookout. had the best shaved ice at matsumoto's. yummy haupia pie and garlic shrimp at ted's bakery. best fried calamari at haleiwa joe's. yes...we love to eat. took a tour of university of hawaii and it's definitely #1 on lauren's list. four and half years to go and counting. tic..tic..tic... turtle bay resort was beautiful and we had the best time until the storm pretty much chased us off the island. great times.

the year ended great for me. my last p.e.t. scan came back clear and i've graduated to having that scan done only once a year now. Yay!!! i've reconnected with my old high school friends through facebook and even though our vegas trip got scrapped, i'm pretty sure we'll all see each other again soon.

holidays with the family is always fun. good food. lots of laughs. great memories. christmas is for kids and highly overrated when you're an adult. although i have to admit that i got the best present from my sister-in-law...a beautiful painting of waves.

the year started with lots of plans for our future individually and collectively. lauren tested for i-poly high school (a school within the cal poly university campus). a big step for her since most of her friends are going elsewhere. she is such a strong person and is ready for the challenges that the next phase of her life will bring. joel is taking the necessary steps to make sure that he achieves his goal of getting his nursing degree. keep your fingers crossed for us. i on the other hand have decided to slow down a bit. to make sure i have time to smell the roses and enjoy the breeze. to treasure every moment i have in this lifetime. that's the life lesson i've learned the hard way. now i make sure my family learns it before it's too late. hope you do too.

a hui ho (see you soon)...teena