WW: Guess what this is...

Any guesses what building these Swedish-made tiles are from? Hint: it's probably one of Jørn Utzon's most famous creations...

I got the idea of Wordless Wednesday from An Island Life - but
for more WW participants, visit the official WW Hub or 5 Minutes for Mom.

HWotD:
holoholo - to go for a walk, ride, or sail; to go out for pleasure, to travel
"ho-lo-ho-lo"

Pride goeth before a...

Well, I'm not so sure I was proud of my running. Granted, I kind of make fun of Phoebe-runners (who doesn't?), but really, I don't think I'm the cat's meow of running. I certainly don't think that now.




Saturday morning, while running, I guess I wasn't paying attention... And in the middle of my residential neighborhood, I wiped out. I bit it bad. It was one of those where you actually have time to think on the way down. Is this the best way to fall? I couldn't come up with a fast enough response, so it just happened. Of course, it was at the exact middle of what I had intended to run, so I was the farthest away from my house I planned to be. On my way home, a kind lady asked me if I was ok and let me rinse off my leg and hand in the sprinkler...

It'll take me a while to recover from this one. Pictures don't do it justice.







HWotD:
hāʻule - to fall, drop, tumble
"haaah-ooh-lay"

I am loved!

Not that I thought I wasn't... but I feel extra-special today!

Yesterday, I got a package in the mail. I wasn't expecting anything, but it had my name on it. I opened it up, and it was a cd - Maori Songs. DH bought it for me! I love surprises, but DH is more the strategic planning type (aka boring). But, he knows that when we're over in OZ, I really want to figure out how to get over to New Zealand and learn more about the Maori. (Yes, I have become obsessed with all things Polynesian lately). DH had found the Commandant's reading list, and this was a recommended cd. I was so excited! Good job dh!!

Then, when I got home from work tonight I checked the mail again (another obsessive habit of mine - I just love getting the mail!) and I had a package addressed to Tia Julie. My nieces call me Tia (which I also love). The package was from Hilo. Now, I'd be a little upset if my nieces went to Hilo without me, but I opened the package and it was a cute wallet I saw on etsy! I had just looked at some of my favorites on etsy yesterday and was sad to have seen that someone bought it. Little did I know it was my sister!! Also included in the package were some ono honey roasted macadamia nuts and cute little stickers! Woohoo! Could life be any better?

Looks like they know what my love language is! Thank you guys!!

HWotD:
ono - delicious
"oh-no"

I love summer because...

reason #845 - It's socially acceptable to eat s'mores.

(Only our condo association is dumb and won't let us have grills or fires so I have to use a sterno. But when there's a will, there's a way. I am my sister's sister. She's the one who bought the kit for me. Thanks, Jenny.)

HWotD:
ahi - fire, match, lightning, to burn in a fire
"ah-hee"

WW: I'd follow him anywhere

I got this idea from An Island Life - but for more WW participants,

visit the official WW Hub or 5 Minutes for Mom.

HWotD:
one - sand, sandy, silt, white sand
"oh-nay"

So do they want us to borrow books, or not?

My local library... where to start?

1. It's never open. It opens at noon 2 days a week. It closes at 6 or before 3 days a week. It is closed two days a week (including today, my day off, of course). The days that it opens early are the days I get out of work early. The days that I go in late and work late are the days it's open "late".

2. Most of the books I want to read are at the main headquarters. I could just go there, but since I have one closer to my house, I feel like I should go there. Plus, with gas being crazy expensive, I find it easier to go the closer one. But if I want to read the books I want, I have to put in requests for books, which is pretty easy to do... but then I miss the deadline for picking them up once they come in.

3. It's easier to "turn around and walk away, pretending I don't love you" than it is to get a library card. I'm a military wife. I move every year or so. In order for me to get a library card, I need to bring in my social security card, my driver's license, my bank statement, references from 3 previous libraries, my third-grade report card, and my dental records. Seriously kids, all Blockbuster needed was my driver's license and a credit card. If I don't bring back a book, charge me! What do you really want anyway?

Aaaah. Perhaps I'll try to go and get my books tomorrow. If it's open.

(I do understand that fewer people and probably less money is going into our public libraries. I am grateful that our library provides internet access for people who may not otherwise have it. I just miss the "good old days". Plus I want what I want when I want it. Just call me Veruca Salt.)


HWotD:
puke - book
"pooh-kay" (NOT the stuff you vomit)



PS - has anyone used Google maps and looked at Street View? It's kind of freaky. Big Brother is watching.

WW: The Rainbow, Hilo Farmer's Market-style

I got this idea from An Island Life - but for more WW participants,

visit the official WW Hub or 5 Minutes for Mom.

HWotD:
mea 'ai - food
"may-ah aye"

Camera help

After saving up my hard-earned money, I bought a new digital SLR! I had been wanting one for a while (aka over a year) and we saved up enough to buy one. Now I just have to figure out how to use it! I'm really excited about the possibilities though - SLR's offer so many options!

But I have two questions for anyone who can help -
1. What kind of camera bag should I get? I'm looking for one to carry the camera body itself as well as a lens or a few lenses... If only shootsac offered something like that, oh, and if only shootsacs were affordable on a preschool teacher assistant salary.

2. What is a good second lens to get? Now I have the 18-55 mm lens that came with the camera, and I like it. I'm trying to figure out what I should get next. I intend to use it for travel photography (like when we go to Australia in a few months) and to take better of dh when he's surfing. Any suggestions? I have a Canon XTi.


HWotD:
Pahupaʻikiʻi - camera
"pa-hoo-pa-ee-key-ee"

Movie Tuesday

Australia the Beautiful

Synopsis from netflix: From ancient, misty forests to canyons that conceal secrets from the age of dinosaurs; from pristine lakes to majestic peaks; and from sophisticated cities to some of the world's greatest wilderness areas, experience all of Australia's dramatic contrasts, dazzling wildlife and glorious landscapes. Highlights include the Great Barrier Reef, Lord Howe's Island, King's Canyon and Lake Eyre ... to name just a few.

Our view: Not the best documentary/travel promotion video I've ever seen. And I really like documentaries. I used to watch them in high school. I found it kind of boring, even though I was eating lunch while watching it. But it was very pretty. Oh, and the "highlights" are pretty much all they show. It did get me excited about going to Australia though (not that I need any more help).

Bride and Prejudice

Synopsis from netflix: Aishwarya Rai, Martin Henderson and Anupam Kher star in this joyous musical about the Bakhsi family, who's celebrating the arrival of a British-born man, Mr. Balraj, who may be perfect husband material for one the Bakhsis' four unmarried daughters -- Maya, Lucky, Jaya and, most especially, their eldest, Lalita (Rai). But Lalita refuses to marry someone handpicked for her, believing instead in true love, which just may be waiting in the wings.

Our view: Make that my view. Dh was watching basketball, and I don't think there's much I could have done to convince him to watch it. I LOVED IT. I love bollywood films, though. This one was great. All of the omissions that made Once an atypical musical are included in this one - breaking out into cheesy songs while walking down the street plus more. Rich, you would hate it. And Rory Gilmore was in it, I mean Alexis Bledel. I love Rory Gilmore. Except in Sin City. But that's another story.

Juno

Synopsis (from netflix): Facing an unplanned pregnancy, teenage Juno (Ellen Page) devises a plan to locate the proverbial perfect parents to adopt her baby. But the seemingly ideal couple Juno chooses still has some growing up to do. Now, everyone in Juno's world must do a little soul-searching. Michael Cera co-stars while Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner play the pair of affluent yuppies anxious for a child in this offbeat coming-of-age comedy, which won the 2008 Oscar for Best Original.

Our view: We really liked it. We pretty much laughed through the entire movie. At times it is irreverant (a teenager is pregnant), but very cute. I'd recommend it to people who would like Garden State.

Bourne Identity

Synopsis from netflix: A man (Matt Damon) washes up on an island in the Mediterranean Sea, suffering from gunshot wounds and amnesia. He soon realizes he's being hunted down by assassins and that he's very good at killing them before they get him … but the question of his identity perplexes him as he fights to stay alive. Franka Potente co-stars in this action thriller based on Robert Ludlum's novel.

Our view: First of all, he didn't wash up on an island... whatever netflix. Anyway, we tried to watch the second movie on tv and thought it'd be a good idea to start from the beginning. They're confusing enough as it is. We liked it, again. Though I did change into my pj's during the car chase scene. Car chases bore and annoy me.


HWotD:
'alemanaka - calendar
"ah-lee-mah-nah-kah"

WW: My new XTi!!!

A flower on a tree near our back door.
I have no idea what kind of tree it is.

I got this idea from An Island Life - but for more WW participants,

visit the official WW Hub or 5 Minutes for Mom.

HWotD:
'elua - two
"eh-loo-ah"

All in one - a good thing?

Well, in the case of Fourbuck's Thanksgiving-in-a-sandwich, it's certainly not a good thing. You know, those sandwiches that have turkey, cranberries, lettuce, and stuffing all crammed between two pieces of bread? That's no good. Disgusting.

And we all know that shampoo plus conditioner really doesn't work.

But I found this sunscreen when we were abroad last year, and LOVED it. It's made by RoC, and is called Minesol? Ok, but this is what I love about it - it not only is SPF 30, but it also has bronzing power. So, it's like you get doubly dark while still being good to your skin. Fabulous!
Ok, but now, where do I get it??? Any suggestions? Does anyone have any magic sunscreen they would like to recommend??


HWotD:
'ekahi - one
"eh-kah-hee"

Movie Tuesday

Hula Girls (Japan)

Synopsis from netflix.com: When a Japanese mining company announces the closure of a coal mine in Iwaki, a group of brave young women defies their community by signing up to become hula dancers at the company's new Hawaiian tourist center in this heartwarming dramedy. Amid union workers' protests and against the wishes of their families, the women passionately practice and perform their newly learned art in hopes that it will lead to a brighter future.

My view: I watched it while babysitting, and the child was asleep. I REALLY liked it. It had the key words "passionately" and "heartwarming." And even better - it included HULA! I would definitely recommend it. And yes, you do have to read subtitles.

The Dinner Game (France)

Le dîner de cons

Synopsis from netflix.com: A group of French intellectuals gather each Wednesday for the dinner game, where the challenge is to bring along the most idiotic guest each can find. Pierre (Thierry Lhermitte) thinks he's found a ringer in François (Jacques Villeret), a civil servant whose passion is making architectural models out of matchsticks. But Pierre gets more than he bargained for when François becomes his houseguest -- and nursemaid!

Our view: LOVED it! Yes, you do have to read subtitles, but it was pretty funny. DH really liked it. DH talked to one of his friends from France about the movie, and he said it was his favorite movie and the actors are all really famous French actors. We liked it!

Antonia's Line (Netherlands?)

Synopsis from netflix.com: Winner of the 1995 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and many other prestigious international honors, Antonio's Line is the remarkable story of a woman who builds a new life with her daughter in a quiet Dutch village after World War II. Earthy, sexy, romantic and filled with laughter and warmth, it's a joyous, multi-generational celebration of simple pleasures and enduring passions.

My views: When they mean sexy, they mean sexy. This movie had a lot of sex and death in it. It was interesting, but I don't think I'd watch it again.

Oyster Farmer (Australia)

Synopsis (from netflix.com) : Down-on-his-luck drifter Jack Flange (Alex O'Lachlan) heads to a secluded oyster-farming community to wait for a parcel of stolen cash that he's mailed to himself. But the package never arrives, and Jack suspects a beautiful postal worker named (what else?) Pearl (Diana Glenn) may be responsible for its disappearance. Anna Reeves directs this quirky but charming romance set along Australia's Hawkesbury River.

Our views: Ok, but not my favorite. Had one scene that made me blush and I watched it by myself. I don't think I'd recommend it.


HWotD:
mele - music, song
"meh-leh"

Quilt 3...

Ok, so I guess I've made two quilts before this.

The first quilt was for my first niece. I started it before she was born, therefore before we knew she was indeed a she. It's a bad picture, please forgive me. It matches her room :)


My second quilt was this Christmas tree skirt in a Hawaiian pattern - ulu (breadfruit). I have some vague recollection about ulu being something you're supposed to start with. But goodness, this one took me forever. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention I do all of my sewing BY HAND??


The new quilt is for my second niece. A boy at school had a quilt in roughly this pattern for his naptime blanket. This is my interpretation of it. It ended up being more "square" than I thought it would end up... but I still like it. Plus, it's not really girly (aka using pinks and purples...) but I hope that's ok with her.

Close-up of the pattern on the "front"


Surprise! I thought it would be fun to make a mini-version of her quilt for her dolls or bears or whatever. They're slightly different (aka the red parts are different fabric) and the big one has yellow binding where I took the backing and folded it for the binding on the small one.

The backing of both quilts is this cute ladybug pattern. It may not be pinks and purples, but it's still cute! I hope you like them Mari!!! Happy Birthday!

HWotD:
kuiki - quilt, to quilt
"koo-ee-key"

from the mouth of babes...

teacher: How was your snack?
student: It disappeared!
teacher: Where did it go?
student a. In my tummy
student b. It went to eat a flower

teacher: What does that say? (about a sign on the treehouse on the playground)
student: It doesn't have a nail.
teacher: What does it say, though?
student: I don't know. I can't spell.

She burped a beaver on my gankey.
(Translation: His sister had a fever and "threw up a little" on his blanket. Get it?)

I have a boo-boo. The only person who can make it better is Neosporin. It's the official medicine of boo-boos.

It smells like bathing suits outside.

Oh. My. Gosh. (think Janice from Friends) The tablecloths are pink.

Miss Julie, if you come to my house I'm going to lock my doors and windows. You can't come in. (Apparently a threat. I had given her a time out for doing something blatantly wrong.)


HWotD:
uliuli - dark color such as deep blue of the sea, deep green of vegetation, dark grey of clouds (sometimes has bad connotation because associated with darkness)
"ooh-lee-ooh-lee"

polū - blue, not blue of sea or sky, but of clothes or European-introduced objects
"poh-loooh"

Something you just don't get to say everyday...

... but I got to say today.

"Stop putting rocks in your shorts."

last time with this kid, it was in his socks. Before that it was in his underwear.

Let's hope it stops there.


HWotD:
pōhaku - rocks, stone, mineral, tablet
"poe-hah-coo"

Hurry up and wait

I am pretty sure that's the military's unofficial motto.

In our case, we're waiting on what we're going to do this summer. As in less than 4 weeks from now. Most business school students that are finishing their first year (like my beloved dh) are heading off in the next few weeks to exciting places to do internships with fabulous companies. My dh knows he's not allowed to do that. He's just waiting to see if/where the Coast Guard wants him. Ideally, he'd be out West working on finance projects. They want him there. He asked his detailer to go there (a detailer is the person who tells us where we're going to go). The detailer hasn't gotten back to him yet. I'm all about being flexible. I like a little bit of mystery. I like adventure. But with us planning* to leave the country in August, I kind of feel like that is more than enough unknown for me.

*Oh yeah, and conveniently, the type of visa that we need can't be applied for until 124 days from the start of school. And fyi, it's not that time yet. It's really quite annoying - as we can't even work further on our visa application until 124 days from the start of school. And we need the visa before we can go on to other things. Grrrrr.

I guess now is the part where I learn patience.


HWotD:
'ano'ano - seeds
"ah-no-ah-no"

More gems overheard at preschool this week

Prayers:

- Dear God, thank you for all the people in the city. Thank you for all of the people in their cars going to the city.
- Dear God, thank you for Transformers. Thank you for Roboquad. Thank you for Robosapien, and for all of my other WowWees. Thank you for our food. Thank you for chickens. Thank you for cows. (a carnivorous, robot-loving 3-year old).


Close, but no cigar:

- Look at that porcupine over there. Don't touch it! (about a pinecone)
- I have a half sand dollar, isn't it cool? (about a half dollar, Kennedy-style)
- Who is that man, him with the candy cane? (about a father who had knee surgery and needs a cane to walk. Wouldn't it be cool though if he did have a candy cane instead of metal one??)


Joke:

A cat is going to drive in someone's car. And he's going to jump everywhere in the car and drive with his long hands.

Miscellaneous:

- I can't wake up now. I need to stretch and scratch. (3 year old boy. It starts that early.)
- I can't get in line. I'm making a friend. And it's Jenny.
- I found gold. (student)
Cool! What are you going to make with it? (me)
Make? It's going to make out of a treasure!


HWotD:
hōkū - star
"ho-kooh"

Wordless Wednesday - Rainbow Falls

I got this idea from An Island Life - but for more WW participants, visit the official WW Hub or 5 Minutes for Mom.



HWotD:
ānuenue - rainbow
"aaah-noo-ee-noo-ee"

We're going to the PROM!!

No more suspense - the kid from my preschool who wants to be a "neesaw," and neesaws jump on but not off buildings... it's a NINJA. Ninjas jump on buildings and who really knows the extent of what they do?



Anyway, we're going to Prom (it's really called the Capitalist Ball, but I like Prom better) this Friday. This is the info I have.

1) This is a Black Tie Recommended Event (Dh is such a rebel. He's wearing a mere suit. I tried to get him to wear a uniform, but no joy.)
2) Tickets will be on sale April 14-17 in the school lobby (It costs approximately 11 gallons of gas per person!)
3) Live music by Groove Addiction
4) Appetizers & refreshments will be provided (not even dinner? For that much money? Capitalism sucks.)



I think I'm going to wear this dress. It's knee-length and mostly black (which you can't tell from the pictures).


Now I just have to figure out what to do with my hair... up or down? Grrr...



HWotD:
manu - bird, winged creature
"mah-nooh"

Overheard at school this week...

Yes, you can come to my house. I have Buzz Lightyear.


No elbows on the table. (said by student)
What do elbows do? (said by teacher)
They make muscles. (said by student while flexing like this)


Excuse me, teacher.
Yes, student? (I hate it when kids don't know my name. I've been there since August.)
I think one of those kids are bothering my note (aka piece of paper). I put it on the ground and they stole it. (Sitll holding the note. Turning to other students) Guys, I telled on you.
(I think he is the male version of Junie B.)


Really? Can I have it tonight? Please daddy, can I have some squid tonight? I'll be good, I promise!



So, like we so often do, we asked one of the students what he wants to be when he grows up. He responded, "A neesaw." Great. Anyone have any idea what a neesaw is? We asked him where he saw a neesaw. "It was on tv." I asked every question imaginable, going way beyond 20 questions. All I figured out was that it wasn't a teacher, doctor, pilot, fisherman, dancer, athlete, pastor, jockey, dentist, chef, baker, soldier, ship captain (I tried ;) !) , farmer, mailcarrier, grocer, or any other thing I could think of. It would have been easy if he was a girl - girls at that age want to be princesses when they grow up (at least in my school). All you have to do is guess the vintage - Snow White, Cinderella, Ariel, Jasmine... But anyway, I took Mark to our director who has dealt with kids for years and has the same southern drawl as this student. She asked him what "neesaws" wear. With no luck. The most we could get out of him was that they jump on buildings... but not off buildings. Any guesses as to what he wants to be when he grows up???



HWotD:
huinahā paʻa pilipā - trapezoid
"hoo-ee-nah-haaah paah-aaah pee-lee-paaah"