Okay, technically my 41st birthday is still about a month a way, but I was thinking about the past year and all the crazy things that have happened and I could not help putting pen to paper as usual and coming up with this list. Some of it is slightly bitter, most of it is very positive and upbeat (two things I am trying to be more of these days). All of it is relevant to my recent experience and therefore relevant to this blog. And so, here are the 40 (in no particular order) biggest things about my 40th year:
1) My 40th B-day party was my best birthday yet! Thanks again everyone!
2) I am a damn good BBQ chef, and you are invited to test me on that any time!
3) I may have been unemployed most of my 40th year, but at least I had some free time to do some of the stuff I normally do not get to do!
4) One of these was getting to write a ton!
5) Another of these was spending more time with my son!
6) I read more books this year than in the past five years combined!
7) I learned the hard way that money is just another object and it really and truly does not bring you happiness and not necessarily security either.
8) I lost a nice car, but gained a brand new Honda Fit! (Hondas rule!)
9) I learned more about social services as a recipient for six months than I did working in social services for six years.
10) I learned that there is no such thing as a life-long friend, but that family is forever!
11) Old friends moved aside to allow new friends into my life; forgotten friends came forward to become good friends; and some friends showed that we are all only human and often only as good as our worse faults.
12) On the other hand, I learned that we all have our faults and that only by accepting our own faults are we able to accept the faults of others.
13) I am lucky enough to be one of those people who find joy in every type of cuisine I try, and there is a lot of joy in the cuisines of the world to find!
14) I continue to love and value artistic expression!
15) I have learned that I generally do not like smokers very much... (Loong story, but blame the guy who lived down stairs from me for the last 4 months.)
16) The internet opened up an entirely different world to me--the resources here really are potentially infinite!
17) Most people who complain about stuff that doesn't really matter do not know how bad life can get--I have seen it, and they have no idea.
18) I still really love to read books!
19) I still really love to write!
20) I can draw even better than I thought I could, I just wish I had more time for it.
21) Sports are not really as bad as I once thought they were.
22) I love the ocean--in Hawaii anyway!
23) That's right, I got to move to Hawaii! (maybe that should be number one?)
24) So I learned that there really is often a profound difference in geographical areas, and that I do not miss the rat race of California when compared to the aloha of Hawaii--not one little bit.
25) Stuff is, well, just that...stuff.
26) I am much happier without so much "stuff".
27) Ice cream is my absolute favorite dessert--the flavor combos are endless!
28) The Amazon Kindle is the bomb! (can you say FREE BOOKS??!!)
29) I like talking to people about just about anything--as long as they are not overly negative about everything.
30) Yes, hard to believe, but I am finally comfortable in my own skin and really don't care about what other people think about me anymore.
31) I am a person who cares deeply about others--especially those who are suffering.
32) That type of caring person is VERY rare.
33) Life is too short, and I no longer have time for people who are selfish.
34) It's okay to take your time doing things, in fact often times the more time you take the better work you do.
35) There will always be more to see than can ever be seen and more to do than can ever be done, so slow down and enjoy where you are and what you are doing.
36) Time spent with children is more precious than anything--because people do not remain children for long.
37) It's okay to play video games--it's really okay.
38) How you define yourself is in a constant state of flux and that's what makes you interesting!
39) Trying new things is what makes life worth living!
40) Having a child or children is the single greatest adventure on Earth!
There, I said it. It will be interesting to see at 50 to what else I have learned! Keeping an open mind and willingness to always learn, that is the most important value of all. That, and the fact that living a good life will bring good things to you. I think they call that karma.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Here Comes Bento Man!!!
Every office you work in develops its own traditions, and one of the weekly ones in our office is the Bento Man visits. For those of you who don't know, Bento boxes are basically the Japanese version of a sack lunch--embraced and reimagined by the culture of Hawaii and beyond. They traditionally come with a couple scoops of rice, some type of meat in a sauce, sometimes a fried item and some veggies. They can look something like this:
Obviously, this is a somewhat "Americanized" version. Bento Man tends to have a few with a more traditional flare. And then there are the "Hawaiian" style ones with things like good ol' Spam. If you don't know, Hawaii has a thing for Spam. More Spam is consumed here per capita than anywhere else in the U.S. I think only Guam consumes more. (Note: Although I consumed it willingly when I was a kid, I cannot abide by Spam and will never eat the stuff again for as long as I live--I promise!)
Bentos, it seems, are a unique form of artistic expression as well. Google the word and you will find a) tons of nifty designs for the boxes themselves, and b) (even more exciting and interesting) a whole mess of pictures of people's fancy versions of Bento. Here are some of the one's that I particularly enjoyed seeing:
Fun stuff! And obviously a great way to get kids to eat healthier.
Obviously, this is a somewhat "Americanized" version. Bento Man tends to have a few with a more traditional flare. And then there are the "Hawaiian" style ones with things like good ol' Spam. If you don't know, Hawaii has a thing for Spam. More Spam is consumed here per capita than anywhere else in the U.S. I think only Guam consumes more. (Note: Although I consumed it willingly when I was a kid, I cannot abide by Spam and will never eat the stuff again for as long as I live--I promise!)
Bentos, it seems, are a unique form of artistic expression as well. Google the word and you will find a) tons of nifty designs for the boxes themselves, and b) (even more exciting and interesting) a whole mess of pictures of people's fancy versions of Bento. Here are some of the one's that I particularly enjoyed seeing:
Fun stuff! And obviously a great way to get kids to eat healthier.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Pizza in Paradise
One of my favorite things in the world is pizza. My tastes are eclectic, I am not a New York vs. Chicago style snob, or vice versa. Despite being born and raised in So Cal, I am not a California gourmet pizza connoisseur. The truth is, I will eat just about any pizza, any style from any where--as long is it tastes gooood. So, you might ask me where I have found such a pizza in Hawaii. Well, first let me say that one of my favorite pizzas is just down the street from where I live (thank goodness at least one decent mass made fast food style joint followed me here). Round Table is consistently good, especially their thin crust which is about as perfect as a corporate pizza can get. It's cheap and yummy, and easy to get to. I'm so glad it's here because I simply cannot abide by the other corporate pizzas dumps--Domino's and Pizza Hut yuck!
But what about REAL pizza, you say. Indeed, what about real pizza. Well, I am here to tell you that real pizza exists in Hawaii, and it is good. I should first add a caveat that I have yet to find a real Chicago style deep dish pizza, but the two I am about to mention (while not the very best pizza I have eaten) are very worth checking out should you ever hit the shores of Oahu.
First, Z Pizza:
Turns out they have a location in California as well, and for good reason. This is California gourmet style at it's best. Heck they even have a pizza called the Californian, not to mention another one called the Berkeley Vegan (yes, they have Vegan options, as well as gluten-free for you none wheat eaters). The ingredients are extremely fresh, many of them organic, and there are endless fascinating combinations to spark your interest. Plus, they have this super garlicy sauce that is out-of-this-world delicious! Their crust is light and crispy, exactly as I like it. It's a fire roasted pizza, giving it that perfectly cooked quality. I recommend the Napoli, because I love all things tomato, as well as the artichoke and capers pizza--mmmMmmm!
And, the V Lounge:
Considered by many locals to be the penultimate pizza in Hawaii, V Lounge does it's best to be authentic New York style and it does a pretty damn good job. Stalwart New York pizza fans will tell you that it's not New York pizza without New York water, and some L.A. pizzerias brag about how they ship water all the way from New York to make their dough, but it turns out Hawaii water makes for a decent substitute. It also helps that V Lounge goes the extra extra mile to add fresh local produce with authentic New York style meats, cheesee and sauces. The Margherita pizza holds its own against any other such pizza I have tried. And the Sopressatta offers thick slices of pepperoni that were entirely unique to my experience of pepperoni--very much worth trying. If you want to try something different, they offer a number of local inspired toppings such as mac nuts and Maui onions. When it comes down to it, it's a simple pizza with a great crust, tasty sauce and premium quality toppings. What more can you ask for in a good pizza?
Note: I also recent had a very good slice of pizza at the KCC weekly farmer's market, but I forgot to get the name of the pizzeria that made it. It was a pesto pizza with yellow tomatos. It was slightly bitter, but had a nice combination of flavors.
But what about REAL pizza, you say. Indeed, what about real pizza. Well, I am here to tell you that real pizza exists in Hawaii, and it is good. I should first add a caveat that I have yet to find a real Chicago style deep dish pizza, but the two I am about to mention (while not the very best pizza I have eaten) are very worth checking out should you ever hit the shores of Oahu.
First, Z Pizza:
Turns out they have a location in California as well, and for good reason. This is California gourmet style at it's best. Heck they even have a pizza called the Californian, not to mention another one called the Berkeley Vegan (yes, they have Vegan options, as well as gluten-free for you none wheat eaters). The ingredients are extremely fresh, many of them organic, and there are endless fascinating combinations to spark your interest. Plus, they have this super garlicy sauce that is out-of-this-world delicious! Their crust is light and crispy, exactly as I like it. It's a fire roasted pizza, giving it that perfectly cooked quality. I recommend the Napoli, because I love all things tomato, as well as the artichoke and capers pizza--mmmMmmm!
And, the V Lounge:
Considered by many locals to be the penultimate pizza in Hawaii, V Lounge does it's best to be authentic New York style and it does a pretty damn good job. Stalwart New York pizza fans will tell you that it's not New York pizza without New York water, and some L.A. pizzerias brag about how they ship water all the way from New York to make their dough, but it turns out Hawaii water makes for a decent substitute. It also helps that V Lounge goes the extra extra mile to add fresh local produce with authentic New York style meats, cheesee and sauces. The Margherita pizza holds its own against any other such pizza I have tried. And the Sopressatta offers thick slices of pepperoni that were entirely unique to my experience of pepperoni--very much worth trying. If you want to try something different, they offer a number of local inspired toppings such as mac nuts and Maui onions. When it comes down to it, it's a simple pizza with a great crust, tasty sauce and premium quality toppings. What more can you ask for in a good pizza?
Note: I also recent had a very good slice of pizza at the KCC weekly farmer's market, but I forgot to get the name of the pizzeria that made it. It was a pesto pizza with yellow tomatos. It was slightly bitter, but had a nice combination of flavors.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Pidgin and Me
4 months ago, I would never have thought or believed how naturally one adapts to pidgin, but the truth is it is everywhere here. So you better learn to cope or go back home! How did I learn that that the ability to speak pidgin is building inside of me? Well, today at work when I was handing my validated parking to the parking guy and he told me I needed another half hour sticker in order to avoid paying, my reply was: "gimme the (da) thing (ting) and I go back up"--and even more remarkably, he knew exactly what I meant.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Week 15: doin the NaNoWriMo/and the holidays are here
Alright, it's true... You caught me. I took some time off from the blog... If you care, I am SO sorry. It's been a bit of a crazy busy November. First off, I started my new job on November 1 and it's been a whirlwind of adjustment. The program is awesome, we actually make a difference in people's lives by finding them housing when they have no where else to turn. I have worked with what can unfortunately only be called "the poor" for over six years now and I have often said it, and firmly believe, that the first step to change is providing stability in the form of a safe, clean place to live (along with a steady source of sustenance of course).
As if starting a new job weren't enough to have on my plate, I decided to participate in NaNoWriMo this year. Basically, it's a challenge to write a novel during the month of November. This is perhaps the main thing that has held me back from writing on the blog. For the past 26+ nights, I have spent at least two to three hours (sometimes as much as five or six) at the computer plugging away on the novel. I just haven't had much energy or inspiration to write for the blog. Now that I am nearly done (I have 43k words when they require at least 50k to finish), I guess I have a little more space in my brain to think about my blog.
And now, well, you want to know what has been going on in our lives? Thanksgiving and the holidays of course! I have had the fortune to spend many holidays in Hawaii over the last 12 years and it's a great place to be. They are already decorating the entire town with massive Christmas displays which we can't wait to take LK to see. The Christmas parade should be coming soon during a weekend in early December. And we had a great Thanksgiving! Having cooked turkeys for many years now, I have perfected my gravy recipe, and this year was better than ever.
This year, grandpa, the Big Kahuna, bought a flavor injector. I used it to inject chicken stock under the turkey's skin and it made a huge difference in moisture. I could not have asked for a better turkey.
Well, Christmas is here, so I will be blogging about our Hawaii Christmas activities. Hope you enjoy, and have a great holiday where ever you are!
As if starting a new job weren't enough to have on my plate, I decided to participate in NaNoWriMo this year. Basically, it's a challenge to write a novel during the month of November. This is perhaps the main thing that has held me back from writing on the blog. For the past 26+ nights, I have spent at least two to three hours (sometimes as much as five or six) at the computer plugging away on the novel. I just haven't had much energy or inspiration to write for the blog. Now that I am nearly done (I have 43k words when they require at least 50k to finish), I guess I have a little more space in my brain to think about my blog.
And now, well, you want to know what has been going on in our lives? Thanksgiving and the holidays of course! I have had the fortune to spend many holidays in Hawaii over the last 12 years and it's a great place to be. They are already decorating the entire town with massive Christmas displays which we can't wait to take LK to see. The Christmas parade should be coming soon during a weekend in early December. And we had a great Thanksgiving! Having cooked turkeys for many years now, I have perfected my gravy recipe, and this year was better than ever.
This year, grandpa, the Big Kahuna, bought a flavor injector. I used it to inject chicken stock under the turkey's skin and it made a huge difference in moisture. I could not have asked for a better turkey.
Well, Christmas is here, so I will be blogging about our Hawaii Christmas activities. Hope you enjoy, and have a great holiday where ever you are!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Week 13: Bocce Ball
(The following game, bocce ball, is definitely not exclusive to Hawaii. However, Hawaii is extremely conducive to bocce ball. With year round outdoorsy weather, it's one of those games that perfectly suited to Hawaiian lifestyle--at least in my humble newcomer's opinion.)
Okay, let's be straight for a moment. I am not much of sports person. I do enjoy the outdoors, but pretty much on my own terms. I like hiking and dips in the ocean. I profess to enjoy kayaking, which I honestly do, but I hardly ever do it. The costs are somewhat prohibitive at this time, but I hope to be able to buy a kayak in the future. Space is an issue too, so it's all about the waiting game with that. I also really like to snorkel, but once again good gear costs good moolah... So, what's a guy to do...
How about bocce ball!
Which is my new absolute favorite outdoor game. I have never liked bowling because the ball is heavy and the course is awkward. Sliding a seven pound ball (or however many pounds it weighs) on a fifty foot (or whatever distance it is) laminated wooden surface? Whose idea of fun is that? Not mine. I am not much into golf...way too much "science" involved: which club to use, how to hit the ball, etc etc. But bocce ball is SO much fun!
In bocce ball, or less the incarnation I played, you roll the ball through grass on uneven surfaces. It could be slight uphead or slightly downhill. With the way we played, the possibilities were endless. Basically you beginning by having one team toss the small white ball (called a jack). The two teams toss their respective balls to see who can get the most balls closest to the jack. Scoring is based on which team has the most balls nearest the jack. You can do things like knock the other player's balls away from the jack, or even knock the jack away from the other player's balls. So there is strategy involved.
We played at Ala Moana park and found many different terrains and hazards along the way. Once we ended up near a small metal utilizes cover and I was able to bounce my last ball off of the cover to knock the closest ball away and basically win the round. It was a thrilling moment. I totally recommend trying this game!
Okay, let's be straight for a moment. I am not much of sports person. I do enjoy the outdoors, but pretty much on my own terms. I like hiking and dips in the ocean. I profess to enjoy kayaking, which I honestly do, but I hardly ever do it. The costs are somewhat prohibitive at this time, but I hope to be able to buy a kayak in the future. Space is an issue too, so it's all about the waiting game with that. I also really like to snorkel, but once again good gear costs good moolah... So, what's a guy to do...
How about bocce ball!
Which is my new absolute favorite outdoor game. I have never liked bowling because the ball is heavy and the course is awkward. Sliding a seven pound ball (or however many pounds it weighs) on a fifty foot (or whatever distance it is) laminated wooden surface? Whose idea of fun is that? Not mine. I am not much into golf...way too much "science" involved: which club to use, how to hit the ball, etc etc. But bocce ball is SO much fun!
In bocce ball, or less the incarnation I played, you roll the ball through grass on uneven surfaces. It could be slight uphead or slightly downhill. With the way we played, the possibilities were endless. Basically you beginning by having one team toss the small white ball (called a jack). The two teams toss their respective balls to see who can get the most balls closest to the jack. Scoring is based on which team has the most balls nearest the jack. You can do things like knock the other player's balls away from the jack, or even knock the jack away from the other player's balls. So there is strategy involved.
We played at Ala Moana park and found many different terrains and hazards along the way. Once we ended up near a small metal utilizes cover and I was able to bounce my last ball off of the cover to knock the closest ball away and basically win the round. It was a thrilling moment. I totally recommend trying this game!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Week 12: Our First Hawaii Halloween
LK had a wonderful first Halloween in Hawaii! I have said it before and I will say it over and over, the best thing about Halloween is the fun it is for kids. They get to dress up in costume of their own choice and go door-to-door (or in LK's case mall store to mall store) and get free candy! Could there be a better day for kids? Well, besides Christmas and Birthdays perhaps.
Anyway, for the first time LK chose (with an extremely ghoulish delight) a scary costume:
In order to avoid the supposed madness that is Waikiki (obviously not five year old friendly), we took LK to Ala Moana Mall to trick or treat at the shops. Let me tell you, he cleaned up in a way that I never did trick or treating int the 70s. He literally got a bag full of candy, little toys, stickers, etc. And we didn't even hit up the whole mall. The place is really big, and we got way too tired after the first hour and a half.
Everyone loved his costume. I guess they thought a five year old skeleton was the cutest thing. People wanted to take their picture with him. People laughed and smiled wherever he went. And a trolley driver stopped her trolley to include him in her tour. It was quite a day for LK, he absolutely loved it.
Anyway, for the first time LK chose (with an extremely ghoulish delight) a scary costume:
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| A spoooooky skeleton! |
In order to avoid the supposed madness that is Waikiki (obviously not five year old friendly), we took LK to Ala Moana Mall to trick or treat at the shops. Let me tell you, he cleaned up in a way that I never did trick or treating int the 70s. He literally got a bag full of candy, little toys, stickers, etc. And we didn't even hit up the whole mall. The place is really big, and we got way too tired after the first hour and a half.
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| Tricks or treats! |
Everyone loved his costume. I guess they thought a five year old skeleton was the cutest thing. People wanted to take their picture with him. People laughed and smiled wherever he went. And a trolley driver stopped her trolley to include him in her tour. It was quite a day for LK, he absolutely loved it.
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