Photo-Op

Tuesday, Mom and I drove down to Kona, and stopped to enjoy the view from the K-Mart parking lot.

Yes, that is the ocean.

Shaka!

See the temple?

There it is!

Hawai'i 101

Here is some basic info about Hawaii for you!

First off, I live in Hawaii, the state, on Hawaii, The Big Island. Subtle but distinct difference. There are eight islands.

I live in Waimea. (Northern bit of the island. Right in the middle.) It's chilly, windy and rainy. Typically about 15 degrees colder, more or less, than the coast. Hour drive to Kona (West coast. middle).

Hawaiian Language-

Aloha- Pretty much anything positive. Greetings, love....all that jazz.

Mahalo- Thank you

'ohana- family. Like Lilo & Stitch

keiki- children

honu- sea turtle

Mele Kalikimaka- Merry Christmas!

It is custom to remove your shoes before you enter someone's house.

Adults are more often referred to by children as Auntie or Uncle, rather than Mr. or Mrs.. The receptionist at my school is Auntie Lani, and the custodian, who I love very dearly, is Uncle Hapi.

POG

Passion Orange Guava Juice. It's pretty much everywhere. And it's to die for. Seriously, go buy some right now. Most grocery stores carry it.

Shaka - pretty much an "all good" greeting gesture. You might think you're being insulted, but you're not. You will see it everywhere.

Another traditional greeting/farewell/thanksgiving gesture is a hug and kiss on the cheek.


Flip-flop sandals are called slippers. Or slippahs, if you want to sound authentic and cool.

That's it for now! Any questions?

So. Much. Sugar!

Monday it finally started to feel like Christmas. With the weather here feeling more like spring, it's been weird. But then mom and I had a day of Christmas goodie making mania. After a quick stop at the grocery store, we put in our happy Christmas CD's and baked allllll day!

Grand total-
almond roca toffee
minty chocolate crinkle cookies
orange rolls!
pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting
rosettes
pretzel hugs
wasail
tacos- for lunch
my favorite sausage rice casserole- for dinner

All in our absolutely TINY lil kitchen!

Then we went caroling in Waikoloa with some families from church, and brought a bunch of goodies to share. It was fun.

Write a Friend Month

First off-
I apologize (again) for lack of postage. I think I am just gonna apologize in advance.
Also, this technology thing has been holding a grudge against me or something, because it hasn't let me comment ON MY OWN POSTS! It was angrymaking. So if I didn't reply, it wasn't my fault. I tried. The computer wouldn't let me.

Now! On to new stuff.

According to the calendar in my classroom, December is Write a Friend Month.
I quite enjoy that, as I am missing my friends very very much. Also, it is Christmas! And I think writing and sending letters is especially appropriate during this season. It is what I try to do, instead of spending money on worldly presents. It is more meaningful. But that is a topic for another time. Maybe a talk in church next week actually...

Anyway.
I would like to issue a challenge: Write your friends! Handwritten notes and letters are the best, but if you know you probably won't do that, at least send emails! Or however else you message!

Let people know how much you love and appreciate them. It really means a lot to hear from your friends. You never know who is needing a boost. Why not give it to them?

Happy Birthday Momma

Yesterday was my Mama's Birthday. I love her muchly. She is super awesome. So fun and silly and kind. Impatient with my baking, she always wants to get it done and eaten as fast as possible. Sun-loving. Sings hymns in church even when she knows she isn't on the right pitch. Adventurous biker chick. Makes me lunch. She is just wonderful. One of my heroes.
So Mama, I love you! Happy Birthday! Thanks for all you do.