music has the power to transport you back in time - to rekindle memories and feelings from particular moments of your life. whenever we hear any of these songs, it brings us back to the most beautiful day of our life together (thus far :)
1. The Hawaiian Wedding Song (as performed by Peter Paek) 2. Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - N Dis Life (as performed by The Makua Trio) 3. Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - What a Wonderful World/Somewhere Over the Rainbow (as performed by The Makua Trio) 4. Musiq Soulchild - Buddy 5. Natalie Cole - Unforgettable 6. E Huli Makou (as performed by The Makua Trio) 7. Jack Johnson - Better Together
8. Chris Tomlin - How Great is Our God (as performed by The Makua Trio and P. Sam)
I came across this classic story... totally reminds me of Stacy :) Only 9 days left!!!
The Real Princess (The Princess and the Pea) by Hans Christian Andersen Illustrated by Edmund Dulac
There was once a prince, and he wanted a princess, but then she must be a real Princess. He travelled right around the world to find one, but there was always something wrong. There were plenty of princesses, but whether they were real princesses he had great difficulty in discovering; there was always something which was not quite right about them. So at last he had come home again, and he was very sad because he wanted a real princess so badly.
One evening there was a terrible storm; it thundered and lightninged and the rain poured down in torrents; indeed it was a fearful night.
In the middle of the storm somebody knocked at the town gate, and the old King himself sent to open it.
It was a princess who stood outside, but she was in a terrible state from the rain and the storm. The water streamed out of her hair and her clothes; it ran in at the top of her shoes and out at the heel, but she said that she was a real princess.
'Well we shall soon see if that is true,' thought the old Queen, but she said nothing. She went into the bedroom, took all the bed clothes off and laid a pea on the bedstead: then she took twenty mattresses and piled them on top of the pea, and then twenty feather beds on top of the mattresses. This was where the princess was to sleep that night. In the morning they asked her how she slept.
'Oh terribly bad!' said the princess. 'I have hardly closed my eyes the whole night! Heaven knows what was in the bed. I seemed to be lying upon some hard thing, and my whole body is black and blue this morning. It is terrible!'
They saw at once that she must be a real princess when she had felt the pea through twenty mattresses and twenty feather beds. Nobody but a real princess could have such a delicate skin.
So the prince took her to be his wife, for now he was sure that he had found a real princess, and the pea was put into the Museum, where it may still be seen if no one has stolen it.
Unbeknownst to some, Hawaii has its own language (Hawaiian) and dialect (pidgin). While everybody knows what aloha and mahalo mean, here are some more advanced words and phrases that might have people thinking you're a kama'aina ;)
Common Hawaiian words & phrases
Aloha - The most common expression in the islands. It can mean hello and goodbye, welcome or farewell. It can also mean romantic affection or best wishes. Aloha Ahiahi - Good evening. Aloha au ia oe - I love you. Aloha Kakahiaka - Good morning. Aloha nui loa - Much love; fondest regards.
Hale - House or building; often combined with other words to name a specific place such as Haleakala (House of the Sun). Hana Hou – Encore, one more time, do it again. Hauoli la hanau - Happy Birthday. Hauoli Makahiki hau - Happy New Year. Honu - The Hawaiian word for Sea Turtle. How’s it going? Huhu - Mad. Hula - A native Hawaiian dance where the rhythm of the islands is captured in swaying hips and stories are told by lyrically moving the hands. Humu Humu Nuku Nuku Apua'a - Hawaii's official State Fish. Also known as a Rectangular Trigger.
Kahuna - This means priest, sorcerer, doctor, or other highly skilled person. Kama’aina - A long time island resident or local. Kane - Man. When written on a door, it means "Men’s Room". Kapu - Forbidden; taboo; poison; keep out; or do not touch. Keiki - Child or children; kids. Kokua - Help or assistance, as in "Your Kokua is needed to keep these islands free of litter. Mahalo!" Kolohe - Rascal; Trouble maker; Punk. Komo mai - Please come in; enter; welcome.
Mahalo - Thanks or Thank You! "Mahalo Nui Loa" means "Thank you very much!". Makai - Toward the sea or seaside. Often used when giving directions. Malihini - A newcomer, tenderfoot or recent arrival. Mano - Shark. Mauka - Towards the mountains, also used when giving directions as in "Mauka-side of the highway." Mauna - Mountain, often combined with other words to be more descriptive, like in "Mauna Kea" (White Mountain). Mele Kalikimaka - Merry Christmas. Moana - The ocean or the sea. Moke - Extremely large, local, tough guy. Moi Moi - Sleep.
Wahine - A young woman or girl; female; wife. Written on a door it means "Ladies Room".
Common pidgin words & phrases
Akamai - Someone who is very smart. Aznuts - Ridiculous or out of your mind.
Braddah or Brah - Brother, pal. Break - Waves; wave action. Brok' Da Mout - Tastes really delicous; yummy grinds! Bumbye - When we get around to it; after a little while. Bussum Out - I want some, share with me.
Choke - Meaning "a lot of something"; many; a large amount. Choke Cars - Heavy traffic.
Da’ Kine - Versatile word used to replace words that can't be remembered or are unknown while you are speaking Dirty Lick'ns - A spanking.
Eriding - Everything; all of it. Eh! - You know! 'Ey! - Attention getter, (yell).
Geev' um - Give it to them; go for it; give it hell. If a surfer is up on one Da' Kine wave, the crowd watching may yell "Geev um, Brah!". Grind - To eat like there's no tomorrow.
Haad Rub - Having a hard time; Bad time; feeling uncomfortable.
Hana Hou – Encore, one more time, do it again. Haole - A word that used to mean foreigner, but now means a white person or Caucasian. Hawaiian Time - Late. Ho Brah - Prelude to describing something intense or amazing. Howzit? - What’s happening? How’s it going? Huli Huli - To flip over and over; rotiserrie, also barbecue, like in Huli Huli chicken.
Lanai - Porch or veranda; the patio. Leeward - The west side of the island. Lei - A traditional garland of flowers or vines. Like Beef? - You want to fight? Lolo - Dumb, slow, crazy, does not make sense. Lolo Buggah - A stupid or crazy guy. Lua - Bathroom. Luau - A Hawaiian feast featuring traditional island foods.
Ohana - A family. Okole - Your butt or rear end. Okole maluna! - Bottoms up! Cheers! Ono - Delicious; delightful or the best; groovy. Also a white, flaky ocean fish found on many seafood menus. Onoliscious - Overly delicious!
Pali - Cliff. Pau - Finished or done. Pakalolo - Crazy smoke; marijuana; Maui-wowie. Poi - A glutinous paste made from pounding taro root. Purplish in color and kind of sour tasting, it is a Hawaiian staple. Poke – An appetizer made with sashimi. Puka - A hole of any size. Pu pu - Any appetizer, snack or Hors D’oeuvres.
Shaka - Great or excellent; "Cool!"; brilliant; having fun; good job. A hand signal originally made popular by surfers where you stick out the thumb and pinky and fold the other three fingers in; "Hang Loose!". Slippas - This is also known as a pair of "flip-flops" or sandals. Stinkface - Frowning at someone, using facial expression to show displeasure. Also "Stinkeye".
Tako - Octopus. Very popular ingredient in Poke. Talk Stink - Speaking bad about someone. Talk story -Conversation at length. Try Move - (Please) move out of the way.
Ukulele - The small, four or eight stringed folk instrument with the unique Hawaiian sound.
Wat Doing - What the "bleep" do you think you're doing?? We Go - Let's get out of here; split. Wiki - Quick or fast; in a hurry. Often seen as "Wiki wiki" which means very fast! Windward - The east side of the island.
You might remember us from such wedding comedies as "The Wedding Singer 3: Rise of the Drum Machines" and "My Best Friends'-Cousins'-Sisters'-Roommates'-Dogsitter's Wedding."
Just kidding! I know "details" from events like these are usually not disclosed to the public, but our respective bachelor and bachelorette parties were too cool not to share. We ain't got nothin' to hide :)
I decided to stay local and hang out with my girlfriends. The main event of the weekend was a pole dancing class - no, no, no, it's not what you think - it's actually a great workout! My shoulders were sore the next few days. Curious that my sis was the most "natural" at it. Hmmm...
Me and my 'Girls! Girls! Girls!'
In case the whole law thing doesn't work out...
Meanwhile, Ed and his boys chartered a boat and went deep sea fishing in Mexico. In the words of the intrepid Kazak journalist, their trip was a "great success!" and they brought home coolers filled with fresh tuna sashimi... my fave! My long lost uncle, Eddie Mau, was the captain of their boat... I organized it that way to make sure Ed behaved :)
Getting jiggy on the 'Jig Strike'
In case the whole urban planning thing doesn't work out...
Ok, so those weren't the exact words from Stacy, but she did make it very clear to me that this short trip to Hawaii was strictly for business, not pleasure (boo!). We met with the vendors in person for the first time! I know... we're insane. Fortunately, everyone was very kind and patient and helped us plan the details for the big day. But oh boy, we sure have alot of work ahead of us...
While we didn't have a chance to even dip our feet in the clear Hawaiian waters, we did squeeze in time to celebrate Sherrie and Mike's wedding, as well as Stacy's grandma's 90th birthday! Congrats to the newlyweds and the birthday girl!
Congrats Sherrie! (Mike was busy fending off money hungry dragons)
Honolulu Magazine has compiled a list of Hawai'i's 50 greatest albums. The list includes "everything from revered, Hawaiian-language standards to bubbly hapa haole ditties, monarchy-era anthems to contemporary, radio-friendly hits." You can find the full article here, but below are the top 10. Download a few to get you in the mood :)
1 Aloha ‘Oe - Queen Lili‘uokalani, 1878
2 I’ll Remember You - Kui Lee, 1964
3 Honolulu City Lights - Keola Beamer, 1978
4 Hi‘ilawe - Unknown
5 Waikiki - Andy Cummings, 1938
6 Hawai‘i Aloha - Rev. Lorenzo Lyons, 1800s
7 Ku‘u Home o Kahalu‘u - Jerry Santos, 1976
8 Kaulana na Pua - Ellen Wright Prendergast, 1893
9 Ke Kali Nei Au (The Hawaiian Wedding Song) - Charles E. King, 1925
10 Morning Dew - Lyrics by Larry Lindsey Kimura, Music by Eddie Kamae, 1972
Sorry for the hiatus, but it's just been so busy. The invitations are printed, the engagement photos have been taken, and Stacy has moved into our future home! We also managed to find time to compete in the Amazing Race - LA edition! Go team "A Little Bit of Edstacy!"
But there is still so much to do. We will do our best to keep this site updated during the insane 2 months and 2 weeks that are left until the big day.
The requisite "piggy-back-on-the-beach-in-matching-outfits" shot.
In a 12-hour promotion marking its one-year anniversary, go! is offering 1,000 one-way interisland tickets for $1 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today that only can be purchased online at http://www.iflygo.com.
Tickets available to purchase from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m., Hawaii Time, Monday, June 11, 2007. Fares are valid for travel from June 11, 2007 through December 15, 2007. This special fare applies to flights to or from Honolulu. Special fares may be combined for one-way or roundtrip travel between neighbor islands. When combining fares, all rules and restrictions apply.
Tonight, Stacy and I celebrated our 2nd aniversary. Neither of us can remember why we chose this particular date... all we know is that around two years ago, we "officially" started dating.
The time has flown by and it feels like a lot longer than 2 years (in a good way, of course). This will probably be the last year we celebrate on this date, as we will have a new aniversary date starting next year. But for now, we will just reminisce about our first phone call, our first date, the first time we held hands, (our first argument), and the first time we confessed our love for each other :)
My 28th birthday has come and gone. Sometimes I feel that I've crossed that threshold where birthday's really aren't worth celebrating anymore. But just when I start preparing for the pity party, I realize that I am getting married in less than six months... and my life is just beginning :)
Here's to the best-birthday-boarding-bash ever!
A special thank you to my dearest Stacy for making it happen :)
Also known as Country Club or Casual Chic, this is apparel that you’d wear to a private country club for lunch or dinner. Invitations with the term "resort" indicate attire that is a cut above very casual clothes. So, avoid jeans, flip flops, camisoles, t-shirts, and short shorts or very short skirts.
Men:
Somewhat appropriate, but ditch the denim, Magnum.
Nice slacks, dress shirt or knit polo shirt, leather shoes/belt with the option of wearing a sport coat or sweater. In Hawaii, aloha shirts would also fit in this category.
Women:
Sorry ladies, but Waikiki was 3 exits back.
Nice pants, skirts, nice top, casual dress, sundress, nice sandals or casual shoes. The length of the skirt or dress is knee length or longer.
Exactly six months to the wedding day, my wonderful sister, Monica (who will be my Maid of Honor), and her two roommates Kellie and Tim, threw us an engagement party. Ed and I were shocked at how many people came out! (We had seen Wicked the night before, and it made me want to sing the "Popular" song). But in all seriousness, we were so happy that so many of our friends made it to the party to show us their support. Thank you to everyone for making it a very special evening for us. We hope that everyone has as much fun as we did.
Special kudos (pun intended) to Lindsey Kudo - who scored 35 out of 43 points on our trivia game based on the website. I would like to note that all 3 winners of the night (Lindsey, Aimee and Sojung) were my friends - the studious ones :)
Our lovely and gracious hosts... thank you so much!
When we hang out with our married friends, they like to share insights or anecdotes from their own marriage. While their intent is to give us practical advice, I think the more beneficial aspect is that it confirms to us "ok good, we're normal."
Similar e-mails float around the internet. They're usually quite funny... mostly because they're things we can all relate to :)
Here's one:
FW: FEMALE DEMERIT SYSTEM
In the world of romance, one single rule applies:
Make the woman happy. Do something she likes, and you get points. Do something she dislikes, and points are subtracted. You don't get any points for doing something she expects. Sorry, that's the way the system is set up.
Here is a guide to the point system:
SIMPLE DUTIES
* You make the bed. (+1) * You make the bed but forget the decorative pillow. (0) * You throw the bedspread over rumpled sheets. (-1) * You go out to buy her what she wants. (+5) In the rain. (+8) But return with Beer. (-5) * You check out a suspicious noise at night. (+1) * You check out a suspicious noise, and it is nothing. (0) * You check out a suspicious noise and it is something. (+5) * You pummel it with iron rod. (+10) * It's her pet. (-20)
SOCIAL ENGAGEMENTS
You stay by her side the entire party. (0) You stay by her side for a while and then leave to chat with a college buddy. (-2) Named Tina. (-10) Tina is a dancer. (-20) Tina has silicone implants. (-80)
HER BIRTHDAY
You take her out to dinner. (+2) You take her out to dinner, and it's not a sports bar. (+3) Okay, it's a sports bar. (-2) And it's all-you-can-eat night. (-3) It's a sports bar, it's all-you-can-eat night, and your face is painted the colors of your favorite team. (-10)
A NIGHT OUT
You take her to a movie. (+1) You take her to a movie she likes. (+3) You take her to a movie you hate. (+6) You take her to a movie you like. (-2) It's called 'Death Cop.' (-3) You lied and said it was a foreign film about orphans (-15)
YOUR PHYSIQUE
You develop a noticeable potbelly. (-15) You develop a noticeable potbelly and exercise to get rid of it. (+10) You develop a noticeable potbelly and resort to baggy jeans and baggy Hawaiian shirts. (-30) You say, "It doesn't matter; you have one too." (-1000)
VALENTINE'S DAY
Give her chocolate (+10) Give her money (+100) Give her diamonds (+1000) Give her fake diamonds (-1000) Give her Victoria Secret Panties (-2000)
THE BIG QUESTION
She asks, "Do I look fat?" (-5) [Yes, you lose points no matter what] You hesitate in responding. (-10) You reply, "Where?" (-35) Any other response. (-20)
COMMUNICATION
When she wants to talk about a problem, you listen, displaying what looks like a concerned expression. (0) You listen, for over 30 minutes. (+50) You listen for more than 30 minutes without looking at the TV. (+500) She realizes this is because you have fallen asleep. (-1000)
We hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season. Stacy and I stayed in LA, spending Christmas Day with my family and New Year's Eve with our friends. Stacy also celebrated her b-day on 12/30... you can ask her how old she is. Happy b-day, sweetie!
Now that the holiday madness is out of the way, you can start planning for the new year ahead... including the trip you will be making to Hawaii in August :)
We hope this year will be as exciting for you as it will be for us!
to help you brush up on your pidgin... ask Stacy if you need help translating :)
Da Night Bafo Christmas From the CD "Moonbows for Christmas" Lyrics by Kathy Collins
Was da night bafo' Christmas, and all ova' da place, Not even da geckos was showin' their face. Da stockings was hangin' on top da TV ('Cause no mo' fireplace in Hawai'i) Da kids stay all crashed, my old man too. They leave all da work for you-know-who. So me, I stay pickin' up alla their toys, When - boom! - outside get only big noise! I run to da window, I open 'em up, I stick out my head and I yell, "Eh! Whassup?!" And then, I no can ba-lieve what I seen! Was so unreal, you know what I mean? This fat haole guy get his reindeers in my yard! And reindeers not housebroken, you know, as' why hard! But nemmind, this Christmas, so I cut 'em some slack. Plus, had uku pile presents pokin' outta his sack! So I wait 'till he pau tie up his reindeer, Then I yell out da window, "Huui! Brah, ova hea!" An' I tell 'em first thing, when I open da door, "Eh, Hemo your shoes! You going dirty my floor!" He take off his boots, he tell, "You know who I am?" I go, "Ho! From the smell, must be Mr. Toe Jam!" He make mempachi eyes and he go, "Ho, ho, ho!" By now, I stay thinking this guy kinda slow! He look like my Tutu, but little less weight, And his beard stay so white, mo' white than shark bait! He stay all in red, specially his nose, And get reindeer spit on top his nice clothes! But him, he no care; he just smile at me, And he start fo' put presents unda-neath da tree. I tell 'em, "Eh, brah, no need make li'dat, And watch where you step! You going ma-ke da cat!" Then, out from his bag, he pull one brand new computah, Choke video games, and one motorized scootah! He try for fill up da Christmas socks too, But had so much pukas, all da stuff went fall troo. When he pau, I tell 'em, "Eh Santa, try wait! I get plenty leftovahs, I go make you one plate!" But he nevah like hang, he had so much fo' do; Gotta make all them small kids' wishes come true. So I wave 'em goodbye, and I flash 'em da shaka, And I tell 'em, "Mele Kalikimaka!" When he hear that, he stop...and I telling you true, He go, "Garans ball-barans! Merry Christmas to you!"
To all our friends and family who are traveling to the wedding...
Flights: We are in the process of trying to secure a discount on airfare with Hawaiian Air for the wedding. The discount will start from one week prior to the wedding date and will extend for two weeks after the wedding.
Hotel: I am in discussions with the Kahala to try to secure a discount on rooms for our guests... this is the much more difficult negotiation, so we are putting my lawyer skills to the test. Most likely, the discounted rooms at the Kahala will be available only for a limited time period (e.g. you may have to book it by end of February).
We will keep our blog updated as we find out more about travel discounts. Thanks in advance for traveling thousands of miles for our wedding. It really means a lot to us!
