Life of Larisa or LOL

I read this book four years ago. I never imagined it would be a movie. I liked it. It was different than other books I had read. It was disturbing. Well written, but very disturbing. And now, I have the same thoughts on the movie. I enjoyed the storytelling in pictures. It was a cinematographers dream project. The story is a parent's worst nightmare. It is sad, frightening, spirit crushing. Why read or watch this? It's a good story, a journey and an interesting take on life, death, and the in between. I also read "Lucky", the author's true life story of another horrific experience---rape. I think the author worked her way through trauma by writing both of these novels. So, if by reading her thoughts and take on the darkest parts of people, I somehow contributed to her healing, then I'm glad. After both putting down the book and walking out of the theater, I had to wonder what parts of "The Lovely Bones" were based in truth. I know that t

Me and substitutions don't mix. Today was a long day of being both beachside and poolside. In the morning we enjoyed Kaimana's with the Pommerenks , "Mandy Sue" (not to be confused with Aunt Sue), and the brightest patch of sun this Mililani resident has seen in awhile. While at the beach we received a quite unexpected phone call from Isom's aunt who was here visiting, but who was also scheduled to be on a flight to Fiji...today. I know she is quite taken with both myself and Gabe but calling from Fiji ? No, wait, her plane was delayed...by more than twelve hours. So, after the beach, we paid Aunt Sue a visit at the airport Best Western. A place feet from the freeway that has the nerve to have "The Plaza Hotel" on its sign. Give me a break. We had already consumed multiple beach snacks, so instead of going to eat some more, we sat poolside...which was freewayside . How convenient---we were already in our swim wear and we could pop on the fr

Since I am in "fitness" mode, I am willing to do more active things with Gabe. Previously, I would have preferred an activity that involved sitting---such as eating, reading, watching... Today we drove to the back of Pearl City, up Waimano Home road to a dirt and gravel parking lot with a guard shack adjacent to it. I'm not sure what the guard was guarding, but I felt better about leaving my purse in the car (can you imagine me hiking with it...yes, you can...stop laughing). Our friends Anna, Mia, and Danica joined us. They were the ones who knew about this g em in the middle of the city to begin with. We probably didn't hike very far, maybe two miles, but we saw many things of interest to six (and eight) year olds . Dog poop, snails, a woodpecker (Mia swore it was), sticks galore, twisted trees to climb (and fall out of), and a waterless stream. It is green and damp along the narrow path that twists down into the valley and then gradually heads up towards the

Like some dresses that look better on the rack...so are the mint chocolate cupcakes. They smell better than they taste. Cooked anyway. The batter I licked off the spatula was really good. It's that chocolate thing again. These were better than most other chocolate cupcakes though...but just a little. Thank goodness for small sweet favors...if I truly loved all cupcakes equally, I'd have to workout three times a day. And speaking of workouts, Mai Ly and I enjoyed a five mile Mililani walk this morning (look at this beautiful flower!), followed by a healthy lunch at The Shack (they do have salads and garden burgers). As usual, we were surrounded by a sea of military guys on their lunch break. Gabe's cupcake equivalent. Ah, but even a life of long walks with friends, lunch dates, Starbucks, and cupcakes can involve stress. Mine revolves around our upcoming anniversary party. Or not at this point. I don't think we will be going with my first pick---The Pink House

In nine days I have lost four pounds. Yee -haw. Unfortunately, I probably gained it all back with one bite of this buttery, chocolaty devil. I'm back to wanting Isom to take cupcakes to work. I made this cupcake this afternoon while Gabe was working on his book. Two masterpieces in one day! Maybe the cupcake inspired him to do something fantastic. The frosting is a simple butter and sugar fusion. The combination of the frosting on the warm white chocolate cupcake was sensational. I've learned that I enjoy WARM cake. It's about the only thing I like to eat warm. Back on the health and fitness wagon tomorrow. I've got a dress to fit into.

"My Castle" Written and Illustrated by Gabriel Majors January 27, 2010 I built a castle. The castle is camouflage. I live in the castle with my friends. I am the king of the castle. I have guards at the castle. My castle is in the desert. We eat good food in the castle. The castle has a draw bridge. I love living in the castle. The End I'm adding this to my favorites list. Available in paperback...Majors and Majors Booksellers... Mililani location.

I have made a cupcake that is moderately healthy and delicious! This recipe called for no eggs, no white sugar, a nominal amount of butter, and no cream. With honey and bananas being the main ingredients, I feel this cupcake isn't something I (you) should feel guilty about eating. The aroma of banana baking is heavenly. It's like the scent of vanilla---always a pleasure. While Gabe delighted in watching his Netflix choice (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, gagging sounds commence), I was baking away after dinner (spinach and cheese ravioli). The original recipe called for walnuts, but since I was all out and not feeling like a trip to the grocery store, I added chocolate chip morsels (an ingredient it is always wise to have on hand). They were a very welcome addition to the already warm and soft cupcakes we ended up enjoying for tonight's dessert. I'm a genius ingredient replacer! For once, I'm glad Isom isn't here to take these to his office. I am lookin

Yeah, yeah. So, I'm not a bride to be. Whatever, I can still go down to the Blaisdell and enter all the drawings and look at all the beautiful dresses and taste all the yummy cakes! And, oh yeah, pay $8 each for me and Gabe (did they think he was my future husband to be?) to enter the expo. Highway robbery! They should collect that money and send it to Haiti. Lehua accompanied me through the expo...there we were, both married women with our kids in tow. What a sight at the wedding expo. I saw some amusing things, got some great ideas, found an officiant to renew our vows, and like I said---tasted some cupcakes. The guava flavored one is still on my mind...along with whether or not I won the Vegas trip for two.

The Rock as the tooth fairy is a great visual. Throw in Ashley Judd as his girlfriend and Julie Andrews as the head tooth fairy in charge, and you've got the movie I took Gabe to see yesterday. The Schultz family joined us for popcorn, candy, and tooth fairies. We enjoyed our movie at the Ward Theater complex---a rare town treat for us Mililani folks...the theaters here are bigger, cleaner, newer and it makes movie watching that much more enjoyable. Plus they have more snack choices. I had a banana instead of Reese's Pieces with my popcorn. I was happy to be able to make at least one healthy choice. I'm trying not to think about the cost of that banana though ($2.50)...next time I might be sneaking one in. The Rock plays an old hockey player who doesn't dream or believe in "what if" anymore. In magical movie making fashion, he is suddenly dealt a wacky hand---he must be a tooth fairy for two weeks in order to learn that dreams are worth having, love

First, a thank you. A HUGE thank you to Danielle and her husband Derek who rescued me and Gabe off the side of the highway this evening. Derek is in the Army and has served his country well, but I was more fearful for him being on the side of H2 with me filling my tank with gas than being overseas playing war. Those cars drive fast! All is well now, and Gabe and I are safe and have a FULL tank of gas. Try not to be too upset with me Isom ---it's so me to drive on fumes. On the bright side---I know that Danielle and Derek are good in an emergency and how many miles I can drive before actually running out of gas. On the not so bright side---no one (other than the rescuers I called) stopped to help. A pathetic woman and child on the side of the road---really, where was that freeway helper guy that drives the tow truck with flashing lights when you need him? And I kid you not, I was sitting right in the spot that the motorcycle cop ALWAYS parks to catch speeders...where was he?

Today's breakfast outing was threefold---trying a new place, meeting baby Lucy, and celebrating Kapua's birthday. She never did divulge how old she was turning. Jayme and I had tried the dessert crepes from No Ka 'Oi during the fall festival, Cool Kailua Nights. We were impressed then, but even more so after today's visit to the actual restaurant. It is a modest restaurant in Kailua that serves crepes with an eclectic mix of fillings---sweet, jam, fruit, vegetarian, granola, yogurt, eggs, cheese, spinach, mushrooms. I'm making myself hungry all over again. Gabe had the strawberry jam filled crepe topped with whipped creme. Lucky boy. I had "The Healthy Alternative"...most of the crepes have cute names. Mine contained granola, yogurt, fresh strawberries, and fresh bananas. It was filling, inexpensive, and I ate it guilt free. With 11 of us at the table, there were multiple varieties of crepes to try...another thing I love about going out with frien

In a former life, when I used to deliver pizza, I was lucky enough to be able to get free or discounted food whenever I worked...and not just pizza. I worked at the old Round Table Pizza by Diamond Head (no longer there), which was a few shops down from a delicious little hole in the wall called Bogarts . Whenever we were sick of pizza (which for me was rare), we would trade pizza for bagels. Pizza for sandwiches. Pizza for shakes. All the yummy things on Bogarts menu. Convenient and fun. In this life, I am a paying customer who thankfully doesn't deliver pizza on a moped anymore. Although, cruising around on a moped...not delivering anything...would be fun. After a walk around Diamond Head ( 4.1 miles ) with Mai Ly , Lehua , and Anna I thought the morning adventures were done. I hopped into the front seat and got my seat belt on (safety first) when Lehua said "I'm hungry. Let's go to Bogarts !". Perfect. Now I didn't have to come up with anythin

Mmm . Mmm . MMMMMMM! Finally figuring out how to make delicious sweets at home can be dangerous! What if I just stayed at home making these all day, everyday?! I might fall into a sugar coma, but boy would I be happy getting there. And sorry, they are already all gone--- I did not eat them all. Promise. Gabe and I only had two each---one yesterday, and one today. Luckily, I hosted a parent training class today. I was so happy to share these cupcakes with the two moms that joined me this morning. Since Isom , my cupcake pusher, isn't here to take "extras" to work with him, I made Sheri and Carlota take home the remaining drugs, I mean cupcakes. I was kinda hoping my cupcake obsession would wane, allowing me to continue baking them without the constant temptation to eat them all the time. No such luck...yet. I sure am trying though. You have to like sickeningly sweet things, white chocolate, and of course nuts to be able to appreciate these cupcakes---otherwi

I'm waiting for the zoom feature on my iPhone camera. These " unzoomed " photos, of a possible venue for our 10t h anniversary party, will have to do. Thanks to Lehua who emailed me the link to this beach charmed place. Thanks to Mai Ly who rode with me after our morning walk this morning ( 5.8 miles ), to scope it out. It was tranquil. It is the perfect size. It is Portlock (I was hoping to get a glimpse of Josh Holloway ). It has beach access. It has mountain views. It seems just about perfect. It is a pink house though. I guess I can't complain...I was born in a pink hospital. I'm thinking--- "White Wedding...at the Pink House". I've been scouring the Internet all day looking at the competition. So far, there are only a few others in the running...let's cross our fingers this place is available. I have an email into the property manager...I'll keep you posted.

This is the last post for the day. I promise---unless I get my finger caught in the fan or some other asinine debacle befalls me. In an effort to clean out my downstairs hall closet...here is the story of how the broom became stuck in the closet under the stairs. Maybe only Isom can truly appreciate this foolishness. Apparently there is a fake shelf in this closet. I had just begun to take a few things out and down off of the real shelf, when, being the height challenged person I am, did not realize that what I thought was a convenient second shelf above the first shelf, is really a big, fat, gaping hole. A hole that has sucked my Starbucks Christmas ornaments into it! I didn't hear anything crack or break so at least they are looking nice down in that hole. Meanwhile, I thought I could just grab a stool and reach my hand in to retrieve my box of jewels...ornaments. In the words of Dwight Schrute ---FALSE. After grabbing a stool, and now a flashlight, I see that the hole

...contest. The winner receives---free cupcakes! :-) Taking your submissions, suggestions, two cents, opinions NOW. Please comment on what you think I should name the beautiful red Kitchen Aid mixer I received from Isom for Christmas. Here's a picture of her (it's not a boy...they aren't this reliable or fun) to inspire you. Submit as many clever (or not so clever) thoughts as you would like. I'm eager to see what you come up with. I'm also eager to name her...so hurry up!

I know birthdays are supposed to be about the people...but, when you are eating at The Cream Pot, it's hard to concentrate on the people because you're thoughts are filled with how delicious each bite going into your mouth is. I'm so glad that my friends love food almost as much as I do. They also tend to have good taste in food, so on birthdays, anniversaries, weekends...I can count on eating well. Since the end of summer, when I first became acquainted with The Cream Pot, I have been saying what a great place for birthday celebrations it would be. Today we finally went for a birthday...and not just for the yummy crepes, waffles, omlettes, and good service. We got to celebrate and indulge today for Mai Ly 's birthday (which also happens to be Isom's real birthday). What fun. Everyone had something different. The owner was there and made sure that Mai Ly was taken care of for her birthday---she received birthday crepes on the house with a birthday candle and

The selfish side of me enjoys the extra time I get to spend with Gabe when Isom is out of town. Every day is Friday date time when it's just the two of us. After baking and playing with friends, I took Gabe to see the only PG rated movie that he hasn't already seen. "The Spy Next Door" was the non-animated " Kung Fu Panda". I expect I will be seeing "ninja- esque " moves from the six year old for the next few days. He really enjoyed it. I like Jackie Chan , so for me the parts of the movie that were trite, Disney happy ending like, and the scenes with Billy Ray Cyrus were easily overlooked due to the acrobatics and humor of Jackie Chan. There were no love scenes or cussing, so thankfully I didn't have to cover Gabe's eyes or ears. The action was continuous but the characters were so cartoon like in their roles as villains, I felt like we were okay. I suppose next year I will be taking him to see the sequel..."The Spy in my

I remembered the butter today. My friend Lena and her kids came over to play...gotta break up the four day weekend. In honor of their visit, I made chocolate brownie cupcakes. A marriage of two desserts. I was skeptical. The kids each had two. That rating system speaks for itself. And to answer my friend Cara's Facebook post---they are more like the middle than the edge of the brownie...thank goodness. I'll burn a batch of brownie cupcakes for all you edge lovers. Oh, and the ants that have invaded, REALLY enjoyed the brownie cupcake crumbs. They are the best fed ants on the island.

It's official. It's time to renovate the kitchen. As it stands, our microwave is in the dining room. Technically it isn't too far away since we live in Hawaii and our house isn't all that spacious to begin with. I'm not complaining. I love our place. I love our life. I just highly doubt anyone else has neglected an ingredient when baking because it was in the other room. Let me explain. As usual, I set out all of my ingredients and measurement tools on the counter in preparation for today's baking. I wasn't totally excited about the fig cupcake but Gabe had two friends over and I thought they might want a cupcake---even if it was fig. The first ingredient, as with ALL the cupcakes I bake, was butter. It always needs to be softened. So, to speed things up, I generally pop it in the microwave for thirty seconds and viola, softened butter. Today wasn't any different. I lined the cupcake tin. I poured flour, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, figs,

...as defined by Wikipedia is a person who spends most of his or her free time sitting or lying on a couch . This stereotype often refers to a lazy and overweight person who watches a lot of television . Generally speaking, the term refers to a lifestyle in which children or adults don't get enough physical activity. Maybe I should contact them and have them add a picture of me so that just in case people don't get the verbal description, they'll have a visual. This was exactly how I spent my day today---being a stereotype. And it was depressingly enjoyable. In between bathroom trips, picking up Gabe from school, and helping him with his homework, the majority of the day was spent watching movies. I did so much "work" updating my Netflix Que yesterday, I decided today would be well spent enjoying the fruits of my labor. First I watched "Rachel Getting Married". I ate free bread sticks from Pizza Hut. Then I watched "Sunshine Cleaning&