December 31, 2011
Questions
1. 2011 was the year ______________________________.
2. In 2011, I _____________________________________.
3. One of my fondest memories of 2011 was when ___________________________________.
4. One of my most embarrassing moments of 2011 was when I ____________________________.
5. One thing I will take from 2011 is _______________________________________.
Hawaii/SF Transplant's Answers:
1. ...of incredible family stress and transitions - 8th grade Confirmation, 8th grade Graduation, 2 Graduation Parties (friends and family), trip to Disney World, Freshman year at SI....while they announced lay offs at my work (which are to actually take place in 2012).
2. ...discovered the power of The Evil Eye.
3. ...we spent the weekend in the Bohemian vineyards.
4. ...thought my body was still built like a fit 20 year old and I tried to play "grass volleyball" again.
5. ...that time keeps moving us forward and my daughter is not a little girl anymore.
Tomorrow is another day and the start of a new year.
What was 2011 like for you?
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
#8 - First Charter Members' Gathering - Adventures and Death
Strong drinks, great beer, authentic Mexican food with a hint of the Caribbean...a perfect Mexican ambiance greeted Bonnie and me at Estradas in Daly City. Bonnie was impressed as it reminded her of the many Mexican and US border towns she had visited for her Federal government job! Bonnie, do share those experiences with us one day!
And then we left Mexico and headed to Asia! We found a place to get cheap and really really good massages - 30 minutes feet and 30 minutes back massages for only $40. The setting was tranquil amidst the hustle and bustle of the shoppers. Our masseur and masseuse were from China and they spoke very very little English. Kinda felt like we were in Asia. We were actually at Serramonte Mall.
And then it was back to our little Mexican resort bar for karaoke. I got to practice my Spanish with this guy who was interested in Bonnie until she busted out with her German. (And she is Czech! Good move, Bonnie!)
We talked about traveling the world.
Bonnie's destination for her family's next trip is Cancun/Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza is a majestic Mayan city in the beautiful Yucatan region of Mexico and the location of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The ancient Mayan pyramid "El Castilllo" is an archeological beauty to behold. (fyi...my Isla Mujeres is near Cancun too!!)
My family is going to Europe - Ireland (gotta visit with Rich's relatives on his mother's side), London (of course!), Paris (one of my dream destinations...and we need to visit Priscille's namesake - one of my best friends!), Rome (why not?) Rich wants to go next June before it gets too crazy with the 2012 Summer Olympics.
And we talked about death.
When Bonnie dies, she will have her ashes scattered off the shores of Pacifica and have a memorial bench placed at her favorite lookout point on Milagra Ridge. When I die, I will have my ashes scattered in the warm Pacific Ocean off the North Shore on Oahu, Hawaii. Priscille knows where to go to scatter flowers when she visits me.
What travel destinations are in your near future? And have you thought about your death?
And then we left Mexico and headed to Asia! We found a place to get cheap and really really good massages - 30 minutes feet and 30 minutes back massages for only $40. The setting was tranquil amidst the hustle and bustle of the shoppers. Our masseur and masseuse were from China and they spoke very very little English. Kinda felt like we were in Asia. We were actually at Serramonte Mall.
And then it was back to our little Mexican resort bar for karaoke. I got to practice my Spanish with this guy who was interested in Bonnie until she busted out with her German. (And she is Czech! Good move, Bonnie!)
We talked about traveling the world.
Bonnie's destination for her family's next trip is Cancun/Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza is a majestic Mayan city in the beautiful Yucatan region of Mexico and the location of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The ancient Mayan pyramid "El Castilllo" is an archeological beauty to behold. (fyi...my Isla Mujeres is near Cancun too!!)
My family is going to Europe - Ireland (gotta visit with Rich's relatives on his mother's side), London (of course!), Paris (one of my dream destinations...and we need to visit Priscille's namesake - one of my best friends!), Rome (why not?) Rich wants to go next June before it gets too crazy with the 2012 Summer Olympics.
And we talked about death.
When Bonnie dies, she will have her ashes scattered off the shores of Pacifica and have a memorial bench placed at her favorite lookout point on Milagra Ridge. When I die, I will have my ashes scattered in the warm Pacific Ocean off the North Shore on Oahu, Hawaii. Priscille knows where to go to scatter flowers when she visits me.
What travel destinations are in your near future? And have you thought about your death?
Thursday, December 29, 2011
#7 - Cleaning Out The Back Yard
What's in your back yard?
From the outside, things may appear to be neat and tidy...all beautiful, organized and well manicured. I remember admiring a beautiful Beverly Hills home only to learn later that the back yard and the inside of the house were jam packed with "stuff". A hoarder lived there and no one would have guessed it.
What's in your back yard? And I don't mean "your back yard" in the literal sense. I mean it figuratively. What is cluttering up your mind, your heart, your soul? What's holding you back? Only you would know. We all have "stuff". The issues are of varying degrees of intensity for everyone...finances, work, marriage, relationships, family, health, school, car...and the list goes on.
My clutter immobilizes me. That smoldering pit in my stomach churns and burns. I get overwhelmed and then I shut down. I avoid dealing with it by eating more, taking naps, watching TV, going out and partying with friends. You name it and I'll do it just to avoid dealing with my back yard.
A mentor once told me "You can't move forward and and succeed until you clean out your back yard."
I hear my mother's simple pearls of wisdom "If it's yours, then you need to take care of it" and "Do one thing at a time. It'll get done."
Well...I guess I'd better get going and get cleaning. I've got rooms to clean let alone the back yard. Blogging could be on my list of avoidance tactics. :-)
From the outside, things may appear to be neat and tidy...all beautiful, organized and well manicured. I remember admiring a beautiful Beverly Hills home only to learn later that the back yard and the inside of the house were jam packed with "stuff". A hoarder lived there and no one would have guessed it.
What's in your back yard? And I don't mean "your back yard" in the literal sense. I mean it figuratively. What is cluttering up your mind, your heart, your soul? What's holding you back? Only you would know. We all have "stuff". The issues are of varying degrees of intensity for everyone...finances, work, marriage, relationships, family, health, school, car...and the list goes on.
My clutter immobilizes me. That smoldering pit in my stomach churns and burns. I get overwhelmed and then I shut down. I avoid dealing with it by eating more, taking naps, watching TV, going out and partying with friends. You name it and I'll do it just to avoid dealing with my back yard.
A mentor once told me "You can't move forward and and succeed until you clean out your back yard."
I hear my mother's simple pearls of wisdom "If it's yours, then you need to take care of it" and "Do one thing at a time. It'll get done."
Well...I guess I'd better get going and get cleaning. I've got rooms to clean let alone the back yard. Blogging could be on my list of avoidance tactics. :-)
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
#6 - Need To Get In Shape
Round is a shape. Ha ha!
Seriously...
Yesterday I saw a special on TV about Peru and Machu Picchu. Damn! The terrain and altitude will kill me if I don't start exercising now! I can barely go a few feet without huffing and puffing. Yes, I am going to be honest here. I might as well lay it on the table. I have to lose weight and get fit!
Getting in shape means exercising the mind, the body and the soul. Writing this blog has been the start of my brain's exercise routine. I try to do it every day or at least five times a week. Hearing and acknowledging Pat's statement "I am done", as it related to his journey through San Francisco, triggered and released my soul from bondage to this City too. That kickstarted my search for a renewed meaning of existence. Exercising my soul has meant tapping back into and revisiting the love of my true friends. I called one of my old college roommates, Mary, yesterday. Although our conversation was brief, it was great to hear her voice and her level-headed, logical and very make-sensability approach to life. Next I need to call our other college roommate Robin who was a true partner-in-crime. And well...exercising my body? I gotta work on that one!
Bonnie has started back at the gym! Good for her! She's looking good! She's even added walking Milagra Ridge to her routine.
Cape wearing Ana walks every day.....along the Great Highway, up and down picturesque Lake Street and Sweeney Ridge. She has lost a lot of weight! It suits her tatts well.
Gary, Ewan and Pat ride their bikes! Good for them! I used to ride my bike through the streets of Honolulu, Waikiki and up and down Diamond Head. And then I moved to San Francisco and it was just too cold and dreary to enjoy riding again. Keep up the riding, guys!!! Good on you!!!
I think I'd better work on my mind .....it needs to tell my body to move more! Dancing around the house is a start, right?
Seriously...
Yesterday I saw a special on TV about Peru and Machu Picchu. Damn! The terrain and altitude will kill me if I don't start exercising now! I can barely go a few feet without huffing and puffing. Yes, I am going to be honest here. I might as well lay it on the table. I have to lose weight and get fit!
Getting in shape means exercising the mind, the body and the soul. Writing this blog has been the start of my brain's exercise routine. I try to do it every day or at least five times a week. Hearing and acknowledging Pat's statement "I am done", as it related to his journey through San Francisco, triggered and released my soul from bondage to this City too. That kickstarted my search for a renewed meaning of existence. Exercising my soul has meant tapping back into and revisiting the love of my true friends. I called one of my old college roommates, Mary, yesterday. Although our conversation was brief, it was great to hear her voice and her level-headed, logical and very make-sensability approach to life. Next I need to call our other college roommate Robin who was a true partner-in-crime. And well...exercising my body? I gotta work on that one!
Bonnie has started back at the gym! Good for her! She's looking good! She's even added walking Milagra Ridge to her routine.
Cape wearing Ana walks every day.....along the Great Highway, up and down picturesque Lake Street and Sweeney Ridge. She has lost a lot of weight! It suits her tatts well.
Gary, Ewan and Pat ride their bikes! Good for them! I used to ride my bike through the streets of Honolulu, Waikiki and up and down Diamond Head. And then I moved to San Francisco and it was just too cold and dreary to enjoy riding again. Keep up the riding, guys!!! Good on you!!!
I think I'd better work on my mind .....it needs to tell my body to move more! Dancing around the house is a start, right?
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
#5 - Others Who Live It Too
I shared the transplant team concept with one of Rich's cousins at a Christmas party the other night and she immediately said excitedly "Vince would understand!" I quickly discounted her husband by saying that he is from Novato, California so he doesn't qualify.
Last night Bonnie and I were at a holiday get together. This transplant idea was shared and Bonnie turned to our friend Ana and said "You are like us! You could be a member!" I immediately disqualified her too because she is from San Francisco.
But really...there ARE people who feel like outsiders in their own land. There are others who live it too and who happen to be from California and who happen to be born and raised in this very city and this very community from which we feel alienated. There are others, and I quote omronian, who are "missionaries for freedom in a land of predetermined expectations."
Crazy, huh?
Maybe we could call them our "Special Forces Team".
Last night Bonnie and I were at a holiday get together. This transplant idea was shared and Bonnie turned to our friend Ana and said "You are like us! You could be a member!" I immediately disqualified her too because she is from San Francisco.
But really...there ARE people who feel like outsiders in their own land. There are others who live it too and who happen to be from California and who happen to be born and raised in this very city and this very community from which we feel alienated. There are others, and I quote omronian, who are "missionaries for freedom in a land of predetermined expectations."
Crazy, huh?
Maybe we could call them our "Special Forces Team".
Monday, December 26, 2011
#4 - Christmas is the Season of Renewal
"Christmas is the season of renewal."
I am trying to understand the relevance of this statement as it relates to my journey.
Well...for starters, this season absolutely renews my spiritual beliefs. I believe in the purpose of Jesus Christ's birth and His life on this earth. My faith in a higher power is definitely renewed!
I am reminded of the love in my family... a renewed sensation each year at this time. Keep in mind that the definition of "family" is relative. There's my husband's San Francisco family and there's my Hawaii family. I miss my Hawaii family a lot. I miss the fun family parties... the laughing, the singing, the hula dancing, the food, the pidgin English, the relaxed "just hanging out" feel at these parties and the overall unconditional love - the aloha. I miss the feeling of excitement and the anticipation of seeing my cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents all in one place...all carefree....all just hanging out together.
What else is there to renew?
I really need to stop the craziness in my world to take an honest and meaningful look at my own life.
Who am I? What have I done in this lifetime to determine who I am today?? What lessons, habits, values, relationships, personal possessions and household items do I need to keep? Renew? Discard? And where do I want to go from here?
Got a new book for Christmas. It was required reading in college in my freshman Religion 151 class - "Religion and the Meaning of Existence". I think it'll enlighten me on this leg of my journey. The book? Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
A friend recently loaned me her book The Secret. That may help me with visualizing my meaning of existence.
But let's be real....first I need to finish reading what I'm currently reading - The Christmas Train by David Baldacci. Light but meaningful. I just need to renew my focus on finishing this book this week.
What about you? Tell us about your Christmas.
I am trying to understand the relevance of this statement as it relates to my journey.
Well...for starters, this season absolutely renews my spiritual beliefs. I believe in the purpose of Jesus Christ's birth and His life on this earth. My faith in a higher power is definitely renewed!
I am reminded of the love in my family... a renewed sensation each year at this time. Keep in mind that the definition of "family" is relative. There's my husband's San Francisco family and there's my Hawaii family. I miss my Hawaii family a lot. I miss the fun family parties... the laughing, the singing, the hula dancing, the food, the pidgin English, the relaxed "just hanging out" feel at these parties and the overall unconditional love - the aloha. I miss the feeling of excitement and the anticipation of seeing my cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents all in one place...all carefree....all just hanging out together.
What else is there to renew?
I really need to stop the craziness in my world to take an honest and meaningful look at my own life.
Who am I? What have I done in this lifetime to determine who I am today?? What lessons, habits, values, relationships, personal possessions and household items do I need to keep? Renew? Discard? And where do I want to go from here?
Got a new book for Christmas. It was required reading in college in my freshman Religion 151 class - "Religion and the Meaning of Existence". I think it'll enlighten me on this leg of my journey. The book? Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
A friend recently loaned me her book The Secret. That may help me with visualizing my meaning of existence.
But let's be real....first I need to finish reading what I'm currently reading - The Christmas Train by David Baldacci. Light but meaningful. I just need to renew my focus on finishing this book this week.
What about you? Tell us about your Christmas.
Friday, December 23, 2011
#3 - What's Your Vision For Your Life?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years? Really...what do you see in your mind's eye?
Honestly, my picture is very blurry and that's not good. It needs to be clear and focused.
I know, however, that I want to travel the world.
I see water...tropical waters...and I also see mountain ranges. I know that I have to get to Machu Picchu and South America before I die. What about Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo? (I love saying Zihuatanejo!) And all those not-as-touristy sunny tropical destinations? I want to go to Isla Mujeres only because I like the English translation of the island's name - Island of Women. From my perspective, it connotes beauty, power and strength! My Spanish would prove useful in this region of the world. (I am investing in a Rosetta Stone program in 2012 for sure.)
I have to do an African safari. That Disney World feature - albeit fun - does not cut the dijon. And while I am in Africa, I want to visit Egypt. I think I was there in a past life.
And nothing too cold but would I consider an Antartica trip?
New Zealand - Ewan's land - sounds so exotic and the pictures on film are spectacular. I was first introduced to this beautiful country in grammar school. My sixth grade class took a trip to the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaii. Of the many different exhibits, New Zealand and the Maori culture touched my soul the deepest. To this day, I have no idea why. I believe a visit to New Zealand is on the list.
Pat loves Thailand. His eyes light up and he beams from ear to ear when he describes this very exotic and intriguing culture. He says that we would love it too. I think this definitely needs to be explored.
Bonnie wants to travel the world! I want to travel with her! We need to visit Germany since she lived there for some time. We can stop in to see our friend Christine if and when she decides to move back to Germany.
Gary...our Wisconsin boy is wanting to tap into this chi too.
There is soooooo much more beyond San Francisco! We have dormant yet meaningful dreams and goals to nurture.
What are we going to do when our immediate responsibilities are fulfilled?
What is your vision for your life? How clear and focused ...or how blurry... is your picture?
Honestly, my picture is very blurry and that's not good. It needs to be clear and focused.
I know, however, that I want to travel the world.
I see water...tropical waters...and I also see mountain ranges. I know that I have to get to Machu Picchu and South America before I die. What about Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo? (I love saying Zihuatanejo!) And all those not-as-touristy sunny tropical destinations? I want to go to Isla Mujeres only because I like the English translation of the island's name - Island of Women. From my perspective, it connotes beauty, power and strength! My Spanish would prove useful in this region of the world. (I am investing in a Rosetta Stone program in 2012 for sure.)
I have to do an African safari. That Disney World feature - albeit fun - does not cut the dijon. And while I am in Africa, I want to visit Egypt. I think I was there in a past life.
And nothing too cold but would I consider an Antartica trip?
New Zealand - Ewan's land - sounds so exotic and the pictures on film are spectacular. I was first introduced to this beautiful country in grammar school. My sixth grade class took a trip to the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaii. Of the many different exhibits, New Zealand and the Maori culture touched my soul the deepest. To this day, I have no idea why. I believe a visit to New Zealand is on the list.
Pat loves Thailand. His eyes light up and he beams from ear to ear when he describes this very exotic and intriguing culture. He says that we would love it too. I think this definitely needs to be explored.
Bonnie wants to travel the world! I want to travel with her! We need to visit Germany since she lived there for some time. We can stop in to see our friend Christine if and when she decides to move back to Germany.
Gary...our Wisconsin boy is wanting to tap into this chi too.
There is soooooo much more beyond San Francisco! We have dormant yet meaningful dreams and goals to nurture.
What are we going to do when our immediate responsibilities are fulfilled?
What is your vision for your life? How clear and focused ...or how blurry... is your picture?
Thursday, December 22, 2011
#2 - Found Another Team Member
I was at a holiday party tonight and ran into another transplant. He is someone I totally forgot about. Gary is from Wisconsin. He's got "the perspective" and has a lot to say about it. And he is totally all about keeping the discussions within the boundaries of the team. He's down for the adventures and for moving beyond the mindset in which we all exist.
Who's down for Estradas on Thursday 12/29?
Who's down for Estradas on Thursday 12/29?
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
#1 - Always Moving Forward
The mind is a terrible thing to waste!
Hola, mis amigos!
I have started practicing my Spanish again! I will need it when I get to South America. In the meantime, I am going to practice at Estradas next week.
I am looking into PhD programs. Haven't really pinned down my subject area yet.
Bonnie is looking into companies she'd like to work for when she retires.
I just called a friend. I want her to help me start a blog for our "moving forward" Transplant Team! DONE
I just watched "The Bucket List". Soooo much to do before I die!
I also saw "The Hangover II". Thailand is intriguing!
Hola, mis amigos!
I have started practicing my Spanish again! I will need it when I get to South America. In the meantime, I am going to practice at Estradas next week.
I am looking into PhD programs. Haven't really pinned down my subject area yet.
Bonnie is looking into companies she'd like to work for when she retires.
I just called a friend. I want her to help me start a blog for our "moving forward" Transplant Team! DONE
I just watched "The Bucket List". Soooo much to do before I die!
I also saw "The Hangover II". Thailand is intriguing!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)