Cheers to a bright and beautiful new year.

Last Sunset of 2011 at Waikiki Beach

“One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things.” John Burroughs

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First Sunset of 2012 at Waikiki Beach

“The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have.” Norman Vincent Peale

Feel free to share images, quotes…

Shared this on my Facebook page, and wanted to share here too. Saw these quotes regarding optimism and the different perspectives. It made me chuckle because I can see both sides (I agree with the first):

“For despair, optimism is the only practical solution. Hope is practical. Because eliminate that and it’s pretty scary. Hope at least gives you the option of living.” ~Harry Nilsson

“I find nothing more depressing than optimism.” ~Paul Fussell

After several commenters responded also saying they preferred the former to the latter, this was my response:

I had never thought of optimism like the latter.

After reading it, I could see how having to think optimistically could be depressing for those that tend to sway toward the pessimistic end. After the inside of my head shifted for a bit, I saw the quote as optimism being depressing because that means things aren’t going well.

After catching myself tending to dwell on thoughts of “reality,” and noticing how much it would keep me down/stagnant, I found I prefer being optimistic after being aware of “reality”/circumstances, then choosing to dwell on the good/great/incredible blessings, knowing I may not be able to (quickly) change circumstances, but can change my outlook to handle them better for my health and well-being.

Definitely a life discipline.

How do you view optimism?

Cheers to wrapping up the last month of 2011. May it help prepare you for a glorious new year.

Below is a quaint poem. An additional thought could say something along the lines of not staying where you start, but continuing to move forward. But, first things first…

Start where you stand and never mind the past,
The past won’t help you in beginning new,
If you have left it all behind at last
Why, that’s enough, you’re done with it, you’re through;
This is another chapter in the book,
This is another race that you have planned,
Don’t give the vanished days a backward look,
Start where you stand.

The world won’t care about your old defeats
If you can start anew and win success;
The future is your time, and time is fleet
And there is much of work and strain and stress;
Forget the buried woes and dead despairs,
Here is a brand-new trial right at hand,
The future is for him who does and dares,
Start where you stand.
~Berton Braley

Topics include (men’s) wandering eyes, “keeping your options open,” and lifetime mate. My sidekick is Will Bonilla. Music is from my Feel the Breeze CD. The beginning song is “What’s Another Day.”

Talking starts at 3:43

Feel free to let me know your thoughts.

“Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”
~Harriet Beecher Stowe

for my Facebook page, but it became lengthy, so thought this could be an opportune time to write a blog post.

The quote is very true. I’ve witnessed it many times in my life. In fact, I was just telling my mother yesterday two instances in New York City (“NYC”) and Los Angeles (“LA”) when I received significant career opportunities, but was already on another path because I had “given up” on them.

In LA, I had auditioned for a one-time speaking role in a top major network television program, and had a great meeting with the casting director who wanted me for a recurring role, but I was already in the midst of relocating back to Hawaii.

In NYC, I was honored to be called back for consideration by a critically acclaimed and well known playwright for one of the lead roles in a revival of a classic Broadway musical. I attended the call and already had my LA phone number on my resume. The playwright said he heard I was moving to LA then asked, “When are you moving?” I answered, “Tomorrow.”

Needless to say, I was no longer in consideration, as the show was being developed in NYC, and I would have needed to be there for that.

Another opportunity that was finally taking a turn was my winning Amateur Night at the Apollo (by singing). I won, and qualified twice to proceed to the next week’s rounds, but didn’t continue as I had already relocated to LA. If you’re not too familiar with the success of those who won Amateur Night at the Apollo, musical icons would compete weekly, get noticed, then the rest would be musical history. I had gone in the first time with the thought that I wanted to see what I could do on that stage. I wanted to be able to sing the entire song (many don’t get to sing more than a couple of lines, as they can get booed off the stage), and have people clap at the end. (It was a dream to be able to get cheers after singing the first line of “I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” as well as throughout the song, then receive a standing ovation after it, especially since I only knew two people in the audience.)

Video of my singing “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” in Hawaii

The question is, how do we know when to keep persisting, or when to move on?

Aren’t there those that pursue ventures, situations, etc. even when it may seem obvious it is not “right”?

In the case of personal and romantic relationships, aren’t there obvious and less-obvious situations when one should “give up,” and when one should “keep on”?

When I began typing my comment about the quote, I was perplexed about my answer.

As I began typing this post, the answer came to me — I believe we “know” when we are “in tune” with our intuition/soul/gut instinct, whatever you want to call it, as well as our heart. I’d say intuition/soul/gut instinct first and primarily because it doesn’t require reason (head) or emotions (heart). I also feel the heart is an important part of making decisions, as being rooted in and with love means being able to love with the knowledge that whatever happens will ultimately happen for the best for everyone concerned.

I know when I was in those predicaments in NYC and LA years ago, I was having challenges being able to identify my intuition/soul/gut instinct, and being able to “hear” it. Since I tend to be very analytical, I can often over-think anything to a point where I can no longer identify what was that “still small voice inside” (aka intuition/soul/gut instinct), and what was my (over-)reasoning.

As I am a work-in-progress, I continue to work on developing this ability, but feel more confident in my ability to do so.

What about you? How do you know when to persist, or when to move on?

Wanted to include the text of the quote, as well as a comment and my response to it, as a reminder to myself in my journey, and to get any feedback on what helps others deal with these kinds of encounters.

“Keep in mind, hurting people often hurt other people as a result of their own pain. If somebody is rude and inconsiderate, you can almost be certain that they have some unresolved issues inside. They have some major problems, anger, resentment, or some heartache they are trying to cope with or overcome. The last thing they need is for you to make matters worse by responding angrily.”

~Joel Osteen

Comment:

“I have so much hurt but because of that I make sure no one around me goes thru pain.”

My response to that comment:

I understand. Was told when one experiences pain, especially for a long period of time, he or she either lets the cycle continue by hurting others, or go in the extreme opposite direction trying to please others because of a built up (and/or innate) ultra-sensitivity.

The problem with the former is obvious. The problem with the latter is we can end up not taking care of ourselves because we’re always outwardly-focused. I had long done the latter. I was so outwardly-focused and ultra sensitive to others’ feelings, I would get easily hurt and tended to unintentionally attract situations in which I felt/perceived I was being “attacked” by others’ words and actions). I was affected by others’ actions, which I have no control over.

Now I stand up for myself when I need to, and do my best to catch myself if I’m in or headed toward that direction, then shift my focus when I’m putting too much of it on what’s happening outside of me.

What do you do when hurting people hurt you?

Cheers to life’s journey…

Tamlyn Tomita and me at HIFF (Hawaii International Film Festival).

We tried to do the interview in person, but timing and logistics posed some challenges as the days were leading up to last night’s “The Karate Kid Part II” screening, so we corresponded via email, Twitter DM’s (Direct Messages), and a few texts.

One of the things that have continued to surprise me was how Tino saw most of the work I’ve done (from campy flicks to pilot episodes). This surprised me even more because I haven’t yet seen many of them.

He posted the interview early this morning, and many kind Hawaii folk have already shared it.

Here it is:

When The Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) announced they were bringing ‘The Karate Kid Part II’ back to the big screen for the 25th anniversary (showing tonight at Dole Cannery), I was stoked. It’s such a cult hit, especially here in Hawaii, and I have fond memories of watching it with my family in the back of our shag-carpeted Chevy Malibu station wagon at Kam Drive-In, as well as re-enacting every scene with my sister and nephew. I was compelled to seek out the only person I knew, personally, that was in the movie–-local ‘renaissance chick’, Traci Toguchi—to get some behind the scenes scoops. Her role in the film (she’s credited as ‘Girl Ringing Bell’) was not only a turning point in the movie (Sato sees the light!), but a turning point in her career. I sat down and talked with Traci (and by “sat down and talked”, I mean, emailed her questions and waited for her to reply) about her experiences on ‘The Karate Kid Part II’, as well as catch up on her other projects as an actor, musician, designer, and yes, baker!

Was ‘The Karate Kid Part II’ your first film? Was it your first “Hollywood” job?

Yes, it was. It’s how I got my SAG (Screen Actors Guild) card. (My first acting job was a Japanese commercial for Mitsubishi of Japan when I was 8.)

What was it like working on such a popular movie? Can you describe some personal experiences you had with the stars of the film?

It was a dream come true. My sister and I kept Karate Kid posters of Ralph Macchio on our bedroom walls, so everything – from the audition process (standing and crying, hitting an imaginary bell in a room at the Ilikai Hotel), to the callbacks (on set with many other kids – all needing to climb the tower and cry), to the filming process (did some of my own stunts and had a stunt woman!) , to the premiere in Hollywood (my mom and I got to attend!) – was surreal.

From Day One, Ralph was so kind, thoughtful and professional. We shot that bell tower scene a zillion times (not only in Hawaii in Kahalu’u, but also in Los Angeles in a movie studio parking lot). That required much rehearsal and getting wet, cold, and muddy. After every take, everyone would rush to Ralph, but he’d tell everyone to help me first, and let me to go first to take a hot shower (and clean off for the next take). He made sure I had hot cocoa. I’ll forever be grateful for his kindness.

… continued at ValenTumblr – An interview with ‘Girl Ringing Bell’, Traci Toguchi

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Thanks uber much, Tino!

Rebecca’s comment with the picture: “Think Hawaii drivers are bad? Check out this parking job.”

My thoughts:
1)  Driver had to go to the restroom really bad.
2)  In a rushed state, driver dashed in to grab/drop off something, then needed to dash off again.
3)  Not in a present state of mind to realize he/she parked like this.
4)  Didn’t care.

Wow, didn’t realize I had that many scenarios in me.

What do you think caused this?

Note: Rebecca had later responded to someone on Twitter that the person had a parking ticket when she walked by again.

Happy World Vegetarian Day!

After a whirlwind of months, I finally was able to do a Question of the Day video with the visiting @Chef_Jay after grabbing a bite at the Peace Cafe.

Thanks to Jay, I learned today is World Vegetarian Day. It was a bit serendipitous for us to visit yesterday, since the Peace Cafe cuisine is vegan. According to WorldVegetarianDay.org, October 1st kicks off Vegetarian Awareness Month.

Since Jay tweets food holidays, he inspired the Question of the Day: What is your favorite food holiday? Jay’s answer was Carne Asada (inspired by living in Los Angeles), and mine was pies (inspired by my family’s pie shop that I hope to bring back this Thanksgiving).

Here’s a picture of a slice of Custard/Pumpkin pie, which my late grandfather created after much trial and error, that was among the top sellers at our family’s Bea’s Pies:

The Peace Cafe is located at 2239 South King Street (between Honolulu Stadium Park and Chiang Mai, across the old Longs Drugs), Honolulu, HI 96826. If you’re driving, you may want to check out the parking lot first (enter behind on the cross street Makahiki Way) so you don’t needlessly need to circle the neighborhood as I did.

Here’s the front of Peace Cafe:

This is the Tempting (Teriyaki) Tempeh Sandwich that Jay ordered (cost $8.85):

Here’s the Peace Musubi I got (great deal for $3.25):

I got a kick out of their bumper sticker:

What’s your favorite food holiday (listed online or if you could make one up)?

Cheers to October!

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Mahalo to Jay Terauchi!

I made his Kahuna of the Kitchen blog. #yay

Jay is an Extreme Cuisine Marketing Wiz, Social Media Specialist, Chef, Sushi Evangelist, Restaurant & Marketing Consultant, and Former Entertainment Guru (source: Twitter bio)

You can find him on and at: His Blog Kahuna of the Kitchen | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Google+

     In reading through the posts and readers’ comments, there is little ambiguity on what should be considered innovation. What is up for discussion are definitions and terms, as well as how to most effectively do so. The context in which innovation is conveyed especially in the technology and general business realms seems to be how to make it “successful.” In other words, how to improve what is existing or not yet in existence, combined with generating revenue from it. One commenter (“Joe”) posted what he said is a quote from Steve Jobs’: “Innovation is creativity that ships…”

     The statement by the former commenter I mentioned about now needing to define what is considered “better” prompts a shift in thought and focus. Instead of merely looking at iconic, innovative successes like those of Apple and Google, we could look at what these innovations are doing to improve the lives of people in a better way.

     We can take for granted that the innovation of Facebook has changed the way people communicate. Many debate whether it is for “better,” and for whom. It goes without saying the success of Facebook is better for the founders, investors and employees. It can also be viewed as being better for users. There is now a “better” way of being able to communicate faster and easily share real-time content with many instantaneously.

     However, others on the opposite end of the discussion could say it is not so much better that more hours are being spent away from real-life relationships, including in-person communication, and let’s not forget time spent away from personal and work matters. How many people do you know keep Facebook open throughout an entire work day or class session?

     So who’s to say what a “better” anything really is? This reflection reminds me of discussions in my Political Science class on modern political theorists including John Locke about the individual and Jean-Jacques Rousseau about the general will.

     Should “better” be considered by what individuals collectively feel it is? (This could be determined by voting or surveys ala Locke, but do we have the time and resources to poll everything?) Or should the meaning be what is determined by what the general population deems is so? (This could be determined not after discussion or by a vote, but ways in which an administrator or civil servant of some nature facilitates to help determine this so no individuals are influenced by another ala Rousseau.) Or perhaps going along with the innate good feeling we get when we think of what’s better can be enough to continue to carry us along the innovative path to a better world.

     After that is determined, who then determines when what people decided as being “better” will be done? In the case of Facebook’s ever changing policies and features, it seems that at the end of the day, defaulting to doing the right thing lasts beyond any innovation.