Help for Olivia Bianco

***I originally posted this on my Facebook page on 3/8/11. I do realize that with the tragedy in Japan, our resources are being stretched to aid other causes. ANYTHING that you can help with, is still greatly appreciated.***

I'm reaching out to all of you for help, support, and prayers. We have a co-worker in our Maui store, who is enduring a family emergency with her youngest daughter. Momoko Bianco is an assistant manager in the Lahaina Coach Store. She is a mother to 3 beautiful children, with her youngest being 5 year old Olivia. Olivia was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor, and several more tumors along her spine.
On Tuesday March 8, 2011 (today), she underwent surgery to remove the brain tumor. Her surgery took place at a Kaiser Hospital in Santa Clara, Ca. Post-surgery, she will undergo chemotherapy in California, for 2 months. Before returning home to Maui, she will be in Oahu for one month, for radiation treatment. So, sweet little Olivia, and her family, have a long three months ahead of them. Olivia's brother and sister will be attending school in California for the two months that they're there, for her treatments.
That being said, we are trying to raise funds to help offset the cost of their expenses, while they're away from home. ANY donation that you can spare, is GREATLY appreciated. If you're a teacher, and want your classroom to send Olivia homemade get-well cards, please do! If you're in/near the Santa Clara area, and can drop off baked goods, or a care package, feel free. If you would like to help with a monetary gift, any amount would be appreciated. Whether it's a gift card, inspirational children's books, or anything else you come up with; any kind gesture will not go unnoticed.
Her home store, in Maui, is putting on a fundraiser event on March 31st. Tickets are available for $10 a person. All proceeds from the event will go directly to Momoko, in an effort to help offset the cost of their travel, bills, etc...



If you have any ideas or or want to help in a different manner, please contact the Maui Store Manager:
Ashley DelMastro
abyars80@htomail.com
Or, you can contact me through here or my email.

***For my Nor-Cal friends/family, my dad will be taking a trip down to Santa Clara, to deliver a care package to Momoko's family. If you have anything that you're able to donate to our friend, please reach out to me.***

Thank you all in advance for taking the time to help someone from my work ohana. It means a lot to me, and to our co-workers, that so many people are reaching out and giving from their hearts.

Slap on the wrist...you potty mouthed heathen!

So,I got REAMED by my former Sunday School Teacher, for an inappropriate comment I posted on my sister's page. I'm sorry if she was offended, but I'm not sorry for what I said. I am me, and I'm not going to pretend to be a goodie goodie, when I'm not. If you're going to be my friend on Facebook, it is me, my thoughts, and who I am. If that's not cool with you, it's okay; just remove me from your friends list or block my updates from your news feed. That's the beauty of all of the customized settings.
Initially, I felt like a bad kid in K Mart when she posted after my comments. My sister even suggested removing her initial post, so all would be deleted. But, I told her, "No, because those comments, vulgar or not, are comments that we'd typically say." It'd be like trying to hide our personality, so someone would only see us in a certain light.
She's my former Sunday School Teacher, OF COURSE she's going to take offense to any perverted and/or graphic comments we post. It was my bad, for not filtering her access to my page in the first place. But, it would just be hiding it from her anyway. It's a rude awakening for all of us. We are not the Deacon's grandkids, who faithfully went to youth group and vacation bible school. We are free-thinking, sometimes perverted, sometimes potty-mouthed, human beings. It doesn't make us bad people. But again, it's all in how one assesses the situation.
I guess this is sort of a quasi-explanation for my brief absence on Facebook. I was trying to think about how to approach the situation without compromising who I was, or offending anyone further.

Ignorance is NOT Bliss...It's stupidity

"WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Press 1 for English. Press 2 to disconnect until you learn to speak English. And remember only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, JESUS CHRIST. And the AMERICAN SOLDIER. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. If you agree... copy and paste in your status"

This statement is CLEARLY flawed and just plain RIDICULOUS. The fact that I see my friends reposting this makes me shake my damn head. First off, what the hell does speaking English have to do with respecting people who have sacrificed their lives for us? Ummm, NOTHING!
It's THAT type of hyper-American attitude that makes other countries laugh at our arrogance and inflated sense of superiority. If you want to correlate those two statements, then THINK about this...How many people in the armed forces are ESL citizens? And how many of their parents live in the US, but still can't speak English? BOOM! Because they can't speak English, does that mean they're not supportive of soldiers who die for us? I DON'T agree with the statement and I won't be reposting it AT ALL...Does that make me a bad American? F@$% NO!!! I come from a military family and have the utmost respect for those who serve, sacrifice of themselves, and bravely go into battle to secure our freedom. I will not deny that; but to pair that with an IGNORANT and unnecessary point, is disgusting.
Case in point, my mom moved to the US from the Philippines when she was 13. Instead of trying to help her get acclimated to US living and culture, the kids in her school, ridiculed and teased her for being FOB...Yay Americans! People come here to make a better life for themselves; that's one view on "living the American Dream." Instead of recognizing that, we try and belittle them for their lack of English skills. FAIL!
Yes, I tease the Filipino accent and I post funny youtube.com clips that poke fun at the culture and the pronunciation. But it's all in good fun, not out of malice. The type of "attitude" that's expressed in that status post is the reason why a lot of ESL people choose not to speak English. They fear judgement and being ridiculed, so they play it safe and stick to their first language.
You can call me sensitive, and maybe I am. But when it comes to this type of shit, I get hyped up. I've lived this type of harassment first hand. A lady once asked my mom if she was Asian, then asked her to translate to a woman who was Laotian...IGNORANCE...True story; my mom had to explain that she was Filipino and that the other lady was Laotian; 2 different cultures and languages...To which the lady replied, "But you're Asian right? Can you just tell her blah, blah, blah?"
That's who/what I equate the statement with...Before you go reposting ignorant shit like that, THINK about the message it's really conveying...How many of your friends or FAMILY members are ESL, or married to someone who is ESL? Get your minds right! If you're going to repost it, edit it, like my girl Kristen did with the following:
"GOD BLESS AMERICA! Remember only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, JESUS CHRIST and the AMERICAN SOLDIER. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. If you agree... copy and paste in your status"

We live in a melting pot of cultures...in AMERICA...Open your damn minds and accept that.

Where has the time gone?

When I stepped off the plane at HNL in August of 2002, I never imagined that I'd still be here over 7 years later. Truth be told, after several months in, I almost hightailed it back to the mainland because of issues with my aunt. Had it not been for the support from my Uncle Neal, Uncle Kawika, Rahula, Leslie, and Ryan, I would have been on a plane right back to po-dunk Marysville, CA.
Instead, I worked 2 jobs to save moola, so I could move out from my aunt's reign of terror. She literally scared the fecal matter out of me. It definitely helped that Ryan, Leslie, n Rara were night owls, because we spent many a night at 24 Hour Fitness, or grabbing late night eats at Sushi King, Zippy's, etc... They were my escape from the sad reality that awaited me at home. And after over seven years, we still have that bond. We don't see each other or talk that often; but when we do, we pick up right where we left off. They were my first friends in HI and continue to be some of the truest friends that I've come across here. But, I digress.
I worked my ass off and kept moving forward and upward. Three islands and over seven years later, I find myself situated, but not settled, on the Big Island of HI. In June, it'll mark 3 years that I've lived on this island. That's the longest I've lived on any of the islands, consecutively. My work contract had me obligated to stay here only two years, but I'm still growing, learning, and developing my skill sets. I'm having fun here, but it's not where I want to be in the long run. I don't hate it, but it's not my first choice, as far as the islands are concerned.
I'm itching to head back to Oahu; and more and more, I find myself traveling there at least once a month. Everytime I have consecutive days off, or a huge window of time between my day off and the next shift, I'm island hopping and gallivanting with my hanai fam and friends over there. I flew over 32 segments of flights on Hawaiian Air in 2009. Only 2 of those segements were for a California trip. Everything else was me flying back and forth to Oahu(2-3 times a month); and once to Kauai. I'm missing it more and more. Not so much for the place, because it's overcrowded and congested as hell. It's the people, my people, that I'm always wanting to see or be around.
I always feel like I'm missing out on someone's party or special event. It's not unusual for me to fly in for a quick over-nighter, so I can party it up at a special event. Only to fly out the next morning and drive straight to work for my closing shift. I see myself doing it more often in 2010, as my ties and bonds have grown stronger and more meaningful.
Take for instance the end of January. My bff and older brother (we refer to each other as siblings), Rahula, is flying in from Arizona for business. I'll be flying over on a Thursday after I cut out from work. Me, Rara, Leslie, and Ryan will hob-nob, reminisce, and probably drink a little too much. Then I'll hop on a plane on Saturday morning and come back to work for the closing shift.
Don't get me wrong, I've made some meaningful friendships and I've been hanai'd into some truly amazing families while I've been here on the Big Isle. I will carry the memories with me wherever I end up. But, I know that my heart isn't in it for the Big Island. I can appreciate its beauty, the incredible contrast of the terrain and scenery, and the people. It's so calm and laid back here; and one can get used to that lifestyle. Who wouldn't with the beach only hop and a skip away? Realistically, Oahu holds my heart. Not the Waikiki of Oahu, that most know or see on tv shows and specials. But the Oahu you'll never see on tv, because it's too local or hole-in-the-wall to be truly appreciated on a national level. Pokai Bay, Yokohama's, Pray for Sex, Portlock cliff lookouts, mom n pop eateries in Waipahu, Waiola Shave Ice, Diamondhead Cove Health Bar's Mana Cove Acai Bowl, Kapolei's Hana Sushi, Side Street Inn (ok, so the last one made it on Bourdain's show)...
I'm rambling now...Y'all should know by now that my posts just segue through whatever's spilling from my mind at that point in time. It doesn't matter, I have like 4 followers/viewers so it's no big. I guess I started reminiscing and thinking about it more seriously, because Rahula and I were discussing it over the past few nights. I look forward to seeing him on this island next week...And I'm always looking forward to the day that I move back to Oahu...

Oh no she zih-in't!!!

WTF?!?!?!?!? What is your major malfunction kid? Wake the f@$k up and see your environment for what it really is. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and be a grown ass woman. This sh@! is getting old already. I'm not gonna chase and wait for you to come around, so we can be friends again. GROW UP, then come talk to me.

Family First

This one is just a small blurb on family and putting things into perspective when it pertains to them. I had an acquaintance tell me that his father was just diagnosed with liver and pancreatic cancer...and the doctors have estimated that his father has 2-3 months to live. There was nothing to say except, "I'm so sorry."
I can't empathize and I can't even imagine what it would be like to hear that I had a short stint of time left with one of my parents. It really hit home about how abrupt and short life is capable of being. It's true that the only thing constant in life is change...And we're never promised tomorrow. We really do need to live everyday to the fullest and try to have no regrets.
I thought about my connections with my family and how well, or weak, the communication lines are. As much as my mom drives me bat shit crazy sometimes, I can't imagine a day in my life, without her. Mom and my pops sacrificed so much over the years, to provide for us. They punched OT, commuted hours to work, and ingrained in us the importance of hard work. I've seen my mom offer her own body parts to save my sister's...I've seen my dad punch OT hours, so he could buy me the higher end tennis racket with matching gear. For their sacrifices, I am forever indebted. I wouldn't be where I am today, if it wasn't for the example they set for us.
It's not just my parents, but my grandparents, aunts, uncles, hanai family, etc. that has affected me in one way or another. My grandparents would pool money together to help pay for our field trips or fundraisers. speaking of grandparents, I'm still lucky enough to have my Great Grandma around and kicking...I do mean kickin'...She's spunky as hell; famous for always saying, "Tough titty said the kitty, but the milk's still good.
I guess what I'm trying to say is to just take advantage of the time you do have with your loved ones. Call them (I'm so bad about keeping in touch with my grandparents), tell them you love them. Go and see them; hug and kiss them, plenty! Squash any beef; it's not worth missing out on quality time with your loved ones. The one thing that's been a constant in my life is my family. When I was down and out, or just going through it, they were always there. Not just watching me endure the ebb and flow of life, but holding my hand through it. They've celebrated the ups with me and helped me get through the downs. Without my family having my back, it would have taken me a lot longer to get where I am today.
So, to my family, whether by blood, hanai, old school calabash-kine, or newly adopted...I appreciate that I have you in my life, and that I'm lucky enough to call you all my family. Thank you for standing by me through the ups and downs, my stubborness, my spur of the moment decisions. Knowing you and being influenced by all of you, has played an integral part in defining who I am today. Family comes first...Wow, just reread that...turned out to be a lil bit bigger than a small blurb...and it wasn't as ADD "tangented" as I thought it'd be...Anyway, Happy New Year!




***You have to click on the pic to see everyone. I tried to edit the size down, but it still cuts them off***

ADD at its finest...

Clarified a hot mess and misunderstanding with one friend...Wasting time trying to figure out another one...Having fun spending time with old friends...Happy to spend time with my new muchacha sucia and her kiddos...On the BBM with my new younger, bigger brother...Sad about my Sancho's bad news...Trying to make time to have qt with old school friends...Sad about Regina's farewell...Happy to spend QT with her, even though we watched her calculate the worth of free hotel shampoos...Eating WAY too much good food...Not looking forward to the early wake up...Looking forward to Boots n Kimo's and Beach time with the family...With that, calling this one scattered thoughts before my eyes shut for the night. OYASUMINASAI!!!

Saying, "ALOHA!"

Tonight, my friends and I spent a beautiful, and somewhat emotional, evening in Waikiki. We were at the Aston to help bid Regina Toguchi farewell, as she's set to leave HI on January 1, 2010...She likes to think of it as December 32nd, 2009...Either way, we'll sadly watch our friend leave us for an adventure into the unknown... LITERALLY.
Reg is heading to the Philippines for one month. Her purpose, a wedding, and then just gallivant about...From there, she's going to explore Africa and then the Mediterranean. After 6 months, or when the funds are depleted, she's going to make her way to China, to live. So, as we're all sad about her departure, we're all excited to live vicariously through her as she blogs about her travels and discoveries.
I've only had the pleasure of knowing her for three years, and more in-depth within the past few months. It's funny how some people just click and can connect. That's how it is with Regina. It's going to be funny Skyping with her during her adventures.
Regina, I wish you the best and look forward to seeing you in March, when Highway Inn is showcased on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives...You'll be in my thoughts and prayers, and I'll be awaiting your safe return.
And if, by chance, you meet Mr. Right along the way, try and see if he has a younger brother, who's single as well. Ha! Love ya.
You can follow Regina at www.reginatravelsworld.blogspot.com

Ponder...

I find myself being more brave and forward...But then, I also find myself always wondering what the response will be...To be continued...Just wanted to get that out...

Yeahyouwantme...How I turned social suicide into my vanity URL

So, my name on Twitter could be misinterpreted as a cocky blasian with a chip on her shoulder...NOT at all the case. It's a play on my real name, which is truly cracked out...Let me give you the breakdown so you can see how I turned "tragedy" into "triumph." Or not...U can just get a quick chuckle at my expense.

Let me set the scene for you. Mainland NorCal, probably the spring of 1992, which was my 5th grade year at Kynoch Elementary. It's recess time, me and my friends are all playing tag near/around the jungle gym on the playground. I'm "it" and all the kids are taunting me, in hopes that I'll chase them as they duck n' dodge my attempts to tag someone. One boy (I had a crush on) decides to be cute and clever and shouts out, "Hey Yaoyuanae (pronounced Yeow-you-wah-knee), YEAH-YOU-WANT-ME!!!"

I froze in shock, while everyone else continued to run around and laugh their asses off. With that loving outburst, I quit, and quickly retreated towards the classrooms. I figured I'd just cruise and wait for the bell to ring. There was no coming back from that one. He just called me out on the playground in front of everyone! In my head, I was thinking, "How did he know?!?!" Little did I know, he was just teasing in an effort to get me to go after him...In a game of tag, not pursue him as a love interest. Oh, the complications of being a 5th grader. lol

So, for all of you who think that I might actually think that I'm thinking "yeahyouwantme," you're wrong. I've turned an embarassing situation into a laughable moment in my history. Just to prove how awkward I was as a child, here's this lovely photo of me, circa 6th grade. My mom chopped me a J5 afro (but that's another story for another day). I post it because it's @CASEYSOWN 's fave of me. He likes to see his big sis as young and innocent; not a mean bully with a Barry White Autotune voice like he pictures me in the present day.



Anyway, that's why I go by Yaya. Most people cannot pronounce my real name, so kids started calling me Yaya and it stuck. My fam n close friends call me Yao. My sis still doesn't react if she hears Yaya, because she's so used to calling me Yao or Yayao. On a side note, I hate when people capitalize my name or space it out like this 'Ya Ya' or 'YaYa.' Don't ask, it's just irrahs. Probably why @CASEYSOWN likes to spell it like that on purpose.