I Walk the Line

So for about 3 months or so I've been walking the mall for some exercise. Usually at 8:00 each weekday morning - 3 times around the top = 1 mile. I started walking with my friend Missy and her friend Lisa. They are great girls. They are both young mothers so usually have kids in tow or sometimes can't make it cause of sick kids etc. I have enjoyed their company.

There are other regular walkers - my age or older - as well as a whole group who do Chinese exercise (not tai chi). Most of us walk in one direction (as if there is a sign prohibiting counter direction walking!). On rainy days all of us old people get out of our cars and walk cautiously over the wet asphalt (I'm sure all of us are repeating the same mantra "Please don't let me fall and break my hip").

Last week my friend Rochelle started walking too. She is more like my age. But she is a speed demon walker - I have a hard time keeping up - which is good.

How does it go? "Let your reach exceed your grasp else what's a heaven for"

Just What the Doctor Ordered

Got parenting ails?
Kids acting up?
Teens got attitude?

The prescription's in - Dr. John Rosemond!

Gene and I went to hear Dr. Rosemond (nationally syndicated columnist) when he was on a speaking tour here during the past 2 weeks. We enjoyed him tremendously. He spoke TRUTH!

He talked about parenting old style - like how our grandparents did - as opposed to parenting styles of today which rely on experts who espouse theory over time-proven practice.

So it's back to "Because I said so..." at the Wright household.

One of the things that made so much sense to me was when he talked about self esteem. he said we have been led to believe that we should value and instill self esteem in our children as if possession of self esteem is the key to living happily and successfully (after all, that's what most parenting experts have been saying). As a culture we have bought into it.

Dr. Rosemond says that what we should instill in children is Respect for Others over so called self esteem. Feelings of good worth come from doing good things for others/being of service to others. That is exactly what the gospel teaches!

He says that prisons are full of people with high self esteem - people who think they can get away with breaking the law cause they are above the law!

He also said that when you think about it the opposite of self esteem is humility. I want my children to be humble - because when when people are humble they are teachable and open to the things of God.

Read John's books and if he's ever in your area - go see him! It'll change your life! (www.rosemond.com)

Note - I am usually not a self-help-book-fan but I unabashedly, unapologetically, untypically HIGHLY recommend these books!

)

Reading Aloud

Those of you who know our Hannah know that she talks to herself - alot. Usually when she talks to herself she relates the events of her day - repeating what people have said. So one day she is sitting by the front door near her backpack and I think she's talking to herself - she's saying "hannah did not have a very good day today. It started at breakfast when she would not listen. Later she refused to do her work..."

I looked over at her and realized she was reading a note that the teacher had written to me!

Gene and I were both amazed and happy that she has improved so much academically. At one point we thought she would never learn to read!

Here's a goofy picture of her

Nikita

One of my favorite Elton John song's is Nikita. He sings "Oh Nikita is it cold - in your little corner of the world?"

Well we will soon find out...

Gene and I go to Washington D.C. on April 23 for my ACEC Spring Convention - usually I go to Women's Conference in Utah right after. Not this year though...we're headed to -

MOSCOW (and not the one in Idaho)

I saw an unbelievable fare out of D.C. - $64 on American each way - with tax it was $213! We couldn't pass it up! So we leave D.C. on 28 April, arrive Moscow 29 April and stay until 3 May.

Gene has wanted to go there for awhile now and I am so glad this opportunity came up.

Cynthia and Nadine are joining us so we should have a GREAT time!

We are a little cautious though - the Visa process alone is daunting! Russian Visa requires that you list ALL the colleges you ever attended (no matter how long ago); your last 2 jobs (even if you've worked at the current jobs for decades); your parents names (no matter how long ago they died), every country you've visted in the last 10 years (complete with dates) and tons more info about your life. It took Cynthia literally 2 hours to complete the form!

I have read that once you're in the country be prepared to carry your papers with you at all times cause the police will stop and ask to see them and the police are notorious for giving minorities a hard time unless you pay the a bribe!

Fortunately we have hired a private guide who will be with us from the moment we arrive to the moment we leave.

We are staying at Maxima Zarya Hotel which is out a bit from the city center. Didn't know that Moscow is the most expensive city in the world! Fortunately our hotel is reasonable (about $155 per night and that includes breakfast and dinner for 2) and new,

Will post when we return for sure - but till we leave we are sure filled with excitement and trepidation.

Oh - one more thing I've read about Moscow - bring your own roll of toilet paper - those torn up pieces of newspaper neatly stacked in a box next to the toilet are not for reading!

A Young Man Prepared (or Preparing)

(He says he's smiling in this picture - and I don't know what's up with the Alfalfa hair)

Jacob is preparing to serve a mission. It is quite a feat - to think that a young man at age 19 would sacrifice his time to serve anywhere he is sent for 2 years - and pay for it on top of that! And to think that same young man has kept himself morally clean thus making himself worthy to serve! He is an awesome guy!

He has completed all the paperwork and just has the interviews left to do. We expect those will happen within the next 2 weeks or so - so we anticipate that within maybe 6 weeks he'll know where he is being sent and when he'll go. (We think he'll probably leave in June)

He has been reading the Book of Mormon in earnest (he made a goal to read it once before his birthday - April 8th - and one more time before he departs). He's been attending Scripture Study class and the Missionary Correlation Meetings and has been going out with the missionaries about once a week.

He is also trying to get in as much video game time as he can - going cold turkey will be hard!

We Had Twins!

If you haven't heard of or seen a Kindle - put it at the top of your "gotta do" list. This gadget is amazing. So amazing we bought a his and hers.

It is a neat, sleek ebook reader by Amazon. See how thin and small?

It can hold about 1500 books from Amazon's 250,000 Kindle bookstore. They download instantly (and free) anywhere you can catch a cell phone signal (no need to hook up to a computer!) There are buttons to press to turn pages, search text, etc. It can even read aloud to you!

Kindle books ordered through Amazon run from 99 cents to $9.99 for best sellers. You can get all the Standard Works of the Church for $4.00!!

The device also allows you to type in notes as you read.

Overall it is a great tool! It should prove to be a fantastic addition to our travel gadgets and take POUNDS off Gene's luggage weight - he's been known to travel with HARD BACK books that take up the majority of his luggage weight allowance.

A Kindle 2 will set you back about $350 - but well worth it if you're an avid reader (especially an avid on-the-go reader). Oh one more thing that makes it a good buy - FREE SHIPPING!

(Note - I do NOT work for Kindle or Amazon)

Gabey Baby No Longer

Gabe celebrated his 15th birthday on March 1. We were hot off our trip home from Germany - still on European time for sure but managed to take him and 2 friends to stay at the Embassy Suites in Waikiki.

The guys had a good time swimming, walking around Waikiki and eating. And eating. And eating.

Gabe is taller than me by many inches! He is a good looking kid with loads of talent and a kind heart. Always singing or playing the piano...in fact we usually have to tell him to stop singing.

He got a bunch of cash for his birthday and quickly went out and bought an iTouch.

Two performances are in his near future - Singing in the Rain (weekends in April) and Dance Concert (2nd weekend in May).

15 years old already - wow - where'd the time go?

He thinks he's getting his driver's license and a car when he is 15 1/2. Hahahahahahahahaha!

Post Christmas Trip

Went to Las Vegas on New Years Eve - my cousin Mellene's son Manu Boy (I mean Manu Man) got married in the Las Vegas Temple on Jan. 3. I went up early and spent a few days with my awesome cousin Stephanie. We had a great time chatting and relaxing.

The wedding was wonderful. Manu man and his lovely wife Ashley are not just a wonderful couple - they are wonderful people. The food was ono and it was fun to see the next generation coming into adulthood with such grace and optimism for the future.

One other bonus of this trip is that I got to go to the Liberace Museum - it as fascinating! Don;t miss it on your next trip to LV.

Does She or Doesn't She?

This is my sister Alo. I googled her to get a picture... This is a test to see if she reads this blog. How long will it take her to say "Hey get my picture off your blog!"

Ruth Ann

My mother had a first cousin named Ruth Marian (aka "Oofie"). Ruth had a daughter. Her name is Ruth Ann. Ruth Marian died last year. Ruth Ann came to visit Hawaii and stayed with my first cousin Candie and family.

I had met Ruth Ann when she was a child. I got to meet her again now that she is an adult.

She is an interesting and delightful person! Despite our age difference I really enjoyed meeting and talking with her!

She lives in L.A.

She looks like a Mossman!

Is this the little girl I carried...

Susan Kapuauiokalani Wright
(the smile hasn't changed!)

Getting sentimental is easy when you're post 50 years old - just thinking that she turned 21 on January 8th! Flash back to January 11th 1988 - the night we got the call from Sally Lee saying she had a brand new baby girl for us! It was 9:00 p.m. and I had spent an exhausting day cleaning closets at the church - it was about 9:00 p.m. when the call came. Gene came home a few minutes later - and in his typical dead-pan style said "I'm so excited I think I'll stay up all night and pay the banjo." I then proceeded to call everyone I knew!

We met her for the first time on January 13th - she was a beauty! After we picked her up from the social worker's office we went to see Tutu who, like veryone else, fell in love with her instantly.

Truly, Heavenly Father gave us His best!

Flash forward to January 8, 2009 - 21 years old - still beautiful - she has a kind and loving heart. She is busy working, loves the beach, sun and surf, and is such a great help to us.

- and we still feel like we did 21 years ago - He did give us His best!

Mele Kalikimaka

To friends and family far and near -

We wish you a wonderful Holiday Season! May the Lord continue to bless you and may you continue to look to Him and Live!

Aloha - The Wrights

Gene's Getting Old

At 57 he is looking fine...although he has had a few medical issues (I tell him old man illnesses) - he is still a healthy specimen who continues to have great taste in women.

He has been busy writing (rewriting) book #2 and continues to be an avid reader.

He has had a work issue that has challenged him but I believe things are on the path of resolution (can I be any more vague?)

Today he was on the roof trying find a leak, then tore out the bathroom wall repairing a leak yet he'll find time for our weekly Saturday date to Sam's Club.

I think this year has certainly expanded his "Fatherhood" experiences as we have learned to parent (in a different way) almost adult children. And to prove it the gray hairs are finally starting to crop into those blond waves.

Can you see the gray?

He hasn't run a half marathon this year - but hes been busy running everywhere - always serving others. He's a great example to the rest of us.

Ginny = Gorgeous After All These Years

2008 did not disappoint! It brought many opportunities to learn, serve and grow. I continue to enjoy working for 2 great companies - Hawaii Sales Representatives and the American Council of Engineering Companies.

I must confess to a new addiction - to Grey's Anatomy!!!!!

I have enjoyed seeing the fam grow and have really enjoyed the time that Gene has taken to travel with me. He continually shows me that I am important and is always kind to me - still opens my car door after all these years!

I have also found joy in seeing the happiness in others - especially in Brandi as she has worked productively in her chosen field, dedicated herself to her doctoral studies and found her self in what seems to be a wonderful relationship.

Ditto for Steve - he got to go to Lithuania etc. this past year to do paid research and is quickly approaching the completion of his doctorate. He too seems to have found a special someone and I am happy for him.

Somedays the house is still a mess and the laundry has piled up but as I look back I realize that I did accomplish a lot this year --- I made Executive Platinum again...which means 2009 HERE I COME!

And through all the ups and downs of 2008 I remain pretty and smart.



Left - picture of me before I quit dying my hair.
Right - picture of me w/natural hair color

Hooray for Hannah in 2008!

Now in her 3rd grade at Heeia Elementary Hannah has learned to read! She can read simple books with CVC words. We are very proud of her.

She is still very active and into everything. One of our friends gave her a sweater that says "Requires Constant Supervision" on the back - that fits Hannah to a tee!

She still loves music and can sing anything. Her favorite songs are "Unwritten" - Natasha Bedingfield and "How to Save a Life" by the Fray. Easy to tell she has teenage siblings.

Her baptism was surely the highlight of her year and we were humbled by the many friends and relatives that attended her baptism service.

We are still working with medical experts on a number of issues with Hannah and hope that with their assistance she will be able to grow to be a happy, responsible person.

Michelle - The Miracle

Well Miss Michelle enjoys being 11. She thinks she is a big kid and likes to boss Hannah around. We gotta laugh when we hear her saying "What did you say to me Hannah? You don't give me attitude!"

She is enjoying 5th grade. Her best friend is a boy named Renny. She said he is her boyfriend. I told her the prophet said no boyfriends cause she is too young so now she says he's just her friend.

She is still always happy! What a joy to be around someone who is always in a good mood.

We are trying to get her to cut back on the rice - but she told me that rice is a grain and grains are healthy!

She loves her ipod nano that Aunty Leo gave her last Christmas.

Her likes include - Ben 10 Alien Force, popcorn, rice, beans (except green and lima), vienna sausage, dogs and, of course - babies.

her dislikes - all vegetables, fruits (except bananas), loud noises.

Gabe's Year - The Musical

Well Gabe's year can be summed up in one word - performing!

In February he took center stage as Sky Masterson in this year's CPAC production of Guys and Dolls Jr. He did a great job! he also did a great job of hiding the fact that he was going to be kissing a girl in the play! I didn't find out until I witnessed the deed on opening night! I was not pleased. But again, he turned in a great performance - singing, dancing and acting! he's good!

This past summer he again participated in Paliku Academy's summer program - playing the role of the villain Shan Yu in Mulan Jr. This was his first time playing a baddie - he did well! he enjoys the Paliku program and I think it is a bargain. Six weeks - 5 hours a day for only $350!!!

This fall he played Rev. Sykes in To Kill a Mockingbird. This was his first nonmusical. It was a good performance although the show as a whole was not well attended. Castle High is noted for its musicals and that's what usually brings in the crowds.

In November he was a featured soloist in the Kaneohe Stake Youth Musical Fireside. I didn't get to attend but Dad said he was great!

In December he was in the Castle Dance Concert - Xmas Nightmare - he was in 3 numbers in this totally bizarre dance recital. I still can't get over it - part gothic - part hip hop - very nightmarish and loud!!!!

He also started doing some fundraising for a trip to Scotland next summer. His theater group has been invited to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival! If his grades are decent (and we raise the remaining $4,000) his Dad says he can go!

Probably the most memorable of his performances from my perspective occurred on December 13 when he performed at the Ward Christmas Party. He played the piano and sang an original song called Family Christmas. It was beautiful! Thanks again Lori!

Gabe started high school this year at Castle and is enjoying himself - probably should hit the books a bit more...

One of the important lessons he learned this year is that text messages cost $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Jacob's Big Year

The focus of the first 5 months of 2008 was on getting Jacob graduated. And HE DID IT! Here's the picture to prove it.

Doesn't he look happy?

Jacob went to Project GRAD where I hear the hypnotist got him to do a mean Britney Speers imitation. We had a great graduation party for Jacob at Bellows on June 28. It was a combo with his good friend Kastle. We had a about 150 people at a great outdoor dinner.

Jacob worked (until last week) at Cinnabon at the Windward Mall. He would regularly bring home boxes of cinnamon rolls (which we really don't eat.)

He also attended Windward Community College where he learned that he is not paricularly suited for early morning classes.

He is now "cruising" for the next 2 weeks before he starts earnestly seeking other employment (we hope).

He is preparing to serve a mission.

He is most busy with video games, driving to Wahiawa to hang out with friends, playing video games and did I mention playing video games?

He plays the piano on occasion - he's good! Thanks Lori!

While graduation from high school was a great accomplishment I think his greatest this year was getting his Duty to God award.

Susan's Sensational Year

She's almost 21 and this year has certainly been one of growing and opportunities for Susan. She finished her 2nd full year at BYU Idaho and opted to come home for the fall semester (and will probably stay home for good). She is happy she no longer has to ponder the "why" of daylight savings time.

She learned a lot being away from home. Among the things she learned in college:

Since she's been home she's learned alot too - like how expensive speeding tickets are.

Now that she is home she has been working as a Skills Trainer at Waimalu Elementary working with a girls with Down's Syndrome and Autism. She has learned to sign! Being a Skills Trainer can be challenging but from all reports she is doing great! I am proud of her.

She wants to continue working towards a degree in Graphic Design. She is looking into program here in Hawaii.

She is a great big sister, a talented young lady and a kind daughter. She's still loves the beach, watching surfers and getting a tan.

A Year's Worth of Travel

Those of you who know us know that we are avid travelers. We plan ahead or go spur of the moment - it doesn't matter. Have plane ticket - will travel. And when our favorite airline - American - has some great sales - we're off!!

So where did we go in 2008? Well let's see...

February Fun
Gene and Ginny joined 10 other friends on a wonderful 10 day adventure to Ireland! We all agreed - this was our best trip. The weather was beautiful - only needed a light coat on 2 days! We went from Dublin to south Ireland (Kenmare) to west (Dingle) to North (Giant's Causeway). We stayed in a wonderful place - 7 bedrooms/7bath - it cost us $15 per person per day. We also had a wonderful cook named Daphne - whom we had to pay $6 per day per person. Do you get the picture? This was a cheap trip! We went with Rick and Madeline (Gibo) Crump, Kookie Laumatia, Nadine and Willy Frost, Elijah and Jaymie Frost, Cynthia Chong, Cecilia Baber and Sedanne Hong (the last 3 are what's known as "UnKims"). This was really a great group. We enjoyed Sedanne's stories and Kookie's great activities. The bus rides were fun with singing games, jokes-of-the-day and other activities. We had some wonderful devotionals and lots of night time activities that allowed us to share testimony and talents. We learned Irish dancing (think Lord of the Dance!) as well as the macarena.

I highly recommend Ireland to everyone. It is as green as the pictures, the people are friendly like local folks. We spent our first night in Ireland at a pub where we had a storyteller named Johnny Daly tell us the tales, legends and history of Ireland. A great way to start a trip!

Gene and I also got to have dinner with Lori Brady's sister Cindy and her husband Bruce (I think). They live outside of Dublin. They are just as nice as Dan and Lori but Bruce is taller than Dan.

March's March
Gene and I went on one short but great trip - a one-dayer to Maui with Willy and Nadine Frost to see our friend Sedanne Hong get married. Sedanne went to Ireland with us. He is the Uncle of our friend Cynthia Chong. Sedanne and his bride Lyn got married at the old LDS church near Kula. I believe it is the oldest church in Hawaii. We also went to the Lavender Farm and up to Haleakala so Gene could make arrangements for his Scout trip this summer. We then came back down the mountain for Sedanne and Lyn's reception and then caught the last flight home. Oh - I forgot - we had a wonderful lunch at my cousin Michelle's house in Makawao. And another great thing about this trip - Nadine gave me a great purse!!!!!!

April Away
Orlando
I went on a quick mileage run with Nadine and Kookie Laumatia to Disneyworld. We were supposed to be there 2 days but had flight delays so ended up being there only one day. Nadine and I went to Epcot and rode Soaring I think 3 times - the BEST ride of all. Another bonus is AA gave me an extra 4,000 miles cause of the flight delay! That's why I love AA!!!

Washington D.C.
April 26-30 I went on my semi-annual trek to D.C. for my meetings with the American Council of Engineering Companies. The weather was great and the engineers are so good to me - we had some great dinners!

May Madness
May 1-2 I went from D.C. to Utah for Women's Conference. Met up with Nadine, Kookie, Rochelle Featheran and Cynthia Chong. This time we stayed at Hampton Inn at Thanksgiving Point - it was great cause close to Provo and the free breakfast was good. Women's Conference was fantastic. THE PROPHET CAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He waved at me!!! (I am sure he was waving at me because I was in the very top row and he waved in that direction).

We always sit at the very top row under the clock. Its a great place cause you can lean back (somewhat) and you can stretch out and you can fall asleep. This time we met some ladies who say they always sit in that area too. I think they were from Arizona or California. One of them was really rocking out at the night time concert! We thoroughly enjoyed the night time concert! Michael McClean was awesome!

We then went up to SLC and stayed at Embassy Suites a couple of nights - saw LeAnn and got my haircut.

We got to see Susan - she came down from Idaho - so that of course was the BEST thing about this trip.

May 5-8 I went to Colorado Springs for the annual Building FASD State Systems Meetings sponsored by SAMHSA. The other Hawaii attendee was Catherine Sorenson who is the FASD state coordinator and has been working hard to develop the system of care for people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. It was good to see old friends at the meetings and also to hear what advances have been made in research.

June Journeys
We flew to Utah at the last minute to attend the funeral of LeAnn's Dad. While there Gene's brother Leon was in a very serious car accident so we got to see him too.

June 1-7 Gabe went to Utah (alone!) to attend EFY - his first year! He loved it! he was at U of U. he spent a couple of days with Bomans before going to EFY. he made great friends - and they've all promised to go back next year together (I think I've heard this before...)

June 9-12 Gene and Jacob went to Maui for Scouts. They went to Haleakala and Hana and everywhere in between. This was Jacob's last year to go - I heard he was like a gazelle climbing the mountain! They both had a good time. Gabe had acting things going on so elected not to go.

June 23 - July 5 We went on our annual camp - this time a "friends" camp as opposed to a Ward Camp - at Bellows. All the regulars were there - Frost, Featherans, Adams, Hanohano, etc. And this year the Laumatias joined us. That was great because from Kookie I learned that I should not do any work at camp - that's what the kids are there for! I could get used to that except (and I can't believe I am about to say this) - I think I'm getting too old for camping.

October Outings
We cancelled our FOG trip to Portugal and Morocco due to costs.

October 17-21 Gene and I went to Montreal for ACEC mtg. My first time in Canada. The leaves were changing so it was gorgeous. We had some great meals - if you're ever in Montreal head to DaVinci's! We went on a city tour which was interesting and learned that Montreal was settled by French, British, Scottish and Irish. Gene got some time to write - which he enjoys.

Oct. 27-30 I made a trip to Maui on the Superferry! It was terrific! The journey was smooth, the ship is immaculate and the ride was relaxing! I went over for a tradeshow. Went out to dinenr the last night at Nick's Fishmarket in Wailea so I could see my cousin Trey who is the GM. He is so terrific and so generous and kind. It was great seeing him and knowing he is doing well and is happy.

November Nomad
Nov. 12-15 Gene and I went to D.C. for ACEC Orientation Meeting. Short and sweet trip. So nice to be able to travel together. This time Gene learned about the metro and went all over the city.

Nov. 20-24 I journeyed to Louisville to visit my sweet step mom and my pretty sister Leilani. Nadine came with and we had a great time. Of course we crocheted - Sharon taught Nadine - and I finished a crocheted purse! We ate lots of good food and came home with some great recipes for Kentucky Pie and Pumpkin Chess Pie!

Nov. 27 - Dec. 3 Gene and Susan did a father-daughter road trip to California! They went from LA to Mexicali to Laguna to Magic Mountain to Camarillo to Solvang to Monterrey to San Francisco. They enjoyed themselves, ate some good food and got to BOND. Unfortunately, Susan could not get her Dad to take her to any hot night spots... But what a great opportunity they had to be together. Susan really enjoyed Magic Mountain - Gene said the roller coasters have lost their appeal... (He's a Senior citizen).

December Distances
I had 2 trips to Austin scheduled - both which I ended up cancelling. Gene had a trip to Grand Cayman's but cancelled...so what's in store before Dec. 31?

Dec. 28-31 Gene is going to D.C. solo to complete his 50,000 mile Platinum requirement. Congratulations dude!

Dec. 31 Ginny leaves for Vegas for Cousin Manu Mafi's wedding in the Vegas Temple. I'll be staying with cousin Stephanie.

I think that was it for 2008. Wonder where 2009 will find us? (Hint - in Feb. Belgium, Holland and Germany - Karnival!)

Les Miz - The Aftermath

Ended up seeing this fine performance 6 times in 3 weeks! My seats were always great - twice in Diamond Head Circle Row (Center!!!) - but one time - when I supposedly had the best seat - it broke midway through the performance! I ended up having to sit in the row behind that but the theater ended up refunding me so that was great.

The BEST night was when I went with Susan, Jacob and Jacob's friend Michael Ann. Very front row - right in front of Jean Valjean when he does his dying song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was so thrilled that Susan loved the performance! She has great taste - which she got from me!

The Big Day

It's finally here! The day I've been waiting for for 2 years! LES MISERABLES opens at Diamond Head Theater! I'll be sitting in seat J213 - right next to my good friend Nancy Levensen!!!! I have been listening to the soundtrack all day in preparation.

I have a ticket for tomorrow night (the best seat in the house - opened up today so I grabbed it! G207). Then I have tickets for Oct. 2 and Oct. 11.

Tonight will be my 14th viewing of the greatest theater production of all time!!!! I've seen it several times in Hawaii, a couple of times in Utah, London, Arizona, Los Angeles, San Diego, Kentucky and Washington D.C.

I love the music and all of the characters! I can start crying just with the first song! I can't wait for the crying to begin tonight!!!!

(I won't tell you how much money I've spent on my Les Mis obsession)

Practicing Restraint

That's what I am doing...tonight's the new season premier of the best show on television - my Grey's Anatomy.

I have the 4 past seasons on my ipod and have been waiting for this new episode to tie up all of the loose ends (some of them ridiculous - Callie & Erica Hahn? What's with that?)

BUT I've decided not to watch it. I'll certainly download it from itunes and watch it later - maybe I'll save it for a plane trip.

Will I have the will power or will I not? Who's taking bets?

Its GR82B8

Our sweet Hannah was baptized on Sunday Sept. 21, 2008. the service was at 5:00 p.m. Soooooo many people came - probably close to 100.

It was a very special service. Hannah was so excited.

The Opening Prayer was given by Jarom Laumatia. Michelle gave a talk about Adam and Eve and Jesus. Hannah and Sis. Stacey sang "If the Savior Stood Beside Me". Then Hannah was baptized by Gene. Marie Richter sang "I'm trying to be Like Jesus". Gabe and his cousins Telenoti, Maui, Po'u, Ben, & Jarom sang "We'll Bring the World His truth". Hannah's teacher, jennifer Tonga gave a talk. Hannah was then confirmed by her dad. Also standing in the circle were Kapewa Parker (my cousin), Manu Mafi (my cousin-in-law) and Eli Frost (our home teacher). Tyler Jinbo gave the closing prayer.

After the service we had dinner - chili, hot dogs, chicken, rice, potato salad, pasta salad, corn on the cob, brownies, mochi, ice cake.

It was a great day!

My Little Sister

I got a cool letter from my littlest sister. I love getting her letters. She is having a difficult time in her life but her letters always are cheerful and full of kind words to me. She lifts my spirits. I am so thankful for her - there is I think 22 years difference between us - but I hold her so close in my heart...my sweet Leilani.

Well He is LOST!

Several weeks ago Gene took Gabe to a casting call for LOST. They went at 6:00 a.m. After waiting for 3 hours they finally passed out the applications and took photos. gene decided since he waited so long he'd fill one out too.

SURPRISE! Today he got a call to come in and do a reading! They are looking for white guys for a flashback scene to Harvard University. Well Gene is white.

Will let you know how bumpy his road to stardom is...

FASD Awareness Day

Today is International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day. We all went to the Capitol to witness the Proclamation signing and to hear Michelle give a speech. All the kids attended as well as Gene & Aunty Leo. Lt. Governor James "Duke" Aiona specifically introduced Michelle. (She gave him a big hug and kiss when she saw him in the briefing room - we still gotta work on those personal space issues). Duke's wife Vivian serves with me as Co-Chair of the State FAS Task Force. She is also pictured. There were many others there too.

This is what Michelle said in her speech. She wrote her speech herself.
(I held up the signs cause sometimes its hard to understand her)

My name is Michelle Wright.
I am 11 years old.
I like swimming, pizza and babies.
When I grow up I want to be a nurse.
I have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
My birth mother drank alcohol when I was in her tummy.
Alcohol hurt my brain.
But my brain is getting better now.
I am happy to meet all of you.

Michelle did a great job with her speech. She was also very excited about having on a new dress and new shoes - but complained that the shoes were too hot. She also got a hair cut for the occasion. She wanted to get her nails done too but I said no to that one. We are very proud of her.

FASD (and Michelle) in the News

The following appeared in today's Honolulu Advertiser:

For baby's sake, avoid alcohol

Drinking in pregnancy can cause permanent brain damage in fetuses

By Suzanne Roig
Advertiser Staff Writer

Even a single drink of alcohol during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome in an unborn baby.

To spotlight that danger, the state will participate in an international awareness day on the disorder today, Sept. 9 — a date that represents the nine months from conception to birth.

In Hawai'i, 89 children were diagnosed with the disorder from 1986 to 2003, said Dr. Catherine Sorenson, state Department of Health's coordinator on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, the umbrella term for the disorder. But the number of undiagnosed victims is believed to be much higher — more than 13,000 children and young adults may be affected in Hawai'i, Sorenson said.

The average lifetime care costs for a child with the syndrome is estimated at $2 million.

"It is very difficult to diagnose in an infant," Sorenson said. "There is no information on how much alcohol is too much."

Babies exposed to alcohol in utero can suffer permanent brain damage. Other indications include mental retardation and learning disabilities; kidney problems; fused, webbed and missing fingers and toes; small body size; organ deformities; and a curved spine. Since 1990, every bottle of beer, wine and spirits sold in the U.S. must carry a warning from the U.S. surgeon general of the risk of birth defects.

"Fetal alcohol syndrome is completely preventable," said Ginny Wright, whose daughter, Michelle, was diagnosed when she was 4. She's 11 now.

"Just don't drink while pregnant," Wright said. "This is a disorder that affects brain development, permanently."

Wright said that when she adopted her daughter, her face looked different than a typical toddler's face. Later those differences — an extremely narrow upper lip and a flat ridge between her upper lip and nose — would help doctors diagnose her fetal alcohol syndrome, said Wright, who lives in Kane'ohe.

When Gigi Davidson, a Makiki mother, adopted her son, Jenya, from Russia, she knew that her son's biological parents were alcoholics. But it took years for her to get a physician to link his mental health issues to fetal alcohol syndrome, Davidson said.

Her son is now 20. He has gone to 10 different schools in Hawai'i, often getting kicked out because of poor judgment. Now she hopes she can keep him out of trouble, and off drugs and alcohol, until his brain matures more.

"My son is a socially charming, cute kid," Davidson said. "But he's impulsive and lives for the moment. Looking back, I didn't know that he didn't have the capacity to think abstractly. Now I realize how hard everything had to be for him."

Dr. Laurie Seaver, medical director of Hawai'i Community Genetics, said the disorder can be obvious like Wright's daughter's physical traits, or not so obvious, as with Davidson's son's attention deficit disorder.

"Many physicians are not familiar with fetal alcohol syndrome, so many individuals, especially older individuals, remain undiagnosed," Seaver said. "The problem is caused by the alcohol actually getting into the bloodstream of the developing fetus from the mother's bloodstream. Alcohol kills developing cells, especially brain cells."

One Year Ago

...And not many posts! Will try and catch up...HAHA!

Dad-isms

Dad-isms are the intellectual sayings of Gene Wright which illustrate what a mental heavyweight he truly is. Among the most notorious -

"Focus like a laser beam"
"Let me think about it - I've thought about it - no!"
"Chuck E. Cheese" - his response when asked where he is going
"Granny wouldn't sit that way" - when girls are not sitting like ladies
"Lomi lomi my feet" - no explanation needed

I'll think of more and add them. He is a funny guy. And also very lucky.