Well, nothing ever seems very important when one’s in mourning but life continues for me and so move I must.
I’ve got a lot to catch up on, especially… UH WARRIOR VOLLEYBALL! I’ve so wanted to write about it and things happened, I’ve already talked about those goings on in previous entries.
Let’s see, season started off with the Outrigger Invitational here in Hawai‘i. Three nights, UH went up against Penn State at the top of the EIVA, Ball State- currently tied for third with IPFW in the MIVA Feb, and UCLA- currently third in the MPSF. UH started the pre-season at eighth I believe and are now currently 13th in the MPSF. Not to despair, the MPSF is the toughest conference in men’s collegiate volleyball; there are no guarantees. There is no counting someone out.
I can’t really report on the Outrigger because I was barely conscious, read And the Tooth Has Set Me Free. I’ve got the matches on tape, but just haven’t gotten to watch them yet and don’t know that I’ll ever have time to go back to them. I did watch the match against UCLA but I was at about 75%. We lost to Penn and UCLA but won against Ball, so not too bad.
When I caught the UCLA match, I couldn’t get over how I could recognize the UCLA players more readily than the UH players. Last season, UH graduated Beckwith, Dante, Hakala and Kalima, all starters so that’s about half the starting lineup. Then at the beginning of this season, UH fans were dealt a blow when it was announced that Vanzant would not be playing this season, I didn’t come across a reason why, I just hope that he’s doing alright in his life. I was really looking forward to seeing Vanzant develop more this season into one of the kill leaders for UH. So that is now 5 of 7 starters out from last season. That left Rawson at middle and Cervantes at libero. It had been announced early that Klinger, MB from the 2005/2006 season, would not be playing at all this season. Maybe I missed him but I didn’t see Vidinha who had seen some play time last season. Of all seasons for about the last fifteen years, this is undoubtedly a rebuilding year for UH. Not an excuse for losing games, but winning won’t be easy by any means.
Hawaii’s trying to build upon Sean Carney, who backed up Beckwith at setter the last two years and is almost as good, but could also help out on the left side if needed. Wilton’s already tested Carney at hitter this season and he’s good. Carney’s other positives is that he’s got a real good serve; he was #1 serving specialist while backing up Beckwith and racked up a lot of aces. His serve is tough and he rarely makes a service error.
Co-captain with Carney is Schkud, the lone senior on the team. He’s seen very little play in previous seasons, somewhat of a utility player, having been tried on the left, the middle and as a serving specialist. Back in 2003, Beckwith and Schkud led their high school team to an undefeated season, a CIF title and the Volleyball magazine’s high school championship [Starbulletin article on Beckwith and Schkud]. And so he is very capable of contributing great things for this team and is already proving so in this early part of the season.
I’m also excited to see what Jim Clar will do this season. Clar filled in when Hakala was hurt last season. So that is Cervantes, Clar, Schkud, and Carney, with Rawson. Oh, Rawson, I didn’t recognize him. Last season, he had long curly hair. This season, cut very short. Leahey said, ‘Rawson with the block’ or something like that and I thought, where? Rawson and Cervantes, the only returning starters from last season. The others had seen limited play but are stepping up to lead this season. The rest of the depth chart for Hawai‘i, I’m still trying to familiarize myself with their names and faces pretty much.
Contrast that to UCLA who has incredible Tony Ker at libero, his younger brother Kevin fighting Matt Wade for setter, hitters O’Malley, Muagututia [spelling?], and Ratelle, with ‘quick hitter’ [as Scates calls his middles] Diefenbach. I often get confused on who are the returning starters because UCLA’s bench is always deep with Scates not afraid to switch people out. But those are the players, whether on court or on the sidelines, that I can readily recognize and name. I’m even familiar with former players Wenger and Klosterman who are now assistant coaches for UCLA.
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After Outrigger, Hawai‘i fought Long Beach and UC San Diego. I watched the matches against LBSU, but I can’t recall details at this moment except that they swept us the first night and then took it in four the second night, LBSU that is. Otherwise, I think we played pretty well against them, not enough to win, but good. We won the matches with UCSD. UCSD put up a good fight and it was expected. They always play well with no scholarship players, they proved that when they beat UC Irvine the previous week in convincing fashion, that’s hardly said in the MPSF but they did. I passed up watching the second match in order to have dinner with Mirrorman, my nickname for Chris A. He cooked, so I had to put him above the volleyball but don’t count on that happening too much. I’m kidding, sort of. And we watched ‘Miracle’ which I hadn’t seen yet but have been wanting to. I love sports movies.
Anyways, moving on. UH is on the road at UC Santa Barbara this week. We lost last night in five. I listened to tonight’s match over the radio and it was ESCRUCIATING! Is that the word? FOUR GAMES, ALL WENT INTO EXTRA PLAY!!! Why am I typing loudly? BECAUSE I MUST! And because the UH Warrior Basketball team had a home game tonight, KKEA 1420AM cut to the basketball game in the middle of the fourth game for volleyball! So then I had to follow on game tracker on cstv.com. It was so painful. If you don’t know what I’m saying right now, you don’t understand volleyball. The score was 30-32, 32-30, 34-36, 34-36. I have never seen a score like that. College VB is first to 30, win by 2, best 3 of 5 games takes the match. Now digest those scores.
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Next week is the alumni game with the rematches with UCLA the following week. I’m gonna make an effort to be at these matches, it’s always good fun. Gotta make some phone calls and rally the troops to come with me. I also wanna go when Loyola-Chicago and Irvine come down so I’m saving up for that. I wish I could see them play USC too but that’s an away game this season.
What more can I say about UH VB…? Oh, and it is so strange for me to see UH’s Frank wearing the number 10. I’ve been following Beckwith the last four seasons in that number 10 jersey. I can’t even remember who was the person before Beckwith to wear 10 and so I think Beckwith may be my 10 for years to come. It’s like Curt Vaughan in 8, Clay Stanley in 16, Miladinovic in 1, Ching in 15… and so on. After you see those guys play in those numbers, it takes a good while to get used to seeing that number on another player. Shoot, wait, now I remember; Bren10 [Brenton] Davis was 10 and then I think it was Beckwith next, but there were 2 seasons between them, I think. It’s gonna take getting used to Matic in 8 [Hakala] and Komar in 19 [Dante, completely different physique]. I still think of 9 as Carere and so I often forget that Cervantes is 9 now. That's terrible of me.
Anyways, Frank in 10 right after Beckwith is gonna take some getting used to. It looks like he fills it out a little more, at least on TV it looks like it. But I’m in Beckwith withdrawal anyways ‘cuz he was exciting to watch. I'm still in Hakala-/ Carere-/ Bender-/ etc. withdrawals also. Besides being great players, Hakala had that fierce wild look in the eyes after a good kill, Bender had that smile, and I could go on but I won't. My goodness, get over it.
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So that’s a lot of volleyball but not really. Definite rebuilding year but don’t give up on the Warriors. By the way, I have no idea why we call the women ‘Wahine’ and don’t call the men ‘Kane.’ Hmmm...
SuperBowl XLII is tomorrow, Patriots vs. Giants. I don’t make predictions about anything very often and so who knows how accurate I am. I’d like to see the Giants win. Has nothing to do with the win streak, I just like the way the Giants have been playing lately. And then it would be a Manning-Manning back-to-back Superbowls.
And I couldn’t believe the outcome of the Sugarbowl! It’s not like I was completely expecting UH to win, but I thought they would’ve done better than that. Brennan didn’t look good or bad in the senior bowl, then he looked real good in the drill competitions today.
I don’t feel either way about June Jones’ departure. I’m a ‘Bows fan, period. But since Jones has moved on, can we go back to being the Rainbows? Or Rainbow Warriors? There’s a real good story behind the Rainbow mascot; the story is featured in Bob Sigall’s The Companies We Keep 2, I’m pretty sure it’s in the second installment so check that out. There’s a lot of good stories in there about Hawai‘i trivia. And can we go back to the green uniforms? Even if it’s without the rainbow motif, after all, green is UH’s color. It’s such a good pride feeling when I see fans at sports events all wearing the team color, it’s amazing. I’d like to see Hawai‘i fans do that. As it is, it seems that UH Football fans at the moment are divided, not knowing whether to wear green or black.
I’ll end here. That’s enough sports and I’m going overlong.
Mahalo for reading in!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Beyond Understanding: Ginger
My heart is a little heavy right now. My friend’s mom Ginger passed away recently and the funeral was held just last Saturday. Ginger is such a great lady, always smiling and gentle, a very giving soul. When I think about my friend Jen, I hafta think about Ginger also. They are a pair; Jen is definitely Ginger’s daughter. Mom and I have been going to the same church practically since I was born and some people who have known us both are just recently realizing that we’re related. Jen has Ginger’s smile, which is top ten greatest smile of my life.
Ginger’s passing is tough on me on several levels. I know that it’s not as tough on me as it is for Jen, I can’t even imagine… [From here on, I’m gonna refer to Jen by her nickname, which has nothing to do with her personality. Besides myself, I’ve got a few Jennifers in my life and so de ahora en adelante, Ginger’s Jen will be ‘Savage’.]
Ginger’s service was the fourth that I’ve attended in a little over 2 years. Each difficult in their own way, the first two were early departures, Rachel Anuhea and Albert who I’ve mentioned before. Honestly, I’m feeling a little weird right now just because I cannot do any of these people justice and I want to. In life, they are absolute gems. The next two were both mothers of friends, departure by grave illness; a strange happening is that my friends are also both Jennifers, Savage and the other I’ll call JayLee. Lately, I’ve been to more funerals than my parents and it’s different than going to honor a relative who had many years. Rachel, Albert, Mrs. Lee and Ginger all were taken young.
I know full well that the situations are all much more difficult for their families to go through than it is for me. I am willing to be there for a friend, or for anyone who asks really, in times like these because I care and because it is right that they know that people are here to support them. Yet, it is still taxing because I know them. A strange thing to say but my earliest memory that I am sure of is that of the service for my Beloved Popo [grandmother]. I think that’s part of why I can accept the relationship of life and death; my parents never did that thing about replacing a dead pet because they thought I wouldn’t understand death or be too sad. I might talk about that more another time or I might not.
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Savage and I have been friends since I can’t remember when, since at least elementary school. Savage and Ginger go to the same church as Mom and I. Savage is a year ahead of me, I believe she befriended me. We went all the way through high school together. At some point, we began to call each other ‘sister.’ I have several groups of friends, but Savage and I hung out with Jen Y. and Jenny, I said I know many Jens. After h.s., Savage and I have been in and out of contact because life happens, but I’ve carried Savage with me wherever I go; she’s one of my greats.
So, it had been maybe seven years from the last time Savage and I spent time together. At the viewing ahead of me, Mom stopped to talk with Ginger’s parents. Savage was next and as soon as she saw me she called for me, ‘Jenn!’ Broke my heart. I moved past Mom who was talking to Ginger’s parents and I just latched on to Savage. She had been crying of course and I wanted to cry but I wanted to be strong for her. She held me so tightly. I did not wanna let go.
The service was beautiful. Ginger received so many gorgeous flower arrangements. Savage’s husband Josh sang MercyMe’s I Can Only Imagine. Ginger had been in the civil service for 41 years, most recently for the U.S. Pacific Command and so a colonel from the U.S. Army gave part of the eulogy/remembrance. We read Psalm 23 and sang Blessed Assurance and Shout to the Lord. [Now I’m feeling a little guilty ‘cause I didn’t give an account of how beautiful the services were for Rachel and Albert, I wasn’t able to stay for the whole of Mrs. Lee’s service but I’m sure it was good].
And then the reception catered by Tanioka’s. It was good. More relaxed, partly a KUC reunion. Many from Ginger’s relatives go to my church; her cousin is my ‘Aunty’ Shirlynne. I really wanted to talk to Savage for a good amount of time but as it goes people start to leave and make their goodbyes so I had to wait a while. Then I get to talk to Savage and she introduces me to her friend Stephie. Savage is a theater actress, she’s fantastic. Stephie’s into acting as well. They’re gonna be in Brigadoon sometime this Spring, I believe, so I CANNOT wait for that. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen Savage on stage. More hugging ensued. I did not want to let go!
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So that’s what’s on my mind right now. I’m gonna include pictures of Ginger, Rachel and Albert. I don’t have a picture of JayLee’s mom; I apologize to JayLee.
God Bless You and mahalo for reading in.
Ginger July 1945 - January 2008
Rachel Anuhea April 1981 - November 2005
This is the picture that Rachel had attached to a note to me the first time I was away for college.
Albert November(?) 1978 - November 2006
Ginger’s passing is tough on me on several levels. I know that it’s not as tough on me as it is for Jen, I can’t even imagine… [From here on, I’m gonna refer to Jen by her nickname, which has nothing to do with her personality. Besides myself, I’ve got a few Jennifers in my life and so de ahora en adelante, Ginger’s Jen will be ‘Savage’.]
Ginger’s service was the fourth that I’ve attended in a little over 2 years. Each difficult in their own way, the first two were early departures, Rachel Anuhea and Albert who I’ve mentioned before. Honestly, I’m feeling a little weird right now just because I cannot do any of these people justice and I want to. In life, they are absolute gems. The next two were both mothers of friends, departure by grave illness; a strange happening is that my friends are also both Jennifers, Savage and the other I’ll call JayLee. Lately, I’ve been to more funerals than my parents and it’s different than going to honor a relative who had many years. Rachel, Albert, Mrs. Lee and Ginger all were taken young.
I know full well that the situations are all much more difficult for their families to go through than it is for me. I am willing to be there for a friend, or for anyone who asks really, in times like these because I care and because it is right that they know that people are here to support them. Yet, it is still taxing because I know them. A strange thing to say but my earliest memory that I am sure of is that of the service for my Beloved Popo [grandmother]. I think that’s part of why I can accept the relationship of life and death; my parents never did that thing about replacing a dead pet because they thought I wouldn’t understand death or be too sad. I might talk about that more another time or I might not.
___________________________
Savage and I have been friends since I can’t remember when, since at least elementary school. Savage and Ginger go to the same church as Mom and I. Savage is a year ahead of me, I believe she befriended me. We went all the way through high school together. At some point, we began to call each other ‘sister.’ I have several groups of friends, but Savage and I hung out with Jen Y. and Jenny, I said I know many Jens. After h.s., Savage and I have been in and out of contact because life happens, but I’ve carried Savage with me wherever I go; she’s one of my greats.
So, it had been maybe seven years from the last time Savage and I spent time together. At the viewing ahead of me, Mom stopped to talk with Ginger’s parents. Savage was next and as soon as she saw me she called for me, ‘Jenn!’ Broke my heart. I moved past Mom who was talking to Ginger’s parents and I just latched on to Savage. She had been crying of course and I wanted to cry but I wanted to be strong for her. She held me so tightly. I did not wanna let go.
The service was beautiful. Ginger received so many gorgeous flower arrangements. Savage’s husband Josh sang MercyMe’s I Can Only Imagine. Ginger had been in the civil service for 41 years, most recently for the U.S. Pacific Command and so a colonel from the U.S. Army gave part of the eulogy/remembrance. We read Psalm 23 and sang Blessed Assurance and Shout to the Lord. [Now I’m feeling a little guilty ‘cause I didn’t give an account of how beautiful the services were for Rachel and Albert, I wasn’t able to stay for the whole of Mrs. Lee’s service but I’m sure it was good].
And then the reception catered by Tanioka’s. It was good. More relaxed, partly a KUC reunion. Many from Ginger’s relatives go to my church; her cousin is my ‘Aunty’ Shirlynne. I really wanted to talk to Savage for a good amount of time but as it goes people start to leave and make their goodbyes so I had to wait a while. Then I get to talk to Savage and she introduces me to her friend Stephie. Savage is a theater actress, she’s fantastic. Stephie’s into acting as well. They’re gonna be in Brigadoon sometime this Spring, I believe, so I CANNOT wait for that. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen Savage on stage. More hugging ensued. I did not want to let go!
___________________________
So that’s what’s on my mind right now. I’m gonna include pictures of Ginger, Rachel and Albert. I don’t have a picture of JayLee’s mom; I apologize to JayLee.
God Bless You and mahalo for reading in.
Ginger July 1945 - January 2008
Rachel Anuhea April 1981 - November 2005
This is the picture that Rachel had attached to a note to me the first time I was away for college.
Albert November(?) 1978 - November 2006
Thursday, January 17, 2008
On Tap for 2008: Deflation
I know, it’s girly to talk about weight and for those of you who don’t know me, girly is not a word that friends would use to describe me. In fact, I once got very giggly over a guy and I didn’t realize it until the Mad Scientist said that I was creeping him out; he wasn’t used to seeing me act that way. I love being a woman, but I could go on about how I’m not the flowery, frilly pink, shopping crazy, looking-for-the-next-great-diet kind of girly-girl. Maybe some other time.
I have never been on a fad diet. My friend had decided to try that diet where you cut out carbs completely for the first week or something like that. She didn’t last the FIRST DAY. She was like, ‘Gimme some fries!’ When I was younger, my doctor was concerned that I was headed towards being overweight and he just told me to cut back on juice or soda or something and exercise more. So that’s kinda my mentality on ‘dieting,’ I just think about what I can cut back on. I’ll eat healthier and treat myself to the fats here and there.
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The more I write about this, the more you’re likely to think I’m lying through my fingers when I say that I don’t care about my weight. Basically, I will never ask a question remotely along the lines of, ‘Do these jeans make me look fat?’ I was IM-ing with a roommate and I think the subject was about certain differences between men and women and that question came up. His answer was, ‘No, babe. The cellulite on your thighs make you look fat.’ That got me laughing so hard! But then, that may be one of the reasons why he’s single, I don’t know.
I am, however, about 25 lbs. from where I have felt most comfortable. I would like to fit into my clothes better; I really miss being able to do that. Realistically, I should be able to lose the 25 by July 1st. That’s what I’m gonna do, I’m gonna cut back on certain foods. I’ve already begun to cut back on my soda intake, that’s easy. I’ve gone between periods of no soda at all and tons of soda. The last two years, I’ve been at the soda but I can go back to little to no soda at all. I’ll be in soda detox. Not even diet soda- I do not like diet soda. It all tastes like a certain artificial sweetener. I won’t even have any fat-free stuff that has that sweetener. I tried this other yogurt brand [I eat Yoplait] ‘cuz it was on sale and I forgot to check, it had that sweetener; five different flavors and it all tasted the same to me. I’m that sensitive to fake sugars. Just give me less of the real thing, please.
And I wanna say that I actually worry if I lose weight and I know that I haven’t been exercising more than usual. When I had my tooth extracted recently and I was on a liquid diet for the first two days, doctor’s orders, I was slightly miserable. I lost a couple pounds, but man, did I feel weak.
So exercise is a must. It shouldn’t be a problem. I will be walking a lot ‘cuz I’ll be on the bus pass this semester again. I have access to the gym. Here’s what, I could use a gym partner, but one that has some knowledge in training. My good friend Shay has great athletic ability and is now a P.E. teacher. She was my trainer for some time. She’ll tell you that I did whatever she told me to; well, I trusted her. She seriously pushed me, AND made me laugh so that made it harder. Like I'll be on the benchpress and she'll say something while I'm in the down position, make me laugh, and she'll say, 'Okay, bring it back up!' Male or female, I’ll do my best to keep up. Let me know if you’re in my area and you’re interested, or on the island and know of an activity going on that I might enjoy. I like hikes, swimming, biking…I’d like to go to the batting cages and learn to do that. I’ll try, anything but golf ‘cuz golf’s just not for me at all.
Speaking of the gym, I took the kickboxing class once last semester ‘cuz I just happened to be there when it started. I’ve gotta fix that into my schedule. I had so much fun. I mean, it was my first ever class and I had to laugh afterwards ‘cuz the grandmas and grandpas were doing better than I was!
And I gotta fix my bike. It’s been over a year now. Gotta get that done.
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And that’s what’s on tap for 2008: 25 by 7 [July].
Please feel free to leave a comment on any or all of the entries; I will read them. I might even answer back, I don’t like leaving people hanging. Some encouragement might be good for this one.
Mahalo for reading in!
I have never been on a fad diet. My friend had decided to try that diet where you cut out carbs completely for the first week or something like that. She didn’t last the FIRST DAY. She was like, ‘Gimme some fries!’ When I was younger, my doctor was concerned that I was headed towards being overweight and he just told me to cut back on juice or soda or something and exercise more. So that’s kinda my mentality on ‘dieting,’ I just think about what I can cut back on. I’ll eat healthier and treat myself to the fats here and there.
____________________________
The more I write about this, the more you’re likely to think I’m lying through my fingers when I say that I don’t care about my weight. Basically, I will never ask a question remotely along the lines of, ‘Do these jeans make me look fat?’ I was IM-ing with a roommate and I think the subject was about certain differences between men and women and that question came up. His answer was, ‘No, babe. The cellulite on your thighs make you look fat.’ That got me laughing so hard! But then, that may be one of the reasons why he’s single, I don’t know.
I am, however, about 25 lbs. from where I have felt most comfortable. I would like to fit into my clothes better; I really miss being able to do that. Realistically, I should be able to lose the 25 by July 1st. That’s what I’m gonna do, I’m gonna cut back on certain foods. I’ve already begun to cut back on my soda intake, that’s easy. I’ve gone between periods of no soda at all and tons of soda. The last two years, I’ve been at the soda but I can go back to little to no soda at all. I’ll be in soda detox. Not even diet soda- I do not like diet soda. It all tastes like a certain artificial sweetener. I won’t even have any fat-free stuff that has that sweetener. I tried this other yogurt brand [I eat Yoplait] ‘cuz it was on sale and I forgot to check, it had that sweetener; five different flavors and it all tasted the same to me. I’m that sensitive to fake sugars. Just give me less of the real thing, please.
And I wanna say that I actually worry if I lose weight and I know that I haven’t been exercising more than usual. When I had my tooth extracted recently and I was on a liquid diet for the first two days, doctor’s orders, I was slightly miserable. I lost a couple pounds, but man, did I feel weak.
So exercise is a must. It shouldn’t be a problem. I will be walking a lot ‘cuz I’ll be on the bus pass this semester again. I have access to the gym. Here’s what, I could use a gym partner, but one that has some knowledge in training. My good friend Shay has great athletic ability and is now a P.E. teacher. She was my trainer for some time. She’ll tell you that I did whatever she told me to; well, I trusted her. She seriously pushed me, AND made me laugh so that made it harder. Like I'll be on the benchpress and she'll say something while I'm in the down position, make me laugh, and she'll say, 'Okay, bring it back up!' Male or female, I’ll do my best to keep up. Let me know if you’re in my area and you’re interested, or on the island and know of an activity going on that I might enjoy. I like hikes, swimming, biking…I’d like to go to the batting cages and learn to do that. I’ll try, anything but golf ‘cuz golf’s just not for me at all.
Speaking of the gym, I took the kickboxing class once last semester ‘cuz I just happened to be there when it started. I’ve gotta fix that into my schedule. I had so much fun. I mean, it was my first ever class and I had to laugh afterwards ‘cuz the grandmas and grandpas were doing better than I was!
And I gotta fix my bike. It’s been over a year now. Gotta get that done.
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And that’s what’s on tap for 2008: 25 by 7 [July].
Please feel free to leave a comment on any or all of the entries; I will read them. I might even answer back, I don’t like leaving people hanging. Some encouragement might be good for this one.
Mahalo for reading in!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
On Tap For 2008: Weight of the World and Finances
What I had wanted to write in the first week of 2008, before the whole tooth ordeal, was that the first song to play on my I-tunes in 2008 was ‘We Will Rock You’ by Queen. I don’t know if that will mean anything to how the year’s gonna go for me. Hopefully I’m the one who rocks the year and not that I’m gonna get rocked ‘cuz it’s been a rough few years already. I’m looking forward to making the good times roll once again.
The first song to play on my I-Pod was ‘Weight of the World’ by Chantal Kreviazuk. It’s from the soundtrack for ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,’ quite a good soundtrack in my opinion. The soundtrack also has Keith Urban’s ‘Somebody Like You’ and Luce’s ‘Good Day.’ Anyways, ‘Weight’ is a better song about how I hope the year will go for me.
Alright, there’s a caution about the word ‘resolution,’ especially at this time of year. People seem to have the opinion that resolutions can never be kept past the 7th day. I do have goals. The past few years have been mainly about money.
One day back in 2006, I started to keep a record of the money that I spend. I don’t know why or how it came to me to do so, but I set out to do it.
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To give a little context, if shopping is a female gene, then mine must be recessive. I tend to think that I shop more like the typical man: I go in, I see what I came for, I pay for it and I’m out. Or, I don’t see what I came for and I’m out. I haven’t been to a mall between Thanksgiving Day and January, you know, the big sales for Christmas time and after, since about 2000? In fact, I rarely go to the mall at all. I don’t like crowds, I don’t like parents who let their children run wild, I don’t like waiting in line.
I was driving past Best Buy this past season when they had that huge sale. The store wasn’t open yet and there were the people with their cars, camped outside, huge line. I saw the coverage of it on the news later that night and this lady said she was waiting there since the day before, she had so much fun last year she decided she’d do it again. Unbelievable waste of one’s time! I think she got some I-pods and a TV and a computer, I dunno. Waste of time. If it was for something I really really really needed and could only afford it with the sale, I’d still think twice about going to that sale. Those people need to have their heads checked. [I apologize if you were one of those people, I just, anyways…]
So, I’m not a spendaholic, basically. From an early age, Dad let us know that we would have to work for the things that we want and that sometimes, we just couldn’t afford it. Mom and Dad started our savings accounts early, showing us how to use it and things like that. When I started college, they left the decision to work during school up to me. They prefer that I not work so that I can focus on studies so I am very aware of their support and that many others are not so fortunate of circumstance. I have worked while in school, but not last year at least.
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Perhaps I began on this finance journey in order to be a good steward of my parents’ hard-earned money. Dad gives me a small allowance each week. From that I tithe to my church, an accomplishment of ’07. I’ve tithed before, just not so consistently nor have I kept a record of it before. If I’m going out, Dad always asks if I have enough money and I say yes but he’ll give me more just in case ‘cuz, well, Dad worries about me and I love that he does. I’ve learned to just say, ‘I’m leaving!’ from the front door and go so he won’t give me more.
In 2006, when I began to track my spending, I decided to save a quarter a day. Last year, it was a dollar a day. Goals reached both years. This year’s goal is $1.50 a day. Doable. Since I’m not working right now, I’m using it to build up my savings; it remains saved and UNTOUCHED. What I hope to do eventually, when I work again, is to use a portion of the saved money for going crazy on Christmas presents and donations.
Anyways, this is turning out to be longer than I thought it would be. I’ve kept the record for about 21 months and now that I have a full regular year (Jan-Dec), I put all the numbers into a table for analysis. If you have questions about what I’m doing or want advice on how to start a budget or whatever, I’ll do my best for you. Well, if I keep to the adjustments I made from the 2007 numbers for 2008, I will have saved my parents [or myself when I get the job] about $800.
____________________________
That’s the goal: better last year’s expenses.
That’s not all, there’s more on tap for 2008 coming up later. In no particular order, it’s just that I finished the adjustments yesterday so finances were on my heart readily.
Mahalo for reading in! Let me know what you think, especially if you think I’m wonderful, leave a comment for any of the journals past or to come. Mahalo!
The first song to play on my I-Pod was ‘Weight of the World’ by Chantal Kreviazuk. It’s from the soundtrack for ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,’ quite a good soundtrack in my opinion. The soundtrack also has Keith Urban’s ‘Somebody Like You’ and Luce’s ‘Good Day.’ Anyways, ‘Weight’ is a better song about how I hope the year will go for me.
Alright, there’s a caution about the word ‘resolution,’ especially at this time of year. People seem to have the opinion that resolutions can never be kept past the 7th day. I do have goals. The past few years have been mainly about money.
One day back in 2006, I started to keep a record of the money that I spend. I don’t know why or how it came to me to do so, but I set out to do it.
____________________________
To give a little context, if shopping is a female gene, then mine must be recessive. I tend to think that I shop more like the typical man: I go in, I see what I came for, I pay for it and I’m out. Or, I don’t see what I came for and I’m out. I haven’t been to a mall between Thanksgiving Day and January, you know, the big sales for Christmas time and after, since about 2000? In fact, I rarely go to the mall at all. I don’t like crowds, I don’t like parents who let their children run wild, I don’t like waiting in line.
I was driving past Best Buy this past season when they had that huge sale. The store wasn’t open yet and there were the people with their cars, camped outside, huge line. I saw the coverage of it on the news later that night and this lady said she was waiting there since the day before, she had so much fun last year she decided she’d do it again. Unbelievable waste of one’s time! I think she got some I-pods and a TV and a computer, I dunno. Waste of time. If it was for something I really really really needed and could only afford it with the sale, I’d still think twice about going to that sale. Those people need to have their heads checked. [I apologize if you were one of those people, I just, anyways…]
So, I’m not a spendaholic, basically. From an early age, Dad let us know that we would have to work for the things that we want and that sometimes, we just couldn’t afford it. Mom and Dad started our savings accounts early, showing us how to use it and things like that. When I started college, they left the decision to work during school up to me. They prefer that I not work so that I can focus on studies so I am very aware of their support and that many others are not so fortunate of circumstance. I have worked while in school, but not last year at least.
____________________________
Perhaps I began on this finance journey in order to be a good steward of my parents’ hard-earned money. Dad gives me a small allowance each week. From that I tithe to my church, an accomplishment of ’07. I’ve tithed before, just not so consistently nor have I kept a record of it before. If I’m going out, Dad always asks if I have enough money and I say yes but he’ll give me more just in case ‘cuz, well, Dad worries about me and I love that he does. I’ve learned to just say, ‘I’m leaving!’ from the front door and go so he won’t give me more.
In 2006, when I began to track my spending, I decided to save a quarter a day. Last year, it was a dollar a day. Goals reached both years. This year’s goal is $1.50 a day. Doable. Since I’m not working right now, I’m using it to build up my savings; it remains saved and UNTOUCHED. What I hope to do eventually, when I work again, is to use a portion of the saved money for going crazy on Christmas presents and donations.
Anyways, this is turning out to be longer than I thought it would be. I’ve kept the record for about 21 months and now that I have a full regular year (Jan-Dec), I put all the numbers into a table for analysis. If you have questions about what I’m doing or want advice on how to start a budget or whatever, I’ll do my best for you. Well, if I keep to the adjustments I made from the 2007 numbers for 2008, I will have saved my parents [or myself when I get the job] about $800.
____________________________
That’s the goal: better last year’s expenses.
That’s not all, there’s more on tap for 2008 coming up later. In no particular order, it’s just that I finished the adjustments yesterday so finances were on my heart readily.
Mahalo for reading in! Let me know what you think, especially if you think I’m wonderful, leave a comment for any of the journals past or to come. Mahalo!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
And The Tooth Has Set Me Free! Part II
I go downstairs and outside. NTS isn’t TOO far, I could walk it…, or I could take the bus, but I don’t know exactly when it’ll come and I had told Dad to pick me up at Dr. T’s. It’s 2:15. I call Dad and he’s already on his way so I wait there. Dad comes and we go to NTS, find the office. It’s closer to 3 now and I’m there to see an oral surgeon. Well, Dr. T did say that they’ll have better tools or he was gonna hafta drill it.
It was quick. I filled out the forms, they took me to the back, looked at the x-rays, asked the questions they’re supposed to ask, and we’re on our way. As Dr. H here put it, ‘Taking Out Your Tooth, Part II.’
They numb it up, I can still feel a little bit but less than before and then nothing. Dr. H takes maybe 15 seconds and pauses. I feel nothing. I’m thinking, please God, take out the tooth. They do a little more, they’re talking very softly. Then he says okay, that should be it, tells me the final things and his d.a. starts taking off the stuff. I’m thinking, huh? They got it out?! ‘Would you like to see it?’ *shrug*, sure. He shows it to me, it’s all bloody and stuff but I’m one of those that’s like, cool, that was the bugger that was trying to kill me? That little thing? Well, I didn’t get to take it home with me, or at least Dr. H didn’t ask if I wanted it and I didn’t ask if I could have it.
It was not even a minute and I pay for it and Dad and I are back in the car.
Dr. H had given me a prescription for a painkiller and antibiotics so we go to get that filled out. The tooth is gone, it’s outta here, but I’m not clear of the woods yet. Wow, that numb-er thing they’ve got is fantastic! I felt nothing! I walk around the store while they fill out the pill stuff, the lady said it would be about 20 minutes. I pick up some stuff and a basket. Then I hear my name called over the loudspeaker which scares me a little ‘cuz I can’t remember the last time I heard my name over the loudspeaker. Maybe that was the first time. I dunno, I kinda like a small helping of anonymity, but now everyone in the store knows I’m in the store getting drugs.
Anyways, all she wanted was to confirm my insurance stuff of which I have none currently. I’m starting to feel that other trouble coming over me and glad to have been called back to the pharmacy section where they have chairs, I sat down. I’m now extremely exhausted and slipping out of my mind as I hold down the gauze in the gap with my teeth, thinking, thank God Dad is with me and what am I supposed to eat, can I eat, oh yeah, that’s right, I’ve got the milkshake in the car that we picked up before going to the store ‘cuz the instructions they gave me said I could have milk or something, gee, when I can have the milkshake I sure am hungry by now Ican’tstandnothavingbreakfastanymoreohihaven’tbeenlookingformynumberdidtheycallityet?
Dad’s walking around the store more, staying in the area to check up on me.
My number comes up, I go the counter, Dad takes care of the things I’d put in the basket ‘cuz I could barely lift it when I stood up. It had tofu and a bottle of sauce, that’s all. I take care of the drug things which came out to less than I was expecting. They even have a program for non-insurance goofs like me. The guy hands me ‘my card’ and starts going through the procedure while I take the card and then my brain turns on a smidge to say, my card? Check the name on the bottles. It’s my name so I just sign where the guy tells me and he explains what the card is and stuff, the non-insurance thing.
Finally I’m home with my milkshake and drugs! I get comfortable in front of the TV, use a spoon with the milkshake ‘cuz the d.a. told me not to use a straw, I read all the information I got that day, especially for the prescription stuff. Mom comes home and Dad and I tell her what happened, how it’s Dr. T’s fault ‘cuz he broke my tooth, joking, and in the middle of that, Dad was doing most of the talking while I spoon up the shake so I can hurry and take the painkiller ‘cuz I feel it coming on and on top of that I’m starved which is my own fault I admit. I look down to my hand and the shake and I have lost the spoon. I look and look and realize I’ve lost it in the shake. Mom gets me another spoon and I continue with the shake.
So I was in and out of it for a few more days. Today I am on my last round of antibiotics; I didn’t have pain after the first day so I didn’t take the painkiller. I’m sleeping better now, though I have never been an easy sleeper.
But the best part is that the TOOTH IS NO MORE!
I know people don’t think about seeing the dentist because they’re not in pain, I’m one of those clearly. But I’m gonna pay more attention to when I went last. And others don’t go ‘cuz they’re afraid of the dentist- don’t be. The more regular you go for cleanings and check ups and that dentist, if he’s a good one, will save you some drilling, which I’m guessing is a good part of the fear of going. Call 1-800-dentist, ask friends if they’re dentists are good, whatever. Just get to the dentist.
Mahalo for reading in.
P.S. I do take care of my teeth, brushing and mouthwash and all that. The tooth they took out was difficult to take care of and I knew it was gonna be trouble. So even if you think you take great care of your smile and don't need the dentist, go anyway.
It was quick. I filled out the forms, they took me to the back, looked at the x-rays, asked the questions they’re supposed to ask, and we’re on our way. As Dr. H here put it, ‘Taking Out Your Tooth, Part II.’
They numb it up, I can still feel a little bit but less than before and then nothing. Dr. H takes maybe 15 seconds and pauses. I feel nothing. I’m thinking, please God, take out the tooth. They do a little more, they’re talking very softly. Then he says okay, that should be it, tells me the final things and his d.a. starts taking off the stuff. I’m thinking, huh? They got it out?! ‘Would you like to see it?’ *shrug*, sure. He shows it to me, it’s all bloody and stuff but I’m one of those that’s like, cool, that was the bugger that was trying to kill me? That little thing? Well, I didn’t get to take it home with me, or at least Dr. H didn’t ask if I wanted it and I didn’t ask if I could have it.
It was not even a minute and I pay for it and Dad and I are back in the car.
Dr. H had given me a prescription for a painkiller and antibiotics so we go to get that filled out. The tooth is gone, it’s outta here, but I’m not clear of the woods yet. Wow, that numb-er thing they’ve got is fantastic! I felt nothing! I walk around the store while they fill out the pill stuff, the lady said it would be about 20 minutes. I pick up some stuff and a basket. Then I hear my name called over the loudspeaker which scares me a little ‘cuz I can’t remember the last time I heard my name over the loudspeaker. Maybe that was the first time. I dunno, I kinda like a small helping of anonymity, but now everyone in the store knows I’m in the store getting drugs.
Anyways, all she wanted was to confirm my insurance stuff of which I have none currently. I’m starting to feel that other trouble coming over me and glad to have been called back to the pharmacy section where they have chairs, I sat down. I’m now extremely exhausted and slipping out of my mind as I hold down the gauze in the gap with my teeth, thinking, thank God Dad is with me and what am I supposed to eat, can I eat, oh yeah, that’s right, I’ve got the milkshake in the car that we picked up before going to the store ‘cuz the instructions they gave me said I could have milk or something, gee, when I can have the milkshake I sure am hungry by now Ican’tstandnothavingbreakfastanymoreohihaven’tbeenlookingformynumberdidtheycallityet?
Dad’s walking around the store more, staying in the area to check up on me.
My number comes up, I go the counter, Dad takes care of the things I’d put in the basket ‘cuz I could barely lift it when I stood up. It had tofu and a bottle of sauce, that’s all. I take care of the drug things which came out to less than I was expecting. They even have a program for non-insurance goofs like me. The guy hands me ‘my card’ and starts going through the procedure while I take the card and then my brain turns on a smidge to say, my card? Check the name on the bottles. It’s my name so I just sign where the guy tells me and he explains what the card is and stuff, the non-insurance thing.
Finally I’m home with my milkshake and drugs! I get comfortable in front of the TV, use a spoon with the milkshake ‘cuz the d.a. told me not to use a straw, I read all the information I got that day, especially for the prescription stuff. Mom comes home and Dad and I tell her what happened, how it’s Dr. T’s fault ‘cuz he broke my tooth, joking, and in the middle of that, Dad was doing most of the talking while I spoon up the shake so I can hurry and take the painkiller ‘cuz I feel it coming on and on top of that I’m starved which is my own fault I admit. I look down to my hand and the shake and I have lost the spoon. I look and look and realize I’ve lost it in the shake. Mom gets me another spoon and I continue with the shake.
So I was in and out of it for a few more days. Today I am on my last round of antibiotics; I didn’t have pain after the first day so I didn’t take the painkiller. I’m sleeping better now, though I have never been an easy sleeper.
But the best part is that the TOOTH IS NO MORE!
I know people don’t think about seeing the dentist because they’re not in pain, I’m one of those clearly. But I’m gonna pay more attention to when I went last. And others don’t go ‘cuz they’re afraid of the dentist- don’t be. The more regular you go for cleanings and check ups and that dentist, if he’s a good one, will save you some drilling, which I’m guessing is a good part of the fear of going. Call 1-800-dentist, ask friends if they’re dentists are good, whatever. Just get to the dentist.
Mahalo for reading in.
P.S. I do take care of my teeth, brushing and mouthwash and all that. The tooth they took out was difficult to take care of and I knew it was gonna be trouble. So even if you think you take great care of your smile and don't need the dentist, go anyway.
And The Tooth Has Set Me Free!
No, that’s not a typo. It’s true that the truth has set me free, years ago, but for the past few weeks it has been the tooth.
Go back to the KUC Candlelight Service after party. I don’t go for sweets as much as I used to at one time, but you see, officer, there was this sugar cookie. It was lying on the table, looking so innocent and good, dressed up in perfect white frosting with red and green sprinkles on top. I’m kidding, seriously I don’t really care about cookies, it’s not some kind of addiction for me. But it did look good. I had a sugar cookie because I hardly ever eat sugar cookies. And it was Christmas.
The next day I was fine. I barely thought of the sugar cookie. As I mentioned in the previous entry, Dad was home with the oh-so-tender-and-tasty ribs.
By the next Friday night though, I was hurting! I mean, my tooth was throbbing, the pain was shooting back and forth between my mouth and my brain, I was CRYING… I pray a lot, but I had never prayed all-night like that time. And for me, it seems that things like toothaches come precisely at the time that I’m getting ready for bed.
I took as many painkiller/ sleep-aid things as the label said I was allowed to have. Then I moved onto the Advil; I took as many as that label said I was allowed. I started taking this other pain pill. And I’ve told Jules many times regarding a different subject, I HATE TAKING PILLS!
And my poor cats, I have three of them in the house now, and they’re looking at me go between the bed and the medication drawer, outside to the kitchen to refill my cup so that I could take more medication… I kept going to the bathroom to brush my teeth for the fifth time that night ‘cuz maybe then it’ll take the pain away, mouthwash, anything. I couldn’t think anymore, I couldn’t lay still. PAIN. CRYING. PRAYING. EXHAUSTED.
Finally, something kicks in and I fall asleep. Exactly half an hour later, PAIN. CRYING. PRAYING. EXHAUSTED.
That goes on for the rest of the night until about 5 or 6 am, I get more than 30 consecutive minutes of rest. All I know is my dad waking me up ‘cuz I wanted to go visit Aunty and Uncle that Saturday, it’s Saturday now.
My brother comes over, I groggily get ready, we all go over to Sizzler’s for breakfast. The pain hasn’t lessened in intensity but thank God, it’s coming less frequently. My stomach was out of sorts, I’m starting to worry that it’s internally bleeding due to all the stuff I took during the night, but the food helped. We go on to see Aunty and Uncle.
By the time we got back, I knew the dentist’s office was closed for the weekend. Monday morning I call the office and Trudie answers and hers was the most beautiful voice I’d heard, well, that second. Then that beautiful voice says that they’re finishing up their morning appointments. *sigh*
Now I’m thinking, okay, it’s New Year’s Eve, tomorrow’s New Year’s Day, they’ll be open again on Wednesday.
And that voice said that they’ll be back on Friday. I don’t know if I’ll still be alive on Friday, but I say okay, put my name in that book. Trudie says the earliest appointment is 4:00 pm. *sniffle* Okay, put my name down, I’ll be there. At least Dad should be home by then and can drive me there. She says that she’s gonna start confirming appointments and will let me know if there’s an earlier cancellation. God bless her.
The pain lessens little by little each day, but I still can’t think at my best. I slept in every day ‘cuz that’s my natural response to headaches which is what came with the toothache.
____________________________
Friday arrives, that bless-ed day. I get up around 11 and slowly start getting ready. Trudie calls and says there’s a cancellation for 3:30. Good. She calls about ten minutes later saying the 1:30 opened up. It’s now close to noon and I’ll be taking the bus, but I should make it. I’ll be there at 1:30. Thank you God!
I have about 10 minutes to change clothes and get out the door. The walk to the bus stop is 15 minutes by Google’s estimates, but Google doesn’t know me, I’m short. It takes me 20 minutes. I get to the stop where a girl is already waiting, just in time ‘cuz the bus is coming down the hill. I thought I had enough cushion for at least 10 minutes. The girl asks me if this bus goes to Pearlridge and Waikele. Immediately I’m thinking, shopping, that’s why most people ask for those places. I let her know that it goes to PR but she’d hafta transfer for Wai. She asks where she needs to transfer and I say at Lumi‘āina for the 433, I think. I like knowing where I’m going and how to get there, but when people ask me for directions, I hope I’m not getting them lost ‘cuz I know what that’s like and it sucks.
She gets off at Lumi‘āina, but then she starts walking away from the bus stop. Hmm. Well, I hope she gets to where she’s going safely.
____________________________
I get off at my stop and cross the street to get to the dentist’s. I have about a half hour to wait in the waiting room. There’s an older couple sitting on the bench, reading magazines. No one’s at the reception desk. A mother with her two sons come in.
Trudie comes out from the back, and the dental assistant comes out for one of the boys. A minute later, another d.a. comes for me. It’s 1:30. I tell her where it hurt and she sticks this yellow contraption thing in my mouth to take the x-ray. That’s how long it’s been, 2 years, where the last time, they just stuck the cardboard thing in and placed the x-ray thing right at my cheek. The yellow thing holds the cardboard thing as well as shows the d.a. where to place the x-ray thing about 4 inches from my cheek.
Meanwhile, Dr. T’s walking by every so often, saying, ‘Miss Jenn, you only come to me when you have pain’ in that sort of I-told-you-so-tsk-tsk way, but gently. He asks if I want the tooth taken out that day. OH yes.
He looks at the x-ray. ‘Is this tooth gonna break on me?’ Dr. T asks.
??? I don’t know, I just want it out. I don’t answer, I just sit in that chair impatiently patient.
Dr. T and the d.a. gets in there, there’s the numb-er thing, I can still feel a little of it, the pushing and pulling stuff. Dr. T asks for the smaller tool, whatever he uses, then the angle one, the aspirator thing’s sucking up a lot of saliva, and blood I guess, give him the big tool again. He’s trying to be gentle, I like Dr. T. I don’t mind going to the dentist.
But it’s about 15 minutes of this, and the anesthesia’s starting to wear off. I’m feeling more of it now. Then the tooth does break on him. ‘This is what I was worried about, Miss Jenn. This is why I didn’t wanna take the tooth out.’ ??? I’m thinking, he didn’t say that earlier. What he did was ask if I wanted the tooth out and of course I wanted the tooth out thinking if he’s asking it means he thinks it’s a good idea to take the tooth out and that he can take the tooth out.
I start panicking a little. I had been praying a little, just, God, please take the tooth out. Mostly I was trying to control my breath. I had left the house without breakfast, so I knew I was gonna be in a different kind of trouble as soon as the tooth comes out.
Dr. T takes a very small break and starts at it again. Now I’m praying more fervently and more trying to control my breath. My hands laying on my stomach, fingers interlaced, are sweating hard now. I take my hands apart but still try to lay there motionless so not to hamper the operation. I’m trying to stay as relaxed as possible and open wider or close a little, whatever they ask of me, but it’s annoying to try to relax while Dr. T’s saying, ‘Relax.’ I wanted to shout, ‘I AM RELAXED!’ but that spit-suckers taking up half my mouth, or it feels like it is. At some point I choked a little, I just needed to catch a breath quickly. ‘Are you okay?’ ‘nnnn-hhhh,’ which he understands to be ‘uh-huh’ and it was ‘uh-huh.’
That was about five or ten more minutes of Dr. T trying. They call other dentists or something and finally find the one in NTS is in the office that day. They stick a gauze in the area, pack extra gauze, the x-rays, and directions for me, tell me how to get to that other office.
To be continued...
Go back to the KUC Candlelight Service after party. I don’t go for sweets as much as I used to at one time, but you see, officer, there was this sugar cookie. It was lying on the table, looking so innocent and good, dressed up in perfect white frosting with red and green sprinkles on top. I’m kidding, seriously I don’t really care about cookies, it’s not some kind of addiction for me. But it did look good. I had a sugar cookie because I hardly ever eat sugar cookies. And it was Christmas.
The next day I was fine. I barely thought of the sugar cookie. As I mentioned in the previous entry, Dad was home with the oh-so-tender-and-tasty ribs.
By the next Friday night though, I was hurting! I mean, my tooth was throbbing, the pain was shooting back and forth between my mouth and my brain, I was CRYING… I pray a lot, but I had never prayed all-night like that time. And for me, it seems that things like toothaches come precisely at the time that I’m getting ready for bed.
I took as many painkiller/ sleep-aid things as the label said I was allowed to have. Then I moved onto the Advil; I took as many as that label said I was allowed. I started taking this other pain pill. And I’ve told Jules many times regarding a different subject, I HATE TAKING PILLS!
And my poor cats, I have three of them in the house now, and they’re looking at me go between the bed and the medication drawer, outside to the kitchen to refill my cup so that I could take more medication… I kept going to the bathroom to brush my teeth for the fifth time that night ‘cuz maybe then it’ll take the pain away, mouthwash, anything. I couldn’t think anymore, I couldn’t lay still. PAIN. CRYING. PRAYING. EXHAUSTED.
Finally, something kicks in and I fall asleep. Exactly half an hour later, PAIN. CRYING. PRAYING. EXHAUSTED.
That goes on for the rest of the night until about 5 or 6 am, I get more than 30 consecutive minutes of rest. All I know is my dad waking me up ‘cuz I wanted to go visit Aunty and Uncle that Saturday, it’s Saturday now.
My brother comes over, I groggily get ready, we all go over to Sizzler’s for breakfast. The pain hasn’t lessened in intensity but thank God, it’s coming less frequently. My stomach was out of sorts, I’m starting to worry that it’s internally bleeding due to all the stuff I took during the night, but the food helped. We go on to see Aunty and Uncle.
By the time we got back, I knew the dentist’s office was closed for the weekend. Monday morning I call the office and Trudie answers and hers was the most beautiful voice I’d heard, well, that second. Then that beautiful voice says that they’re finishing up their morning appointments. *sigh*
Now I’m thinking, okay, it’s New Year’s Eve, tomorrow’s New Year’s Day, they’ll be open again on Wednesday.
And that voice said that they’ll be back on Friday. I don’t know if I’ll still be alive on Friday, but I say okay, put my name in that book. Trudie says the earliest appointment is 4:00 pm. *sniffle* Okay, put my name down, I’ll be there. At least Dad should be home by then and can drive me there. She says that she’s gonna start confirming appointments and will let me know if there’s an earlier cancellation. God bless her.
The pain lessens little by little each day, but I still can’t think at my best. I slept in every day ‘cuz that’s my natural response to headaches which is what came with the toothache.
____________________________
Friday arrives, that bless-ed day. I get up around 11 and slowly start getting ready. Trudie calls and says there’s a cancellation for 3:30. Good. She calls about ten minutes later saying the 1:30 opened up. It’s now close to noon and I’ll be taking the bus, but I should make it. I’ll be there at 1:30. Thank you God!
I have about 10 minutes to change clothes and get out the door. The walk to the bus stop is 15 minutes by Google’s estimates, but Google doesn’t know me, I’m short. It takes me 20 minutes. I get to the stop where a girl is already waiting, just in time ‘cuz the bus is coming down the hill. I thought I had enough cushion for at least 10 minutes. The girl asks me if this bus goes to Pearlridge and Waikele. Immediately I’m thinking, shopping, that’s why most people ask for those places. I let her know that it goes to PR but she’d hafta transfer for Wai. She asks where she needs to transfer and I say at Lumi‘āina for the 433, I think. I like knowing where I’m going and how to get there, but when people ask me for directions, I hope I’m not getting them lost ‘cuz I know what that’s like and it sucks.
She gets off at Lumi‘āina, but then she starts walking away from the bus stop. Hmm. Well, I hope she gets to where she’s going safely.
____________________________
I get off at my stop and cross the street to get to the dentist’s. I have about a half hour to wait in the waiting room. There’s an older couple sitting on the bench, reading magazines. No one’s at the reception desk. A mother with her two sons come in.
Trudie comes out from the back, and the dental assistant comes out for one of the boys. A minute later, another d.a. comes for me. It’s 1:30. I tell her where it hurt and she sticks this yellow contraption thing in my mouth to take the x-ray. That’s how long it’s been, 2 years, where the last time, they just stuck the cardboard thing in and placed the x-ray thing right at my cheek. The yellow thing holds the cardboard thing as well as shows the d.a. where to place the x-ray thing about 4 inches from my cheek.
Meanwhile, Dr. T’s walking by every so often, saying, ‘Miss Jenn, you only come to me when you have pain’ in that sort of I-told-you-so-tsk-tsk way, but gently. He asks if I want the tooth taken out that day. OH yes.
He looks at the x-ray. ‘Is this tooth gonna break on me?’ Dr. T asks.
??? I don’t know, I just want it out. I don’t answer, I just sit in that chair impatiently patient.
Dr. T and the d.a. gets in there, there’s the numb-er thing, I can still feel a little of it, the pushing and pulling stuff. Dr. T asks for the smaller tool, whatever he uses, then the angle one, the aspirator thing’s sucking up a lot of saliva, and blood I guess, give him the big tool again. He’s trying to be gentle, I like Dr. T. I don’t mind going to the dentist.
But it’s about 15 minutes of this, and the anesthesia’s starting to wear off. I’m feeling more of it now. Then the tooth does break on him. ‘This is what I was worried about, Miss Jenn. This is why I didn’t wanna take the tooth out.’ ??? I’m thinking, he didn’t say that earlier. What he did was ask if I wanted the tooth out and of course I wanted the tooth out thinking if he’s asking it means he thinks it’s a good idea to take the tooth out and that he can take the tooth out.
I start panicking a little. I had been praying a little, just, God, please take the tooth out. Mostly I was trying to control my breath. I had left the house without breakfast, so I knew I was gonna be in a different kind of trouble as soon as the tooth comes out.
Dr. T takes a very small break and starts at it again. Now I’m praying more fervently and more trying to control my breath. My hands laying on my stomach, fingers interlaced, are sweating hard now. I take my hands apart but still try to lay there motionless so not to hamper the operation. I’m trying to stay as relaxed as possible and open wider or close a little, whatever they ask of me, but it’s annoying to try to relax while Dr. T’s saying, ‘Relax.’ I wanted to shout, ‘I AM RELAXED!’ but that spit-suckers taking up half my mouth, or it feels like it is. At some point I choked a little, I just needed to catch a breath quickly. ‘Are you okay?’ ‘nnnn-hhhh,’ which he understands to be ‘uh-huh’ and it was ‘uh-huh.’
That was about five or ten more minutes of Dr. T trying. They call other dentists or something and finally find the one in NTS is in the office that day. They stick a gauze in the area, pack extra gauze, the x-rays, and directions for me, tell me how to get to that other office.
To be continued...
Candlelight With Elves, What Could Be Better?
I had meant to begin the journaling this year early, but I was forced onto a detour that I will talk about another time.
So, Happy New Year! Welcome 2008!
Let’s see, backtrack a little to Christmas Eve. Exhausted from doing a little running around during the day, visiting with Popo and Papa and present shopping for the four-leggers in the house, I had forgotten about the Christmas Eve service at church. Mom came home, tired also but Mom LOVES Christmas!!! She found some extra fuel for the night.
I was in the choir a few years back and felt a little embarrassed to be in the crowd and not on the stage like I should’ve been this year. It’s the annual Kalihi Union Church Candlelight Service and Show; well, I added the ‘Show’ part in there. The sort of KUC actor’s guild puts on a play every year. It’s mostly the usual suspects, even though a couple have changed churches, but they love the KUC Candlelight tradition so they come back every time. The choir plays a role in the show too.
Actually, being in the crowd and being on the stage both have their good and bad. On stage I’m nervous, trying to remember the lyrics and changes, trying to pay attention to the show, looking to see where Mom’s sitting or if my friends are in the audience, all the while very conscious that anyone could be looking at me at any moment because the choir is on stage the entire time with only dimmed lights during the acting parts as cover. Oh, and trying to remember to SMILE while I’m SINGING which I think looks strange on my face but Mom loves it.
So I can say I was more relaxed being in the audience. But we sat on the outside of the row, so I wasn’t in a good place to get good pictures of it all. I always try. I messed up the picture showing the candlelight part; it's a beautiful sight, come and experience it for yourself one of these years.
Here’s the back of the choir director’s head. See his lei? It's neat, it changes between green and red when he moves. I was trying to take a picture of former-representative-turned-Elvis-impersonator Mr. A but he turned as soon as I snapped the picture. Maybe he’s a little camara-shy. Nah, but the Elvis thing was a part of the play. Mr. A left the representing job to focus more attention to the Philippines’ mission trips that he organizes every so often for KUC, I think it’s an annual trip now, and other projects. Can you find the humangous sideburns?
The scene was set in an airport waiting area in Vegas. No, we did not rent the elves from the Ala Moana Christmas commercials. The elves shown here are true Kalihi elves! What do you think of the shoes? I couldn’t pull off that look. Maybe if they came in grey?
The crowd partying it up after hours KUC style! Mrs. Akamine, my third grade Sunday school teacher and fellow choir member, found me and properly scolded me for missing choir; she’s a good lady! Uncle Mike and Aunty Shirlynne were there, Uncle Don said hi, caught up a second with Andrew who is back home now and in the choir, and more. It was a good night all around!
Afterwards, Mom and I did a little drive-by Christmas tour. I did this few years ago with my cousin's girl T-J when they lived with us one time. I miss spending so much time with T-J. She's the little girl in the picture with Santa a few entries earlier. Anyways, as I said, Mom LOVES Christmas but we were short on time 'cuz Dad was home making RIBS, MMMM! But still, the drive-by was worth it. I gotta do this every year 'cuz some M-houses really go all out, Halloween too!
Here's some looks:
That last one was a bugger! It was one of those lighted balloon thing displays with a light show. I kept catching it when none of the things were lighted, it took about 7 tries to get this shot, one of the tries had only frosty lighted up... But it was fun trying, kinda like some wierd game, yes, I can be easily amused... Who knew, more camera-shyness?
Anyways, all these pictures should satisfy Kevin for some time, but I have more to share, coming up!
Buenas Noches!
P.S. I had hoped to get the video working of the KUC Choir singing 'Sing Noel', but ah well... Better luck next time!
So, Happy New Year! Welcome 2008!
Let’s see, backtrack a little to Christmas Eve. Exhausted from doing a little running around during the day, visiting with Popo and Papa and present shopping for the four-leggers in the house, I had forgotten about the Christmas Eve service at church. Mom came home, tired also but Mom LOVES Christmas!!! She found some extra fuel for the night.
I was in the choir a few years back and felt a little embarrassed to be in the crowd and not on the stage like I should’ve been this year. It’s the annual Kalihi Union Church Candlelight Service and Show; well, I added the ‘Show’ part in there. The sort of KUC actor’s guild puts on a play every year. It’s mostly the usual suspects, even though a couple have changed churches, but they love the KUC Candlelight tradition so they come back every time. The choir plays a role in the show too.
Actually, being in the crowd and being on the stage both have their good and bad. On stage I’m nervous, trying to remember the lyrics and changes, trying to pay attention to the show, looking to see where Mom’s sitting or if my friends are in the audience, all the while very conscious that anyone could be looking at me at any moment because the choir is on stage the entire time with only dimmed lights during the acting parts as cover. Oh, and trying to remember to SMILE while I’m SINGING which I think looks strange on my face but Mom loves it.
So I can say I was more relaxed being in the audience. But we sat on the outside of the row, so I wasn’t in a good place to get good pictures of it all. I always try. I messed up the picture showing the candlelight part; it's a beautiful sight, come and experience it for yourself one of these years.
Here’s the back of the choir director’s head. See his lei? It's neat, it changes between green and red when he moves. I was trying to take a picture of former-representative-turned-Elvis-impersonator Mr. A but he turned as soon as I snapped the picture. Maybe he’s a little camara-shy. Nah, but the Elvis thing was a part of the play. Mr. A left the representing job to focus more attention to the Philippines’ mission trips that he organizes every so often for KUC, I think it’s an annual trip now, and other projects. Can you find the humangous sideburns? 
The scene was set in an airport waiting area in Vegas. No, we did not rent the elves from the Ala Moana Christmas commercials. The elves shown here are true Kalihi elves! What do you think of the shoes? I couldn’t pull off that look. Maybe if they came in grey?
The crowd partying it up after hours KUC style! Mrs. Akamine, my third grade Sunday school teacher and fellow choir member, found me and properly scolded me for missing choir; she’s a good lady! Uncle Mike and Aunty Shirlynne were there, Uncle Don said hi, caught up a second with Andrew who is back home now and in the choir, and more. It was a good night all around!
Afterwards, Mom and I did a little drive-by Christmas tour. I did this few years ago with my cousin's girl T-J when they lived with us one time. I miss spending so much time with T-J. She's the little girl in the picture with Santa a few entries earlier. Anyways, as I said, Mom LOVES Christmas but we were short on time 'cuz Dad was home making RIBS, MMMM! But still, the drive-by was worth it. I gotta do this every year 'cuz some M-houses really go all out, Halloween too!
Here's some looks:
That last one was a bugger! It was one of those lighted balloon thing displays with a light show. I kept catching it when none of the things were lighted, it took about 7 tries to get this shot, one of the tries had only frosty lighted up... But it was fun trying, kinda like some wierd game, yes, I can be easily amused... Who knew, more camera-shyness?
Anyways, all these pictures should satisfy Kevin for some time, but I have more to share, coming up!
Buenas Noches!
P.S. I had hoped to get the video working of the KUC Choir singing 'Sing Noel', but ah well... Better luck next time!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
A Not So Plus Moment
I would love to have an art room someday, a place to both create and display art. With this idea in mind, I often visit Pictures Plus in order to envision such a room. Every once in a long while, I’ll buy an art print from them. They carry a few artists whose works I enjoy.
During a recent walk in Waikīkī, I discovered an art gallery owned by one of those artists, and as I am very cautious about money, I’ll probably be spending less time roaming around Pictures Plus.
That being the case, I do want to say something about a recent event hosted by Pictures Plus. I have no desire to draw customers to or from their store; I was just a little disappointed or unsatisfied with the way they handled the event and hope that they would do a better job if they have the event again.
A former UH Football player, Na Koa member, and owner of Pictures Plus, Kent Untermann had good intentions, I presume, behind holding a weekend of autograph sessions with current senior UH Football Warriors. Four sessions were held from last Thursday to Sunday. It was the first time that UH fans were asked to pay for the autographs. Pictures Plus also sold a lot of memorabilia things for the fans to have signed by the players.
I watched the news coverage of the sessions. On Thursday, it was reported that the signings would be at the Kahala Mall Pictures Plus. The fees would be $2.50 and $5.00 (some players’ autograph would be for $2.50 while others would be the five) per autograph and $20 for Brennan’s autograph, should he make an appearance.
Friday and Saturday’s sessions were in Waikīkī with Sunday’s session back at Kahala. Friday reported that prices were $5 each and that Brennan would be at the Sunday session. The $5 broke down to $2.50 to the player, $0.50 to Na Koa, and the remaining went to organizing the event. Brennan’s Hancock would be $20-$30, of which he would receive $15 himself.
Friday’s report also had Untermann explaining the reason behind the event. He said that, having been an athlete himself, he wanted to help out the players that have just graduated or used up their eligibility. Those players would be trying to find jobs and starving; that’s not a direct quote but sums up the thought. So that’s good, looking out for our players.
Untermann also mentioned how such memorabilia previously signed by the Warriors for free are currently being sold on EBay for a huge profit with the Warriors seeing nothing from those sales.
And Sunday, Brennan did indeed wear out his hand in autographs.
____________________________
The part that did not sound right is assigning different prices for different players’ signatures. I would not feel very appreciated being one of the $2.50 players. It’s not about greed or jealousy, but this UH FB team has always maintained that they were all ohana, every person important, every person doing his part. I understand Brennan commanding a higher price, but other than that I don’t see the justification for having two different prices for the rest of the team. Whether the full price went directly to charity, to supporting the UH program, or went full or partially to the player would not matter.
In any way, the $2.50 player is showing up just like the others and raising less money for whatever reason. No explanation was given, that I know of, for why a certain player would garner the $2.50 price or the $5.
And events like this should directly, from the start, clearly say to where or whom the money goes.
____________________________
As for Untermann’s explanation for the event in the first place, there’s a flaw in it. I’m going to say that the football players have the intelligence and the skills and anything else they would need to succeed inside and outside of football. Most of all, they would have the support of their family and friends. This 2007 team especially would have the support from the community of fans here if they ever need any help.
And I am sure Brennan wouldn’t mind giving all the profit from these sessions to Na Koa or the program and such. With prospects of a good draft position, I’m pretty confident that he would not be strapped for cash anytime soon, nor would any other of the players who make it in the NFL.
____________________________
While I’m on the subject of Brennan, these autograph sessions did not take proper care of his fans here. To not guarantee that Brennan would show up was not the right thing to do. Yes, they gave some kind of voucher to those who came on Thursday hoping to see Brennan there, but with how greatly the fans appreciate and enjoy Brennan, one should have a schedule worked out with him to guarantee his fans the moment with him. At least they confirmed on Friday that Brennan would be there Sunday, but the Thursday and perhaps the Friday expectation of Brennan was not right.
____________________________
All of this criticism is not on the players one bit. They were not the ones who coordinated or asked for this event to take place. I’m sure they do not care about the money so much as to be there for their fans.
I applaud the Warriors who came out to the sessions and spent time with the Hawai‘i fans. Mahalo for an amazing season and may more be on the way!
During a recent walk in Waikīkī, I discovered an art gallery owned by one of those artists, and as I am very cautious about money, I’ll probably be spending less time roaming around Pictures Plus.
That being the case, I do want to say something about a recent event hosted by Pictures Plus. I have no desire to draw customers to or from their store; I was just a little disappointed or unsatisfied with the way they handled the event and hope that they would do a better job if they have the event again.
A former UH Football player, Na Koa member, and owner of Pictures Plus, Kent Untermann had good intentions, I presume, behind holding a weekend of autograph sessions with current senior UH Football Warriors. Four sessions were held from last Thursday to Sunday. It was the first time that UH fans were asked to pay for the autographs. Pictures Plus also sold a lot of memorabilia things for the fans to have signed by the players.
I watched the news coverage of the sessions. On Thursday, it was reported that the signings would be at the Kahala Mall Pictures Plus. The fees would be $2.50 and $5.00 (some players’ autograph would be for $2.50 while others would be the five) per autograph and $20 for Brennan’s autograph, should he make an appearance.
Friday and Saturday’s sessions were in Waikīkī with Sunday’s session back at Kahala. Friday reported that prices were $5 each and that Brennan would be at the Sunday session. The $5 broke down to $2.50 to the player, $0.50 to Na Koa, and the remaining went to organizing the event. Brennan’s Hancock would be $20-$30, of which he would receive $15 himself.
Friday’s report also had Untermann explaining the reason behind the event. He said that, having been an athlete himself, he wanted to help out the players that have just graduated or used up their eligibility. Those players would be trying to find jobs and starving; that’s not a direct quote but sums up the thought. So that’s good, looking out for our players.
Untermann also mentioned how such memorabilia previously signed by the Warriors for free are currently being sold on EBay for a huge profit with the Warriors seeing nothing from those sales.
And Sunday, Brennan did indeed wear out his hand in autographs.
____________________________
The part that did not sound right is assigning different prices for different players’ signatures. I would not feel very appreciated being one of the $2.50 players. It’s not about greed or jealousy, but this UH FB team has always maintained that they were all ohana, every person important, every person doing his part. I understand Brennan commanding a higher price, but other than that I don’t see the justification for having two different prices for the rest of the team. Whether the full price went directly to charity, to supporting the UH program, or went full or partially to the player would not matter.
In any way, the $2.50 player is showing up just like the others and raising less money for whatever reason. No explanation was given, that I know of, for why a certain player would garner the $2.50 price or the $5.
And events like this should directly, from the start, clearly say to where or whom the money goes.
____________________________
As for Untermann’s explanation for the event in the first place, there’s a flaw in it. I’m going to say that the football players have the intelligence and the skills and anything else they would need to succeed inside and outside of football. Most of all, they would have the support of their family and friends. This 2007 team especially would have the support from the community of fans here if they ever need any help.
And I am sure Brennan wouldn’t mind giving all the profit from these sessions to Na Koa or the program and such. With prospects of a good draft position, I’m pretty confident that he would not be strapped for cash anytime soon, nor would any other of the players who make it in the NFL.
____________________________
While I’m on the subject of Brennan, these autograph sessions did not take proper care of his fans here. To not guarantee that Brennan would show up was not the right thing to do. Yes, they gave some kind of voucher to those who came on Thursday hoping to see Brennan there, but with how greatly the fans appreciate and enjoy Brennan, one should have a schedule worked out with him to guarantee his fans the moment with him. At least they confirmed on Friday that Brennan would be there Sunday, but the Thursday and perhaps the Friday expectation of Brennan was not right.
____________________________
All of this criticism is not on the players one bit. They were not the ones who coordinated or asked for this event to take place. I’m sure they do not care about the money so much as to be there for their fans.
I applaud the Warriors who came out to the sessions and spent time with the Hawai‘i fans. Mahalo for an amazing season and may more be on the way!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Picture This
I don't know why I started this blog, then I thought it would help Chulo check in on me but he's got a lot on his plate, so I think I've been writing to myself. Kevin IM's with me and we were talking about stuff and I sent him the link to this journal.
Kevin says I need more pictures.
Here's the deal, I've been looking into copyrighting or digitally watermarking my images, or whatever it is I'm supposed to do with them. Every so often someone'll say that I take good pictures and I'll think, I wish. My brother's the real photographer in the family. Anyways, I don't mind if people like my pictures and wanna keep them, but if someone wantsta turn one of 'um into a postcard or something and make money with it...technically I'm still a starving arch student---I need to make money anyway I can! Not that I actually believe that'll happen, but you never know...
Anyways, since I always listen to what Kevin tells me, here are a few morsels to whet the appetite, um, eyes. Since it's Christmas time, let's start with Christmas Pasts (not necessarily those that'll make good postcards)...
Hope you enjoy!
Kevin says I need more pictures.
Here's the deal, I've been looking into copyrighting or digitally watermarking my images, or whatever it is I'm supposed to do with them. Every so often someone'll say that I take good pictures and I'll think, I wish. My brother's the real photographer in the family. Anyways, I don't mind if people like my pictures and wanna keep them, but if someone wantsta turn one of 'um into a postcard or something and make money with it...technically I'm still a starving arch student---I need to make money anyway I can! Not that I actually believe that'll happen, but you never know...
Anyways, since I always listen to what Kevin tells me, here are a few morsels to whet the appetite, um, eyes. Since it's Christmas time, let's start with Christmas Pasts (not necessarily those that'll make good postcards)...
Hope you enjoy!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
First Things First
Here it goes, my first bus story already!
Let me start with how I select a seat on the bus. Travelling by myself, I'm careful about where and by whom I sit. If presented with a choice of sitting with a man or a woman, I'll sit next to the woman. I recall one specific incident when a man intentionally and uninvitingly felt my leg. I also try to sit near the front, after the seats for disabled and elderly riders. I feel safer and I can alert the driver of a bad situation on the bus, should one occur.
Other than that, I'll sit wherever a seat is open. A teenager wearing all black with a mohawk, a fresh-from-the-jobsite construction worker, a frowning old lady clutching her bag tighter because I might be a thief, I'll sit next to any of them. I've shared a bus with crying babies, workaholics, people who talk aloud to no one in particular about nothing in particular (conspiracies, Asians don't give money, grouchy mumblings about see-he-did-it-again-he's-just-like-those-others, that kinda non-particular), big people, small people, I-Pod listeners, gamers, texters, loud cellphone users, readers, sleepers, and many, many tourists. I've had the unfortunate experience of sitting behind a guy with a very questionable odor, or at least, I hoped it was him and not me.
They don't bother me. The person that rattles me is THE COUGHER. I'm not talking about the polite closed-mouthed cough into the sleeve cougher like those at a symphony concert or in a meeting. The bus-riding cougher puts his whole being into horking up phlegm from goodness knows where, wide open mouth, several times, throwing his mucus-inducing germs into the air-conditioned atmosphere.
On the first bus of my two-bus trip to campus last Thursday, I sat by a young, healthy-looking guy. After a few minutes, he's coughing. He gets off somewhere in Pearl City, so that's about 20 minutes of coughs. He had turned to the side and tried to bury his coughing, so after he got off, I stayed in the aisle seat. Usually, I would have moved over to the window seat and leave the aisle seat open for the next rider, but that just wasn't gonna happen. Luckily, the bus wasn't very full and many seats were open.
Like the two seats behind me. An older guy moved from somewhere in back to the window seat in the row behind me. Alright, he's not bothering me. And then he coughed. A few minutes later, he coughed again. He didn't get off the bus until somewhere in town. By now, that's an hour of breathing in air coughed by someone else. It was enough to make me start to feel a little under the weather myself. Maybe I should ask, will being allergic to someone else make one cough?
It was a rainy, windy sorta day, so the number of potential coughers in a bus goes up dramatically. I'm going with that.
____________________________
From UH, I caught a ride with Brenda (Big D Committee) and Nick to visit Kapolei Middle. When the visit was over, I had them drop me off at the Kapolei SC, I went to the bead shop, then took the bus to the LCC stop. From there, I waited to transfer to the bus that'll take me home.
Already at the stop were four people: a guy on the backside by the rail [call him G1], a guy sitting on the rail to the right [G2], a guy sitting on the bench in front of G2 [G3], and a girl sitting about two feet from G3, all about college age (I'm assuming 'cuz we're at the LCC stop). The girl was wearing white slippers and white jeans, both of which were splattered with mud. I said it was a rainy day.
I was listening to music so I didn't hear everything, but I noticed that the girl was facing G3 and talking. G3 didn't seem to be listening to her though. He had earbuds in his ear and not really looking at her. G2 didn't seem to be paying attention to her either. G1 was looking down the road for the bus and completely not in a conversation with the girl.
She's talking and making sense, saying stuff about how hard her finals were and the classes she's taking next semester and stuff, but I couldn't figure out to whom she was speaking.
Then I see G3 take out his right earbud. He glances at her every so often, nods his head. He made some reply to something she said.
Apparently his phone rings; he takes out the other earbud and answers his phone. She seems to stop talking. Then she says something, he turns his head towards her, still on the phone, nods some more. They do that a few more times.
His bus arrives and he just stands up and goes. Another guy [G4] gets off from that bus and sits on the bench where G3 had been sitting. The bus leaves.
A minute later and she starts talking to G4. She's saying the same things she had said to G3, only this time G4 participates in the conversation with her.
I was at that stop for at least half an hour. My bus comes and it's pretty full so I sit in one of the elderly seats. The girl sits right next to me on the left. A couple guys that got on with us stand in the aisle. The bus starts rolling.
A stop later, the girl noticed that there was a seat on the other side between a guy and a pole, kind of a tight fit if one doesn't like touching a stranger on the bus. The girl asks the guy [G5] standing in the aisle to my right, "You like sit down? I'll go sit ovah d'ere." G5 declines. "You sure? You like sit down? I'm gonna sit ovah d'ere so someone can take this seat." G5 declines. "I'm gonna go ovah d'ere, you like sit down?"
She gets up and sits between the guy and the pole on the other side. G5 looks around him, sees that no lady or elderly is standing so he shrugs and sits next to me where the girl had been.
____________________________
Initially, at that last stop, I was thinking, good thing she wasn't talking to me. I'm not very good at being social with strangers who talk just to talk. I'm awkward with small talk and get bored easily if the other person talks on without caring if I'm listening or not. I try to make conversation, but, I'm awkward.
I ended up thinking, wow, that girl is something good. She saw an open seat and moved to let a strong young man have her seat. That has got to be the first time I've seen that happen. God bless that young lady.
____________________________
And no, G5 did not cough even once.
Let me start with how I select a seat on the bus. Travelling by myself, I'm careful about where and by whom I sit. If presented with a choice of sitting with a man or a woman, I'll sit next to the woman. I recall one specific incident when a man intentionally and uninvitingly felt my leg. I also try to sit near the front, after the seats for disabled and elderly riders. I feel safer and I can alert the driver of a bad situation on the bus, should one occur.
Other than that, I'll sit wherever a seat is open. A teenager wearing all black with a mohawk, a fresh-from-the-jobsite construction worker, a frowning old lady clutching her bag tighter because I might be a thief, I'll sit next to any of them. I've shared a bus with crying babies, workaholics, people who talk aloud to no one in particular about nothing in particular (conspiracies, Asians don't give money, grouchy mumblings about see-he-did-it-again-he's-just-like-those-others, that kinda non-particular), big people, small people, I-Pod listeners, gamers, texters, loud cellphone users, readers, sleepers, and many, many tourists. I've had the unfortunate experience of sitting behind a guy with a very questionable odor, or at least, I hoped it was him and not me.
They don't bother me. The person that rattles me is THE COUGHER. I'm not talking about the polite closed-mouthed cough into the sleeve cougher like those at a symphony concert or in a meeting. The bus-riding cougher puts his whole being into horking up phlegm from goodness knows where, wide open mouth, several times, throwing his mucus-inducing germs into the air-conditioned atmosphere.
On the first bus of my two-bus trip to campus last Thursday, I sat by a young, healthy-looking guy. After a few minutes, he's coughing. He gets off somewhere in Pearl City, so that's about 20 minutes of coughs. He had turned to the side and tried to bury his coughing, so after he got off, I stayed in the aisle seat. Usually, I would have moved over to the window seat and leave the aisle seat open for the next rider, but that just wasn't gonna happen. Luckily, the bus wasn't very full and many seats were open.
Like the two seats behind me. An older guy moved from somewhere in back to the window seat in the row behind me. Alright, he's not bothering me. And then he coughed. A few minutes later, he coughed again. He didn't get off the bus until somewhere in town. By now, that's an hour of breathing in air coughed by someone else. It was enough to make me start to feel a little under the weather myself. Maybe I should ask, will being allergic to someone else make one cough?
It was a rainy, windy sorta day, so the number of potential coughers in a bus goes up dramatically. I'm going with that.
____________________________
From UH, I caught a ride with Brenda (Big D Committee) and Nick to visit Kapolei Middle. When the visit was over, I had them drop me off at the Kapolei SC, I went to the bead shop, then took the bus to the LCC stop. From there, I waited to transfer to the bus that'll take me home.
Already at the stop were four people: a guy on the backside by the rail [call him G1], a guy sitting on the rail to the right [G2], a guy sitting on the bench in front of G2 [G3], and a girl sitting about two feet from G3, all about college age (I'm assuming 'cuz we're at the LCC stop). The girl was wearing white slippers and white jeans, both of which were splattered with mud. I said it was a rainy day.
I was listening to music so I didn't hear everything, but I noticed that the girl was facing G3 and talking. G3 didn't seem to be listening to her though. He had earbuds in his ear and not really looking at her. G2 didn't seem to be paying attention to her either. G1 was looking down the road for the bus and completely not in a conversation with the girl.
She's talking and making sense, saying stuff about how hard her finals were and the classes she's taking next semester and stuff, but I couldn't figure out to whom she was speaking.
Then I see G3 take out his right earbud. He glances at her every so often, nods his head. He made some reply to something she said.
Apparently his phone rings; he takes out the other earbud and answers his phone. She seems to stop talking. Then she says something, he turns his head towards her, still on the phone, nods some more. They do that a few more times.
His bus arrives and he just stands up and goes. Another guy [G4] gets off from that bus and sits on the bench where G3 had been sitting. The bus leaves.
A minute later and she starts talking to G4. She's saying the same things she had said to G3, only this time G4 participates in the conversation with her.
I was at that stop for at least half an hour. My bus comes and it's pretty full so I sit in one of the elderly seats. The girl sits right next to me on the left. A couple guys that got on with us stand in the aisle. The bus starts rolling.
A stop later, the girl noticed that there was a seat on the other side between a guy and a pole, kind of a tight fit if one doesn't like touching a stranger on the bus. The girl asks the guy [G5] standing in the aisle to my right, "You like sit down? I'll go sit ovah d'ere." G5 declines. "You sure? You like sit down? I'm gonna sit ovah d'ere so someone can take this seat." G5 declines. "I'm gonna go ovah d'ere, you like sit down?"
She gets up and sits between the guy and the pole on the other side. G5 looks around him, sees that no lady or elderly is standing so he shrugs and sits next to me where the girl had been.
____________________________
Initially, at that last stop, I was thinking, good thing she wasn't talking to me. I'm not very good at being social with strangers who talk just to talk. I'm awkward with small talk and get bored easily if the other person talks on without caring if I'm listening or not. I try to make conversation, but, I'm awkward.
I ended up thinking, wow, that girl is something good. She saw an open seat and moved to let a strong young man have her seat. That has got to be the first time I've seen that happen. God bless that young lady.
____________________________
And no, G5 did not cough even once.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
A Bus In Time
This is the first of hopefully a new series I thought I'd begin about my adventures on TheBus. I know it doesn't sound very exciting but I already have a list of things I'd like to write about. Protocol, interesting characters and good bus drivers are all waiting for the spotlight.
With gas prices rising and parking availability falling, combined with my dislike of driving, I decided to take the bus this semester. Oh, and the deal on the U-Pass, the bus pass specially priced for university students, is unbeatable. It's already paid off for me and I've got one more month left to use it, with only one "class" to go to this semester.
I didn't come to this semester as a newbie bus rider. When I was younger and my grandma stayed with us, we rode the bus. In h.s., I got around on the bus whenever my parents couldn't give me a ride in the summer [picture days and MB practices, I never needed summerschool]. Initially, I went away for college and caught the bus between L.A. and Burbank a few times. Most recently, for my practicum semesters in OR and CA, I took the public transit everywhere [I love the transit in OR, it's so easy!]. I could write so much about riding the bus in OR and CA alone, but that'll be for some other time. So, I am not entirely new to the bus passenger role.
So concludes the introductory piece. The semester's already over. Finals are this week. Colt Brennan and Kari Gregory (I think) will be walking on Sunday. I'll be on the bus again next semester with stories lined up from this past semester in case I get stuck for a topic. Maybe this series will get me to write on this blog on a consistent basis; we'll see.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
With gas prices rising and parking availability falling, combined with my dislike of driving, I decided to take the bus this semester. Oh, and the deal on the U-Pass, the bus pass specially priced for university students, is unbeatable. It's already paid off for me and I've got one more month left to use it, with only one "class" to go to this semester.
I didn't come to this semester as a newbie bus rider. When I was younger and my grandma stayed with us, we rode the bus. In h.s., I got around on the bus whenever my parents couldn't give me a ride in the summer [picture days and MB practices, I never needed summerschool]. Initially, I went away for college and caught the bus between L.A. and Burbank a few times. Most recently, for my practicum semesters in OR and CA, I took the public transit everywhere [I love the transit in OR, it's so easy!]. I could write so much about riding the bus in OR and CA alone, but that'll be for some other time. So, I am not entirely new to the bus passenger role.
So concludes the introductory piece. The semester's already over. Finals are this week. Colt Brennan and Kari Gregory (I think) will be walking on Sunday. I'll be on the bus again next semester with stories lined up from this past semester in case I get stuck for a topic. Maybe this series will get me to write on this blog on a consistent basis; we'll see.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Run By Me
I know, I am inconsistent with how often I write an entry. With working on a thesis, I have an irregular schedule and thesis will always trump this blog. So here are a few things that's been on my mind:
Good Friends:
I got word back in September that my two good friends Shay and Tony are gonna be parents! Wow, I am so happy for them. They're gonna be amazing parents and this kid will be so lucky to be born to these two fine people. It's crazy to me because I have known both of them mostly separately for...more than a decade each, then they got married, and now they're having a baby. It's wonderful!
Thesis:
Good news! After some tough years and rough starts, the Big D [for Doctorate of Architecture, D. Arch.] has been resuscitated! I just had a committee meeting Thursday night and amazingly I was able to keep everyone on board. It was a good meeting, a lot of good comments and discussion, and so I've still got a lot of work to do. Overall, I feel less stressed and concerned, I'm excited about this project, that has never changed, so we'll see. I know a lot of you keep wondering when I'm gonna finish. Hopefully it'll be Spring. Don't worry, when it's done, EVERYONE WILL KNOW!!!
UH Wahine Volleyball:
Um, well, they beat Tennessee in the first round of the NCAA. Then they lost to Middle Tennessee in the second round, so... I don't know. I definitely thought they were going to the semis. I know, they don't have Kamana'o, but they were playing like a team by the second half of the season. They were really playing well and on fire. *sigh*
I can't wait for next season!
UH Warrior Volleyball:
Preseason has them at 8th. They usually start in the top 5, but last season, they graduated Beckwith at setter, Dante at middle, Hakala at right, and Kalima at libero/outside, key positions and star players. This season, Schkud is the only true senior leading a few juniors, a few freshmen, and a bunch of sophomores. Schkud has not been a starter, but the papers say he's settled in the right-side position nicely. I'm excited to see what he can do.
I tend to write about the Warrior VB a lot because I'm more familiar with it and their competition. Anyone up for going to a game with me?
UH Football:
Let me just get it out...WOOHOO!!! WAC CHAMPIONS! WE'RE GOING TO THE SUGAR BOWL! AHHHHH!!!
Okay, now that that's done...
The Heisman will be announced Saturday 3:00 p.m. Hawaii time, so, hours from now. I know it sounds like Tebow's the favorite, but I do believe that it should be Colt. I watch shows like Around the Horn and stuff and they've mentioned things like leadership, how many games did the team lose, what conference they play in, etc.
The three other finalists have all lost a few games. UH is undefeated. Mariotti [ATH] thinks that Hawaii couldn't win in the SEC, but how does he know? He doesn't, there's no way of proving this team couldn't beat the SEC. Colt's got crazy numbers. The other finalists have good numbers too, but Colt's also got records, NCAA records! Not just Hawaii records, WAC records, NCAA records. I'm missing the reason I should be impressed with Tebow's rushing TDs, I don't know. Well, Colt got injured and missed a couple games. Actually, Colt got injured and missed one full game and a couple quarters in a couple games or so; Hawaii still won.
So they could say, well, Colt missed some play time and the team still won so they don't need Colt that much. I say, who does the team play for? Sure, Hawaii's got great players and they can win without Colt, but they play for Colt. I like Graunke, I look forward to seeing how he leads next year, but if Colt had gone NFL last year, this season would've been different, whether HI went undefeated or not. They play heart 'cause Colt came back.
And leadership, Colt's got that in spades. I've written in earlier entries about how respectful and humble he is, everyone in HI knows that, it's evident just by watching his interviews. He came back for this team. And when he did get injured, yes he played hard, but most importantly, when he had the concussion, I'm sure he said he could play, but he listened to doctors and coaches and did what was best for the team. He wasn't being the hero, he had confidence that his team could go on and they beat Nevada. He was a leader from the sidelines.
Obviously, I could go on. My last thoughts on the Heisman, I hope Colt gets it, but if he comes in fourth, it'll be an injustice. He should win it or be second. Let's see what happens.
Good Friends:
I got word back in September that my two good friends Shay and Tony are gonna be parents! Wow, I am so happy for them. They're gonna be amazing parents and this kid will be so lucky to be born to these two fine people. It's crazy to me because I have known both of them mostly separately for...more than a decade each, then they got married, and now they're having a baby. It's wonderful!
Thesis:
Good news! After some tough years and rough starts, the Big D [for Doctorate of Architecture, D. Arch.] has been resuscitated! I just had a committee meeting Thursday night and amazingly I was able to keep everyone on board. It was a good meeting, a lot of good comments and discussion, and so I've still got a lot of work to do. Overall, I feel less stressed and concerned, I'm excited about this project, that has never changed, so we'll see. I know a lot of you keep wondering when I'm gonna finish. Hopefully it'll be Spring. Don't worry, when it's done, EVERYONE WILL KNOW!!!
UH Wahine Volleyball:
Um, well, they beat Tennessee in the first round of the NCAA. Then they lost to Middle Tennessee in the second round, so... I don't know. I definitely thought they were going to the semis. I know, they don't have Kamana'o, but they were playing like a team by the second half of the season. They were really playing well and on fire. *sigh*
I can't wait for next season!
UH Warrior Volleyball:
Preseason has them at 8th. They usually start in the top 5, but last season, they graduated Beckwith at setter, Dante at middle, Hakala at right, and Kalima at libero/outside, key positions and star players. This season, Schkud is the only true senior leading a few juniors, a few freshmen, and a bunch of sophomores. Schkud has not been a starter, but the papers say he's settled in the right-side position nicely. I'm excited to see what he can do.
I tend to write about the Warrior VB a lot because I'm more familiar with it and their competition. Anyone up for going to a game with me?
UH Football:
Let me just get it out...WOOHOO!!! WAC CHAMPIONS! WE'RE GOING TO THE SUGAR BOWL! AHHHHH!!!
Okay, now that that's done...
The Heisman will be announced Saturday 3:00 p.m. Hawaii time, so, hours from now. I know it sounds like Tebow's the favorite, but I do believe that it should be Colt. I watch shows like Around the Horn and stuff and they've mentioned things like leadership, how many games did the team lose, what conference they play in, etc.
The three other finalists have all lost a few games. UH is undefeated. Mariotti [ATH] thinks that Hawaii couldn't win in the SEC, but how does he know? He doesn't, there's no way of proving this team couldn't beat the SEC. Colt's got crazy numbers. The other finalists have good numbers too, but Colt's also got records, NCAA records! Not just Hawaii records, WAC records, NCAA records. I'm missing the reason I should be impressed with Tebow's rushing TDs, I don't know. Well, Colt got injured and missed a couple games. Actually, Colt got injured and missed one full game and a couple quarters in a couple games or so; Hawaii still won.
So they could say, well, Colt missed some play time and the team still won so they don't need Colt that much. I say, who does the team play for? Sure, Hawaii's got great players and they can win without Colt, but they play for Colt. I like Graunke, I look forward to seeing how he leads next year, but if Colt had gone NFL last year, this season would've been different, whether HI went undefeated or not. They play heart 'cause Colt came back.
And leadership, Colt's got that in spades. I've written in earlier entries about how respectful and humble he is, everyone in HI knows that, it's evident just by watching his interviews. He came back for this team. And when he did get injured, yes he played hard, but most importantly, when he had the concussion, I'm sure he said he could play, but he listened to doctors and coaches and did what was best for the team. He wasn't being the hero, he had confidence that his team could go on and they beat Nevada. He was a leader from the sidelines.
Obviously, I could go on. My last thoughts on the Heisman, I hope Colt gets it, but if he comes in fourth, it'll be an injustice. He should win it or be second. Let's see what happens.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Just for Fun
I love Christmas time!
Here's a little story: when I was younger, I hated taking pictures with Santa. I can remember wanting to go to see Santa, but I didn't want to sit on his knee and take a picture. My mom would sit me on one knee, my brother on the other knee. I'd start to cry as soon as my mom walked away. Everyone would try anything to get me to smile, which would make me cry even more. They gave me a lollipop before the picture to try to get me to stop crying. Finally they just tried to cover up my crying with the lollipop and took the picture anyway. I wish I had the picture right now, I'll hafta find it to show another time, but it's Santa smiling in the middle with big red cheeks, my brother to one side with a big dimpled smile, and me with sad eyes and a lollipop in front of my face. Of all the years that we went to take pictures with Santa, not one picture has me smiling.
Well, in the previous entry, I asked that everyone give donations to non-profit organizations this Christmas. So the following is a list of things that I would want but not NEED. It's just for fun. You'll see why I'm asking people to donate instead.
My wishlist: (in no particular order)
I told you, just donate to a non-profit, a church, a school, or a library. It's easier. [For other ideas on how to give back to your community]
Merii Kurisumasu!
Here's a little story: when I was younger, I hated taking pictures with Santa. I can remember wanting to go to see Santa, but I didn't want to sit on his knee and take a picture. My mom would sit me on one knee, my brother on the other knee. I'd start to cry as soon as my mom walked away. Everyone would try anything to get me to smile, which would make me cry even more. They gave me a lollipop before the picture to try to get me to stop crying. Finally they just tried to cover up my crying with the lollipop and took the picture anyway. I wish I had the picture right now, I'll hafta find it to show another time, but it's Santa smiling in the middle with big red cheeks, my brother to one side with a big dimpled smile, and me with sad eyes and a lollipop in front of my face. Of all the years that we went to take pictures with Santa, not one picture has me smiling.
Well, in the previous entry, I asked that everyone give donations to non-profit organizations this Christmas. So the following is a list of things that I would want but not NEED. It's just for fun. You'll see why I'm asking people to donate instead.
My wishlist: (in no particular order)
Sugarbowl trip
Adopt Megamouth [our current stray cat]
Books
A Fossil watch
Trip to Hilo with my family
Season tickets to UH Volleyball
7th Heaven DVD [I have the third season]
A good bra
Time with a swim coach or a swim partner
Olympus Stylus 820 digital camera
Original painting by Roy G. Tabora
A globe
Orchids
Bettas
Whiter teeth
Elfquest graphic novels 6-8
A job that I love
A Russian tutor
Gift card/certificate to:
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Bella Beads
Logos
Showers of Blessings
Carlos Santana Pounce shoes in Anthracite
Newsies DVD and soundtrack CD
Walking shoes
$100 for a U-Pass for next semester
Clarinet lessons
A trip to see Chulo and Jenelle
Have my bike fixed and with a new comfy seat
A green thumb
A good memory
A UH Volleyball signed by Hakala, Beckwith, Mason, Kaufman, Lee, L. Duggins, Kamana'o, Sanders, Hittle, Zimet, Tony Ching, Carere, or Bender
A new refrigerator, energy star (actually this is a little need and want)
Chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies and krispies from Big Island Candies
Custard pie from Liliha
BarlowGirl CD
A headlamp
Wet Okole seat covers
A Local Motion totebag
A princess-cut sapphire pendant
A year supply of Arizona Green Tea
I told you, just donate to a non-profit, a church, a school, or a library. It's easier. [For other ideas on how to give back to your community]
Merii Kurisumasu!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Merry Christmas 2007
Mele Kalikimaka Everyone!
I hope you are safe and well wherever you may be! It has been a rough year, a good year, a year for which I am thankful.
For those of you who might be thinking about getting me a present this year and aren't sure what to get, because it has been a while since I've seen most of you, I am simply glad to be alive. I do not need much besides family and friends.
And those who were not going to get me a present, that's okay also, but please read on anyway.
I would only ask that people make a charitable contribution to a non-profit organization. It is the end of the year when most non-profits struggle to meet their needs for the upcoming months because many are busy thinking about what to get for their loved ones, which is great, but please remember also the non-profits. Any donation of any size would be appreciated, I am sure.
I am continuing with my graduate school, am looking for a job but do not have one as of today. With that, I am not able to contribute as much to my favorite non-profits as I normally do. If you feel so moved and are thinking of me, please donate to the following organizations:
I chose Hawaii Foodbank because, as I am sure many of us have, I've been asked by homeless people for money and would like to help them but do have concerns for how they will use the money; I figure the Foodbank would be a safer and surer way to get food to the people who need it. Those in Hawaii are probably familiar with the Lokahi Giving Project; they get people the things that they need like toys for children who otherwise would not have presents to open on Christmas Day. Lokahi also takes donations of common goods such as soap, toothbrushes, toilet paper, etc.
Donations can also be made to my church, Kalihi Union Church, or to a school that I have attended would be good also. I wish I could say that I could match any donations made, but if you let me know of your donation, I will see what I can do.
Or, like I said, you might not think of me at all, or might not even know me personally, but please donate something this season, even if it's a dollar to the Salvation Army bucket (though I'm sure we all can do more than a dollar). There are many deserving organizations out there, so get creative!
Mahalo to those who have already given to their communities!
Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!
I hope you are safe and well wherever you may be! It has been a rough year, a good year, a year for which I am thankful.
For those of you who might be thinking about getting me a present this year and aren't sure what to get, because it has been a while since I've seen most of you, I am simply glad to be alive. I do not need much besides family and friends.
And those who were not going to get me a present, that's okay also, but please read on anyway.
I would only ask that people make a charitable contribution to a non-profit organization. It is the end of the year when most non-profits struggle to meet their needs for the upcoming months because many are busy thinking about what to get for their loved ones, which is great, but please remember also the non-profits. Any donation of any size would be appreciated, I am sure.
I am continuing with my graduate school, am looking for a job but do not have one as of today. With that, I am not able to contribute as much to my favorite non-profits as I normally do. If you feel so moved and are thinking of me, please donate to the following organizations:
Focus on the Family is an organization that has helped me through many tough times in the past several years. There is probably a Habitat for Humanity where you live, but I am personally attached to the East Bay affiliate because I volunteered with them back in 2004; they are a good and well-organized group. My family loves each and every pet that we've met through the Humane Society.
Focus on the Family [http://www.family.org/]
East Bay Habitat for Humanity [http://www.habitateb.org/]
Hawaiian Humane Society [http://www.hawaiianhumane.org/]
Hawaii Foodbank [http://www.hawaiifoodbank.org/]
Lokahi Giving Project [http://www.lokahigivingproject.com/]
or [http://www.khon2.com/features/lokahigivingproject]
I chose Hawaii Foodbank because, as I am sure many of us have, I've been asked by homeless people for money and would like to help them but do have concerns for how they will use the money; I figure the Foodbank would be a safer and surer way to get food to the people who need it. Those in Hawaii are probably familiar with the Lokahi Giving Project; they get people the things that they need like toys for children who otherwise would not have presents to open on Christmas Day. Lokahi also takes donations of common goods such as soap, toothbrushes, toilet paper, etc.
Donations can also be made to my church, Kalihi Union Church, or to a school that I have attended would be good also. I wish I could say that I could match any donations made, but if you let me know of your donation, I will see what I can do.
Or, like I said, you might not think of me at all, or might not even know me personally, but please donate something this season, even if it's a dollar to the Salvation Army bucket (though I'm sure we all can do more than a dollar). There are many deserving organizations out there, so get creative!
Mahalo to those who have already given to their communities!
Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Get Less For Your Money: Circuit City
I am a service snob. I will give extra tip at a restaurant for timely service and pleasantness. I will not give much of a tip, or possibly no tip at all, at a restaurant if it takes half an hour for my food to arrive, if I get a glass of water after I've finished my meal, etc. I've had arguments over this attitude about tipping/not tipping and I have not been convinced to change my position. Do not tell me that I don't know what I am talking about; I have had service jobs. I know people in service jobs whom have depended on tips. I know about good service.
Circuit City doesn't seem to have Service in stock.
I have had several unsatisfactory experiences shopping at Circuit City [CC]. I rarely go there anymore unless they have a very good deal on something that I need.
_____
The latest episode happened a few days ago. I went to CC for a new printer. My old one was inherited from my brother and was about 5 years old. I need a good printer for my thesis, did my research, waited patiently for a good sale, so I knew which one I wanted.
The printer I wanted came on sale at CC. I had hopes of having an easy time at CC because for once there were a lot of parking stalls open; I'm thinking they're not that busy. I go to the second floor and stalk the printer aisle. I see it and it's got the sale price up so I wait for a salesperson to help me.
The three salespeople in that section were all helping customers. I walk around the section, check out the ink shelves 'cuz that's on sale with the purchase of the printer. I see the ink I'll need and pick it up. The salespeople are still busy.
I walk around a little more, think about getting paper 'cuz that's on sale also. I walk back to the printer. I put the ink right by it. The saleslady goes on a break or something; I didn't see her.
One salesguy finishes with a customer... and turns away from me, starts walking away. I know he knew I was there 'cuz I was hovering at that point. I followed him a couple steps and said, "Excuse me." He turned around. "Are you helping anyone right now?"
He shook his head no. I bring him back to the register, tell him the printer I want. He asks if I would like the ink pack that's on sale with it, that they don't have it on stock but they could special order it for me. I say, "there's one right there." I pick up the one I found earlier and hand it to him. The prompt came up to ask if I would like their warranty [Pause]. This would be where he tells me the details of the warranty, but I had to ask him how long is it for and how much it costs. He looks it up. I turn it down. I pay for the printer and ink. He tells me to pick up the printer downstairs in front. I leave.
_____
When I had stopped the salesguy for service, he looked like I was bothering him. He didn't say anything to the tune of, "No, ma'am, I am not helping anyone. May I help you now?" No smile, no pleasantness at all, not even fake pleasantness.
No "thank you for shopping with us," or "thank you for contributing to my paycheck this month."
_____
I go downstairs. There's a sign that says "today purchase pick up" so I stand over by the sign. The employee helping online purchase pick ups was helping someone. Another employee was helping a store credit customer, or so the sign said; there's a lady waiting in that line for help.
In the meantime, more people come in and wait for their online purchases. The line filled up fast. On our side of the counter, a lady in black comes in and cuts in front of me and the other lady already waiting. "Black" stands there defiantly ignoring us. Fine.
An employee comes over, helps someone who had been in line. Then she helps "black", but at least whatever "black" was there for was quick. I'm next.
The employee asks me to wait a few more moments. She calls back the guy by the TVs that she'd been helping earlier. That takes awhile.
Finally, an employee from some other section or something comes over and helps me. She was smiling, pleasant, and was quick in service.
Finally I'm out of there! I checked the time stamp on the receipt and the time I left the store. Just under half an hour from the time I paid for the printer upstairs and received it downstairs. I should've asked if I was entitled to their promoted pick up in less than 24 minutes or receive a $24 gift card for free, but I didn't want to keep the customers behind me waiting longer.
_____
Yes, I am buying things from CC on sale. However, that does not mean that I should get less service for paying less on an item. That's the last straw. From here on, I will gladly pay the extra $ for better service from some other store.
Circuit City doesn't seem to have Service in stock.
I have had several unsatisfactory experiences shopping at Circuit City [CC]. I rarely go there anymore unless they have a very good deal on something that I need.
_____
The latest episode happened a few days ago. I went to CC for a new printer. My old one was inherited from my brother and was about 5 years old. I need a good printer for my thesis, did my research, waited patiently for a good sale, so I knew which one I wanted.
The printer I wanted came on sale at CC. I had hopes of having an easy time at CC because for once there were a lot of parking stalls open; I'm thinking they're not that busy. I go to the second floor and stalk the printer aisle. I see it and it's got the sale price up so I wait for a salesperson to help me.
The three salespeople in that section were all helping customers. I walk around the section, check out the ink shelves 'cuz that's on sale with the purchase of the printer. I see the ink I'll need and pick it up. The salespeople are still busy.
I walk around a little more, think about getting paper 'cuz that's on sale also. I walk back to the printer. I put the ink right by it. The saleslady goes on a break or something; I didn't see her.
One salesguy finishes with a customer... and turns away from me, starts walking away. I know he knew I was there 'cuz I was hovering at that point. I followed him a couple steps and said, "Excuse me." He turned around. "Are you helping anyone right now?"
He shook his head no. I bring him back to the register, tell him the printer I want. He asks if I would like the ink pack that's on sale with it, that they don't have it on stock but they could special order it for me. I say, "there's one right there." I pick up the one I found earlier and hand it to him. The prompt came up to ask if I would like their warranty [Pause]. This would be where he tells me the details of the warranty, but I had to ask him how long is it for and how much it costs. He looks it up. I turn it down. I pay for the printer and ink. He tells me to pick up the printer downstairs in front. I leave.
_____
When I had stopped the salesguy for service, he looked like I was bothering him. He didn't say anything to the tune of, "No, ma'am, I am not helping anyone. May I help you now?" No smile, no pleasantness at all, not even fake pleasantness.
No "thank you for shopping with us," or "thank you for contributing to my paycheck this month."
_____
I go downstairs. There's a sign that says "today purchase pick up" so I stand over by the sign. The employee helping online purchase pick ups was helping someone. Another employee was helping a store credit customer, or so the sign said; there's a lady waiting in that line for help.
In the meantime, more people come in and wait for their online purchases. The line filled up fast. On our side of the counter, a lady in black comes in and cuts in front of me and the other lady already waiting. "Black" stands there defiantly ignoring us. Fine.
An employee comes over, helps someone who had been in line. Then she helps "black", but at least whatever "black" was there for was quick. I'm next.
The employee asks me to wait a few more moments. She calls back the guy by the TVs that she'd been helping earlier. That takes awhile.
Finally, an employee from some other section or something comes over and helps me. She was smiling, pleasant, and was quick in service.
Finally I'm out of there! I checked the time stamp on the receipt and the time I left the store. Just under half an hour from the time I paid for the printer upstairs and received it downstairs. I should've asked if I was entitled to their promoted pick up in less than 24 minutes or receive a $24 gift card for free, but I didn't want to keep the customers behind me waiting longer.
_____
Yes, I am buying things from CC on sale. However, that does not mean that I should get less service for paying less on an item. That's the last straw. From here on, I will gladly pay the extra $ for better service from some other store.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Jayme Lee Remains My Volleyball Hero
The 2007 Wahine Volleyball regular season is over and I am so proud of this 2007 team. They remained focused and determined while everyone else (critics, fans, etc.) wondered what would happen without All-American Kanoe Kamana'o to lead them. Brandt, the starting setter this season still has much to improve to reach the level of Kamana'o, but with a quirky serve and good mobility, it will be interesting to see how far she can go.
And Jamie Houston has got my attention. In the beginning half of the season, it seemed as if those amazing sets from Kamana'o had spoiled Houston, as if she was not interested in improving so much as to better a bad set. From the second half on, she started to play in a manner that said she wanted to earn all the praises that the sportscasters and writers have been giving her all this time. I have to say that she impressed me this season. Sure, the last match against New Mexico St scared me a little, but she regrouped and found other ways to score against them. I am finally excited to see how she will top this season's performance in the next season.
The only disappointment this season, for me, was at the libero position; I would rather see Jayme Lee start as libero. After the great job she did after earning and never letting go of the position once she had it, I do not understand how Ka'aihue kept the libero job this season. I am all for the position going to the best player at that position. Show me a better libero than Lee and I will not argue for Lee to start.
_____________________________________________________
So why Lee over Ka'aihue?
1. Because of her serves: Both players use a standing float serve that is tough, but given the height difference (Lee is about 6 inches shorter), Lee's serve has a tendency to unexpectedly drop short just in front of opponents. This season, Lee's service percentage is a .959 to Ka'aihue's .953 with half the errors and half the attempts. Sure, that sounds close, as if it's not really a comparison, but the service aces to games ratio is Lee's .12 to Ka'aihue's .07-a huge difference. Over time, Lee will have more aces and less errors than Ka'aihue. Lee rarely makes a service error. On the season so far, Lee has 11 aces to Ka'aihue's 7.In last season's 35 matches, Lee had 24 aces.
2. Because of her mobility: Because Lee is 6 inches shorter and maybe 30 pounds lighter, she can react quicker to an errant ball. When both players plant their feet in anticipation of a hard hit from the opponent, Lee will be able to react faster by way of some physics law (okay, I don't completely remember my physics). This was evident earlier this season when both L and K were on the court and a teammate shanked a ball back towards the tunnel. L got to the ball first while K was closer to the ball. L didn't save it, but she got there first, showing that her height wasn't a shortcoming on a play like that one.Just in general play, when covering a hitter or getting to any shanked balls, Lee reacts quicker. She also seems to know her coverage better.
3. Because of her technique and accuracy: This one, you might just have to trust me. Lee's play is cleaner. She passes the ball up so that the setter has an easier time in setting the ball. Lee passes the ball directly to the setter; the setter doesn't have to move and has more time to see the block and choose to which hitter to set the ball. Simply put, Lee does exactly what the libero is supposed to do.Whereas, too many times, when Ka'aihue passes the ball, the ball travels along a flatter parabola. This causes the ball to arrive at a sharper angle to the setter, making it easier for the setter to double-hit (a penalty point for the other team). Also, Ka'aihue isn't as accurate as Lee in getting the ball to the setter.
4. Because of the numbers: The first graph shows the digs per player, per game for the 2006 season. The second graph is the same for the 2007 season. The highest number of digs is highlighted in yellow; second highest in pink; third highest, only for the libero, is in green.
The libero should have the most highlighted games, and they both do. They should also be either 1st or 2nd place in digs each game. Breaking down the highlights:
[# of games]
Lee = [14] 1st place in digs, [13] 2nd place, [5] 3rd place, [3] 4th or worse.
Ka'aihue = [12] 1st place in digs, [12] 2nd place, [0] 3rd place, [7] 4th or worse.
One of the three games where Lee placed 4th or worse was the very first match of the season, the only match that season where Lee did not start; she was the 4th, I believe, libero to be tried. Ka'aihue has started every match this season, so those seven matches in 4th or worse is a big bad number. Lee had one game last season where she had less than 5 digs; Ka'aihue already has 6 games. That tells me that Lee is more productive. In digs per game, Ka'aihue wins it by 4.08 to Lee's 3.80 last year. However, Lee has the uncanny distinction of getting an occasional dig/kill, or what they call a "libero kill." She's 5/5 this year, she had several last year, Ka'aihue is 1/6 this year. The "libero kill" numbers don't really count for libero's since technically they aren't allowed to "attack" a ball, but that said, Lee's kills are impressive. That's something you can't teach.
____________________________________________________
Anyways, I'm sure Lee is just happy to be playing and doesn't care who starts in the big scheme of things, but I think she should be starting. Everyone else has pretty much upped their game this season, I talked about Houston earlier and certainly Kaufman has improved over this season since getting the starting job, Hittle is back to old form if not better than she ever was before the injury last season, but Ka'aihue has not improved. I'm disappointed. By the way, not like Ka'aihue cares about my opinion either, I'm fully aware of that.
Up next for the Wahine: Tennessee State tomorrow in Kentucky, the first round of the NCAA playoffs.
GO WAHINE!!!
And Jamie Houston has got my attention. In the beginning half of the season, it seemed as if those amazing sets from Kamana'o had spoiled Houston, as if she was not interested in improving so much as to better a bad set. From the second half on, she started to play in a manner that said she wanted to earn all the praises that the sportscasters and writers have been giving her all this time. I have to say that she impressed me this season. Sure, the last match against New Mexico St scared me a little, but she regrouped and found other ways to score against them. I am finally excited to see how she will top this season's performance in the next season.
The only disappointment this season, for me, was at the libero position; I would rather see Jayme Lee start as libero. After the great job she did after earning and never letting go of the position once she had it, I do not understand how Ka'aihue kept the libero job this season. I am all for the position going to the best player at that position. Show me a better libero than Lee and I will not argue for Lee to start.
_____________________________________________________
So why Lee over Ka'aihue?
1. Because of her serves: Both players use a standing float serve that is tough, but given the height difference (Lee is about 6 inches shorter), Lee's serve has a tendency to unexpectedly drop short just in front of opponents. This season, Lee's service percentage is a .959 to Ka'aihue's .953 with half the errors and half the attempts. Sure, that sounds close, as if it's not really a comparison, but the service aces to games ratio is Lee's .12 to Ka'aihue's .07-a huge difference. Over time, Lee will have more aces and less errors than Ka'aihue. Lee rarely makes a service error. On the season so far, Lee has 11 aces to Ka'aihue's 7.In last season's 35 matches, Lee had 24 aces.
2. Because of her mobility: Because Lee is 6 inches shorter and maybe 30 pounds lighter, she can react quicker to an errant ball. When both players plant their feet in anticipation of a hard hit from the opponent, Lee will be able to react faster by way of some physics law (okay, I don't completely remember my physics). This was evident earlier this season when both L and K were on the court and a teammate shanked a ball back towards the tunnel. L got to the ball first while K was closer to the ball. L didn't save it, but she got there first, showing that her height wasn't a shortcoming on a play like that one.Just in general play, when covering a hitter or getting to any shanked balls, Lee reacts quicker. She also seems to know her coverage better.
3. Because of her technique and accuracy: This one, you might just have to trust me. Lee's play is cleaner. She passes the ball up so that the setter has an easier time in setting the ball. Lee passes the ball directly to the setter; the setter doesn't have to move and has more time to see the block and choose to which hitter to set the ball. Simply put, Lee does exactly what the libero is supposed to do.Whereas, too many times, when Ka'aihue passes the ball, the ball travels along a flatter parabola. This causes the ball to arrive at a sharper angle to the setter, making it easier for the setter to double-hit (a penalty point for the other team). Also, Ka'aihue isn't as accurate as Lee in getting the ball to the setter.
4. Because of the numbers: The first graph shows the digs per player, per game for the 2006 season. The second graph is the same for the 2007 season. The highest number of digs is highlighted in yellow; second highest in pink; third highest, only for the libero, is in green.
The libero should have the most highlighted games, and they both do. They should also be either 1st or 2nd place in digs each game. Breaking down the highlights:
[# of games]
Lee = [14] 1st place in digs, [13] 2nd place, [5] 3rd place, [3] 4th or worse.
Ka'aihue = [12] 1st place in digs, [12] 2nd place, [0] 3rd place, [7] 4th or worse.
One of the three games where Lee placed 4th or worse was the very first match of the season, the only match that season where Lee did not start; she was the 4th, I believe, libero to be tried. Ka'aihue has started every match this season, so those seven matches in 4th or worse is a big bad number. Lee had one game last season where she had less than 5 digs; Ka'aihue already has 6 games. That tells me that Lee is more productive. In digs per game, Ka'aihue wins it by 4.08 to Lee's 3.80 last year. However, Lee has the uncanny distinction of getting an occasional dig/kill, or what they call a "libero kill." She's 5/5 this year, she had several last year, Ka'aihue is 1/6 this year. The "libero kill" numbers don't really count for libero's since technically they aren't allowed to "attack" a ball, but that said, Lee's kills are impressive. That's something you can't teach.
____________________________________________________
Anyways, I'm sure Lee is just happy to be playing and doesn't care who starts in the big scheme of things, but I think she should be starting. Everyone else has pretty much upped their game this season, I talked about Houston earlier and certainly Kaufman has improved over this season since getting the starting job, Hittle is back to old form if not better than she ever was before the injury last season, but Ka'aihue has not improved. I'm disappointed. By the way, not like Ka'aihue cares about my opinion either, I'm fully aware of that.
Up next for the Wahine: Tennessee State tomorrow in Kentucky, the first round of the NCAA playoffs.
GO WAHINE!!!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
I Don't Know Why... [One Tree Hill With Bonus Loser]
I've been watching One Tree Hill! Bear with me 'cause this will annoy me also. It was the summer, so I was watching the reruns all the way from season one. I must've watched an episode [original airing] here and there, 'cause I remember the ones about the video time capsule thing and Haley and Nathan being married... but otherwise I hadn't really paid attention to them until this year. I'm not caught up yet on what happened last season, anything after Haley and Nathan's second vows.
And the weird thing is that I watch mostly for Brooke. I'm guessing she wasn't originally a main character, but I'm glad she is now, ever since she stayed up all night caring for Peyton who'd been drugged by a college guy.
It's weird because in high school [HS] way, way back when, I was more like Haley, probably still am. I'm very mildly into fashion and clothes; I don't care if I wear the same outfit twice in a row [but then right now I figure I don't see the same people everyday so that's easy]. For the most part, I shop like a guy [try me]. I don't come from a rich family. I did tutor a friend in Geometry, very briefly and I still doubt I really helped any. Otherwise, it was annoying when people asked me for help with homework. I'm just horrible with explaining things to others, can't you tell by this blog? Besides, I didn't always do the homework. I wasn't popular and figured that I go relatively unnoticed. I did feel more comfortable talking to guys, still do. And among many circles, I was known as the pure one.
But if I had Brooke's money, I'd probably spend it mostly on the people I care about, which she often does. And if I looked good in clothes, I'd probably buy more of them. I do remember being cool with the "geeks," that's something.
That's not it though. All promiscuity and drunkenness aside, I suppose I relate more with Brooke. She puts up a front like she's okay, smiling so much that it breaks the heart to see her sad. I definitely understand having major walls up and not wanting to be hurt like before. She's got a big heart, and I hope I do too. It might be nice to be better at taking risks and letting people in though.
I KNOW she's not a real person, she's a character on a SHOW! But in a lot of ways, she's way more interesting than these "real" people on "real"ity shows!
Except for possibly The Biggest Loser. I didn't watch the last couple seasons, but I caught the end of the opener this week, enough to see the weigh ins. The last two people for the blue team was the "small" Asian woman and the "old" grandpa guy. They needed to have lost 25 pounds to win and others didn't think it was possible. The Asian lost 20 lbs!! The most by any of the women from both teams. That's crazy for a woman to lose double digits, but two dimes? So grandpa only needed to have lost 5, but others were nervous, thinking his age would have slowed him. Plus, he's one of the smaller guys. He gets on the scale, and he's lost 30! That's crazy! The biggest loss of any of the guys on both teams!
Well, nah, I'll talk about my "diet" later.
And the weird thing is that I watch mostly for Brooke. I'm guessing she wasn't originally a main character, but I'm glad she is now, ever since she stayed up all night caring for Peyton who'd been drugged by a college guy.
It's weird because in high school [HS] way, way back when, I was more like Haley, probably still am. I'm very mildly into fashion and clothes; I don't care if I wear the same outfit twice in a row [but then right now I figure I don't see the same people everyday so that's easy]. For the most part, I shop like a guy [try me]. I don't come from a rich family. I did tutor a friend in Geometry, very briefly and I still doubt I really helped any. Otherwise, it was annoying when people asked me for help with homework. I'm just horrible with explaining things to others, can't you tell by this blog? Besides, I didn't always do the homework. I wasn't popular and figured that I go relatively unnoticed. I did feel more comfortable talking to guys, still do. And among many circles, I was known as the pure one.
But if I had Brooke's money, I'd probably spend it mostly on the people I care about, which she often does. And if I looked good in clothes, I'd probably buy more of them. I do remember being cool with the "geeks," that's something.
That's not it though. All promiscuity and drunkenness aside, I suppose I relate more with Brooke. She puts up a front like she's okay, smiling so much that it breaks the heart to see her sad. I definitely understand having major walls up and not wanting to be hurt like before. She's got a big heart, and I hope I do too. It might be nice to be better at taking risks and letting people in though.
I KNOW she's not a real person, she's a character on a SHOW! But in a lot of ways, she's way more interesting than these "real" people on "real"ity shows!
Except for possibly The Biggest Loser. I didn't watch the last couple seasons, but I caught the end of the opener this week, enough to see the weigh ins. The last two people for the blue team was the "small" Asian woman and the "old" grandpa guy. They needed to have lost 25 pounds to win and others didn't think it was possible. The Asian lost 20 lbs!! The most by any of the women from both teams. That's crazy for a woman to lose double digits, but two dimes? So grandpa only needed to have lost 5, but others were nervous, thinking his age would have slowed him. Plus, he's one of the smaller guys. He gets on the scale, and he's lost 30! That's crazy! The biggest loss of any of the guys on both teams!
Well, nah, I'll talk about my "diet" later.
Jayme Lee Is My Volleyball Hero
The Rainbow Wahine Volleyball team opens their regular season this Friday against Idaho. They've had a rocky start in the three pre-season tournaments that they've hosted this year. They are also figuring out how to fill up the win column without the amazing setter Kanoe Kamana'o, the hard-hitting Sarah Mason, and the all-around Cayley Thurlby.
Every year, people talk about OH Jamie Houston. Her Freshman year, they were promoting her as possibly the next Kim Willoughby. She has some shining moments, but I'm actually a little disappointed. Here's why: she's not consistent and she doesn't play smart. Notice they talk about her high-number kills, but not her kill percentage. She's a tough hitter, when she makes it in. She's a good blocker and passer, but sometimes she steps in the libero's way. I thought she really earned the MVP in the game against Wichita but most of the time she gets the honors far too often than she earns it. She's in her junior season and with the way people talk about her, I'm hoping she proves them right this year. Without Kamana'o, she's going to have to show that she can make the kill even off of a not-so-good set.
They also like to throw in Ka'aihue's numbers. So far she has been one of those players whose numbers don't really speak for their play. I mean that she's good at digging the ball straight in the air, which Brandt has to get to, and most of her digs come at Brandt at a low angle. She'll get the stats, but not with good, steady, and few spectacular plays. Ka'aihue doesn't impress me so much that I would want to watch her play instead of Jayme Lee. She doesn't do anything that Lee wouldn't do and Lee does things that Ka'aihue hasn't shown she can do yet, and Ka'aihue's supposed to have the height advantage.
So what about Lee makes her my VB hero? I have to admit here that I'm a little biased because I'm about the same height as Lee. If only they had the libero position when I was younger... I still wouldn't be good enough to play college VB! But for now I'll live vicariously by watching Lee.
But really, Lee was fantastic last year! I would say, aside from Kamana'o, Lee was the MVP of the entire 2006 season! She more than makes up for any inches she lacks. She dives, she digs, she puts it up right to the setter, she's great with covering her hitters. I'd want to play like Jayme Lee!
Players to watch:
Juliana Sanders, Sr. MB: I can't imagine what it must be like to be a 6'2 female. I like the face she gets when she's determined, it's intimidating, even when watching her on TV! So far in the pre-season, she's been building up her block numbers and getting in the kills, what's needed in a great MB.
Tara Hittle, Jr. OH: who knows what might have happened if she hadn't gotten injured last season, but she's back, shaking off a little rust, and helping to stabilize the passing. She hasn't had a great start yet, but I know she's just getting warmed up.
Aneli Cubi-Otineru, So. H: This is the one that people should be talking about! She's exciting to watch and I can't believe she's just a sophomore. We'll get to watch her for two more seasons after this one. She's consistent, a good passer, and a smart hitter. And I have to like an athlete that looks and points up after each kill, giving credit to God [Okay, not all people care about that kind of stuff, you might not, but I do]. She'll be a big reason why things open up for Houston to be the kill leader most matches.
Amber Kaufman, So., H/MB: she was exciting to watch last season whenever she got court time and I've been waiting for her to get more. It looks like that wish will finally be granted, though at a price. Last season she filled in the right-side and was effective there. By the end of this past tournament, she filled in for Kari Gregory in the middle. While I just want to see Amber play, anywhere, it's a little bitter-sweet because Gregory is usually a great blocker but for some reason, she wasn't effective against those teams. We'll see if Amber gets the nod to start against Idaho. Last season, she killed, she blocked, and I can tell she just enjoys it all!
And I've already mentioned Jayme Lee. She's enough reason to catch the matches this weekend. Now to find someone to go with me... GO 'BOWS!
Every year, people talk about OH Jamie Houston. Her Freshman year, they were promoting her as possibly the next Kim Willoughby. She has some shining moments, but I'm actually a little disappointed. Here's why: she's not consistent and she doesn't play smart. Notice they talk about her high-number kills, but not her kill percentage. She's a tough hitter, when she makes it in. She's a good blocker and passer, but sometimes she steps in the libero's way. I thought she really earned the MVP in the game against Wichita but most of the time she gets the honors far too often than she earns it. She's in her junior season and with the way people talk about her, I'm hoping she proves them right this year. Without Kamana'o, she's going to have to show that she can make the kill even off of a not-so-good set.
They also like to throw in Ka'aihue's numbers. So far she has been one of those players whose numbers don't really speak for their play. I mean that she's good at digging the ball straight in the air, which Brandt has to get to, and most of her digs come at Brandt at a low angle. She'll get the stats, but not with good, steady, and few spectacular plays. Ka'aihue doesn't impress me so much that I would want to watch her play instead of Jayme Lee. She doesn't do anything that Lee wouldn't do and Lee does things that Ka'aihue hasn't shown she can do yet, and Ka'aihue's supposed to have the height advantage.
So what about Lee makes her my VB hero? I have to admit here that I'm a little biased because I'm about the same height as Lee. If only they had the libero position when I was younger... I still wouldn't be good enough to play college VB! But for now I'll live vicariously by watching Lee.
But really, Lee was fantastic last year! I would say, aside from Kamana'o, Lee was the MVP of the entire 2006 season! She more than makes up for any inches she lacks. She dives, she digs, she puts it up right to the setter, she's great with covering her hitters. I'd want to play like Jayme Lee!
Players to watch:
Juliana Sanders, Sr. MB: I can't imagine what it must be like to be a 6'2 female. I like the face she gets when she's determined, it's intimidating, even when watching her on TV! So far in the pre-season, she's been building up her block numbers and getting in the kills, what's needed in a great MB.
Tara Hittle, Jr. OH: who knows what might have happened if she hadn't gotten injured last season, but she's back, shaking off a little rust, and helping to stabilize the passing. She hasn't had a great start yet, but I know she's just getting warmed up.
Aneli Cubi-Otineru, So. H: This is the one that people should be talking about! She's exciting to watch and I can't believe she's just a sophomore. We'll get to watch her for two more seasons after this one. She's consistent, a good passer, and a smart hitter. And I have to like an athlete that looks and points up after each kill, giving credit to God [Okay, not all people care about that kind of stuff, you might not, but I do]. She'll be a big reason why things open up for Houston to be the kill leader most matches.
Amber Kaufman, So., H/MB: she was exciting to watch last season whenever she got court time and I've been waiting for her to get more. It looks like that wish will finally be granted, though at a price. Last season she filled in the right-side and was effective there. By the end of this past tournament, she filled in for Kari Gregory in the middle. While I just want to see Amber play, anywhere, it's a little bitter-sweet because Gregory is usually a great blocker but for some reason, she wasn't effective against those teams. We'll see if Amber gets the nod to start against Idaho. Last season, she killed, she blocked, and I can tell she just enjoys it all!
And I've already mentioned Jayme Lee. She's enough reason to catch the matches this weekend. Now to find someone to go with me... GO 'BOWS!
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Tannya, Please Don't Leave!
I'm referring to Tannya Joaquin of the KHON-2 News. She's not going anywhere that I know of at this time, but the recent behind-the-scenes changes in structure, dealings with ownership, and the moving on of Leslie Wilcox, Tina Shelton, and soon, Ron Mizutani, urged me to write.
I already miss watching Leslie Wilcox at 5pm and Tina Shelton reports. They have great voices for broadcasting. (And they kinda looked like sisters, at least I thought so!)
I still watch at 5pm because (aside from all the tech-difficulties of the new system) the people of KHON still deliver trustworthy professionalism. And, if you didn't guess, I like Tannya Joaquin. I miss her in the morning news. I like Kirk, Trini, and Manolo also, but in my opinion, Tannya really has that "wake up!" sunny voice and personality that helped me start the day. (I like it that Kirk Matthews refers to his wife, also a great news reporter, as "Mrs. Matthews.") At least I can still watch Manolo eat his way through Thursday mornings!
But I have to say, if any member of the news team somehow catches sight of this piece, MAHALO for the good work that you do! With all the hassles and non-compliance of the automated system, others would have expected somebody to blow up on air. It must be like news hazing or news bootcamp. Anyone could see that even Joe Moore was frustrated and upset, but I think his professional example on how to just keep going kept everyone else going.
One of the days, nothing was going right for John Veneri as he delivered the sports. The video would delay or the video was out of sequence to his preparation of the report, he was getting frustrated but he kept going.
Hopefully, the new owners of KHON will realize that it was the people that made KHON the reigning news station in Hawaii. In our 'ohana culture, people are valued more than money or automated anything.
I wish I had a better piece for the news teams of KHON but this is all I will say for now. For those who have moved on to other projects, God bless and good journey!
I already miss watching Leslie Wilcox at 5pm and Tina Shelton reports. They have great voices for broadcasting. (And they kinda looked like sisters, at least I thought so!)
I still watch at 5pm because (aside from all the tech-difficulties of the new system) the people of KHON still deliver trustworthy professionalism. And, if you didn't guess, I like Tannya Joaquin. I miss her in the morning news. I like Kirk, Trini, and Manolo also, but in my opinion, Tannya really has that "wake up!" sunny voice and personality that helped me start the day. (I like it that Kirk Matthews refers to his wife, also a great news reporter, as "Mrs. Matthews.") At least I can still watch Manolo eat his way through Thursday mornings!
But I have to say, if any member of the news team somehow catches sight of this piece, MAHALO for the good work that you do! With all the hassles and non-compliance of the automated system, others would have expected somebody to blow up on air. It must be like news hazing or news bootcamp. Anyone could see that even Joe Moore was frustrated and upset, but I think his professional example on how to just keep going kept everyone else going.
One of the days, nothing was going right for John Veneri as he delivered the sports. The video would delay or the video was out of sequence to his preparation of the report, he was getting frustrated but he kept going.
Hopefully, the new owners of KHON will realize that it was the people that made KHON the reigning news station in Hawaii. In our 'ohana culture, people are valued more than money or automated anything.
I wish I had a better piece for the news teams of KHON but this is all I will say for now. For those who have moved on to other projects, God bless and good journey!
Up Before Dawn and Feeling Good
Previously I had been going to the gym at night. I like going at night; I'm a nightowl and exercising before bedtime helps me fall asleep faster. Plus, the gym's less crowded from around 10pm.
However, I've decided to see what it's like to be a "morning person." I started to watch the 6pm news instead of the 10pm news, decided that since I rarely go to the movies any more and most celebrities really aren't that interesting that there's no reason to stay up and watch Letterman, and decided to have dinner by 7:30 or go without. My bedtime is roughly between 9 and 10 now. That's the easy part.
The other side of the equation hasn't been so smooth and consistent. Several times, I've been able to drag my butt out of bed between 4:30am and 6 after my alarm went off at 4am. A habitual breakfast skipper through my first quarter-years, I now have a good breakfast, take a few supplements...and don't know what to do with myself for the next several hours.
I could do the dishes, but I'm thinking that people are still sleeping and doing dishes often requires a good level of noise. My neighbors, whose kitchen window is across from my bedroom window, often do the dishes anywhere between 10pm and 2am, keeping me awake or now, waking me up. Between 3 and 4am, someone wakes up and while preparing to go to work, makes a lot of noise crushing ice, I'm assuming, in packing for lunch. As of today, I haven't retrained my thinking to doing the dishes after breakfast.
___________________________________________________________
Since I've been trying this wake up early thing, I haven't been going to the gym...until this past week that is. Getting up at 4am sounds ridiculous until I realize that 1)that's the time my cats try to wake me up anyway, and 2)that gives me up to an hour at the gym and then hand off the car to my mom, which is how I planned my new gym routine.
Wednesday was the first time that I got up, got ready, had breakfast, and headed for the gym. I love 24hour Fitness for being open when I want it to be open! Plus, mine's got a pool and is about 15-mins from my home. I made it on Friday also!
The last period of time that I was going to the gym, I was doing an hour on the elliptical, going over 4 miles. Since it had been a while, this week I did only 45 mins, still pretty much on pace going over 3 miles. I used to do strength training also; I'm gonna work that in this week. On Fri, I also attempted the stairmaster. I've only attempted it once before and lasted only 10 mins, but like my mom said, "that's 10 more minutes than you've done before!" This time, only 2 minutes; I think I should've been on the other stair machine (24hour has 3 different ones) 'cause it was too much pressure on my knees, I couldn't get a good rhythm like the 10 minute trial. Well, it's something to work on.
All in all, waking up before the sun rises isn't so bad. I do feel better when I get my day started early. As for getting more done, well... that's still to be seen.
However, I've decided to see what it's like to be a "morning person." I started to watch the 6pm news instead of the 10pm news, decided that since I rarely go to the movies any more and most celebrities really aren't that interesting that there's no reason to stay up and watch Letterman, and decided to have dinner by 7:30 or go without. My bedtime is roughly between 9 and 10 now. That's the easy part.
The other side of the equation hasn't been so smooth and consistent. Several times, I've been able to drag my butt out of bed between 4:30am and 6 after my alarm went off at 4am. A habitual breakfast skipper through my first quarter-years, I now have a good breakfast, take a few supplements...and don't know what to do with myself for the next several hours.
I could do the dishes, but I'm thinking that people are still sleeping and doing dishes often requires a good level of noise. My neighbors, whose kitchen window is across from my bedroom window, often do the dishes anywhere between 10pm and 2am, keeping me awake or now, waking me up. Between 3 and 4am, someone wakes up and while preparing to go to work, makes a lot of noise crushing ice, I'm assuming, in packing for lunch. As of today, I haven't retrained my thinking to doing the dishes after breakfast.
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Since I've been trying this wake up early thing, I haven't been going to the gym...until this past week that is. Getting up at 4am sounds ridiculous until I realize that 1)that's the time my cats try to wake me up anyway, and 2)that gives me up to an hour at the gym and then hand off the car to my mom, which is how I planned my new gym routine.
Wednesday was the first time that I got up, got ready, had breakfast, and headed for the gym. I love 24hour Fitness for being open when I want it to be open! Plus, mine's got a pool and is about 15-mins from my home. I made it on Friday also!
The last period of time that I was going to the gym, I was doing an hour on the elliptical, going over 4 miles. Since it had been a while, this week I did only 45 mins, still pretty much on pace going over 3 miles. I used to do strength training also; I'm gonna work that in this week. On Fri, I also attempted the stairmaster. I've only attempted it once before and lasted only 10 mins, but like my mom said, "that's 10 more minutes than you've done before!" This time, only 2 minutes; I think I should've been on the other stair machine (24hour has 3 different ones) 'cause it was too much pressure on my knees, I couldn't get a good rhythm like the 10 minute trial. Well, it's something to work on.
All in all, waking up before the sun rises isn't so bad. I do feel better when I get my day started early. As for getting more done, well... that's still to be seen.
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