Monday, 25 July 2005
Jay came over after leaving the fire station at 8:30 am to help dad use the bathroom. I went to 9 am yoga, then went home to pick up more boxes and groceries. Went to the dentist to fix my bite splint that I grinded apart last week, then to Kahala Elementary to drop off three boxes in my classroom. Jay picked up plate lunches from Rainbow Drive Inn for us, and we chowed down on teriyaki beef and chili dog plates for lunch. Afterwards, Jay took my dad and Uncle Jimmy to go see a 50 cents movie, "Lords of Dogtown", while I went to Border's to go study for more teacher tests I have to take in a couple of weekends. In the evening, we went to watch Jay's firemen softball game, then we got some korean food for dinner. Jay helped transfer Dad after I bathed him, then we watched TV a bit until bedtime around midnight. I was extremely exhausted and ready for my 'cocoon'. We had a long day.
Monday, July 25, 2005
Sunday, July 24, 2005
The Trials and Tribulations of Caregiving
Monday, 25 July 2005
Yesterday, my stepmom Bernice took my stepsister Lindsey for a ten day trip to Las Vegas for her annual basketball tournament. So, I came by yesterday morning, with my carry-on bag and groceries in hand, to stay at my dad's place for the week. We spent most of the day inside, and at one point, I suggested we go "holoholo" (which means go for a ride/little excursion), but Dad was afraid he'd have to use the bathroom. So, I tried to take him to the bathroom, but was having difficulty lifting him out of his wheelchair. He said, "That's okay. I don't have to go anymore." But, I knew he did; he just didn't trust me to lift him. (Last week, he took my stepmom down when she was in the process of lifting him in the bathroom.) So, I tried to call my Uncle Gary to help, but he wasn't home. We waited the rest of the afternoon just sitting watching the tube; then after a couple of hours, Uncle Gary came by. Although I did most of the lifting, Uncle Gary was there for support, which made my dad feel better. Since an extra hand was there, we decided to bathe my dad as well. I'm glad my uncle was there, as it was difficult to lift my dad from the commode in the shower stall to the walker. I'm trying to be careful about how I am lifting, reminding myself to use my legs and not my back, so that I do not hurt myself. It will be a learning experience this week.
The rest of the evening was fine as I prepared dinner for him, massaged his swollen feet while we watched TV, and then got him into the hospital bed. It was a restless slumber, as he got up three times in need of using the bathroom. This meant, I got up at 11:30 pm, 2:30 am, and 6 am, to help sit him up, move his legs, and empty the urinal before putting him back and tucking him into bed. I now understand what my stepmom has to go through each evening, and I don't even have to work in the morning!
The funny thing my dad laughed about was my strange sleeping habits. As I tucked the blanket around my feet, and then tucked my head under as well, he asked, "Do you always sleep like that?" I said, "What? Like a mummy? Yup. I need to sleep all wrapped up in complete darkness." After convincing him that I can breathe fine in my "cocoon", he commented, "Gee, your boyfriends must think that's not so romantic. They must think, 'How strange?'" We both got a good laugh about that.
As I turned out the lights, making sure the fan was blowing in the right direction, and fixing the blanket so that my dad's shoulder didn't get cold each time I situated him back into bed, I never thought how strange it was to sleep in my coffin-like style. Yet, it was more unfamiliar that I was lying next to my dad, tucking him into bed, like he used to tuck me into bed as a child. And, being the light sleeper that I am, I knew that as soon as I heard the electric motor of the hospital bed moving next to me, it would be a sign that Dad needed something, and it was time to get up and help him, no matter what time it was. I'm sure that, over time, even the most unfamiliar things will soon become more routine and familiar.
Yesterday, my stepmom Bernice took my stepsister Lindsey for a ten day trip to Las Vegas for her annual basketball tournament. So, I came by yesterday morning, with my carry-on bag and groceries in hand, to stay at my dad's place for the week. We spent most of the day inside, and at one point, I suggested we go "holoholo" (which means go for a ride/little excursion), but Dad was afraid he'd have to use the bathroom. So, I tried to take him to the bathroom, but was having difficulty lifting him out of his wheelchair. He said, "That's okay. I don't have to go anymore." But, I knew he did; he just didn't trust me to lift him. (Last week, he took my stepmom down when she was in the process of lifting him in the bathroom.) So, I tried to call my Uncle Gary to help, but he wasn't home. We waited the rest of the afternoon just sitting watching the tube; then after a couple of hours, Uncle Gary came by. Although I did most of the lifting, Uncle Gary was there for support, which made my dad feel better. Since an extra hand was there, we decided to bathe my dad as well. I'm glad my uncle was there, as it was difficult to lift my dad from the commode in the shower stall to the walker. I'm trying to be careful about how I am lifting, reminding myself to use my legs and not my back, so that I do not hurt myself. It will be a learning experience this week.
The rest of the evening was fine as I prepared dinner for him, massaged his swollen feet while we watched TV, and then got him into the hospital bed. It was a restless slumber, as he got up three times in need of using the bathroom. This meant, I got up at 11:30 pm, 2:30 am, and 6 am, to help sit him up, move his legs, and empty the urinal before putting him back and tucking him into bed. I now understand what my stepmom has to go through each evening, and I don't even have to work in the morning!
The funny thing my dad laughed about was my strange sleeping habits. As I tucked the blanket around my feet, and then tucked my head under as well, he asked, "Do you always sleep like that?" I said, "What? Like a mummy? Yup. I need to sleep all wrapped up in complete darkness." After convincing him that I can breathe fine in my "cocoon", he commented, "Gee, your boyfriends must think that's not so romantic. They must think, 'How strange?'" We both got a good laugh about that.
As I turned out the lights, making sure the fan was blowing in the right direction, and fixing the blanket so that my dad's shoulder didn't get cold each time I situated him back into bed, I never thought how strange it was to sleep in my coffin-like style. Yet, it was more unfamiliar that I was lying next to my dad, tucking him into bed, like he used to tuck me into bed as a child. And, being the light sleeper that I am, I knew that as soon as I heard the electric motor of the hospital bed moving next to me, it would be a sign that Dad needed something, and it was time to get up and help him, no matter what time it was. I'm sure that, over time, even the most unfamiliar things will soon become more routine and familiar.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Visiting the Past and Entering a New Future
Friday, 22 July 2005
Today, I took Dad and Uncle Jimmy to meet Uncle Gary for lunch. After enjoying some chinese food, we went to the bank, where I deposited more checks for Dad (I have become his secretary now, depositing checks for his 40th high school reunion golf tournament he's helping organize, and organizing applications for the Mau Club Scholarships.). I carried a heavy bag of pennies from our house (this being only another third of my dad's water jug collection), and got $52 from the coin machine at the bank. We went to visit their Auntie Keahi (my late grandmother's sister), who lives near Stevenson Middle School. The territorial sharpei and two scraggly dogs barked the whole time we were there sitting in the old, musty house, but it was nice for Uncle Jimmy to visit with his old aunt. She couldn't quite figure out who I was, even after telling her my dad, Johnny, was in the car. She held Jimmy's hand the whole time, which I thought was really cute, as she talked about gambling and having Hawaiian homestead land. I went back to my dad, sitting in the hot van, as he needed a window to be rolled down, and she gave Jimmy a bag of guava and papaya before we left, with Auntie Keahi waving at us from the doorstep.
Today, I found out that I have to resign from Seattle School District because I'm not allowed to work for another school district if I am on a Family/Health Illness leave. If, and when, I return to Seattle one day, I'll have to re-apply and see if there are teaching vacancies at that time. It will be interesting teaching at my old elementary school here in Hawai'i. I still have two friends from my third grade Kahala Elementary class, and my fifth and sixth grade teachers are still teaching there. When I start as the school's ESL teacher next month, I'll have to see if Ms. Ikehara and Ms. Sakai remember me.
Today, I took Dad and Uncle Jimmy to meet Uncle Gary for lunch. After enjoying some chinese food, we went to the bank, where I deposited more checks for Dad (I have become his secretary now, depositing checks for his 40th high school reunion golf tournament he's helping organize, and organizing applications for the Mau Club Scholarships.). I carried a heavy bag of pennies from our house (this being only another third of my dad's water jug collection), and got $52 from the coin machine at the bank. We went to visit their Auntie Keahi (my late grandmother's sister), who lives near Stevenson Middle School. The territorial sharpei and two scraggly dogs barked the whole time we were there sitting in the old, musty house, but it was nice for Uncle Jimmy to visit with his old aunt. She couldn't quite figure out who I was, even after telling her my dad, Johnny, was in the car. She held Jimmy's hand the whole time, which I thought was really cute, as she talked about gambling and having Hawaiian homestead land. I went back to my dad, sitting in the hot van, as he needed a window to be rolled down, and she gave Jimmy a bag of guava and papaya before we left, with Auntie Keahi waving at us from the doorstep.
Today, I found out that I have to resign from Seattle School District because I'm not allowed to work for another school district if I am on a Family/Health Illness leave. If, and when, I return to Seattle one day, I'll have to re-apply and see if there are teaching vacancies at that time. It will be interesting teaching at my old elementary school here in Hawai'i. I still have two friends from my third grade Kahala Elementary class, and my fifth and sixth grade teachers are still teaching there. When I start as the school's ESL teacher next month, I'll have to see if Ms. Ikehara and Ms. Sakai remember me.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Shopping
Saturday, 16 July 2005
I went to early morning yoga, then my friend Linh picked me up to go to Waikele Outlet Mall. She was on the search for a dress, and of course I was on the search for nothing, but came out with a full complete outfit, a matching blouse, skirt, clutch purse, sweater, and shoes. As we were leaving the parking lot to head to Genki Sushi for a late afternoon snack, I heard this voice behind me say, "Hey you're unemployed. You shouldn't be shopping." The voice came from my good childhood friend Nina who pulled up behind us.
I came home to find one more box that arrived from Seattle. The heat made me pass out for a couple hours after I got home. Or maybe it was all that shopping.
I went to early morning yoga, then my friend Linh picked me up to go to Waikele Outlet Mall. She was on the search for a dress, and of course I was on the search for nothing, but came out with a full complete outfit, a matching blouse, skirt, clutch purse, sweater, and shoes. As we were leaving the parking lot to head to Genki Sushi for a late afternoon snack, I heard this voice behind me say, "Hey you're unemployed. You shouldn't be shopping." The voice came from my good childhood friend Nina who pulled up behind us.
I came home to find one more box that arrived from Seattle. The heat made me pass out for a couple hours after I got home. Or maybe it was all that shopping.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Today is Lahaina Noon
LAHAINA NOON - "SHADOWLESS NOON" .... BACK AGAIN
(as copied from www.hawaiiislandsolar.org)
The Hawaii term for the day when the sun is directly overhead is "Lahaina Noon". Not only is Lahaina an important seaport and former capital of the islands, but the word Lahaina means, "Cruel Sun" - which is exactly what the sun is when it's directly overhead. Sometimes this day is referred to as the day of the "shadowless noon", however this can lead to some misperceptions. First of all, the sun does cast a shadow at the Lahaina Noon. It's only objects that stand straight up, like flag-poles, telephone-poles, etc., that cast no shadow at Lahaina Noon. Secondly, Lahaina Noon only happens at "local noon", when the sun is at its highest point for your specific location (island). Every location has its own time for local noon - the time of local noon is also provided in the Lahaina Noon list below. Hawai'i is the only state in the U.S. that experiences the Lahaina Noon. Because of our location within the tropics, this happens twice each year.
So, at noon today, I might try and pose my dad in his wheelchair and test out my yoga balancing poses to stand really straight and tall.
(as copied from www.hawaiiislandsolar.org)
The Hawaii term for the day when the sun is directly overhead is "Lahaina Noon". Not only is Lahaina an important seaport and former capital of the islands, but the word Lahaina means, "Cruel Sun" - which is exactly what the sun is when it's directly overhead. Sometimes this day is referred to as the day of the "shadowless noon", however this can lead to some misperceptions. First of all, the sun does cast a shadow at the Lahaina Noon. It's only objects that stand straight up, like flag-poles, telephone-poles, etc., that cast no shadow at Lahaina Noon. Secondly, Lahaina Noon only happens at "local noon", when the sun is at its highest point for your specific location (island). Every location has its own time for local noon - the time of local noon is also provided in the Lahaina Noon list below. Hawai'i is the only state in the U.S. that experiences the Lahaina Noon. Because of our location within the tropics, this happens twice each year.
So, at noon today, I might try and pose my dad in his wheelchair and test out my yoga balancing poses to stand really straight and tall.
Relaxing
Thursday, 14 July 2005
This morning, I went to a mid-morning yoga class, but called Dad before to make sure he was okay. He said that my brother went golfing....and I thought Jay was going to be with him all day, but Dad said it was okay to go to yoga. I brought over some noodles and dim sum from Kwong On, the cheap neighborhood Chinese place, and we enjoyed some lunch together. Then, I helped him stand up so he could exercise his legs. While holding onto the walker, he bent his knees, alternating legs, for a few minutes. I stood close by, making sure he didn't fall, as sometimes his knees buckle, but the recliner chair was right behind him, so he could fall back into it. We watched the suspense who-dunnit movie "Identity" and then I left to go home and get ready for dinner.
I met Chris, my dad's old girlfriend who was a big part of my life during my high school early college years, at her house. Her son Loren, his girlfriend Stella, and Chris and I went to Hale Vietnam for some yummy Vietnamese food. We chatted about teaching, my dad, and Thailand, as Stella is going to travel in Southeast Asia soon. I gave her some maps of Bangkok and other information of tourist things she may want to see.
Went to Kahala Mall Starbucks to study my prep book for the Praxis test that is coming up next week. My math still sucks.
Came home, and got hungry again, even though my pho did hit the spot. So, for dessert, I had poi and shoyu ahi poke. Mashed up taro root and spicy raw fish is not your typical dessert or late night snack, but for a local girl, it sure was ono!
This morning, I went to a mid-morning yoga class, but called Dad before to make sure he was okay. He said that my brother went golfing....and I thought Jay was going to be with him all day, but Dad said it was okay to go to yoga. I brought over some noodles and dim sum from Kwong On, the cheap neighborhood Chinese place, and we enjoyed some lunch together. Then, I helped him stand up so he could exercise his legs. While holding onto the walker, he bent his knees, alternating legs, for a few minutes. I stood close by, making sure he didn't fall, as sometimes his knees buckle, but the recliner chair was right behind him, so he could fall back into it. We watched the suspense who-dunnit movie "Identity" and then I left to go home and get ready for dinner.
I met Chris, my dad's old girlfriend who was a big part of my life during my high school early college years, at her house. Her son Loren, his girlfriend Stella, and Chris and I went to Hale Vietnam for some yummy Vietnamese food. We chatted about teaching, my dad, and Thailand, as Stella is going to travel in Southeast Asia soon. I gave her some maps of Bangkok and other information of tourist things she may want to see.
Went to Kahala Mall Starbucks to study my prep book for the Praxis test that is coming up next week. My math still sucks.
Came home, and got hungry again, even though my pho did hit the spot. So, for dessert, I had poi and shoyu ahi poke. Mashed up taro root and spicy raw fish is not your typical dessert or late night snack, but for a local girl, it sure was ono!
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
The Cleaning is Neverending
Wednesday, 13 July 2005
Uncle Jimmy came over and we ran errands then went downtown to get Chinese food for lunch....won ton min, pig's feet soup, and choi sum.
Stayed up late washing dishes and cleaning cupboards. There are many bugs and creatures stuck to our dishes and crawling around in the cupboards! Disgusting!
My boxes from Seattle have started to arrive, two a day. Bet the postman just loves me! I've been opening them up to see what's inside, then storing them in the basement of my Uncle Gary's house, just 10 stairs down the hill versus 85 stairs. They all contain school books and teacher materials that I'll need to transport somewhere anyway once I find a job.
Speaking of which, I turned down a couple jobs already (a 3rd grade teaching position at Ala Wai Elementary and Special Ed Resource Room positions at Waikiki Elementary), mainly the ones that are starting in a couple of weeks. The principals were really nice, and they seemed like really good schools where I could help make a difference, but I have decided, after much talking with my family, that I should just take a half-time position for now. This will allow me to work mornings, but still get full insurance benefits. I don't really need the money right now, and that way, I can still help out with the caretaking of my dad.
Uncle Jimmy came over and we ran errands then went downtown to get Chinese food for lunch....won ton min, pig's feet soup, and choi sum.
Stayed up late washing dishes and cleaning cupboards. There are many bugs and creatures stuck to our dishes and crawling around in the cupboards! Disgusting!
My boxes from Seattle have started to arrive, two a day. Bet the postman just loves me! I've been opening them up to see what's inside, then storing them in the basement of my Uncle Gary's house, just 10 stairs down the hill versus 85 stairs. They all contain school books and teacher materials that I'll need to transport somewhere anyway once I find a job.
Speaking of which, I turned down a couple jobs already (a 3rd grade teaching position at Ala Wai Elementary and Special Ed Resource Room positions at Waikiki Elementary), mainly the ones that are starting in a couple of weeks. The principals were really nice, and they seemed like really good schools where I could help make a difference, but I have decided, after much talking with my family, that I should just take a half-time position for now. This will allow me to work mornings, but still get full insurance benefits. I don't really need the money right now, and that way, I can still help out with the caretaking of my dad.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
I'm an Overbrusher
Tuesday, 12 July 2005
Dad had his massage this morning. John, his masseuse, was sweet and brought over some fancy French desserts afterwards as a thank you.
Got my dad ready for the dentist. Although I don't have health insurance yet, my dad thought I should get my teeth cleaned, so I had an appointment as well. I was again told that I am an overbrusher and need to stop brushing my teeth so much (Gee, I wish my dentist told me that when I was a kid, so I didn't have to lie about flossing and brushing back then!). Uncle Bobby (my dentist and my dad's friend from college) said he would fashion a new mouthguard for me to help with my grinding teeth problem (which will, in turn, help release tension in my neck). Of course, when he did fashion a new piece by adding acrylic to my old one, I ended up grinding off all the pieces that night anyway.
With our squeky clean polished teeth, we went to get some plate lunches. My dad gorged on a chili dog plate from Rainbow's. I had never seen him eat so much! Two entire hot dogs, two scoops of rice, a scoop of macaroni salad, and heaps of chili piled on the whole plate, spilling over the edges of the box. We had to rush and "just eat a little", but he ate the whole entire thing in 15 minutes! (And, he says I was forcing it into his mouth!...He was the one opening his mouth and swallowing all the food!) It was quite funny.
We picked up Lindsey and her friend Kylle from summer school at Kamehameha, my old alma mater. I stopped by the elementary campus to drop off my resume with the principal, who happened to be the father of one of my classmates. Although he thanked me for stopping by and asked me about my experience, they must have already had someone in mind for the third grade teaching position, as I never got called in for an interview.
After Kamehameha, I took Lindsey and Kylle to a nearby cemetary, where we got eaten by mosquitoes while taking pictures of Hawaiian petroglyphs for her Hawaiian culture class. We had to park by one side of the cemetary, and walk down behind this rock wall. It was a rare find! I never even knew about it! Took some cool pictures, and then hiked back up as fast as we could, with our legs already eaten by all the mosquitoes.
Dad had his massage this morning. John, his masseuse, was sweet and brought over some fancy French desserts afterwards as a thank you.
Got my dad ready for the dentist. Although I don't have health insurance yet, my dad thought I should get my teeth cleaned, so I had an appointment as well. I was again told that I am an overbrusher and need to stop brushing my teeth so much (Gee, I wish my dentist told me that when I was a kid, so I didn't have to lie about flossing and brushing back then!). Uncle Bobby (my dentist and my dad's friend from college) said he would fashion a new mouthguard for me to help with my grinding teeth problem (which will, in turn, help release tension in my neck). Of course, when he did fashion a new piece by adding acrylic to my old one, I ended up grinding off all the pieces that night anyway.
With our squeky clean polished teeth, we went to get some plate lunches. My dad gorged on a chili dog plate from Rainbow's. I had never seen him eat so much! Two entire hot dogs, two scoops of rice, a scoop of macaroni salad, and heaps of chili piled on the whole plate, spilling over the edges of the box. We had to rush and "just eat a little", but he ate the whole entire thing in 15 minutes! (And, he says I was forcing it into his mouth!...He was the one opening his mouth and swallowing all the food!) It was quite funny.
We picked up Lindsey and her friend Kylle from summer school at Kamehameha, my old alma mater. I stopped by the elementary campus to drop off my resume with the principal, who happened to be the father of one of my classmates. Although he thanked me for stopping by and asked me about my experience, they must have already had someone in mind for the third grade teaching position, as I never got called in for an interview.
After Kamehameha, I took Lindsey and Kylle to a nearby cemetary, where we got eaten by mosquitoes while taking pictures of Hawaiian petroglyphs for her Hawaiian culture class. We had to park by one side of the cemetary, and walk down behind this rock wall. It was a rare find! I never even knew about it! Took some cool pictures, and then hiked back up as fast as we could, with our legs already eaten by all the mosquitoes.
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Friday, July 08, 2005
Friday, 8 July 2005
Uncle Gary brought over lunch for Uncle Jimmy, Dad, and I. Afterwards, we ran errands, then went to Ala Moana to pick up a gift certificate for Bernice's birthday. We stopped by Honolulu Hale for a Thai celebration. But, I should've known they'd be on "Thai Time", which is worse than "Hawaiian time." Most of the "shows", which included dancing and food, weren't going to start until the evening, and I probably had more things in my house from Thailand than they had on their little display table, so we left. My dad told me about his doctor appointment yesterday with his internist. The doctor decided to write prescriptions for him for a wheelchair and a hospital bed, because unlike his neurologist, he doesn't think my dad should have to wait until he's debilitated for devices that could help him now. He also gave him water pills to help with absorption in his feet. He's already taken them, and his feet are noticeably smaller and not as swollen. He showed me how he can wiggle his toes in his right foot now, which he hasn't been able to do in over a month.
Uncle Gary brought over lunch for Uncle Jimmy, Dad, and I. Afterwards, we ran errands, then went to Ala Moana to pick up a gift certificate for Bernice's birthday. We stopped by Honolulu Hale for a Thai celebration. But, I should've known they'd be on "Thai Time", which is worse than "Hawaiian time." Most of the "shows", which included dancing and food, weren't going to start until the evening, and I probably had more things in my house from Thailand than they had on their little display table, so we left. My dad told me about his doctor appointment yesterday with his internist. The doctor decided to write prescriptions for him for a wheelchair and a hospital bed, because unlike his neurologist, he doesn't think my dad should have to wait until he's debilitated for devices that could help him now. He also gave him water pills to help with absorption in his feet. He's already taken them, and his feet are noticeably smaller and not as swollen. He showed me how he can wiggle his toes in his right foot now, which he hasn't been able to do in over a month.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Carpet Run
Thursday, 7 July 2005
Jason and his fireman co-worker Glenn worked on pergo-ing his room all day. I supervised (= (a very difficult job) and cooked lunch and dinner for them. But, I also carried all of the carpet up our 85 stairs to the top of the driveway. In the afternoon, I went to an interview at Waikiki Elementary School. The principal seemed really nurturing and kept emphasizing the sweet kids at this small, diverse school. But, there aren't positions open for sure, possibly a special ed resource room and possibly a long-term sub for a third grade...And school starts in a few weeks!
More possibilities on the horizon...
I stopped by my friend Miya's, who is staying at her in-laws a block away from the school. She's nursing a cold, so I took an airborne during my time there. Although when I got home, I felt a little tickle in my throat. I hope I don't get sick, as this is the first time I've felt sick in months!
Jason and his fireman co-worker Glenn worked on pergo-ing his room all day. I supervised (= (a very difficult job) and cooked lunch and dinner for them. But, I also carried all of the carpet up our 85 stairs to the top of the driveway. In the afternoon, I went to an interview at Waikiki Elementary School. The principal seemed really nurturing and kept emphasizing the sweet kids at this small, diverse school. But, there aren't positions open for sure, possibly a special ed resource room and possibly a long-term sub for a third grade...And school starts in a few weeks!
More possibilities on the horizon...
I stopped by my friend Miya's, who is staying at her in-laws a block away from the school. She's nursing a cold, so I took an airborne during my time there. Although when I got home, I felt a little tickle in my throat. I hope I don't get sick, as this is the first time I've felt sick in months!
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Do You Have Any Teaching Openings?
Wednesday, 6 July 2005
After taking Dad to his dentist appointment this morning (I was a little worried about being able to transfer him to the dentist chair, but it was no problem.), we roamed around Kahala Mall, then drove to many neighborhood elementary schools to drop off my resume. I started at Kahala Elementary School, the elementary school I graduated from long ago....it looked exactly the same. The principal said too bad I didn't come two weeks ago, as they had four open positions. But, he was impressed with my experience and may have a half time ESL teaching position. I drove to about ten other schools in the area, all the way to Waikiki Elementary. Some principals were excited to sit down and talk to me about golfing in Thailand to having an impromptu "interview" on the spot as we talked about curriculum mapping, standard based report cards, and guided reading, things that are new to Hawai'i's public school system. This one principal felt bad when she found out my dad was sitting in the car in the hot sun all this time, and sent me away with two ice cold bottles of water. Most schools didn't have vacancies, but some had half time positions in ESL or special ed. Once principals looked at my resume, they were eager to talk to me as the words "Master's degree", "special education", "Seattle School District", "Thailand", and "Standards" came out of my mouth. A few principals weren't interested in talking to me at all, reminding me that I must go through the district central office to look for a job, but I kindly left my resume anyway. Although I had a successful day of schmoozing, the principals' hands are pretty tied, as they can only hire from the handful of applicants that the district sends to them. And right now, there is a hold on all applicants as they got an influx of applications they are still screening. Do they realize that most schools here start in three weeks?!
After taking Dad to his dentist appointment this morning (I was a little worried about being able to transfer him to the dentist chair, but it was no problem.), we roamed around Kahala Mall, then drove to many neighborhood elementary schools to drop off my resume. I started at Kahala Elementary School, the elementary school I graduated from long ago....it looked exactly the same. The principal said too bad I didn't come two weeks ago, as they had four open positions. But, he was impressed with my experience and may have a half time ESL teaching position. I drove to about ten other schools in the area, all the way to Waikiki Elementary. Some principals were excited to sit down and talk to me about golfing in Thailand to having an impromptu "interview" on the spot as we talked about curriculum mapping, standard based report cards, and guided reading, things that are new to Hawai'i's public school system. This one principal felt bad when she found out my dad was sitting in the car in the hot sun all this time, and sent me away with two ice cold bottles of water. Most schools didn't have vacancies, but some had half time positions in ESL or special ed. Once principals looked at my resume, they were eager to talk to me as the words "Master's degree", "special education", "Seattle School District", "Thailand", and "Standards" came out of my mouth. A few principals weren't interested in talking to me at all, reminding me that I must go through the district central office to look for a job, but I kindly left my resume anyway. Although I had a successful day of schmoozing, the principals' hands are pretty tied, as they can only hire from the handful of applicants that the district sends to them. And right now, there is a hold on all applicants as they got an influx of applications they are still screening. Do they realize that most schools here start in three weeks?!
Monday, July 04, 2005
Happy 4th of July!
Monday, 4 July 2005
Today was another lazy day for me. Last night at dinner, my dad's longtime friend Steve said that I looked relaxed. Yup, I've had many days to relax, that's for sure. I slept in and skipped going to morning yoga. In the late afternoon, I went with my dad and the family to Aunty Sandy's (Bernice's sister) house. They had a bunch of friends over for dinner - lots of local grinds, including barbeque chicken, spam musubi, beef stew, tripe stew, shoyu edamame, hot dogs (local style), chocolate dobash cake, banana cream pie, and jello cream pie. I talked with a couple of teachers about my search to find teaching jobs here, and they told me I should have no problem, but don't be surprised if I'm hired the day before school starts. Chatted about my travels and teaching in Thailand, as we looked at one of their friend's photos of a recent trip to Korea and Japan. We watched some aerial fireworks above the rooftops of some of the houses in Olomana, while listening to music that Sandy's husband Greg mixes (He's well-known in Hawai'i, on the mainland, and in Japan, as he has a recording studio in his house and works with many local musicians.) During the drive home, there were many people popping fireworks in the streets and driveways. I went to sleep to the sounds of pop, pop, pop, lots of smoke in the air, and the sound of fire engines whizzing by in the valley.
Today was another lazy day for me. Last night at dinner, my dad's longtime friend Steve said that I looked relaxed. Yup, I've had many days to relax, that's for sure. I slept in and skipped going to morning yoga. In the late afternoon, I went with my dad and the family to Aunty Sandy's (Bernice's sister) house. They had a bunch of friends over for dinner - lots of local grinds, including barbeque chicken, spam musubi, beef stew, tripe stew, shoyu edamame, hot dogs (local style), chocolate dobash cake, banana cream pie, and jello cream pie. I talked with a couple of teachers about my search to find teaching jobs here, and they told me I should have no problem, but don't be surprised if I'm hired the day before school starts. Chatted about my travels and teaching in Thailand, as we looked at one of their friend's photos of a recent trip to Korea and Japan. We watched some aerial fireworks above the rooftops of some of the houses in Olomana, while listening to music that Sandy's husband Greg mixes (He's well-known in Hawai'i, on the mainland, and in Japan, as he has a recording studio in his house and works with many local musicians.) During the drive home, there were many people popping fireworks in the streets and driveways. I went to sleep to the sounds of pop, pop, pop, lots of smoke in the air, and the sound of fire engines whizzing by in the valley.
Sunday, July 03, 2005
What Are We Looking At?!
Sunday, 3 July 2005
Tonight, I brought Uncle Jimmy down so we all could have dinner at Frank and Sharon's, my parents' longtime friends. They had the huge telescope set up and we watched the broadcast as everyone in NASA looked at the comet. Of course, all we saw was people cheering, and no commentary on the actual hit. For all we know, it could just be another Spielberg movie or a hoax of this "deep impact" collision. Thousands of people went to Bishop Museum and thousands were out on Waikiki Beach to watch.....a whole lot of nothing in the sky. Hmmmm....
Tonight, I brought Uncle Jimmy down so we all could have dinner at Frank and Sharon's, my parents' longtime friends. They had the huge telescope set up and we watched the broadcast as everyone in NASA looked at the comet. Of course, all we saw was people cheering, and no commentary on the actual hit. For all we know, it could just be another Spielberg movie or a hoax of this "deep impact" collision. Thousands of people went to Bishop Museum and thousands were out on Waikiki Beach to watch.....a whole lot of nothing in the sky. Hmmmm....
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Get Me Outta The Heat
Saturday, 2 July 2005
Jay dropped me off at yoga this morning on his way to work. I'm getting tired of dropping quarters in the meter every day. Besides, I thought it would be good to walk back up the hill. He he he. After being packed like sardines in yoga (there must have been about 40 people there in class today) and sweating like there's no tomorrow, I walked home. It only took about 15 - 20 minutes to walk up the steep mountain home. Took a shower, ate lunch, and lazed around a bit watching the tube, then decided to get out of the heat of the house and go to the beach. Went to Ala Moana and got my back sunburned as red as a lobster (That's what happens when there is no one to put sunscreen on my back....And, believe me, putting it on by myself is not a good idea, as the last time I did that, I ended up with two of my handprints on my shoulder blades.). After sweating like crazy, I decided I've had enough heat and already lost way too much water today, so I headed home.
Met my good friend from high school, Miya, and her friends for dinner. Enjoyed a full slab of Carolina Honey ribs at Tony Roma's. Yum. Got ice cream at Dave's in Kapahulu and gabbed at her house until 1 am.
Jay dropped me off at yoga this morning on his way to work. I'm getting tired of dropping quarters in the meter every day. Besides, I thought it would be good to walk back up the hill. He he he. After being packed like sardines in yoga (there must have been about 40 people there in class today) and sweating like there's no tomorrow, I walked home. It only took about 15 - 20 minutes to walk up the steep mountain home. Took a shower, ate lunch, and lazed around a bit watching the tube, then decided to get out of the heat of the house and go to the beach. Went to Ala Moana and got my back sunburned as red as a lobster (That's what happens when there is no one to put sunscreen on my back....And, believe me, putting it on by myself is not a good idea, as the last time I did that, I ended up with two of my handprints on my shoulder blades.). After sweating like crazy, I decided I've had enough heat and already lost way too much water today, so I headed home.
Met my good friend from high school, Miya, and her friends for dinner. Enjoyed a full slab of Carolina Honey ribs at Tony Roma's. Yum. Got ice cream at Dave's in Kapahulu and gabbed at her house until 1 am.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Back to School
Friday, 1 July 2005
As is routine for the first day of a new month here, the tsunami warning alarm went off at about noon today throughout the islands. Just a test of course. Although I dismissed it as just routine, it brought back memories of the day the tsunami hit when I was in Thailand this past year, and although it did not directly affect me, it was surreal living in Thailand when the disastrous event occurred.
After another successful yoga sweating practice this morning, I pretty much collapsed on the couch watching the tube until I decided to get out of the heat and enter some cooler areas. Those options for me meant either driving around in my air-conditioned truck, going into an air-conditioned grocery store, or sitting in an air-conditioned bookstore. Now I remember why shopping has become a favorite pasttime for me growing up here in Hawai'i. Although I could have gone to the nearest Barnes & Nobles only about five minutes away at Kahala Mall, I opted for a longer drive in my truck to Borders at Ward Warehouse, near Ala Moana. With my frothy chai drink, I perused the teacher test prep book section and "studied" for a few hours, reminding myself of how I suck at math and how much I hate taking standardized tests. In order to become a licensed teacher here in Hawai'i, I have to take at least six tests in reading, writing, math, elementary education, and special education. The last time I took a standardized test was to get into graduate school, which was over six years ago. And, did I remind you that I suck at math! After looking at a few sample test questions today, it looks like I may need to borrow my cousins' high school math books to study up before I take the tests in a couple of weeks.
Many public schools here are on a year around schedule, so they start the 2005-2006 school year this month. Although it would nice to be able to start receiving paychecks again and having insurance benefits so that I can go see a doctor and dentist for routine checkups, I really don't want to start teaching this month. Much of my teaching stuff won't even get here until August, and some of my stuff is still in Seattle. We'll see. Not having any rent or car payments to pay makes it less motivating to find a job right now.
As is routine for the first day of a new month here, the tsunami warning alarm went off at about noon today throughout the islands. Just a test of course. Although I dismissed it as just routine, it brought back memories of the day the tsunami hit when I was in Thailand this past year, and although it did not directly affect me, it was surreal living in Thailand when the disastrous event occurred.
After another successful yoga sweating practice this morning, I pretty much collapsed on the couch watching the tube until I decided to get out of the heat and enter some cooler areas. Those options for me meant either driving around in my air-conditioned truck, going into an air-conditioned grocery store, or sitting in an air-conditioned bookstore. Now I remember why shopping has become a favorite pasttime for me growing up here in Hawai'i. Although I could have gone to the nearest Barnes & Nobles only about five minutes away at Kahala Mall, I opted for a longer drive in my truck to Borders at Ward Warehouse, near Ala Moana. With my frothy chai drink, I perused the teacher test prep book section and "studied" for a few hours, reminding myself of how I suck at math and how much I hate taking standardized tests. In order to become a licensed teacher here in Hawai'i, I have to take at least six tests in reading, writing, math, elementary education, and special education. The last time I took a standardized test was to get into graduate school, which was over six years ago. And, did I remind you that I suck at math! After looking at a few sample test questions today, it looks like I may need to borrow my cousins' high school math books to study up before I take the tests in a couple of weeks.
Many public schools here are on a year around schedule, so they start the 2005-2006 school year this month. Although it would nice to be able to start receiving paychecks again and having insurance benefits so that I can go see a doctor and dentist for routine checkups, I really don't want to start teaching this month. Much of my teaching stuff won't even get here until August, and some of my stuff is still in Seattle. We'll see. Not having any rent or car payments to pay makes it less motivating to find a job right now.
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