A 7 YEAR OLD MIRACLE

Jordin is now 7 years old! A little over 6 years ago My Nancy was told by numerous Dr.'s, nurses, and people she knew, that her son Jordin wouldn't survive. Jordin was born a healthy baby boy and due to his father's poor choice, Jordin became a victim of shaken baby syndrom. For as long as I live, I will never forget that phone call from Nancy. I was on my way back to Hawaii to stay w/ my parents while Frank was deploying for a year to the middle east--when Nancy called to tell me the devastating news, I was beside myself. I was clueless to what Shaken Baby Syndrom was until the day I saw for myself when I met Jordin for the first time in the hospital.

I look at the album Nancy and Jordin gave us earlier this year and reminisce of those hard times she went through. I see recent photos of Jordin and am so happy that he shut those doctors up--by survivng. He's 7 years old and living. He may never live what you and I call a 'normal' life, but whose to stop him from living and being a miracle--a 7 year old miracle.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JORDIN! Aunty Dawn and Uncle Frank love you ♥

MY NEW JOB

Today I started my new job. This is the 2nd job I've held since moving here LOL The first job was a bit far to travel to and I only would've worked 2 days a week (WTH?!) No travel compensation, no stability in the job whatsoever, but it paid $20p/h. Whatever...too bad it wasn't full time, then I would've stayed-NOT.

Today I started my new job, assistant director/bus driver/group leader. Pretty interesting in that there's only 35 kids, but today there was only 20+. Sooooooooo chill compared to the previous centers I've worked where we had at least 100+ kids in the morning and topping over 2oo kids in the afternoon LOL forget about all days outs where we were busting at the seams at 260+ YIKES! I laughed to myself when the Molly mentioned that it get too loud w/ just 11. Obviously she hasn't worked in a large group setting and doesn't do well w/ a large group. I was really feeling like I didn't contribute today, but then again, I was there to just 'observe.'

Even though this facility is brand spankin new and enrollment needs to get a boost, In the mean time I'm just gonna enjoy this laid back job for the time being. I've got things I'd like to implement into this program as well as my many ideas to helping boost this center to it's FULL potential. Watch out kids, Ms. Dawn is back and I'm comin in like a freight train ;)

THE SECRET LIFE OF NANI

I have debated whether or not to share my secret, but since I'm in a 'boastful' mood I will. One day I was at a bookstore and came across one of the books and began reading through it only to find 'my postcard!' I wanted to share it with EVERYONE, but then again, it was 'my' secret, so I kept it to myself and was proud that this was the 2nd publication of work I've completed in my lifetime! The first was a poem written to my mom that was published in a book of poems and now this.

If you've ever come across any of the post secret books,

you will find a post card I had submitted a long time ago. Intrigued?! LOL I will never disclose which card is mine, however I will say that, I'll never tell!

Which brings me to this--Sometimes you face life with a huge secret and want to tell someone, but can't for whatever your fear (of rejection, of being judged, or punished by law, or just wanting the world to know, without saying a thing). People love to talk about themselves--give them an ear and they will be delighted, give them 2 ears and they will go on forever bragging or boasting of whatever they're doing or have done--it's the truth Next time you talk stories with someone, really listen to what they're saying, they might be bragging and then you'll remember my blog LOL! (Ok, yes, "I" was being boastful LOL)

THIS HAWAIIAN DOESN'T DANCE

SHAKE YO HIPS GIRL CAUSE THIS HAWAIIAN DOESN'T DANCE!

Nearly everyone I meet sooner or later finds out that I'm from Hawai'i. Soon enough in conversation I'm always asked, "So, you dance the hula then?" To which I regrettably reply, "nope!" For what seems like a really looooong second is like a stab to my heart, however I always bounce back by saying this: "People from Hawai'i are known to have any of these 3 talents:

1. They dance (any Polynesian dance will suffice)
2. They sing (Blessed with a God given talent or Karaoke)
3. Or They play an instrument (Ukulele of course popular, but actually any instrument is good enough)

And of those 3, I can do 2! I sing and play an instrument LOL"

Hopefully that'll suffice for anyone and give them a better understanding that just because I'm a local girl, doesn't necessarily mean I dance

(Always, no matter what, make YOURSELF look good and under any circumstance NEVER put yourself down)

O HAPPY DAY!

I woke up feeling like crap (thank you PMS)

and laid in bed feeling miserable when I got a phone call. I let it go to voicemail cause I didn't want to talk to anyone. Finally about 2 hours later, I summon the strength to get out of bed, get dressed, do my chores and make it down stairs to start my day

(thank you ).

My phone in the meantime kept beeping me so I finally called my voicemail and it was a message from Jim (A director I had an interview with last Friday). Of all the interviews I went to last week, this was the job I reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally really wanted, but he couldn't hire me because enrollment wasn't up. He kept saying how impressed he was with my resume, my personality (seriously, I'm Awesome), and how he wished he could hire me.

I left sad, but sort of hopeful. Frank kept saying, "You'll get it! Don't worry about it" (husbands know what to say and when to say it, but this wasn't the time LOL)

In the meantime I let myself stay sad and pessimistic or perhaps that was just the side effect of PMS. Something this good to be true won't happen.

Well, it did and this morning I was offered the job as an Assistant Director (Key Personnel) working for a before/afterschool daycare starting NEXT MONDAY! What's more awesome is that I get to teach drama to school age kids with state of the art equipment! This daycare facility is like no other private care I've ever been to...it's daycare on crack LOL But more so, the director and staff are amazing talented people that I so look forward to working with.

So, YAY me but seriously, THANK YOU JESUS!

VIVA LA CHILE!

My future travel plans this time will include a passport I was talking with my sister in law and hope to plan a trip to Chile where we all can be together again (Danny, Leyla, Frank and Me). In the meantime, I've begun brushing up on my Spanish skills (or lack thereof lol).

My husband is Chilean. Not many people know it because when you meet him, he looks caucasian lol. Not many people know where Chile is or have even heard of it. Chile is located in South America, basically a long strip of land located in the western southern part (Neighbor to Argentina and Paraguay). My husband was born there, but raised in Australia, came back and finished high school, joined the Chilean Army and left in 2004 to come to the States.

I love seeing all of my husbands pictures from Chile and the places he and his family have traveled to. Places where his family lives which are all over Chile even to the remote parts. I was envious when I learned that Easter island (Rapa Nui) is also near by Chile and that Frank went there.

If you ever get to experience Chilean cuisine, you are in for such a treat! I am very blessed to have met my mother in law Angelica (Chola). She has traveled to the states and have stayed w/ us several time. Each of which she spoils me w/ wonderful Chilean recipes. Some of which are Empanadas, Pastel de Choclo, Torta de Mil Hojas and Machas! I looooooooooooove Machas w/ fresh squeezed lemon over it (ok, I'm drooling)!

(Machas, my favorite Chilean seafood--is pink razor clams). Another favorite of mine is Empanada de Pino - Baked pastry filled with meat, egg and olives. Delicious! And here's a twist on hot dogs--called Un Completo", aka a Chilean "Hot Dog with the works"- only instead of sauerkraut and relish, it's topped with salsa, tomatoes, guacamole and mayo.

I asked Frank to tell me some places of travel to incoporate into our hopeful itinerary. I told her that I must see Wulff castle (I am an avid Castle lover) and want to see them in person. So here's my list of places I'd like to visit in Chile (Google them! You will absolutely fall in love):

1. Fonck Museum

2. Flower Clock (Reloj de Flores)

3. Quinta Vergara

4. Renaca

5. Avenida Peru

6. Wulff Castle

7. Costanera

8. Rock House

9. Vina del Mar Casino

10. Sausalito Lagoon

11. Palacio Presidencial

12. Palacio Rioja

13. Muelle Vergara

14. Caleta Higuerilla

15. Jardin Botanico Nacional

16. Cura Ca Vi

and most of all I'd like to go to the most southern tip and see the Ice Glaciers as well as the Andes, ride those scary looking 'elevators', as well as go to Easter Island. I am so intrigued by a country I've never been to and want to really immerse myself into my husbands culture.

Yesterday, we went to a grand opening International food store here called Super Q market. He literally walked 'every' aisle looking intently for something (which so isn't him). I asked him what he was 'looking for,' and Frank mentioned that he was trying to see if they sold any Chilean products (which there wasn't any besides the wine). It was the first time in our 10 years together that I saw how important it was to him to find something from 'home' kind of like how it makes me feel happy to see just a bottle of Aloha shoyu on the shelf. I really wanted to do something nice for him. With that said, as of today, I have begun his Christmas shopping :) I e-mailed Pancho my Father in law and asked him where could I find Machas and other Chilean perishables. I decided to make Frank a Chilean gift basket for Christmas! (Don't ask why I never though of it sooner, but heck it's better late than never ;)) In the meantime I found an online store called Amigofoods.com. I went on the site under 'Chile' and came across alot of his childhood treats! I placed a rather large order (since a bunch of things were already sold out and I didn't want to chance ordering later and not having the products avail) and can't wait for it's arrival! Anything Chile related that I find, will most definitely be put into it :) The hunt is ON! VIVA LA CHILE!

I Miss My BGF's

October is my favorite month because on the 4th, I will celebrate my BIRTHDAY! Typically the first week of October would start off with a much needed vacation, but since I'm still unemployed, it's a typical day for me. My week long birthday celebration originated back in High School. My birthday would fall on Homecoming week. During the week I would participate in the homecoming festivities and after high school, I kept it going through college and even after my marriages lol!

This year is different, mainly because my friends are back in KS :( I would be greeted w/ flowers from the husband in the morning and my birthday SEX lol yes I said it :P I'd open the front door and on my porch would be birthday gifts from my friends followed by lunch and then a girls weekend away to begin our holiday shopping. This year it isn't happening ::sigh :: Frank will be working and it'll be me and my queen b's (my dogs). I did however, get an earlier birthday wish from Kristi and a box from Ila and Cyndie! The doorbell ran yesterday morning and I was in my PJ's and unkempt hair thinking Frank forgot something, I ran down and opened the door to HELLOOOOOOOOO MR. FEDEX! I wish I had my camera, he was HOT :P

On my front stoop there was a box. I brought it in and opened it and there was a basket wrapped in celephane topped w/ red and white ribbon (the doings of Ila of course) and the scent of MCINTOSH APPLES! I had a McIntosh Apple Yankee Candle basket filled w/ candles, air freshners, oils and a couple of fake red apples and a cute sign that read: Whenever I get tired of shopping, I sit down and try on shoes LMAO too cute! The card from Ila and Cyndie made me cry--I miss my girlfriends :( ♥!

SEPTEMBER 24TH BLOG-YOU HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

People who complain about things and do nothing about it are hypocrites.  Why complain about something when you have the power to turn the problem into something positive?

We all live in a world where most of us want to change things for the better, yet there are those who are just down right impossible and miserable.  Why would you want to surround yourself with negativity?  Seriously?!  When you do that, you become the sour puss and no one wants to associate with you.  If they do, well then they're probably just like you, miserable. 

A year ago, I attended a women's conference in St. Louis and on the 2nd night of conference I saw a heart wrenching video of a girl digging through garbage and collecting things she could recycle to make some money.  I remember dying inside, those images of children walking landfills going through mounds of disgusting trash finding food, recyclable materials and even clothes.  A stirring in my heart began.  I LOVE children.  I have always loved children.  I personally wanted to do something to help.  That night Monica and I were talking about the message we heard ealier that day.  What is YOUR purpose in life?  What are YOU doing right now in your life that can help whoever needs it?  I decided that night, to Help Children.  To be an advocate for them.  Whatever their needs, will be put before mine.  Which is why I just enjoy working with kids.  It a passion that makes me truly happy.  I support Hands Of Hope ministries and help feed hungry children worldwide.

Eariler this week or was it Last week?  I can't remember, but I was watching Oprah-the topic of her show was about Child Pornography.  The entire show, I couldn't stop crying.  I was so sick to the gut what I heard, what I saw (even though it was just a small glimpse they showed) and how terrible this thing really is.  There aren't TOUGH ENOUGH LAWS TO PREVENT CHILD PORNOGRAPHY!

At the end of the show Oprah talks about what we can do to help.  I immediately set out and emailed Virginia's, Hawaii's, as well as Kansas  Senators and asked them to pass The Protect Our Children Act will.  This will help finance law enforcement to bring down child predators.  They have the resources, but not enough money to implement in getting these people.  I swear on my life that if you're a blog reader of mine and are a child predator I will do everything in power to bring you down.  If you know someone, SPEAK OUT, SPEAK UP and do the Right thing.  Be that voice for the children.  Put your differences aside and DO SOMETHING!

Yesterday I received the following email from Hawaii State Senator Daniel Akaka and this is what he wrote:

 

                               September 23, 2008

Dear Mrs. Browne:

            Thank you for contacting me regarding S. 1738, the Combating Child Exploitation Act of 2008.

            S. 1378, which was introduced by Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) on June 28, 2007, would establish a Special Counsel for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction within the Office of the Deputy Attorney General. This legislation would also improve the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and increase resources for regional computer forensic labs. S. 1378 also increases the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute predators. S. 1378 has been placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar.

            The House companion measure, H.R. 3845, which was introduced by Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) on October 16, 2007, passed the House by a vote of 415 to 2 on November 14, 2007. H.R. 3845 has been referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

            Congress remains committed to combating the exploitation of children and is considering a number of measures in the 110th Congress that would do this. As a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, ensuring the safety of our communities, especially our keiki, is of great importance to me. Rest assured that I will continue to help ensure necessary precautions are taken to improve the safety of our nation's children, and will keep your thoughts in mind should the Senate consider legislation related to this matter.

            Mahalo again for taking the time to contact me.

                                                            Aloha pumehana,

                                                            DANIEL K. AKAKA

                                                            U.S. Senator

This is an official communication from the office of Senator Daniel K. Akaka. This message is for the designated recipient only. Any other use of the email is prohibited.

Your thoughts and opinions are important to me. However, any replies to this e-mail will not be received and processed. If you would like to contact Senator Akaka electronically again, please visit: http://akaka.senate.gov and click on the "Contact Me" button.

I respect your online time and privacy. If you have any questions about the online privacy statement, please visit Senator Akaka's website http://akaka.senate.gov and read the privacy policy.

 

I end this blog with this:  Don't underestimate yourself.  You have the power to do GOOD things in this world.  Whatever your talent, whatever your passion, whatever it is that you're good at can be used to benefit others.  Do GOOD things in everything you do, and Good things will come back to you tenfold.  Be Blessed

WHY THE RAISED EYEBROW?

It has made me happy to see the "local" people around town and the area I live in are so polite. EVERY store I've gone to even the MOVIES the people are very nice and welcoming. I thrive on that kind of customer service! I'd buy anything if I had that kind of service (well almost anything!)

I can't say it isn't so on post (Fort Belvoir). I've "yet" to walk into a place where there's such great customer service. Even walking into the visitor center I was given a raised eyebrow when I asked for a map of the area. I swore, if I wasn't in a good mood I'da slap that eyebrow back into a happier place! What suprised me is that not only did it happen in the visitor center, but I also got the raised eyebrow going into the Starbucks! I ordered my tall lite mocha frappacino and asked for extra extra whip cream--that's when the brow was raised. I thought, Ok, I'm gonna ask why the raised brow. So I did and her reply, "Oh, I uh never heard of someone wanting a double whip" I told her, "well congratulations honey you're no longer a double whip virgin!" LMAO I admit she smiled--FINALLY.

So needless to say, if you work in customer service--Keep the brow lowered and never raise it to a customer.