INFINITY.

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.

Today marked another milestone in Jayden’s almost two-month career as a student, his first “Parent Teacher Conference.” Overall his review was as we predicted because as parents we’re realist, optimists, but certainly not oblivious.

The relatively smooth transition into Kamehameha Preschool’s “Waipuna” class is largely due to his cousin (my younger sister‘s daughter), Maiyah. He aspired to go to school, but not just any school, he wanted to attend Kamehameha Preschool, “Maiyah’s school.” Gratefully, his application was selected and preparations began since April from potty training to basic motor-skills to his ABC’s and 1,2,3’s. But, despite all of our flashcards, and teaching to respect others, it is his friendship with Maiyah that gives him an additional sense of confidence. I mean, nothing is better than having a cousin as one of the “upperclassmen!”

It is wonderful to witness the development of their friendship. It’s sincere because they’ve toggled over the “share your toys” lesson…quite a bit. But, each morning during their commute to Nu’uanu via H-1 they discuss everything from their upcoming school day to a recent Disney Channel show to their dreams of eels walking on the streets! Their conversations are comedic to adults, but absolutely genuine in their minds.

Growing up, my nucleus of genuine friends were my sisters, brother and cousins. We have volumes of books of memories growing up together, and that’s why it’s important for me especially to make sure that the next generation is as close too.

His goals for school are the same as the ones we’ve been implementing here at home, and are pleased that as parents we’re having precise, age appropriate, specific observations.

Our journey with Jayden is promising, and we’re happy to share it with all of you.

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Today is our littlest soul’s first day of school. There are many emotions churning to say the least. He’s only 3! A well and capable 3 year old, but still we know his habits (both good and mischevious), we know his comfort zone (within 3 feet of Mommy and NEENZ), we can decipher his story telling when he’s merged an episode of Thomas the Train with the storyline to Cars the Movie, and the Chili’s commercial, “Welcome to Chili’s! Kachow! Choo Choo!”

There are no second thoughts at our decision to send him to school, it’s absolutely necessary just as a Flintstone chewables vitamin, if you don’t take it you’ll be okay, if you do, YABBA DABBA DOO! It is our goal to prepare our children for their lives ahead, to make all decisions in their best interest with their input taken into consideration. (Everything is negotiable in our household, even this statement.). This includes providing finances for their development through tutoring, sports, dance, art, etc. This includes eliminating our “adult behavior” and committing our full body, mind and soul to them and not a half-hearted, hung over, here’s a bowl of cereal now go watch tv attitude.

In retrospect, throughout the toilet training preparation requirement for school; identifying colors, shapes, and numbers; reciting the alphabet; matching a pair of shorts with his shirt; a lot of hugs and kisses; explaining the importance of school and the fact that his 3 feet comfort zone will be adjusted by a few thousand feet; as parents we’ve been preparing ourselves too.

There are many emotions churning to say the least. We’re rejoicing. We’re proud. We’re confident in him and our decision. (God and all entities that be, please don’t let him get hurt). IMUA KAMEHAMEHA!

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With today’s gadgets and technology we are afforded an opportunity to capture our memories and chronicle our lives.

We began our trip with the intent of introducing the children to the large aquarium at the Galleria on Kalakaua Avenue, which we discovered was removed a few months before. Our disappointment was short lived, as you will be able to see in “Our Day In Waikiki.”

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INFINITY PRODUCTIONS is a fusion of two souls, complimented by two more. But, what does that really mean?

INFINITY PRODUCTIONS is basically serendipity in its truest meaning. A spontaneous occurrence of events resulting in mutual acceptance evolving into a lifetime commitment. Difficult to understand if you haven’t really experienced it, but easier accepted if you’ve daydreamed about it.

So how does this all tie into business? The business aspect of it all is too serendipitous. In the process of discovering each other, our common ground was a passion for creating and how to transform that into a way of life. INFINITY PRODUCTIONS is more our identity, since we are the brand.

What is our product? What are our services? At this point it’s basic print media for budget challenged individuals, organizations and businesses. We’ve realized that it takes more than our passion, more than our scouring through “How To’s” and “For Dummies”, and well the “trial and error” approach should be spent more on innovation rather than unawareness.

Continuing to take on projects within our scope of knowledge, we’ve decided to return to an accredited institution that will not only validate our skills through “official certification” but sort through and minimize the “trial and error” process we would have encountered if we had not made this decision. Furthermore, it will catapult us into the focus of today and tomorrow. At the turn of the New Year, despite many years as an apprentice, NOE will be seeking accreditation from the top Makeup Artistry schools and NEENZ will be diving into the Digital Media program at the nearby Community College.

Our plan is to solidify INFINITY PRODUCTIONS, not only as a business but by improving ourselves as individuals we will also strengthen our friendship and of course our relationship.

We’ve considered the challenges ahead, and were immediately confronted by the financial sacrifices, but remaining aspiring innovators, we know these are the first steps on our paths that we must take.

We have begun building our social media presence and networking and learning from the innovators of today. A huge inspiration for us has been Chris Brogan and locally known guru Ryan Ozawa. There’s modest interaction, but it’s their application of their knowledge that we deem to be wisdom that we’re seeking as well.

Our INFNITY blog hosted by OZAWA’s HawaiiStories is targeted to our audience that can relate to our experiences in our home, Hawaii. Our INFINITY PRO blog hosted by LiveJournal conveys the romance that has become INFINITY PRODUCTIONS and this one here, aptly named INFINITY PRODUCTIONS will focus on our road to enhancing our skills set, re-entering the student life, our approach to Web2.0 and our preparation for Web3.0, all the while balancing a home, our two little souls, and each other.

Friendships at times are of convenience; work, school, organizations, proximity all contribute to your current “social network.” I recently observed Lilinoe with a group of her friends, and by the end of the eventful night they adopted the name, “Halau Hula ‘O Moku Hale.”

I considered mapping out a flow chart to explain their connections, however here’s the “local style” logistics: My Nanny (maternal grandmother), Aunty Hu’i had two hula students: Kahealani (my second cousin) and Lilinoe (NOE of INFINITY PRODUCTIONS). Lilinoe attended Farrington High School with Reina. Kahealani attended Kamehameha Schools with Miki and Lisa. Lisa’s cousin Michelle attended Aiea High School with Patti…and as teenagers, they all became a group of friends or as I aptly jest, a gaggle of geese!

Observing Lilinoe with this group of friends reminded me that time and space are irrelevant with relation to sincere friendships. Each of them are determined, assertive women with Patti being the aspiring comedian! Lilinoe’s life is certainly enriched with this group, and yours will be too. Enjoy, “Halau Hula ‘O Moku Hale.”

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This past weekend I got a bit of a scare. It wasn’t as serious as what could have developed, but my soul was still jolted. I won’t divulge any details since I know better, but this particular blog is dedicated to my Mom.

I could paint a picture of my Mom to be the equivalent of June Cleaver, but then I’d be using the wrong brushes, June Cleaver she is not.

For starters she’s always been a working Mom, and never just a domestic engineer. She logged over 20 years of her professional life with the same company and lasted through various buyouts and mergers, until finally retiring on her own terms. Over the years she received numerous “Perfect Attendance” awards despite the number of times I ended up in the emergency room for some newly invented accident! She persevered in her position, and took personal pride in her duties. She had a nice area in a majestic building, but more importantly created lasting friendships with the “Aunties.” Those friendships are evidence that she was a team player, a motivator, and dependable associate.

Cooking was never her forte to say the least. I recall my brother’s kindergarten class putting together a book of all the children’s reasons why they love their Mommies as a project celebrating Mother’s Day. I cannot share with you verbatim his quote but it went something like this, “I love my Mommy especially when she cooks hot dogs and pork and beans!” We all chuckled not at his innocence, but as his preciseness. My Mom could cook anything with cabbage, and if she had to do it two weeks in a row, the cabbage was replaced with bean sprouts. I learned to use A LOT of ketchup during those meals. I must note though, that she does cook an onolicious spaghetti!

To say that my Mom sacrificed for her children would minimize her efforts; everything she did, every decision she made, every dollar she earned was to provide for the four of us. There were four biological children, but somehow our house was always full with anyone who needed a place to call home, and if you recall in my earlier blog, there weren‘t very many bedrooms to be assigned. My cousin Jason is like a brother to me since his Mom (my Mom’s sister) worked either the swing or graveyard shift at one of the local hotels. My cousin Amber became another younger sister since her parents too were trying to establish themselves out there in the corporate world. We also had Theo Adams, one-time University of Hawaii football star, living with us until he completed his education and later moved to the mainland to play for the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks until ending his football career in the World Football League. When Dole Pineapple began downsizing in the early 80’s, Aunty Tina and Al came to live with us too. My Mom was gracious enough to open our home to everyone, and during the times when we would complain she would sit us down and tell us, “Be grateful, appreciate what you have…and KNOCK IT OFF!”

My Mom attended all of our activities as youths and adults, she’s still a spectator at my basketball games cheering me on as the coach! I remember as a teenager being thrown out while attempting to steal second and my poor attitude had me walking ever so slowly off of the field. Well, by the time I hit the dugout, there was my Mom and she said, “You better…KNOCK IT OFF!”

I have learned so much from my Mom. She has provided me with a blueprint to have a successful career, a successful relationship, a clean home, sincere friends; but most importantly to be a good person.

To paint a picture of my Mom to be the equivalent of June Cleaver would be wrong, she’s more of a mixture of Roseanne Connors, Claire Huxtable, Judge Judy and Oprah Winfrey, ah what am saying, she’s better than that too…different.

Now I’m sure I’ll get emails about my tributes to my Dad, but to blog about him wouldn’t do him justice, he deserves a hardcover book!