Really looking forward to this Christmas holiday break in spending time with family chillaxing and taking time for some well deserved R&R i.e. rest and relaxation. Have currently got this Afro beats song on speed dial.
With only a few days before my work closes for the year, there's still a lot of paperwork to complete to close my class ready for graduation next year. It's been quite a busy year and so thankful that we were able to finish well.
Now still to put up our family Christmas tree...
This pic is of the end of year secret Santa (gift sharing) and shared cultural lunch that we had yesterday. It was such a neat last day to spend with my class and my lil' sis (who's been working with some of the students in my class to support them in their assignments) and my youngest who was able to accompany us too.
It was neat to start with our usual karakia or blessing (prayer) for the day and then some introductions to guests who had arrived to join us.
I was then able to share a few Ice-breakers that I had learnt and taught when I was back in high school which brought a few laughs too.
We then went onto sharing some highlights of the year but more about summarizing (in three words) what the year had meant to each person. I must say that this year was an interesting one in coming out of the COVID-19 environment into new norms with our renovated campus as well.
I was also gifted with some precious taonga (treasures) that I'll share about in an upcoming blog as it was such a special gift that I will treasure from my students. Perhaps one thing that I've learnt this year was that with all the pressure of management on us getting our information in a.s.a.p. (as soon as possible) it was important for my students to not feel that pressure although there was a deadline to work to.
Now looking forward for graduation with them as they definitely deserve the accolades of finishing the course despite the disruption of not having a campus open for them, being online most of the time and also having to drive some kilometres (15 min drive) to the alternative campus that we were given for class.
But all in all, now they can have a good well deserved Xmas celebrations with their families, knowing that (most) of them have completed within the time frame that was warranted and with the beauty of knowing that they will graduate in the new year. Definitely never a dull moment...
I'm really interested in this movie that will make its debut next year in January 2024. Hopefully, when I get back from Samoa, I'll be able to catch up with it as from a brief sojourn into the storyline of the movie, it's about a African American who makes journey around the world in search of connections.
I'm not sure that's the right storyline but you'd have to read the best selling book and then watch the movie to see where it leads too. But what I found really interesting was that they selected Stan Walker with his powerfully moving singing and storytelling to share his music on an international stage.
Not only does the music have lyrics that are both indigenous Māori and English but also the setting of the video are in different parts of New Zealand with Rotorua (steaming rocks) and other iconic areas of moana (seas), ngāhere (bush) and features contemporary Māori tattoo etc.
I'm definitely interested in watching the movie but even moreso that it features New Zealand icons at its best. It also puts New Zealand tangata whenua or peoples of the land as in indigenous Māori at the forefront despite our current NZ MMP government trying to take the Māori language out of the government buildings. Definitely a step backwards in time...
Had a great time working on my thesis of which I decided to delay submitting until early next year as there are still some things I want to do and check on.
But still got time in the last couple of days to spend in the outdoor pool and the outdoor and undercover spas that they had at the resort.
It was such a refreshing time that I would recommend it for any who have been so busy with so much that it's important to take some self-care time out for relaxing and getting a better perspective on things. That's the reason why I decided to delay the submission date as I still thought that I had so much to write on i.e. mini theses within the thesis.
Nice to be back and straight back to work with my last weekend class with my current cohort with their submission finals this weekend too with presentations. I just can't believe how fast this last few weeks have gone by with Xmas just around the corner and summer holidays coming up.
I also have plans for Samoa at the end of next month with never a dull moment and looks like I'll still be writing in Samoa too but feeling good as I'm at the last stages and tidying up as I go. It's not alike working on something important that needs to be done well and not just settling...
I got to spend my birthday there with my mum and children and had a great time. I even got to go on a Helicopter ride with my middle child which was pretty special too.
My mum and youngest were staying with my brothers family but as there were 6 of us travelling, the rest of us stayed at Phillip Island resort which is a 2-3 hour ride from the airport depending on traffic.
We really enjoyed our trip and even got time to go on walks and check out some of the wildlife (although used to humans) walking around the resort. I got to see a wallaby and some interesting endemic birds that I'd never seen before. We even had time swimming and going to the spa for a deep soak with so much to do.
We loved going out for dinner with two birthdays that were celebrated. One was at a Steak and Seafood Restaurant which was really neat as it was Greek theme and also a 'Flame Tree' where I enjoyed the seafood - some pretty special memories were made here.
All in all, a very special time away from NZ but still had time to Zoom in with my class as I'll be back for weekend work with them with end of year and work to be handed in. Just so glad to have some time out with family enjoying ourselves together. Feeling specially blessed...
It was such a neat time to be with my God-daughter and her son as she's been working really hard, alongside a cold, to finish her academic course and get ready to join the Masters degree study next year.
It's been a real honour to be able to support some of my students to enter into the Masters degree in Applied Indigenous Knowledge at my workplace, as I know that it makes such a difference in the doors that it can open and the places that they can influence regarding their indigenous knowledge.
The actual birthday lunch party consisted of 8 of us and we had a great time sampling the mains and desserts as well as sharing updates and plans for the upcoming holidays. Was also able to give the birthday girl a gift basket and a Cheese Cake shop birthday cake just for the occasion.
Wow! roll on Christmas, the festivities are already beginning and looking forward to what Christmas has to offer in remember the reason for the season. With our trip to Melbourne just around the corner next week...
But before then, I'm looking forward to taking my mum to visit Melbourne and family there. It's been a wish of hers to visit and I'm blessed to be able to take with with some family members as well.
We're flying AirNZ, as we've found it to be of good service and it's familiar to us since first flying on it with my family in the 1970s.
It's definitely had many upgrades but am glad to have been able to book earlier as sometimes this carrier has some bargain airfares, if you book early enough. It's also special as I'll be spending my birthday overseas and will take some time for R&R (rest and relaxation) when we're over there.
I'm also looking forward to seeing if I'm able to accomplish a feat that I've been looking forward to finalizing but more of that when we actually get there. Am also looking forward to visiting Phillip Island again which is a couple of hours drive from the international airport but will be good to be travelling with family.
Otherwise, just getting ready for a busy weekend of work and studies. Also trying to get things sorted for the end of the year and all that entails as well as another trip back to Samoa after Christmas and into the new year. Definitely, never a dull moment...
Last weekend after my Saturday work, I raced home to get quickly changed for an event that I was attending with my "glam team" (self titled) i.e. two elder daughters stopped me.
They sat me down and insisted that they would do my makeup and hair as well as choosing my outfit to wear. It was such a laugh but greatly appreciated as I would have just stepped out very quickly with minimum makeup and a plain dress.
However, with my "glam team" at work, I was out in under an hour smelling gorgeous and dressed the same with hair that looked like I'd just stepped out of a saloon.
Definitely proud of my girls for taking the time to step it up for me and to allow me to enjoy the moment with them. It also helped as it had been a long day in class i.e. from 9am in the morning until 7.30pm at night with time for my students to get their assignments in before the close of the year.
I then raced off to the event where everyone was dressed up the nines and the awards ceremony was over. It was a Pasifika ECE (Early childhood Education) Leader Award & Grand Ball for 2023. The team leader and I received our certificates for leadership and with trophies promised along the way.
Will be the last ECE event that I'll be attending as now turning my attention to other places and spaces but it was still a grand night with dinner (yummy seafood), dessert and dancing. We both had a good time and then needed to return home to rest and get ready for the next morning's class. Never a dull moment!...
Today I wrote a resignation letter to the board that I had served almost 4 years at my local church. The reason being that I did not agree with the closure that the present board members had decided on.
I think sometimes that one just has to walk away from environments that can have toxic people inside with a clear conscience of doing one's level best at the time.
It's sad for me, as my late father had been on the initial committee that had built the foundation of the Early childhood centre but as that former committee was dissolved to make way for a new Trust, there were several individuals who did not act with integrity and took advantage of the situations (it's a long story).
Suffice to say that I now no longer have to worry about the future of the a'oga (school) and can let go and let the present board continue in their work without my support. I've found over time, that I don't like to waste time on boards, or with organizations or individuals who like don't act in integrity, waste time and make questionable decisions.
It also allows me to reflect on the work that I've done and I can walk away with a clean conscience knowing that I did the best that I could do with the time and resources that I had. It's also a call to action to those who are able to serve carefully and wisely on boards to ensure that if there are individuals who are not acting in the best interests of their communities that they should be challenged and called out, therefore exposing toxic actions that are not beneficial to the many.
I'm glad that I was able to serve in the best ways that I knew how and that I made many good friendships along the way. There are already some who have contacted me in support but at the end of the day, I know that I did the best that I could with no regrets on my work...
The theme for this particular gift basket was for a female so we decided to go for a colour theme of pinks, purples and soft corals as well as toiletries and some chocolates with a bear to set off the tone.
We heard that it was well received, without the bottle of bubbly that we decided to leave out as it was for a church outfit. Such small pleasures bring me joy as we move into the festive season now that the Halloween season is over.
Now we've switched from oranges, blacks and purpley themed Halloween palette to Christmasy greens, whites and reds. I've seen how many shopping malls are already started to sprout Christmas themed shopping experiences and products and we've only just started November!
So I'd say, hold tight to your purse strings or you could easily get caught in early sales shopping sprees enticing customers to buy products on sales special for loved ones and especially on products that they might not quite need but may want...
I've known her for over 30 years and she was the Prayer Breakfast leader of a group that I founded some 25+ years ago in my birth church. I remember how she would pray for her family, friends and church members.
She also was so generous in sharing the bread from the bread ministry, that my late father had founded at the church, with bread given to her neighbours and family who lived close by. It was so sad to think that we no longer be able to hear her loud but clear voice. Her songs and guitar strumming and her heart filled with love for so many.
The church service was full with over 300+ persons of Cook Islands, Niuean and Samoan descent (our church congregation) but she was able to touch so many people's lives. Unfortunately, her husband died a few months ago and she is survived by her two children with one who is currently in hospital with ailing health.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family in now living life without their matriarch. She passed away in her early 70s but she was such a strong woman that no one thought that her time had come so soon.
I still remember how she would always be asking after my parents when I would attend prayer meeting and she would always remember to lift them up in prayer. She was definitely a prayer warrior and very passionate about her faith and encouraging people in her good works.
I'm definitely going to miss her presence. In times like these, we are reminded to hug and share love with our beloved family members. Those of whom we often take for granted that we will always see them. It's also a reminder to be grateful for the legacy of those who've passed and who have shared beautiful memories with us.
Dearest Kei, you have been called to rest as a faith-filled servant now rejoicing in the presence of the One that you believed in for so long. Now with my late father and other church pioneers who helped to build a place that welcomes Pacific peoples into a space of love and belonging. You are dearly missed but not forgotten. Ua manuia lou malaga (your journey is blessed).
I also have plans to write and get some housework sorted somewhere in that but will be especially taking time out with family to just enjoy each others' company and to relax.
I'll shortly be going on my usual weekend 5km walk to just take that time out to walk and meditate. To pray when the thoughts come and to consider what other things I need to work with.
It's neat to be mindful of things to be sorted as although this is a weekend for sports and other important social activities, I always take it as a time to also take stock to consider what needs to be completed before the end of the year with Christmas coming just around the corner.
I know that I have some work obligations for the next two weekends, so I'll be taking that in mind as well as to consider bringing things together for a quick family trip to Melbourne, Australia next month to take my visit my brother and his family there. As my mum enjoys travelling to Australia to visit family.
So there's a bit to do this long weekend but the most important is to slow down and relax, enjoy time with family and to take a deep breath to consider what needs to be done before the end of the year. This is a good time to be mindful of all that then start making plans towards finishing the year well...
The re-opening of the campus was due to flooding because of freak weather and torrential rain that burst the drains and then swept through the corridors of the campus.
In returning there's been a change with new furniture, flooring, classroom interiors etc. It's been really neat to also catch up with other staff members as since the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us have been working from home and especially since the floods closed our campus. Which meant a lot of Zoom classes and also had been driving to Manukau Institute of Technology for a time.
It's neat now that we can return back to campus and I'll be taking my students through (those who haven't been before) on an orientation of the various services that our Wānanga (Māori higher learning institute) has on offer for students.
This has been really neat also as the new look has given the campus a more 'airy' feeling and more lighter in the interior with the use of white hues, light browns, with black which is the the signature colour of choice of the wānanga. Great to see and roll on Christmas...
It was really interesting to attend early in the morning as I recognized a student who'd gone to the same primary and high school as me and she's just finished voting.
Then I walked in with my mum and noted another past pupil who'd also attended the same primary and high school as me who was the main scrutineer and organiser of the voting booth.
Of course I forgot to take my voting card as I didn't know what happened to it but once they were able to establish who I was and gave me my voting paper. I was able to go to the closest booth and tick my preferred party and my preferred local Member of Parliament.
We then returned home only to come back later with my middle child to accompany her to vote. So now I can relax and then will watch the outcome tonight as I used to with my late dad. We'd sit in front of the TV until the last votes were in and one of the main parties conceded to the other.
It looks like it's going to be a very interesting race to the end with some who will be happy with the outcome and others who will be in tears...
Now that's where it gets really interesting because I remember back at primary school (in the 1970s) that I really felt at a disadvantage. Back then most of my teachers were European and at home we spoke Samoan so there was already a massive difference in valuing different types of knowledge.
I remember as a kid thinking that there were all these new words that I was learning that were really important to learn so that I would understand what teachers were talking about.
So I made it my mission to learn those new words in stealth mode. So much so, that students in class started thinking that I must be smart because I was reading like crazy and was scoring well on a lot of tests in class. Plus I wasn't too bad at art and there were two us who would be called on to draw pictures and borders for other children's book's title pages. (Yes, I was showing promise as an artist then.)
That continued through to university with people thinking that I was some sort of smart but I put it to my parents teaching me to pay close attention in school (not just there to eat my lunch) and that most things were worth learning about and to put my best foot forward as such.
It didn't help that I then started wearing glasses (short sighted) when I turned 12 - 13 years with the addition of braces! now I could have had a real ugly duckling complex, but I didn't. I just became more confident in wearing glasses, in that I could actually see detail but I just didn't smile for the camera - something for which I now regret in not having any photos of me in braces for my children to see.
So back to the book. It's a pretty neat book and having listened to some of Dean Graziosi's seminars, I'm not surprised that he's become a New York best selling author and multi-millionaire. He's in the knowledge industry and it's an area that I'd would be interesting to check out a little later down the line.
Yeap! I've definitely felt like an 'underdog' at times in my life but it hasn't stopped me, like Dean, from checking out the many possibilities and being creative about it. I'm savouring this book and taking my time as many of the stories about the huge disadvantages that he had to overcome in order to get to where he is and that's serving people.
I'm also interested that he and Tony Robbins sponsor the 'Operation Underground Railroad' to eradicate children trafficking. It's hard to believe that adults can traffick children but there are some 'sick' people out there who need taking down and as an advocate of the organisation and movie that was out earlier "Sound of Freedom" it's good to know that there are good people supporting them.
So if you haven't had a chance to watch the movie or read this book? I would highly recommend both to you. The film is a hard watch. It's difficult to believe that grown men would sexually abuse children for their own self-gratification but if there's anything that we can do about it, we should definitely send them behind bars. And supporting organizations and individuals such as these are important to recognize in doing our part...
Some of the online games that I've watched them play with started with 'Fortnite' then moved onto 'Apex' which is where this edited version of one of my children's YouTube links is from. It's been real interesting to watch as they've conversed and played with gamers from all over the world depending on the server that they're hooked into.
I'm particularly interested as I've always been interested in games that require hand-eye coordination and back in the day it consisted of games such as badminton or squash, baseball or softball, soccer (although that's more foot co-ordination) but you know what I mean.
The gaming culture is quite different though and there's still gaming etiquette and I've been fascinated when my famz get into teams and go for gold. Which often means eliminating the opposing squad in stealth fashion. I'm not into the violent nature of these games but one does wonder if you were put into a real life scenario whether some of this information would be useful to know.
Anyway, it's been very interesting for me to view as a 'Boomer' in watching how the next generation (my children) engage as individuals but also as a family group in these digital scenarios. I've seen team work, team building, a lot of shared laughs, a lot of shared critiques and honing of this hand-eye co-ordination until it's all synched. Oh well, something 'fun?' to look forward to after all the seriousness of a thesis...
The following day my youngest's friend came over for a day out with our family as we went to visit 'Spookers' which is a Horror themed park out in rural Auckland, Karaka. This was a neat 'shout' by our middle child.
It's set at a place which was formerly known as Kingseat Hospital which was an institute that was established around the 1930s for treating the 'mentally ill'. It has had a checkered past with many changes to it's original use and purpose but there were also complaints that surfaced post 2000 (year), as to the abuse of patients during a national inquiry of such facilities.
Institutes such as these, were notorious in NZ, during the 1960s - 1970s and earlier in being unchecked for the ways that they treated patients and the experimental and non-ethical ways that certain so-called "professionals" worked. So that in 1999, it was closed and other recommendations were considered for the park like setting.
Yesterday, our family of 5 plus a friend arrived during a rainy period and snaked our way through the maze of roads until we got to the main office. There we were introduced to our tour guide for a behind the scenes tour R8+ (restricted to persons over the age of 8 years old).
It was a tour like no other with our guide screaming around as we went up the stairs and followed our tour guide through a maze of rooms with horror themes. I'm actually not a fan of horror as much as some of my family members are in the adrenalin rush that they get but it was an interesting tour.
I must say that even for 8 years old's, it's not a tour for faint hearted adults especially if you are easily spooked or if you have a heart condition. The horror themed rooms with scary looking clowns, missing appendages on so-called operated corpses and porcelain dolls missing heads, ghosts etc. were certainly interesting to view.
Probably the highlight for me was walking through "Disturbia" house with 3D glasses and seeing the artwork 'pop-out' with it's fluro colours. The other was walking along a bridge within a steel round casing spinning around with flying colours that made me think that I was going to fall. Very interesting!
All in all, our family enjoyed the spooking (if that's what you can call it) and then headed for our local Denny's for dinner and dessert. This was a neat 'shout' by our eldest. It was quite comforting and a stark contrast from where we had previously been.
Almost forgot to mention, that the younger two of our family group opted for a $5 makeup makeover (before leaving 'Spookers') and went to the Restaurant with blood cuts (special effects makeup) that our tour guide had painted on their faces.
Needless to say that there were a lot of quizzical looks when they saw our two but then understood once they saw that it was only makeup. Probably with the understanding that Halloween is just around the corner...
I know my parents really embedded in me the importance of education and to follow a path that opens up opportunities to help others. My eldest has that self same belief that's lead her to the path of study in supporting some of the more vulnerable in our communities.
It's been a real blessing as a parent to see her fly and take on her own responsibilities to grow as an adult. It hasn't been an easy journey but she knows that she has my support along the way.
I think, we as parents, often underestimate the values and principles that we pass onto our children. They don't go by what we say but what we do. I know that for a fact, in the values and principles that my own parents passed onto me that I've tried to pass onto my children.
Those values about integrity, honesty, caring, standing up for those who are less fortunate or vulnerable, using our/your platform or power for good, to not be arrogant or grandstanding and there's so much more.
It's important to spend quality time with your loved ones and for them to know that they are loved. It's been a blessing to spend this special time with my eldest in knowing that there were dreams and goals that I had for her as a mother those many years ago and that they have come to fruition. Thank you God...
It was such a pleasant surprise as often you don't get to see such things and had I not been taking notice of the environment around me, I could easily have missed seeing this cute couple.
I noticed that there wasn't a tag or explanation and they seemed to be mounted on two metal prongs stuck into the dirt. They were propped outside a wooden fence that surrounded the property were intentionally put there for passer-bys, like me to pay attention to.
It definitely brought me a smile as I was reminded that years ago when my children were very young that I had bought knitted dolls off a national website, similar to these, as cute crafts that my children would play with. In fact, I think I may some have some in storage too.
It made me think that sometimes we can get so stuck in our own thinking when going about our daily lives that we miss some of those important but often quirky or funny things that bring a smile or a memory that's so comforting.
Those moments can be momentary but important as if to say to not take things so seriously, or to worry, or be depressed or fret but instead to smell the rose, look up at the sky and remember that there are still some neat things in our lives to be thankful and grateful for and that joy can be found in even the seemingly simplest of things.
I'm grateful to whomever it was who decided to bring a smile to passer-bys. I think they were so considerate, even it it wasn't so calculating. Perhaps it was a reminder for us to sometimes let go of life's worries and concerns and allow a little joy to come into our lives... even if for a moment...
The reason why I think that gift baskets are particularly special is that you don't have to do it last minute. I recommend that you purchase a decorative cardboard box or plastic storage box and then begin filling it with things that you know that that special someone would appreciate.
The first box that I made up was a set of personal skin based products that I knew she liked and added in other celebratory products like choc's a personalized mug, tissues, lofah etc. So you can make them themed through the use of colour or product themes and the list goes on.
And then I top it off with a large cellophane wrapped around it with a themed coloured ribbon with a card inserted inside for the special one to read of your sentiments for the occasion etc. This is something that I've been doing over the years as it takes off the pressure of last minute gifts and it's something that can easily completed within a short time frame too.
Some people even make it their business to make these and they're fantastic for Christmas if you're thinking of food related festive themes or care packages etc. So if you're stuck for buying that special gift for someone special, why not consider a themed gift basket. You don't have to choose a big box either, it can be as small as you wish and then fill with things that you know that that person would really appreciate. They'd thank you for it too...
The main reason being that the present government (and governments before) do not like the criticisms that many of these NGOs reports write about what they see as happening politically within India. Especially in terms of not helping their own poorest of the poor people.
These sanctions and the changes in the laws of India to not allow foreign charities into their countries have caused a mass exit of these international groups from supporting the very vulnerable families in India and could potentially cause and even more widespread poverty of communities there.
One such community is a young boy, his family and community of whom I'd been sponsoring through World Vision since 2018/9. The financial support that many sponsors were able to provide aided the community in their various projects and also assist in alleviating poverty in the those communities through planting schemes, cottage industries for women especially and obtaining clean water.
This work was made known to me through the late Rev. Bob Challis who was a London Missionary society missionary who encouraged the early church that I currently attend, to sponsor children in those nations as a church organization.
As a result, I have been doing the same for over some 30 years or so but this was very sad news for me as I had wanted my donation to go to the poorest nations in need and this family in India had been brought to my attention to support.
The letter that I received this week has brought this sad news of their withdrawal and I have now been given another child (their family and community) in Bangladesh to support. I'm hoping that as I write this post that many will consider sponsoring children as you can make a big difference to an entire village and especially an individual child in poor nations.
I also sponsor a group called 'Kidscan' in NZ as I'm also aware of the vulnerable children and families in NZ and have seen this group right at the front lines of trying to support children with providing clothes, food and other opportunities for vulnerable children in our nation.
If you haven't already, please kindly consider supporting an international organization and local organization that looks after our future leaders and families of tomorrow. The care that we give them now in their vulnerable states will not be forgotten...
Had a great family birthday celebration of my eldest daughter, who turned 21 this week. We're having a birthday week as she decided to have a small celebration with family on her special day and a friends party for the weekend.
It all started with a countdown till midnight and then we broke out the bubbly and she cut her first Red velvet cake from the Cheese cake shop. Then took her up to her bedroom that had been kitted out with a makeover!
Here she is at the Restaurant that we chose to have lunch at with her 21st two tiered Red velvet cake (by Decor Cakes in Otāhuhu - our fave cake shop for celebration cakes over the years) and her 21st key given by my mom.
My mother, her maternal grandmother was able to pray a blessing over her and to hand her the key as my mum played a special part in also taking care of her in her formative years when I went back to work and she had retired by then. All of my children are close to their grandmother and she enjoys their company as well.
Then the birthday girl shouted us to a game of 10 pin bowling with 2 teams of family and a couple of friends. It was so funny as the birthday girl's boyfriend came first followed by her mum (that's me) just making it to 100 points. All in all, we had a great day and she was showered with gifts.
We're now getting ready for the weekend where we'll be supporting her in her Saturday evening party with friends. Hopefully the weather will hold and it will be at the backyard with canopies, fairy lights and cool music.
We'll be there to just set up and get things ready for her and then we'll just take it easy at my mum's home whilst they party all night up into the wee hours. Then Sunday I'll be making a small donation to my late dad's beloved church as he would have wanted. Just blessed to have seen this day come to fruition 21 years after, as my first born...
Afterwards, we decided to take a dip into one of my late father's fave Samoa food outlets called Pinata's. It has a lot of tasty island foods but we thought to just have a drink and a steamed lamb bun.
I got to speaking with the lady of the shop and found that we had connections with my dad's village of Fasito-o in Samoa and also with the Tau'au name that my dad's family is associated with. We're again looking forward to spending after Christmas holidays and the new year back in Samoa.
It was such a blessing to be able to make those connections and as we spoke she offered to us a free sampler pack of Pinata's that they give to new customers (as I hadn't been there in years). I tried to pay for it but the lady refused it as a special on offer that they had for their new customers.
So I brought it home and my family was able to sample the panikeke (fried round pancakes) that had shredded coconut inside, a custard bun, a chocolate bun, a coconut bun, a caramelized shredded coconut bun and a cinnamon and sugar donut. Definitely, not for the faint hearted but a nice sampler treat for the day.
I would highly recommend Pinata's for those wanting to have a taste of 'home' of local cuisine and I noticed that whilst we were there, a lot of people chose to visit and pick up their favourite island foods options. I'll definitely be back there, as a result, and will check out there hot foods options as what my dad would have enjoyed too...
It's also neat that there are some lyrics that are Samoan so that they Samoans out there who understand the language (like myself) can relate. I'm pretty sure his Samoan parents are really proud because this song has a really neat vibe about it.
I even read on the comments of this video that some are even seeing this song as a future wedding song, like wow! I remember using a local Samoan group 'Adeaze' song in my wedding which was neat with Samoan and English lyrics as well.
Wishing this song artist and this song well. It's great to see our youth using their musical talents to share with the world as diaspora Samoans living abroad in Australia, NZ, USA, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe etc. Making us proud for 685...
I must admit that when I first heard this song, on a local radio station, whilst I was driving, I took notice and thought 'Wow! this guy can really sing!' and in my mind's eye it was a African American singing with lots of soul.
Only then to later check it out on YouTube to find that he had an interesting background as the grandson of a minister and had been brought up with an interest in music, American football and Theatre in high school.
I also found lots of his covers of other songs some three plus years ago as he and his band were trying to find traction in the music business but it was the covers of a couple of songs that really got the attention of people in the music industry such as the cover of a Shania Twain song etc.
Well, the rest is history as he is now on tour with his band and has even visited Australia (and NZ I think?). He has a lot of fans now in many countries with his raspy voice and clearly emotive songs that tell a whole gammit of storytelling.
If you haven't already, check out his latest releases (if you haven't already) and see what I mean. He reminds me of the late Joe Cocker and others with an undeniably storyteller voice. I've been listening to this song on repeat. He's definitely a show stopper...
I found this quote on social media but couldn't find the writer to give them credit. I thought it had some really good ideas about some of the distractions that we have in our lives that keep us from succeeding in what we are wanting to get right. I added the graphics and thought it came out pretty good.
You probably already know these solutions but did you know that sometimes they are distractions especially when you have deadlines or things that need to get done and instead of doing it, one can end up doing other things (I'm talking from experience).
So no need to kick yourself but just be aware of those time wasters or time stealers that can often get you into trouble with those who are expecting things from you. I mean some of these are okay to do now and then but when they become first and foremost then there could be some problems down the line...
I thought to myself that that was definitely something that I wanted to try but was too busy to go there. Then I came upon some picture journal books whilst I was shopping, the other day and thought to give it a go.
Here is my first two page spread. Because I have a lot of scrapbooking and card making stickers, die cuts, stamps etc. I was an easy start.
I've really enjoyed organizing the page layout and then adding the various parts. It's definitely different from the layouts that I saw on social media but I think it's about putting your own spin on things and going with the flow. The other thing about it is that there are no rules you just add to it as you go with the resources you have on tap.
That's the other thing about it that I think is worthwhile thinking about because not only does it tap into your creativity but you can intentionally put messages in there i.e. the journaling that doesn't have to be written in long form but it can be about positive messaging that can be uplifting or something that you want to comment on or an experience that you want to highlight in just a few words.
I would definitely recommend this creative journaling to any who want to give it a go. It's doesn't require a degree or a lot of skill, it's just a journal for you to share your own thoughts on a page that you can then return to at any point in time...
Today, I had the honour to attending a work rangahau (indigenous research) series with guest speaker, John Misky, who is a tufuga (master practioner) of va'a or traditional canoe builder. He came as a guest to speak to a group of around 20 educators who were interested to listen to his story.
He spoke about growing up in Tokelau as a young boy, with his grandparents and then moving with them to live in New Zealand. During the time with his grandparents, he made a promise to his grandmother that he would build a canoe.
The sad thing is that, many years ago, it was a common practice that was passed down in the islands but nowadays very few people are able to build them through the traditional process. Therefore the languaging used would have been one of the measina that has been lost to time.
I was able to ask a question to him after thanking him for his inspirational story and especially that there is a resurgence for such knowledge to be learned again. The question was related to how it is not common knowledge and if he was interested in sharing this knowledge in Samoa. In reminding him that Samoa was once known as the 'Navigator Islands' back in the 1800s by first European explorers.
He did say that he had already had discussions with the Samoan voyaging society and hoped to be able to do something together with them in the not too distant future. This is quite special in being able to speak to someone who is learning knowledge about a measina that was almost lost.
John Misky was able to draw from his experience in joining a 2 year voyage around the Pacific including sailing in a traditional double hulled va'a to Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Cook Islands, Marquesas, Hawaii, west coast USA, Mexico, Galapagos Island, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands (not in that order).
His story is truly inspirational in never giving up and being able to finally launch in last year after starting his 3rd or 4th attempt to make it in keeping a promise to his grandmother. He's definitely someone to be inspired by and hope that many get to listen to his story...
Everyone makes mistakes and some more than others and some more extreme than others. Somewhere, in there, people get hurt, abused, neglected, emotionally physically, mentally, spiritually etc.
When these hurts do not get resolved or healed in healthy ways, then that is taken into relationships, into the person's psyche and it's hard living life with this huge chip on the shoulder, or anger in the mind, or guilt, or sadness, or emptiness, or lovelessness.
I would suggest that each person who has had gone through some childhood trauma or abuse or anything that's been holding them back and especially if there has been some secrecy in their, that they go get some professional help or assistance that will help them to live good, healthy lives to break that cycle.
I've met a lot of people in my time in education possibly in coming in contact with thousands of people from children, teens and adults who have gone through untold difficulties and have been able to live happy and healthy lives with their families. Having gone through a process of healing and the power of forgiving through the trauma or difficult circumstances that they've had to overcome.
Many have had to go through a process of forgiving the perpetrator/s or whoever because of the experience/s that they went through. Forgiveness is a powerful force to contend with. I think it is divine because when you are able to forgive that person, the act and let go of that memory etc. It no longer has that hold on you. The opposite is true if you can't forgive.
It doesn't mean that you must forget because that's what you can help others to heal from by ensuring that the same doesn't need to happen to someone else but it no longer lives inside of you and you can enjoy a happy healthy life.
I'm also met people who haven't forgiven others and it's difficult to contend with because it becomes unresolved and festers inside. It's taken into other relationships and can taint budding relationships because of a certain anger or position that one takes. It can even get quite ugly in transforming that person into something of a concern.
Again, I would encourage you to see someone who can help with unresolved forgiveness. It could be a good pastor, a reputable doctor, a reputable healer, someone who cares enough to want to see you happy and whole again. Because to err is human but forgive divine - healing...
Today, in my coaching, I've been reflecting on some of the important life lessons that I've learned along the way. One of them is the old adage of "birds of a feather flock together".
It's an interesting proverbial saying that one can interpret in different ways. One being about how like minded people hang out or people with similarities often stay together (although the opposite can happen too).
In this particular instance, I'm thinking about how I've learned about keeping away from people who don't esteem you, or provide positive support for you and who can often become quite toxic.
You can tell when such people are around because invariably everything is about them or they try to make you feel bad about yourself or twist things that you've said to suit their needs. Often ending in arguments.
I'd say that if you are always feeling discontent around such people who don't make you feel positive about you, then you may need to consider whether they're really your friend/s after all and if that relationship is worth the time of day in not draining you in the long run.
It becomes quite difficult too if that person is a close family member, a spouse or a long time friend. But if you're constantly feeling ill at ease, then that's a sign that not all is well. So if you've tried to talk with them but they don't listen or treat it as not being important then is it really worth your while to pursue?
Our time here on earth is severely limited and so I remember someone saying that it's important to be happy during our time here and if you aren't already, then when? Triggers are indicators of some things that need to be dealt with so I've been blessed to be able to move away from such people.
So, an encouragement for today is to consider some of the people in your sphere of influence who are a blessing to you and genuinely care for you. They're people that you can be thankful for. They are usually the ones who give you that warm fuzzy feeling of love - those are the people that you want to flock together with.
Now think of those who are in your inner circle of whom you don't have positive relationships with and aren't genuinely interested in you. Perhaps consider not flocking together with them, letting them go to fly in other directions and giving yourself the freedom to enjoy life again...
Even with rainy weather and cold snaps, it doesn't stop the stepping as it's something that can be done on the inside with freestyle dance and you can make it a cardio workout as well.
So as well as trying to finish this thesis and tidying up as I go through all 9 chapters! (I know - it feels a little over the top) but that's what you do in doctoral studies. Pull out all the stops.
I've even decided to give my online games a respite. Yes, I like to chill out most evenings with a couple of games that don't require any money being exchanged i.e. online gambling or anything like that but not judging you if that's your thing.
It's more about building virtual towns but then it can be seen as a time waster as well but during those down times, I'll also busy problem solving, so that there's a little multi tasking. It's the same with the steps, I can listen to music, dance freestyle and step. It's all is a day's work.
So why not try stepping out and giving it a go. I've enjoyed this since the last couple of years and it keeps me relatively fit and enjoying life. It puts a spring in my step and I enjoy the music and dancing to the beat of my own drum. Why don't you give it a try? you might even like it!
The box in the pic is an idea that my lil' sister gave me of an introductory pack when people sign up with me for coaching. I loved the idea and took it on board straight away with lots of little treats there with colour themes.
What I've enjoyed over the years of my unofficial mentoring and coaching is that I've got to see people grow over the years and reach goals that they never thought that they could reach. I also just had lunch the other day with a former student and she reminded me that through interactions in my class she was able to consider something that she thought she could never reach. She's now contemplating to start her PhD in the next couple of years!
One of the areas that I'm most proud of is seeing so many of my undergraduate class members graduate with Masters degrees over a period of less than 5 years since meeting me. Now that's a real blessing and a feat that I know makes unfathomable changes not only in my former students' lives but also in the families and those closest to them to see the change in them and the opportunities that come with it.
Now I'm really encouraged to take that to another level and to see how far I can reach to support those out there needing support in those types of goals. I'm particularly interested in supporting other women of colour, who like the younger me, needed guidance in support with how to make it happen.
One thing I will share is that you can't do it alone. You really need to have support within your own family to help you get there faster. Otherwise it's a pretty hard struggle uphill without that kind of support. Although it can be done but might take a little more time and elbow grease.
I was super encouraged through the support of my parents and they were also able to reap the rewards of their support in the so many things that I was able to do for them in support and a "thanks" for what they helped me to achieve.
So if you're out there and you're wondering what next for you? consider finding a coach or mentor who can help you get faster to your achieving your goals and with less misfires or mistakes than if you did it alone.
Unfortunately, there aren't a lot out of people out there who would be willing to do it for free but I'm starting my business with complementary sessions for my family of women of whom I've identified who might need a little hand up (not a hand out). Definitely something I've been looking forward to doing for a long time...
One of the most important movies to watch of the year, if not of the decade, that I would recommend for viewers to watch (preferably adults?) is the movie "Sound of Freedom". I had heard about it earlier on the year and knew that I had to watch it but didn't realize the controversy surrounding it until I returned from overseas to find out that there was very little promotion about it.
Without going too much into the story, it is based on a true story about a 'freedom fighter' or former U.S.A. Homeland security officer who goes into rescue children who are taken and sold into the global sex trafficking slavery trade.
The horrific thing about it is that this has been an exponentially growing industry over the last few years with internet and growing faster than the arms race and catching up to the drug trade. How could this possibly happen?
And that's just information that I've learned in the last few days! when I purposed to read around the film and listen to the main character, Tim's story. I wanted to watch the movie to inform myself of what's going on in the world that would illegally allow (I mean turn a blind eye) for children to be traded as a sexual commodity for monsters!
The children are the real heroes of the movie as well as the child/ren rescuers. Especially when they put their own lives on the line to help save these children that they don't even know. It's just unfathomable that this could even happen but it did make me think about this happening in New Zealand and Samoa right under our noses but we're not aware of it.
There's a real horror in all of this as it's like silent screams and I don't think that we, as the public, should turn a blind eye to this. At the end of the movie, there was an additional plea from the main actor asking for "story tellers" (like me and like you) to share about the importance of watching this movie and putting a stop to it.
He also talked of how it took five long years for the movie to come onto screen. That there were many blocks along the way to try and not put it out in the movies. What? what I have learned is that there are a lot of consumers of this industry who do not want people to know that they exist! in trying to keep it out of the public eye.
I actually think that it's something that every caring citizen should watch. The very young, children and the very old are our most vulnerable as well as people with disabilities etc. However, it's also biblical in a saying that says (which also comes up in the movie) that it's better to tie a millstone around your neck than to harm a little child.
Like Tim (main character of the movie) says that that's "Mafia style" Jesus talk. Something that you don't mess with - is messing with kids! don't even get me started! There's just something totally wrong with people (mainly men) who are exploiting children. Not only is it illegal but there's a certain reward that's waiting for them in prison and in the afterlife.
So what can I do about it? you ask? Check out the website: https://ourrescue.org and join up or keep informed with what may be happening near your area. Our support of such organizations helps children everywhere. Prayer is another powerful weapon as these aren't just people but also principalities and powers of darkness. Sounds like a horror movie? is it!!!
You only have to watch videos around the movie to know that there's a pervasive evil that is very real and festers on exploiting the most vulnerable - children and women. Many in third world countries but the consumers are mainly men with power and they're everywhere.
It is interesting to note is that the main rescuers are men 'cause these sound like really dangerous missions with many women in aftercare support for the little ones but there are also women who exploit children in being in positions of power and greed similar to those who traffick children for the same spoils. Again it gets my blood boiling (figuratively speaking) as to how people can do this but it is real and it's something that we need to stand up against...
I count it a privilege to be able to take the time to go for a stroll. I notice that there aren't many people out and about at this time. But it's also a time that I get to enjoy God's floral creations like the kowhai tree.
It's a native tree to New Zealand and our unofficial tree that a lot of native birds like to benefit from. I think I don't see enough of them around as they're not often sold at gardening shops but we definitely need to see more of them.
I'm reminded that Spring is just around the corner and we're in our last official month of winter with our winter woolies still on. By now, we're starting to ditch the scarves and mittens. It's such a joy to be able to see so many buds beginning to burst and flowering trees. We reminded again that Spring is just around the corner...
Hence, my steps up to 16,000 steps today as compared with some days when I'm barely scraping 3,000 steps in trying to concentrate on writing my thesis. But today wasn't one of them and feeling pretty good too.
Have been busy also in getting things ready for the graduation party tomorrow of my significant half. There's been so much to do but for once, I'm not the main organizer which is a real relief. Instead, it's our eldest who's getting everything ready.
It's also her 21st birthday next month, so that I've been busy organizing for in wanting to get something special for her with our family celebration next month. I'm just so glad that my parents were able to show me lots of ways of organizing for big events as well as smaller catering.
So tomorrow we'll be busy setting up the hall for the celebration with decorations and I was busy sewing organza table runners and sashes for chairs. Just amazing how expensive things are now but so glad that my mum taught me to sew so that it's not a problem to sew up with my trusted Singer sewing machine. So it's all go and ready to roll tomorrow...
She is as fit as a fiddle and has been training for years with weights, cross fit, hiking - you name it! she's onto it. But as I'm supposed to concentrating on finishing my thesis, I thought it was the right thing to do by our team as I just wanted to kick start a team and then pass on the leadership.
We have 5 ladies in our team and we're getting there. I wished I'd finished my thesis because then I'd definitely give it heaps but right now the timing isn't so great when there's still so much to do in tidying up my chapters and sorting out my figures and referencing and the list goes on.
I'm also still working on the side with my new coaching programme and have finished sorting out the 8 week programme and now working on the 14 week deep dive programme. It's such a blessing to be even thinking about it but there'll be time enough when all this writing is over.
But for now, more time spent writing and re-writing. So much to do and so little time but it's getting there and that's what so exciting. So off I go, I'd better get back to what I'm supposed to be doing and that's working on the writing...
We have one right outside our home and this was one was along the path that I was walking on. It's such a neat reminder that although we are still in our winter months in Auckland, that the promise of Spring weather is just around the corner.
I couldn't help but get caught in a little drizzle but it was nice to be able to get out again as it has been raining recently and the weather has been just too cold to go for a walk.
But today looked pleasant enough with the promise of rain but what's a little rain in the scheme of things? I'm just glad to be able to enjoy nature and the lovely blossoms that are beginning to peek out all over the place like daffodils too...
Now the real work begins in polishing, checking my referencing and cross referencing. Visualizing the thesis as a whole, as I've been working on chapter by chapter but it is such a sigh of relief to finally have completed the bulk of the work.
I must say that it's taken the better part of five years to complete. Starting in 2018, and then having trouble with a first supervisor that I just didn't gel with on our ideas.
That was an important hurdle to overcome as you have to get the right relationship with a complementary supervisor otherwise it won't work and if you don't gel on the offset then it won't work at all. I had to ask for another as I knew that the work that I wanted to do was far more important to me than it was to him.
Anyway, having the COVID-19 global pandemic hit in 2020 then trying to figure out how I was going to overcome this. Then the deep loss and mourning for my late father and my cultural mentor did not help but with the self-less question that my dad asked in his last weeks of when my studies would end.
I knew that it was permission for me to continue the studies after he had departed and he gave me the impetus to continue beyond the vale. I wanted to make him proud knowing that I had finished (still finishing) something that we had started together.
So here I am, at the brink of finishing this thesis off. I feel like I've come a long way with still more to complete but with a lil' celebrating along the way like with the pavlova above. Yes, way to sugary but nice to start with and then finish with a cup of green tea...
