Countdown to a Case of Nerves

I am an accomplished public speaker. I have made presentations on a variety of topics to audiences both large and small. So what's causing me a bit of self-doubt?

The Healing Our Spirit Worldwide Conference to be held here on Oahu Sept 6-10. The conference brings indigenous people from around the world together to discuss issues around alcohol and other substances, healing, culture and leadership. More than 2,000 people have registered.

On Wedensday (as in 2 days ago) I was asked to present a workshop with 2 other women. I know the other 2 women - we all serve on the Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian Expert Panel on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders for the SAMHSA Center of Excellence. One of the women in from Alaska and the other from U.S.

The presentation is only 1 hour long but I'm still nervous (and I usually don't get nervous...). So why this time?

1) Its such short notice!
2) We will officially be representing SAMHSA (the federal gov't!)
3) Over 2,000 attendees (I know they won't all be coming to our presentation...)
4) Lots to say in a brief period of time!
5) Its at the convention center and I don't like the parking there!
6) Most of the attendees etc. are in the medical field or human services field and I am not.

But I'm glad to do it since it will bring attention to FAS. Anything that will improve life outcomes for my two little girls and other like them.

Relying on the Lord for inspiration and confidence...

Suck it up and face your fears!

Phone Call

So my good friend who runs a therapeutic massage clinic and school called and asked if I wanted to come in tomorrow morning for an 1 1/2 hour massage...for FREE!

How sweet is that?

I Am Good At...

So to boost my self esteem a bit (everybody can use that at one time or another) I decided to share one thing I am really good at.

Hmmm...what could it be?

I know...

I am a good pie maker! I really am. I detest store/bakery bought pies. I would never think of serving such inferior products in my home or at any dinner for which I am responsible.

And I DETEST as in HATE premade crust!!!!

I love homemade pies. Fruit, pudding - any kind!

I love the process of measuring the flour and salt and butter and water.

I love mixing the dough to just the right consistency.

I enjoy rolling out the dough with a wooden rolling pin.

I revel at stretching the dough to the perfect size to fit in the 9 inch glass (it must be glass!) pie plate.

I love filling that smooth surface with something yummy.

I love the smell of my kitchen as the pie cooks.

But most of all...

I love seeing how much the love of my life enjoys eating my pies!

Tonight its pumpkin topped with vanilla ice cream!

Quick Update

Been awhile and I still am busy to the max so this will be quick...but - things are gong well at our hale!

Gabe is soooooooooooo busy with rehearsals. His show, Once On This Island (from the Broadway caribbean Little Mermaid production), opens on Oct. 10 at Paliku Theater. This one is giving him LOTS of exposure and learning opportunities in the world of theater - not high school level as he has had in the past. Its working with almost all adults in a very professional atmosphere.

Honestly - he is involved in so many things I'm not sure which is which. I know Saturday he was doing some kind of Kung fu panda voice over work with James Hong. I know he is supposed to be auditioning for a touring show with Kaiser Permanente and then there's Dance Concert rehearsals. And with all that going on we got a GREAT progress report from school - A's and B's! Hope he keeps up the good work.

Michelle is enjoying 7th grade and horseback riding. She got her hair cut short on Friday. I'll post pictures later. She is so funny - the other day she said:

"Mom today is PE in the weight room! I love the weight room!"

I said, "What do they have in the weight room?"

She said, "A bicycle and another thing that you hold."

I said "What do you do in the weight room?"

She said "I ride the bike and I burn 6 calories!"

I said, "Wow! 6 calories!"

She said, "Yup! Can I have a Pop-Tart?"

Hannah is now in 5th grade. We are still struggling with her seizures. She averages about 16 per day : (

Despite those seizures she's still a bundle of energy. As in "Hannah stop climbing on the door, Hannah stop running around the house, Hannah get down off that shelf, Hannah quit kicking that..."

Every morning she say "Hey mom, want me to play you a beautiful song?" Then she proceeds to play the same 5 notes of her original piano composition for me. Everyday the same notes...at least she's not banging on the piano.

Its great to have Susan home. She is such a helpful girl! Yesterday we went to a birthday party for Carly and Lehua and she spent most of the time holding baby CJ. She is back working with Kaily at Castle High School but with a schedule change - she works Tues, Wed, Thurs. only. Now she can pick up sub jobs on Monday and Friday.

Gene ran a half marathon on Saturday and did well! He can't wait until his birthday next year when he turns 60 because that will put him in an older category - he jokingly says at that age "everyone's a winner - just like in Special Olympics".

Oh yeah, he got called again to be an extra - this time on Hawaii Five-O. But after his last experience (which was too much sitting around and waiting for him) - he had to turn down the role. Such a diva!

Jacob is fine and so appreciates those of you who write him. He only has ONE YEAR LEFT! And only 4 months until he can call home (on Christmas!)

He is so sweet - he sent Hannah a ball through the mail. Just wrote her name and address on it and had it stamped and mailed. The mail carrier said "This is a first for me!" She's obviously new because he sent a ball to Michelle in May. What makes this even cuter is that he sent it for Hannah's birthday which he THOUGHT was on August 14th - but its really on September 14th!

Am looking forward to a week of catch up. Honestly, I came home from Virginia, and instead of delving back into my mounds of work, decided to go to lunch and the movie with a friend! Oh well - paying for that slacking day starting tomorrow.

Happy Friday Girls!

Hi Hannah and Michelle!

Yesterday we drove from Richmond Virginia to Newport News Virginia. It is about a 60 mile drive and should have only taken us 1 hour but it took much longer because it was raining. In fact, it was raining soooooooo hard that at times I could not see the car in front of us. We also saw alot of lightning!!! It was actually very beautiful. The thunder, however, was very, very loud!

I got to see Uncle "Rainy" and cousin Avery. We went out to dinner with Avery and her parents and her little sister Braylee. We had a great time.

We are staying at a Holiday Inn hotel - we have a 1 bedroom suite which means there is a bedroom and a separate living room with a dining room and kitchen area. There are 2 t.v.s here! There is also a swimming pool but I forgot to bring my swimming suit!

I will be here only 2 more days then I will leave on Monday. I will be home on Monday night. I can't wait to see you!

I love you very much! Have a fun weekend! I know youa re being kind to everyone - especially each other.

Love,
Mom

Thursday Note to Hannah and Michelle

Hi Girls

We are in Dallas, Texas right now. We have one more plane to catch before we arrive in Richmond, Virginia.
We flew all night long and we are very tired. We got to eat ice cream with hot fudge sauce when we were on the plane. It was yummy!
We will get to Richmond at about 1:00 this afternoon. It is supposed to be hot there - like 100 degrees.
I hope you are having a good time at school and are being obedient. I hope you remember to make your beds every morning. Most of all I hope you remember to be kind. It is important to always be kind. I love you.
Mom

To Hannah and Michelle

Hello my girls,

Like I told you - I will be gone for 5 days and nights. I will be home on Monday night. I am going to Virginia with Aunty Brandi.

I put your clothes that you should wear for school on my bed. Go in my room on Thursday, Friday and Monday and get your school clothes. I put a sign on each stack so you will know which clothes is for each day. On Saturday and Sunday you can just get clothes out of your drawers.

You can ask Dad if he will take you to the pool. If you have been obedient and have no bad attitudes he might say yes. I know you both love to swim.

I love you both very much. I know you will be helpful and obedient while I am gone. Remember to always be kind.

Love,

MomThis is an old picture. I look much prettier now! Haha!

August 7, 2010

A never-to-be-forgotten day.

Beginnings and endings.

Celebrating the wedding yesterday as my youngest brother got married while just hours before my 26 year old nephew dies unexpectedly.

Everything happens for a reason.

Whoa - this week!

Got back from Utah last night.

This week -

• 3 meetings today
• 1 conference call at 3 - please help me remember this.
• Dinner tonight with sister and her fam visiting from California
• Catch up from being gone last week
• Uncle coming in on Wed.
• Brother coming in on Friday
  
• Decorate for bridal shower on Thurs. for Azeema
• Horseback riding for Michelle Sat a.m.
• Steve's wedding Sat. a.m.
• Pick up the food for wedding
• Reception at 5:30 p.m.
• Get Gabe to rehearsal every night 6:30 - 10:00 p.m.

Yikes!

But the week has started off GREAT! I got a letter from Jacob!

Defying Gravity by Gabe Wright (:

So I ran across this on youtube. Evidently from one of his EFY Talent Shows this year.

Next...

Flying out tomorrow night - Orlando bound for FAS Training Conference. So much to do:

1. Get Salary Survey out (its sooo past due) and I need Gene's brain to help me with it
2. Prep for tradeshow (which starts the Monday after I get back)
3. Pack (small detail)
4. Do some family reunion related correspondence
5. Prep for Sharing Time in Primary
6. Coordinate the girls schedules for when I am gone
7. Pay some bills

So much to do yet I procrastinate.

At least I don't have to clean - did that yesterday!

Footloose

I didn't get to go to Gabe's performance tonight in Provo BUT...that dear, sweet, talented, smart, witty, gorgeous, humble, exciting, stupendous, excellent, thoughtful, kind, loving, cheerful, spiritual, benevolent, honest, inspiring and beautiful VANESSA went!

She said "He did sooo good!" Yup four o's and an exclamation mark!

It's really the 2nd time she's sat in on a performance when I couldn't - she went to Dance Concert last year when I was somewhere - maybe Russia.

Anyway - she's my new BFF.

Update on My Boys

Boy #1 - The Missionary
Got a quick email from him yesterday. he didn't have too much time to write - why? Because he had spent all day in the ER. He cracked his head open! But he says he's okay AND THAT'S ALL HE SAID! Grrrrrrrrrrrr.

Boy #2 - The Performer
Called last night from Provo. He is having a great time at his singing workshop. He said he is the first person to win the lead for Footloose during their first year of attending the workshop. He is thrilled. He said everyone there is soooooooooo talented so it ups his game. There is also a girl there from one of the Kailua wards!

So grateful my boys are doing well. I pray for them everyday.

GREAT Day

Definitely was 'cause -

I got a letter from Jacob

AND

A phone call from Susan

I miss those two kids. Both are doing well and enjoying where they are - Boise Idaho and Bali Indonesia.

Now could there be any two places that are more opposite? Or two people that are for that matter...

What She Said

Overheard this comment from Hannah:

"Yup when I grow up I want to be a custodian."

?????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????

Sabbath Thoughts

Am happy for this day even though I...

1) Have to give a talk in Sacrament Meeting
2) Have the Sharing Time Activity in Primary today
3) Am responsible for cooking the ham dinner for tonight's fireside
4) Have to plan the kids activity for the fireside
5) Miss my 3 oldest who are all in various parts of the world.

Luckily I have help - both here on earth and from above.

Good Sabbath!

Is it or Isn't It?

They say its the new Harry Potter.

Started reading it this past weekend.
The jury is still out - but so far...

I'm a HUGE fan!

Talk

I have to give a talk on Sunday at church. A bit nervous.

Topic - How the gospel has blessed my life - or why I am glad the missionaries taught me the gospel - or something along those lines...

Lots to say - and I can keep it within my time limit - but still nervous (although not scared).

I have faith the Lord will help me say what is in my heart and what can uplift others.

The gospel means everything to me.

Susan News

Susan called (via skype) yesterday. She is back in Kuta and doing well. She is enjoying Bali - they were waiting for a shuttle to go out the Gillys (which I think are islands).

She said they will stay in Kuta awhile then go back out to Ubud. Her traveling partner Melissa is a good planner and has the next 3 weeks all planned out as to what they will see and do.

Only 3 more weeks! Miss her lots!

Departures and Arrivals

Gabe leaves today for EFY in Laie. He then comes home on Saturday morning and then leaves Saturday night for 3 weeks in Utah - he'll be attending a 1 week singing workshop and a 2 week theater workshop at BYU Provo.

It will certainly be quiet around here without him!

He got a call yesterday - he made the ensemble for the musical "Once Upon This Island" directed by Ron Bright at Windward Community College. They told him he would have gotten one of the young male leads but since rehearsal begin today, the fact that he'll be gone for the entire month of July precludes him from those roles.

But ensemble is GREAT - lots of dancing and not as much pressure (especially with school starting August 4).

This production marks an "Arrival" of sorts for him...although he's been in lots of plays before this marks the first one that is truly community theater (as opposed to school production) and the first one that is primarily adult actors.

He is thrilled to work with Ron Bright - directing KING here in Hawaii for more than 40 years.

It opens September 10th at Paliku Theater.

He's certainly not shy.

He gets it from his father.

Proud to be an American!

Happy 4th!

Ride 'Em

Michelle takes Therapeutic Horsemanship - every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. at the Waimanalo Polo Field.

She has learned to pat the horse when you walk behind him.

Her horse is named Palaka and her instructor is Saundra.

She likes to ride fast!

She loves it...can you tell?

Celebrity

So I went to Polynesian Cultural Center yesterday with my nephew and we took the Temple Visitor's Center Tour and I had a close encounter with a celebrity - I had to get my picture taken with him!

It's MARK EUBANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

For those of you who are saying "Who dat?" you must not be from Utah or spent much time in Utah. He was the weather guy on KSL t.v. station for decades. He's like rock-star-famous in Utah!

He is here serving a mission at the Visitor's Center!

Relatives

Several relatives are flying in for Rookie's funeral next Friday. He was greatly loved - but I think his wife is even more loved. We all want to be here for her.

I love my ohana!

Susan Update

Got a call from my Susan today! So good to hear her voice! She is still in Uluwatu (spelling) at a place that's only $7 per night. She is enjoying herself and meeting new people.

She'll be home on 27 July - and we are soooooooooooooooooo looking forward to seeing her!

No matter how old she is - she's my little baby!

Movie Night

Michelle and Gabe and some of the other teens in our ward went to see Toy Story 3 last night. here's their picture. Michelle is so short!

Email from Jacob

Got the following email from Jacob yesterday (I live for his emails and letters!) - my commentary is in yellow:

Heya Jenny, whats up?(He says "Jenny" cause people I have known 30 years still mispronounce my name as Jenny instead of Ginny which rhymes with skinny)

Uncle Rookie will be remembered as a Hero, a true man of vision. Let us celebrate his legacy!

LOL @ Brandi. He's referring to my note to him that Brandi got in an accident with her new car)altho it is sad that her cars are now broken (and that insurance will probably be rediculous now) tell her she has MY permission to use my car which is really your car which susan was borrowing but cant as she is now in Bali. ;)

So i am in the Boise South Stake of the Boise South Zone. We have a car half of the weak as we are in a car share. The Summer is nothing short of Horrible. It is way to Hot here. Almost as bad as the winter is cold.

In Eagle we only covered 4 wards, but i am back up to 5 wards here, which is about average. the most i have covered at a time is 9 wards.

I remember hearing Stories of Rene. Tell him i say 'Hi' (and where in Ohio is he from? my comp now is from Ohio)

love ya Ginny, write ya gain soon! He's trying to prove to me that he knows how to pronounce my name. you are an awesome mother.He's emphasizing this because in my note to him I emphasized that I know her writes his girlfriend more than he writes me -- he's trying to score points with me)

love, jake

Sad News

We had a death in our family. Rookie - husband of my hanai sister Molleen. I have known him since I was 5 years old.

He was such a fun and happy person.

I will miss him.

Tell your loved ones how much you love them - do it today.

GOOD Sabbath

I love getting up on Sunday mornings.
I love going to Church.
I love my associations with Church friends.
I love the quiet activities we do on Sunday.
I love having the family eat all 3 meals together.
I love everyone being home.

I love the Sabbath.
Sabbath day observance brings peace.

This I know.

The BEST Card Ever

I got a birthday card from Gabe today.

On the outside it looks like just a sweet normal card.

Even on the inside - it looks like a sweet normal card.

And then you press the button...

It plays "What a Wonderful World" as it shows some of Disney's best mothers.

Sorry for the blurriness - but my camera (and my eyesight ain't so good)

But as for the card -
I LOVE IT!