A few years ago, I really was an SF Hula Girl. I was going through a break up and had decided that I needed small and big changes in my life. I took up baking, tennis and I also decided that after three years of just thinking about it, I was actually going to learn to dance hula. The only thing I stuck with was hula.
I had asked a friend who danced hula in the East Bay and she recommended the halau, Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu. I know, imagine how hard it was for me to grasp the pronunciation and I had to say it correctly or be shamed! Knowing nothing about hula, I found out that it was really great timing on my part because the halau was opening a beginning class around the same time I had inquired. So I joined ... all by myself. That in itself was kind of a big deal for me because I tended to at least drag one friend with me to do things. But I guess I was on some sort of self-discovery kick.
For four years, I learned hula. But it was so much more than that! I learned more about myself, built friendships and gained a great appreciation for a culture that was not mine but adopted me into the fold. Almost all of my hula brothers and sisters were so sweet, kind, funny and welcoming. I later found out that I was so spoiled to even have hula brothers since many other halau didn't have male students. And can I just that hula brothers are as fabulous as you think they are ... maybe more. I also grew up a lot during this time - dating for the first time (can we say FIASCO?!), getting over a broken heart, chasing the wrong guys, learning to have fun as a single girl in the city ... just so much fun.
Anyway, I ended up leaving Na Lei Hulu because the commute from the East Bay was killing me. I wasn't practicing nearly as much as I should have and I was doing a disservice to myself, my kumu, and his teaching assistants by not giving it my all. But I continued to go to Na Lei Hulu performances because they are absolutely wonderful. I did make friends attend with me and I think they all appreciated the performances. Tel, in particular, was always moved and right there with me when it came that time of the year to buy tickets for the show! And since she's left, I think I've missed two years in a row because I was either out of state (attending a friend's wedding in Hawaii) or just didn't have anyone who wanted to fork over the money to see the show with me.
This year, I asked The Man to pretty please come with me to a show because I didn't want to miss another year. He appreciates the culture and really likes the music but just doesn't dig hula as much as me. I think he finds it a little too relaxing - I've caught him nodding off. But he agreed to go because I really really really miss seeing their shows.
The halau and kumu are pretty well known within the hula community and have been embraced by the San Francisco Bay Area, as well. Here is a video that was made for our local PBS station back in 2001 and still airs today:
I am so excited to see their show in October!!!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
A little bit of their fault + a little bit of mine = me screwed up the hoo-hah
I got a moving violation (aka ticket) in May 2007. I completed online traffic school in September to take the point off my record. Last time I took online traffic school, the school sent my certification of completion to the court. This time they did not and I was supposed to do that. MY FAULT. I didn't realize my error until The Man put me on his insurance and wanted to know why I had a point on my record which made insuring me super expensive. A month before we got married, I called the DMV to find out if I had a point on my record. "Oh yes," the woman told me. "Let me show you which form you need to print off our website and submit with your certification of completion."
Sweet, right?
Yah. Not so effin' sweet.
I called the DMV yesterday because I never received any confirmation they received my certificate of completion and The Man wanted to give my now clean record to the insurance so they could change how much he pays. The person from the DMV told me that I wasn't supposed to send it to the DMV but to the court. I told him that one of his colleagues (because OF COURSE I didn't get the name) instructed me to fill out a specific document and mail it to Sacramento back in March.
"Yahhhhh, you weren't supposed to do that."
He told me to call the court because I should have mailed the certificate to them and they were the only ones that would be able to fix this. Then he gave me a phone number to call the court.
It didn't work.
Fan-flippin-tastic.
I call the number that the outgoing message said to call.
That didn't work.
Finally I google-ed (bless the Google) the City of Fremont Court and called. And spoke to a meeeaaan lady. She curtly said that the DMV has a policy that allows only six months to correct an error. According to their records, I had six months from October 2007. Keep in mind that had I sent the form to the court and not the DMV in March, I would have made that deadline. But I didn't. Because someone at the DMV had told me different.
Of course, the court lady could give two $hits about my predicament. She said there was nothing they could do and that I need to call the DMV.
"But I just called the DMV and they told me to call you!"
She replied (bitchily ... if that was a word) that it's the DMV's policy so I would have to take it up with them.
I called back the DMV and got someone with a thick accent. Now, I pride myself in being an open minded individual who embraces all cultures and am very understanding that with each culture there are different communication styles - I could write an entry all about that, it's really quite fascinating but off topic so back to the story - however, this man was a shouter. Which, like I just wrote, kind of goes with some communication styles of other ethnicities but this was not a time where I embraced such diversity.
It just riled me up more.
I explained the same story for the third time. He was good in the way that he shortened but repeated to me what I had said to make sure he understood. Then he told me that there was nothing the DMV could do and that it was up to the court to let re-open my case. He told me I should request to speak to a judge.
"I should what? How would I even get to see a judge?"
He said that I should tell the court my situation and ask the judge to make an exception. Because there was nothing he could do.
"Do you understand?" he asked.
I told him yes.
And then he hung up. No good luck, no good bye, no nothing. He just hung up.
Sweet Mary.
I called the court for the second time and told my story for the FOURTH time. Of course, I have to also add the information of all the conversations I had throughout the day. She told me that they no longer had my records and there wasn't a way for a judge to see me. And, as kindly as possible, she told me that I was screwed.
She actually wasn't mean and I really appreciated it. But she told me that there was nothing that the court could do and if the DMV wasn't willing to do anything, I would have this on my record until October 2010.
So that was that.
Two hours and four pain-in-my-ass calls later, there was nothing more to be done.
And now I totally get why people hate government offices like the DMV.
Note: This is from a child of a US Postal Worker. I don't necessarily hate the people but I sure hate the system.
Sweet, right?
Yah. Not so effin' sweet.
I called the DMV yesterday because I never received any confirmation they received my certificate of completion and The Man wanted to give my now clean record to the insurance so they could change how much he pays. The person from the DMV told me that I wasn't supposed to send it to the DMV but to the court. I told him that one of his colleagues (because OF COURSE I didn't get the name) instructed me to fill out a specific document and mail it to Sacramento back in March.
"Yahhhhh, you weren't supposed to do that."
He told me to call the court because I should have mailed the certificate to them and they were the only ones that would be able to fix this. Then he gave me a phone number to call the court.
It didn't work.
Fan-flippin-tastic.
I call the number that the outgoing message said to call.
That didn't work.
Finally I google-ed (bless the Google) the City of Fremont Court and called. And spoke to a meeeaaan lady. She curtly said that the DMV has a policy that allows only six months to correct an error. According to their records, I had six months from October 2007. Keep in mind that had I sent the form to the court and not the DMV in March, I would have made that deadline. But I didn't. Because someone at the DMV had told me different.
Of course, the court lady could give two $hits about my predicament. She said there was nothing they could do and that I need to call the DMV.
"But I just called the DMV and they told me to call you!"
She replied (bitchily ... if that was a word) that it's the DMV's policy so I would have to take it up with them.
I called back the DMV and got someone with a thick accent. Now, I pride myself in being an open minded individual who embraces all cultures and am very understanding that with each culture there are different communication styles - I could write an entry all about that, it's really quite fascinating but off topic so back to the story - however, this man was a shouter. Which, like I just wrote, kind of goes with some communication styles of other ethnicities but this was not a time where I embraced such diversity.
It just riled me up more.
I explained the same story for the third time. He was good in the way that he shortened but repeated to me what I had said to make sure he understood. Then he told me that there was nothing the DMV could do and that it was up to the court to let re-open my case. He told me I should request to speak to a judge.
"I should what? How would I even get to see a judge?"
He said that I should tell the court my situation and ask the judge to make an exception. Because there was nothing he could do.
"Do you understand?" he asked.
I told him yes.
And then he hung up. No good luck, no good bye, no nothing. He just hung up.
Sweet Mary.
I called the court for the second time and told my story for the FOURTH time. Of course, I have to also add the information of all the conversations I had throughout the day. She told me that they no longer had my records and there wasn't a way for a judge to see me. And, as kindly as possible, she told me that I was screwed.
She actually wasn't mean and I really appreciated it. But she told me that there was nothing that the court could do and if the DMV wasn't willing to do anything, I would have this on my record until October 2010.
So that was that.
Two hours and four pain-in-my-ass calls later, there was nothing more to be done.
And now I totally get why people hate government offices like the DMV.
Note: This is from a child of a US Postal Worker. I don't necessarily hate the people but I sure hate the system.
Monday, July 21, 2008
A nice weekend
How was your weekend? Ours was very nice. Vero and her hubby came to visit and the liquor was flowing ... in a respectable fashion. :) They are fantastic house guests and The Man was happy to see his best friend. We drank, we ate, we played games, we drank ... lots of fun. Thanks for visiting us!
After they left, The Man pleaded with me to go with him to San Francisco to run an errand. I was pooped and didn't want to go but he bribed me by saying we could bring the pups. I'm glad I went with him because he was picking up an item he bought on Craigslist. Call me a worrier, but I'm always leary of meeting strangers. And not that I'm strong enough to overtake someone that may want to rob The Man, but at least I could furiously call 911 and scream at the top of my lungs. Anyway, we were in a sketchy part of San Francisco but all went well. OK, we were actually on the cusp of sketchy. We were parked in front of nice apartments. And then right across the street were not-so-nice apartments with six cop cars out front. And no, I'm not exaggerating for effect.
I got this great idea after he was done that we should take the pups across the Golden Gate Bridge. I told him I don't recall ever walking the bridge, I know he hasn't walked the bridge, so wouldn't it be fun? He reluctantly agreed (he didn't have much room to bargain since he did drag me to SF to run an errand) and away we went. We found the place to park but it was packed. Of course it would be - this is a landmark and it was 4:00pm. Tourists galore! We parked in the the overflow lot and made our way to the bridge.
It was on the crowded side but not overwhelming. The pups were having a ball! They were pulling on their leashes and leading the way. Good to know Obedience Training paid off. The Man and I knew we weren't appropriately dressed as we passed people in parkas, scarves and beenies. But we kept truckin'. I wanted to walk the length of the bridge but we realized that we only had one poop bag left and The Man didn't want to risk it. He's a reasonable fellow.
We only walked half of the bridge but had a good time. The pups didn't get tired at all (usually Piko gives up on life halfway into a walk) and I exclaimed how much fun the girls were having. The Man said that he thinks it was more terror - between the cars, people and the wind whipping us, he thought they were hauling ass, not because they were excited but because they were scared for their lives. I prefer to think they were very excited.
What was best about this visit is that The Man admired the views we saw from the Golden Gate Bridge and said to me, "You know what? You're right. San Francisco can be beautiful." Oh happy day! He hates going into the city which made me sad because there are parts that I love. I understand not liking the hustle and bustle but there are just some places that are lovely. I convinced him that we should come back in a month, dressed appropriately, earlier in the day so there would be less people and cars. He agreed. We'll also bring a camera so we can take pictures and post! I know, we'll totally look like tourists but it's OK. It will be worth it!
And Tel! I convinced The Man that he has to go with me to the Hula Show! With you not around, I've been hard pressed to find a companion :(
After they left, The Man pleaded with me to go with him to San Francisco to run an errand. I was pooped and didn't want to go but he bribed me by saying we could bring the pups. I'm glad I went with him because he was picking up an item he bought on Craigslist. Call me a worrier, but I'm always leary of meeting strangers. And not that I'm strong enough to overtake someone that may want to rob The Man, but at least I could furiously call 911 and scream at the top of my lungs. Anyway, we were in a sketchy part of San Francisco but all went well. OK, we were actually on the cusp of sketchy. We were parked in front of nice apartments. And then right across the street were not-so-nice apartments with six cop cars out front. And no, I'm not exaggerating for effect.
I got this great idea after he was done that we should take the pups across the Golden Gate Bridge. I told him I don't recall ever walking the bridge, I know he hasn't walked the bridge, so wouldn't it be fun? He reluctantly agreed (he didn't have much room to bargain since he did drag me to SF to run an errand) and away we went. We found the place to park but it was packed. Of course it would be - this is a landmark and it was 4:00pm. Tourists galore! We parked in the the overflow lot and made our way to the bridge.
It was on the crowded side but not overwhelming. The pups were having a ball! They were pulling on their leashes and leading the way. Good to know Obedience Training paid off. The Man and I knew we weren't appropriately dressed as we passed people in parkas, scarves and beenies. But we kept truckin'. I wanted to walk the length of the bridge but we realized that we only had one poop bag left and The Man didn't want to risk it. He's a reasonable fellow.
We only walked half of the bridge but had a good time. The pups didn't get tired at all (usually Piko gives up on life halfway into a walk) and I exclaimed how much fun the girls were having. The Man said that he thinks it was more terror - between the cars, people and the wind whipping us, he thought they were hauling ass, not because they were excited but because they were scared for their lives. I prefer to think they were very excited.
What was best about this visit is that The Man admired the views we saw from the Golden Gate Bridge and said to me, "You know what? You're right. San Francisco can be beautiful." Oh happy day! He hates going into the city which made me sad because there are parts that I love. I understand not liking the hustle and bustle but there are just some places that are lovely. I convinced him that we should come back in a month, dressed appropriately, earlier in the day so there would be less people and cars. He agreed. We'll also bring a camera so we can take pictures and post! I know, we'll totally look like tourists but it's OK. It will be worth it!
And Tel! I convinced The Man that he has to go with me to the Hula Show! With you not around, I've been hard pressed to find a companion :(
Friday, July 18, 2008
So I spent over three hours reading an entire blog ...
... and his story broke my heart and lifted my spirits at the same time.
I've written time and time again that blogs are an interesting phenomenon. And when people put it ALL OUT THERE for everyone to read, including me, I'm sort of in awe. Because I just don't have that kind of trust ... balls ... or whatever you would call it.
But for this person, I think it's therapeutic, a way to cope when one of the most awful things happens in his life. And I have to admit, I questioned why I was so facinated and captivated by his blog. I was worried that I was one of those people that fed off of someone's misery. Not necessarily enjoyed ... I don't know how to describe it. I guess someone who liked the drama? Anyway, I did NOT want that to be me.
I think why I'm drawn to his blog is because, unlike me, he puts it all out there. His anger, his fears, his sadness ... there doesn't appear to be any censoring and I respect and admire that because everything he is writing is real. And raw. I wrote "his story" but really it's "his life." The incidents in his life that have caused extreme pain and joy at the same time. And yes, I cried! Oh how some of the entries made me cry. Sometimes, it was just the pictures, other times, it's the notes people wrote to him that he posted.
Thanks, Jen, for putting a link to his blog on yours and introducing me to him. I am cheering on Matt and Madeline and wishing them the very best.
I've written time and time again that blogs are an interesting phenomenon. And when people put it ALL OUT THERE for everyone to read, including me, I'm sort of in awe. Because I just don't have that kind of trust ... balls ... or whatever you would call it.
But for this person, I think it's therapeutic, a way to cope when one of the most awful things happens in his life. And I have to admit, I questioned why I was so facinated and captivated by his blog. I was worried that I was one of those people that fed off of someone's misery. Not necessarily enjoyed ... I don't know how to describe it. I guess someone who liked the drama? Anyway, I did NOT want that to be me.
I think why I'm drawn to his blog is because, unlike me, he puts it all out there. His anger, his fears, his sadness ... there doesn't appear to be any censoring and I respect and admire that because everything he is writing is real. And raw. I wrote "his story" but really it's "his life." The incidents in his life that have caused extreme pain and joy at the same time. And yes, I cried! Oh how some of the entries made me cry. Sometimes, it was just the pictures, other times, it's the notes people wrote to him that he posted.
Thanks, Jen, for putting a link to his blog on yours and introducing me to him. I am cheering on Matt and Madeline and wishing them the very best.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
"I was built with a tan, yo."
I said that to the boss of my boss. Well, without the "yo." And yes, there was alcohol involved but it was totally in context with the conversation.
I hate ants. And it appears we have an ant problem. Well, kind of. There isn't a trail but there are quite a few scouts.
It is my duty to kill every one of those bastards.
What I hate is that now I feel like there are ants crawling on my arms and legs.
Vero, we have not cleaned at all. I am sorry. And The Man thought it would be doable for us to go to South San Jose early in the morning on Saturday to see his old roommate and his baby as well as pick up his mail. All before 10am. I love my husband but dang, that's a jam packed morning. So we are going to try and clean for the next two nights. I just don't see our home becoming spic and span. So here is my apology in advance. We'll try and liquor you and your husband up so you won't notice! I can at least promise you clean sheets.
I am in a funny mood. Not a bad mood, just funny. And yes, the week of Power is fast approaching. Maybe THAT'S it. But I'm overall a happy gal.
Things I'm thankful for ...
1. Raid
2. Cloudy skies
3. Nectarines in season
4. Good sashimi
5. A nice walk along the bay with a good friend
Friday, July 11, 2008
WWLDD ... What would Liz@D@wn do?
So check this out - as you know (if you read my Twitter) I've started the process of changing my name. What an adventure that was. And I'm going to share it with you.
Monday, July 7th: I decided to try and go to the Social Security Office and the DMV.
Mistake #1: Not doing any kind of research before going to these fine establishments. OK, that's the only mistake I'm listing. But it's a good one!
I thought that I could "pop in" to take care of my business. I knew there was going to be a wait but I figured it wouldn't be so bad. "Ah-hah!" you smirk. And you would be correct. Both places were crazy busy and I refused to wait at either one. The SS Office had a helpful guard who said the best times to come were either first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Wednesday, July 9th: So I went back at 8:45am, waited a little over 20 minutes and had myself a new last name. At least with the SS Office.
Then I went to the Kaiser Pharmacy to pick up a prescription. I was in the area and it was as good of a time of any to pick up my stuff. I swear the same people that were at the SS Office were in line at the pharmacy. Hey. I know that I wasn't turning any heads with my T-shirt and faded sweat shorts but I looked somewhat presentable. I suppose, though, that these people should be cut some slack because they were sick. Anyway, the line is long but it was moving rather fast with the three different windows open. I was next in line when I saw, out of the corner of my eye, this little old lady limping as she is pushing her walker. And she is bypassing the line and going straight to an un-manned window.
I ask you ... WWLDD?
I eyeballed this lady, wondering what would unfold. At this time, a window had become free and the pharmacist tech said, "Next!" I walked to the window which happened to be right next the little old lady. She didn't try to cut in front of me and I was relieved that there wouldn't be a showdown. But if she had tried ... would I say something? I really wondered. As the PT was pulling up my file in the computer, I had continued to eyeball the old lady. I saw that she glanced behind her and saw the long line. But she doesn't move.
My PT was about to get my prescription when the little old lady piped up from the other obviously un-manned window, "Excuse me! Is anyone at this window?"
My PT replied, "Oh! I thought someone was helping you! I will help you right after her."
I was torn. Here was this little old lady who was obviously quite frail and was somehow damaged. While she didn't give off a bitchy vibe, she had this air of entitlement when my PT talked to her. Kind of like, "Oh yes. See to that, young man." I know she saw that there was a line. But she didn't seem at all grateful that the PT was going to help her next. She seemed a little bit impatient, if anything. But again, she wasn't mean. And it was obvious that she was not in the best health or in the prime of her life. But STILL.
I had thought about passing the PT a note to let him know that the little old lady wasn't next. I didn't want the little old lady hear me say, "Psst. She didn't wait in line, man! All those people are ahead of her." But then I figured that even if I did let the PT know, he would still help her next because she was already there and it was easier to help her out than make her go to the very end of the line. It was probably much quicker to help her out then set her straight and possibly cause a scene. But how would I feel if I had been one of those people, especially when she had looked back, saw the line and probably made eye contact with a few of them. I wouldn't have been a happy camper if I was one of those people. Unless she was bleeding, shaking or obviously hurt in some way, I would have wanted her to fall in line with the rest of us commoners.
All of this was racing through my mind as the PT got my prescription. When he came back, I decided not to tell him because I figured he would help out the little old lady no matter what. Yes folks, I kept my mouth shut. I took my prescription, thanked him and moved out of the way so the little old cutter could be helped next.
I think I did the right thing. I think. I'm really not quite sure. Part of me wonders if that little old lady/cutter would have caused a scene if I pointed out to the PT that she cut in line or if I had told her that there was actually a line. As if she didn't know. I'm OK, though, with never finding out. Because me up against an 80+ old woman wouldn't have been good. I'm sure the whole pharmacy would have turned on me.
Monday, July 7th: I decided to try and go to the Social Security Office and the DMV.
Mistake #1: Not doing any kind of research before going to these fine establishments. OK, that's the only mistake I'm listing. But it's a good one!
I thought that I could "pop in" to take care of my business. I knew there was going to be a wait but I figured it wouldn't be so bad. "Ah-hah!" you smirk. And you would be correct. Both places were crazy busy and I refused to wait at either one. The SS Office had a helpful guard who said the best times to come were either first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Wednesday, July 9th: So I went back at 8:45am, waited a little over 20 minutes and had myself a new last name. At least with the SS Office.
Then I went to the Kaiser Pharmacy to pick up a prescription. I was in the area and it was as good of a time of any to pick up my stuff. I swear the same people that were at the SS Office were in line at the pharmacy. Hey. I know that I wasn't turning any heads with my T-shirt and faded sweat shorts but I looked somewhat presentable. I suppose, though, that these people should be cut some slack because they were sick. Anyway, the line is long but it was moving rather fast with the three different windows open. I was next in line when I saw, out of the corner of my eye, this little old lady limping as she is pushing her walker. And she is bypassing the line and going straight to an un-manned window.
I ask you ... WWLDD?
I eyeballed this lady, wondering what would unfold. At this time, a window had become free and the pharmacist tech said, "Next!" I walked to the window which happened to be right next the little old lady. She didn't try to cut in front of me and I was relieved that there wouldn't be a showdown. But if she had tried ... would I say something? I really wondered. As the PT was pulling up my file in the computer, I had continued to eyeball the old lady. I saw that she glanced behind her and saw the long line. But she doesn't move.
My PT was about to get my prescription when the little old lady piped up from the other obviously un-manned window, "Excuse me! Is anyone at this window?"
My PT replied, "Oh! I thought someone was helping you! I will help you right after her."
I was torn. Here was this little old lady who was obviously quite frail and was somehow damaged. While she didn't give off a bitchy vibe, she had this air of entitlement when my PT talked to her. Kind of like, "Oh yes. See to that, young man." I know she saw that there was a line. But she didn't seem at all grateful that the PT was going to help her next. She seemed a little bit impatient, if anything. But again, she wasn't mean. And it was obvious that she was not in the best health or in the prime of her life. But STILL.
I had thought about passing the PT a note to let him know that the little old lady wasn't next. I didn't want the little old lady hear me say, "Psst. She didn't wait in line, man! All those people are ahead of her." But then I figured that even if I did let the PT know, he would still help her next because she was already there and it was easier to help her out than make her go to the very end of the line. It was probably much quicker to help her out then set her straight and possibly cause a scene. But how would I feel if I had been one of those people, especially when she had looked back, saw the line and probably made eye contact with a few of them. I wouldn't have been a happy camper if I was one of those people. Unless she was bleeding, shaking or obviously hurt in some way, I would have wanted her to fall in line with the rest of us commoners.
All of this was racing through my mind as the PT got my prescription. When he came back, I decided not to tell him because I figured he would help out the little old lady no matter what. Yes folks, I kept my mouth shut. I took my prescription, thanked him and moved out of the way so the little old cutter could be helped next.
I think I did the right thing. I think. I'm really not quite sure. Part of me wonders if that little old lady/cutter would have caused a scene if I pointed out to the PT that she cut in line or if I had told her that there was actually a line. As if she didn't know. I'm OK, though, with never finding out. Because me up against an 80+ old woman wouldn't have been good. I'm sure the whole pharmacy would have turned on me.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Oh lazy days ...
Happy to report that I now have a doctor with small hands.
It's been really hard for me to get back to the great eating and exercising habits that I had prior to the wedding. And then my minor medical problem really uninspired me to do anything other than sleep and eat.
But I'm healthy again and have no excuses. Time to get serious again!
We had a very chill 4th of July. We ate at my parents' house and then went home with the puppies. I miss seeing fireworks but I'm not a big fan of fighting crowds and leaving the pups at home. Hope you had a good one!
Thankful list:
1. Having a petite doctor
2. A husband who sometimes surprises me with breakfast ( like today!)
3. a very clean laundry mat to wash comforters (in preparation for Pooks and her Hubs!)
4. 7 On Your Side - will explain once everything is resolved
5. muscular legs - haven't been hitting the gym so thank goodness there are some muscles somewhere!!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
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