Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
The Naming of a Child
I want to name my first daughter Latika (LAH-ti-ka) after the girl in "Slumdog Millionaire" or Aramis if it's a boy...if I never have a child, it'll have to be my next pet.
According to a Google search, Latika means elegant.
Aramis is the surname of a fictional swordsman in The Three Musketeers. Interestingly, he was ambitious and religious. Possibly, Aramis means "reflection of Heaven." Another interesting aspect, is that the name is French - as is Broussard.
According to a Google search, Latika means elegant.
Aramis is the surname of a fictional swordsman in The Three Musketeers. Interestingly, he was ambitious and religious. Possibly, Aramis means "reflection of Heaven." Another interesting aspect, is that the name is French - as is Broussard.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Bishop Museum Honolulu
I definitely had my fill of Hawaiian history this trip. I'm glad it went like it did - a week of research, a week of exploring and then 2 days of what they wanted me to know.
One cool thing I took away from the Bishop Museum is that ancient Hawaiians had a name for every stage of the moon. And often, they would refer to their birthday by the moon they were born under.
Lunar Days
How they ever memorized all the names, I will never know (there are 30 of them). And each day had very specific rules for their religion and their farming.
In contrast, I know the names of the following moon stages (from high school astronomy):
New
Waxing
Full
Waning
Sad, huh?
I wrote about a full moon once...
I even attempted to take some photographs recently with my mom's fancy camera.
One cool thing I took away from the Bishop Museum is that ancient Hawaiians had a name for every stage of the moon. And often, they would refer to their birthday by the moon they were born under.
Lunar Days
How they ever memorized all the names, I will never know (there are 30 of them). And each day had very specific rules for their religion and their farming.
In contrast, I know the names of the following moon stages (from high school astronomy):
New
Waxing
Full
Waning
Sad, huh?
I wrote about a full moon once...
I even attempted to take some photographs recently with my mom's fancy camera.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The Rumor Mill
I gotta get this out, and I don't know how else to do it but write...Sorry if I am posting something I shouldn't, but seriously, rumors are for junior high.
So the minute I got here, some guy was talking smack about quite a few individuals shacking up together. As a civilian wife, I like to pretend like hook ups don't happen. Why? Cuz you wanna believe your husband would never, but there's always the possibility that he is just a really good liar and has friends who are really good at keeping secrets...
Anyway, so my husband introduces me to this girl that he sometimes chats with at work. He thought we'd be a good personality match, and he was right. From go, I thought she was cool people.
Unfortunately, she was one of the individuals that guy was saying was doing the nasty with someone other than her husband...I'm SO not cool with that.
As time progressed, I mentioned to her that there were rumors and she refuted them. Then finally, I got the skinny from old buddy as to why exactly he put her in that category. As it turns out, he heard it from someone else and just took it as fact. I definitely don't play like that. I need to know the TRUTH. (Except with celebrity gossip, of course - I just make up my own truth.)
So, I give her the skinny. As it turns out, the skinny is totally thin. The dude knew the rumor was gonna fall flat on its face, so he put the blame on somebody else. My friend, of course, being similar to me, confronts this someone else and in turn starts a whole shit storm of drama...
I get called to the plate and tell it straight. Old dude said this. I said this. Why? Not to start drama, but to squash it. Either way, I'm looked at by some as the bad guy and some as the savior.
I personally think I did the right thing. If someone is spreading rumors about me, I want to know. If I hear rumors that don't quite jive with the personality I know, I want to understand. If someone who my husband considers a friend doesn't take a marriage vow seriously, I have the right to know.
Here's how I see it - don't start rumors. Know who you are talking to. Watch what you talk about. If you want to know the truth, ask. If you don't want rumors to be started about you, then conduct yourself in a manner becoming a woman. Don't put yourself in situation where anyone can conjecture bullshit - ESPECIALLY if you work in a command that is known for hook ups...Simple, right?
So the minute I got here, some guy was talking smack about quite a few individuals shacking up together. As a civilian wife, I like to pretend like hook ups don't happen. Why? Cuz you wanna believe your husband would never, but there's always the possibility that he is just a really good liar and has friends who are really good at keeping secrets...
Anyway, so my husband introduces me to this girl that he sometimes chats with at work. He thought we'd be a good personality match, and he was right. From go, I thought she was cool people.
Unfortunately, she was one of the individuals that guy was saying was doing the nasty with someone other than her husband...I'm SO not cool with that.
As time progressed, I mentioned to her that there were rumors and she refuted them. Then finally, I got the skinny from old buddy as to why exactly he put her in that category. As it turns out, he heard it from someone else and just took it as fact. I definitely don't play like that. I need to know the TRUTH. (Except with celebrity gossip, of course - I just make up my own truth.)
So, I give her the skinny. As it turns out, the skinny is totally thin. The dude knew the rumor was gonna fall flat on its face, so he put the blame on somebody else. My friend, of course, being similar to me, confronts this someone else and in turn starts a whole shit storm of drama...
I get called to the plate and tell it straight. Old dude said this. I said this. Why? Not to start drama, but to squash it. Either way, I'm looked at by some as the bad guy and some as the savior.
I personally think I did the right thing. If someone is spreading rumors about me, I want to know. If I hear rumors that don't quite jive with the personality I know, I want to understand. If someone who my husband considers a friend doesn't take a marriage vow seriously, I have the right to know.
Here's how I see it - don't start rumors. Know who you are talking to. Watch what you talk about. If you want to know the truth, ask. If you don't want rumors to be started about you, then conduct yourself in a manner becoming a woman. Don't put yourself in situation where anyone can conjecture bullshit - ESPECIALLY if you work in a command that is known for hook ups...Simple, right?
Monday, July 19, 2010
"Bubba Was My Best Good Friend"
For a die hard fan of Forrest Gump (like I am), Bubba Gump Shrimp is a MUST!! Movie memorabilia, trivia, and WAY better food than Joe's or Red Lobster. Five Stars from me!!
Chris had a bucket of mussels and a plate of cajun shrimp. I had a bucket of garlic butter shrimp and a plate of shrimp stuff with crab and cheese. YUM!!!!!!!!!
Our waitress was awesome. She even quizzed me on Forrest Gump trivia.
Q: Which bus did Forrest ride to Jenny's apartment?
A: Trick! He ran to her apartment. He was waiting for the #9 bus until the sweet old lady told him how close the apartment was.
Q: Which brand of shoes did Forrest wear on his cross country run?
A: Nike
Other quotes I often use from Forrest Gump:
"I'll always be your girl."
"This whole other country."
"She smelt like cigarettes."
In case you are wondering why I love the movie so much, it is because no movie like Forest shows the HUGE difference one man can make.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Malama na honu (Care for the Turtles)
Today I am scheduled to go back to Turtle Beach with Gredel.
In honor of such an adventure, I give you information regarding the green sea turle.
It eats algae and seagrass. It is an herbivore.
The shell is brown. It is called a green sea turtle because the fat underneath the shell is green.
Only eats while underwater.
Green sea turtles are actually ancient - they saw the dinosaurs evolve and become extinct.
They have a heart-shaped shell. A non-retractable small head. Males have bigger tails than females. And they all have big flat flippers for awesome swimming.
The green sea turtle is one of the few turtles that will leave the water (other than laying eggs). For what? Sunbathing, of course :)
One of the interesting things I read is that green sea turtles are easily stressed out, and that is why they often drown - in normal circumstances, honu can hold their breath about five minutes.
National Geographic
Wikipedia
Malama na honu
In honor of such an adventure, I give you information regarding the green sea turle.
It eats algae and seagrass. It is an herbivore.
The shell is brown. It is called a green sea turtle because the fat underneath the shell is green.
Only eats while underwater.
Green sea turtles are actually ancient - they saw the dinosaurs evolve and become extinct.
They have a heart-shaped shell. A non-retractable small head. Males have bigger tails than females. And they all have big flat flippers for awesome swimming.
The green sea turtle is one of the few turtles that will leave the water (other than laying eggs). For what? Sunbathing, of course :)
One of the interesting things I read is that green sea turtles are easily stressed out, and that is why they often drown - in normal circumstances, honu can hold their breath about five minutes.
National Geographic
Wikipedia
Malama na honu
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Sunsets of Oahu
On the flight to Hawaii, July 2
In Waikiki, July 3
Independence Day 2010
West Side of Island, July 10
Aloha 'Aina Park, July 14
For more pictures on July 14, see Sunset From Hickam
Aloha 'Aina Park, July 16
Sunset over Hickam, July 17
In Waikiki, July 3
Independence Day 2010
West Side of Island, July 10
Aloha 'Aina Park, July 14
For more pictures on July 14, see Sunset From Hickam
Aloha 'Aina Park, July 16
Sunset over Hickam, July 17
Lyon Arburetum
Visited a tropical rainforest today :)
Through research on the internet for waterfalls, I came across Lyon Arboretum. If ever you are in Oahu, you must visit this place. It is a completely different Oahu than anything we had yet visited. Just remember to bring bug spray!!
It is almost always raining there, so bring a poncho or buy a plastic bag with a hood from the visitors center for $1.25.
Unfortunately, because of the rain, I wasn't able to take many photos :(
Through research on the internet for waterfalls, I came across Lyon Arboretum. If ever you are in Oahu, you must visit this place. It is a completely different Oahu than anything we had yet visited. Just remember to bring bug spray!!
It is almost always raining there, so bring a poncho or buy a plastic bag with a hood from the visitors center for $1.25.
Unfortunately, because of the rain, I wasn't able to take many photos :(
Friday, July 16, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Honu
I saw Sea Turtles!!!!! Aloha, honu!!!
We were at Laniakea Beach/Turtle Beach between Hale'iwa and Waimea
I was too busy watching to get any awesome pics, but they were really there :)
Remember, Sea Turtles are endangered. Please do not touch, tease, feed, etc.
We were at Laniakea Beach/Turtle Beach between Hale'iwa and Waimea
I was too busy watching to get any awesome pics, but they were really there :)
Remember, Sea Turtles are endangered. Please do not touch, tease, feed, etc.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
A View of the Sunset from Hickam
Original Pictures:
Pictures that now look awesome after adjusting colors:
Pictures that now look awesome after adjusting colors:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Humuhumunukunukuapua'a
A lesson in the native Hawaiian language (as taken from Oahu Revealed - which I HIGHLY recommend, by the way).
The Hawai'i state fish is the humuhumunukunukuapua'a. At first glance it seems like a nightmare. But if you read the word slowly, it is pronounced just like it looks.
Humu (hoo-moo) is pronounced twice.
Nuku (noo-koo) is prounounced twice.
A (ah) is pronounced once.
Pu is pronounced once.
A'a (ah-ah) is the ah sound pronounced twice.
Now you try it:
HU MU HU MU NU KU NU KU A PU A 'A
I once had a friend who was a literary genius. Her favorite word to pronounce was humuhumunukunukuapua'a. I would then retort with "Atatata kata desu." Which means "It is warm outside" in Japanese and was my favorite phrase to pronounce.
Imagine my surprise when her little linguistic joy was broken down so simply for me :)
LB - I think it is time you upgrade from onomatopoeia!
The Hawai'i state fish is the humuhumunukunukuapua'a. At first glance it seems like a nightmare. But if you read the word slowly, it is pronounced just like it looks.
Humu (hoo-moo) is pronounced twice.
Nuku (noo-koo) is prounounced twice.
A (ah) is pronounced once.
Pu is pronounced once.
A'a (ah-ah) is the ah sound pronounced twice.
Now you try it:
HU MU HU MU NU KU NU KU A PU A 'A
I once had a friend who was a literary genius. Her favorite word to pronounce was humuhumunukunukuapua'a. I would then retort with "Atatata kata desu." Which means "It is warm outside" in Japanese and was my favorite phrase to pronounce.
Imagine my surprise when her little linguistic joy was broken down so simply for me :)
LB - I think it is time you upgrade from onomatopoeia!
A Little Lesson in Hawaiian History
One of the things I wanted to learn about when I came to Hawaii was how in the world these eight islands thousands of miles off the coast of California came to be an American state. I realized, of course, that it was probably a military strategy, but how did it happen?
When I went to the library last week, I found a whole shelf filled with books regarding said topic. From my lips to God's ears :)
The first book I read was A Concise History of the Hawaiian Islands by Phil Barnes. This book gave me an excellent overview of how Hawaii became the 50th state. From the first settlement of Polynesians in 400 or 500 A.D. to the Sovereignty Movement that sprung up in the 1970s.
The next book I picked up was From a Native Daughter: Colonialism and Sovereignty in Hawaii by Haunani Kay Trask. She is ANGRY!
And finally, I got my hands on Hawaiian Sovereignty: Do the Facts Matter? by Thurston Twigg-Smith. As the great-grandson of a haole (white man) who was integral in the colonization of Hawaii, he has an entirely different perspective.
First of all, the "Native Daughter," though ethnically Hawaiian, was born in California.
Second of all, no one is "native" of Hawaii like the Native Americans. Hawaii was first DISCOVERED by the Polynesians, so the native Hawaiians are actually the offspring of explorers that landed here by happenstance. I'm not saying they do not have a right to claim Hawaii as home, I am just saying that their plight is NOT the same as that of the Native Americans. (Side note: in my research, I found an interesting Wikiarticle about Indigenous People.)
Third of all, if America had not stepped in and claimed Hawaii as ours, Japan would have. We did it without shedding blood. Do you think that Japan would have?
I agree that the Hawaiian culture, language, religion, etc should be appreciated, treasured and protected. However, deeming haole the enemy doesn't change the disrespect you feel. Rather than demanding sovereignty to go about life in your previous manner, why not seek to improve our capitalist, imperialist, parasitic way of life so that you can be proud to Hawaiian and American?
When I went to the library last week, I found a whole shelf filled with books regarding said topic. From my lips to God's ears :)
The first book I read was A Concise History of the Hawaiian Islands by Phil Barnes. This book gave me an excellent overview of how Hawaii became the 50th state. From the first settlement of Polynesians in 400 or 500 A.D. to the Sovereignty Movement that sprung up in the 1970s.
The next book I picked up was From a Native Daughter: Colonialism and Sovereignty in Hawaii by Haunani Kay Trask. She is ANGRY!
Despite American political and territorial control of Hawai'i since 1898, Hawaiians are not Americans. Nor are we Europeans or Asians. We are not from the Pacific Rim, nor are we immigrants to the Pacific. We are the children of Papa-earth mother and Wakea-sky father- who created the sacred lands of Hawai'i Nei...Her book includes her perspective on everything from Hawaii's history, to the economic plight of the native Hawaiian, to the bastardization of the Hawaiian culture through tourism, to political debates being waged over the past 40 years regarding the future of Hawaii.
(the opening sentence of her book)
And finally, I got my hands on Hawaiian Sovereignty: Do the Facts Matter? by Thurston Twigg-Smith. As the great-grandson of a haole (white man) who was integral in the colonization of Hawaii, he has an entirely different perspective.
As Will and Ariel Durant state in The Lessons of History, "Our knowledge of any past event is always incomplete, probably inaccurate, beclouded by ambivalent evidence and biased historians, and perhaps distorted by our own patriotic or religious partnership." (the opening sentence of his book)Obviously, there are at least two sides to every argument. I'm glad I had the opportunity to learn the two most opposite sides of this argument. In case you are interested, here is my recap:
First of all, the "Native Daughter," though ethnically Hawaiian, was born in California.
Second of all, no one is "native" of Hawaii like the Native Americans. Hawaii was first DISCOVERED by the Polynesians, so the native Hawaiians are actually the offspring of explorers that landed here by happenstance. I'm not saying they do not have a right to claim Hawaii as home, I am just saying that their plight is NOT the same as that of the Native Americans. (Side note: in my research, I found an interesting Wikiarticle about Indigenous People.)
Third of all, if America had not stepped in and claimed Hawaii as ours, Japan would have. We did it without shedding blood. Do you think that Japan would have?
I agree that the Hawaiian culture, language, religion, etc should be appreciated, treasured and protected. However, deeming haole the enemy doesn't change the disrespect you feel. Rather than demanding sovereignty to go about life in your previous manner, why not seek to improve our capitalist, imperialist, parasitic way of life so that you can be proud to Hawaiian and American?
Monday, July 12, 2010
Just saw stairway to heaven. Holy buckets!! I love how the only color besides green u see on H3 is pink flower of Octupus tree.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Clarification on the word "UGLY"
When I said the West Side of O'ahu was "ugly," please know I was referring to the lack of trees, flowers, green hillsides...It had nothing to do with the inundation of ramshackle houses, fast food chains and tent cities...
"The Dark Side of the Waianae Coast" is a depressing sight to see, but it doesn't mean you should not visit this location.
When I blog from my phone, I only am able to input 140 characters at a time, so I have to be as concise as possible. I meant no disrespect to the PEOPLE of the West Side.
Read all about my Hawaiian Adventure
"The Dark Side of the Waianae Coast" is a depressing sight to see, but it doesn't mean you should not visit this location.
When I blog from my phone, I only am able to input 140 characters at a time, so I have to be as concise as possible. I meant no disrespect to the PEOPLE of the West Side.
Read all about my Hawaiian Adventure
Saturday, July 10, 2010
My Bestest Friend in the Whole Wide World
I have known her her entire life (and most of mine). We weren't always close, but at some point we became the closest two friends can get.
I probably need her more than she needs me...she's smart and funny and honest and real and I wouldn't have made it through the last decade without her.
She's having a baby shower today for her first baby and I can't be there. The miles that separate us on a daily basis never seemed so far until today...
I love you, Tutti Frutti!! (And Bronco too!)
Wanna see pics of her adorable nursery and pretty pregnant belly?
The Little Peanut Gallery by Angie
Road Trip!
Now that I have finished reading Oahu Revealed, I have changed my itinerary a little for the drive around the island today.
First, I plan to let Chris drive a ridiculously curvy mountain road (Tantalus). Why? Because the views will be awesome for me and the drive will get him "in the mood" for the trip :)
Then we will take the 61 North to the Pali Lookout.
Then the 83 N to the Valley of Temples
Then continue north on the 83 to La'ie Point
We'll take the 83 around north side of the island to 930 and go west. When the road ends, you gotta hike to the westernmost point of the island Ka'ena Point. But what I really want to see is the Hawaiian sacred site "Leaping Place for Souls."
I'm a really weird tourist, aren't I?! I have no interest in the water or the beaches, I want to learn about the island through their trees and birds and sacred sites.
By the way, we'll be seeing mountains and beaches the whole way - it is an island after all :)
First, I plan to let Chris drive a ridiculously curvy mountain road (Tantalus). Why? Because the views will be awesome for me and the drive will get him "in the mood" for the trip :)
Then we will take the 61 North to the Pali Lookout.
Then the 83 N to the Valley of Temples
Then continue north on the 83 to La'ie Point
We'll take the 83 around north side of the island to 930 and go west. When the road ends, you gotta hike to the westernmost point of the island Ka'ena Point. But what I really want to see is the Hawaiian sacred site "Leaping Place for Souls."
I'm a really weird tourist, aren't I?! I have no interest in the water or the beaches, I want to learn about the island through their trees and birds and sacred sites.
By the way, we'll be seeing mountains and beaches the whole way - it is an island after all :)
Friday, July 9, 2010
Trees in O'ahu That Caught My Eye
Pink Oleander (can be seen between North and South 5 in San Diego)
Rainbow Shower Tree
Octopus
Gold Shower Tree (the State tree)
Be Still, Little Yellow Oleander (the most awesome name for a tree EVER)
IDK
Hau Tree (pronounced HOW)
IDK
Palm Tree
Fan Palm Tree
Pink Plumeria
IDK
IDK
IDK
MONKEYPOD!!!
Leslie Broussard, tree photographer extraordinaire ;)
Rainbow Shower Tree
Octopus
Gold Shower Tree (the State tree)
Be Still, Little Yellow Oleander (the most awesome name for a tree EVER)
IDK
Hau Tree (pronounced HOW)
IDK
Palm Tree
Fan Palm Tree
Pink Plumeria
IDK
IDK
IDK
MONKEYPOD!!!
Leslie Broussard, tree photographer extraordinaire ;)
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