INFINITY.

With 2007 only hours away from being officially over, both Lilinoe and I agree that it was a year of new beginnings, unexpected opportunities, and most importantly put closure to many issues we each begrudgingly carried year after year. The following is a summary of our 2007:

JANUARY:

We rang in 2007 exactly the same way we will 2008, on the island of Maui. My sister and her family live in Lahaina, and since we had such a good time, we decided to make it a tradition.

FEBRUARY:

Knowing that a solid foundation is a key ingredient to contributing to a stable and healthy environment, realizing that our friendship is progressing and growing to one of complete trust and appreciation, and after several hours of vulnerable discussions, Lilinoe and I decide to “shack up”…err, co-habitate, effective March 1, 2007.

MARCH:

After more than a decade away from the sport, I made a commitment to coach 9-10 year old girls in a youth basketball league with one of my father’s former players. I was practically raised on the hardwood floor, and my life choices had led me away accepting that any accolades achieved were simply appreciated as something of the past. In other words, I wasn’t drinking beer in a friend’s garage talking about how great we were in the good ol’ eighties. Besides, basketball had evolved and so had the dynamics of competitive sports altogether.

These days, parents are grooming their children for the collegiate level at this age, and I certainly did not want any part of this progress, but I had a plan. Teach the players the fundamentals of basketball, team concept, and representing themselves to the best of their capabilities, and if we happen to win a couple of games, great. The league gave us an appropriate team name, “Shock” because after starting the season at 5-0 many of the veterans were asking, “Who are the new coaches?” I’ll add that my friend, whom is really a long-time family friend had been out of the game longer than I had, and by trade was a Kumu hula. So, our players were coordinated in not only uniform, but hairstyle and all of the plays were in Hawaiian. We ended our season tied for second place, but it was the friendships that I built with the parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, and of course the players that are bringing me back for another season.

APRIL:

We received a letter from the Kamehameha Schools informing us that Jayden has been accepted into the preschool. We are filled with gratitude, and humbled for the opportunity. Now, our only goal “perfect the potty training!” For a few months we had been working with Jayden, making the transition from pull-ups to underwear as seamless as possible, but I’ll admit the process was testing the limits of my patience. But, the day we shared the letter from Kamehameha Schools with Jayden, he was “instantly” potty trained. No more overnight accidents or debates of preferring to wear a pull-up instead of underwear. Both Lilinoe and I realized that attending school was important enough for Jayden to understand that he had to be potty-trained.

MAY:

Our basketball season ended at the end of the month, and I wondered how I would keep myself occupied.

JUNE:

A week of searching for a new hobby, I read an article that would introduce me to a virtual new world, social media and networking. Of course I had subscribed to the insanity of MySpace.com so I was well aware of social networking sites, however I wasn’t too keen of the evolution of the ‘net. I read ’bout the phenom of user generated content like Digg, and would read but never participated in web forums, and blogging seemed too intimate for me to ever consider. I sort of chuckle when I realize how close minded I was, yet open to at the very least discovering what was new and interesting on the world wide web.

JULY:

I dove head first into the sea of social media and networking, and added my email address and profile to every networking site available like Twitter, HawaiiThreads and Ustream, and more. No one from my MySpace list of friends would consider migrating to anything else, and my real life circle of humans rarely checked their email accounts so I was literally “cold call” networking.

AUGUST:

As the first day of school for Jayden nears, I have a mild anxiety attack of concern for his safety while not in my presence, of course it passes, but I shocked my usually calm self. Also, INFINITY blog is born and the NEW STEPS series begins documenting Jayden’s first experiences at Kamehameha School.

SEPTEMBER:

It’s been six-month’s since the decision to “shack-up” and all is well in our household. Our dear friends Heather Pantohan and Bishop Vincent are married in a very intimate ceremony at the Okinawan Center garden. The reception was emceed by local comedian Rodney Villanueva, and an excellent jazz ensemble serenaded throughout the evening.

OCTOBER:

I add a new word to my vocabulary, Truemors and have the opportunity to meet a true celebrity in the technology industry, Guy Kawasaki. Our very brief conversation, and occasional online exchanges provides an opportunity for me to be donned, Truemorist.

NOVEMBER:

As I shared previously, I moved to Maui while Lilinoe and the children continued to live on Oahu. It’s a temporary move, and Skype is so much better than a casual telephone conversation. The University of Hawaii football team ends their season as the only unbeaten Division I team and an invitation to the Sugar Bowl. Not to mention quarterback Colt Brennan got an official nod as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.

DECEMBER:

Our resolution was simple, to have a better year than 2006 and looking back we can honestly say that we’ve accomplished our goal. We leave 2007 with gratitude for the opportunities, moments, and knowledge. We look forward to the promises of 2008 and the launching of our new website: www.FALEAFINE.com.

This is the last day of 2007 and last post of INFINTY.

All the best to all of you in 2008.

Wishing everyone a Mele Kalikimaka this holiday season. We are spending ours on the beautiful island of Maui with my sister and her family, and let’s just say that it’s a good thing that not only do we love each other, but we also enjoy each others company - a group of ten adults and children can get a bit crowded.

With list in hand, debit cards in wallet, Lilinoe and I were able to check the couple of dozen off of our Christmas list in one day! Yes, it’s not a typo, just one day! With effective communication and a “plan” Christmas shopping can actually be a joyous event. And really isn’t it supposed to be? Sure we endured the bumper-to-bumper traffic during our commute to Waikele, Ala Moana and across the street to Pearlridge; but we passed the time singing songs and laughing with and at each other.

This morning, we woke when our bodies told us too, and casually prepared for our Christmas buffet brunch at the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel’s Tiki Terrace. KBH, as it’s known by the local Maui folk labels itself, “Maui’s most Hawaiian hotel,” with its Polynesian decor, wall dedicated to stunning photos of hula dancers, and a menu of a medley of island flavors. KBH has been on the shores of Ka’anapali for over 20 years, and its customer service is cloaked in Aloha spirit garnering many awards. There was one wrinkle in our experience, and while I won’t divulge the details, I must recognize the hotel representative, Madeline Rabago who handled the matter in the most professional manner and as I said earlier, “cloaked in the Aloha spirit.”

We headed home to unwrap presents, and had joked with the children that we’d do so after a nice, long nap. My sister implemented the “trash bag” system to minimize the clutter, not to mention possibly losing a few gifts. Most 3-year-old boys are happy with a stick and a rock, however our little guy still has an obsession with the movie “Cars” and after opening the latest version of “Mack” he wanted nothing more to do with any other gifts. Chelsea more than deserved her Nintendo DS Lite and brand new pink digital camera, and the expression on her face was priceless. (Note: Lilinoe has been playing the DS Lite more than Chelsea has so far trying to win at “Connect Four”). My niece Taimane was thrilled with tearing the wrapping paper off, but she especially loved the package of panties from Tutu, and danced with her favorite television characters, Dora “We did it, we did it!” (You need to watch Dora the Explorer cartoon to understand.)

I gave the world wide web a peek into the gifts I purchased for Lilinoe and she was glowing with gratitude upon receiving each one. I patiently waited for everyone to finish, and Chelsea was anxious for me to open my gifts. For those who know me, know that I like accessories, not the stereotypical kind, but sunglasses, a hat, a little bling on the ears. I opened the box and unveiled a cool pair of Arnette’s which is one of my brands of choice. But nothing could prepare me for my next gift. For those of you who really know me, know that while I yearn for “big kids’ toys and gadgets” I exercise control and practicality. I live by a budget that includes a comfortable lifestyle, but invests in our children’s future so the gadgets come during sales or after building up the savings account. And, even when the budget calls for it, it takes a lot to convince me to make a hefty purchase without feeling guilty. Well, my dearest Lilinoe, whom by the way is much more frugal than I, surprised me more than when I received a “Big Wheel” for my 6th birthday. The box looked odd shaped, it wasn’t shaped like a cellular phone, and it couldn’t have been a laptop since I purchased one last month. It was heavier than airline tickets, and it couldn’t be we’ve already planned our next vacation in Arizona and Nevada. It certainly wasn’t a massage at the spa, Lilinoe surprised me with a reservation at the Westin Maui earlier this month on my birthday. And, after losing our digital camera, we purchased a new Canon only a few weeks ago. So what could it be?

A CANON DVD CAMCORDER!

I was stunned as you can see, and absolutely grateful. These are moments that I am reminded how truly blessed I am with Lilinoe, Chelsea, Jayden and my entire family. I could not ask for more…

On April 9, 2005 the lives of Lilinoe, Chelsea and Jayden had changed. They were victims in a hugely reported accident, at the fault of a wrong way intoxicated driver.

“Three passengers…a 26 year-old woman, a 9-year-old girl and a 1-year-old boy - were taken to The Queen’s Medical Center. The woman was critically injured and unconscious and had to be extracted from the truck by firefighters. The girl and the young boy did not appear seriously injured.” — Honolulu Advertiser

Christmas of the same year, a kind case manager had placed them on the “Lokahi Giving Project” list. Lokahi, was created in 1985 with a simple mission: to provide a hand up to the “gap group” ineligible for other assistance and to relieve the burden of families and individuals who suffer an unforeseen crisis. On the day of delivery, Lilinoe was overwhelmed with boxes of presents for her and the children.

This Christmas is the second year that Lilinoe has adopted a family from the “Lokahi Giving Project” in an effort to give back all that she has received. Her generosity and thoughtful soul are the biggest reasons why I love her. Although the complete story is for her and the children to tell in their own time, as an observer and a witness of their growth and happiness, this is my story to share.

Together we have tunneled through all of the typical, expected experiences that arise from a traumatic event, including friends and relatives with their hands held out on the notion that accident equals settlements or friends who are motivated by the expectations of lifelong indebtedness for their acts of kindness. But, Lilinoe has developed a keener sense of discernment with respect to herself and her children.

Chelsea, the now 11-year-old girl was recently recognized last week by her school with a “Make A Difference” award for her grade level. The teacher presenting the award could hardly hold back her tears as she spoke of Chelsea’s growth, kindness, initiative, and willingness to learn. When her name was called, her schoolmates erupted with “choo hoo’s” and hollers, as other teachers in tears came up to hug her. She is a cheerleader, basketball player, hula dancer, member of an ukulele and choir group; and the apple of my eye. She inspires me to be a better adult and parent, and makes me laugh till drool is running out of the sides of my mouth!

And, all of you are familiar with Jayden, the now 3-year-old boy who is the inspiration for many of my blog posts. I recall the first time I met Jayden, it was almost six-months after the accident and he was an active little guy bundled in his pamper. He had a bit of fear in his eyes as he looked at me, the biggest person he probably had ever seen, and clung to his Mommy. I stuck out my hand, and said, “Trust me.” He took my hand, and has been my little opihi ever since!

My life has been enriched since our family was formed through commitment, acceptance and unconditional love.

The last few nights have been quite restless, I’ve been actively solving CSI type crimes in my dreams that leave me a bit more exhausted the next morning. This morning is no different, and since it’s been a few nights in a row, I’m on the verge of transforming into Oscar the Grouch. I know myself well enough to halt the transformation: long shower to get the blood flowing, avoid rushing, an ice cold can of Coca Cola, and solitude. As I waltzed into my office a half an hour earlier than scheduled, I could feel it was going to be a long day.

As I routinely do, I booted up my laptop to check my email. I skimmed through the e-newsletters I receive from all of the social networks I insanely registered for but rarely use. There was one though that I had to read twice, not because it wasn’t well-written, but what it said:

“Just a quick update on the competition you entered with fuelmyblog. We are pleased to announce that you won a copy of Microsoft Expression Web!”

I submitted my post, “FuelMyBlog With Microsoft Expression” and I won! It was my first “blog competition” and probably my first individual writing competition. Immediately, the green of Oscar disappeared replaced by a smile wider than that of Elmo. Of course my first telephone call was to Lilinoe and she was equally excited so much so she said this, “All of those hours you spend on the computer are starting to pay off!” Err…hah? Actually, I know what she means.

• July 2007: Ryan Ozawa accepted my “application” to host INFINITY blog on HawaiiStories.com. I’m just kidding, there wasn’t a formal application, but I do recall sending an email as to how I would contribute to his website.

• October 2007: Guy Kawasaki offered me an opportunity to be a Truemorist on his website, Truemors.com. Visit Truemors, you’ll find a delicious variety of news and information. And, if you’re wondering, yes, I’m “InfinityPro.”

• November 2007: Evelyn author of Homespun Honolulu has graciously accepted my submission to the “Carnival of Aloha” for a second month. Her presentations each month combined with my vivid imagination truly make it a carnival experience.

• December 2007: HawaiiStories.com still hosts INFINITY blog, “InfinityPro” is a faithful Truemorist, the Carnival of Aloha featured my post “Laughter” and I have won my first blog competition at FuelMyBlog.com.

These small accomplishments are humongous in my eyes, and though my words express gratitude and humility, the opportunities afforded me are evidence that it’s also in my soul.

In Hawaii, food is an important hub of it’s culture and probably the second best conversation ice-breaker after establishing your identity through your high school. And so when “Tsukiji Fish Market and Restaurant” opened at Ala Moana Center’s Hookipa Terrace it was high on our list of “gotta try.” Two important factors were met immediately, the type of food: Japanese and the amount: buffet. Price would only determine “when” we’d eventually get there.

We drooled at photos from Ryan’s birthday and envied the rave reviews from our dear friends Heather, Janel and Kris; but this past weekend it was finally our turn. The commute was a bit challenging with the Christmas shopping traffic or are we so used to traffic on Oahu we just give it “names” like, “Friday traffic” or “Back to School traffic” or “UH football traffic”? We entered the maze or more commonly known as the Ala Moana Shopping Center parking lot and the rain began to drizzle a bit harder, so we figured that if we were going to spend that much on dinner what’s another five dollars for valet parking.

Our initial impression from the outside of the restaurant went unnoticed since we, were busy estimating the number of people ahead of us! The young host was obviously overwhelmed, whispering to some sort of manager, scratching out names on a tablet, and trying to figure out what appeared to be a layout of the restaurant’s tables. 45-minutes to an hour wait, and he’d call my cell phone to let me know when a table was ready. No problem since during the drive Lilinoe and I figured out that we had missed a few on our Christmas list. But, the type of person I am, I rushed the shopping to return with much time to spare, and luckily since a few parties ahead of us did not answer their cell phones or so we were told.

The atmosphere was “busy” but the fixtures and tables were elegant, and the aroma of the food was excellently inviting. As we customarily do when you have children, we eat in “shifts” so Lilinoe and Chelsea attacked made their way to the buffet line while Jayden and I played with a toy truck and shark. Being the great person that she is, Lilinoe quickly returned with a plate full of our favorite selection of nigiri style sushi. I won’t cross anything out, Jayden and I attacked the plate!

The rest of our evening was spent enjoying the flavors of tempura, sushi, steak, udon, and several legs of crab! I had never been impressed with the food at Makino Chaya’s, and Todai’s slowly began to disappoint me, so Tsukiji’s ranks first of the three.

But, we will not return unless the following has improved:

1. Organization. It took too many minutes for the host and manager to figure out where to seat each new party, even with a 2-way radio from someone on the floor. It shouldn’t be that difficult, if you’re organized.
2. Service. I don’t expect personalized attention, but I do expect a certain level of respectful kindness, especially towards my family. The server’s first words to me and Jayden, “What how many people here?” Believe it or not, it went down hill from there.
3. Tacky signs. Several of the signs identifying the dishes were hand-written on nothing more than a scratch piece of paper. How can you charge over $30 per plate, and yet not have enough in the marketing budget?

Despite those three items, of course we had an evening full of laughs and left with full stomachs, we can’t let those things get in the way of our family time. But, it will prevent us from returning.

Remember the television show American Gladiators which pitted the contestants against hand-picked, intimidatingly ripped gladiators by the names of “Ice”, “Zap”, “Gemini” and “Nitro”? If the contestants were worthy; the joust, powerball, and break through and conquer proved to be entertaining, otherwise it was a bit boring watching the gladiators easily dominate a “wannabe athlete.” Many a night my brother and I would watch these episodes clutching pillows and tossing ‘em around the living room mimicking the moves of the conquering gladiators. It was professional wrestling clashing with Battle of the Network Stars type of “sports entertainment.”

If memory serves me correctly, gladiator “Nitro” was University of Hawai’i volleyball champion, Pono Ma’a, but all credits of “Nitro” are to some guy named Dan Clark. Determined, I was able to find this photo of the “Nitro” action figure and sure enough that’s Pono Ma’a’s handsome mug and python thick biceps on the packaging. So although I was correct, I’m curious now as to why he’s not part of the Wikipedia info? Regardless, I remember him being a fierce competitor with his stern stare downs and his hair pulled back like a true Warrior prepared for battle. On a side note, anyone know what he’s been up to since retiring from coaching?

NBC has revived the television show still named American Gladiators, with new events and new gladiators. Hawaii is represented once again with gladiator “Toa” former defensive lineman for the University of Hawaii turned Hollywood award-winning stunt man, Tanoai Reed. Reed has compiled an impressive resume which includes being the stunt double for his cousin, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Judging from his gladiator press release photo, “Toa” looks to be a tough gladiator. Tune into NBC when the new American Gladiators premieres in January.

Lui Faleafine III. The world is without a good person, a solid man, and an insightful soul. Nine years ago today I lost my best friend and brother, Lui. A force of nature, a fact of life that was thrust upon me, changing my soul never to be the same again. I want to say that I became a better person as a result of my loss, but it has also caused me to be less idealistic. I don’t ask any questions anymore there will never be a sufficient answer. I cope by living life. I am comforted that I am not alone in my sorrow, and cannot begin to imagine the enormity of heartache that my parents feel.

My broken heart is all that I have, and my dreams. We continue to have good-hearted conversations in my dreams, and I sob when I am blessed with a new day. I don’t cry because I don’t want to be alive, I cry because it truly hurts. It’s a heavy, piercing, yet empty feeling.

I am grateful that I have memories of the details of our experience, but that also includes those of his last days. I learned the most from him during that time. Even though his physical reality dictated otherwise, he continued to plan his life as if he were promised decades instead of days. He was brave.

He had a message for the world, it’s simple yet at times the world makes it impossible to achieve, “Be good to each other.”

Evelyn, author of Homespun Honolulu was one of the first persons to post a comment on my blog that wasn’t related to me by blood, marriage or high school classmate. I enjoy reading her posts because she naturally writes from her soul, ignoring the apprehension most of us feel before publishing. She’s an encouragement for this new kid on the block.

Recently, she shared with the globe that well, sometimes she’s not too graceful. Anyone who knows me, would never use the word “graceful” to describe me. And I found Evelyn’s honesty in “Are You Violent? Do You Break Things?” to be laugh out loud funny!

Evelyn though does show her true grace in weaving together the fourth chapter of the Carnival of Aloha: “It’s a Carnival by Canoe!” So, we go, the canoe is heading out to the Carnival of Aloha.

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Life has taken an amazingly different turn during the last handful of months, and I’m cautiously blissful. Most of you know that I began blogging only recently as a commitment to being true to myself. Maintaining INFINTY has been more than just a hobby, it’s become a therapeutic passion. I escape into the “Mind of NEENZ” and there, I am the supreme ruler, well I am the only one who exists, along with the memories of my experiences and thoughts. I am comfortable there because it’s familiar, however a sense of vulnerability appears after I click “publish.”

With uncontrollable changes in my professional life I have decided to return to college the same year that I’m celebrating my 20th high school reunion. I feel strangely more prepared to tackle the challenge then I ever did, am I finally all grown up? An aspiring geek I chose to focus on Digital Media Production. DMP incorporates not only lessons in design, but it’s also something I enjoy learning more about and I could finally have a career that I love.

I discovered my love for design and media just as I discovered my soulmate, serendipity. Self-taught, and in real need of professional instruction, I dabbled in the basic Adobe and what I consider an upgrade, to a Corel program. For over a year I’ve been enlisted to create basic print designs of invitations and promotional items.

I’ve recently joined a global blog community, FuelMyBlog which is basically a network of bloggers for bloggers; promoting, critiquing, and supporting one another. One of the benefits I immediately received was news about Microsoft Expression Web. The “in crowd” is all-a-buzz about Apple this and Mac that, and while I’m envious I’m also unfamiliar and realistically unable to afford those toys. Microsoft programs have gained my satisfaction, and I’m confident Microsoft Expression Web will satisfy my design cravings. And, as I mentioned earlier in this post that my life has taken an amazing turn, FuelMyBlog is having a contest to win a copy of Microsoft Expression Web!

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Today is day seven on Maui. Work is good, there was much preparation before my arrival, therefore the transition is smooth. One of the highlights of my first week was spending time with my sister’s children; Amu (10), Tolea (9), Taimane (2) and Kaulana (10 days!). The older children belong to “Na Kamali’i ‘O Ke Akua” (Children of God) and participate in performances 3-4 times per week, provided their school work and other responsibilities are completed.

I was able to catch the Thursday night double performance, first at the Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas. The “Villas” as it’s commonly known amongst the locals is a vacation ownership property that opened it’s doors in 2003. It’s a luxurious property with lagoon style pools, waterfalls and slides and sits in front of prime oceanfront property. There are a lot of water activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking and windsurfing. The sunset is breath taking and you can watch it from your balcony, on the beach in a cabana or a hammock. One of the attractions for me was a line of gas grills set-up near the poolside. And of course, at sunset you can enjoy a fun, heartwarming keiki Polynesian show.

We then took a quick drive down Honoapiilani Highway to the “Lahaina Cannery Mall” a place I frequented almost daily during my first tour of duty on Maui especially since there’s a Longs Drugstore, Safeway and the all important Footlocker. This show featured the teenage dancers, fresh from volleyball practice at Lahainaluna High School, but you couldn’t tell as they gave a hip-shaking performance.