Several years ago I traveled to Paris for a week. That was the one and only time I've been to Europe. Of course I have had my fair share of miles spent roaming Asia, so Europe has been a blank spot for sometime now.
A friend mentioned that she and her sister and her sister's friends were all going on a Med Cruise and it featured all the places on our bucket list. So we opted to join the group and head over for the trip too. 

Using miles we were able to book our airfare from Honolulu to Venice for just over $500. Then we opted to spend a few days in Italy to see the sights, eat and explore. Unfortunately, when we arrived we were also hit by a severe rain and wind storm that featured hurricane force winds. But it was okay we still enjoyed every moment. 
I wanted to stay at a place that was 4-5 stars and right on the Grand Canal. After a reference list from a friend I began to gauge the types of hotels I had to peruse. Honestly a lot of them were sold out or only had suites available. Mind you, this is just on the cusp of the off season and the tail end of the summer peak season, as we arrived on 10/01. 

I found a lovely hotel called the Palazzo Barocci, which is located on the main island in Venice near the Bridge Rialto and Saint Mark's Square. While it is centrally located it is off the beaten path from some of the busy spots and the hustle and bustle. It was lovely. It would take about 10-15 minutes to walk to noteworthy spots or catch a water taxi. But it was well worth it. Looking at the room rates right now it was about $700 a night, but it was comfortable, safe, quiet and elegant. I booked the hotel a day early because we were to arrive at 9am and I didn't want to wait for our room to be ready at 3pm. I explained this to the guest services twice via email and upon check out they tried to charge us a "no show fee" for not arriving on the first day. But it wasn't that we didn't arrive, we wanted to pay for the first night so we could check in the next morning. They kind of argued with us about how they held the room for us and then realized we are paying for it and shouldn't be charging us a fee. So be sure to check your bill when you check out. 

Anyhow, it is kind of surprising how many people smoke in Europe. All the bistros, restaurants and etc have outdoor dining with ashtrays and folks smoking. Just a heads up if you want to sit outside and enjoy you will also be hit with constant cigarette smoke. The food in Italy is amazing. The baked items, the pizza, the pasta, the risotto, the gelato, so fresh, so delicious and perfectly cooked. We stumbled upon pizzaria's who served thin crust, rectangle, circle, pizzas, pasta on a plate, pasta in a cup, it really is abundant and the lots of options. The Italians are lare risers and not everyone is open in the morning and for some the kitchen doesn't open until the afternoon. It seems they only wake up and have coffee. We mainly thought, if it looked good, let's eat it. The gelato lived up to the hype and after trying multiple places we settled on Suso being the best we had. The staple dish of Venice is the Cicchetti, which is a crostini with something on top like protein, vegetables and etc. We tried some from a place that was famous for it and it was fair. The bread was not crisp if anything it was kind of stale and the toppings were just ok. We weren't exactly sure what we were eating but it wasn't that flavorful. Others around us ordered all the cicchettis and maybe our expectations were just too high. 

Despite the cold, wet and windy weather we were still able to venture out and do all the things. It was such a charming city with so much to see, do and try. I think the highlight for me really was seeing Venice, the canals and the water. It is impressive that this city can function for so many years on the water with no cars and just the canals. It's really aw inspiring to view in person. 

For several decades now I have believed in the power of positive thinking. Call it manifest destiny, or call it mind over matter or even call it creating your reality. 
From the moment you wake up you must think to yourself that you are going to have a great day. Believe in the power of your thoughts and your manifestations and it will set the tone of you day. I've noticed that even if something weird happens like you get cut off while driving or you encounter a bit of bad news... it is best to shrug it off and continue to harness the power of your positive thoughts. 
You create your reality and you also create your destiny. 

I don't have a mantra right now, when I used to do hot yoga I did... I used to lay on the floor and at the end of my practice I would fill my body with love and feel it migrating from my feet to my head. I used to tell myself, love love love - fill myself with love. 

Lets come up with a mantra to use daily - how about this:
I am grateful
I am happy
I am successful
I am powerful

The day is beautiful
The day is bountiful
The day is full of life
Love, love, love and appreciation. 
​

Gosh time sure has flown by. I remember when I used to update this blog weekly and now I feel like I am lucky if I even get to it once a year. 
I am going to summarize what has been happening from mid 2023 to current (summer 2024). 

Let's start with moving on... 

You may recall in the many phases and chapters of my life I have moved on to bigger and better things... working in radio, working in food & beverage, working in the news industry. I have always felt that if something doesn't serve you anymore, or you are not appreciated, or enjoying the experience, then it is time to move on. 

For the past few years I have been working entirely free of charge for a volunteer "job." Initially I had been a part of this organization maybe once or twice a year helping here and there, but became fully immersed and activated a few years ago when I discovered that this entity was in desperate and dire need of help and assistance. It began with public relations, communications and social media assistance, then it progressed into a more official and in depth role. When I say I was working for this volunteer "job" - I mean I was spending more than 80% of time time leveraging connections, harnessing/managing sponsorships, handling communications, fostering relationships, coordinating, scheduling and bringing in other good people to assist and volunteer too. 

Honestly, after all that, all of the sudden I was villainized and then ostracized. There was no communication, no effort to try to have a conversation and no professionalism from anyone. If I was not being appreciated for all this hard work then what is the point of staying around. If I was not given a chance to speak my truth, then what is the point of wasting my time. If your heart is in something 100% and it is not acknowledged, or appreciated, then what is this really about? What is comes down to is control and major systemic flaws within a broken system lead by inexperienced, uneducated and unprofessional dullards. Surprised? No. Good riddance, yes! Like others who came before me, I resigned and it was the best decision I could've made. 

Once I moved on and blocked this experience from my life, things became paradise again. I literally got my heaven and happiness back! Thank you for the lies, thank you for incompetently not communicating with me and thank you for allowing me to move on to pure bliss and unbridled joy every single day!


​
Now onto the good stuff. 

Once you get rid of the dead weight it opens your heart up to better things. 

I am maxed out in capacity for work with so many happy clients. I completed an online course with Harvard Business School Online. I am back to emceeing prestigious corporate and meaningful events, I was flown (all expenses paid) to Maui to cover the Kaanapali region and highlight the Lahaina recovery efforts, I was hosted in Dallas, to a weekend of celebrations and showcases by Southwest Airlines, I've connected with family on the mainland and established stronger relationships, I went to New Zealand for TV show filming, I entered 3 local pickleball tournaments (placing 2nd, 4th and 2nd as a finalist). Currently, I am still freelance writing, doing voice over work and full throttle in the Made in Hawai‘i Festival thick of it right now. Coming up, we are headed to Europe, the Mediterranean, got more TV shows on the horizon and I am still filming and editing my passion project Da Best Hawai‘i show and podcast. 

Life is GOOD!

​

Honestly, Daniel, Rico and Roxy are living the good life and living our best lives right now completely happy and purely enlightened by the love and positivity that shines from within and around us. I am able to shine my light for others and mainly for myself knowing that I am truly enjoying each and everyday. Clients are keeping me busy with enriching events and projects, friends are always my staple and grounding and Daniel is always my rock, my advocate and my heart. 

I will try to give more updates on a regular basis. =) 
"Do more of what you love, with who you love!"

Oh my goodness... it has been a long while.

As far as actual work goes, everything is great. I am not doing as much voicework as I had been the past few years, which is my choice as i felt my voice was overexposed. I haven't been writing as much as before. I think there is just so much competition. But I have written a few pieces here and there for various magazine. I did completely drop the ball on Da Best Hawaii. For 5 years I never missed a new episode every Wednesday but recently I have stopped filming and recording the podcast because I have been too busy. Hawaiian Airlines stopped showing the shows on the planes and Hawaiian TelCom stopped their sponsorship so I think I just let it go for a bit. But I am ready to get it going again.

Last weekend we celebrated Daniel's birthday and it was a busy one. Lots of fun, eating and enjoying friends. Roxy was a trooper and came with us to Kualoa Park and to Daniel's parents house afterward. We still baby her quite a it cause it is so challenging taking a blind 70lb dog to a public places. She's a really good girl tho and enjoys going with us and meeting new people. Her left leg is still popping quite a bit. She seems ok but I know after a while it may take its toll on her. I try to massage it often and we try to prohibit her from running. But she is going to do what she wants to do and she seems very happy right now. 

I've traveled to Japan twice for work recently and don't have too many plans to go abroad. For the most part I just stay home and on Oahu now. But I do still have my list of bucket-list items. I want to travel to Tahiti, Italy and Greece so badly. I will probably go to Miss America this year also, that looks like it will be in January 2024. 

Everyone is happy and healthy. Things are really wonderful and are going great. 

​On the verge of celebrating their 30th anniversary, The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is starting to rollout the reveal of its nearly $100-million rejuvenation.

I had the honor of staying at this hotel more than a decade ago and was overjoyed to see the beautiful transformation of an already impeccable resort. 

The improvements were dreamt up during the covid lockdowns and brought to life to showcase the natural Hawaiian beauty, culture and elevate the guest experience. Included in the renovation, guests will see a beautiful new tropical arrival experience which is open air, utilizes robust Hawaiian wood and floral details, fire pits, inviting bar and lounge along with live local entertainment. 

One of the highlights of the property is The Ritz Club Lounge which showcases a dedicated concierge, 5 food presentations, specialty bar, wine, drink options, breakfast, snacks, lunch, bites and hand-crafted desserts. The Club experience also provides a 24-hour grab and go snack bar, garment pressing daily, business center services and access to the Anuenue Room which hosts the daily meals and a stellar view of both the ocean in the distance and the nearby golf course. 

As a waterbaby and avid beach-goer my favorite notable improvements includes the three-tiered pool, cabanas, access to the beach, volleyball and basketball courts. The 10,000 sq ft pool starts with a tranquil adults only infinity style pool at the top and is followed by two large pools below complete with waterfalls and lava rock design. There's lots of room for sunbathing, resting, relaxing and swimming. The associates on property are very friendly, welcoming and boast lots of aloha. 

One wing of the hotel guest rooms has been renovated, while the other on the opposite end is nearing completion at the end of 2022. Guest room suites are spacious, add subtle hints of the ocean and Hawaii accents, they are fully stocked and equipped with a full kitchen, bathroom and shower and accessible living room with pull out sofa bed if needed. 

There's something special about Kapalua as it is away from the hustle of Kaanapali and the zooming tourists of Lahaina. It is breezy, relaxing, a place to find solace, tranquility and serenity. 

Be sure to ask for specialty kamaaina rates, get The Club access and enjoy. 

Hi everyone! Gosh June will be here in a few days and boy has the year gone by quickly. It seems that most everything is back in full swing and folks are traveling, gathering and celebrating again. 
Here are some updates that are a bit overdue:
1. Daniel and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary last week. Coincidentally that same date is believed to be Roxy's birthday. She is a rescue so we don't actually know but hey I love it, and I will have a Roxy update next. 
To commemorate the night we went out for dinner and had a lovely time. We tried Moani at International Market Place... it has Mai Tai's vibes but with fine dining prices. My only critique was that my U-10 scallop entree was definitely not made with U-10 sized scallops. But overall the food was really tasty, generous in portion size and had a great combination of flavors. The service was attentive and friendly, although I noted that it was our anniversary on the reservation nothing was said. The live music is a plus and really adds great ambience. We left to grab dessert at Stripsteak which has phenomenal desserts btw and we just hopped on the bar and had our sweet ending there. 

2. Roxy's health and leg surgery update -- I am happy to report that just over 4 weeks ago Roxy did finally have her leg/knee surgery. The board certified orthopedic surgeon on the island couldn't take us until early May; we were able to score a traveling surgeon who does this type of surgery as his specialty at the VERC hospital and boy was that a relief. At the end of April she had what's called TPLO bilateral surgery. If you wanna know more just Google it. Essentially she has these plastic and screw implants put in both legs and spent 2 nights in the ICU. She made a full recovery at home and is doing very well. It is amazing how fast these dogs heal from bionic surgery. Her x-ray to check how everything is on the inside is 6/20, so I will have a complete update then. For now she is walking and only allowed to be on leash and no running. 

3. Miss Hawaii 2022 was amazing! I had the opportunity to help mentor the candidates this year and also co-emcee'd the preliminary night of competition which was a lot of fun. Coincidentally the Miss Nevada my year at Miss America was a judge so we were able to hug and see each other twice. I thoroughly enjoyed helping the girls this year and it was truly rewarding to be back and assisting. The same team is there too and it is nice to see them along with some new blood. The program itself is in a state of flux and while Miss America continues to transition (no more swimsuit phase, no evening gown last year, and new social impact speech and etc) I still believe in the benefits of the program and the scholarships. I am a product of this organization and I am forever grateful. 

4. I am still moderating Insights on PBS about once a month, this month of May I wasn't scheduled but you might see me live at the end of June. This is the right amount of live TV for me. I don't really miss it and I am grateful for this opportunity. As for Doko Ga TV we may go back to Japan next spring, but it is all in the air and nothing is confirmed at this time. 

5. Da Best Hawaii was sold out for the month of May and June as well. I am now filming episodes for July and it has been wonderful. I am still not on camera for this as I like shooting it news style with the featured guests as the only people on camera. I will reevaluate if I wanna be on camera again maybe for August. 

As I am out and about more since restrictions and concerns regarding covid have lessened... I am noticing folks asking me the same questions all the time. So, I figured it would be a good idea to write about a Frequently Asked Questions Blog. Hopefully, you find it informative and it keeps us all the same page. Overall, I would say the top 2 questions I receive are about #1 Being on TV and #2 my Mastectomy.

Let's dive into the questions with the one that people seem to get wrong first.

1. How is your cancer and how are you recovering from breast cancer? This is a bit jarring and uncomfortable, because I never had cancer. I did not have cancer but I did have a preventative surgery aimed at preventing cancer... so with that a lot of people can't seem to wrap their heads around it or can't comprehend how they got that wrong. 
In 2018 I had a prophylactic surgery and had both of my natural breasts removed with the hopes of preventing breast cancer in my lifetime. No matter how many times I say it was a preventative surgery, I would say about 50% of the people don't really understand what that means and they just associate me with having had cancer. Plus people don't read so no matter how many times I post about how I did not have cancer I still get the questions about it. 
2. Do you miss being on the news?
No, I honestly am so happy doing my own thing and not working 5-6 days a week and waking up at 3am. I left back in 2014 and I am so happy I did. I was a great opportunity and involved a ton of work, long days and thankless hours... but I am stronger and more experienced because of it. You may not realize it it, but back then it was more than just being on tv, you were writing, researching, going out interviewing people, posting for the website and social media and so much more. You didn't just show up and look pretty on tv and then leave. 
3. Are you still on TV?
Yes, I moonlight here and there for special projects and I am currently in a rotation of hosts for PBS Hawaii's live Insights show held Thursday nights. This is perfect for me because the live tv show averages about one a month and I think that is absolutely the right amount for me. I also don't really care about putting on makeup, being on television and as I get older I am more comfortable just staying home and not really doing anything. 
4. What are you doing now?
I started my own marketing and communications firm. This is my real job and keeps me busy 365 days out of the year. I freelance as a writer, tv host, voice-over actor, producer and podcast host as well. But my business is actually digital marketing, PR and content creation. 
5. How are your kids?
This has potential to be very awkward as the only kids I have are a dog and a cat. As you know Rico is 14 years-old and a cat and Roxy is about to turn 2 and is a dog, so we just have furry kids. 

Hi friends and family. As you may recall last summer we got ourselves a pandemic puppy. Roxy was found roaming Palolo and rescued by the Hawaiian Humane Society. We adopted her at the age of 3 months-old and she will turn 2 in May. Roxy is our dog and Rico is our 14 year-old cat BTW. Roxy was born with nystagmus but the eye condition went away, however she turned out to be blind, which doesn't seem to affect her at all. If you know us, Roxy has truly been a shining ray of light and sparkling rainbow in every day since we got her. I do have a health update that is a bit of a bummer but not life threatening, we hope. 

In January we noticed Roxy (the dog) was holding her right rear leg and paw up. She was kind of tripoding around and wouldn't put weight on her leg. We took her to the doctor and x-rays showed things to be normal, but that she had a thickening of the joints and knee and it appeared that she may have ruptured a ligament. The doctor gave us an anti-inflammatory and pain medication and told us to crate her. They recommend she have a surgery to fix the ligament. I wanted the best doctor for her and reached out the board certified number one surgeon on the island who didn't have any openings for just a consult until May. Remember this is January. I made the appointment and then opted to reach out to her local vet where they had another surgeon who specializes in this kind of thing as well. 

At her consult with the second surgeon he heard a light heart murmur. Then they triple confirmed that she did have a heart murmur and before moving forward would need to have a echocardiogram done to determine what was going on with her heart. Today, the echocardiogram was conducted 3 weeks ago and we have not yet gotten the results. Mind you this doctor is the only cardiologist for animals on the island. 

So we are still waiting to hear back about her heart. At this rate we may opt for the all-star board certified surgeon to give us his two cents when she has her original consult in May. Anyway, she is doing well and we limit her activity. She can walk, use the restroom and hang out like she usually does.. just no running and mainly a lot of sleeping. 

My heart is so full from all the love we have for her. She is so sweet, loving and tender with everyone she meets. She is a brilliant shining star that illuminates our world. We love her so much! 

Oh and Rico is doing well. Last year he was diagnosed with kidney disease, but after giving him a special prescription wet food kidney diet he is really thriving and doing great. His energy, spirit and fur coat are the best they've ever been. =) 

As if we needed more of a reason to eat out... say hello to Food-A-Go-Go Restaurant Week (which actually 2 weeks). 

​FOOD-A-GO-GO WEEK LAUNCHES ON MARCH 23
The event will support Hawai‘i’s businesses and K-12 agricultural education programs
HONOLULU, HI – Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation (HAF) will host the second Food-AGo-Go Week presented by Hawaiian Airlines® Bank of Hawaii World Elite Mastercard® from March 23 – April 6.
​Food-A-Go-Go Week will join a year-long public awareness campaign called Localicious® Hawai‘i that highlights restaurants and businesses that use locally sourced ingredients or products in their offerings. Local businesses and restaurants participating in Food-A-Go-Go Week will have a special menu or local products available for customers to purchase/order for dine-in or takeout. Proceeds of this campaign will benefit HAF’s K-12 ag education programs, which have served over 18,000 students since 2014.

Through these programs, HAF addresses agricultural workforce development as the average age of a farmer in Hawaiʻi is 60 years old. All HAF’s educational programs spark an interest in agriculture among the children at an early age and encourages careers in the field. “As the hometown airline, we are always delighted to join causes that promote local food sourcing and sustainability in our community,” says Bryan Kapeckas, Managing Director of Loyalty and Travel Products. “Food-A-Go-Go Week is a great way for our visitors and kama‘āina to enjoy Hawaii’s restaurants while supporting businesses and the next generation of farmers.” “We’re excited to bring back Food-A-Go-Go Week to promote our businesses and restaurants that support our local agriculture and fishing industries,” says Toby Tamaye, President of AT Marketing and Co-Chair of Food-A-Go-Go Week. “We’ve seen the hardships that our farmers, ranchers, and fishermen have faced, and we’re ready to support our local business community as we move toward economic resilience and recovery together.”

To promote the campaign, Food-A-Go-Go Week participants are encouraged to enter in the #FoodAGoGo Week Sweepstakes. The Sweepstakes will begin on March 23 and run through April 6. Two winners will be selected daily to win a $100 gift card from participating FoodA-Go-Go Week businesses. There are two ways to win: Enter the Instagram Sweepstakes: 1. Post a photo of a dish from Food-A-Go-Go Week (March 23 - April 6, 2022) 2. Follow @Foodagogo_HI and @HawaiianAirlines 3. Tag @Foodagogo_HI and participating restaurant/business 4. Mention #FoodAGoGo in your post Visit Foodagogo.org: 1. Go to Foodagogo.org and click on the Sweepstakes tab on the top right corner 2. Fill out the form with your name, email, and phone number for your chance to win View Terms & Conditions for the #FoodAGoGoWeek Instagram Sweepstakes at https://foodagogo.org/2022-food-a-go-go-restaurant-week-sweepstakes/

I always try to be upbeat and positive... but I feel like it is time to get real.

I've been feeling down lately. My angst is coming from this new society we live in today that is divided more than ever and i also feel like people in general have become so selfish and flakier than ever. Covid gave everyone an excuse to cancel, opt to stay home and become way more awkward than they've ever been. It also brought people together, folks having their little gatherings and small groups. But unfortunately for me right at the start of covid we moved out of town and 20 minutes away -- which for most people is "so far." Too far to be invited I suppose.

I know others have felt it too, not being included and not a part -- I noticed for several years now that if I am not the friend reaching out and trying to make plans then I would never see anyone, cause no one really makes plans with me. Maybe it is just a result of my own doing, because folks assume that I am "so busy," that they don't even bother. But lately it has been wearing on me and I felt like being real for once. 

I guess I will just continue to ask and ask and seek the friends who are mutual and also take the time to reach out and invite me to things -- as I do them. 

Another thing that isn't sitting well with me is business owners who contact me, take my time, ask me for a proposal and then nothing. Not even a reply or they leave me hanging. I don't know if my prices are too high or if I am not the right fit, but time and time again I feel like they are desperate for me to help them and "need" to hire me then they fall off the planet never to be heard from again. 

The good aspect of this is it has inspired me to raise my prices even more and work on the format of my proposal to be more clear and perhaps a tad more refined in appearance. Why charge more? I realize my time is valuable and if they aren't able to acknowledge my worth then they are not worth my time. I am just being real.