New Kids on the Block

Our Chanel gave birth last night to four puppies. Three are male and one female (that is black and white). Chanel's been a great mother and very nurturing. I, on the other hand, was awoken by mom to find myself in amazement at the birthing process. I'm still in awe at what transpired through last evening. We'll be posting more pics as they get older.

Fabulous news

To all my loyal fans out there in blogland, I'd proudly like to announce my engagement to Sheri Hayamoto. We met years back through mutual friends, reconnected back in January (6th to be exact) and have been on a whirlwind romance ever since. We've since got engaged as I surprisingly proposed to her on Valentine's Day out in Waikoloa and have made plans to wed in Napa Valley on June 11, and yes, of this year, before a small intimate gathering of family and some friends.

Sheri is a probation officer in Hilo and a graduate of Mililani High School and the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Together, we are like night and day, yet complement each other so well. The main ingredients to our successful relationship is the trust we share amongst the laughter in the air. She is a hoot and we have tons of nonstop fun together. She's made me very happy and made my wait all so worthwhile.

More to come as our big day approaches.

Newest addition

Hi! Woof woof!

My name is Vera Wang Malia and I'm the newest addition to the Taketa/Hayamoto family. Mommy picked me at the Hilo Airport on May 12 as I flew in from Honolulu. I am a little Maltese and over one pound. I was born on February 16 to a very loving and fabulous family. I am very happy in my new home. I am fed every day and have tons of toys to play with. I'm also equipped with pads all around the house to do my business on. There's also these cool puppy steps for me to use to climb up on my bed where I sleep with Mommy and Daddy. I am so happy. Not to mention being in the company of brother Louis and sister Chanel. Well, I have to nighty night as soon as Dad get's off the computer. I'll keep you posted as I grow up in beautiful Hilo town.

Journey rocks the Big Island!

First Earth, Wind, and Fire. Now Journey! They will be on the Big Island to rock all of us 80's kids. Can't wait. We'll be there singing away along with our favorite tunes...Open Arms, Who's Crying Now, Faithfully, etc. That Pineda dude's come a long way since his Youtube days. Hope I don't drink too much so that I can remember the concert in its entirety. Unlike the Eagles and Earth, Wind and Fire concerts previously attended!

By the way, hope that whoever is bringing these bands in keep bringing in the top acts from America. Wonder how they can top this off? The Stones, possibly?

Master's degree

I'm proud to announce that I've successfully completed my Master's degree in Adapted Physical Education. My cohort of six all struggled throughout the year and came out like champs. We are all so overwhelmed by the sacrifices made during the year, yet have been rewarded accordingly. The DOE will now be a better place knowing that we'll be servicing our students with disabilities with the highest of qualifications. My kudos go out to my cohort members for their support throughout the year and also to all of our wonderful professors at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

UH Warriors Football

Here's my prediction for the next three games: the Warriors will run the table in a convincing fashion and earn a spot on December 24 at the Hawaii Bowl! Yeay, I get to watch them play on X-mas eve. HOHOHO!

Waikoloa Nights

This past weekend, me and a bunch of alcoholic buddies ventured out to the west side of the island to holoholo and check out Earth, Wind, and Fire (yes, the infamous EWF from the 70's and 80's) perform at the Waikoloa Night's inaugural concert at their new outdoor concert venue. What an awesome concert it was. They haven't lost a beat, even without their group's founder, Maurice White. The horn section was crisp sounding and the vocals lead by the one and only falsettoist Phillip Bailey left the crowd in amazement.

Kudo's and mahalo to the concert organizers. It was an opportune time for us locals to blow our stimulus checks and to get away for a weekend. How appropriate that it was on 'Labor Day.' The outdoor amphitheatre like environment reminded me of the Waikiki Shell. The lawn area, neatly manicured bermuda type golf course grass and easy on the okoles, sloped down onto the reserved seating area fronting the huge stage. Of course, the weather was your typical Waikoloa/Kona evening. It was a great idea to keep the beer garden seperate from the seating area as many of our friends hung out there for most of the evenings, either getting hammered or just catching up with pals from around the island. They also had choke ono ono local grinds from neighboring restaurants.

It was a nice island get together of sorts as we ran into choke friends we hardly see in town. It had a nice ambience of the Big Island's character. People of all ages and generations were dancing up a storm and enjoying all of their hits. Even the extended instrumentals were something to appreciate, showing the band's diversity. For $50, it was a steal. We can hardly wait for the next concert there. As we were discussing who'd be successful there, the likes of C&K's reunion, the Eagles, the Stones, and a reggae type fest would definitely draw. Hurry up and plan the next gig. I'll be there.........along with my alcoholic buddies again! Lastly, to all of my millions of viewers, mahalo for frequently checking my blog and our happenings here in paradise on the Big Island.