Aloha Friday - Hawaiian Shirt Edition

In preparation for my trip to Oahu and Maui, I thought it might be fun to get a couple of Hawaiian shirts to have to wear before going - on Fridays...to celebrate Aloha Fridays and get in the spirit of the trip and also take on my trip. I came across this website that not only sells fabulous Hawaiian shirts, but they also have a line of "plus sizes" And if you know me....I did a beeline right to the purple one.

The company that I found is called Wave Shoppe, check out their website. One thing that really made me like this company right away was how they designed their plus size women's shirts. You can read the story here.

SO happy Aloha Friday. It is snowing here...I can't wait to feel the warm sun on my face...December can't get here fast enough!

Mahalo

Movie Review

I did attempt to watch a movie this week, however I ended up turning the movie off? What? Are you kidding me? I actually turned a movie off. THAT NEVER HAPPENS.

I tried to watch Shrek the Third...and made it about a half hour into it. It was not even really funny to me...now don't get me wrong, I loved Shrek and Shrek Two...so not too sure why - I will give it another try and I do have some movies waiting for me to watch when I get home.

peace

Officially I’m a sleeper-iner

What a week it has been…with the tragedy of the Alaska Ranger…all the memories, being UBER busy at work and seminars…I slept in. Waking only upon RICO’s ring tone…Hey Now You’re An All-Star by Smashmouth. WOW…a first for everything, I ended up being about 10 minutes late, and we work a bit longer to make up for it. HE had me hit the NEW old treadmill that he just got...lol....showed him I've been hitting my own treadmill..lol..we had a great workout as usual...however he kept teasing me that I was a sleeper-iner.

Overall the week has been great – a lot has been accomplished. Life is good. It’s good to be alive. The weather has been very wintry.
I’ve rocked it at work…I just love when that happens. Not too many exciting things otherwise have been happening…which is good. Things will be starting to HEAT up soon. With the upcoming scrapbooking events, Jazz on the Green evenings, the Golf Tourney, Jazz Fest, WAG and my birthday….looks like April – September will be buzy. BUT that’s the way I like it. And before I know it, I’ll be heading to HAWAII!

Anyways....more later....till then...KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON!

Hippity Hoppity Happy Easter

Hope everyone had a joyous Easter holiday, I certainly did. This is the criss cross card that I made and sent out.

My weekend started with Friday...met MeMe for lunch at Applebee's - yeah trade! We had a good lunch and chat...then back to work, we got out of work a bit early...okay 30 minutes early...which was nice. The traffic was light...crazy eh? I got home and then left to go to Good Friday service, it was really nice. I met the boy for dinner afterwards...it was funny we went to Shari's...we had fun, and a bunch of laughs. Saturday - time for a little road trip. Joe thought it would be nice if we went for a drive. Hummmm.....so he picked me up around 9 and we hit the road. He was pretty prepared - he had lots of goodies - healthy goodies. Bottled waters, fresh fruit, carrots, peanuts and a few luna bars for me. I was really touched that he took the time to think of all that. So off we went.

We ended up not too far from home. He took me to Golden Gardens. I started to laugh when we got there - I mean really - a 10 minute road trip? He said he had picked that as our destination because I had told him, that I loved going there, and whenever I have something that I need to think about, I go down there, walk on the beach and just think. And he wanted to share that with me. He's never been to Golden Gardens, so it was new to him, and it was nice to share it with him. He even brought a picnic lunch for us to enjoy.

We walked out and around to the point and sat and just talked. He even brought blankets as it was a bit cool and even a thermos of caffine free hot tea. *swoon* He told me he hoped I liked his surprise...he also said that no matter what we do - big or small - it will always be new and special and ours.

When we got back to my place, he said let's go check out the new coffee place. So we walked down there and enjoyed a little treat and just sat, listened to music and just enjoyed the relaxing day.

Sunday....wow...came way too quickly. I headed to church and then up to the "Rents" - we had turkey dinner....yeah stuffing! We had a nice day...just catching up....the food was good, conversation fantastic....mom is doing sooo much better...it's hard to believe it's almost been a year since her accident...she's come so far...I'm soo proud of her...and Dad's just been a hero...totally stepping up and then some. I headed to church again after dinner...it was different, smaller crowd, different approach - challengeing...and inspiring. I got home and got ready for work...and then the news came on....The F/T Alaska Ranger sank, 4 crew were dead. Capt. Pete...dead...omg....I just started to cry...so many emotions came rushing in....

Aloha Friday

Well today is Friday - thank goodness for that. It's been a crazy week. But, I made it.

This week's edition of Aloha Friday is an adventure I plan on doing in Oahu. I will be going to Hanauma Bay to go snorkeling.

So enjoy!

Tuesday Movie Review on a Wednesday….

WOW…since it’s late I'll keep it short....

It seems I’m stuck on Nick Cage….oh gee darn - I hate when that happens!!!

Face Off - Starring Nicholas Cage and John Travolta and a few other good actors/actresses.

Movie is based on good and evil. Nicholas Cage is the evil Castor Troy and John Travolta is the good Sean Archer. This movie is the typical good cop after the evil criminal. I have seen this movie several times…and often quote a lot of lines from it. I love how wickedly evil Nicholas Cage is and how when Castor and Sean trade lives, how each actor pulls it off. There is lots of action and shoot em up scenes.

Overall Rating =10
Entertainment Value = 10+
Nicholas Cage Hotness = 10+
Rental? ABSOLUTELY – if it’s on sale BUY IT!

One of my favorite lines from this movie is… It’s like looking in a mirror, only Not.

Manic Monday

All I have to say is this….

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

I had a great workout with Rico. I gave him his bday present…and he liked it (I hope) and he told me all about his birthday. I told him about the weekend…a little chit chat before sweating…ugh. I did carpool with B – he forgot me….and I had to call and remind him. We did get to work, it was fun pooling….it had been way too long since the last time!
I am glad we pooled, when I got home and upstairs after work, I turned off everything, and sat in the dark for 20 minutes…and then proceeded with the evening.

peace

Weekend Wrap Up

WOW….things have been BUS-ZY…eeeks! Okay so it’s Wednesday, but here’s the weekend wrap up!

Friday…a trip to good ole Sam’s club. Yummy Strawberries and Pineapple were purchased…got home, lugged everything upstairs…and got ready for Heather’s the next morning. Got up and made the infamous fruit salad. Yeah me, got to Heather’s in the nick of time…and then we headed off to Becca’s! Annissa was with us…so to say the least the short roadtrip to Becca’s was full of laughs!

We had a great, fun and productive day working on our Brayer Technique Books, I think everyone finished. Yeah us!

I headed home, and stopped to pick up some ground turkey for Sunday’s Taco Bar potluck. I stopped at Ballard Camera to meet with the gals about teaching classes. I got a bunch of cool products to work with. SO the plan is to figure out what to make with it, come in this Saturday to shop for papers etc, and then start making…and turn in stuff so they can announce at Scrappin’ Friendzy….wowza…it’s gonna get sketchy…lol.

I finally got home and got ready for my date with Joe…aka the drug boy. Yeah drug boy…lol…we went to a nice little new haunt in Ballard. Lots of fun, good food, and not too crowded. After dinner, he came over and helped me okay more like watched and razzed me while I was making the turkey taco meat for Sunday.

Sunday came way too fast. Yikes, I was no sooner up, and out the door to make it to church on time. Got there, and saw everyone…the service was nice and then we waited afterwards til it was time to head to Ken and Carla’s. I had a blast chatting with my buddy Aaron. He would jump up onto my lap, kneel, wrap his arms around my neck and tell me “I’ve got a new bed” “It’s blue” lol. We had a fabulous time enjoying tacos and catching up…I hated to leave and go home.

But home, I had to go. I got home and pretty much relaxed, chatted with Joe and then got ready for Monday. And Phone Duty….what a week it has been.

Aloha Friday

When I think about Hawaii, the first thing that pops into my mind is the Hawaiian lei. I did a search and found this website http://www.hawaiianleicompany.com/default.aspx. I of course had to check it out and found the following information about the tradition. I hope you enjoy it!

This is a lei that I am considering purchasing and sending as a Christmas Gift to share the islands while I am there in December.

The Aloha Tradition

While a few ancient Hawaiian customs have faded from memory, the tradition of lei-giving has managed to subsist and flourish. In the beautiful islands of Hawaii, everyone wears leis. A lei is a common symbol of love, friendship, celebration, honor, or greeting. In other words, it is a symbol of Aloha. Take a walk around Hawaii; you’ll find leis everywhere—graduations, parties, dances, weddings, and yes, even at the office. In Hawaii, any occasion can be considered special and “lei-worthy.” No one can resist the vibrant colors, the intoxicating fragrances, or the beautiful tradition of Hawaii’s most recognized icon…the flower lei.

The History of the Lei - The custom of the flower lei was introduced to Hawaii from the various surrounding Polynesian islands and even Asia. In ancient Hawaii, wearing a lei represented wealth, royalty, and rank. Leis were also heavily associated with hula, religion and geography.
Most Hawaiians preferred the Maile lei--a leafy vine that has fragrant spicy-sweet leaves that is draped and worn open-ended to the waist. However, royalty and Hawaiian chieftains favored the fiery, vibrant Ilima—a thin orange blossom that requires hundreds of flowers to make a single lei strand. Hawaiian Princess Kaiulani’s favorite lei was the Pikake—named after the peacocks in her garden—for the heavenly white blossoms and sweet jasmine fragrance.

The state of Hawaii is consists of eight major islands. Each island has its own designated lei which represents a harmonious marriage of texture and color. Most of these leis are unavailable for shipping to the mainland due to strict agricultural laws.
Hawaii – Lehua
Oahu – Ilima
Maui – Lokelani
Kauai – Mokihana
Molokai – Kukui
Lanai – Kaunaoa
Niihau – Pupu
Kaho’olawe – Hinahina

Before the familiar hum of airline jets were heard in the sky, tourist and travelers arrived in Hawaii by boat. Many old Hawaiians retell their stories of “boat days” with fond memories. When the boat would arrive at the dock, it was a social celebration with lei greeters, hula dancers, music, and photographers. A common custom for departing travelers was to toss their leis into the ocean by Diamond Head Crater. A safe return to Hawaii was ensured if their lei drifted to shore.

Since May 1, 1928, Hawaii has celebrated every May first as it’s official “Lei Day.” Hawaiians call it “May Day.” The flower lei is celebrated passionately on May Day with Hula, parades, and music. On May Day, most parents request to take a day off of work so they can watch their children participate in May Day festivities and programs at school. Everyone in Hawaii is encouraged to wear a lei on May Day.

Lei Etiquette - Leis can be worn, received, or given for almost any occasion. In Hawaii, a lei is given for an office promotion, a birthday, an anniversary, a graduation, or any special event. Yet more notably, a lei can be worn for no other reason than to enjoy the fragrance, take pleasure in the beautiful flowers, or simply, to celebrate the “Aloha Spirit.”

There is one big faux pas that should never be made. Never refuse a lei! Always graciously accept the lei with a toothy smile and a kiss on the cheek. (If you don’t feel comfortable with giving or receiving a kiss on the cheek, a warm hug is acceptable!) If you are allergic or sensitive to flowers, then discreetly and apologetically slip-off the lei. It is acceptable and considered a kind gesture to offer the lei to your spouse if you are unable to wear it.

Last, but not least, there is one more taboo…it is considered (in Hawaii) impolite to give a closed (tied) lei to a pregnant woman. Many Hawaiians feel that a closed lei around the neck is bad luck for the unborn child. (Head Hakus and open-ended leis are acceptable to give to pregnant woman.)

I think I'll sport a lei for May Day!

A revisit of sorts...

Here's a card I have made several different times for a few different events. It all started last August in getting ready for an swap at an Angel Gathering (WAG). I also made several of these for a new catalog swap with a group of Angel Stampers (Paperwings) and then I used the card for a make-n-take for my big Scrapbooking event in October - and still having some left over used them again for a make-n-take at another scrapbooking event in November...well, I am using them again for this swap...wow...that's a lot of info. This time the swap was for a spring themed card using bitty blossoms (white flower) so there it is...lol...

Stay tuned - more to come...remember it's Aloha Friday!

til then....

Moving Forward ONE NOTCH at a time

WOW...what a freakin' fantastic day.

Today is a day to be noted. I moved my car seat up one notch. YEAH ME! I, of course, had to call Becks, my first trainer and tell her (yes after I sent RICO a text message)...and the best...was when I got to work, there was an email from Becks....and it said

"Congrats on the results. I am SO, SO, SO proud of you. You have no idea. You always amaze me. You have one of the best attitudes of anyone I have ever met. Keep up the hard work. I know at times it gets difficult but its days like these that make it all worth it. Have a fantastic day and be proud of yourself. I sure am."

What a way to continue the day. So far, I have moved my seat up 3 notches since I started this journey 1 1/2 years ago!

WAHOO!

keep calm and carry on!

Movie Review Tuesday

Kicking off the first Movie Review of the blog – is the movie VANTAGE POINT Starring Dennis Quaid and Matthew Fox.

Overall rating = 7
Entertainment Value = 10
Pay Full Price? Matinee or Rental

The movie is based on a terrorist event that takes place in Spain where 8 complete strangers see 8 different vantage points of the assassination of the President.

There were lots of plot twists, car chases, and explosions. Overall, the movie provided an entertaining evening, however, the rewinding of the scene to move to the next vantage point was somewhat frustrating, I just wanted to see what happened next.

The entertainment prior to the movie was priceless. MeMe and I met up to see the movie, and as we were sitting in the empty theatre, two men approached us and struck up a conversation. Both were very humorous…did you know you could use a sharpie to make grill marks on any item of food? The movie started late, so we were given a free small popcorn coupon on the way out. Yeah us!

No movie night is complete without going out to dinner. Dinner was had at Applebee’s on trade – gotta love that!

MeMe’s take on the movie? "The pre-movie entertainment was funny! Overall the movie was fine, nothing too much to say. Though it was nice to see Matthew Fox in a ‘bad guy’ role."

So there you have it folks……

And because this is the first Movie Review Tuesday…you, the blog reader, get a bonus movie review…Yeah YOU!

The next movie is NEXT starring Nicholas Cage, Julianne Moore and Jennifer Beal.

Overall Rating = 7
Entertainment Value = 9
Nicholas Cage Hotness = 10
RENTAL? YES

The movie is based upon a man being able to see into the future 2 minutes. Tho I was pretty much lost because I was just looking at Nick Cage tee hee, again, the movie premise was preventing a terrorist threat to Los Angeles. The movie was entertaining, short, and a definite RENTAL. Yeah Blockbuster!

AND A BIT OF TRIVIA….Who said the following phrase (actor name or character name, and what movie. Bonus points for character name and year of movie.
“You're on a need to know basis and you don't need to know”

That ends the first Tuesday Movie Review Blog posting.

Enjoy the show!
Remember – Be kind rewind, and turn your cell phones off.

Peace!

New Weekly Features

hi all!

Well, as most of you know I love movies....so each Tuesday, I will review a movie I have seen in the theatre or on DVD. And who knows....maybe even some movie trivia.

AND EACH FRIDAY WILL NOW BE KNOWN AS ALOHA FRIDAYS...in honor of my upcoming trip to HAWAII! The Friday feature will include things to do in Hawaii, things I might want to do, a hawaiian dish, an interesting fact...but it most certainly will be AHOLA!

Hope everyone made it through the "spring ahead" time change....

all for now...

Portland Creative Weekend

Well, I'm back and well rested from my wonderful weekend in Portland attending the Creating Keepsakes Convention. It was good to get out of town, fantastic to take classes, and just be. I did a lot of thinking about things, some good, some bad and well just some. LOL. I had a couple of amazing conversations with Joe and all is good. I did something that I have NEVER done for myself on a trip....I completed a scrapbook. Of my weekend. YEAH me!!! WAHOO!!

So I'll try and recap the weekend with pictures for you all....I had a very nice drive down to Portland...it only took about 2 1/2 hours....and I arrived safely at my favorite budget motel...motel 6 - when I'm done with Rico, I'll totally upgrade...but for now...this is in my budget.

I checked in and went up to unwind and just veg before heading to check in and attend my first class. I could wait. It was the marble tile class - using Photo transferring....and here's the finished project. This was a fun class and I can't wait to make more and teach this class...

After my class, I headed out for a bite to eat...go subway....lol...a good ole friend...gotta love the daily special in a wrap. I got back to the motel, and just relaxed headed off to bed.

I of course got up super early, and went and hit the wannabe fitness center...okay it's a treadmill..and I did a bit - I also had brought my resistance tubing, so I did some presses and rows...and then it was time to hit the shower and get ready for the day.

And no "School Day" would be complete without breakfast from my favorite place...Elmer's...lol...SO I headed over and order BACON....they must of thought I was a total freak, as I didn't want the pancakes or hashbrowns and just wanted the bisquit and fruit..and of course, I had to ask how many pcs of bacon was involved, then I asked to have the cook put pepper on it....I know I know...high maintainence...lol...oh well...it was my treat bacon!!!

I then headed to the convention center...I love seeing the towers...I always know I'm close. Inside I always crack up at their GIANT ART...the Poppies, the pear...and of course Starbucks, I knew it was gonna be awesome....

My first class was taught by Ali Edwards...it was her Top 10 favorite things...it was really good...lots of good information and great goodie bag filled with all of her 10 favorite things.

My next class was Not your everyday clipboard...now I've seen clipboards made, but haven't ever done one, so I thought I would take the class for fun...cuz this weekend was all about learning and FUN...I really liked the class...and it was fun, I'll have to make more!!

I had a break inbetween classes and did a little shopping, and walking around...and then my last class...Clearly Visible Album...it was an acrylic scrapbook. Now normally when I take a class like this, I just do the project and leave it empty always saying I'll finish it....well not this time...My Acrylic Scrapbook is completed with pictures from this trip and a little journaling...YEAH ME!!!

One of the highlights of my weekend, was running into a few friends...I got to see DL a couple times..yeah and a few others....which made it a fantastic trip...I did meet some new friends, which is always the reason I love what I do.

til later.... peace!