Blogaversary #8!

I can't believe my blog is 8 years old!

And this time my blogaversary is on the real date because I started it on February 29, 2008 which was a leap year.

I have written 2453 blog posts.

I started Musings when we were preparing for our move from Chicago to Hawaii. I thought it would be a way to keep our children and friends up to date on our activities.

It accomplished that purpose beautifully, but it also opened up the world to me (and Art too). Suddenly I had friends all over the mainland and even around the globe. It was a heady feeling.

Blog friends opened me to new ideas and gave helpful advice on any problems I shared.

On this special day, I'd like to thank all my friends, old and new for the caring and friendship you have kindly shared with me. You have enriched my life and kept my brain from moldering. Thank you, thank you. Now on to Year #9!

Insomniacs: How to Fall Asleep

I sometimes get up at night and have a hard time falling asleep. Someone forwarded an email to me about the 4-7-8 method. They promised that it would help me fall asleep in a minute. I tried it for a minute or two and it didn't work so I forgot about it. However, I did mention it to some friends.

Last week, my buddy, Diane told me that she's been trying the method and although it didn't work immediately, if you kept it up, you'd fall asleep faster than if you just tossed and turned.

Since I lost the original e-mail, I looked it up online and found this article on Huffington Post. I've been using this method this past week and it did actually work for me. I did not fall asleep in a minute. I must be a hard core insomniac, but within 10 minutes I did fall asleep!

Here's the 4-7-8 Method:

1. Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise.
2. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
3. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
4. Hold your breath for a count of seven.
5. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.
6. Repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.

This method is supposed to increase the amount the oxygen in your blood stream.

As I said, it did not make me fall asleep in 1 minute, but I did fall asleep a whole lot faster than if I laid there twiddling my thumbs.

If you're an insomniac and you already tried the warm shower, lavender scenting your room, cooling your room, wearing socks and whatever, you might try this for fun. It worked for Diane and it's worked for me (sort of).

Defective CFLs

My dear friend and (elementary/high school) classmate, Yvonne posted this photo on her Facebook page of a CFL that burnt out at her house.

She looked up burning CFLs on Snopes and learned that they are not supposed to be a fire hazard. They can emit smoke and odor at the end of their life, but they won't cause a fire.

This is good to know because I had the same thing happen to me. When I was unscrewing a dead CFL, the glass twirly thing snapped off on one side.

We kept seeing how those bulbs are supposed to last for years, but found that in our pendant lights which face downward, the heat would accumulate and the bulbs would die in a year or two.

We finally gave up and changed most of our CFLs to LEDs. I hope those last as long as they're supposed to.

Guest Bathroom: Done!

OK. We got the guest bathroom done, in time for some guests who will be arriving in April.

Here are some Before and After photos.

There were a few tricky corners that were difficult to do, but we're done. Good thing it's not a big bathroom.

Now on to the Master Bathroom.

Aaaaaack!!!

We've been having a roach problem in the kitchen lately. In fact, I'm going to have to put the tablecloth away because it hides cockroaches too well. I'm thinking the fibers must also be trapping tiny pieces of food in it which entices them. It's a guess, but that's where we've seen them almost every night when Art and I stealthily walk down the stairs to catch them in the act.

We try to keep a very clean house. We really do. In fact, when the termite person came to our house, he said he was impressed with our housekeeping.

However, the roaches seem to have decided that they like a clean house too. Arrrrghhh!

Now to add insult to injury, the other day I was about to put a DVD into my computer and this is what happened.

Seriously!

A roach came popping out sitting quite tauntingly on the disc tray.

What the heck!!!

OK... I'm exaggerating. The German cockroach was not very big, but it totally shocked me! (I Photoshopped this.)

Was it eating the wires in the computer? We don't keep much food in my office, for goodness sake!

At least these are the tinier German cockroaches.

It's the American cockroaches that freak me out. They are huge. In Hawaii, we often refer to them as B52 Bombers. Perhaps it's because they also fly.

I saw this Pickles cartoon the other day which really caught my feelings perfectly on this subject.

So you see.... You may consider Hawaii Paradise, but so do the insects.

Sigh...

POSTSCRIPT:  I think the roaches can read too because they're not falling for this cockroach trap.

Rose of Resilience

I've mentioned before that Art never buys me flowers. He just doesn't like buying me something that's going to die in a few days. When our daughter was born, he bought me a potted cactus because he felt it could live without being watered regularly.

However, at the Great Aloha Run this past Monday, he did get me a rose that was being passed out along the route.

He then carried it in his backpack for the 5 remaining miles or so left to our walk. It lost a couple of petals after being bounced and battered but was otherwise in relatively good condition when we brought it home.

Mom was so happy to see the rose, she immediately trimmed the stem and put it in water.  She was astonished every morning see that the rose was still blooming beautifully.

And look at that!

After a week, it's still doing well.

Do you suppose it reflects the hope that we can all be resilient and live strong even as we get battered and bumped through the years?

Me and My Hats

One of my Zumba friends mentioned that they always know it's me walking to class because I have my big, floppy hat on. Another friend I met on a tour said they saw a photo from the trip and knew right away that it was me because.... yes, my hat.

In fact, although I joke that Art often collects t-shirts on trips, I have quite a collection of inexpensive hats.

Here's the hat I was wearing at Wat Arun in Thailand.

I bought this hat on Maui and still really like it. It's what I use walking to Zumba.

So why do I wear hats?

It all goes back to a dermatologist in Hawaii who I went to in order to check out some irregular dark mole like shapes I had.

I'd mentioned spots on my face that I wasn't thrilled with.

He lifted my arm and said to look underneath where the sun does not shine on.

"Do you see wrinkles or spots? It's like a baby's bottom, right?" he asked.

Well, I wouldn't go that far, but I saw his point.

Actually, I think a lot of my wrinkles come from the facial expressions I'm told I can't seem to control. I could never be a card player.

So if you see someone walking toward you with a floppy hat on in Hawaii, it's probably me.

Mother Knows Best

We took mom for her 4 month check up and I was happy and little bit mortified that her blood test showed that she was a lot healthier than me. Her cholesterol, glucose, triglyceride count was a whole lot better. The only thing I have going for me is my blood pressure.

The doctor asked if she got sufficient exercise and I could verify that she went on the treadmill twice a day for 20 minutes. His eyebrows shot up. He admitted he doesn't get enough exercise.

We'd bought the treadmill for her when we moved to Hawaii and she found that walking up the hill with us was too strenuous for her.

It's become part of her daily routine, especially since she felt guilty that we'd spent so much on the machine.

Mom almost never eats fast food and her diet consists heavily of vegetables.

She does the laundry for all of us, 75% of the cooking, 90% of the gardening and cleans her area several times a week. She's out early in the morning watering her plants, weeding and raking up fallen leaves.

When we first moved to Hawaii, we tried to take over many of those duties which only upset her. She said she needed to keep moving, thinking and being useful. Well... I guess she knew best.

The problem is... I think she's spoiled us.

My Most Popular Post!

I was looking at the stats on my blog and was surprised to see a lot of people who are still reading my 2009 post about how to remove pen ink from leather.

We'd just bought a couple of Stressless recliners which were a good deal on Craigslist. We almost didn't buy them when we saw a lot of pen ink marks all over the arm rests and a bit on the seat. The owner had been doing crosswords on the chairs.... in ink! However the person selling the chairs desperately wanted us to buy them because she was selling them for an elderly friend and wanted to get rid of them. So we took a chance and then I wrote the following blog post which is somehow still being read.

Written on July 3, 2009

You are not going to believe this. There were an awful lot of pen marks on the Stressless chairs we bought today. We tried rubbing alcohol to remove the pen ink but it took off the leather color and left the ink untouched. I checked the web and tried another recommendation... pink pearl eraser. Nope. Didn't work. The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser took off dirt beautifully but nothing else. Meguiar's Leather cleaner? Nope, but it's a conditioner also. Nail Polish remover? Nope, bad idea...takes off the leather color. Amway's LOC cleaner...Nope, did nothing. I was thinking of trying hair spray or ethanol next but didn't have them around the house. 

That's when I saw a recommendation for Hand Sanitizer. No kidding. It said to put a bit on the pen mark and rub gently. You do need to be gentle but with a bit of gentle patience.... Hot Dang! It worked! No kidding! The chairs now look almost brand new. Woo hoo! Happy Days!

Great Aloha Run/Walk #8

I did not want to do the Great Aloha Run this year. Actually, it's something I'm not crazy about doing at anytime for several reasons. I don't like getting up at 3:30 to fight the traffic to get to the Aloha Stadium to catch the shuttle bus into Honolulu. I don't like standing in the long lines leading to the often gross porta potties. I don't like being tired.

I usually gripe, groan and grumble in the days leading up to one of the largest sporting events in Hawaii. This year, there were about 24,000 people taking part in this annual President's Day event which began in 1985. The route covers 8.15 miles from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium which always feels like 26.2 miles to me. Art just smiles (laughs) through it all.

In his sneaky (caring) mind he feels it's the only way I'll force myself to keep fit.

I prepared carefully:

1. Toilet paper in plastic bags in case they run out
2. Three cookies for energy and to coat my stomach when I take an ibuprofen pill midway
3. IDs
4. hats
5. solar umbrella
6. We both wore our lucky shirts.

I got up at 3:00 along with Art. We had breakfast, used the bathroom (which is very important) and were out the door by 4:45. The traffic was bumper to bumper.

We arrived at Aloha Stadium at 5:05 and then went through this endless, snaking line to the shuttle bus which would take us into Honolulu. I added this extra mile to my total miles for today.

The bus dropped us off in Honolulu at about 5:30 near the Aloha Tower.

Since the race would start at 7:00 there was a rather long wait time. I decided to sit part of the time.

While waiting, we met someone who had come all the way from British Columbia. I was impressed.

The area became very crowded, but we had a good spot at the fence line so we could watch the Army soldiers and Marines march through in formation.

When the Star Spangled Banner played, they all went to attention and saluted. It was quite moving.

At 7:00 they began running. Wow! I wondered if they'd be running to the finish.

The sun started to come up and we all moved toward the Start line. I loved seeing all the costumes people were wearing.

And we were off!

The energy of the crowd was palpable.

Art, who would love to run the course again if his doctor would let him was like a stallion about to buck loose. I had to warn him that I couldn't keep up with his longer legs.

Would you believe this fellow on the left was actually walking backwards... and beating us? I walked faster after that.

Along the way, Art stopped to get a rose for me from a radio station fellow who was passing a few out. He said, "Happy Valentines Day."

It started to rain so it was good to be able to walk under the highway viaduct.

There were lots of water stations along the way to keep us hydrated.

I'm always afraid I won't be able to complete the walk so I have my brother on stand by to pick me up just in case.

However, seeing the Mile 4 marker was encouraging and gave me hope.

After a few slight hills, we reached Mile 7! I couldn't believe it! The end was in sight and I was still on my feet even though my thighs were feeling pretty stiff.

And then there it was! The Aloha Stadium!

I was so relieved I wanted to sprint to the finish line.

I'm happy to say our times actually improved this year.

How can that be?

2014: 2:35:55
2015: 2:35:24
2016: 2:29:05


I was euphoric!

This is the line to collect all the after-race goodies: bananas, water, Red Bull, cookies, snacks, etc.


When we came home mom put the rose in a vase for me and every time I look at it I have to smile.

On the other hand, Art is very happy he'll get two t-shirts out of this deal. I don't wear t-shirts much so he gets mine.

I'm so happy now I'm willing to do this again. I know I'll feel like this for the next few days, but come next year, I'll be griping, groaning and grumbling all over again.

Growing Older (But Healthier) With a Zumba Beat

I go to Zumba about three times a week. I really do credit it with keeping me fit as well as happy since I have such a wonderful group of friends that I meet there every week.

Stephanie on the left is our teacher and motivator. Sue on the right is our inspiration. She comes to each Zumba session with a new and exciting combination of exercise gear. With her ever effervescent personality and energy, she lifts everybody's spirits.

She came to class the other day with rhinestones on her eye lashes and I asked if I could take her photo. She and Stephanie both gave me permission to blog about them.

I look at Stephanie and Sue and keep hoping that I can keep as energetic and upbeat as they are. I guess the best I can do is to try to keep smiling as they always do.

Oh... and did I tell you Sue is a great grandmother? 

Too Late...

We saw an ad in the paper for the Simply Organized store in Ewa which is quite a distance away.

We were looking for a particular sized container for our rice to prevent bugs from having a food source.

Friends told me that things at this store was quite pricey, but I thought 75% off would bring it down to my level of spending.

Mom said she hadn't been to Ewa in 15 years so we thought we'd just make an outing of it. We took her out to lunch and then drove to the west side of the island. I was pretty excited imagining what we might be able to find to organize our house. I love to organize.

Ummmmm... Could the store be this cleaned out in just one day? Some other customers who walked in at the same time as us were also shocked at seeing the empty shelves.

What could we do? We laughed and stopped at Costco on the way home.

We all had a frozen vanilla/chocolate yogurt swirl and did a little shopping.

Mom was surprised at how big the dessert was, but she had absolutely no trouble finishing it and was all smiles.

Art looked up the calories on the swirl and said it was 300 calories. He said we could make in up by walking 4 miles.

Since mom is under 100 pounds, I think she's OK.

Me? Never mind.

Waiting for the Eddie

Eddie Aikau who died on March 17, 1978 was a well-known Hawaiian lifeguard and surfer. He was the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay and saved over 500 people and became famous for surfing the big Hawaiian surf, winning several awards including the 1977 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship.  He died while trying to swim 12 miles (I've also heard 19 miles) to the island of Lanai in order to save his shipmates when their Hawaiian voyaging canoe, the Hokule'a sprang a leak. A phrase that became famous in Hawaii is "Eddie would go."

In his honor, every winter when the surf reaches a minimum of 20 feet (wave face height of 30 feet), the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau (often called the "Eddie") invites 20 or so of the top surfers in the world to participate. The problem is that the conditions are not perfect very often. The other problem is that sometimes it appears perfect and then falls apart. I'm writing this on Wednesday when that very thing happened. The word at 8:30 AM on Wednesday was "Eddie No Go." Apparently, the Eddie has only been a "GO" 8 times in the last 31 years!

Amazingly, the last time the Eddie did go was in 2009 and we were there! I can still hardly believe we actually attempted to see it. The paper said this morning that about 20,000 people would be crowded into Waimea bay to watch. The traffic was horrendous! Some people paid $100 for parking!

Anyway, I thought I'd just reprint that 2009 blog post for fun today and hope that eventually the "Eddie" will go later.

This post is from December 8, 2009.

https://travelerswife.blogspot.com/2009/12/not-quiiiiite-50-or-60-they-forecasted.html

Yes, now you know. We are crazy!

We decided to give the Eddie Aikau Invitational at Waimea Bay another try since they said there was a 90% chance that it would run this time. They even said we might have those 50 foot waves. Did I ever tell you how whenever I would attend a Cubs game, they would lose? If I didn't go they had a chance of winning.

We decided to get up a half hour earlier since the newscasters warned that it was going to be even more crowded than yesterday. We got up at 4:40 and was out the door by about 5:20. The roads didn't seem that crowded....at first.

However, as we got closer to Waimea we found the closest space about 30 miles away. OK... fine. Art checked it out on the map. We were actually a mile and a half away. I could have sworn it was twice as far as yesterday's distant spot.

We found people had camped out in sleeping bags. Some were still sleeping. I'll bet they were warm.

It was pitch dark when we got there and COLD. OK, so it wasn't as cold as Chicago where my daughter says it looks like a swirling snow globe. But still, I was in shorts, and it was about 65 degrees. Yes, I know in Chicago we're in tank tops at 65 degrees but my blood must have thinned out because my finger tips were getting numb.

Soon the sun started to come up over the mountain behind us. You can see the shadow in the water. No, this is not my camera. I've already hinted to Art that I need a better one.

I forgot my glasses again! Half the time I couldn't really tell what I was taking a photo of. If you click on this photo you can see the tiny surfers out there.

It looked beautiful across the bay. I wonder who lives there and what would happen to their house if we really did have those 60 foot waves.

The sun coming up gilded the crests of the waves.

The day was clear so they made the decision to do the surf meet. I didn't even realize the meet had started.


When we got there we found there was no good place to stand because it was too crowded, more so than yesterday. I asked a couple of guys if they could both move just a couple of inches and I could get in and not get hit by the cars on the road side of the guard rail. Art stood in the road until the police told him he couldn't stand there. Happily, the two guys beside me encouraged him to join us. I offered them a Kit Kat bar but they weren't hungry.

One fellow was from Brazil. His name is Al. It was fun talking to him. He was using his wife's camera and didn't know how to work it so Art was able to give him a lot of camera advice. You see. One good turn deserves another.

We took a gazillion photos of the meet. Many of these are Art's shots, too.

Sorry about all these photos. I know my son is looking at every one of them very carefully.

We were surprised to see the photo below in the Honolulu Advertiser the next morning. The photographer who took it must have been sitting very close to us.




By the way, if you enlarge this shot and squint, you'll be able to see the photographer in the water on the left side of the photo. I'll bet I could get better shots if I could swim.

Heading back to our car we saw a long, long line of cars coming to the surf meet. Somebody was very eager to take our mile and a half away parking spot.

During our long trek back to the car, we passed beaches that were closed due to the high surf. They may have been high, but not 50 feet high. Again, I must have jinxed them. On the other hand, they did hold the meet anyway.

You know, the Cubs should be winning by now since I'm no longer living in Chicago.

Postscript: I just heard on the news that the waves today were the best many had ever seen and that conditions for surfing were optimal. Hmmm... I'll bet this happened after we left at 9:30 AM.

POSTSCRIPT: The Eddie has been cancelled. The waves just didn't arrive as expected.

Brrrrr.....

It's true. It's cold in Hawaii. It was 60 degrees F when Art went for his walk on Monday morning.

To be honest, I welcomed the lower temperature because it was my Zumba day and it's a lot more comfortable when the breezes are cooler.

Mom, however, was suffering. Wearing a sweater wasn't enough for her. I was wondering if she was going to wear the ski jacket we bought her a while ago for travel.

For people in Hawaii, anything below 70 degrees F (15 C) is freezing.

Friends in different parts of the island reported temperatures anywhere from 54 to 60 degrees F.

I sure hope all the tourists brought sweaters. If not, the stores should be doing a brisk business.

A Monkey for a Husband

 It is the Year of the Fire Monkey according to the Chinese lunar year calendar. Everyone born in 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 and 2016 are monkeys in the Chinese Zodiac.

According to the Honolulu Star Advertiser, "This is your year to be in the limelight and shine. It can be a year of fame. There is high energy for power and influence over others. Be sure this influence is toward positive means and goals. Don't forget friends play a significant role in your success."

Each monkey year is also aligned with one of five elements: Gold (Metal), Water, Wood, Fire, or Earth according to the China Highlights website. Art is a wood monkey. How appropriate since he LOVES trees!

The traits of a wood monkey are: "Always ready to help others; compassionate, with strong self-esteem, but stubborn"

Wow! That's him! And his lucky numbers are 4 and 9!

Hey! Maybe I should tell him to play the lottery.

Oh nuts! I just read this in China Highlights also!  "2016 is a Monkey year. Monkey years are believed to be unlucky for people born in a year of the Monkey. A year of one's birth sign is believed to be the most unlucky in the 12-year cycle."

OK, never mind the lottery after all.