Back to work...

 

Today marks the week that I'm back to work with our youngest still having three more weeks of holidays before schools start up again for the new year.

Here is some of the digital artwork that our youngest did and I love the colours and icons that she chose to express her artistic flair.

All this whilst back to planning the various course work for this semester and recruiting new students as well as completing paperwork for last year's course.

What I do like about teaching a new year, are all the possibilities and starting afresh after a well-deserved break plus being refreshed after having some time out with family.

It's not always easy to return to work but when we do it's neat to be in a space with neat colleagues whom share similar perspectives regarding education and indigenous research.

So looking forward to another year of work and meeting new students as well as keeping in touch with some of the former ones and colleagues.

I'm really blessed to be able to do something that I enjoy in that I don't feel like it's toiling, although there is often a lot of paperwork to finish.

I've also got a few goals of things to complete and work towards my Ph.D. studies, fieldwork that now won't be able to incorporate Samoa with the border closures.

And some writing goals also in having a good rest last year to refresh my perspective in new writing goals for the new year which might even include the launch of my first novel.

A new year, at work, with new possibilities...

Radio Samoa 1593AM...

 During these holidays, I've been spending quality time with my folks and especially listening to my father's favourite radio station and also my late paternal grandmother's which is Radio Samoa on Auckland's 1593AM radio frequency.

What's interesting about it, for me, is the Samoan commentary, the music and that often has other English songs and some of the discussions or comments from people from around the world who tune into the radio station.

I remember, a couple of years back, in listening to the wife of the founding pastor whose vision it was to have a Samoan radio station for the community and how it was a struggle initially but now it is fully established and in its 22nd year of delivering quality programming to the Samoan communities all over the world.

So if you check out their website on: www.radiosamoa.co.nz you might be pleasantly surprised especially if you're a novice, like me, in learning more about my cultural language. As I've laughed over their jokes, listened to current affairs both happening in the world and Samoa, in keeping the Samoa communities in tune with what's going on locally, nationally and internationally...

Wonder Woman 1984 movie...

 

Yesterday, I accompanied some of my family to watch the highly anticipated 'Wonder Woman 1984' (WW1984) movie that had had much hype since the COVID-19 lockdowns of last year. So I was expecting an epic storyline of gargantuan proportions as an early teenage fan since many years ago when Lynda Carter played the role in the 1970s televised series.

I must admit that I was deeply disappointed as although I like actress Gal Gadot in the role, the storyline of the movie, for me, was epicly disproportionate and didn't make sense in some areas that I needed to piece together along the way.

As with the first movie, there were scenes in this two and a half hour movie that worked really well but there were lots more scenes that were cringey and with the two antagonists, I didn't really like the way their characters played out.

I won't say anymore, except that when I went to get my new year's haircut, the hairdresser there who was also an avid fan explained, in not so many words that she didn't like the second movie and preferred the first. I now know what she meant.

So if you're considering to watch the movie in some of the new VMax theatres with the daybeds (a little more expensive), recliner chairs or the usual cinema seats, I'd caution you but then if you want to be taken on an interesting ride and don't mind a somewhat confusing experience then this movie would be the one to watch...

Boba tea and sushi...

 

One of the things that I've been introduced to since last year has been boba tea or bubble tea. It's a popular drink and a new sensation to the Western world and I absolutely like the new flavours and texture.

I was introduced to it by my sister and children as they have also enjoyed it after school and as a refreshing drink so different from the usual fizzies.

However, I have read warnings that because of the amount of sugar that one can ask for, it can often be as close to the sugar ration of a can of fizzy.

That's why it's important to take it easy on the sugar and add a little more ice if you wish. It our local vendor, it's really popular and a lot of people don't mind standing in a long line to get one or two. 

I particularly like the tapioca balls that are called pearls and some are even more of taro which often gets sold out on hot days. I also like the chocolate flavoured drink and the teas are pretty good as well. It does, however, cost more than a soft drink of $2 (carbonated) at around $6 as compared to a fizzy.

And then when combined with sushi makes for a nice lunch (without the wasabi). So if you haven't already tried it why not give it a go, especially if you're an iced tea drinker, and you never know - you might even be surprised...

Movie "Soul" on Netflix...

 It was interesting to watch the movie "Soul" on Netflix but I must admit that I didn't really enjoy watching it that much especially after hearing that it had had rave reviews. It was a little too far-fetched for me to enjoy and I thought it took away from the main storyline about the dream that a music teacher had in wanting to be a full-time musician as a talented jazz pianist with gigs.

Although I did like the fact that it featured a Kiwi accent as in Rachel House who stars as the Grandmother voice in the Disney movie of 'Moana' and also as the Social Welfare officer on 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople'.

I first noticed Rachel's voice as an actress in theatre as she first started her acting career in theatre and would perform at schools, when I was a high school teacher, with the troupe that she was with. She finally graduated to movies and the rest, they say, is history.

I won't discuss any spoiler alerts in this blog about the movie but would suggest for adults to suspend your own understandings about the 'soul' or 'souls' in order to really be able to enjoy the movie. It was just a little too over my head...

First Sunday Communion of 2021...

 

Today, I spent the day with my parents and our youngest at our local church's first Sunday Communion for the year which is a special time in coming together as a church and family to celebrate the first Sunday of the year together in anticipation of the year ahead.

After the church service we were invited to have a family lunch together with my Dad's sister, Aunty Noli who is currently in Vailuutai, Samoa just a 5 - 10 minute drive from my parents' house in Fasitoo-uta.

She wasn't able to be together with us but as we had spent last year, at the same time in sharing lunch, my cousin Pastor Tuimalu (Aunty's eldest son) brought the family together and we all shared in a family (reunion of sorts) lunch at one's of my cousin's house in Mangere.

It was a great time to catch up and share stories about Samoa because we were all missing being able to travel there last year and now in anticipation of when quarantine will no longer be the norm and we'll be able to travel freely but leaving that in God's hands in being aware of the pandemic now ravaging in a new strain around the world.

So that the first communion service of the year reminds us of the protection that we pray for from this COVID-19 pandemic and to be vigilant of its presence in order to keep our families safe and at peace in our homes and local communities...

Curtains as we await...

 

One of the things that I like to do during my 3+ weeks break is to check around our home and see what needs doing on top of the usual Spring clean.

This time of year it was about updating our curtains both at our home and also that of my parents. The neat thing was that the local Warehouse was having a sale and we were able to outfit both houses with the actual colours we wanted using block out curtains.

However, by the time that I remembered about doing the same to our house in Samoa, it was too late. The sale was over although we do have a couple of leftover curtains.

The neat thing about this latest material technology is that the materials are light both in colour and in texture are able to block out light for a good deep sleep.

So now I just need to await for another opportunity to see if I can pick up some more curtains for Samoa especially in that there's a lot of time to get that sorted with the international borders being closed at this present time.

We're all definitely missing Samoa but are still mindful that there may be a time in the near future that we will again have the opportunity to go home but until that time, we are happy to do what we can to prepare for that time, in God's time...

Happy New Year for 2021...

Midnight January 1st, 2021 ushered us into a new year with much hope, expectations, and encouragement for another year of overcoming and achieving despite the pandemic that has plagued the world. I'd like to offer a word of encouragement, that encourages me, to all who read this blog that the best is yet to come.

In that often older people look back and reminisce days of old in their youth when things they were strong and healthy often forgetting that with time wisdom is grown and that's life's lessons helps us to consider what is important over what is urgent, it teaches us patience and to support the next generation coming through.

This new year, I have some New Year's resolutions and goals that I've yet to complete but again, in God's time, but with a lot more effort from me. Those are in my studies, with my family/s and at work as well.

I'm reminded to be thankful and appreciative of what I do have rather than that which I don't and to support those who need a helping hand who come across my path but to also know my limits and say a polite "no" when it is warranted. 

All in all, I wish you all a prosperous and Happy New year ahead and don't let life happen to you but to make it happen with whatever resources you've been blessed with either great or small and enjoy the gift of life whatever it looks like for you as there are always greener pastures and deserts wherever you go but remember to enjoy the journey ahead as you proceed with the blessings that you have...

New Year's Eve 2020...

 

The last day of 2020 and looking forward to the new year ahead. Tonight, my family is gathering together at my parents' house to usher in the new year in prayer and a late supper.

This is a special time when many families and friends come together to party or enjoy each other's company and reminisce of the past year's events and also to consider what might lie ahead.

I already have some plans for several things happening in the new year but as they say, we make the plans but pray to God for blessings upon it.

So far this season, it's been really good to be with my parents as they would usually be in Samoa as we had been hoping to be but with the border closures lots of families have visited them and it's been a time when we have been able to catch up and share about what's been happening in our lives.

I'm so thankful for today and pray for comfort for those who are needing support and comfort, especially victims and families of beloved ones who have been struck by the COVID-19 virus. Praying that there will be hope on the horizon and the dawn of a new year for all...

Trifle season...

 

This season in NZ, as we enjoy our summer Boxing Day shopping sprees, Beach BBQs, family gatherings seemingly COVID free our prayers and thoughts go to families and friends in Europe and the Americas where the COVID-19 pandemic is increasing.

In today's news, hospitals in California and trying to make ethical decisions through panels to consider who is able to get hospital treatment and those who won't due to not having enough capacity to be able to support everyone.

This is heart-wrenching for families and loved ones as we have family and friends in California i.e. Los Angelos and San Francisco and hope and pray that they are goinSg to be well.

In Europe with the new strain of COVID, it is alarming that the new symptoms spread even faster with super-spreading events being a big concern especially around this Christmas and New Year time of celebrations.

So as we in NZ enjoy are relative freedom, we hope and pray against this also happening in NZ. We have definitely been blessed and encourage more people to pray for those in places around the world who are experiencing this first hand. May God protect us and bring hope to affected areas...

Exciting news and a new year ahead...

 

It's been a neat Christmas season to spend with my family and especially together with my parents as we're all unable to visit Samoa at this time with border closures from COVID-19.

However, a neat surprise was finding out that in a recent NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) Level 1 Samoan 2020 Examination paper, it referred to one of the books or stories that I had retold or written a couple of years ago called Fale Samoa. 

The actual question itself was regarding the different parts of the construction of a traditional Samoan house and in the footnotes (as shown above) it references the book and my maiden name with my beloved as the translator.

This is a neat confirmation for me to continue the work that I've done so far since 2015, as this year I decided to take a break from self-publishing books in supporting our local church's Samoan Early childhood centre and a short break from my PhD studies with the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic in NZ and indeed all over the world but now it's time to get back to work.

As we count down the last few days of 2020, I'm thankful to God for another amazing year that has happened and look forward to the new year ahead and what it will bring. I trust that you all had a very merry Christmas and now look forward to another amazing year ahead, no matter what it brings...

Seniors' Christmas giving...

 

Today has been a blessed day for me as my parents wanted to go to visit some of the seniors in our church with special food parcels.

All of the seniors were in their late 70s - early 80s and it was such a blessing in sharing in their joy of remembering some of the old days and reflecting on where they are now in their senior years.

It reminded me that you don't need to be rich or it's not about making a name for yourself but it's about having a generous heart to give no matter what you have.

What I knew they appreciated the most was the time that we were able to spend with them. Not only in being able to talk and share in the memories but also in the laughter in remembering some of the special memories that they shared together.

It made me realize that this season was not one that we are meant to spend alone or be isolated away from family and friends but one that we share especially with the elderly or seniors in our lives. I know that I was especially blessed because I saw the example of my parents still caring for others even in their senior years. Something that I will remember for a very long time...

The week before Christmas...

 

It has definitely been one busy last-minute flurry of the last week before Christmas with so much to do in celebrating this end of year.

It started on Friday night in picking up our eldest from AUT (University) Southern Campus with her announcement that she has been accepted as an academic navigator whilst on 2 weeks training for the 2021 intake of the 5 weeks Uni-Prep classes and mentoring that the University offers for first-year ex-high school graduates.

So we had a small family dinner celebration complete with a cake for the awesome efforts that she's put into her first year at Law school with great results despite the COVID-19 lockdowns and concerns that those had brought.

The next day, I took our middle child to an end of year break up lunch celebration with our Samoan ECE Early childhood education centre staff and board to the SkyCity Fortuna Buffet Restaurant which was a lovely time.

There's still so much to do with last-minute Christmas shopping lists and the Christmas menu as well as Boxing day and New Years' celebrations. In knowing this, I'm so thankful for the blessings that we have had this year despite this unprecedented year of the COVID-19 Pandemic. So much to be thankful for...