A military wife dishes on food, fitness and motherhood.
Wordless Wednesday - First Day of School by Papaya Mom on October 18th, 2007
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Wordless Wednesday - New Nephew by Papaya Mom on August 1st, 2007
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Wordless Wednesday by Papaya Mom on August 29th, 2007
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Wordless Wednesday by Papaya Mom on April 2nd, 2008
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Wordless Wednesday - Bento by Papaya Mom on July 25th, 2007
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Yesterday Bumpa donned his wellington boots to go mow the lawn because he has a grass allergy and I promise you don’t want to see his itchy shins if he forgets to wear them. Then again you may also not want to see a grown man wearing shorts and wellingtons but in that case I suggest you avoid our front yard every other weekend at mowing time.
Maya knows these boots by a different name - barn boots. Everyone wears them to go over to the barn at her Grandma and Grandpa’s house. There it is less about any allergy to grass and more about avoiding that special cow feces between the toes feeling when working with the girls (they are almost all girls - they make milk, remember?).
Maya looked at Bumpa yesterday darning his barn boots to go into our Hawaiian front yard - she asked him if he was going outside to milk the geckos.
He told her they would have to herd them first and it would be hard. His sense of humor has me rolling in laughter now, a day later, and I’m sure I’ll be giggling at both of them a week from now thinking of that little conversation.
Laughing is not appropriate by Papaya Mom on October 15th, 2007
when you are a children's librarian in a town that sits next to a military base, on an island with many military bases and a mother asks you about children's books on deployment.
Starting to get nervous by Papaya Mom on June 23rd, 2007
I'm moving to Hawaii in October as part of our new year of Navy moves.
Charles Memminger offends me, or does he? by Papaya Mom on June 24th, 2007
in my opinion of course.
BIKE by Papaya Mom on June 11th, 2007
I am dying for a bike when I make the move to Hawaii this fall.
Mooooooving by Papaya Mom on July 7th, 2007
As part of moving comes buying and purging - getting rid of things via Craigslist and the like, and also buying things for the next house.
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Today is Papaya’s third birthday and we threw a “messy” birthday party for over thirty children and parents. Yes, I am crazy. I’m also blessed with a lot of help (thanks Mom, Uncle Pono and Auntie Aute) and the beautiful home/yard and Hawaiian weather.
First - the cake - an amazing beauty from Cake Lava
Of course we had craft stations - but more important was the wild gecko hunting!
Back to what I can take credit for, first we had decorating your own ribbon wand with glue and glitter.
Second, painting with tempra on paper, a compost box and our bodies.
And….water play!
It was awesome - really. The children ran around in packs, and the parents caught up on good stories and ate great food (sandwiches, chips, pizza, fruit and veggies after the cake which we ate early).
I’m sure I’ll later have more poetic things to say about my girl growing up, how to throw this style of party or something but right now I want her to video chat with Adventure Dad in England and go to sleep so I can too!
The Kiss by Papaya Mom on December 12th, 2006
My brother Pono, and his Tahitian girlfriend who speaks a bunch of languages named Aute, are in Love/Lust/Love.
Taputapuatea Marai by Papaya Mom on August 25th, 2007
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Her teen years. by Papaya Mom on December 23rd, 2006
Every once in a while I feel like I'm getting a peek into that Crystal Ball that shows our future.
Vaimahuta Waterfall by Papaya Mom on August 20th, 2007
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Delish by Papaya Mom on July 19th, 2007
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A horrible crime happened in Hawaii today. Click here if you want to know about it.
In a discussion some people suggested that these are just the crimes that deserve the death penalty. I disagree. Since emotional topics tend to lead to emotional discussion I’m going to quote some nationally recognized groups who are working to abolish what I see as a scar on our society, a human rights abuse, and murder by each of us who choose to be part of this society without speaking up and working to eliminate this type of torture from the government of our country.
ACLU:
The death penalty is the ultimate denial of civil liberties. In the past 30 years, 124 inmates were found to be innocent and released from death row. The ACLU Capital Punishment Project is fighting for the end of the death penalty by supporting moratorium and repeal movements through public education and advocacy. We are engaged in systemic reform of the death penalty process, and case-specific litigation highlighting some of its fundamental flaws.
The death penalty is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. It violates the right to life. It is irrevocable and can be inflicted on the innocent. It has never been shown to deter crime more effectively than other punishments. It is used as a tool of political repression. Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and works for its abolition in all countries. This leaflet includes illustrative examples and further information.
Murder Victims Families for Reconciliation, Inc.
We oppose the death penalty for a variety of reasons — endless trials re-open emotional wounds and put off the time when real healing can begin, the vast resources and attention spent on the death penalty is better spent supporting victims and preventing crime in the first place, the risk of executing the innocent is too high a price to pay, biases of geography, race and class plague the system, executions create more families who have lost a loved one to killing, and many of us think it is just plain wrong for the state to kill.
The perfect first day by Papaya Mom on September 24th, 2007
It may have not been the perfect first day home, but it came as close as humanly possible.
Like saying you've never had the flu by Papaya Mom on October 28th, 2007
That is what happens when a tired Mommy blogs about having no time to blog.
Too Long by Papaya Mom on April 12th, 2008
It's been a bit too long since I updated and I appreciate if I've got any readers out there these days.
Like a fish out of water by Papaya Mom on October 13th, 2007
It's how I felt - without internet (on MY beloved Macintosh computer - I had access via my 'rents PC but PCs hate me and it's just not the same) for what I think may have been an eternity but Adventure Dad assures me was only a few weeks.
Saturday by Papaya Mom on February 16th, 2008
It is six a.
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At the Hawaii for Obama rally of course!
Did I hear the speeches? Only a few (including Maya Soerto-Ng!!!) but as usual for parents - I spent the second half of the event outside watching the Papaya run off her endless energy.
That is why I’m excited to get involved again with Families for Obama and start our ever so popular “Coffee and Campaigning Playgroups” here. It’s a chance for stay at home or working parents of small children can gather for a playgroup AND learn about the issues in this important election! Of course being Obama supporters we talk about why we think that Obama has what it takes to change our nation and make many of us proud to be part of this process and this nation again!!!
So, if your reading from Hawaii - come to playgroup. If your in another state check out Families for Obama and find out what is going on in your state!
Debate by Papaya Mom on June 4th, 2007
I'm bothered by the idea that Senator Clinton is called "the frontrunner" when I so truly believe my candidate is.
An Obamarific Day by Papaya Mom on April 19th, 2007
First.
Obamaniac by Papaya Mom on March 8th, 2007
My life has become busy in such a good way.
Fundraising by Papaya Mom on February 12th, 2007
I've made a big exciting commitment (no, I won't be sued for not making it) to fundraise for Obama '08.
Joining by Papaya Mom on November 19th, 2008
As I prepare myself to participate in the ongoing battle for Civil Rights as they pertain to the GLBT community I've joined a few organizations.
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A fellow blogger and real life (if you count the summer of our teenaged years which I do) friend pointed me to J. Peterman Catalog and I squealed with delight. I used to LOVE reading the catalog and dreaming of living the lives each piece embodied. Such creativity! Oh, an such price too.
Her dream dress is beautiful - but it is another I am drawn to. This blouse is what Adventure Dad would probably accuse a hippie like myself to want, and although I would totally wear it (in fact, I want it too) - this dress takes the cake in my humble opinion.
And really, who can resist the wonderful write-ups that come with each item?
Sunny afternoon in Wickapogue.
(People here value their privacy. The streets don’t appear on any map. Homeowners pick their house numbers by whim.)
Just a few hundred intimate friends on hand for a good cause, canapés among the rosebushes.
Castor Swilling and Mia Culp have flown in from the coast. All the power couples have showed up—the Bagbalms, the de Kays, the Thralls, the fun-loving Audibles. There’s the cream of the Beltway too, from Justice Hardly and Secretary Spinner to the indefatigable Snapper Balding.
But it’s you, my dear, who carries the day…the first woman in the Hamptons to sell one million dollars worth of raffle tickets.
You know how to dress for these things.
Floral Silk Dress (No. 1865). Sleeveless, mid-calf length confection of gossamer 10mm georgette lined in silk charmeuse (satin side against your body). High Empire waist with cummerbund pleats. Decorative self-covered buttons down the front. Eight godets for full sweep and irresistible flutter.
Women’s sizes: 4 through 16.
Color: Red and Yellow Roses with Green foliage, on Beige.
Um, uh, please stop? by Papaya Mom on September 6th, 2007
Maybe it's that Papaya woke up last night crying and proceeded to spend a few hours throwing up every twenty minutes or so, but today I'm a bit cranky.
College taught you... by Papaya Mom on September 3rd, 2007
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Why single moms don't blog by Papaya Mom on October 27th, 2007
(note: I in no way intend to offend anyone who is a rockin' single mom blogger)
sleep.
The Nonsense Story meme... by Papaya Mom on September 6th, 2007
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Monday will be eight years for Adventure Dad and I. There are so many words to express how important he is - and I promise to share them with him. Right now, I’m grateful that he’s safe and sound and my husband.
I knew this day would come by Papaya Mom on July 1st, 2007
when my daughter and husband would drive off in the the Jeep to go hiking without me.
Remembering by Papaya Mom on February 13th, 2007
Me: "Do you know what today is?"Adventure Dad: "The day before Valentines Day?"Me: "And.
First Hike of Spring by Papaya Mom on May 6th, 2007
Up early, bags packed with a great picnic we were on the road by eight a.
Like a fish out of water by Papaya Mom on October 13th, 2007
It's how I felt - without internet (on MY beloved Macintosh computer - I had access via my 'rents PC but PCs hate me and it's just not the same) for what I think may have been an eternity but Adventure Dad assures me was only a few weeks.
Mood Swings by Papaya Mom on April 24th, 2005
There are days when parenthood sucks.
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the Papaya said to me, sweeping away the tears as they ran down my face. We were watching him go through the TSA line at 6 a.m. - back to England for Adventure Dad.
I love Papaya - she’s sad in bits but honestly, she’s okay, she trusts that we said when Daddy is done with his Job that she’ll get to go to England (the land of Castles!) and “get him.” She’d like his job to be done “when the sun comes up tomorrow” but she accepts my explanation that it’s a big job and will take him a few months.
Most important? Love.
Like a fish out of water by Papaya Mom on October 13th, 2007
It's how I felt - without internet (on MY beloved Macintosh computer - I had access via my 'rents PC but PCs hate me and it's just not the same) for what I think may have been an eternity but Adventure Dad assures me was only a few weeks.
Laughing is not appropriate by Papaya Mom on October 15th, 2007
when you are a children's librarian in a town that sits next to a military base, on an island with many military bases and a mother asks you about children's books on deployment.
On the journey by Papaya Mom on October 6th, 2008
Papaya and I are on our journey each day.
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Monday - New Year’s Day! Leftover Phyllo-Free Spanikopita my Mama made 
Tuesday - Date night with Adventure Dad!!!
Wednesday - Adventure Dad’s last night home, so we’ll have Fish since thats what he’s in the mood for. He’s less than impressed with the deep-fried cod of England so we’ll do some Mahi Mahi steamed in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, green onions and dark sesame oil served with rice and a salad!
Thursday - Spaghetti for Papaya and I
Friday - Book Club! One of our members won a $75 in free Pizza from a local place so we’ll be knee deep in pizza including Kalua Pig and BBQ which is divine!
Saturday - Skillet Strata with Cheddar and Thyme (from my new gift cookbook! Thanks S & E )
Serves 6 to 8
Do not trim the crusts from the bread or the strata will be dense and eggy. Using a 10-inch skillet is crucial for the thickness and texture of this dish.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 onion, minced
Salt and ground black pepper
6 large eggs
11/2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
5 slices high-quality sandwich bread, cut into
1-inch squares
1. Heat oven and Cook Onion: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees. Melt butter in 10-inch ovensafe nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, swirling to coat skillet, until foaming subsides. Add onion and 1?2 teaspoon salt and cook until onion is softened and lightly browned, about 6 minutes.
2. Combine Egg Mixture: Meanwhile, in large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, thyme, and 1?4 teaspoon pepper together, then stir in cheese; set aside.
3. Toast Bread: Add bread to skillet and, using rubber spatula, carefully fold bread into onion mixture until evenly coated. Cook bread, folding occasionally, until lightly toasted, about 3 minutes.
4. Add Egg Mixture: Off heat, fold in egg mixture until slightly thickened and well combined with bread. Gently press on top of strata to help it soak up egg mixture.
5. Finish In Oven: Bake until edges and center are puffed and edges have pulled away slightly from sides of pan, about 12 minutes, and serve.
Sunday - Leftovers
Menu Plan Monday by Papaya Mom on September 3rd, 2007
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Meal Planning Monday by Papaya Mom on June 26th, 2007
Meal Planning Monday idea by .
Meal Planning Monday by Papaya Mom on July 2nd, 2007
Monday - we will eat out at Whole Foods Tonight while I grocery shop :)
Tuesday - .
We still eat by Papaya Mom on July 19th, 2007
here and there, even when I don't menu plan on Mondays.
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in wonderful ways, but my free time is often quite different than it was six months ago. I’m learning not to over-commit, and to let go of things like blogging when there are other more important issues at hand.
I’ve had a great month;
Adventure Dad is home on a two-week visit.
This is bittersweet. Papaya asked both her preschool teacher and Santa for “an airplane to bring my Daddy home” and she knew the mantra “as soon as Daddy is done with his work in England he’s going to get on a big plane, come over the ocean to hug you as fast as you can, he’ll be home for Christmas.” It was so much so in fact that when she woke up at 3:30 a.m. the night he came home she did not believe he was here, it was not Christmas morning yet. She settled in and spent a lot of time with him at first as she was too sick to attend and participate in my brother’s wedding so they spent 2 1/2 days home together while I was a bridesmaid extraordinare. We’ve gone through the usual mid-deployment arguments and enjoyed getting to know each other as a family again. She’s told him that it would be “naughty” to go back to England and told him to “go finish your jobs” in England - she knows he’s leaving again and I’m prepared to wipe a lot of tears.
My brother got married!
It was a wonderful whirlwind and I cried through almost the entire ceremony. My aunt wore the mumu that my own Tutu had worn to my wedding (almost eight years ago!) and that started my tears of joy. The bride was stunning and the ceremony so neat, the reception even more creative with the influence of her Tahitian family giving them their “marriage names” and naming their first child (giving the Tahitian names) be it a boy or girl (in a few more years I hope, not too quick!).
The Rainbow Warriors are going to play in the Sugar Bowl!
I’ve never been a big sports fan (other than the Wahine Volleyball Team) but it is impossible not to be wrapped up in the excitement of the game. We had a PERFECT season, our Quarterback is cooler than shiz and so local for a haole boy and, um, I dunno, but it’s exciting enough that even I am watching the game, and thats a miracle.
When Adventure Dad goes back to England and Papaya goes back to school - you’ll be “hearing” a lot more from me.
Thanks for reading my blog in 2007 - Ha’ouli Makahiki Hou and welcome to 2008.
The perfect first day by Papaya Mom on September 24th, 2007
It may have not been the perfect first day home, but it came as close as humanly possible.
Think the Gelato she ate might have sugar? by Papaya Mom on March 3rd, 2008
They (mermaids) were hiding in the seaweed
I remember that - when I was a dragon I could fly over the ocean.
Updates... by Papaya Mom on December 10th, 2007
Sleep is hard to come by, at night for me.
Like saying you've never had the flu by Papaya Mom on October 28th, 2007
That is what happens when a tired Mommy blogs about having no time to blog.
Sabrina knows her shit. by Papaya Mom on January 28th, 2007
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