Dear Lord Jehovah, bless my and my family this night as I travel on this train.
I reflect of times past when I was a kid on the Rock Island Line.
I reflect on the good times I had in Hawaii with my Ohana.
When I saw Casey and Cory for the first time back in 1986.
We had fun wrestling upstairs and playing card games.
Woo the memories.
I reflect on the bad times I had on my Navy deployments as well.
The way I was badly mistreated by the Filipino mafia.
Lord help me to forget the bad and focus on the good.
Help me forget the way I was mistreated.
Help me to overcome my pain and tingling and to continue karate.
In your holy name as it is written in Greek; YHWH.
And through your son Yeshua (Jesus). Amen.
On this day I had fun for the most part until the very end of it.
I awoke this morning late at 10AM.
I made a breakfast smoothy and took my vitamins and pain pills.
I then checked Facebook and E-mail.
After that I did a partial field day downstairs.
At around 1230PM we - my wife Jill, son Ken, and I - left for Macomb IL.
We then did our own thing on the drive there.
I listened to my music and Ken watched "Boyhood" on the SUV's DVD player.
At around 1400 (2PM) we arrived at Macomb IL.
We then stopped at the Pizza Hut.
Ken called his brother, my other son Tim.
He came and had lunch with us.
We got the large meat lovers.
Then after eating and socializing we went over to Tim's and his girlfriend Rachel's apartment.
We hung out there until 1700 (5PM).
Then we drove down to Galesburg IL where I caught the 6:56PM (1856) train to Chicago.
It is just after 2100 (9PM) now and I am sitting on the train stuck at Naperville Station.
There is a car blocking the track. What else is new?
I should be in Chicago at 2145 (9:45PM).
Then I have to find a new set of headphones somewhere.
Mine broke as I was looking for a cap from my highlighter as I
was studying my "Relaxation Therapy" course.
I made a friend today and that is good.
We chatted about God, Jesus, Karate, Hawaii, Elvis, and Kiss.
It was a well mixed conversation.
His name is Tony. He is a really nice guy.
He was supposed to become a firefighter,
but he was shot nine times by a 9MM
while he was working a security job.
He never gave up hope and he is an inspiration to me.
He inspired me to keep striving toward my dreams.
We arrived at the Union Station at 2142 (9:42PM).
When I got off the train I saw a drug store that was open
and bought me an energy bar, a green tea, and some ear buds
(which are uncomfortable in my small inner ears, but it is all they had.)
I then walked the mile and a half toward the Adam and Deerborn.
The train was $3.00 and I arrived at Chicago Ohare at just before Midnight.
When I arrived I ran into a couple of "Boots" from Great Lakes.
We shared a room at the Hilton.
We checked in, watched Taken 3 on TV, and then I crashed.
Tuesday 26 May 2015:
I am on an Airplane sitting next to Maria.
I am on my way toward Hawaii.
This day started out OK.
I awoke at 0700. I took a shower and then shaved.
And I walked through the lobby toward the airport.
The lobby exits to the airport walkway.
I lost my equilibrium balance and fell and then a "baggage" lady called for a wheel chair.
She was concerned about me.
So I got wheeled all the way to my gate and through the security checkpoint.
At the security checkpoint they patted me down.
I thought of that 8 year girl that got patted down by TSA after the towers fell.
I still have the YouTube video of it under my favorites.
 |
| TSA girl |
Now I am here sitting on this plane.
During the 9 hour flight I chatted, listened to music, worked on my relaxation therapy course
and drew a picture. It was a long flight...
It is just after 0130. I am sitting here up in the upstairs lounge (the loft as I used to call it).
The lounge where I played "Kings Corners" with Casey and Cory.
The lounge that I wrestled with them..
The lounge that I did my karate kata back in 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 2002
and then all the way up to 2004.
The year that I saw Shyly (Shyanne) and Julie.
Shyly walked in on me that year when I was doing karate kata.
Now it is over 10 years later and I am back in the same upstairs lounge (loft) again.
I am happy to be back in Hawaii!
Now Shyanne and Julie are all grown up and have kids of their own.
I played with the kids tonight; Shelby, Lili, Julian, Landry Jr. and all the rest.
 |
| Cousin Shyanne holding Bella |
 |
| PeterFrank playing with his son |
I hope to see Casey this time. It has been over 14 years since I have seen her.
I saw her last in 2002.
They last time I was here she was working and I did not see her.
Anyway, I am here to see Kiley's graduation. She is 18 now. Wow! Where does time go?
I arrived in Hawaii at 1345 (1:45PM). I waited at the airport until after 1500 (3PM).
My cousin Julie picked me up.
Then we - her, the kids, and her husband Peter Frank - all went to their house for a bit.
An hour and a half later we left to go to my Aunt Cora's old house.
It is my cousin Dianne's house now.
The traffic is really bad here in Honolulu. It took forever to get there.
After I arrived to the house at around 1800 (6PM) I took a shower, shaved, and changed out.
then I hand washed my sweats. Then I came up here to the lounge.
I played "horsey" with the kids and then took some pics.
I planned to eat the good dinner that was cooking in the kitchen.
Dianne made beans and bacon and Julie made a chicken dish.
 |
| The kitchen |
 |
| Dianne and Julie cooking in the kitchen. |
 |
| Cousin Julie making chicken. |
 |
| Cousin Julie. |
I ended up crashing in the lounge and missing dinner with everyone.
I dosed off hard!
At 0100 I awoke and ate some leftovers. It was sure good!
Then shortly after my cousin-in-law Nelson came in. He works nights.
We chatted for awhile. Then I wrote in here.
Now I am going back to sleep. Good night!
Wednesday 27 May 2015:
I awoke at 0500 and then called Gary Woods and told him of me being in Hawaii.
He said, "Oh I forgot."
Then I moved around and stretched out.I then changed out in my "gi".
At 0600 I did my kata's, forms, and techniques.
At 0700 I freshened up. Then I drank some whole milk and took my vitamins
(my daily baggie with my pills, vitamins, and herb tabs).
Shy came out and said, "Good morning." Then left back in her room.
After that I was a bit bored and went walking around outside.
When I came back I saw Shy's boyfriend.
He was heading to the store, so I went with him.
I bought some "Peace Teas". Awesome!
It was a fun, yet boring day...
At 0900 Nelson awoke and made me some breakfast:
3 eggs over easy, rice, Portuguese sausage, and bacon.
After we ate we went to the Swap Meet.
I bought another ball cap, because I forgot mine.
And a new set of head phones; noise reduction headphones that play music as well.
There is a chip inside of them.
Then we went to Sam's Club to go food shopping.
At noon we went to Chun Wah Kam's Chinese Factory.
And we got these Manuas.
They are like a sandwich with meat in the middle and we got Dim Sum as well.
We went back to eat at the house.
Shyanne joined us.
Then I chilled for the rest of the day.
Tonight I drew a mermaid picture for Shelbee.
Then afterwards I went outside and chatted with Shyanne's boyfriend.
I learned a lot about him. And he inspired me.
That was that. Dianne made stew tonight. It was good.
Thursday 28 May 2015:
This morning I awoke at 0630. I changed in my gi and did my Kata.
Then did some situps and stretched.
It was not a big workout this morning.
It is 0730 now.
I am reflecting and getting ready to shower and shave.
After showering and shaving I listened to music on my headphones for a bit.
At 0830 Cousin Dianne made me breakfast.
I was making a drink as well. I had both.
I made a drink with Kale, Spinach, Berries, Bananas, Greek Yogurt, and Almond Milk.
Dianne made me breakfast of Rice, Scrambled Eggs, and Portuguese Sausage.
It was a huge breakfast for me this morning. But a huge day as well.
After eating I hung out and played with the kids; Shelby and Landry Jr.
They were running around outside. After awhile I got on Shyanne's laptop.
I checked Facebook and E mail.
I pretty much killed time until it was time to leave for Kiley's graduation at Campbell HS.
At 1500 (3PM) we left to go to Kiley's graduation. It was held at Aloha Stadium.
Before the ceremony I got some pics of my little ohana.
Mahina (moon), Kalei, and Kiana.
It was a long ceremony with 678 graduates.
I "video taped" part of it.
The graduation ceremony went like this:
First off it started late at 1715 (5:15 PM) instead of 1700 (5PM).
There was a Navy JROTC color guard who posted colors,
then there was an "Hawaiian Song",
then the graduating class arrived (I "video taped" that),
then they announced the Scholarship Awards,
then the graduating class came up and received their certificates
(I filmed Kiley getting hers).
Then after awhile I left. It was way, way too loud in the stadium.
I went and top at the top of the bench.
I waited up there until after the ceremony.
Then we walked through the parking lot where they had letters.
We walked all the way to the letter "H" to wait and see Kiley Hariachi.
When she came out she was full of "lai's".
I asked her how she can move with all the "lai's".
Pics of Kiley and my ohana:
It was nearly 2030 (8:30 PM) by the time we got back to the SUV.
To try to get out of the traffic mess of the parking lot was a slow crawl.
I learned a law that is illegal in the main land.
That is that kids 12 and over can ride in the back of a pick up truck.
I unbuckled my belt for a minute and my cousin Dianne got on me.
There was some commotion in the back
and I unbuckled my belt to turn around and look is all.
Then after putting my belt back on I looked up
and saw some kids in the back of a pickup truck.
I said, "That is illegal in the main land." They said that it is not illegal here.
But when you in a cab of a vehicle you have to wear a seat belt. That makes no sense to me.
Of course at home I never wear my seat belt. It is my choice.
Anyway at around 2100 (9PM) we arrived at Chili's Bar and Grill.
While walking in I was watching the kids table.
I saw them goofing around and little Lili on the floor.
I told her to watch her head as I knelt down and helped her on to the seat.
I looked and saw Julie and was trying to tell her that I saw one of the kids on the floor.
As soon as I went to say that, bam one of the kids fell and hit his head.
He was taken to the ER to get checked.
In the mean time I joined Mr. Pana around at the table.
I was originally sitting at the very end,where Kiley and her group ended up sitting.
But I moved before then to set next to Nelson and next to Shelbee.
Mahina was in front of my and my Cousin Dianne beside her.
Anyway I ordered the triple tacos:
one chicken (pollo), one pork (carnita) and one shrimp.
I got a cup of soup as well, but they brought me a bowl
and a margarita and a water with lemon.
I chatted with the kids and then got up and chatted with Kiley.
We talked about the military and karate.
I chatted with the bartender as well.
I asked him if he knew what a "mop in a bucket" and a "greyhound" is?
I moonlighted as a bartender once and chat with bar tenders once and awhile.
Besides everyone else was talking at the table.
Anyway we all pretty much ate at close to the same time.
And we departed around 2300 (11PM).
We got back to the house about a half an hour later.
Most everyone crashed (feel asleep hard).
I heard the kids up as I was writing in this.
Pics of my ohana and me at Chili's:
Friday 29 May 2015:
It is 0630 and I am sitting here. My ears are ringing loud and my head is pounding.
That noise was overwhelming last night.
From 0700 until 0800 I worked out.
Then I made my breakfast smoothie.
At 0900 my ohana and I left for the beach.
We went to Koolina Beach.
I hung out with cousin Dianne, Kiley, Kiana, Shannon, and many other ohana.
Before leaving for the beach I did my laundry.
When I got back from the beach I folded up laundry.
Kiana came back with us. I showed her a couple of karate moves at the beach.
She is like little Janalee was.
She showed "Ka Do" (student way) and that is potential.
I wish I could move here to Hawaii and she could be part of the class.
I truly have passion for Karate. It is my life.
I got a pic of me and her; of me, her (Kiana), her mom (my cousin Sharee), and her brother...
On the beach I also showed Kiley a couple of karate moves
and got lots of pictures taken with me and my ohana.
With my cousin Shannon (Kiley's mom), Kiley, and Kiley's boyfriend.
I had fun posing doing the Tiger, Kiley doing a kick, and "hanging loose"...
Now I am back at the house sitting here. Kiana is playing video games, Dianne is working,
a little baby is crying, and I am writing in this.
It is 2300 (11PM) now and I just got out of a cold shower.
I am sun burnt to a crisp. Apparently the sun block spray did not work.
Tonight; first I hung around with Kiana. I showed her some basic karate moves.
Then at dinner time kids came over to eat and stay; Mahina, and Kalei.
We ate dinner together. Then I got on Shyanne's laptop.
Shyanne helped me share pics on Facebook with my sun disc.
After that I spent the night helping Landry with his car.
He was raising the engine to put a new block and mount in.
I helped what i could. Mostly handing him tools.
That was that. We got her done. Good night!
Saturday 30 May 2015:
It is just after 0600 and I am sitting here in the back room hurting.
Contemplating on if I want to do karate or not.
I might do some, but I will not put my gi top on.
I did do some karate upstairs, but did not wear my gi top nor a shirt.
It is 0800 now and I did just get out of the shower.
I am sitting here in the nude, cooling down my sun burn.
As I was doing karate, Kiana and Kalei came up and watched some of it.
I showed them some moves. That was that.
At 10AM we all left to go to the graves to honor the ohana that passed.
The kids: Kiana, Mahina, Kalei, Julian, and Shelbee and us adults:
Me, Dianne, Nelson, and Shyanne all left together.
We had a big group so we used the company van.
We went to see Nancy Han's grave first. Then Uncle Ray's.
Shannon, Kiley and her boyfriend met us there.
Kiley laid lai's over the grave. I took pictures.
I also got a family pic in with all of us.
At 1300 (1PM) we went to this pizza place called; "The Big Kahuna".
Next to it was L & L an Hawaiian BBQ place.
I should have gotten that. The pizza sucked!
It was burnt to a crisp. Very nasty pizza.
Chicago has the best pizza. The mainland.
At L & L I looked at the menu and saw: shrimp, fish, BBQ pig, and a dish called, "Loco Moco".
a dish with a bowl of rice, a burger patty, fried egg, and gravy.
That would have been better than the pizza. That is certain.
It is an Hawaiian classic!
Anyway, we went to the airport to eat. We watched planes take off and land.It was fun!
Then at 1500 (3PM) we arrived down by the pier where they have the Arizona Memorial boat.
We missed the boat, so we left to go shopping for groceries.
Dianne and Nelson shopped while I and Shyanne was out in the car with the kids.
All but Mahina who left with Shannon.
So we were bored and the kids were jumpy.
Yep, been there before with my young karate students.
I did my Donald Duck voice and sneeze to get their attention.
Then just before 1900 (7PM) we arrived back at the house.
Julie was there cleaning out her car.
So we had more kids. They all played as i chatted with Julie.
Dianne was in the house making dinner; her homemade mac and cheese.
At around 20 hundred (8PM) Nelson was leaving to get Mahina.
Her mom showed up and it was time for them to have bonding time...
So I went with Nelson to pick her up.
After we picked her up we went to the Wal-Mart to shop.
We got Ice Cream and stuff and ointment for my sunburn.
I pushed Mahina around in the cart.
Then at around 2100 (9PM) we arrived back at the house.
Mahina was excited to see her mom.
I am happy to see a kid happy. There is no greater joy to me.
At around 2130 (9:30PM) we ate dinner: Mac and Cheese, Salad, and Corn on the Cob.
After that I went upstairs and Nelson and I watched TV. A show about rescuing people.
After the show we were called down for Ice Cream,
but I was too sore and tired and my equilibrium was off.
I just laid there and crashed at around 2300 (11PM). I crashed hard.
Sunday 31 May 2015:
As I lay here I reflect on not wanting to go home. On the other hand wanting to go home.
I do not want to leave my real family - my ohana. I have more family here than I do at home.
I have around 32 total cousins with my 3rd and 4th cousins. A lot of ohana.
The other thing is; here I always feel welcome.
At home on the main land with even my mom, dad, sisters and some cousins being so close;
a few blocks away, I hardly ever see them.
I see my mom and dad on occasion and my sisters and cousins hardly ever.
Sometimes I wonder if it is worth living close to family.
But here whenever I visit, my ohana makes every effort to make me feel welcome.
Anyway, all I did today was go to North Shore with Shannon, Kiley, her boyfriend, Julie, and her kids.
I left with Nelson who was going golfing with Kiana, Mahina, and Kalei.
He took my to Shannon's house. Then we left to go to North Shore.
But first we went to this Pineapple Maze. It was fun!
I road in the back of the truck there and in shotgun of Julie's car to North Shore Beach.
I did not hit the water of the beach though. I did do some Tai Chi in the sand however.
Julie and the kids hit the beach.
I arrived back here at the house at 1630 (4:30PM).
Tonight at 1830 (6:30PM) I left with Sharon and Gen and we went to "Teddy's Burgers".
We met Jacie there. We had burgers, shakes, and tater tots. And we chatted. It was fun!
At 2030 (8:30PM) I arrived back at the house. I packed the rest of my gear.
Now it is after "Taps" and I am reflecting.
I am reflecting on if I made a good impression on my "little ohana" - the kids here.
Mahina did not really open up to me.
It would take a month for these kids to really get to know me.
I wish I had a month. I told her, "You hurt old man's feelings."
If I could live here I would open up my own dojo and Kiana would be my first student.
But that would probably never happen.
I just have to pray to my God Jehovah.
Good night!
Monday 01 June 2015:
Today was a blast.
We; Dianne, Nelson, and my two little ohana Shelbee and Laundry Jr.,
went on the Arizona Memorial tour.
Since there was a tug that crashed into the dock,
we could not go on the Arizona Memorial itself.
But we did see a film about the attack on Pearl Harbor,
and we took a boat out to go around the memorial.
After that we walked around the gift shop
and I bought Ken and I a Arizona BB-39 hat from the gift shop.
After we ate we went to the Swap Meet.
I bought another ball cap, because I forgot mine.
And a new set of head phones; noise reduction headphones that play music as well.
There is a chip inside of them.
Then we went to Sam's Club to go food shopping.
At noon we went to Chun Wah Kam's Chinese Factory.
And we got these Manuas.
They are like a sandwich with meat in the middle and we got Dim Sum as well.
We went back to eat at the house.
Shyanne joined us.
Then I chilled for the rest of the day.
Tonight I drew a mermaid picture for Shelbee.
Then afterwards I went outside and chatted with Shyanne's boyfriend.
I learned a lot about him. And he inspired me.
That was that. Dianne made stew tonight. It was good.
Thursday 28 May 2015:
This morning I awoke at 0630. I changed in my gi and did my Kata.
Then did some situps and stretched.
It was not a big workout this morning.
It is 0730 now.
I am reflecting and getting ready to shower and shave.
After showering and shaving I listened to music on my headphones for a bit.
At 0830 Cousin Dianne made me breakfast.
I was making a drink as well. I had both.
I made a drink with Kale, Spinach, Berries, Bananas, Greek Yogurt, and Almond Milk.
Dianne made me breakfast of Rice, Scrambled Eggs, and Portuguese Sausage.
It was a huge breakfast for me this morning. But a huge day as well.
After eating I hung out and played with the kids; Shelby and Landry Jr.
They were running around outside. After awhile I got on Shyanne's laptop.
I checked Facebook and E mail.
I pretty much killed time until it was time to leave for Kiley's graduation at Campbell HS.
At 1500 (3PM) we left to go to Kiley's graduation. It was held at Aloha Stadium.
Before the ceremony I got some pics of my little ohana.
Mahina (moon), Kalei, and Kiana.
It was a long ceremony with 678 graduates.
I "video taped" part of it.
The graduation ceremony went like this:
First off it started late at 1715 (5:15 PM) instead of 1700 (5PM).
There was a Navy JROTC color guard who posted colors,
then there was an "Hawaiian Song",
then the graduating class arrived (I "video taped" that),
then they announced the Scholarship Awards,
then the graduating class came up and received their certificates
(I filmed Kiley getting hers).
Then after awhile I left. It was way, way too loud in the stadium.
I went and top at the top of the bench.
I waited up there until after the ceremony.
Then we walked through the parking lot where they had letters.
We walked all the way to the letter "H" to wait and see Kiley Hariachi.
When she came out she was full of "lai's".
I asked her how she can move with all the "lai's".
Pics of Kiley and my ohana:
 |
| Kiana 2015 |
 |
| Pics of all the Pana families below |
 |
| Me and Kiley |
 |
| Me with my Ohana; Shyanne, Shelbee, Landry and Jr. |
It was nearly 2030 (8:30 PM) by the time we got back to the SUV.
To try to get out of the traffic mess of the parking lot was a slow crawl.
I learned a law that is illegal in the main land.
That is that kids 12 and over can ride in the back of a pick up truck.
I unbuckled my belt for a minute and my cousin Dianne got on me.
There was some commotion in the back
and I unbuckled my belt to turn around and look is all.
Then after putting my belt back on I looked up
and saw some kids in the back of a pickup truck.
I said, "That is illegal in the main land." They said that it is not illegal here.
But when you in a cab of a vehicle you have to wear a seat belt. That makes no sense to me.
Of course at home I never wear my seat belt. It is my choice.
Anyway at around 2100 (9PM) we arrived at Chili's Bar and Grill.
While walking in I was watching the kids table.
I saw them goofing around and little Lili on the floor.
I told her to watch her head as I knelt down and helped her on to the seat.
I looked and saw Julie and was trying to tell her that I saw one of the kids on the floor.
As soon as I went to say that, bam one of the kids fell and hit his head.
He was taken to the ER to get checked.
In the mean time I joined Mr. Pana around at the table.
I was originally sitting at the very end,where Kiley and her group ended up sitting.
But I moved before then to set next to Nelson and next to Shelbee.
Mahina was in front of my and my Cousin Dianne beside her.
Anyway I ordered the triple tacos:
one chicken (pollo), one pork (carnita) and one shrimp.
I got a cup of soup as well, but they brought me a bowl
and a margarita and a water with lemon.
I chatted with the kids and then got up and chatted with Kiley.
We talked about the military and karate.
I chatted with the bartender as well.
I asked him if he knew what a "mop in a bucket" and a "greyhound" is?
I moonlighted as a bartender once and chat with bar tenders once and awhile.
Besides everyone else was talking at the table.
Anyway we all pretty much ate at close to the same time.
And we departed around 2300 (11PM).
We got back to the house about a half an hour later.
Most everyone crashed (feel asleep hard).
I heard the kids up as I was writing in this.
Pics of my ohana and me at Chili's:
 |
| Shannon and Kiley |
It is 0630 and I am sitting here. My ears are ringing loud and my head is pounding.
That noise was overwhelming last night.
From 0700 until 0800 I worked out.
Then I made my breakfast smoothie.
At 0900 my ohana and I left for the beach.
We went to Koolina Beach.
I hung out with cousin Dianne, Kiley, Kiana, Shannon, and many other ohana.
Before leaving for the beach I did my laundry.
When I got back from the beach I folded up laundry.
Kiana came back with us. I showed her a couple of karate moves at the beach.
She is like little Janalee was.
She showed "Ka Do" (student way) and that is potential.
I wish I could move here to Hawaii and she could be part of the class.
I truly have passion for Karate. It is my life.
I got a pic of me and her; of me, her (Kiana), her mom (my cousin Sharee), and her brother...
 |
| Me and Kiana |
 |
| Me, Kiana, Sharee, and a little ohana. |
On the beach I also showed Kiley a couple of karate moves
and got lots of pictures taken with me and my ohana.
With my cousin Shannon (Kiley's mom), Kiley, and Kiley's boyfriend.
I had fun posing doing the Tiger, Kiley doing a kick, and "hanging loose"...
 |
| Me and Shannon |
 |
| Me and Kiley |
 |
| Me and Kiley posing. |
 |
| Me and Kiley posing |
 |
| Me and Kiley "hanging loose". |
 |
| Kiley showing her muscles. |
 |
| Me doing Tiger, Kiley kicking. |
 |
| Tiger Man, Kicking Girl |
 |
| Shannon, me, Kiley |
 |
| Kiley's boyfriend, me, Kiley |
Now I am back at the house sitting here. Kiana is playing video games, Dianne is working,
a little baby is crying, and I am writing in this.
It is 2300 (11PM) now and I just got out of a cold shower.
I am sun burnt to a crisp. Apparently the sun block spray did not work.
Tonight; first I hung around with Kiana. I showed her some basic karate moves.
Then at dinner time kids came over to eat and stay; Mahina, and Kalei.
We ate dinner together. Then I got on Shyanne's laptop.
Shyanne helped me share pics on Facebook with my sun disc.
After that I spent the night helping Landry with his car.
He was raising the engine to put a new block and mount in.
I helped what i could. Mostly handing him tools.
That was that. We got her done. Good night!
Saturday 30 May 2015:
It is just after 0600 and I am sitting here in the back room hurting.
Contemplating on if I want to do karate or not.
I might do some, but I will not put my gi top on.
I did do some karate upstairs, but did not wear my gi top nor a shirt.
It is 0800 now and I did just get out of the shower.
I am sitting here in the nude, cooling down my sun burn.
As I was doing karate, Kiana and Kalei came up and watched some of it.
I showed them some moves. That was that.
At 10AM we all left to go to the graves to honor the ohana that passed.
The kids: Kiana, Mahina, Kalei, Julian, and Shelbee and us adults:
Me, Dianne, Nelson, and Shyanne all left together.
We had a big group so we used the company van.
We went to see Nancy Han's grave first. Then Uncle Ray's.
Shannon, Kiley and her boyfriend met us there.
Kiley laid lai's over the grave. I took pictures.
I also got a family pic in with all of us.
 |
| Me and most of the ohana. |
At 1300 (1PM) we went to this pizza place called; "The Big Kahuna".
Next to it was L & L an Hawaiian BBQ place.
I should have gotten that. The pizza sucked!
It was burnt to a crisp. Very nasty pizza.
Chicago has the best pizza. The mainland.
At L & L I looked at the menu and saw: shrimp, fish, BBQ pig, and a dish called, "Loco Moco".
a dish with a bowl of rice, a burger patty, fried egg, and gravy.
That would have been better than the pizza. That is certain.
It is an Hawaiian classic!
Anyway, we went to the airport to eat. We watched planes take off and land.It was fun!
Then at 1500 (3PM) we arrived down by the pier where they have the Arizona Memorial boat.
We missed the boat, so we left to go shopping for groceries.
Dianne and Nelson shopped while I and Shyanne was out in the car with the kids.
All but Mahina who left with Shannon.
So we were bored and the kids were jumpy.
Yep, been there before with my young karate students.
I did my Donald Duck voice and sneeze to get their attention.
Then just before 1900 (7PM) we arrived back at the house.
Julie was there cleaning out her car.
So we had more kids. They all played as i chatted with Julie.
Dianne was in the house making dinner; her homemade mac and cheese.
At around 20 hundred (8PM) Nelson was leaving to get Mahina.
Her mom showed up and it was time for them to have bonding time...
So I went with Nelson to pick her up.
After we picked her up we went to the Wal-Mart to shop.
We got Ice Cream and stuff and ointment for my sunburn.
I pushed Mahina around in the cart.
Then at around 2100 (9PM) we arrived back at the house.
Mahina was excited to see her mom.
I am happy to see a kid happy. There is no greater joy to me.
At around 2130 (9:30PM) we ate dinner: Mac and Cheese, Salad, and Corn on the Cob.
After that I went upstairs and Nelson and I watched TV. A show about rescuing people.
After the show we were called down for Ice Cream,
but I was too sore and tired and my equilibrium was off.
I just laid there and crashed at around 2300 (11PM). I crashed hard.
Sunday 31 May 2015:
As I lay here I reflect on not wanting to go home. On the other hand wanting to go home.
I do not want to leave my real family - my ohana. I have more family here than I do at home.
I have around 32 total cousins with my 3rd and 4th cousins. A lot of ohana.
The other thing is; here I always feel welcome.
At home on the main land with even my mom, dad, sisters and some cousins being so close;
a few blocks away, I hardly ever see them.
I see my mom and dad on occasion and my sisters and cousins hardly ever.
Sometimes I wonder if it is worth living close to family.
But here whenever I visit, my ohana makes every effort to make me feel welcome.
Anyway, all I did today was go to North Shore with Shannon, Kiley, her boyfriend, Julie, and her kids.
I left with Nelson who was going golfing with Kiana, Mahina, and Kalei.
He took my to Shannon's house. Then we left to go to North Shore.
But first we went to this Pineapple Maze. It was fun!
I road in the back of the truck there and in shotgun of Julie's car to North Shore Beach.
I did not hit the water of the beach though. I did do some Tai Chi in the sand however.
Julie and the kids hit the beach.
I arrived back here at the house at 1630 (4:30PM).
Tonight at 1830 (6:30PM) I left with Sharon and Gen and we went to "Teddy's Burgers".
We met Jacie there. We had burgers, shakes, and tater tots. And we chatted. It was fun!
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| Jacie |
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| Sharon |
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| Gen |
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| Me |
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| Me and my ohana |
At 2030 (8:30PM) I arrived back at the house. I packed the rest of my gear.
Now it is after "Taps" and I am reflecting.
I am reflecting on if I made a good impression on my "little ohana" - the kids here.
Mahina did not really open up to me.
It would take a month for these kids to really get to know me.
I wish I had a month. I told her, "You hurt old man's feelings."
If I could live here I would open up my own dojo and Kiana would be my first student.
But that would probably never happen.
I just have to pray to my God Jehovah.
Good night!
Monday 01 June 2015:
Today was a blast.
We; Dianne, Nelson, and my two little ohana Shelbee and Laundry Jr.,
went on the Arizona Memorial tour.
Since there was a tug that crashed into the dock,
we could not go on the Arizona Memorial itself.
But we did see a film about the attack on Pearl Harbor,
and we took a boat out to go around the memorial.
After that we walked around the gift shop
and I bought Ken and I a Arizona BB-39 hat from the gift shop.
After that we had a late lunch at Shiro's. It was fun!
Shiro was an inspiring man. He is passed now, but he was inspiring.
There was a lot of his quotes on the wall.
I took a pic of the rules to live by plaque.
At Shiro's I got the Loco Moco; the bowl of rice, 2 beef patties, gravy, and fried eggs.
I got my eggs sunny side up. I finally tried the Hawaiian classic that Kiana recommended.
I had a blast on my last day, but now I am in the air on my way home...
Watching the sunset...
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