Thursday, January 29, 2009
Next Week: Blackout!! Part II: What To do to Prepare for Power Outage
At our January support group meeting, we discussed what people learned because of the island-wide blackout that happened day after Christmas last year. I will attempt to describe what the group discussed on this topic. Please think of your own blackout experience and share them in the "Comments" section right following the blog. Looking forward to this next one and hope you are, too!
BLACKOUT!!! Experiences and Tips on How to Cope
This will be a three-part blog. First, I will share my blackout experience plus those of three other Oahu families. Next week, I will outline some practical tips on how to prepare for power outage situations. The week following, I will discuss a common power replacements, mainly generators. At the end of these installments, I will ask you to share your thoughts on the topics in the "comments" section at the bottom of the blog because the main idea of these blogs is to exchange information and learn from each other.
We moved Britt to the hallway where the emergency lights were on within the inside maze of faculty offices. Beyond the big open double doors of the maze, the yellow glimmer emanating from the emergency lights spaced farther apart provided some illumination. We heard loud footsteps and voices in the courtyard and stairwell. I could tell Alpha was as wary as I was. Darkness, loud noises and footsteps in the dark on a rainy night in a mostly empty campus can be a spooky combination. Within a few minutes, to our relief, Lloyd, a graduate student carrying a dim flashlight came by. None of us were sure of the campus security number so Alpha went into the office to look for it in the staff directory. When I got security on the phone, I asked for a couple of security guards to help us bring Britt down to the ground floor in his wheelchair. The lady kindly said they couldn't spare anyone as everybody was out responding to all sorts of alarms that were ringing throughout campus. They would only respond to emergencies. They didn't think Britt in his wheelchair marooned on the second floor of a dark building, accompanied by two women armed with only cell phone lights and a grad student with a dim flashlight, was one. I suddenly remembered that our son, Tom, was in nearby Kahala hanging out with friends, so I called him. Fortunately, he was with six of his Iolani buddies, and could come right away. Ten minutes of waiting seemed an eternity in the darkened hallway so I said I was going to get my flashlight, which I knew would be brighter than Lloyd's, from the van. Alpha, the city girl from Hongkong, would not let me go by myself so, replacing her high heels with a pair of flip flops and taking a big serving fork from our silverware drawer, she accompanied me down the really dark stairwell into the parking lot. We had left Britt in Lloyd's care.
The brightness from my trusty flashlight stabbing the pitch black of the parking lot was such a relief! Back upstairs while rescuing the abandoned dishes from the bathroom, we heard hearty laughter outside in the hallway. I recognized Tom's voice; it never sounded sweeter. When everyone got positioned, gently and slowly, several pairs of hands carried Britt down four flights of stairs. We met some friends in the stairway with whom we talked story, further relieving the tension of the last half hour. We finally got Britt into the van and soon, we were driving off through the unusually dark, a-bit- confused streets of Honolulu, with Alpha planning to drop her off in the safe company of her friends.
The island-wide blackout meant other people with ALS on Oahu were just as affected. Ken Ching described his and Sherry's experience in an email:
We were in Kaneohe when it happened. Went directly home and of course we could not get into our
apartment. I walked up and got her meds and whatever to keep her comfortable in the car. (We had to use Pali Momi's bathroom).When we were through using Pali Momi Hospital's bathroom we parked in their handicap stall for a little more than an hour. We had the security guard's permission- in fact they invited us to park there and said they would watch out for us. We left there after I started coughing - realizing I did not take my antihistamines and we drove back to the apt. I got my meds and Sherry's plus the things to make her comfortable. When I went back down the Security guards told us to park at the pool so we could use the bathroom if needed. I moved to the pool and parked. We did not have dinner and of course I was hungry- Sherry does not need much food. I went back up to get a snack and the emergency radio and the lights went back on at about 1030. I took the elevator down and moved the car to the front to take her up to the apt. Parked and then the power went off. I decided to stay in front and we camped there until 2:30 am when the power finally came on for good. Of course we slept most of the day. A little adventure when you consider that it could be worse when comparing it to being lost at sea. Here you are on land surrounded by resources and choke with people to help.
Rick and Mineko's experience was a little bit more concerning but turned out to be not too bad with help from friends and friendly (and buff!) firefighters. In an email, Rick wrote:
We had an exciting blackout experience as well. My wife, Mineko, wanted to work late, but I was kind of nervous about all the thunder and lightning and rain so she came home a little bit early. Five minutes after coming home, "poof" the lights went out. We thought we were prepared with my backup marine battery and also another backup battery for my BiPAP. We figured we had about 10 hours worth of electricity to run my BiPAP machine. We to do KSSK and realize soon that it was islandwide and after the last experience from the earthquake, we knew it might be 20 to 24 hours before power came back on. So, we knew we'd have to get to [the hospital] somehow. At the same time I had nurses and friends calling to check on me. Everyone suggested that we leave for the hospital as soon as possible and not wait until my batteries were almost drained of power. So we called the 911 service and ambulance and fire came within 10 minutes. The firemen put me in a chair and carried me down 17 flights of stairs. And ambulance, thankfully, was willing to take me to Kaiser Hospital. I know most of the people at Kaiser Hospital so they were ready for me when we got there. I spent a relatively comfortable night at the hospital. Mineko, unfortunately, had to sleep in the chair next to me. We finally came home using the "Five-star transport service" at around 5:30 PM Saturday. It was a long and interesting experience. We learned a lot and now realize that we probably need a backup generator and some kind of uninterrupted power source for my BiPAP machine. But we are safe and sound now and blessed that we had so many angels and caregivers looking out for us.
Lisa Yamaguchi's family had a more difficult experience. In a phone call, Dad Richard told me (I am paraphrasing here):
I knew Lisa's vent backup battery was broken. Earlier that month, I told the respiratory therapist that but told them no rush. When the blackout occurred, I immediately regretted having said that. We knew we had half an hour of power in the vent. So we called 911. The ambulance came and took Lisa and Jane (Lisa's mom) to the hospital. I followed in my car in the traffic. On the way, I learned that Lisa was refused admission at Pali Momi because their ER was overflowing. Same with Kaiser. Finally, Queen's admitted her but they said it was fortunate she had her own vent because the hospital has run out of them.
These experiences tell us that, in case of disturbances in the normal course of life such as a blackout, people like us have plenty of good stories to tell our friends and grandchildren. But, more importantly, we need to be prepared so we are not caught unawares.
In next week's installment, we will tackle "Things we should have done to prepare for a blackout, so we don't kick ourselves in the dark." Meanwhile, please share your "blackout!" stories...
I.
It happened unexpectedly the day after Christmas. This was a typical Friday afternoon at the UH Manoa campus during Christmas break. A few students in the Social Sciences building were hanging out in the 7-floor edifice while most were either on vacation or have already started their weekend. There was reportedly a thunderstorm raging outside but inside Britt's office, we were made oblivious by central airconditioning and window blinds. Moments before the blackout, we - Britt, Alpha (his student assistant) and I - were performing the last few rituals of a day at the office. Britt was listening to politico.com while Alpha was straightening his desk. As was my practice at the end of the day, I was in the department second floor bathroom, washing dishware used that day when suddenly, I thought I suffered a stroke and became blind! I could feel the cool water running over my hands but I could not see a thing! Abandoning the dishes in the bathroom and glad that I know I was still able to walk, I groped out into the hallway where there was some glimmer of light. Happy to note that it was the lights and not me that had gone blind, I walked to Britt's office. Inside, it was pitch black except for the tiny glare of Alpha's cellphone.We moved Britt to the hallway where the emergency lights were on within the inside maze of faculty offices. Beyond the big open double doors of the maze, the yellow glimmer emanating from the emergency lights spaced farther apart provided some illumination. We heard loud footsteps and voices in the courtyard and stairwell. I could tell Alpha was as wary as I was. Darkness, loud noises and footsteps in the dark on a rainy night in a mostly empty campus can be a spooky combination. Within a few minutes, to our relief, Lloyd, a graduate student carrying a dim flashlight came by. None of us were sure of the campus security number so Alpha went into the office to look for it in the staff directory. When I got security on the phone, I asked for a couple of security guards to help us bring Britt down to the ground floor in his wheelchair. The lady kindly said they couldn't spare anyone as everybody was out responding to all sorts of alarms that were ringing throughout campus. They would only respond to emergencies. They didn't think Britt in his wheelchair marooned on the second floor of a dark building, accompanied by two women armed with only cell phone lights and a grad student with a dim flashlight, was one. I suddenly remembered that our son, Tom, was in nearby Kahala hanging out with friends, so I called him. Fortunately, he was with six of his Iolani buddies, and could come right away. Ten minutes of waiting seemed an eternity in the darkened hallway so I said I was going to get my flashlight, which I knew would be brighter than Lloyd's, from the van. Alpha, the city girl from Hongkong, would not let me go by myself so, replacing her high heels with a pair of flip flops and taking a big serving fork from our silverware drawer, she accompanied me down the really dark stairwell into the parking lot. We had left Britt in Lloyd's care.
The brightness from my trusty flashlight stabbing the pitch black of the parking lot was such a relief! Back upstairs while rescuing the abandoned dishes from the bathroom, we heard hearty laughter outside in the hallway. I recognized Tom's voice; it never sounded sweeter. When everyone got positioned, gently and slowly, several pairs of hands carried Britt down four flights of stairs. We met some friends in the stairway with whom we talked story, further relieving the tension of the last half hour. We finally got Britt into the van and soon, we were driving off through the unusually dark, a-bit- confused streets of Honolulu, with Alpha planning to drop her off in the safe company of her friends.
The island-wide blackout meant other people with ALS on Oahu were just as affected. Ken Ching described his and Sherry's experience in an email:
We were in Kaneohe when it happened. Went directly home and of course we could not get into our
apartment. I walked up and got her meds and whatever to keep her comfortable in the car. (We had to use Pali Momi's bathroom).When we were through using Pali Momi Hospital's bathroom we parked in their handicap stall for a little more than an hour. We had the security guard's permission- in fact they invited us to park there and said they would watch out for us. We left there after I started coughing - realizing I did not take my antihistamines and we drove back to the apt. I got my meds and Sherry's plus the things to make her comfortable. When I went back down the Security guards told us to park at the pool so we could use the bathroom if needed. I moved to the pool and parked. We did not have dinner and of course I was hungry- Sherry does not need much food. I went back up to get a snack and the emergency radio and the lights went back on at about 1030. I took the elevator down and moved the car to the front to take her up to the apt. Parked and then the power went off. I decided to stay in front and we camped there until 2:30 am when the power finally came on for good. Of course we slept most of the day. A little adventure when you consider that it could be worse when comparing it to being lost at sea. Here you are on land surrounded by resources and choke with people to help.
Rick and Mineko's experience was a little bit more concerning but turned out to be not too bad with help from friends and friendly (and buff!) firefighters. In an email, Rick wrote:
We had an exciting blackout experience as well. My wife, Mineko, wanted to work late, but I was kind of nervous about all the thunder and lightning and rain so she came home a little bit early. Five minutes after coming home, "poof" the lights went out. We thought we were prepared with my backup marine battery and also another backup battery for my BiPAP. We figured we had about 10 hours worth of electricity to run my BiPAP machine. We to do KSSK and realize soon that it was islandwide and after the last experience from the earthquake, we knew it might be 20 to 24 hours before power came back on. So, we knew we'd have to get to [the hospital] somehow. At the same time I had nurses and friends calling to check on me. Everyone suggested that we leave for the hospital as soon as possible and not wait until my batteries were almost drained of power. So we called the 911 service and ambulance and fire came within 10 minutes. The firemen put me in a chair and carried me down 17 flights of stairs. And ambulance, thankfully, was willing to take me to Kaiser Hospital. I know most of the people at Kaiser Hospital so they were ready for me when we got there. I spent a relatively comfortable night at the hospital. Mineko, unfortunately, had to sleep in the chair next to me. We finally came home using the "Five-star transport service" at around 5:30 PM Saturday. It was a long and interesting experience. We learned a lot and now realize that we probably need a backup generator and some kind of uninterrupted power source for my BiPAP machine. But we are safe and sound now and blessed that we had so many angels and caregivers looking out for us.
Lisa Yamaguchi's family had a more difficult experience. In a phone call, Dad Richard told me (I am paraphrasing here):
I knew Lisa's vent backup battery was broken. Earlier that month, I told the respiratory therapist that but told them no rush. When the blackout occurred, I immediately regretted having said that. We knew we had half an hour of power in the vent. So we called 911. The ambulance came and took Lisa and Jane (Lisa's mom) to the hospital. I followed in my car in the traffic. On the way, I learned that Lisa was refused admission at Pali Momi because their ER was overflowing. Same with Kaiser. Finally, Queen's admitted her but they said it was fortunate she had her own vent because the hospital has run out of them.
These experiences tell us that, in case of disturbances in the normal course of life such as a blackout, people like us have plenty of good stories to tell our friends and grandchildren. But, more importantly, we need to be prepared so we are not caught unawares.
In next week's installment, we will tackle "Things we should have done to prepare for a blackout, so we don't kick ourselves in the dark." Meanwhile, please share your "blackout!" stories...
Thursday, January 22, 2009
For Next Week's Blog: BLACKOUT!!!!
In keeping with my hope that I can post a weekly blog, please anticipate with me the topic of next week's blog: Blackout!!!
In view of the recent island-wide blackout that occurred the day after Christmas, several issues have come up with regards our preparedness in the event this emergency occurs again. It was one of the topics that came up in last Tuesday's meeting. I thought it is a topic worth talking about in our blogsite.
In view of the recent island-wide blackout that occurred the day after Christmas, several issues have come up with regards our preparedness in the event this emergency occurs again. It was one of the topics that came up in last Tuesday's meeting. I thought it is a topic worth talking about in our blogsite.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A December to (most definitely!) Remember
It was a hectic December (not counting the prep time in November!). It was chockablock of hard work rewarded by loads of fun. Look at how busy we were:
1. Caroling Practice - At the beginning of December, a group of us die-hard carolers met to practice our repertoire. Organized a year ago as a project between the University of the Philippines Alumni Association-Hawaii (UPAA-H) and the MDA ALS support group, this merry band of troubadours was joined this year by young men and women from the Singles for Christ (SFC), led by Jon Ellis Pangilinan (also UPAA-H PRO). We met for practice at UH Saunders Hall one evening and fueled by Zippy’s chili and turkey sandwiches prepared by our own Nancy Fujino, we belted out one carol after another. We don’t know if the final exam takers at the classroom next door were delighted or not, but we sure sang our hearts out.
2. First “Dress Rehearsal” at Nurse Advocates and Mentors, Inc. (NAMI) graduation – We didn’t wait too long after rehearsal to foist our singing on a real audience. The following day, we displayed our talents at the graduation of the NCLEX-RN review sponsored by NAMI held at Filcom Center. As self-appointed leader of the group, I explained to the crowd of families and mostly Filipino nurses, what the group was about – our mission to spread Christmas cheer through music to all who would listen but especially to members of our MDA ALS support group who were home-bound. Since we were also trying to raise money for our HALSSGO activities, I passed around a Christmas stocking “with string attached” (literally!).
Another serious group. Bah, humbug! The group was joined by Consul Paul Cortes (second from the right in suit) of the Philippine Consulate General. Maybe because of his company, we were able to raise $94 this evening! Consul Paul, we’ll have you anytime!
3. Second “Dress Rehearsal” at UPAA-HI Christmas Party – That Sunday, December 7, we reprised our outstanding selection of Christmas carols at the annual Christmas party of the UPAA-HI held at the Philippine Consulate General lanai. To our delight, the audience joined us in the caroling! It was a night to remember as we joined the UP alums winning gifts in the raffle fundraiser, making mini-parols (Christmas star) and enjoying the sumptuous buffet. Only the lechon (roasted pig) carcass was left as evidence of the merriment that occurred that evening at the mansion on Pali Highway!
4. MDA ALS Support Group Party – The Tuesday following, it was our turn to make merry at the Philippine Consulate General Lanai. Thanks to Consul General Ariel Abadilla, we became the only (hmmmm, maybe just the first) non-Filipino group to be have been granted the use of the lanai. With the embers of merriment (read: Christmas decor) from the UPAA party the Sunday before still flickering, ours followed a similar festive path but with some distinctly HALLSGO traits. First, all sorts of headgear appeared. Santa hats and mutated reindeer antlers (generally, ones inspired by commercial DNA) adorned many a head. A “cool dude” Santa in red hapi coat and holding a folded Japanese fan orchestrated the “Win-win Raffle” while MDA Health Care Services Coordinator Jennifer Li tapped audience members to pick the winning numbers. Wonderful friends such as Laura Steelquist of HiMed and Pam Fujimoto of Tripler MC donated pahhhhhlenty of prizes! And many more donated cash! Muchos majalos, to all of you!
We had a one-man band made up of two people. Dr. Gerry of Convalescent Center of Hawaii and his sidekick, Ernie, provided music and entertainment. Guest of honor Daniela Minerbi played the piano and our new friend, Consul Lulu Tabamo gave an inspiring talk. The dear mainstay of ALS Christmas parties, Penny Chun’s Christmas angel craft corner, delighted the young and the, ah, “always young.”
After having so much practice, our caroling group strutted our stuff. I danced myself breathless, of course. And as always, Gyotaku’s catered food (thanks to MDA for providing) and our own homemade desserts capped the evening. There was sooooo much fun, the time went by quickly and soon, it was time to distribute the leftovers and clean up.
There were many people without whose magnificent aloha, our Christmas party would not have been as enjoyable. To each of them we sent “thank you” cards.
5. Finally! Caroling night – We hadn’t even started singing and it was already pouring all over the island. The downpour did not stop us anyway. The group was divided between Leeward and East Honolulu. Three homebound families were visited by each group. The east Honolulu group mother-henned by Nancy Fujino and Jennifer Li visited the Warrens in Hawaii Kai, the Hinds in Moiliili and the Rakers in Nuuanu. Several members of SFC and the guitarist, Jon Ellis Pangilinan, joined them.
Meanwhile, in the Moanalua-Aiea area, an all MDA ALS star cast of Paul and Dale Mahi, Brad and Penny Chun, Kathleen Hanson, and moi were joined by UPAA’s Rose Zabanal and Ray Liongson, our guitarist. We packed into Paul’s minivan and chugged from the Hanson-Ching’s to the Chun-Kam’s and finally, to the Meckstroth’s. The entertainment was not just one –way as Ken Ching treated us to the haunting music of a nose flute and Jennie Chun tickled the keys to “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” And, of course, there were punch and cookies for the road!
Like anything worthwhile doing accomplished, the road ended in gastronomically enchanting places. East Honolulu made their way to Kenny’s while The Leeward group tried exotic Souvaly’s in Pearl City. In the end, everyone went home sated and happy that a good deed was done this very unlikely night!
6. Christmas Cookie-baking with Master Cookie Monster Cathy Anderson – You could tell with all the equipment she brought with her to my house, either she was a professional pastry chef or a mom whose children adored her cookies. She was both. Cathy showed novices Rose Zabanal and me and experienced Nancy Fujino how to bake Christmas treats AND how to box them in an, ohhh so delicious!, manner. This project took many hours and two heat blisters on Cathy’s fingers. It started in the afternoon and wasn’t done till 10PM. But it was worth the sweat! We were able to fill eight red boxes tied up in beautiful gold and red bows! After this experience, I couldn’t look at cookies quite the same way.
7. The Nutcracker c/o Ballet Hawaii – We were there! Never mind that it was a dress rehearsal. It was THE Ballet Hawaii dress rehearsal, which meant it was like seeing the real thing. Thanks to Jennifer Li, who organized this activity, fifty of us, including our families and friends, came, watched and went home, culturified balletomanes. My granddaughter did her version of plie for days.
8. Remember the Cookies? – On Christmas eve, Nancy and I delivered the cookies to eight families – the Valentis, Hinds, Rakers, Warrens, Meckstroths, Hanson-Chings, Yamaguchis, and Chun-Kams. We stayed too long chatting with gossip-starved Mary Valenti, got lost looking for the Warrens in the daytime, wished the entire Chun brood “Merry Christmas” at Jennie and Warren’s home and got verrrry lost looking for the Meckstroth’s. We saved the last box of cookies for Lisa and her family who were knee-deep in preparation for a big Yamaguchi family get together at their home for Christmas the next day. It was late when I got home at half past eight. But Nancy and I were happy to have brought our Christmas cookies to our home-bound friends. We will always have their happy faces in our hearts. And for you, the photos from our camera!
And that, friends, is how we approached Christmas, the holiest of birthdays: lots of giving and receiving. The best part is we get to repeat this ritual again at the end of the year! And we have the whole year to cook up our next Christmas plans.
1. Caroling Practice - At the beginning of December, a group of us die-hard carolers met to practice our repertoire. Organized a year ago as a project between the University of the Philippines Alumni Association-Hawaii (UPAA-H) and the MDA ALS support group, this merry band of troubadours was joined this year by young men and women from the Singles for Christ (SFC), led by Jon Ellis Pangilinan (also UPAA-H PRO). We met for practice at UH Saunders Hall one evening and fueled by Zippy’s chili and turkey sandwiches prepared by our own Nancy Fujino, we belted out one carol after another. We don’t know if the final exam takers at the classroom next door were delighted or not, but we sure sang our hearts out.
2. First “Dress Rehearsal” at Nurse Advocates and Mentors, Inc. (NAMI) graduation – We didn’t wait too long after rehearsal to foist our singing on a real audience. The following day, we displayed our talents at the graduation of the NCLEX-RN review sponsored by NAMI held at Filcom Center. As self-appointed leader of the group, I explained to the crowd of families and mostly Filipino nurses, what the group was about – our mission to spread Christmas cheer through music to all who would listen but especially to members of our MDA ALS support group who were home-bound. Since we were also trying to raise money for our HALSSGO activities, I passed around a Christmas stocking “with string attached” (literally!).
Another serious group. Bah, humbug! The group was joined by Consul Paul Cortes (second from the right in suit) of the Philippine Consulate General. Maybe because of his company, we were able to raise $94 this evening! Consul Paul, we’ll have you anytime!
3. Second “Dress Rehearsal” at UPAA-HI Christmas Party – That Sunday, December 7, we reprised our outstanding selection of Christmas carols at the annual Christmas party of the UPAA-HI held at the Philippine Consulate General lanai. To our delight, the audience joined us in the caroling! It was a night to remember as we joined the UP alums winning gifts in the raffle fundraiser, making mini-parols (Christmas star) and enjoying the sumptuous buffet. Only the lechon (roasted pig) carcass was left as evidence of the merriment that occurred that evening at the mansion on Pali Highway!
4. MDA ALS Support Group Party – The Tuesday following, it was our turn to make merry at the Philippine Consulate General Lanai. Thanks to Consul General Ariel Abadilla, we became the only (hmmmm, maybe just the first) non-Filipino group to be have been granted the use of the lanai. With the embers of merriment (read: Christmas decor) from the UPAA party the Sunday before still flickering, ours followed a similar festive path but with some distinctly HALLSGO traits. First, all sorts of headgear appeared. Santa hats and mutated reindeer antlers (generally, ones inspired by commercial DNA) adorned many a head. A “cool dude” Santa in red hapi coat and holding a folded Japanese fan orchestrated the “Win-win Raffle” while MDA Health Care Services Coordinator Jennifer Li tapped audience members to pick the winning numbers. Wonderful friends such as Laura Steelquist of HiMed and Pam Fujimoto of Tripler MC donated pahhhhhlenty of prizes! And many more donated cash! Muchos majalos, to all of you!
We had a one-man band made up of two people. Dr. Gerry of Convalescent Center of Hawaii and his sidekick, Ernie, provided music and entertainment. Guest of honor Daniela Minerbi played the piano and our new friend, Consul Lulu Tabamo gave an inspiring talk. The dear mainstay of ALS Christmas parties, Penny Chun’s Christmas angel craft corner, delighted the young and the, ah, “always young.”
After having so much practice, our caroling group strutted our stuff. I danced myself breathless, of course. And as always, Gyotaku’s catered food (thanks to MDA for providing) and our own homemade desserts capped the evening. There was sooooo much fun, the time went by quickly and soon, it was time to distribute the leftovers and clean up.
There were many people without whose magnificent aloha, our Christmas party would not have been as enjoyable. To each of them we sent “thank you” cards.
5. Finally! Caroling night – We hadn’t even started singing and it was already pouring all over the island. The downpour did not stop us anyway. The group was divided between Leeward and East Honolulu. Three homebound families were visited by each group. The east Honolulu group mother-henned by Nancy Fujino and Jennifer Li visited the Warrens in Hawaii Kai, the Hinds in Moiliili and the Rakers in Nuuanu. Several members of SFC and the guitarist, Jon Ellis Pangilinan, joined them.
Meanwhile, in the Moanalua-Aiea area, an all MDA ALS star cast of Paul and Dale Mahi, Brad and Penny Chun, Kathleen Hanson, and moi were joined by UPAA’s Rose Zabanal and Ray Liongson, our guitarist. We packed into Paul’s minivan and chugged from the Hanson-Ching’s to the Chun-Kam’s and finally, to the Meckstroth’s. The entertainment was not just one –way as Ken Ching treated us to the haunting music of a nose flute and Jennie Chun tickled the keys to “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” And, of course, there were punch and cookies for the road!
Like anything worthwhile doing accomplished, the road ended in gastronomically enchanting places. East Honolulu made their way to Kenny’s while The Leeward group tried exotic Souvaly’s in Pearl City. In the end, everyone went home sated and happy that a good deed was done this very unlikely night!
6. Christmas Cookie-baking with Master Cookie Monster Cathy Anderson – You could tell with all the equipment she brought with her to my house, either she was a professional pastry chef or a mom whose children adored her cookies. She was both. Cathy showed novices Rose Zabanal and me and experienced Nancy Fujino how to bake Christmas treats AND how to box them in an, ohhh so delicious!, manner. This project took many hours and two heat blisters on Cathy’s fingers. It started in the afternoon and wasn’t done till 10PM. But it was worth the sweat! We were able to fill eight red boxes tied up in beautiful gold and red bows! After this experience, I couldn’t look at cookies quite the same way.
7. The Nutcracker c/o Ballet Hawaii – We were there! Never mind that it was a dress rehearsal. It was THE Ballet Hawaii dress rehearsal, which meant it was like seeing the real thing. Thanks to Jennifer Li, who organized this activity, fifty of us, including our families and friends, came, watched and went home, culturified balletomanes. My granddaughter did her version of plie for days.
8. Remember the Cookies? – On Christmas eve, Nancy and I delivered the cookies to eight families – the Valentis, Hinds, Rakers, Warrens, Meckstroths, Hanson-Chings, Yamaguchis, and Chun-Kams. We stayed too long chatting with gossip-starved Mary Valenti, got lost looking for the Warrens in the daytime, wished the entire Chun brood “Merry Christmas” at Jennie and Warren’s home and got verrrry lost looking for the Meckstroth’s. We saved the last box of cookies for Lisa and her family who were knee-deep in preparation for a big Yamaguchi family get together at their home for Christmas the next day. It was late when I got home at half past eight. But Nancy and I were happy to have brought our Christmas cookies to our home-bound friends. We will always have their happy faces in our hearts. And for you, the photos from our camera!
And that, friends, is how we approached Christmas, the holiest of birthdays: lots of giving and receiving. The best part is we get to repeat this ritual again at the end of the year! And we have the whole year to cook up our next Christmas plans.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Deja vu: A Perspective Revisited
That Saturday evening at 11, I was ready to go to bed after spending most of the day baking Christmas cookies with Nancy, Rose Zabanal of UPAA and our "Barefoot Contessa" of cookies, Cathy Anderson but I couldn't resist checking my email. There it was: Paul's email announcing Daria's brain tumor surgery day after Christmas! It sounded very ominous: recently discovered, fast progression of symptoms pointing to a fast growing tumor. Naturally, I was shocked! Paul had explained Daria's absence at our Christmas party as Bell's Palsy - a nasty, virus-based illness, which can leave annoying slight residual symptoms but... brain tumor!?!!
It brought back memories of my own illness because of the similarities: the dreaded cancer, surgery around Christmas time and my husband living with an illness of his own. The memories swirling in my mind led me to my desk drawer, where I kept the original letter I wrote to friends and family that year when I was in the throes of undergoing breast cancer treatment.
At this time of the year when we pause to ponder the meaning of Christmas, I think it is appropriate to share it with you. Although it presents an individual perspective, the universality of fear AND hope when faced with a threat to one's mortality cannot be denied.
December 4, 1997
In three days, it will be exactly one month since the mastectomy. I look at the thin line on one side of my chest where my breast used to be and I know I am mending. In one way. In other ways, I am waiting for my private world to stop spinning so I can see where I am. And where Britt is. And Thomas, Zandra. And the rest of the world that I love and loved me back.
With heroic efforts, we tried to keep the flowers alive and like all mortal things, they slipped away. The wonderful dinners became leftovers and then they were gone, too. The greeting cards with their beautiful words of encouragement and support are somewhere in my little bag. The one with all the magazines, the books, the stampitas, loose change, video cards and the journal where I wrote "F" words in. I am sure the heavens were choked with smoke from jos sticks lit in Hongkong and candles in Spain. And God had an earful from novenas from the Philippines, prayers and good thoughts from Nepal, Micronesia, the mainland, Kauai. Everywhere friends, family and even strangers put in a good word. Everywhere where Britt's email SOS reached as he sought counsel, helping hands, prayers, information. Whatever. And got back much more.
It is staggering to be the object of so much love and concern. Me, the strong one. Me, the giver. It is a role I am not used to playing.
There are times I am able to locate my sense of humor. It is hard to live up to being half-Kate Moss and half-Dolly Parton. On others, I cry a little while I put feelings to words. Many times, I am afraid. Of dying. Of chaos. Of being nothing. Of a paper cut in the wrong arm.
Last night, I felt the need to walk down the street. Just to experience walks I've had before. I looked up the sky and saw the same star that was over me a month ago. It was only then I noticed it. But it must have been there long before then. As surely as life has always been. In one form or another. As surely as it is marching on now while I'm trying to keep in step. One wobbly step at a time.
Yes, life has gone on. So must I. So will I.
Thanks for being there for me and mine.
Love always, Divina
PS. May your Christmas and New Year be as blessed as you've made ours!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
If you didn't make it to the ALS Support Group Christmas Party at the Philippine Consulate this year, here are some of the things you missed out on....crazy holiday hats, Secret Santa Joe, a one-man band, 'ono food and desserts, dancing, piano playing, gift give aways, a caroling preview, and fun chatting with new friends and old.
ALS Support Group Christmas Party at the Philippine Consulate Tonight!
Tuesday, December 9 2008
WHAT: ALS Support Group Christmas Party
WHEN: Tonight, Tuesday, 12-9-08 at 6 pm (or earlier if you want to help set up!)
WHERE: Philippine Consulate
2433 Pali Hwy
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 595-6316
** Appear in Christmas colors with your Christmas paraphernalia (earrings, beads, etc.). To continue our beloved Peggy's idea of a fun Christmas costume - headgear! antlers preferred (but Santa hats, okey, too!)
** Bring a dessert dish to complete our Gyotaku meal!
** Come with your pahhhhty attitude and prepare to have a wonderful time!!!!!
To my dismay, I discovered that the restrooms at the consulate are NOT accessible. For some reason, because the lanai is flush with the ground, I thought everything was. There is a step-up to the bathrooms. Does anyone have a ramp we can borrow for anyone who needs it? Other than this oversight, the following are okey!:
1) Food: MDA is paying our our Gyotaku-catered menu of yummy stuff: mochiko chicken, yakitori, maki sushi, teri beef, rice, noodles, and namasu. Thanks to Jen's pake negotiating, MDA is getting a good deal! Penny is bringing oriental chicken salad and we all said we would be bringing desserts. I will bring a pan of my sister's famous bite size pecan pie-lettes! Nancy will make punch and Jen will bring the water cooler for it. There is a cold-water fountain at the lanai so no need bring water. Nancy and I will bring carafes for tea and coffee.
2) Raffled door prizes: the following have pledged to bring gifts:
John Wray - 2
Jennifer-3
Penny- 16 (yes!)
Joan matsukawa (KCC) - 1
Daniela Minerbi (KCC) - 1
Pat Nishimoto (Tripler)-5
Jessie- Koppel - unknown qty.
Laura Steelquist (HIMED) -1
Violeta Arnobit (Ace medical) -1
Divina - 5 GC's or Peggy calendars
Rouie Dumlao (my sister) - 1 Long's GC
Kathy O-christmas stockings
We'll make sure everybody goes home with something.
3) Additional revenue from 3 (three) sources: a)I passed the "Christmas stocking with string attached" last Wednesday at NAMI and got $94 cash. b) I emailed everyone in my eddress book and got the following monies pledged or checks made out to HALSSGO:
Auntie Myrna Rosales - 100
Lynn Wells - 100
Charon Pierson -50
Jennifer Nagtalon-30
Nelli Balingit-50
Nishihama and Kishida (Alton Miyashiro) - 100
Juo Leung - 30
and 3) Jessie Koppel - $300 pledge.
Folks, we need to send thank you's to these people as well as all who gave us gifts in many ways (above and as resource persons). I propose taking a group picture tomorrow with all our christmas regalia and make a card out of it to send to everyone.
3) Decor: UPAA left the stage decor on for our use. Our president will ask ConGen to have us use the chandliers and the PA system tomorrow. I will get poinsettias in pots to decorate the planter boxes and to raflle away as door prizes. Sundry decorations. I will be at the consulate as early as possible tomorrow to set-up tables/chairs. We need somebody at the reception table for nametags and taking attendance esp to take down mailing addresses for TY's. NEED VOLUNTEER. We will set up 7 long dinner tables and 2 tables for buffet.
4) Programme: Can we have someone do an invocation? at yesterday's UPAA party, one of our alum read a poem by Maddie Stepanek from his heartsongs. it was very touching! We will have Kathy O's friend the one-man band, a short holiday game engineered by Kathy O, a piano rendition by Daniela Minerbi and a few words from a representative of Philippine Consulate (probably Consul Paul Cortes who sang a stunning Christmas song last nite). We will also have an, ahem, dress rehearsal from our Singing Christmas Troubadours - some from our group and some from UPAA.
If I have forgotten anything/anybody, please let me know! Meanwhile, Cathy Anderson and I are planning the cookie baking for Wednesday for the 7 families we are visiting on Thursday.
Okey, reindeer and elves, see you all tonight ready to have fun, food and festivities!
WHAT: ALS Support Group Christmas Party
WHEN: Tonight, Tuesday, 12-9-08 at 6 pm (or earlier if you want to help set up!)
WHERE: Philippine Consulate
2433 Pali Hwy
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 595-6316
** Appear in Christmas colors with your Christmas paraphernalia (earrings, beads, etc.). To continue our beloved Peggy's idea of a fun Christmas costume - headgear! antlers preferred (but Santa hats, okey, too!)
** Bring a dessert dish to complete our Gyotaku meal!
** Come with your pahhhhty attitude and prepare to have a wonderful time!!!!!
To my dismay, I discovered that the restrooms at the consulate are NOT accessible. For some reason, because the lanai is flush with the ground, I thought everything was. There is a step-up to the bathrooms. Does anyone have a ramp we can borrow for anyone who needs it? Other than this oversight, the following are okey!:
1) Food: MDA is paying our our Gyotaku-catered menu of yummy stuff: mochiko chicken, yakitori, maki sushi, teri beef, rice, noodles, and namasu. Thanks to Jen's pake negotiating, MDA is getting a good deal! Penny is bringing oriental chicken salad and we all said we would be bringing desserts. I will bring a pan of my sister's famous bite size pecan pie-lettes! Nancy will make punch and Jen will bring the water cooler for it. There is a cold-water fountain at the lanai so no need bring water. Nancy and I will bring carafes for tea and coffee.
2) Raffled door prizes: the following have pledged to bring gifts:
John Wray - 2
Jennifer-3
Penny- 16 (yes!)
Joan matsukawa (KCC) - 1
Daniela Minerbi (KCC) - 1
Pat Nishimoto (Tripler)-5
Jessie- Koppel - unknown qty.
Laura Steelquist (HIMED) -1
Violeta Arnobit (Ace medical) -1
Divina - 5 GC's or Peggy calendars
Rouie Dumlao (my sister) - 1 Long's GC
Kathy O-christmas stockings
We'll make sure everybody goes home with something.
3) Additional revenue from 3 (three) sources: a)I passed the "Christmas stocking with string attached" last Wednesday at NAMI and got $94 cash. b) I emailed everyone in my eddress book and got the following monies pledged or checks made out to HALSSGO:
Auntie Myrna Rosales - 100
Lynn Wells - 100
Charon Pierson -50
Jennifer Nagtalon-30
Nelli Balingit-50
Nishihama and Kishida (Alton Miyashiro) - 100
Juo Leung - 30
and 3) Jessie Koppel - $300 pledge.
Folks, we need to send thank you's to these people as well as all who gave us gifts in many ways (above and as resource persons). I propose taking a group picture tomorrow with all our christmas regalia and make a card out of it to send to everyone.
3) Decor: UPAA left the stage decor on for our use. Our president will ask ConGen to have us use the chandliers and the PA system tomorrow. I will get poinsettias in pots to decorate the planter boxes and to raflle away as door prizes. Sundry decorations. I will be at the consulate as early as possible tomorrow to set-up tables/chairs. We need somebody at the reception table for nametags and taking attendance esp to take down mailing addresses for TY's. NEED VOLUNTEER. We will set up 7 long dinner tables and 2 tables for buffet.
4) Programme: Can we have someone do an invocation? at yesterday's UPAA party, one of our alum read a poem by Maddie Stepanek from his heartsongs. it was very touching! We will have Kathy O's friend the one-man band, a short holiday game engineered by Kathy O, a piano rendition by Daniela Minerbi and a few words from a representative of Philippine Consulate (probably Consul Paul Cortes who sang a stunning Christmas song last nite). We will also have an, ahem, dress rehearsal from our Singing Christmas Troubadours - some from our group and some from UPAA.
If I have forgotten anything/anybody, please let me know! Meanwhile, Cathy Anderson and I are planning the cookie baking for Wednesday for the 7 families we are visiting on Thursday.
Okey, reindeer and elves, see you all tonight ready to have fun, food and festivities!
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