INFINITY.

Our daily conversations involve several moments of hearty, side pain laughter! At times the topic doesn’t matter, we’ll laugh at one of my guffaws or a play on words from Lilinoe; and always something one of the children has either said or done. Lately, we’ve been having impromptu “family talent shows” that will have all of us proudly LOLing.

Early in our discovery Lilinoe gave me the label of “Funniest Person Ever.” Well, maybe I had to coax it out of her, but over the last few years I have lived up to my title. The same with my blogs, I don’t think I’ll ever earn a penny with my humor, but it’s a key ingredient in the harmony of our household, and therefore has heavy value.

The sound of Lilinoe’s hearty laughter, the giggles of Jayden, the loud chuckle of Maiyah or the burst of “ha, ha’s” from Chelsea are infectious, and most importantly soothing.

The ability for us to laugh at our shortcomings, individually and collectively has created an environment of forgiveness; strengthened our family and keep the endorphins flowing through all of our souls.

It’s just another ingredient of life that we cannot live without.

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“is the first way you can instantly blog your experiences, thoughts and ideas, anywhere, using all the capabilities of your mobile phone.”

A few months ago I created an UTTERZ account, mostly to feed the geek within, but also because I intended on using it. Social networking sites post-MySpace have made it easier to post your thoughts on-the-go via your mobile phone.

I hesitate to utilize the voice portion of UTTERZ, well because I strive for perfection. I would rather type it out, proofread and edit and read it as a script; but that would defeat its designed purpose.

One of the most appealing features for me is that I don’t have to convince a whole bunch of my family and friends to migrate over to UTTERZ. I’ve set-up a widget in the sidebar and with a click you can ‘hear’ what I have to say for the day. I figured, it will not only allow me to get more thoughts out into the world, but it will definitely help with my annunciation and dictation.

I don’t promise to be eloquent or profound, but I do promise to be consistent. UTTERZ emails a daily topic, but if anyone has a suggestion on what you want me to utter, leave a comment and I’ll do my best to provide you more than my two cents!

Prior to the start of the current NFL season I joined the “HawaiiThreads: Yahoo! Sports Pro Football Pick ’Em.” The older I get, my interest in sports are reserved until the playoffs or the championship match. And so, joining this ‘tournament’ was purely for “virtual fun.” Lilinoe became interested, and as we do with nearly everything in our lives, we collaborated on a strategy.

It wasn’t very complicated, it consisted of choosing the teams that had players with ties to Hawaii on their rosters; Houston was automatic since I was a former resident; and Lilinoe will choose the New England Patriots each week only because she finds Tom Brady to be “cute.”

The strategy worked the first two weeks as we were able to accumulate 22 points (1 point per win) or 22 correct picks. We didn’t consider the point spread, home field advantage, injury lists, or anything other than the method mentioned above.

In Week 3 I decided to read a few lines of summarized predictions, and managed a low 5 points. In Week 4 I woke up with a bad attitude that left me home alone and only increased to 6 points. Determined to be back on track, I committed to a better attitude and included (begged) Lilinoe back into the selection process, and our points for the week increased to 8. And, I don’t know what happened during Week 6 as the point spread broke our spirit to an all time low of 4 points.

At the end of week 6 we amassed a total of 44 points and were in second place overall. Determined to improve, but having not a clue of the players’ abilities or coaching successes or even the teams’ records we enrolled our 3 year old son Jayden.

As I sat by the computer, I rattled off the names of two teams and he chose. Whatever his response we selected it on the screen. I admit that I was a bit unsure of the strategy, so I went through the list again, but this time by their respective mascots and his picks did not change. The only game we (Lilinoe) attempted to “change his mind about” was the New England vs. Miami (+16.5), but I defended his choice and we went with his selection of Miami.

The last game just ended a few minutes ago, and of the 13 games scheduled, we have 10 points or 10 correct picks! Amazing to say the least, but he should have listened to his Mommy since New England beat the spread!

Back in April of this year, my parents displayed a class act of generosity and purchased a dozen tickets to the Lion King Broadway Musical. The month’s leading up to our scheduled October 13th performance were inundated with numerous inquiries from the children confirming, “Are we going to Lion King?” With every promotional commercial we viewed, the anxiety built more intense. My Mom declared that Maiyah just plain gave up and decided that she wasn’t actually going. And, my sister prepared her 2 year old with a DVD of the animated movie but Taimane opted for “Shrek” instead!

On the day of our performance, my sister and her brood of three (soon to be four) flew in from Maui. In the morning she made her usual stops to the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet and Pearlridge Shopping Center. We did our Saturday morning routine of hula practice in Nu’uanu and eventually all met up at Camilia’s Buffet in McCully. The buffet was so filling that my family and I headed home for an afternoon nap, while the Mauians headed to Kahala Mall to drool at the Apple store and purchase an iPod.

An economical family; we dined on manapua, pork hash, rice cake and passion orange juice in the parking lot of the Neal Blaisdell Center before making our way to the Concert Hall. The night air was absolutely muggy making it even more of a point to get indoors. The crowds were dressed in evening wear, both in the formal and ‘local’ formal sense, which meant Aloha attire permitted. Before heading to our seats we were confronted with a wonderful display of souvenirs of t-shirts, books, stuffed animals, and more. I describe it as being ‘confronted’ because an adult sized t-shirt was $30, and of course we happily purchased a t-shirt for each of the children and souvenir books for each household.

Our seats were perfect to our standards, great proximity to both the stage and restrooms with ample leg room. As the lights dimmed, and the first familiar cry from the character “Rafiki” played by the awesomely talented, Gugwana Dlamini, “Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba!” The entire audience roared as if we’ve all been awaiting the birth of “Simba.” As “Rafiki” continued an “oli” or a chant of declaration that “a lion is here” (Sithi uhm ingonyama) giraffes, zebras, antelope, and even a life sized elephant marched their way down the aisles through the audience.

The march of the animals of the “Pride Lands” were “chicken skin” moments, and one middle aged man sitting behind me even admitted to being overwhelmed by tears. I too was more than misty-eyed.

The entire musical was mesmerizing and had each of our children sitting quietly at the edge of their seats anticipating each scene.

This memory was all made possible by my parents, and I dedicated this blog and the video below as a show of our appreciation for their consistent generosity.

Enjoy our photos and impromptu family talent show the night after!

Find more videos like this on INFINITY PRODUCTIONS

Yesterday my virtual and real worlds collided, on purpose, and in the words of Martha Stewart, “It was a good thing.”

For about a month now I’ve been following Guy Kawasaki on Twitter, reading his posts from his website Truemors. Some of his posts were of interest, especially the odd news stories from ‘round the world. He also twittered about his passion for hockey, despite modestly assessing himself as an average and below player. He also boldly twittered about Truemors being labeled the worst website ever. And, I enjoyed his twitters of his ventures on his daughter’s camping trip.

The last week or so he’s been twittering about being in Hawaii, the island of Maui at first and I assumed he and his family were on vacation. He shared, via twitter, showing pictures of his children to his father, and I knew he was now on Oahu, but without family in tow. And, a few nights ago he posted that he had two more speaking engagements before flying home.

I thought to myself that I had to hear him, not because he was an Apple Fellow or had roots in Silicon Valley, but it was my opportunity to allow my worlds to collide, on purpose. You see, I’ve been reading about Podcamps, TechCrunch and DemoFall for the last few months, and am interested but limited by this thing called the Pacific Ocean, and well a budget. This was my opportunity to bring some reality into my virtual world.

I found myself at Honolulu Community College riding the elevator with another gentleman whom said, “Are you here for the STEM conference?” Umm…no, I’m here to listen to Guy Kawasaki. The gentleman replied, “Yes, the STEM conference.” Great, I wasn’t registered for this conference but I did have a “Get In Free” pass, well sort of. Guy had directed a private message to me the night before that read, “If you can’t get in, call me over and we’ll say you’re my bodyguard.”

Approaching the registration desk with a good attitude, and great smile, the lady graciously added me to the list without me even having to use my pass! I found myself sitting amongst a room of people from my parents’ generation, I felt very comfortable, but I’ll admit I wondered if any of them could identify with the guest speaker from Twitter or only from all of his other accomplishments.

Guy was a little more than awesome. He spoke my language: simple, quick, and honest. The topic was relevant, to me, and by the nodding, abrupt laughter, and roaring applaud; I’d say others felt the same as well. He was equally as kind when I introduced myself, and much taller than I had pictured or was it his shaggy, surfer hairdo?

Here are the things I took away from my experience:

• Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Leadership Conference was sponsored by the University of Hawaii College of Education with a goal of building a framework for action. It was an invite only conference which brought together the Board of Education, Department of Education, Department of Human Services, and other relevant related offices.

• “Make Meaning.” I don’t aim to change the world globally, but I focus locally and should it ripple into something larger then I have overachieved, which is perfectly fine in my book. I choose to participate in life, and as a participant I have a responsibility to leave footprints with dignity.

• “Don’t be afraid to polarize people.” I‘ve said this before that I‘ve accepted that “not everybody loves NEENZ,” and knowing this, creates a secure balance. And so, whether in my professional or personal life, I give all of myself genuinely, but I know that not everyone will accept me in the same manner. Part of the balance includes this percentage of people whom may not accept me, it allows me to spend more time and focus on those that do.

• Guy Kawasaki likes to use the word ‘crap.’ And let’s face it, he’s right. Don’t produce it, don’t sell it, don’t give it away. Unless of course, it’s “beta” crap.

I had wanted to ask Guy a few questions, an interview of sorts which would have made my other blog, “TRUEMORS: Get Local Ties” a bit more interesting, but he was overwhelmed by other attendees one of which was the current Lieutenant Governor Duke Aiona. I shall be patient, besides with the available technology my interview is only a twitter away!

In social gatherings in Hawaii, a locally known “ice-breaker” has always been asking, “What school you went grad?” It’s flexible and can be used in many different situations to replace the more commonly known, “What’s your sign?” or “You from ‘round these neck of the woods?” In Hawaii, this one question will create a lengthy conversation that could possibly find you eventually related to someone you had just met.

Over the last few months I’ve been frequenting a website called “Truemors.com“. It’s a catchy name, but don’t equate it with a grocery store gossip rag, otherwise as they put it they would have named the site, “Truessips” which they’re not. As they explain on their site:

“The purpose of Truemors is to democratize and spread information. First, from “citizen journalist/editor” perspective it enables you to “tell the world”—within the bounds of good taste and the law anyway. Second, from a reader perspective, it puts you “in the know” about the latest news, rumors, and happenings, so that “you know better” without having to spend hours every day searching for information.”

Depending on your level of geek, I’m sure you’re thinking: blog, digg, del.icio.us; but they do have a ‘niche’. You don’t need a computer! Well, eventually you will especially if you want to read your work, but initially you don’t. Truemors.com offers four options to post a story, your story:

• Call 1-650-329-2020 and leave a voicemail. SpinVox will translate your voicemail to text and send it to Truemors.com in English, Spanish, French or German
• Text “2020 <whatever you want to post>” to 55022.
• Enter your message online.
• Send an email to post@truemors.com.

But, how does this relate to Hawaii? It’s simple, one of the founders of Truemors.com is Guy Kawasaki. Guy was born in Honolulu and raised in Kalihi Valley. He is a 1972 graduate of Iolani High School and a classmate of Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann. Some of you may know that Mayor Hannemann is more commonly called, Uncle Mufi in my home which links Guy to me! Though we’re not related in the blood or marriage sense, the connection was made simply by knowing “what school he when grad?”

‘Eh truesto, no it’s “truemor” for reals kine!

New to the Web2.0 game, I’ve only recently been reading about the important role that social networking plays in building and maintaining not only a corporation, but a personal presence. One of the simplest forms of networking, is maintaining a web log or “blog”. Writing has always been a childhood passion, however I am now realizing that there are differences in blogging. Personal scribes can be deemed as “blogging” however it’s the content of your post that determines it’s distinction.

I’ve been keeping up with all three of my other “blogs” with each being distinguished as either a journal or a storytelling platform. I have found that maintaining these other three blogs have been relatively easy since I’m comfortable with the subject matter, me. It’s this blog that I hesitate to write, simply because my personality dictates that I be precise. But, encouraged by the community at HawaiiStories whom read my very first post, “TO THINE OWNSELF BE TRUE“, I shall, “Write On!”

My personality also dictates that I need to be mentally stimulated quite frequently. It doesn’t have to be complex, but something interesting, something new.

This is what Twitter is for me when people answer the simple question, “What Are You Doing?” Since posting my first twitter on July 25, 2007 I have accumulated 81 followers and am following 183 other members’ twitters. Some people will post exactly as the question asks and mention what they’re having for lunch. As mundane as this may seem to the outside (of the virtual) world, it was actually beneficial for me one day when I needed the name of a local bagel shop and one of those that I followed gave it to me with not only a recommendation of the quality of food, but the praise of the customer service.

There are power twitters: Jim Long, Chris Brogan, and the mother-of-all Robert Scoble whom follows as of today: 6,178 twitter members, and is being followed by 6,143 members! Should I ever reach this level of twittering, it would also mean that I’ve accomplished other personal goals of earning a degree from a certified higher institution, established a niche in the business market, and have more subscribers to my blogs than just my Mother!

Another mental stimulator for me has been the forum boards at HawaiiThreads. The topic threads are busy with everything from the controversial Superferry and go! Airlines to advice for things ranging from gadgets, moving to Hawaii, and prime secret parking spaces at the Waikiki Shell.

In addition to all of this, I religiously subscribe to hundreds of feeds to different blogs of interest. Some provide inspiration and direction while others are too brutally honest, and of course I enjoy the humors of a personal story.

If all of this blogging and interest in the ‘net lead to personal prosperity and no financial gain, then it still has its worth.

One day a few weeks ago, I glanced over and noticed Lilinoe taking a peaceful afternoon nap. The fan was blowing gently, the pillows propped perfectly and her hands gently clasped over her bosom. I was intrigued by the vision, it was familiar but I couldn’t understand why her position at the time warmed my heart. Pleased to see her at rest, a rare moment, I allowed the moment to pass without further thought.

Yesterday we sat on our living room couch and were talking about everything and nothing in particular when I remembered her nap. As I began to describe my vision, I realized the source of the familiarity, the reason why the moment warmed my heart. And, I began sobbing.

Two years ago I drove to the Castle Medical Center in Kaneohe to visit my maternal grand-aunt, Aunty Ulu. As I walked into her assigned hospital room, she was laying in her slightly inclined bed with pillows perfectly propped, and her hands gently clasped over her bosom.

I don’t know if I woke her by my touch or my will, but she opened her eyes to greet me. Clouded by her illness and medication I almost needed to introduce myself. It didn’t take long before she said, “Oh my Nina!” I braved a random conversation with her about the food and she shared how my cousin Jaylene had cooked her some fried aku and brought her some for dinner the other night. I soon realized that I wasn’t there to visit but to say goodbye.

Aunty Ulu was the youngest sister of my maternal grandmother, my Nanny as we affectionately called her, probably because she felt she was too young and glamorous to be called anything else. Aunty Ulu barely stood five feet tall, but her heart reached the sky and beyond. She was more than my Aunty, she was a fan of my life. She taught me how to give a good honi (kiss) and hug, a gesture of which I have become infamously “known” for.

As I shared my memories of Aunty Ulu with Lilinoe my emotions could not be stifled. For a brief moment I realized my vulnerability, but I have learned over the course of these last two years that my vulnerability is safe with Lilinoe. We continued to cry and share in our memories, because Lilinoe too has her own precious individual memories with Aunty Ulu. In fact, the day Aunty Ulu passed away was the first day I rediscovered Lilinoe after almost 10 years of silence.

I was not only afforded the opportunity to say goodbye to Aunty Ulu, but also had written her a letter from my heart years before her passing. But, my soulful cry with Lilinoe on our living room couch is the type of communication I never want to lose.