SaYoNnArA KOIZUMI san.

Junichiro Koizumi, Japan's political leader for almost 6 years relinquishes power to Shinzo Abe.
A big time Elvis fan, Koizumi leaves office after having done a lot to get the country out of the recession it was in since the last couple of decades.
Don't really know how the locals are feeling about Mr Koizumi leaving office but his personality and character will probably be missed by other international leaders as he definately wasn't your typical staunch/reserved Japanese high ranking official. The guy had a pretty interesting sense of humor....
Fare thee well Koizumi san.

Ladies appreciate your husbands....

Because lately I have been very much in need of a good laugh and this provided it....

A woman home early and found her husband in their bedroom making love to a very attractive young lady.

The wife was VERY upset!

"You are a disrespectful pig!" she cried. "How dare you do this to me - a faithful wife, the mother of your children! I'm leaving you. I want a divorce straight away!"

And he replied: "Hang on just a minute luv, so at least I can tell you what happened"

"Fine, go ahead", she sobbed, " but know that they'll be the last words you'll ever say to me, as no explanation can justify what you have done!"

And he began: "Well, I was getting into the car to drive home and this young lady here asked me for a lift. She looked so down and out and defenceless that I took pity on her and let her into the car.

I noticed that she was very thin, not well dressed and very dirty.
She told me that she hadn't eaten for three days!
So, in my compassion, I brought her home and warmed up the enchiladas I made for you last night, the ones you wouldn't eat because you're afraid you'll put on weight.
The poor thing devoured them in a few minutes.

Since she needed a good clean-up I suggested a shower and while she was doing that I noticed her clothes were dirty and full of holes so I threw them away. Then, as she needed clothes, I gave her the designer jeans that you have had for a few years, but don't wear because you say they are too tight.

I also gave her the underwear that was your anniversary present, which you don't wear because you dislike them as I have no taste.

I found the sexy blouse my sister gave you for Christmas that you don't wear just to annoy her and I also donated those boots you bought at the expensive boutique and don't wear because someone at work has a pair like them.."

He took a quick breath and continued: "She was so grateful for my understanding and help and as I walked her to the door she turned to me with tears in her eyes and said...

"Please........do you have anything else that your wife doesn't use?"

Happy Birthday Daddy!

I spoke to you a few hours ago
and your voice almost broke my heart.
Barely audible... the first thing you said was
"How are you?" and the next "how is school?"
I wanted to talk with you a little bit longer
but you would not say much more.
But then you were always a silent person so I figured it was your way of avoiding getting too emotional.
I was barely able to wish you "Happy Birthday" before mom took over and ranted about the different foods you guys were having for your special day.
She talked on about who was coming and what they'd be bringing.
Laughing all the while at how you were scowling at those around for making such a big fuss over what you claim is just another day.

But it isn't just another day dad, it's your 80th Birthday and very much worthy of a celebration.The phone call ended on a high mom always knows what to say to make a person feel less guilty. Years of practice I guess.

Then as if propelled by some unseen force I called the US to speak to my sister Luisa. The two of us were the only children missing from the celebrations.
Can't remember what lead to what but all of a sudden I realized that our conversation had taken a devastating turn.

My sister had news for me that literally snatched my breath away.
I felt giddy as tears streamed down my face soaking my shirt.
She had called home last Friday and spoke with my eldest sister.
what was said to her which she has passed on to me is still ringing in my ears
the tears come unbidden again.

My dad is dying...(someone please wake me up) say it isn't so...he's a diabetic...though he has managed to keep it under control for many years... his lungs and kidneys are finally failing. His doctor has advised that the regiment of pills he has been taking has to be discontinued. They are too strong and his gradually weakened body is no longer responding to it.
They are not exactly sure how much time he has left, could be months, weeks or even days.
My dad loves dogs.

My head is spinning and I am trying hard not to cry, but its futile to resist the tears...my hands are shaking as endless thoughts race through my head. I am trying to process them rationally but I am on the verge breaking down.
My biggest fear has been realized
I know that I should have been more prepared for this.
I know everybody dies but it's hard to let go.

The last person I lost who I loved as much as my dad was my Uncle Tuigamala Iopu.
I miss him still everyday and I always wonder what it would have been like were he still alive.
The void he left in my heart is still painful even after ten years.
Since then I have not endured anything so heartbreaking.
I cried a river when my uncle departed how much more will satisfy my sorrow for my father?

My dad has never been one to trouble/impose or inconvenience anyone...anyone.
So I knew that my family weren't going to tell me, my dad would see to it that I would not know and therefore not worry.
Always putting others before his own needs.
It dawned on me why he didnt want to speak to me for long, it's not that he didn't have anything to say it but because he couldn't say it. I know it must be hard for him too.

But now I know and my grief is raw.
It's deep and painful like nothing I had ever experinced before.
My dad could slip away and I would be deprived of a chance to say good-bye..worse he would pass on without ever having met his youngest grandchild.
I am torn between catching the earliest flight home and staying on to complete what he has always encouraged us to do.
To get the best education we possibly can.

I think back to when I was young,
how strong my daddy was,
vibrant, solid, indestructible
How he was such an excellent and capable provider.
Upright, dignified and most of all filled with so much love and warmth
though the years have taken a toll on his health
his mind is still as sharp and alert as ever.

I drift back to the phone conversation with my sister.
She said she spoke with our father for almost 30 minutes the longest my dad has ever been on a call perhaps.
She told him that she knew of his condition.
He replied "I have lived many good years, The Lord has allowed me to live out my life in peace in the presence of those I love.
I have enjoyed my work and now am ready to rest. "


The tears come again like torrential rain splattering on the keyboard. My nose is clogged up so is my mind.
Being so far away I feel so hopeless...
I know realistically there is not much I can do except pray..

I know what I have to say just don't know how to put them into a coherent structure but there is a voice inside my head screaming "Lord please don't take my dad away, please give me the opportunity to see him. To hold him one last time, to kiss him goodbye, to say Forgive me...Thank you and I love you. Yes I am selfish, I know that death is the end of all men but please please just give me a little more time with him. I need it please Lord I need it. Please don't deny me..."

Dad please wait for me,
I want you to hold my lil girl and kiss her on the forehead like you used to with me.
Please dad don't leave me I can't graduate any earlier than March 2008,
I don't know if I will have the strength to continue if I lose you.
I know I must for you but I don't know If I can or even want to
Please dad, love me enough to wait for me.
I love you dad with all of my heart.
Happy Birthday!!
Always and forever your lil girl.

3 Years Down The Road!

Whew... where did the time go?

It feels like I just turned my back for just a few minutes and already Elsa is sprouting like a wild reed.... Malolo is developing a pot belling instead of the power abs he used to have hoh!..... and I am a neglected, under appreciated house wife *jokes*

Nah I am very happy though easily irritated and despondent at times. I am really quite content where I am, with what I have and who I am with. Though having a couple of mil in a Swiss Bank Account, with a private jet and Mansion somewhere would complete the fantasy heheh! but seriously I am grateful for what I have in life...Have enjoyed the challenges/kodack moments brought about by our 3 years together looking forward to many more (years I mean not challenges..lol.)

Thank you Lord for all that we have been blessed with, the unconditional love and support of family and friends, the laughter and fun, even the tears and tribulations we have been through.The ups and downs we've experinced so far in our marriage has made us very aware of each other's flaws and short comings. But more importantly the peace of mind that comes with accepting the fact that we have to work on them as they won't magically go away, or disappear over night. (somebody invent a instant formula for this one pleasseeee... I'd be the first in line to buy it heh!heh!)

Still learning, discovering new, different and shocking things about one another, it's usually but not always a pleasant experince. However we have managed to find our way around the rough spots and funnily sometimes the heart sees what the eyes are unable to percieve. Through the eyes of the heart everything looks hopeful har!har!

Promise Me.

Promise me sun spangled mornings

and moon sprinkled nights.

Promise me lazy afternoons

and sultry hot midnights.

Drench me in showers of rainbows

to wash away all my sorrows

And in return I promise you

the sweetness of all my tomorrows.

To my dear husband,

If you are game for a couple of decades together I am up for it.

Proud and Happy Graduates.

Today was our Fall Graduation and many parents turned out to witness the successful culmination of their childrens studies.
For the graduates it was both a time of great happiness and immense sorrow for it would be the last time for most to see friends who have become like family. Those who they have shared 4 or two years of their lives with.

This graduation would have been a milestone for our University for its first Doctoral degree was to be conferred upon our brother Viliami Uasike Latu of Tonga. However due to the passing of his Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV Viliami could not be here to receive the honors due to him.
As one of the now senior officials in the Prime Minister's Office they are up to their necks in meetings amongst other duties in preparation for the Kings burial. The timming is unfortunate but we can not stay the course of death.

I am very happy that all of our close friends graduated but saying good-bye would be really difficult. I know that I will miss my son Mitchell very much but glad he will be going home to Hawaii to pursue his dream of being a policeman. I know he will make a fine officer of the law.

Elsa with big bro Mitch.

Best of luck and God speed also to our other friends Kensuke, Yosef (Indonesia), Mario (Indonesia) Lahela (Hawaii) Melody (USA/JAPAN), Merissa (Brazil/Japan), Jocelyn (Uganda) Rhazuel Baba (Malaysia), Kevin Abe (USA), Joshi (Nepal) etc






















Elsa with buddy Yosef. (Baggio)