I go Footloose

Aaron had to work tonight so I planned to do some shopping and to catch the pre-screening of Footloose. Seems like an easy enough day but you know me, I can't get out of the house once I see my dogs and turn on that TV! I got ready in time to drive over to Best Buy only (no mall shopping) before heading to Crocker Park for the movie. I was there promptly an hour before it began!

I got a t-shirt and a poster and found a seat easily enough for just me. I was prepared and brought a book to read while I waited the 40 minutes for it to start. I wished I bought some popcorn to eat and my water cup for some water but oh well, no snacking can go towards my healthier diet. So I was a bit nervous that the movie would be a disaster -- the original was a good one and hard to top. Even though they used the same storyline and names and songs from the original, I wasn't disappointed. I cried when things were sad and laughed when it was funny. And I felt good about it at the end. It wasn't anything great but it was enjoyable.

The drive home was a bit scary. It was pouring rain and everyone drove either too slow or too fast. I opted for slow. Now I'm home, nice and warm in my pj's!

GIRLIE UPDATE: Dream House premieres

Wanna watch some suspense and mystery? Go see Daniel Craig's new movie Dream House out today! I can't go without Aaron to hold my hand... too spooky!

ACUPUNCTURE ALERT: Treatment #2

I was happy to report having no migraines and major cramps this cycle, that we started eating Bok Choy in an effort to eat more leafy greens, and looked forward to my treatment. I was all brave until he started inserting the needles. I don't know what it was but I felt them this time. I wasn't hurting but was more sensitive to his touch. I knew what was coming and sure enough the abdomen needle hurt again. But just for a short while. Aaron got two needles in his injured arm too. We decided to take naps instead of having a full conversation like the last time, and because of that I was fully aware of all the tingling sensations in my abdomen and my right foot. Weird!

I have another session scheduled in two weeks. We'll see if there are more improvements in me and Aaron's arm. Our immediate plans -- Aaron needs to see his doctor for his medications and we need to start baby making!

With good intentions

I went to work with my aerobics clothes on. I even brought my mat and weights in as I planned. I had the time to take a break but oh how I didn't have the willpower to workout. I need a swift kick in the okole!

No migraines!

And no cramps!! Holy cow, acupuncture really works! It's funny because even if I felt no pain I immediately acted out that I was going to be unproductive at work. I didn't know what to do with myself and all that clarity in my brain. I do feel tired though, or is it just in my head too?

Another productive Saturday

As usual we had a late start (thanks to my lazy okole!) but we ended up having a nice day together! We had dinner at Nino's. To make an effort to eat moderately we picked something to share for a change. Amazing! I ate less bread before the meal and opted for water instead of soda. I still had leftovers for later and we skipped dessert! Yep I passed up having pumpkin bread pudding, one of my favorite! But I felt good about myself and satisfied.

Aaron drove me to Crocker Park to do some shopping for my shampoo and to browse the sales. We went on to do food shopping too.

We ended the evening catching a movie at Cobblestone. We saw Warrior with Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton. Wow they were buff! And the storyline was great too even though it was about boxing.

If only all Saturdays can be this productive and fun!

And there goes my gym goal

I had a strong start this month but it looks like I'm getting lazy again. I'm so mad at myself! I can't blame Aaron for not going to the gym with me -- his work schedule won't allow us to workout together in the next two weeks. I need a switch kick in the okole and plan to make working out easy. I think I'll bring my mat and weights back to work and leave them in the staff lounge. I can run up and down the stairwell, do kickboxing throws and kicks, planks and crunches or squats and lounges during my breaks. Easy enough, right? Oh I'll have to pack a second wardrobe to sweat in.

GIRLIE UPDATE: G on Jay Leno

OK this is my second attempt to post the video. After awhile I guess they just have clips instead of the full episode. Too bad, he was funny with the next guest. He mentioned Hawai'i, yeah!

GIRLIE UPDATE: Hawaii Five-O Season 2 premiere

Now how are they going to come back after being disbanded and redeem themselves? I guess we have to watch and find out tonight!

Allergies, allergies... go away!

Oh no! I woke up with a stuffed sinus, running nose and teary eyes but oddly very clear in the mind. I went to work anyway since I was working on a disciplinary issue, but I was worse by dinner with a fever. I pushed through a training session until the closing crew arrived and went home to sleep. Since my acupuncture treatment I am trying not to take pills for every ache and pain, but I decided to take my allergy and a congestion medicine to help me sleep through the night.

I hope I feel better tomorrow. I have a lot to do at work...

A Jewish family reunion

Aaron and I had a busy day today. We got back to having our Saturday Adeva haircut date in Oberlin but skipped our usual lunch date at the Feve. We drove back to downtown Elyria and had lunch at the Apple Festival. Aaron opted for a Stromboli while I decided to try the BBQ pulled pork sandwich. On our way back to the car we picked up our annual tradition -- Grobe's apple cider, a favorite of Aaron's, and some apple fritters for me. Ono!

Later we went to Cookie's house for dinner and Ken's family reunion. He had his out-of-town cousins over. Aaron's brother and step-siblings were there with their significant others as well. It was interesting. One of Ken's cousins from San Francisco is married to a Filipino and he was so excited to meet me. I watched as Ken's cousins videotaped their conversations with his mother, the last survivor of her generation. It reminded me of Aunty Ema telling her Kalapana stories.

Tonight reminded me of my own Konanui ohana reunions in Hawaii. I've been to many in my time and unfortunately I took the connections and culture for granted. I don't think Aaron has attended any Brlas or Chury gatherings, if they even have any. Sooner or later my generation will need to take over organizing those Hawaiian reunions. Being the oldest of the oldest (my mom) of the oldest (my grandpa Konanui) of the oldest (Tutu Konanui) it's important for me to make an effort. For my future keikis and for me to not lose the little Hawaiian culture I have in me. It's so hard living far away. I think most of my generation no longer live on the Big Island. But no excuse -- that's where technology and emails come in handy, right?!

Brlas does sushi

After my acupuncture treatment Aaron and I went to dinner. He found a Japanese restaurant down the street from the doctor's called Fujiyama Steak House and Sushi Bar Restaurant. I was in heaven! I had miso soup and salad with a ginger soy dressing, sashimi sushi and tonkatsu and rice! Aaron had a deluxe noodle dish AND spicy tuna sushi, made with no nori! I told him he'd liked it!

Happy day!

ACUPUNCTURE ALERT: Consult and treatment #1

I was inspired to finally try acupuncture, and specifically for infertility, after watching an episode of Giuliana and Bill on the Style Network, a reality series about two successful, busy celebrities. They too are having a hard time having a baby and was suggested to go for acupuncture treatments to help. I know Aaron and my odds are much smaller with my age and other problems but why not try it. At least we can afford it, unlike IVF.

I wasn't sure what was going to happen other than a consultation. I filled out a long questionnaire about my health and problems and it appears my migraines, cramps and fertility issues are coming from kidney problems.

I ended up having my first treatment based on Dr. Caruso's findings. Of course I was nervous but I wasn't afraid. I think growing up around Asian culture and influences, not to mention my mom's fascination with Chinese medicines and astrology and healing helped with the fear. I was nervous that I would be ticklish and end up being poked too hard or by mistake. But Dr. Caruso was a pro and did his thing with no problems. He distracted me when inserting the needles by asking me about my diet and what to eat to help more or less. More leafy greens are in order! I didn't feel any of the poking except one in my abdomen. Oh I felt the needle twist!

I laid there with needles in my skull, ears, arms, legs, feet and abdomen. My left leg felt like it fell asleep because I didn't want to move a stitch, and my nose kept itching! Luckily Aaron arrived half way through my lie-in and was able to help scratch my nose! I'd like to think that one needle that hurt hit my "problem area"! It got tingly and warm there, like the blood was flowing to that area to heal the organs. I guess that's the whole idea of acupuncture, right?

A half hour later the needles were removed and we were able to leave soon after. I never saw any of the needles and no marks or blood were present. I am so glad my first treatment was a positive experience! Now I await to see results before my next appointment in two weeks. Cross fingers for me!

September is health month!

Here we go! It's a new month and Aaron has helped me get back into exercising by joining me at the Oberlin College weight rooms. Yeah! We've managed to meet up twice this week and 3 times over all so far!

I have to say I enjoy working out with my hubby! He's so knowledgeable about exercises, equipments and the working body parts. He doesn't mind me following him around and is very patient when I argue all the reasons why I don't want to do them. I'm not sure I'd ever feel comfortable going by myself -- lot of testosterone and athletes all around, not to mention students I see in the library every night. But it is getting easier for me to workout on the mat or in the rec room without Aaron being at my side. I guess I just like my space.

I join Aaron and his day's body part workouts -- Biceps and Thighs, Quads and Chest, etc. -- but fit in abs and core in between. Since I don't workout every day like him I try to do exercises for my flabby arms, legs, glutes and abs. By the time I go back to work I have a little sweat and some aching muscles. It's the good burn I want to feel!

Now all I really need to add is cardio before the workout. Jump rope or boxing kicks should do the trick! And to not want to eat a big meal soon after.

GIRLIE UPDATE: 300 Sequel?

Now wouldn't it be great to see G as the King again? 300: The Battle of Artemisia is in the works and scheduled for a 2013 release.

Crossing fingers he will be involved -- there can only be one Leonidas!

Hearing? What hearing?

I finally made an appointment to get my hearing tested. Aaron's been complaining for a couple years now that I can't hear half the things he's saying to me. And I'm quite annoyed when he claims I should know everything when I can't remember him telling me about it! It was not hearing the library director talking to me from across the circ desk counter that made me worried enough to go see a doctor!

Dr. Hetsko was pleasant and very informative. Usually when doctor's talk about stuff most of it goes over my head. But his presentation was visual and I was able to comprehend what he was doing. I even got to see the inside of my ears! Conclusion? I have the hearing of a 44-year old and can't hear half of the alphabet sounds!! I need to go back to my doctor and see if she wants me to see an ear specialist or if I should get a hearing aid. Oh boy...

Hanging out with the Andrewskis

Aaron and I had Big Al and Tasha over for dinner and drinks and the kids for movie night. I'm glad we got to catch up with friends. We definitely don't hang out enough! Needless to say Emily and Matthew got bored with the movies quickly asking to switch between Rio and Beethoven and Rango, then asked for crafts and other toys to play with, which we didn't have. We definitely have a non-kid friendly house! The dogs did a good job of being substitute toys to play with.

Keala with Trevor, our godson

Matthew giving Ikaika a big hug

Matthew giving Keala a tight hug

Emily hanging out with Ikaika in his crate

Emily, Trevor, Aaron, me and Matthew

Elyria High and Wolfies

Aaron and I had a busy day today! He worked and I had my eye doctor's appointment. I didn't realize I skipped going for a checkup last year! What a waste of health coverage! I had time to run over to my public library to drop off and pick up some movies, magazines and books before meeting up with Aaron at the gym. We had a great workout, and the gym was not as busy as it is during the week. After we grabbed dinner at Moosehead's. I tried to eat healthy with little success. I had water instead of iced tea and I ate a salad instead of having my usual soup, but I couldn't give up having a huge pasta with cream sauce. Does the vegetables in it make it better?

When we got home Aaron got a call from his high school friends. They were going out for dinner at Wolfie's to celebrate Dave's upcoming birthday. We got ready and met up with them but just had a snack and drinks. It looks like some of Aaron's friends are talking about starting families!

Jen and Jay

[From Nikki's phone - she didn't take a pix of her and Dave]

Brlas family dinner

So my lovely sister-in-law Becky suggested to us one night that we should get together as a family more often. Unlike my sister and I who would probably do everything together if we lived in the same city, Aaron and his brother Kyle don't hang out as much as they used to. I thought we should definitely make the effort. Life is too short to put it off, and soon Aaron and I will be moving away and won't be in the same city as his family. So I took the reins and planned a dinner for the Brlas' tonight.

We invited Aaron's dad and Grandma Brlas for this gathering since we are having a family reunion with Aaron's step-dad Ken next week. But Rick never got back to us in time and we ended up having Cookie and Ken over for a Mexican meal and a movie. Aaron's added two Mexican dishes - a chicken and a rice - to his cooking repertoire. Ono!

It was a great evening!

GIRLIE UPDATE: Look... it's a bird!

Oh it's Henry Cavill!