Hello juri ,

thats so cool, your hawaiian? how fun!!! I only went to Kauii, that is a beautiful island, so peaceful and serene(almost like heaven on earth). hopefully when i go back  which islands do u suggest? i heard the big island is too commercialized. The hawaiian ppl are so friendly, my kind of ppl .

Curlygirl--Ummm, if you're asking if I'm from Hawaii, then, yes, I am. But if it's if I'm of native Hawaiian descent, nope, I'm Japanese and Okinawan. Sorry, I don't mean to knit pick (especailly since people who haven't lived in this state for long wouldn't know), but asking someone if they're Hawaiian or saying that they are implies that the person is of native (indigenous) Hawaiian blood. It's not like being from New York and getting called a New Yorker. Hawaii residents who don't have Hawaiian blood usually just say they're from Hawaii. I'm not mad or anything, but it's just an FYI kind of thing. Anyway, you'll look more sophisticated the next time you come here and can tell the other visitors the difference between being Hawaiian-Hawaiian and being a Hawaii resident. 

As for recommendations of places to visit, go anywhere except for Oahu (unless you like crowds and major urbanization). I think all the islands have become more developed, but after Oahu, Maui has had the most development and my relatives there say it's more like Honolulu now. Compared to Maui and Oahu, I don't think the Big Island in general is that commercialized (but Kona might be another story). Kauai should still be pretty laid-back. Molokai and Lanai would be the least urbanized. If you just want to get away and relax, I'd go to either Kauai, Molokai, or Lanai (but I think there isn't much to do on the last two islands).


BB--Thanks! I hope I don't come back and discover that I missed people going crazy and dancing on virtual tables. ^^ Well, if I do miss the partying, we should have a New Year's bash as well! 


Secret Santa--I came home today and what should I find, but a package from 13bodies!!!! I'm amazed at what she was able to pack into a small priority mail box: 3 pairs of hairsticks, a vial of broccoli seed oil, a bunch of origami-type stars, and 10 BPAL imps! OMG! (My mom is leaving for a trip and packed the digital camera, so use your imaginations for now.)

The hairsticks are so cute. One pair is made of bone with a cute little origami crane on the top ends. The other is made of wood and has blue beads with cute turtle dangles. The third is more like the ball-type kanzashi Lisabelle made earlier in the summer, except the ball is decorated with small yellow beads.

The imps smell really good and 13bodies was thoughtful enough to enclose a description of each one. So she sent imps of Black Rose, Blood, Elegba, Hetairae, Iambe, Nefertiti, Shanghai, Snake Oil, Umbra, and Whip. *happy sigh* I think that explains why the package smelt so good when I opened it.    Silly question, but is there a "correct" way to open the imps? I accidentally popped one open and split some on myself. sheesh

I love the thought and care you put into the gift!!

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Juri, Curlygirl22 is right, it doesn't matter, your a sweetie!!

Curlygirl and Lisabelle--Thanks, ladies! You're both very sweet. I hope you don't think that I felt bad about not being native Hawaiian. It's just that "Hawaiian" seems to have different meanings and I wasn't sure if I was being asked if I live in Hawaii or if that's my ethnic background. But thank you anyway! 

13bodies--Thanks for the tip about the imps! I tried it and it works. I have Shanghai on right now. It's very nice and not overpowering. 

The hairsticks and origami are great! How did you make the beaded portion of the blue and yellow 'sticks?

Beesan--Thanks! And thank you for your concern about my aunty's brother. I've never met him and don't know all the details, but since the cancer was detected before it had the chance to spread, he should make a full recovery. I'll be sure to get an update on how he's doing when I go to Maui.

Well, sweetie, have fun with your relatives and enjoy the time you spend with them. We will miss you 

Hawaii is on my list to be visited one of these days. Maybe when I am retired or I win in the lottery before that  8)

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Sorry, I didn't see this till now.     I found some very hair-unfriendly toys at Big Lots with those beads on them.  I bought them because I figured that some day I'd find a use for them.  I'm a pack rat.   

But I did find a use, didn't I?  Ha!  Take that, Mom.   8)