Paper ornaments

I found out how to make these super easy paper ornaments from HERE. 
How About Orange is one of my favorite blogs to read in my Google Reader.
 I made a couple of these ornaments for work for my Secret Angel and for my office-mate, Kama. It was super easy to make! I even had a table in the back of our ward Christmas party for the kids/adults to make. 
I decided to make these at home over the break for our extended family. I think I really only needed to make like 6 but these are so easy that I ended up making...NINETEEN! 
I used scrapbook paper to make them and it was a little stiffer than computer paper but it worked out. I spent like all day Monday making them. We just watched TV and I used double stick tape to make the ornaments. I could make more! 
Afterwards, I got some thread to make it an official ornament.

Vapur - the anti water bottle

My friend Kelly had one of these at church the other day. It's a collapsible water bottle.

They're called Vapur and you can read/see all about it here.

I love this! I love the idea of having a water bottle that folds so I can always have the water bottle with me.
They have it in all different colors. It's so awesome! I want to throw away all my other water bottles to just to get these for my family!
So...does anyone want my water bottles? ;)

How I Met Your Mother

I've always wanted to watch this show! I've caught a couple episodes here and there. I just didn't get into it because I felt like I have to watch it all the way from the beginning.

Luckily by BIL, Pono, told my TDH about it and so we got all the episodes from season 1 and watched it. We watched them ALL. We are caught up! We've even stayed up a couple of nights till like 2 or 3am watching the show. It is hilarious!

Lily and Marshall remind me of me and David. 

You need to watch it. 

the end.

Comparisons

I've decided two things this morning. 

One: I can't and shouldn't compare myself to other people. No matter how amazing they are at blogging, crafting, sewing, cooking, baking, family-ing... :P

Two: I shouldn't compare myself to what I USED to do. 

I mean, LOOK! I used to be fit!

For example: I can't say to myself now, "What is wrong with you! You are so fat and out of shape!  You USED to be able to run THREE miles EVERYDAY!" (ok...more like 3-4 times a week...but still!) 

I have to remember that back then, I was single, I had no one to take care but myself, I had more time to do what I wanted to do. Now, I have to remind myself that it's OK to not be able to run three miles like I USED to. 

We all gotta start somewhere, even if it's not where you wanted to be now but it's a PLACE to start and I just gotta keep going.

That being said, did I tell you I'm going to RUN in the Great Aloha Run in February? I have decided that I am going to do it this year. I already turned in my form. There's no turning back!

Halloween 2010

I really like this post so come on over to my family blog and take a look see at the costumes!

Love is....

Thought this was nice and wanted to share:


"Love is . . . Being happy for the other person when they are happy, Being sad for the person when they are sad, Being together in good times, And being together in bad times. LOVE IS THE SOURCE OF STRENGTH. 

Love is . . . Being honest with yourself at all times, Being honest with the other person at all times, Telling, listening, respecting the truth, And never pretending. LOVE IS THE SOURCE OF REALITY. 

Love is . . . An understanding so complete that you feel as if you are a part of the other person, Accepting the other person just the way they are, And not trying to change them to be something else. LOVE IS THE SOURCE OF UNITY. 

Love is . . . The freedom to pursue your own desires while sharing your experiences with the other person, The growth of one individual alongside of and together with the growth of another individual. LOVE IS THE SOURCE OF SUCCESS. 

Love is . . . The excitement of planning things together, The excitement of doing things together. LOVE IS THE SOURCE OF THE FUTURE. Love is . . . The fury of the storm, The calm in the rainbow. LOVE IS THE SOURCE OF PASSION. 

Love is . . . Giving and taking in a daily situation, Being patient with each other's needs and desires. LOVE IS THE SOURCE OF SHARING. 

Love is . . . Knowing that the other person will always be with you regardless of what happens, Missing the other person when they are away but remaining near in heart at all times. LOVE IS THE SOURCE OF SECURITY. LOVE IS . . . THE SOURCE OF LIFE!" — Susan Polis Schutz 

Day 23

Something you wish you had done in your life.


I wish I had kept speaking Cantonese. (does that count?) 


I really wish I was bilingual...or actually multi-lingual!


If I could pick some languages to be fluent in, I'd choose Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, Spanish, French, and...Tagalog...and...Hawaiian...

Day 22

Day 22:  Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.


stopped working out on a regular basis
watched movies that scare me and give me nightmares


among other things that I'm sure I have done that I wished I hadn't but can't think of right now...

Day 21

Scenario: Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?


Well it depends on what we were fighting about...


JUST KIDDING!


Easy decision, go to them as soon as I can and see what I can do to help.

Day 20

Your views on drugs and alcohol


Don't do it. It's lame and dumb. and a total waste of time, energy and especially money.


It ruins your body and your mind.


I could go more into it but I don't need to. You know it's true.


I'd rather have a good time with my people, REMEMBER it tomorrow,  five years from now, fifty years from now and be able to talk about it too. 


ok. that's it. the end.

Day 19

What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?


Religion: I'm LDS. I know it's true. I believe it. If you don't, your beef but just so you know, you're missing out. But hey, I ain't gonna knock yours either. I like learning about different religions but I'll stay with my own.


Politics: I am interested in politics. More so now that I'm teaching Government to my special education students in grades 11 and 12. I've always been interested but I never really pursued the knowledge. Does that make sense? I look up stuff on the different political parties here and there but never really picked a side. Like with this election stuff, I'm still trying to figure it out. I just wish there a site, that was unbiased and just laid out the facts for each candidate and their platform. It would make my decision and opinions so much easier. Until that day...

Day 18

Your views on gay marriage.


This is such a touchy subject so I will truthfully plead the fifth...

...I just don't want to get into it...

But I will say this, I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman. 

It's a sacred institution and I'd like to be able to preserve it.

Can gay couples get the same rights as a common law couple? Is that what it's called?
 If they don't, they should.


I just hope I haven't lost any friends over this. I'm so sorry if you don't like my opinion but truthfully, it's what I believe. 

Please let me have my opinion while I let you have yours. 

Day 17

A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.


uh...this is super hard for me because I read a lot and I don't really remember what I think about books cuz I just move on. I guess I just haven't read THE book that has made me change my views on anything. Once I do...I'll let you know. :D

Day 16

Someone or something you definitely could live without


again, dumb people at work.
mean people who make you feel really inferior
bullies
smelly people on the bus
scary people


horror movies
paperwork for work. bleh. I know it's needed but UGH. 


that's all I'm going to say

Day 15

Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it


I haven't tried living without it cuz I'd be dead. It would have to a something and that is food. It's so cliche, but it's so true. I love me some yummy food. It's not even a specific food because my preferences tend to change depending on the day, time of day and mood I'm in. But if I like what I'm eating at that moment, I will keep eating it. (I need better self control) 


The someone...would have to be someoneS....which is obviously my family...although I haven't tried living without them but just the thought...SCARY!! No thank you!

Day 14

A hero that has let you down


uh....none....?!! I know it's such a lame answer but it's true. Maybe it's cuz I don't really have "heroes" that I look up to. Is that sad?

Day 13

A band or artist that has gotten you through some really tough days.


This is also a good question. Spice Girls? S Club 7? I don't really have one. I didn't really get into music till I was in high school-ish time...But their music makes me happy. 


I think pretty much any happy, catchy, fun songs/band/artists will get me through tough days. 


besides, I don't really know any bands or artists by name. Just by tune and even then, if I tried to "sing" you the song, you would never be able to figure it out cuz I'd be super off! :P

Day 12

something you never get compliments on


uh....hmmmm....good question...my singing. AHAHAHAHA!! JUST KIDDING! I wish I had a nice singing voice but alas, I do not. 


I don't know this one. 

Day 11

Something people seem to compliment you the most on


uh...I don't really get compliments but when I do...it's usually that I'm friendly and fun. Which is good. I like that. I like to think that I am but it's also nice that other people recognize that. People have also complimented my hair. which I also agree with. I like my hair too although I would like to layer it now. 


Although now, I get compliments on how cute my kids are...which I would say is also a compliment for me! haha!


Does this post make me seem kinda conceited?! 

Day 10

Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.


um....it's more wish I didn't know and that would have to be the annoying, incompetent people at work that make my life and job harder to do.

Day 9

someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.


I would have to say that there are a lot of someones like that....mainly people from my past. 


I moved around a lot and all your friends always say they'll write, call, keep in touch but the truth is...it hardly happened for me. We'd write for like a few months but then we get busy with our lives and just stop or it becomes sporadic. 


I have friends from all the places I've lived that I would have love to have kept in touch with but it didn't happen. I can't even remember their last names or what they look like. 


All I have to say is, thank goodness for Facebook, blogging and social networking and the internet! Since then, I have reconnected with a lot of the people that I've lost touch with...even if it's not on a regular basis...we're connected.  :P

Day 8

Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like crap

There are lots of people who have made me feel like crap, who still make me feel like crap...I don't want to say WHO exactly even if this is the truth challenge. I don't need any unnecessary stuff in my life. All you have to know is, there are people who make me feel bad.

Actually, I will share a story with you. 

There was this one time when I was living in Canada and I was in the seventh grade. I think it was around this time that there was like a slam book thing going around or a book where people would write in it about you...good...or...bad....anyway...there was this one girl who wrote something super mean about me and made fun of me and it totally hurt my feelings and I think I even cried at school. 

and that's it. someone who has made me feel crappy.

the end.

i can't be bothered thinking about stuff like this. it's a waste of energy.

Day 7

Someone who has made my life worth living for....

This would have to be my kids and husband. There are times when I just can't take it anymore (and I know this is kinda extreme but this is the truth challenge isn't it?) and I just want to give up. I think to myself, "No one will miss me or care if I'm gone", "I should just leave and never look back"...I have seriously had those thoughts on the worst of my worst days. 
But then what gets me through it is the fact that I do have people that care about me. I have my kids to think about, my family. That's what pulls me out of my funk. My family is what gets me up everyday, to wake up early and bike to work, to face the teenagers that I do my best to teach, to face the paperwork and all the legalities of special education work and students. 

I have a family that I love with all my heart who loves me too. They are who has made my life worth living for.

Day 6

Something I hope I never have to do...


I hope I never have to give up who I am to pretend to be something I'm not just to please someone because they don't like me for who I am or find me annoying or embarrassing. I like me...don't you? ;D

Day 5

Something I hope to do in my life...besides getting back into shape and losing 50-60 pounds??! I hope to travel the world and eat amazing food with David! I hope to play the ukulele well, well enough to play any song...(I really just need to memorize/practice the notes/keys(?)...) I hope to own a house in Hawaii and be out of debt!!! I hope for a lot of things! But most of all, I hope for a good and happy life. (cliche, I know. But I do.)

Day 4

Something I have to forgive someone for....
Uh....
How about forgiving all the stupid people(...teachers...) at work that make other people ( the good teachers) look bad.

Day 3

Something I have to forgive myself for...
(I have a feeling this is going to get harder as the month goes on.)
I guess I have to forgive myself for all the sins I have repented for. It's one o the last steps and I just need to get over that hill. I've repented now I just have to forgive and forget.
(this wasn't too bad)

Day 2

Ok..something I love about myself... This is hard. What do I love
about myself? It's so much easier to say what I hate/don't like... I
love that I bike to work. Granted it's only 15 minutes each way but
still. I love that I can do it. (I was going to say something negative
but I'll refrain since this is supposed to be a "positive" post.)
I love that I try to look on the positive side if things (try.) I love
that I have patience with people (well...most people, especially my
students) or else I'd go crazy and pull out all my hair (that I also
love!)
I guess I did find some things that I love about myself!

--
Come visit us!

http://lifewithdayuens.blogspot.com

--------------------------------------------------
"Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been." ~Mark Twain

-----------------------------------------------------
"Life is like a photograph, we use the negatives to develop."

Day One (late)

Ok so I forgot to do day one of the challenge. There are lots of
things that I hate about myself but I'll just try to pick one.
I hate that I don't work out. I like it, I just don't do it. I always
say "I don't have time" but I just gotta make time! Actually, I gues
what I hate is that I'm not really good at anything. You know how
people are good at playing basketball or photography or writing or
volleyball or playing an instrument, etc. Well I'm not one of those
people. I hate that. I want to be one of those people that other
people go to and say "ask Carol, she's good at that". I don't even
know what I'm trying to say. I also hate that I accidentally offend
people because I don't think before I say things. So if I have ever
offended you, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. There are some other things
that I hate about myself but i'll just leave it at this. I think we
were only supposed to do one hate but just pretend you only read one.
Haha!! ;)

--
Come visit us!

http://lifewithdayuens.blogspot.com

--------------------------------------------------
"Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been." ~Mark Twain

-----------------------------------------------------
"Life is like a photograph, we use the negatives to develop."

Challenge from my friend Karyn

She had this challenge on her blog and I think I will try to do this too. I will also start in October. Now let's just see if I'll remember to do it (and hopefully not offend anyone in the process.)


30 Days of Truths Challenge

Day 01:  Something you hate about yourself.
Day 02:  Something you love about yourself.
Day 03:  Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 04:  Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 05:  Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 06:  Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 07:  Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 08:  Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like crap.
Day 09:  Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10:  Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11:  Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12:  Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13:  A band or artist that has gotten you through some really tough days.
Day 14:  A hero that has let you down.
Day 15:  Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16:  Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17:  A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18:  Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19:  What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20:  Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21:  Scenario: Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22:  Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23:  Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24:  Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists)
Day 25:  The reason you believe you’re alive today.
Day 26:  Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27:  What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28:  What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29:  Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30:  A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

just a random picture that might just subconsciously make sense to the post. you decide. 

Peacock feathers and the color orange

I am totally in love with peacock feathers. I was on etsy looking at stuff that had peacock feathers. I didn't realize how many things that are peacocked! I decided to see if there was anything that was orange and peacock-y and there was!



LOVE IT!!

Orange Watch

I saw a coworker w/this orange watch. I complimented her and told her that I love the color orange and that I'm always looking for an orange watch but can never find one I like or afford.
She took off her watch and told me "Happy Birthday"!!
WOW.
Thank you so much for this awesome watch!!

Surprises

I was running some errands and ran into a teacher who told me that one of our mutual students was looking for me to give me a plate of food but couldn't find me so ended up giving the plate to another teacher. 

Wow.

I was shocked because this particular student is one of the hard head kids that I'd like to kick in the ankles and can't wait for the period to be over so they'll be gone.

He sure surprised me! 

He came out of the classroom, saw me and made me some brownies and a soda. awww. He even asked if I wanted a bigger piece but the piece was huge already. 

wow.

Teenage boys...ahaha!!

I think it's hilarious that the five boys in my class watching the chick flick (I'll explain later) is really getting into it! They're talking to the TV about how dumb she's acting and shouldn't do this and that. I never would have expected that of them! AHAHA!!


Even when I asked them to do some recycling for me, 4 out of the 5 boys wanted to stay and watch the movie! HAHAHAHAHA!!

Napples!!

Have you ever had Napples from Napolean's Bakery in a Zippy's? They are THE best! So flaky and yummy!

This is an Apple Napple.

This is a Blueberry Cream Cheese Napple Turnover (I think the turnover is the official name) This is one of David's favorite, as well as the apple.

We tried the Coconut Napple one day and it is pretty good!

Now I really want a Napple!

I wish the closest Zippy's wasn't 45 minutes away!! *sigh*

(I only got reminded of Napples because of the Zippy's tweet I got today...)

New all time favorite!

Haagen-Dazs Dark Mint Chocolate ice cream is my new all time favorite!! LOVE IT!!

Fun Fact

RT@polynesia: Fun Fact: From east to west Hawaii is the widest state in the United States.

Are you nice?

RT@OfficialKimora: When you are in a position to NOT be a nice person, that's when you find out who you really are!!

Teaching

RT@googlebooks: I never teach my pupils. I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn. http://bit.ly/bkkf2N

found this msg in my drafts folder-wonder what Aaron's trying to say?...Smkmkwmkzkkqkisdkiaksidaksikiosaksiwkdksdiwskodiksiksaow@p@.com

RevRunWisdom: Writing down your goals is SO IMPORTANT! (don't think it,, ink it!) - M. V HANSEN

--
==================================================================
This mobile text message is brought to you by AT&T

I want this.

This looks so awesome! (click on link to see)

Aaron took this picture & wrote the msg

Nvnmvmzasmdsamszdk/
lslsddsldsdsldsellssawsalslawslssalsalop
ZOSSZOSLOSSLOAO.com.com

sw-eep

Trying to get to say "sleep" properly...sLLLeeep...Aaron: "sLL..Weep "

tried to file and clean out the piles & piles of mail..."tried" being the key word. Going to tackle it again tmrw. Wis

--
==================================================================
This mobile text message is brought to you by AT&T

NCLB?

 From HawaiiNewsNow: Obama plan would overhaul No Child Left Behind: http://bit.ly/byBcxd

another article about the new education reform:

Tufts Daily - Editorial | Proper implementation of education reform needed: http://bit.ly/drpLaw

Let's be wise

I like getting RevRunWisdom tweets. A reminder for me when dealing with @#$&!$ students: 

"A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a wise man holds his peace."

I'm a designer!

Ok, so I'm not really a designer but I did design these two items below.

I never got a class ring when I graduated in 2002. I couldn't afford it, still can't. But IF I could, this is what it would look like. (my school mascot would have been a cougar)

These are some shoes I designed on Converse.com. I LOVE Converse shoes. I still have my first pair of Converse that my friend, Evelyn, got for my 18th birthday!

What do you think?

Teddy`s Bigger Burgers Coupon

I LOVE the burgers from Teddy's! Granted I've only been there twice but it's ONO!! If you want an excuse to go down or are in the area...here are some coupons for you to enjoy! 

Stop by your favorite Teddy`s Bigger Burgers in Kailua - Hawaii Kai - Waikiki today! Special Offers: TEDDY`S BIGGER BURGERS FREE KIDS COMBO Purchase any 2 regular combos and receive a kids combo FREE! Disclaimer: Must have coupon at time of purchase. See store for details. Some restrictions may apply. hawaii.suddenvalues.comExpires: 05/01/2010 Valid at the following locations: 134 Kapahulu Ave. - Honolulu, HI 96815 - (808)926-3444 7192 Kalanianaole Hwy. #E124 - Honolulu, HI 96825 - (808)394-9100 539 Kailua Rd. #101 - Kailua, HI 96734 - (808)262-0820           TEDDY`S BIGGER BURGERS BUY 1 GET 1 - 25% OFF Buy one combo get the second 25% OFF! Disclaimer: Must have coupon with purchase. See store for details. Some restrictions may apply. hawaii.suddenvalues.comExpires: 05/01/2010 Valid at the following locations: 134 Kapahulu Ave. - Honolulu, HI 96815 - (808)926-3444 7192 Kalanianaole Hwy. #E124 - Honolulu, HI 96825 - (808)394-9100 539 Kailua Rd. #101 - Kailua, HI 96734 - (808)262-0820

It's 11pm and I tell Aaron it's time to sleep; "No thank you. I don't want it. I don't wanna go sleep."

--
==================================================================
This mobile text message is brought to you by AT&T

didn't last long

My desk was clean this morning...kinda....and now it's not...oh the joys of work. I need more time to file and organize and put things in order. I have filed things and then forgotten WHERE I've filed it. Aiyiyi.

Hands

Raya is really into eating her hands now. Why? No clue! And she loves to coo/talk. It's so cute!!

Reasons to keep a journal...

Words from Pres. Max Purcell at the Stake Leadership Meeting (YW):  "The palest ink is better than the best memory."  Keep a journal! Write down your feelings in meetings. Record your experiences for your posterity.   Live to the idea that the Savior will visit. An act of building the kingdom is an act of worship.    Don't leave your calling the same way you found it. Leave it better.    You will be judged on how you use your talents. Increase your talents.

My two kids

They are both kinda smiling in this picture. I love my kids! They are so cute!
;D