Monday, 31 July 2006
Stayed at work an extra two hours, in order to get emails out to teachers and stay organized for the week. Jay was with Dad, and a teacher gave me an extra chicken sandwich from her cafeteria lunch, so that encouraged me to work a little later. As a teacher, you learn that you never catch up with things unless you do things when you are not with the kids, which means most of than not, working overtime for free.
This afternoon, I caught up with some Seattle friends. Chuck, from grad school, who is always entertaining the idea of moving to Hawaiʻi to teach, Christina, who caught me up on the trials of disclipining her son (and as a teacher, of course I had to add my two cents on the matter), and Katherine, teacher and book club friend, who wrote to tell me that she is vacationing in Kauaʻi right now. Also touched bases with Nina on her bridal shower, invitations addressed, and other wedding details, since the big day is a little more than a month away.
Helped Dad do the crossword puzzle, showered him, and then went off to yoga.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Weekend With Dad
Saturday, 29 July 2006
Before 7 am yoga, I called my mom to catch up and she was taking my grandma out of the nursing home to bring her back home after two weeks of recuperation. She was so happy to go home as it is her birthday today...Happy Birthday Popo! I had a great workout, and talked with other regulars about doing the 30 day yoga challenge. Went home to my house for the first time all week to relax. Jay should have gotten to Dadʻs after he got off work this morning. They called in the afternoon to see if I wanted to go to Samʻs Club. I met them there to get two new tires for my truck. Took a couple hours, so I window shopped as I waited. Jay and I ate a hot dog and pizza and my dad ran into a couple of friends he knew. People who havenʻt seen him in awhile are always shocked as to what has happened to him.
Jay worked overtime tonight, so I met them back at Dadʻs, fed Dad dinner, and we watched a few exciting episodes of "24" while hearing Bon Dance music from the Palolo Hongwanji in the distance.
Sunday, 30 July 2006
Woke up at 5:30 am and got ready to go to yoga, which means drinking plenty of water. Read the paper a little bit, then headed off after making sure Dad was okay in bed. It was another great workout....I think my hamstring is healed already, after my injury almost five months ago. I can do my standing bow pose (like doing the splits while balancing on one leg) pretty solidly on both sides now, which is more than I ever have done before. My poses are getting stronger. So, again, I talked with regulars about whether or not to do the 30 day challenge starting August 1st. I practically did it in July, and I had more time then. Not sure I have the time to do it now. Weʻll see...I have one more day to decide.
Jay and I got to Dadʻs at the same time. I agreed to stay with Dad while Jay went home to do much needed yard work. I did laundry and wanted to take Dad out to the Ukulele Festival or something, but he wasnʻt ready to go. I made breakfast, and we ended up watching Dirty Jobs on the Discovery Channel for a couple of hours after reading the paper. By then I started getting tired from the heat, and then when he was ready to go out, I wasnʻt ready. Like taking care of a baby, caregiving is such a selfless job. At times it can be exhausting and tiring. I couldnʻt even finish reading one newspaper article because every ten seconds Dad wanted me to turn the page for him. Every time I would get comfortable, he would need my assistance doing something, whether it be scratching his left eyebrow or reclining him in his chair, getting him ice cold water, or spreading his fingers apart so they didnʻt get too sticky or clammy.
So, our excursion today ended up being wheeling him out on the ramp in front of the front door. I brought the laptop out to update my blog. Iʻve been chatting with other caregivers and patients with ALS on a Yahoo! Groups site called "Living with ALS". I used to just read the messages for my dad, but now I decided to ask my own questions, specifically about how patients get used to using the Bi-Pap machine. Itʻs been nice to get replies back from patients all over the nation, sharing their suggestions and providing their words of support and telling me to keep encouraging Dad to use it because it really helps them breathe better and have more energy.
It was nice to sit out in the breeze with a cold drink of water. Dad tried to read the Time magazine, but the wind kept blowing the pages about. He remained content gazing around at the houses and the sky. After a few minutes of silence, he said, "You take for granted things like walking, standing, and stuff. You have to count your blessings each day."
Whenever he says things like that, it brings tears to my eyes. (Good thing I had sunglasses on.) Not only do I take my dadʻs words to heart, but these past couple of years have also taught me a lot about life, from seeing how people in other parts of the world live to learning to truly appreciate each minute and each hour of the day with family.
Since I donʻt have any dates lined up, Dad asked if we wanted to go out to dinner tonight. Sounds good to me.
Before 7 am yoga, I called my mom to catch up and she was taking my grandma out of the nursing home to bring her back home after two weeks of recuperation. She was so happy to go home as it is her birthday today...Happy Birthday Popo! I had a great workout, and talked with other regulars about doing the 30 day yoga challenge. Went home to my house for the first time all week to relax. Jay should have gotten to Dadʻs after he got off work this morning. They called in the afternoon to see if I wanted to go to Samʻs Club. I met them there to get two new tires for my truck. Took a couple hours, so I window shopped as I waited. Jay and I ate a hot dog and pizza and my dad ran into a couple of friends he knew. People who havenʻt seen him in awhile are always shocked as to what has happened to him.
Jay worked overtime tonight, so I met them back at Dadʻs, fed Dad dinner, and we watched a few exciting episodes of "24" while hearing Bon Dance music from the Palolo Hongwanji in the distance.
Sunday, 30 July 2006
Woke up at 5:30 am and got ready to go to yoga, which means drinking plenty of water. Read the paper a little bit, then headed off after making sure Dad was okay in bed. It was another great workout....I think my hamstring is healed already, after my injury almost five months ago. I can do my standing bow pose (like doing the splits while balancing on one leg) pretty solidly on both sides now, which is more than I ever have done before. My poses are getting stronger. So, again, I talked with regulars about whether or not to do the 30 day challenge starting August 1st. I practically did it in July, and I had more time then. Not sure I have the time to do it now. Weʻll see...I have one more day to decide.
Jay and I got to Dadʻs at the same time. I agreed to stay with Dad while Jay went home to do much needed yard work. I did laundry and wanted to take Dad out to the Ukulele Festival or something, but he wasnʻt ready to go. I made breakfast, and we ended up watching Dirty Jobs on the Discovery Channel for a couple of hours after reading the paper. By then I started getting tired from the heat, and then when he was ready to go out, I wasnʻt ready. Like taking care of a baby, caregiving is such a selfless job. At times it can be exhausting and tiring. I couldnʻt even finish reading one newspaper article because every ten seconds Dad wanted me to turn the page for him. Every time I would get comfortable, he would need my assistance doing something, whether it be scratching his left eyebrow or reclining him in his chair, getting him ice cold water, or spreading his fingers apart so they didnʻt get too sticky or clammy.
So, our excursion today ended up being wheeling him out on the ramp in front of the front door. I brought the laptop out to update my blog. Iʻve been chatting with other caregivers and patients with ALS on a Yahoo! Groups site called "Living with ALS". I used to just read the messages for my dad, but now I decided to ask my own questions, specifically about how patients get used to using the Bi-Pap machine. Itʻs been nice to get replies back from patients all over the nation, sharing their suggestions and providing their words of support and telling me to keep encouraging Dad to use it because it really helps them breathe better and have more energy.
It was nice to sit out in the breeze with a cold drink of water. Dad tried to read the Time magazine, but the wind kept blowing the pages about. He remained content gazing around at the houses and the sky. After a few minutes of silence, he said, "You take for granted things like walking, standing, and stuff. You have to count your blessings each day."
Whenever he says things like that, it brings tears to my eyes. (Good thing I had sunglasses on.) Not only do I take my dadʻs words to heart, but these past couple of years have also taught me a lot about life, from seeing how people in other parts of the world live to learning to truly appreciate each minute and each hour of the day with family.
Since I donʻt have any dates lined up, Dad asked if we wanted to go out to dinner tonight. Sounds good to me.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
The First Day of School and the Last Friday
Friday, 28 July 2006
The first day of school today went well. My part-time teacher Nicole and I tested kindergartners after they met with their teachers for individual testing. It was a good opportunity to meet with their parents and explain to them what the ESLL program is for and how it can help the students. It was strange to have our first day on a Friday. I was ready to go again tomorrow, and then someone told me it would be Saturday.
This evening, I took Dad to Art After Dark, the monthly art event at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, that happens the last Friday of each month. Although the weather was rainy off and on, he enjoyed looking at the art galleries, as he hadnʻt been there in a few years. I ran into a couple friends, and the security guards were really nice about moving the crowds of people so I could navigate the wheelchair through the pathways. We looked at the new exhibit by Kaili Chun, which featured wooden knobs with words carved in them inserted into rocks. Iʻm still trying to figure that one out. He liked the abstract art with the steel mechanical contraption, as well as the Buddhist exhibit. He wanted me to take a picture of the Four Noble Truths on display, which stated that one must suffer, which is caused by craving and desires. "To end suffering completely, one must remove desire, ill will and ignorance." I know we often wonder why Dad has been afflicted with ALS.
As I put Dad to bed this evening, he thanked me again for taking him to the Academy of Arts. It was a nice last Friday.
The first day of school today went well. My part-time teacher Nicole and I tested kindergartners after they met with their teachers for individual testing. It was a good opportunity to meet with their parents and explain to them what the ESLL program is for and how it can help the students. It was strange to have our first day on a Friday. I was ready to go again tomorrow, and then someone told me it would be Saturday.
This evening, I took Dad to Art After Dark, the monthly art event at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, that happens the last Friday of each month. Although the weather was rainy off and on, he enjoyed looking at the art galleries, as he hadnʻt been there in a few years. I ran into a couple friends, and the security guards were really nice about moving the crowds of people so I could navigate the wheelchair through the pathways. We looked at the new exhibit by Kaili Chun, which featured wooden knobs with words carved in them inserted into rocks. Iʻm still trying to figure that one out. He liked the abstract art with the steel mechanical contraption, as well as the Buddhist exhibit. He wanted me to take a picture of the Four Noble Truths on display, which stated that one must suffer, which is caused by craving and desires. "To end suffering completely, one must remove desire, ill will and ignorance." I know we often wonder why Dad has been afflicted with ALS.
As I put Dad to bed this evening, he thanked me again for taking him to the Academy of Arts. It was a nice last Friday.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Getting Ready For The First Day of School
Thursday, 27 July 2006
Woke up at 5:30 am to put my cheese bread dip appetizer in the oven so that it would be ready by the time I left for work. We had a morning of meetings and touching bases with teachers. Tomorrow is the first day of school for the kiddies, so everyone is a little hectic. We organized a lot at the end of last year though, so I think we’re set to go. For now anyway. Scary to think our summer is over and we are REALLY starting school in July.
Friends of Bernice’s brought over lunch for my dad today. Dad went on the Bi-Pap again this afternoon. Jay took off for the afternoon, but I told him he must relieve me this evening so that I can go to yoga. I think he’s still trying to buy time, as he called to ask if I can bathe and feed Dad too. Geez.
Woke up at 5:30 am to put my cheese bread dip appetizer in the oven so that it would be ready by the time I left for work. We had a morning of meetings and touching bases with teachers. Tomorrow is the first day of school for the kiddies, so everyone is a little hectic. We organized a lot at the end of last year though, so I think we’re set to go. For now anyway. Scary to think our summer is over and we are REALLY starting school in July.
Friends of Bernice’s brought over lunch for my dad today. Dad went on the Bi-Pap again this afternoon. Jay took off for the afternoon, but I told him he must relieve me this evening so that I can go to yoga. I think he’s still trying to buy time, as he called to ask if I can bathe and feed Dad too. Geez.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Routine Evening with Dad
Wednesday, 26 July 2006
Today was our first day of meetings. After some sarcastic remarks foreshadowing things to come, and already a bit of dissention among staff members, we got through the day.
At Dad's house, we had leftover food again. It’s a good thing my dad trained me as a young child to not waste food and to eat leftovers. He was always the parent who would eat leftovers himself and cook us fresh food for dinner or buy us food. I guess I get my frugalness and my appetite from my dad for sure. Neither of us will waste food!
Dad agreed to use the Bi-Pap again for an hour and a half after dinner. He said he realized a difference when he slept at night, that he had a more restful sleep the night he used it. This is a good thing.
Today was our first day of meetings. After some sarcastic remarks foreshadowing things to come, and already a bit of dissention among staff members, we got through the day.
At Dad's house, we had leftover food again. It’s a good thing my dad trained me as a young child to not waste food and to eat leftovers. He was always the parent who would eat leftovers himself and cook us fresh food for dinner or buy us food. I guess I get my frugalness and my appetite from my dad for sure. Neither of us will waste food!
Dad agreed to use the Bi-Pap again for an hour and a half after dinner. He said he realized a difference when he slept at night, that he had a more restful sleep the night he used it. This is a good thing.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
First Day Back
Tuesday, 25 July 2006
Today was the first day of work. After waking up several times in the night to help my dad use the bathroom, I got to school at 8 am and my assistant, Nicole, and I opened boxes, moved furniture, dusted the dust off the shelves, put butcher paper and borders up, and tried to remember where everything goes. It was a productive day, and I went back to Dad's. Jay and I took him to get pho (our comfort food) at the Vietnamese restaurant nearby. We ran into our friends Alexis and Rocky who were also eating there. Alexis, who owns and runs the yoga studio I go to, has been bugging my brother about not trying Bikram yoga yet.
Jay stayed with Dad, and I went home to shower from the afternoon heat and drop off my resume at a tutoring place in the neighborhood. Ended up staying there to informally interview with the owner, name dropping teachers' names as her daughter went to the elementary school I teach at, and talking about my past experiences. I'll probably pick up a few hours each week to make some extra money. I was behind schedule as a result of this impromptu meeting, and so had to rush to pick up some Korean barbecue, then pick up Kai. (My dad's friends came over to bring him dinner tonight, so I had a few hours of respite.) We headed to Dole Cannery Theatres for a free preview screening of the new movie, "Miami Vice."
What a graphic bad movie that one was. With Colin Farrell's mullet and bad accent going on and Jamie Foxx's....well, let's just say, at least it was free. It turned out to be a blow-em-up action flick. Plus, we had to sit in the third row from the front, and half the time I couldn't tell if it was bad editing, or if the film was meant to have that grainy look. We munched on popcorn and kakimochi and had to save our plate lunches for later. Ended up sleeping on the couch at my dad's because I was too tired to drive home.
Today was the first day of work. After waking up several times in the night to help my dad use the bathroom, I got to school at 8 am and my assistant, Nicole, and I opened boxes, moved furniture, dusted the dust off the shelves, put butcher paper and borders up, and tried to remember where everything goes. It was a productive day, and I went back to Dad's. Jay and I took him to get pho (our comfort food) at the Vietnamese restaurant nearby. We ran into our friends Alexis and Rocky who were also eating there. Alexis, who owns and runs the yoga studio I go to, has been bugging my brother about not trying Bikram yoga yet.
Jay stayed with Dad, and I went home to shower from the afternoon heat and drop off my resume at a tutoring place in the neighborhood. Ended up staying there to informally interview with the owner, name dropping teachers' names as her daughter went to the elementary school I teach at, and talking about my past experiences. I'll probably pick up a few hours each week to make some extra money. I was behind schedule as a result of this impromptu meeting, and so had to rush to pick up some Korean barbecue, then pick up Kai. (My dad's friends came over to bring him dinner tonight, so I had a few hours of respite.) We headed to Dole Cannery Theatres for a free preview screening of the new movie, "Miami Vice."
What a graphic bad movie that one was. With Colin Farrell's mullet and bad accent going on and Jamie Foxx's....well, let's just say, at least it was free. It turned out to be a blow-em-up action flick. Plus, we had to sit in the third row from the front, and half the time I couldn't tell if it was bad editing, or if the film was meant to have that grainy look. We munched on popcorn and kakimochi and had to save our plate lunches for later. Ended up sleeping on the couch at my dad's because I was too tired to drive home.
Monday, July 24, 2006
First Night Over with Dad
Monday, 24 July 2006
Went to yoga this morning and mentioned to my teacher Anthony how I did yoga yesterday in Kaua'i (The teacher there had known him from teacher training.) His class didn't kill me today, and I had a chance to pack my bag again for a week at Dad's. Got to Dad's in the late afternoon, Bernice and Lindsey left for Las Vegas for a week for their annual basketball tournament, and I prepared for my first night with Dad. Bernice told me he had been having sleepless nights due to breathing problems all weekend long, and how he refuses to use the Bi-Pap machine at night. She told me where the doctors' numbers were located and told me to call her if anything happened while she was gone.
Dad and I had dinner of leftovers. He agreed to try and use the Bi-Pap machine. Initially when I put it on him, he freaked out though when the air blasted through it, and he got really irritable and short and yelled at me to take it off of him. But, then I tried again, and he calmed down. He used the breathing device for about an hour and a half. Then I got him ready for bed, brushing his teeth, transferring him from the recliner chair to the wheelchair to the bed, and getting him situated. His legs need to be a certain width apart, and he doesn’t like his index finger to touch his thumb. I try my best to flatten out his curled digits, and then make sure the sheet is not touching his neck, and that his hands are on top of the sheet.
It's going to be a long week I'm sure.
Went to yoga this morning and mentioned to my teacher Anthony how I did yoga yesterday in Kaua'i (The teacher there had known him from teacher training.) His class didn't kill me today, and I had a chance to pack my bag again for a week at Dad's. Got to Dad's in the late afternoon, Bernice and Lindsey left for Las Vegas for a week for their annual basketball tournament, and I prepared for my first night with Dad. Bernice told me he had been having sleepless nights due to breathing problems all weekend long, and how he refuses to use the Bi-Pap machine at night. She told me where the doctors' numbers were located and told me to call her if anything happened while she was gone.
Dad and I had dinner of leftovers. He agreed to try and use the Bi-Pap machine. Initially when I put it on him, he freaked out though when the air blasted through it, and he got really irritable and short and yelled at me to take it off of him. But, then I tried again, and he calmed down. He used the breathing device for about an hour and a half. Then I got him ready for bed, brushing his teeth, transferring him from the recliner chair to the wheelchair to the bed, and getting him situated. His legs need to be a certain width apart, and he doesn’t like his index finger to touch his thumb. I try my best to flatten out his curled digits, and then make sure the sheet is not touching his neck, and that his hands are on top of the sheet.
It's going to be a long week I'm sure.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
O'ahu Bound
Sunday, 23 July 2006
Since Sharon was going to church this morning, I decided to go to my "church", Bikram yoga that is. I discovered the only Bikram studio on the island, less than half a mile away from our condo. I went to the 9 am class, and had a great practice. It felt good to finally stretch those muscles out! Headed back to the hotel to shower, pack and eat a quick bite before we were off to the airport in Lihue.
After an hour delay and bump of my original flight (I had to fly standby as I got a cheap flight from my flight attendant friend...Now I wish I had gone to Hamura's to get their famous saimin!), I ended up back on O'ahu at 3 pm.
Then off into my car to drive to the Windward side to meet my friends at Windward Community College for a woodworking display. She had an underlying motive though, for me to meet her friend who is a beautiful woodworker and was managing the gallery.
We talked yoga (as he used to be a Bikram regular) and admired the pahu drums and paddles and coffe tables he and others made, and then said our goodbyes.
Headed to her house in Kahalu'u to pick up wedding invitations to address and then went off with her and her parents to Haiku Gardens to eat at Haleiwa Joe's. What a beautiful setting and restaurant! Many people get married at Haiku Gardens (in fact my parents were one of them!), and of course I was armed with my camera and wanted Jon and Nina to pose everywhere for me. Loved the ribs, couldn't get over the size of the prime rib, and loved the cute waiter too (Nina's mom went to find out his name for me before we left!). And Nina's dad was a riot. Talked about canning salmon in Alaska and we laughed about him moving his hat (inside joke...You had to be there). I'll have to take Dad to Haleiwa Joe's soon. It's my favorite place now!
Since Sharon was going to church this morning, I decided to go to my "church", Bikram yoga that is. I discovered the only Bikram studio on the island, less than half a mile away from our condo. I went to the 9 am class, and had a great practice. It felt good to finally stretch those muscles out! Headed back to the hotel to shower, pack and eat a quick bite before we were off to the airport in Lihue.
After an hour delay and bump of my original flight (I had to fly standby as I got a cheap flight from my flight attendant friend...Now I wish I had gone to Hamura's to get their famous saimin!), I ended up back on O'ahu at 3 pm.
Then off into my car to drive to the Windward side to meet my friends at Windward Community College for a woodworking display. She had an underlying motive though, for me to meet her friend who is a beautiful woodworker and was managing the gallery.
We talked yoga (as he used to be a Bikram regular) and admired the pahu drums and paddles and coffe tables he and others made, and then said our goodbyes.
Headed to her house in Kahalu'u to pick up wedding invitations to address and then went off with her and her parents to Haiku Gardens to eat at Haleiwa Joe's. What a beautiful setting and restaurant! Many people get married at Haiku Gardens (in fact my parents were one of them!), and of course I was armed with my camera and wanted Jon and Nina to pose everywhere for me. Loved the ribs, couldn't get over the size of the prime rib, and loved the cute waiter too (Nina's mom went to find out his name for me before we left!). And Nina's dad was a riot. Talked about canning salmon in Alaska and we laughed about him moving his hat (inside joke...You had to be there). I'll have to take Dad to Haleiwa Joe's soon. It's my favorite place now!
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Sightseeing the North
Saturday, 22 July 2006
Woke up early again, ate breakfast, and decided to head north today to see the rest of the island. We stopped at some craft fairs along the way, but the highlights of the day were the Kilauea Lighthouse and the Lumaha'i Beach. The lighthouse is a beautiful scenic point dotted with birds and the bright blue-green ocean all around. I bought a t-shirt for my dad because he loves lighthouses and always used to take pictures of the lighthouse at Diamond Head on O'ahu. We stopped at various points along the rest of the drive, including some cute bakery and cafe, before reaching Lumaha'i Beach, where we had to hike down to this secluded area. Kids were jumping off the rocks into the rough ocean and the water was just so crisp and refreshing. The sand was a tricky though, as it was scalding hot, and many people didn't realize it at first. We would laugh as people would stand in the water and quickly navigate their run to the shade where their towel was. I could have stayed there all day.
We drove past the wet caves and dry caves and then headed back along the one lane road, across little bridges and past the taro fields of Hanalei. We ended up eating a late dinner at the Hukilau Lanai, which despite it's hokey touristy name, ended up being a beautiful restaurant with great seafood (fish, scallops, shrimp) and a view of the tropical flower garden and ocean. We watched a movie that night and went to sleep totally exhausted and drained from all the sun and food.
Woke up early again, ate breakfast, and decided to head north today to see the rest of the island. We stopped at some craft fairs along the way, but the highlights of the day were the Kilauea Lighthouse and the Lumaha'i Beach. The lighthouse is a beautiful scenic point dotted with birds and the bright blue-green ocean all around. I bought a t-shirt for my dad because he loves lighthouses and always used to take pictures of the lighthouse at Diamond Head on O'ahu. We stopped at various points along the rest of the drive, including some cute bakery and cafe, before reaching Lumaha'i Beach, where we had to hike down to this secluded area. Kids were jumping off the rocks into the rough ocean and the water was just so crisp and refreshing. The sand was a tricky though, as it was scalding hot, and many people didn't realize it at first. We would laugh as people would stand in the water and quickly navigate their run to the shade where their towel was. I could have stayed there all day.
We drove past the wet caves and dry caves and then headed back along the one lane road, across little bridges and past the taro fields of Hanalei. We ended up eating a late dinner at the Hukilau Lanai, which despite it's hokey touristy name, ended up being a beautiful restaurant with great seafood (fish, scallops, shrimp) and a view of the tropical flower garden and ocean. We watched a movie that night and went to sleep totally exhausted and drained from all the sun and food.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Sightseeing the South...and Seeing More Friends From Seattle!
Friday, 21 July 2006
I woke up at 5:30 am and went out on the lanai of our condo. What a beautiful sight, with the ocean waves coming in and the sky a light pink and purple haze. I noticed a guy staring out towards the ocean with his camera and immediately grabbed mine and went out to the reef. For the next half hour, I enjoyed the serene, calm ocean as the sky slowly turned from pink and purple to a bright orange, the golden hues glistening off the reef underneath my bare toes. It was the perfect setting to wake up to!
After my photo session, I made breakfast and waited for Sharon to wake up. We headed out for our drive around the South end of Kaua'i around 8 am. We stopped at various beaches as she reminisced about time she spent at this and that beach with her ex-husband. We popped in and out of boutique shops in Koloa, walked across the swinging bridge in Hanapepe, and brought our plate lunches to enjoy on the beach at Poipu. After swimming in the cool water and marveling over the beautiful fish with the other snorkelers, I went to lie on the beach and stare at my teaching book (Yes, teacher guilt led me to bringing a teaching book with me on my "vacation getaway").
Suddenly, I heard this woman's voice say, "Tanya?!" I looked up, and it was my good friend Robin from Seattle!! I had just told Sharon in the car how funny it would be if I ran into Robin and Rustin, who were spending their honeymoon in Kaua'i. I was supposed to attend their wedding the weekend before in Seattle, so I was almost positive they were on the island. I had wanted to call her, but didn't want to disturb their honeymoon, and besides, I didn't have reception on most of the island. So, it was serendipitous that they came to the same spot of beach on the same day and put their towels down on the patch of sand no more than 15 feet away from us. Her husband Rustin was actually the one who noticed me and said, "If that's not Tanya, that's her twin sister." Robin had also noticed my teacher book as they passed by and thought to herself, "Wow, Idioms...BORING! Gee, someone is having a fun vacation."
It was such a pleasant surprise to see them. We caught up on the wedding details, their vacation on their first trip to Hawai'i so far, and we went to enjoy Thai dinner together back in Kapa'a. It was the highlight of the day, running into Rustin and Robin. Congrats again, and my love goes out to the both of you!
I woke up at 5:30 am and went out on the lanai of our condo. What a beautiful sight, with the ocean waves coming in and the sky a light pink and purple haze. I noticed a guy staring out towards the ocean with his camera and immediately grabbed mine and went out to the reef. For the next half hour, I enjoyed the serene, calm ocean as the sky slowly turned from pink and purple to a bright orange, the golden hues glistening off the reef underneath my bare toes. It was the perfect setting to wake up to!
After my photo session, I made breakfast and waited for Sharon to wake up. We headed out for our drive around the South end of Kaua'i around 8 am. We stopped at various beaches as she reminisced about time she spent at this and that beach with her ex-husband. We popped in and out of boutique shops in Koloa, walked across the swinging bridge in Hanapepe, and brought our plate lunches to enjoy on the beach at Poipu. After swimming in the cool water and marveling over the beautiful fish with the other snorkelers, I went to lie on the beach and stare at my teaching book (Yes, teacher guilt led me to bringing a teaching book with me on my "vacation getaway").
Suddenly, I heard this woman's voice say, "Tanya?!" I looked up, and it was my good friend Robin from Seattle!! I had just told Sharon in the car how funny it would be if I ran into Robin and Rustin, who were spending their honeymoon in Kaua'i. I was supposed to attend their wedding the weekend before in Seattle, so I was almost positive they were on the island. I had wanted to call her, but didn't want to disturb their honeymoon, and besides, I didn't have reception on most of the island. So, it was serendipitous that they came to the same spot of beach on the same day and put their towels down on the patch of sand no more than 15 feet away from us. Her husband Rustin was actually the one who noticed me and said, "If that's not Tanya, that's her twin sister." Robin had also noticed my teacher book as they passed by and thought to herself, "Wow, Idioms...BORING! Gee, someone is having a fun vacation."
It was such a pleasant surprise to see them. We caught up on the wedding details, their vacation on their first trip to Hawai'i so far, and we went to enjoy Thai dinner together back in Kapa'a. It was the highlight of the day, running into Rustin and Robin. Congrats again, and my love goes out to the both of you!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Kaua'i Bound
Thursday, 20 July 2006
After the second day of science workshops, doing fun experiments with magnetism, I went to Dad's and booked a flight on the internet to go to Kaua'i. For 40 bucks roundtrip (my great friend Nina let me use her buddy pass for the airlines), can't go wrong. I scheduled it to leave in a few hours, and went to pack a tote bag. Left O'ahu at 5 pm and got in at 5:30 pm. My teacher friend Sharon, who teaches kindergarten in Seattle, was waiting to pick me up at the Lihue Airport.
We went to the grocery store, picked up a bunch of groceries and headed back to the condo to unwind. It's a nice two story condo with two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a nice lanai overlooking the pool and jacuzzi and out towards the ocean, with the waves pounding on the reef. I love the sound of the waves coming in at night.
We ate dinner in and had a nice time catching up about Seattle and teaching.
After the second day of science workshops, doing fun experiments with magnetism, I went to Dad's and booked a flight on the internet to go to Kaua'i. For 40 bucks roundtrip (my great friend Nina let me use her buddy pass for the airlines), can't go wrong. I scheduled it to leave in a few hours, and went to pack a tote bag. Left O'ahu at 5 pm and got in at 5:30 pm. My teacher friend Sharon, who teaches kindergarten in Seattle, was waiting to pick me up at the Lihue Airport.
We went to the grocery store, picked up a bunch of groceries and headed back to the condo to unwind. It's a nice two story condo with two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a nice lanai overlooking the pool and jacuzzi and out towards the ocean, with the waves pounding on the reef. I love the sound of the waves coming in at night.
We ate dinner in and had a nice time catching up about Seattle and teaching.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
No Stem Cell Treatment
Wednesday, 19 July 2006
Today was a disappointing day as President George W. Bush vetoed the bill to expand funding for human embryonic-stem-cell research, even though most of the American public was for it. I recently wrote a letter to the White House on my dad's behalf. Some ALS patients have raised money to go to other countries like China and Thailand to get stem cell treatments, as it is the only hope for patients to gain some sort of muscle strength when struggling with a disease that has no cause and no cure. One man actually could smile (after not being able to before) after his treatment, which can make a world of difference for someone who is slowly watching his every limb and muscle degenerate right before his eyes. As I watch and listen and read the coverage on the news, it's so sad to think that Bush would be vetoing something like this. As stated in my TIME magazine, Dr. Arnold Kriegstein, who directs the UCSF's Institute for Regeneration Medicine, says that "Brain stem-cells can make almost all cell types in the brain, and that may be all we need if we want to treat Parkinson's disease or ALS." My grandmother has Parkinson's disease, and of course my dad has ALS. Very frustrating. Especially knowing that even if we had all the money in the world, my dad does not even have the respiratory strength now to fly to another country for stem-cell treatment even if he wanted to.
So, it was timely that when I went to get a check in my dad's file box this afternoon, I found a small plastic bag of, well.... "Hey, what's this? Look what I found!" I said to my dad, not knowing if perhaps it was inadvertantly dumped in there by one of my teenage stepsisters. My dad just had this big grin on his face and replied,"Hey it's medicinal. I asked the doctor if anyone has used it medicinally. He said yes, that some people have refused everything else and have chosen to go that route." Then, he finished with, "Put it back. I haven't smoked in over a year, but one day, I'm going to make some brownies and eat it."
With all the disappointments in the world, might as well live life to its fullest and be happy.
Today was a disappointing day as President George W. Bush vetoed the bill to expand funding for human embryonic-stem-cell research, even though most of the American public was for it. I recently wrote a letter to the White House on my dad's behalf. Some ALS patients have raised money to go to other countries like China and Thailand to get stem cell treatments, as it is the only hope for patients to gain some sort of muscle strength when struggling with a disease that has no cause and no cure. One man actually could smile (after not being able to before) after his treatment, which can make a world of difference for someone who is slowly watching his every limb and muscle degenerate right before his eyes. As I watch and listen and read the coverage on the news, it's so sad to think that Bush would be vetoing something like this. As stated in my TIME magazine, Dr. Arnold Kriegstein, who directs the UCSF's Institute for Regeneration Medicine, says that "Brain stem-cells can make almost all cell types in the brain, and that may be all we need if we want to treat Parkinson's disease or ALS." My grandmother has Parkinson's disease, and of course my dad has ALS. Very frustrating. Especially knowing that even if we had all the money in the world, my dad does not even have the respiratory strength now to fly to another country for stem-cell treatment even if he wanted to.
So, it was timely that when I went to get a check in my dad's file box this afternoon, I found a small plastic bag of, well.... "Hey, what's this? Look what I found!" I said to my dad, not knowing if perhaps it was inadvertantly dumped in there by one of my teenage stepsisters. My dad just had this big grin on his face and replied,"Hey it's medicinal. I asked the doctor if anyone has used it medicinally. He said yes, that some people have refused everything else and have chosen to go that route." Then, he finished with, "Put it back. I haven't smoked in over a year, but one day, I'm going to make some brownies and eat it."
With all the disappointments in the world, might as well live life to its fullest and be happy.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Yeah, I Love To Eat.
Tuesday, 18 July 2006
After a neckache from the sink in the crook of my neck, assistants massaging my hands, and drinking lots of lemony water for three hours, I walked out of the salon with a new haircut and highlights (not to mention a big charge amount on my VISA...yikes! Maybe I should have gotten a part-time summer job!). Of course the hair always looks great right when you walk out of the salon. After the humidity sucked the life out of it, and I spent the afternoon feeding my dad (and my face) pho, then taking care of and bathing him, I could not restyle it like they had hours before. So, I went to my dinner date with Steven with "okay hair". To offset it, I wore a nice dress. We talked about our families and his daughter, while he marveled at how I thoroughly cleaned my combination platter of food. There was no sharing of that, and he even offered me some sushi afterwards too. He treated, and I paid for the tip, and then we went on our merry ways. I called my cousin Michelle who just got here yesterday for her Senior trip with her high school pals. I picked them up at Ala Moana shopping center and took them to get Bubbies Ice Cream, as it's a unique and popular local ice cream parlor. Dropped them off at their hotel in Waikiki and told them of a few places to get good local food. (=
After a neckache from the sink in the crook of my neck, assistants massaging my hands, and drinking lots of lemony water for three hours, I walked out of the salon with a new haircut and highlights (not to mention a big charge amount on my VISA...yikes! Maybe I should have gotten a part-time summer job!). Of course the hair always looks great right when you walk out of the salon. After the humidity sucked the life out of it, and I spent the afternoon feeding my dad (and my face) pho, then taking care of and bathing him, I could not restyle it like they had hours before. So, I went to my dinner date with Steven with "okay hair". To offset it, I wore a nice dress. We talked about our families and his daughter, while he marveled at how I thoroughly cleaned my combination platter of food. There was no sharing of that, and he even offered me some sushi afterwards too. He treated, and I paid for the tip, and then we went on our merry ways. I called my cousin Michelle who just got here yesterday for her Senior trip with her high school pals. I picked them up at Ala Moana shopping center and took them to get Bubbies Ice Cream, as it's a unique and popular local ice cream parlor. Dropped them off at their hotel in Waikiki and told them of a few places to get good local food. (=
Wining and Dining
Monday, 17 July 2006
I struggled in yoga this morning, as my legs were still tender from the hike and I swear Anthony talks too much and holds us in the poses for too long (other regulars agreed as well). Bought some veggies at the outdoor market across the street before going home. After being with Dad all afternoon, I went out to Formaggioʻs, a wine bar/restaurant, to meet Kai and Stacy for dinner. Stace is visiting from Seattle. Kaiʻs parents joined us, and we dined on foie gras, pizza, crabcakes, and wine, while talking about Kaiʻs baby stories. Her parents are hilarious.
I struggled in yoga this morning, as my legs were still tender from the hike and I swear Anthony talks too much and holds us in the poses for too long (other regulars agreed as well). Bought some veggies at the outdoor market across the street before going home. After being with Dad all afternoon, I went out to Formaggioʻs, a wine bar/restaurant, to meet Kai and Stacy for dinner. Stace is visiting from Seattle. Kaiʻs parents joined us, and we dined on foie gras, pizza, crabcakes, and wine, while talking about Kaiʻs baby stories. Her parents are hilarious.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
All Booked Up
Sunday, 16 July 2006
As my summer comes to a close, I have been busy "booking" my free time. Friday night, I met Michael, a carpenter/artist/photographer, at Vino's for some tasty tapas and wine, then we went to a Bon Dance. Although it rained a little, we were armed with umbrellas and still enjoyed the music and Japanese dancing.
Saturday was leg workout day for sure! First off, I went to drive down to yoga at 6:30 am, but discovered that my truck was blocked in the driveway by my cousin's car. So, I decided to walk down our steep hill. It was a quick 10 minute walk, but my shins were feeling it by the time I layed my mat and towel down for yoga. Had a great workout, and then prepared for my walk back up the mountain, easier said than done. I passed the time by talking on the phone and panting up the hills. Went to Miya's to visit baby Taiga, then walked to the Korean Festival being held at Kap'iolani Park a few blocks down from her house. Scarfed down a kalbi plate lunch and enjoyed watching a kim chee eating contest and traditional dancing. Carl called and met me there since he was in the neighborhood surfing. Introduced the native Canadian nurse to some barbeque chicken, kim chee, mandoo, and topped it off with some Waiola shaved ice with mochi balls. We watched an awesome Tae Kwon Do demonstration and more dancing. It was so much fun. Then, we went to Koko Head Crater, as we had originally planned, to hike up the mountain....What I realized was I was really about to hike up some really steep stairs...About half way through the steep hill, getting my stairmaster workout up hundreds of stairs which went along an old railroad track, I began thinking to myself, "What am I doing?!" I disagree with my friend Joel...That hill was much steeper than my hill! My quads were burning, and halfway up, we noticed a woman go down and then come back up and pass us each time. She's crazy! I started losing pace with Carl at that point, sweating like a pig, but he was a kind gentleman and said that perhaps he was just trying to impress me. But he was right about the top because the cool breeze was so rewarding!
We headed back down as the sun went down, and we had worked up an appetite. We ate dinner at a cute Indian restaurant, while having good conversation and learning more about each other, our pasts, our presents, and our passions.
Although my shins are killing me today, Sunday, I still managed to wake up for 7 am yoga and be domestic (and a bit lazy) the rest of the day. Went grocery shopping after an impromptu meeting with Grant at Jamba Juice. We chatted about my dad and window washing. Then, I must have been inspired or something because I washed four cars with my cousins Daryl and Geoff this afternoon (my truck, and my uncle's three cars, since they come back from Maui today..and it's "Wash Car Sunday".)
As my summer comes to a close, I have been busy "booking" my free time. Friday night, I met Michael, a carpenter/artist/photographer, at Vino's for some tasty tapas and wine, then we went to a Bon Dance. Although it rained a little, we were armed with umbrellas and still enjoyed the music and Japanese dancing.
Saturday was leg workout day for sure! First off, I went to drive down to yoga at 6:30 am, but discovered that my truck was blocked in the driveway by my cousin's car. So, I decided to walk down our steep hill. It was a quick 10 minute walk, but my shins were feeling it by the time I layed my mat and towel down for yoga. Had a great workout, and then prepared for my walk back up the mountain, easier said than done. I passed the time by talking on the phone and panting up the hills. Went to Miya's to visit baby Taiga, then walked to the Korean Festival being held at Kap'iolani Park a few blocks down from her house. Scarfed down a kalbi plate lunch and enjoyed watching a kim chee eating contest and traditional dancing. Carl called and met me there since he was in the neighborhood surfing. Introduced the native Canadian nurse to some barbeque chicken, kim chee, mandoo, and topped it off with some Waiola shaved ice with mochi balls. We watched an awesome Tae Kwon Do demonstration and more dancing. It was so much fun. Then, we went to Koko Head Crater, as we had originally planned, to hike up the mountain....What I realized was I was really about to hike up some really steep stairs...About half way through the steep hill, getting my stairmaster workout up hundreds of stairs which went along an old railroad track, I began thinking to myself, "What am I doing?!" I disagree with my friend Joel...That hill was much steeper than my hill! My quads were burning, and halfway up, we noticed a woman go down and then come back up and pass us each time. She's crazy! I started losing pace with Carl at that point, sweating like a pig, but he was a kind gentleman and said that perhaps he was just trying to impress me. But he was right about the top because the cool breeze was so rewarding!
We headed back down as the sun went down, and we had worked up an appetite. We ate dinner at a cute Indian restaurant, while having good conversation and learning more about each other, our pasts, our presents, and our passions.
Although my shins are killing me today, Sunday, I still managed to wake up for 7 am yoga and be domestic (and a bit lazy) the rest of the day. Went grocery shopping after an impromptu meeting with Grant at Jamba Juice. We chatted about my dad and window washing. Then, I must have been inspired or something because I washed four cars with my cousins Daryl and Geoff this afternoon (my truck, and my uncle's three cars, since they come back from Maui today..and it's "Wash Car Sunday".)
Saturday, July 15, 2006
A Compliment That Can Be So Cruel
Friday, 14 July 2006
I read this in the Yahoo! groups 'Living with ALS' chat room that my dad and I read to keep in touch with caregivers and patients with ALS around the nation...It was written so beautifully that I just thought I should share it.
"I am me....
My arms do not move, yet I see them dancing above me, circling the rays of sun that break through the curtains of my bedroom window. They gently run across my wife's back when she returns home from work, loving me even though I can no longer embrace her. I long to love her as I did for years before my body betrayed my mind's commands, ignoring the orders as though a disobedient child. She tells me a joke and my laughter is so loud, it hurts my ears and rings through my head even though I know no words escape my still lips. I smile but my expression does not change and I hope my pleasure claims expression in the intensity of my gaze. I run with my child even though my legs do not work, kicking at the soccer ball, splashing through the beach, chasing her with the dogs, even though I can only sit by the sea and watch as others chase her instead. She runs ahead in innocent jest, splashing and kicking sand across the shore. She returns and wraps her arms around me. I hold her so tightly with my mind that I am afraid that the mere thought of hugging her will be too much. I know if I let go, she might disappear away from these chains, which invisibly wrap around my arms and legs, sentencing me to a life without expression, speech or movement. It is almost as if she breathes for me – my child who has become my caregiver. A tear falls from my eye as I realize the hardest part of letting go is to say goodbye to her and my wife without being able to say the words. And then I see myself running along the beach again, free and strong and full of life, yet I cannot touch the world around me. My spirit soars and my life is perfect even though those around me cannot see how perfect it is just because I am loved and can love in return. I am free because I hope and I fly because my imagination tells me it is possible. Nothing can take my spirit, not even my body that has robbed me of so much. I can do all things. I can feel all things. I can love and embrace and dance through the shadows of time with nothing more than the knowledge that I am more that the sum of my parts. I am I. I am at peace and even though outsiders might not believe me, I am well." - Author Unknown -
As I was bathing Dad today, I commented how his left hand is so good because his fingers are straight and not curled. (He always likes me to focus on scrubbing in between his fingers because they get sticky and clammy.) But, he replied that it's not that his fingers are "good"; they're straight because he has lost all function in them already. The muscles are completely gone, and that's why all five of his fingers of his left hand lay flat. There is no longer any definition in between his thumb and index finger. His right hand, however, is the dominant one, so that's why he can still move his thumb a little. But, his hands and fingers do not twitch like they used to because he is losing the muscles in them. He thanked me for trying to be complimentary, but ALS is a disease that can be so cruel that it brings out the harshest of realities.
Today, Dad needed an aspirin for a headache. He's never had headaches before, and didn't know if it was because of a lack of oxygen or because he didn't sleep well last night. I hooked him up on the Bi-Pap for an hour and he slept most of the day. How awful it must feel to be trapped in your own deteriorating body, but although his fingers or toes may not be able to move, I hope that my dad "can love and embrace and dance" as long as he can because I KNOW that his spirit is strong and that he has a lot of love yet to share.
I read this in the Yahoo! groups 'Living with ALS' chat room that my dad and I read to keep in touch with caregivers and patients with ALS around the nation...It was written so beautifully that I just thought I should share it.
"I am me....
My arms do not move, yet I see them dancing above me, circling the rays of sun that break through the curtains of my bedroom window. They gently run across my wife's back when she returns home from work, loving me even though I can no longer embrace her. I long to love her as I did for years before my body betrayed my mind's commands, ignoring the orders as though a disobedient child. She tells me a joke and my laughter is so loud, it hurts my ears and rings through my head even though I know no words escape my still lips. I smile but my expression does not change and I hope my pleasure claims expression in the intensity of my gaze. I run with my child even though my legs do not work, kicking at the soccer ball, splashing through the beach, chasing her with the dogs, even though I can only sit by the sea and watch as others chase her instead. She runs ahead in innocent jest, splashing and kicking sand across the shore. She returns and wraps her arms around me. I hold her so tightly with my mind that I am afraid that the mere thought of hugging her will be too much. I know if I let go, she might disappear away from these chains, which invisibly wrap around my arms and legs, sentencing me to a life without expression, speech or movement. It is almost as if she breathes for me – my child who has become my caregiver. A tear falls from my eye as I realize the hardest part of letting go is to say goodbye to her and my wife without being able to say the words. And then I see myself running along the beach again, free and strong and full of life, yet I cannot touch the world around me. My spirit soars and my life is perfect even though those around me cannot see how perfect it is just because I am loved and can love in return. I am free because I hope and I fly because my imagination tells me it is possible. Nothing can take my spirit, not even my body that has robbed me of so much. I can do all things. I can feel all things. I can love and embrace and dance through the shadows of time with nothing more than the knowledge that I am more that the sum of my parts. I am I. I am at peace and even though outsiders might not believe me, I am well." - Author Unknown -
As I was bathing Dad today, I commented how his left hand is so good because his fingers are straight and not curled. (He always likes me to focus on scrubbing in between his fingers because they get sticky and clammy.) But, he replied that it's not that his fingers are "good"; they're straight because he has lost all function in them already. The muscles are completely gone, and that's why all five of his fingers of his left hand lay flat. There is no longer any definition in between his thumb and index finger. His right hand, however, is the dominant one, so that's why he can still move his thumb a little. But, his hands and fingers do not twitch like they used to because he is losing the muscles in them. He thanked me for trying to be complimentary, but ALS is a disease that can be so cruel that it brings out the harshest of realities.
Today, Dad needed an aspirin for a headache. He's never had headaches before, and didn't know if it was because of a lack of oxygen or because he didn't sleep well last night. I hooked him up on the Bi-Pap for an hour and he slept most of the day. How awful it must feel to be trapped in your own deteriorating body, but although his fingers or toes may not be able to move, I hope that my dad "can love and embrace and dance" as long as he can because I KNOW that his spirit is strong and that he has a lot of love yet to share.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Blind Dates
Wednesday, 12 July 2006
Went to dinner with a guy who was probably on his first date...EVER. He said he was nervous, and although he paid for dinner, he thanked me...For being nice to him. How pathetic.
I vented and laughed about it with a guy whom I'll probably go out with this weekend, and hopefully that blind date will be better.
Found out that my grandmother will be in the hospital until the end of the week, and then move on to a nursing home, at which time, my family will have to decide whether they will permanently put her into a home with nursing care or if they will have someone live with her 24/7. She has always been such an independent, free spirit. I miss her funny emails and dirty joke forwards. I hope she will be okay.
Went to dinner with a guy who was probably on his first date...EVER. He said he was nervous, and although he paid for dinner, he thanked me...For being nice to him. How pathetic.
I vented and laughed about it with a guy whom I'll probably go out with this weekend, and hopefully that blind date will be better.
Found out that my grandmother will be in the hospital until the end of the week, and then move on to a nursing home, at which time, my family will have to decide whether they will permanently put her into a home with nursing care or if they will have someone live with her 24/7. She has always been such an independent, free spirit. I miss her funny emails and dirty joke forwards. I hope she will be okay.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Viva Las Vegas
Tuesday, 11 July 2006
After yoga, I brought lunch to Dadʻs to relieve Jay and they were learning how to use a new attachment to the bi-pap machine. There is a humidifier attachment to help my dadʻs dry mouth when breathing at night. Hopefully, heʻll try to use it now. Heʻs been hesitant to use it as it is cumbersome and he has to get used to wearing this mask completely over his mouth and nose. Although the pulmonologist yesterday confirmed that the machine wonʻt help him to get better, it should help him to breathe more comfortably during the day. Some bad news: Due to my dadʻs increased difficulty in breathing from the recent sleep test and physical checkups, the pulmonologist has recommended that my dad not do any future travel, as the plane air will make it hard for my dad to breathe. So, they will have to cancel their Las Vegas trip at the end of the month to go and watch Lindsey play in her basketball tournament. We also cancelled the Cirque du Soleil tickets we had reserved. He will see if his friends still want to go. Jay said it was okay with him. He was just accompanying my dad because he knew he wanted to go. The doctor said if he wants to go somewhere, he can take short trips to the neighbor islands or go on the cruise around the Hawaiian Islands. But long plane rides are out. Thatʻs really too bad.
I really need to get going on the video taping and tape recording now. I notice each day how my dadʻs talking is labor intensive as he takes deep breaths and pauses often within sentences. I borrowed some childrenʻs picture books from the library so he can start recording them as it looks like sometime this year he will lose his voice.
After yoga, I brought lunch to Dadʻs to relieve Jay and they were learning how to use a new attachment to the bi-pap machine. There is a humidifier attachment to help my dadʻs dry mouth when breathing at night. Hopefully, heʻll try to use it now. Heʻs been hesitant to use it as it is cumbersome and he has to get used to wearing this mask completely over his mouth and nose. Although the pulmonologist yesterday confirmed that the machine wonʻt help him to get better, it should help him to breathe more comfortably during the day. Some bad news: Due to my dadʻs increased difficulty in breathing from the recent sleep test and physical checkups, the pulmonologist has recommended that my dad not do any future travel, as the plane air will make it hard for my dad to breathe. So, they will have to cancel their Las Vegas trip at the end of the month to go and watch Lindsey play in her basketball tournament. We also cancelled the Cirque du Soleil tickets we had reserved. He will see if his friends still want to go. Jay said it was okay with him. He was just accompanying my dad because he knew he wanted to go. The doctor said if he wants to go somewhere, he can take short trips to the neighbor islands or go on the cruise around the Hawaiian Islands. But long plane rides are out. Thatʻs really too bad.
I really need to get going on the video taping and tape recording now. I notice each day how my dadʻs talking is labor intensive as he takes deep breaths and pauses often within sentences. I borrowed some childrenʻs picture books from the library so he can start recording them as it looks like sometime this year he will lose his voice.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Hope Everything Will Be Okay
Monday, 10 July 2006
After yoga this morning, I went to Dad's, and there was a new girl taking over the daytime caregiving. She will replace Mosi, who is leaving for Tonga tomorrow. The new girl, Pauline, is 19 years old, the same age as my stepsister. She is more Americanized, as she went to high school here. My dad is hoping she still has the same strong work ethic as the others, and is not just your typical 19 year old. Her mom caregives for three elderly people, so hopefully she knows what is expected of her. I did some shopping for gifts in the afternoon as my stepmom took Dad to see the pulmonologist.
My Auntie Shelley and Courtney got in safely this evening back in California. But, she told me that my grandmother had fallen today and is now in the hospital. My grandmother, who lives by herself and has Parkinson's Disease, has been slowing down, and today's fall was a scare and realization that she may need additional help. She came to visit us in Hawai'i last summer. Perhaps I can go and visit her soon. I hope she will be okay.
After yoga this morning, I went to Dad's, and there was a new girl taking over the daytime caregiving. She will replace Mosi, who is leaving for Tonga tomorrow. The new girl, Pauline, is 19 years old, the same age as my stepsister. She is more Americanized, as she went to high school here. My dad is hoping she still has the same strong work ethic as the others, and is not just your typical 19 year old. Her mom caregives for three elderly people, so hopefully she knows what is expected of her. I did some shopping for gifts in the afternoon as my stepmom took Dad to see the pulmonologist.
My Auntie Shelley and Courtney got in safely this evening back in California. But, she told me that my grandmother had fallen today and is now in the hospital. My grandmother, who lives by herself and has Parkinson's Disease, has been slowing down, and today's fall was a scare and realization that she may need additional help. She came to visit us in Hawai'i last summer. Perhaps I can go and visit her soon. I hope she will be okay.
Hanging Out with Aunty Shelley and Courtney
Sunday, 9 July 2006
Spent a lot of time with Auntie Shelley (my momʻs youngest sister) and cousin Courtney this week. We went around town and got all the snacks and gifts for them to bring home to California. We had dinner with Cindyʻs family on Saturday, enjoying cocoa puffs for dessert and talking about Brandon getting into Punahou for kindergarten. We went to dim sum today with Auntie Bernice, a longtime friend of my grandmotherʻs who invited me and Jay to come to her independent living place to enjoy dinners. Spent time on the beach outside the Moana hotel in Waikiki and ate Korean barbeque at Sorabol. It was fun to see them and hang out. We always remember Aunty Shelley spending her summers here with our family when she was in her 20s. Now, she shares her stories with her daughter, and although she doesnʻt party like she used to, she still carries fond memories of Hawaiʻi. Safe travels home you two!
Spent a lot of time with Auntie Shelley (my momʻs youngest sister) and cousin Courtney this week. We went around town and got all the snacks and gifts for them to bring home to California. We had dinner with Cindyʻs family on Saturday, enjoying cocoa puffs for dessert and talking about Brandon getting into Punahou for kindergarten. We went to dim sum today with Auntie Bernice, a longtime friend of my grandmotherʻs who invited me and Jay to come to her independent living place to enjoy dinners. Spent time on the beach outside the Moana hotel in Waikiki and ate Korean barbeque at Sorabol. It was fun to see them and hang out. We always remember Aunty Shelley spending her summers here with our family when she was in her 20s. Now, she shares her stories with her daughter, and although she doesnʻt party like she used to, she still carries fond memories of Hawaiʻi. Safe travels home you two!
Sunday, July 09, 2006
In Memory of Bishnu Ghosh
Sunday, 9 July 2006
The yoga studio is closed today in honor of Bikram's guru Bishnu Ghosh. Read the following taken from the Yoga Expo website...
The Year 2003 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Bishnu Charan Ghosh, one of the greatest and most influential yoga masters of the past century, guru of Bikram Choudhury. Ghosh, born in Lahore, India in 1903, was a celebrated physical culturist and the first to scientifically document Yoga's ability to cure chronic physical ailments and heal the body. Beginning in the 1920's, he developed a school of Yoga that provides a unique blend of spiritual inspiration and a highly disciplined physical regimen.
Ghosh came from an extraordinary family. He was initiated into the field of yogic exercise and physical education by his guru and older brother, Paramahansa Yogananda, the world renowned Yogi and spiritual master. Yogananda founded the Self Realization Fellowship Center and his book, "Autobiography of a Yogi", continues to be one of the best known and influential works of our time.
Bishnu Ghosh was also a scholar and a lawyer who was very active in India's struggles for independence from Great Britain. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (India's first Prime Minister after it became an independent nation) and Bishnu Charan Ghosh in 1938.
Ghosh developed a Yoga regimen that provides a unique blend of spiritual inspiration and highly disciplined physical exercise. His view of the human body as the temple of a living God has been a major force in the renaissance of Hatha Yoga in the West. In 1923, at the young age of 20, he founded the first Ghosh College of Physical Education in Calcutta and his fame quickly spread throughout India. Other schools were opened, first in India, and then in locations around the world.
In 1939, Ghosh came to the United States to educate people on the subject of yoga by giving demonstrations of amazing yoga feats. He lectured at Columbia University in New York, generating a great deal of interest in the field, and was widely acknowledged and respected in the academic community.
In 1968 he went to Japan with his troupe and traveled all over the country giving lectures and yogic demonstrations. Ghosh's were the first yoga exhibitions to be televised outside of India, and were seen and loved by millions of Japanese. He passed away in 1970. His legacy is being continued by his son, Biswanath Ghosh, the current director of the Ghosh College in Calcutta.
His students and disciples have gained worldwide recognition as yoga teachers and have won many titles, including the 'Mr. Universe' competition. One of them, Bikram Choudhury, has carried the message of the curative powers and benefits of yoga, and the possibility of a disease-free long life, around the world. He has trained thousands of teachers and has over 500 affiliated schools.
The yoga studio is closed today in honor of Bikram's guru Bishnu Ghosh. Read the following taken from the Yoga Expo website...
The Year 2003 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Bishnu Charan Ghosh, one of the greatest and most influential yoga masters of the past century, guru of Bikram Choudhury. Ghosh, born in Lahore, India in 1903, was a celebrated physical culturist and the first to scientifically document Yoga's ability to cure chronic physical ailments and heal the body. Beginning in the 1920's, he developed a school of Yoga that provides a unique blend of spiritual inspiration and a highly disciplined physical regimen.
Ghosh came from an extraordinary family. He was initiated into the field of yogic exercise and physical education by his guru and older brother, Paramahansa Yogananda, the world renowned Yogi and spiritual master. Yogananda founded the Self Realization Fellowship Center and his book, "Autobiography of a Yogi", continues to be one of the best known and influential works of our time.
Bishnu Ghosh was also a scholar and a lawyer who was very active in India's struggles for independence from Great Britain. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (India's first Prime Minister after it became an independent nation) and Bishnu Charan Ghosh in 1938.
Ghosh developed a Yoga regimen that provides a unique blend of spiritual inspiration and highly disciplined physical exercise. His view of the human body as the temple of a living God has been a major force in the renaissance of Hatha Yoga in the West. In 1923, at the young age of 20, he founded the first Ghosh College of Physical Education in Calcutta and his fame quickly spread throughout India. Other schools were opened, first in India, and then in locations around the world.
In 1939, Ghosh came to the United States to educate people on the subject of yoga by giving demonstrations of amazing yoga feats. He lectured at Columbia University in New York, generating a great deal of interest in the field, and was widely acknowledged and respected in the academic community.
In 1968 he went to Japan with his troupe and traveled all over the country giving lectures and yogic demonstrations. Ghosh's were the first yoga exhibitions to be televised outside of India, and were seen and loved by millions of Japanese. He passed away in 1970. His legacy is being continued by his son, Biswanath Ghosh, the current director of the Ghosh College in Calcutta.
His students and disciples have gained worldwide recognition as yoga teachers and have won many titles, including the 'Mr. Universe' competition. One of them, Bikram Choudhury, has carried the message of the curative powers and benefits of yoga, and the possibility of a disease-free long life, around the world. He has trained thousands of teachers and has over 500 affiliated schools.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Daddy's Little Girl
Friday, 7 June 2006
I showed my dad my latest Time magazine issue titled "How Your Siblings Make You Who You Are", and I laughed and said that by reading this, I guess I'll finally find out how my brother Jay makes me who I am. My dad made a sweet comment by saying, "It SHOULD say 'How Your Daughters Make You Who You Are."
Yes, my dad is a sweetheart, and I know I'll always be Daddy's Little Girl.
I skipped yoga today (oh my!) because I had to get Dad up out of bed this morning, and my body was not about to go to 6 am class if it didn't have to. We read the paper, heard on the news about a robbery/murders on Tantalus committed by an Adam Mau (Our ears perked up when we heard "Mau"..'Did they say "Lau"?' My dad asked, "Oh no, I'm pretty sure they said "Mau".), whom we later found out is part of the rich Mau family, and we're not related to any rich Mau's, so we know that's a far, distant relative who committed such a heinous crime.
When Jay came to relieve me in the afternoon, I went on a coffee blind date with Carl. We had a great time talking about our travels (He's been to more continents than I have, and is multilingual, which is just awesome.), jobs, and living in Hawai'i. Went to Miya's afterwards to visit with her and we chatted over a late afternoon snack at Zippy's. Then, she dropped me off at the Moana hotel where my aunt and cousin are staying. We went to the First Friday Art Walk and listened to some great taiko drumming and jamaican/steel drumming music on the lawn in front of the Hawai'i State Art Museum.
The night ended with me back at Miya's talking into the late evening with her and Gwen about their families, marriage, communication, kids, and life. Let's hope I make yoga tomorrow morning.
I showed my dad my latest Time magazine issue titled "How Your Siblings Make You Who You Are", and I laughed and said that by reading this, I guess I'll finally find out how my brother Jay makes me who I am. My dad made a sweet comment by saying, "It SHOULD say 'How Your Daughters Make You Who You Are."
Yes, my dad is a sweetheart, and I know I'll always be Daddy's Little Girl.
I skipped yoga today (oh my!) because I had to get Dad up out of bed this morning, and my body was not about to go to 6 am class if it didn't have to. We read the paper, heard on the news about a robbery/murders on Tantalus committed by an Adam Mau (Our ears perked up when we heard "Mau"..'Did they say "Lau"?' My dad asked, "Oh no, I'm pretty sure they said "Mau".), whom we later found out is part of the rich Mau family, and we're not related to any rich Mau's, so we know that's a far, distant relative who committed such a heinous crime.
When Jay came to relieve me in the afternoon, I went on a coffee blind date with Carl. We had a great time talking about our travels (He's been to more continents than I have, and is multilingual, which is just awesome.), jobs, and living in Hawai'i. Went to Miya's afterwards to visit with her and we chatted over a late afternoon snack at Zippy's. Then, she dropped me off at the Moana hotel where my aunt and cousin are staying. We went to the First Friday Art Walk and listened to some great taiko drumming and jamaican/steel drumming music on the lawn in front of the Hawai'i State Art Museum.
The night ended with me back at Miya's talking into the late evening with her and Gwen about their families, marriage, communication, kids, and life. Let's hope I make yoga tomorrow morning.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Can You Take The Heat?
Thursday, 6 July 2006
I overslept and missed morning yoga today and decided to take a day off (and watched a movie in bed instead), until I found out that I didn't have to stay at Dad's so late this afternoon, and figured I could actually go to 4:30 pm yoga. I usually avoid this class at all costs, because it's so hot, but decided to not break the streak and go anyway. I was dying of humidity exhaustion the last half of class, and the teacher could tell, as she asked me after if I was okay. It was a struggle. I could feel the Hawaiian food I ate for lunch start to come back up.
Tonight, I went out with Jon. We went to eat dinner at the trendy Japanese restaurant Shokudo where we pigged out on seared ahi, mochi cheese gratin, sushi, sashimi, and tofu. We talked about SCUBA diving, models, my dad, materialism, and well, let's just leave it at that. Then, we rented TransAmerica, a very interesting and engaging movie with Felicity Huffman who did an awesome job.
Mosi, one of my dad's morning caregivers, is going back to Tonga next week as her Visa is up. Dad says he'll miss her. She's a very sweet girl and has taken good care of my dad when we're not here in the mornings.
I overslept and missed morning yoga today and decided to take a day off (and watched a movie in bed instead), until I found out that I didn't have to stay at Dad's so late this afternoon, and figured I could actually go to 4:30 pm yoga. I usually avoid this class at all costs, because it's so hot, but decided to not break the streak and go anyway. I was dying of humidity exhaustion the last half of class, and the teacher could tell, as she asked me after if I was okay. It was a struggle. I could feel the Hawaiian food I ate for lunch start to come back up.
Tonight, I went out with Jon. We went to eat dinner at the trendy Japanese restaurant Shokudo where we pigged out on seared ahi, mochi cheese gratin, sushi, sashimi, and tofu. We talked about SCUBA diving, models, my dad, materialism, and well, let's just leave it at that. Then, we rented TransAmerica, a very interesting and engaging movie with Felicity Huffman who did an awesome job.
Mosi, one of my dad's morning caregivers, is going back to Tonga next week as her Visa is up. Dad says he'll miss her. She's a very sweet girl and has taken good care of my dad when we're not here in the mornings.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Wiped Out
Wednesday, 5 July 2006
I was wiped out today. Perhaps it was from all the sun and water yesterday. Perhaps it is from the consecutive days of hot Bikram yoga (going on 10 days now) I've been doing. But, this morning, I found myself taking it easy near the end of practice, and I heard Keri, the instructor, remark that "if you can do standing head to knee pose, you should be able to touch your head to your knee and lift your heel off the floor in this pose". She looked at me and gave me a smile. I was slacking. Okay, okay.
It wiped me out, but I made it, and for the rest of the afternoon with dad I just slept (or at least tried to sleep). He laughed at me, as he needed me to move his chair, move his limbs, do the crossword, etc. All the while, I was trying to sleep. Again, slacking on the job.
I was wiped out today. Perhaps it was from all the sun and water yesterday. Perhaps it is from the consecutive days of hot Bikram yoga (going on 10 days now) I've been doing. But, this morning, I found myself taking it easy near the end of practice, and I heard Keri, the instructor, remark that "if you can do standing head to knee pose, you should be able to touch your head to your knee and lift your heel off the floor in this pose". She looked at me and gave me a smile. I was slacking. Okay, okay.
It wiped me out, but I made it, and for the rest of the afternoon with dad I just slept (or at least tried to sleep). He laughed at me, as he needed me to move his chair, move his limbs, do the crossword, etc. All the while, I was trying to sleep. Again, slacking on the job.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Happy Independence Day!
Tuesday, 4 July 2006
Yoga this morning was the crowdest I've ever seen. There were 50 people in class! We were packed like sardines, with four rows in the room, some people barely even able to lie down completely straight without kicking someone in the head. Luckily I was by the door, so I survived the 90 minute sweatbox. The energy is great with lots of people though. It really makes you work hard in the poses.
Picked up a platter of sushi and headed to Jenn and Eric's for a barbeque/pool party at their condo near Punahou. There were about 10 kids who couldn't wait to swim in the pool with all their water toys. The coast guard boat was a hit! We had the rec room set up with lots of food. The adults braved the water and breezy winds, and soon enough we were having a relay race. Our team lost, but we had fun playing chicken fight too.
In the evening, we brought the food and kids over to the next house, where we could see a view of the fireworks at Ala Moana. We continued to eat some more, as the boys soon became much more interested in their poker hands than the beautiful fireworks display. The kids had fun being pyros and burning firecrackers outside in the driveway. And soon enough, not only were the babies asleep, but the adults were ready to snooze as well. Happy 4th of July! Hope yours was a fun, safe, and relaxing one!
Yoga this morning was the crowdest I've ever seen. There were 50 people in class! We were packed like sardines, with four rows in the room, some people barely even able to lie down completely straight without kicking someone in the head. Luckily I was by the door, so I survived the 90 minute sweatbox. The energy is great with lots of people though. It really makes you work hard in the poses.
Picked up a platter of sushi and headed to Jenn and Eric's for a barbeque/pool party at their condo near Punahou. There were about 10 kids who couldn't wait to swim in the pool with all their water toys. The coast guard boat was a hit! We had the rec room set up with lots of food. The adults braved the water and breezy winds, and soon enough we were having a relay race. Our team lost, but we had fun playing chicken fight too.
In the evening, we brought the food and kids over to the next house, where we could see a view of the fireworks at Ala Moana. We continued to eat some more, as the boys soon became much more interested in their poker hands than the beautiful fireworks display. The kids had fun being pyros and burning firecrackers outside in the driveway. And soon enough, not only were the babies asleep, but the adults were ready to snooze as well. Happy 4th of July! Hope yours was a fun, safe, and relaxing one!
Monday, July 03, 2006
Weekend O' Fun
Friday, 30 June 2006
6 am yoga...Early!!! But, it felt good not to break my streak, and I noticed how many regulars go to this early bird class. Went to Dad's by 8:30 am with Jamba Juice in hand. After napping, we went to watch "Superman Returns"...Not the same as the original, but the action and Kevin Spacey as Lex Luther was great. Still, it was weird not to see Christopher Reeve. Kai and I went to Art After Dark, enjoyed some food, looked at gallery artwork, gawked at the interesting performance artists, and girl talked. Afterwards, we ate some tempura udon at Jimbo's, then went back to her place so she and her fiance Jason could watch the video of my Cambodia travels. Now they understand what inspired me to go to Thailand to teach and travel.
Saturday, 1 July 2006
After yoga, I bought a new swimsuit and window shopped. My Auntie Shelley and cousin Courtney arrived today from California for a visit. We went to Gyotaku Japanese restaurant for dinner and caught up on their recent Vegas trip and looked at pictures of my relatives. She also showed me my cousin Kyle's 8th grade report on ALS, which was inspired by my dad of course.
Sunday, 2 July 2006
After yoga, I went to Ala Moana Beach to lay out and re-tan in my new swimsuit. I was out for about five hours, the last of which Auntie Shelley and Courtney joined me with Rainbow's plate lunches. We played in the ocean and I got really sunburnt again. I left for Kane'ohe to meet my friend Joel. He changed my oil in truck, then we went to Bayfest, a carnival of sorts with car show, food, music, and beer to celebrate the marines and navy. Joel and I challenged each other in a marine obstacle course on a blow up ride thing. I ran up and slid into things, climbed up a wall, dove over obstacles, and then did an arm hang for 40 seconds, which got me a keychain. If I had held for 70 seconds, I would have won a t-shirt. We rode on a bunch of rides (and surprisingly I didn't get sick!), ate kalbi plates, then listened to a live ska band Go Jimmy Go, and then alternative rock band Staind. We watched beautiful fireworks show on the bay and then sat in the car for an hour getting out of the parking lot. My brother and friends passed us on the way. Finally got home at 1 am... Sunburnt and exhausted.
Monday, 3 July 2006
After getting only 3 hours of sleep, I got up at 5:30 am and went to 6 am yoga. CRAZY! I was half sleeping through it all, but I made it and had a great class. Went to dad's at 8 am to get him out of bed, feed him breakfast, and then nap. We met Jay and Auntie Shelley and Courtney for dim sum for lunch. I had a little accident when I was pushing dad in the wheelchair across the parking lot towards the sidewalk, and the wheel got stuck in a pothole, propelling dad forward and off the chair onto the ground. Luckily, he didn't get hurt, and there were about six people walking by who ran over the help lift him. A couple people grabbed under his arms, and a couple grabbed his legs so we could hoist him back up. That's when I wish we used the seatbelt. But, no blood or bruises, so I think he'll forgive me. When Jay took over the afternoon shift, I went to meet Miya and friends for ice cream at a new Ben & Jerry's store and shopping at Nordstrom Rack.
Pooped, I opted for staying in this evening rather than going out. Watched Aloha Tower fireworks display from our lanai instead. Tomorrow will be a big day.
6 am yoga...Early!!! But, it felt good not to break my streak, and I noticed how many regulars go to this early bird class. Went to Dad's by 8:30 am with Jamba Juice in hand. After napping, we went to watch "Superman Returns"...Not the same as the original, but the action and Kevin Spacey as Lex Luther was great. Still, it was weird not to see Christopher Reeve. Kai and I went to Art After Dark, enjoyed some food, looked at gallery artwork, gawked at the interesting performance artists, and girl talked. Afterwards, we ate some tempura udon at Jimbo's, then went back to her place so she and her fiance Jason could watch the video of my Cambodia travels. Now they understand what inspired me to go to Thailand to teach and travel.
Saturday, 1 July 2006
After yoga, I bought a new swimsuit and window shopped. My Auntie Shelley and cousin Courtney arrived today from California for a visit. We went to Gyotaku Japanese restaurant for dinner and caught up on their recent Vegas trip and looked at pictures of my relatives. She also showed me my cousin Kyle's 8th grade report on ALS, which was inspired by my dad of course.
Sunday, 2 July 2006
After yoga, I went to Ala Moana Beach to lay out and re-tan in my new swimsuit. I was out for about five hours, the last of which Auntie Shelley and Courtney joined me with Rainbow's plate lunches. We played in the ocean and I got really sunburnt again. I left for Kane'ohe to meet my friend Joel. He changed my oil in truck, then we went to Bayfest, a carnival of sorts with car show, food, music, and beer to celebrate the marines and navy. Joel and I challenged each other in a marine obstacle course on a blow up ride thing. I ran up and slid into things, climbed up a wall, dove over obstacles, and then did an arm hang for 40 seconds, which got me a keychain. If I had held for 70 seconds, I would have won a t-shirt. We rode on a bunch of rides (and surprisingly I didn't get sick!), ate kalbi plates, then listened to a live ska band Go Jimmy Go, and then alternative rock band Staind. We watched beautiful fireworks show on the bay and then sat in the car for an hour getting out of the parking lot. My brother and friends passed us on the way. Finally got home at 1 am... Sunburnt and exhausted.
Monday, 3 July 2006
After getting only 3 hours of sleep, I got up at 5:30 am and went to 6 am yoga. CRAZY! I was half sleeping through it all, but I made it and had a great class. Went to dad's at 8 am to get him out of bed, feed him breakfast, and then nap. We met Jay and Auntie Shelley and Courtney for dim sum for lunch. I had a little accident when I was pushing dad in the wheelchair across the parking lot towards the sidewalk, and the wheel got stuck in a pothole, propelling dad forward and off the chair onto the ground. Luckily, he didn't get hurt, and there were about six people walking by who ran over the help lift him. A couple people grabbed under his arms, and a couple grabbed his legs so we could hoist him back up. That's when I wish we used the seatbelt. But, no blood or bruises, so I think he'll forgive me. When Jay took over the afternoon shift, I went to meet Miya and friends for ice cream at a new Ben & Jerry's store and shopping at Nordstrom Rack.
Pooped, I opted for staying in this evening rather than going out. Watched Aloha Tower fireworks display from our lanai instead. Tomorrow will be a big day.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
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