Let's talk New Years!

Yes, I am quite aware that it isn't even Christmas yet (how many days til that anyway), but of all the holidays in this season, my absolute most favoritest, favorite holiday is New Years! OK, I lied, Thanksgiving is my most favorite, but since I was flying on Thanksgiving day and I'd just arrived in Florida and we didn't do much of anything, we're going to go with New Years as my favorite this year. And while I think Christmas is awesome, it just isn't fun when you're in the weird age between being a teenaged kid and being a full fledged adult, so you don't get any really cool presents. Yeah, I'm in that stage right now. I am also in the stage where I'm too old to go to fun teen stuff, but I'm still too young to go to a good night club (not that I enjoy clubbing anyway, I just want to be old enough to have that option, kay?). OK, sorry, I'm done complaining now. Let's just go with Christmas is not my favorite winter holiday and we'll leave it at that.

Now New Years, well New Years in my book is awesome! For as long as I can remember, everyone on our street would get together have a huge potluck with fireworks (most of them illegal). All the TV stations would have countdowns of their best show episodes from the year. We get to watch how different countries and cultures are celebrating the New Year. And we get to have a HUGE party. I think my love for New Years shows my strong connection to my Chinese heritage. The Chinese really know how to ring in the new year, let me tell you!


Anyway, on to the real point of this blog. Starting in 2011, I've decided that I am really going to focus on working on my Day Zero Project goals. I've got 5 down and only 96 more to go! And I can't think of a better way to go through 2011 than by working to complete some goals! I've already decided that I will be starting to write a book as well as my autobiography beginning in 2011. And I have some other plans for the month of January and beyond, but my biggest goal is, drum roll please.....


My book list!

(via)

Oh, how I wish that beauty was in my house! Anyhow, I am super excited to start on this goal. I love reading, it's one of the things that has always kept me sane. I know that no matter how crazy life is, I can enter into another world for a while by simply opening a book. It is honestly the greatest escape.

My reading list is pretty long, but hey I do have 962 days, and I'll probably give myself the full 1001 since I should have started this project sooner, but we'll see! I'll also probably start a separate blog to do book reviews and what not, just so that I don't flood my personal blog with stuff. And, I may even start a virtual book club thing. So, if anyone else is interested in reading through my list with me (or even just reading SOME of the books on the list) let me know and we can talk and figure things out.



Well, I better go and figure out which books on the list I actually own so I can start there. Or maybe it's time for me to head down to the library!










P.S. Stay tuned for a new blog design (hopefully!!) over the next couple of days. I'm getting a bit tired of this one, it's time for something new!

Tay Tuesday!

Is it really that time again already?! Time for some Q&A today. And since I like to combine all my linky par-tays (haha, see what i did there? no? ...okay...) into one gigantic post, I've decided to call this section on Tuesdays "Tay Tuesdays!" 'Cause, my name is Tay...and it's Tuesday...and I'm answering questions about myself. ya'know? OK, well anyways...here we go!


First up this Tuesday is Ten on Tuesdays by Roots and Rings!

1. What are your plans for the holidays? Do you travel at Thanksgiving? If you celebrate Christmas, do you travel then, too?
This Thanksgiving I will be celebrating in Florida with my family! I don't actually have family in Florida, but we're going on a 7-day Disney Cruise right after Thanksgiving, so we're going up a bit early. We'll be in Florida/Disney World on the actual Thanksgiving day!

2. How do you make the plans for the holiday? If you have a significant other, how do you decide which family to visit?
Well, we don't really have actual plans. Usually, we spend it all together. When I was younger, we used to go to Thanksgiving Dinner at my Tutu's house, that's my mom's grandma, but not anymore.

3. Do you have your Thanksgiving meal at lunch or later in the day?
Lunch, and then of course, the left overs for dinner!

4. Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving tradition?
Going to my Tutu's house use to be my favorite tradition, but we don't do that anymore :(

5. After a big meal do you lounge around or get up and take a walk?
Lounge, of course!

6. Do you shop on “Black Friday” or do you avoid it?
I haven't ever been Black Friday shopping, but I would so do it! Maybe later on in life though, when I have my own family, and a husband, and my own income, ya know?

7. When do you usually finish your Christmas shopping?
We got our Christmas shopping for everyone done this year!

8. Do you and your significant other exchange gifts? Is there a budget?
No S.O. so no gift exchange! haha.

9. When do you decorate for the holidays?
After thanksgiving.

10. Do you go “all out” with the decor or do you keep it simple?
SImple. But one day, when I have my own house, I'd like to do more! We use to go all out when I was younger, like huge tree, cute christmas village figurines, the whole 9 yards, but we haven't done that in a while....

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Next up is Hoo Are You? Tuesdays via Leslie at Night Owl Crafting.

1. Name 5 things you are grateful for!

Family, the gospel in my life, a good education, the fact that I have a house to live in and food on the table, & friends.

2. What is you favorite dish at Thanksgiving dinner?

Stuffing! I looooveeee stuffing. And mashed potatoes, especially the lumpy kind!

3. Do you have any family traditions for Thanksgiving?

We use to go to my Tutu's house for thanksgiving every year, but that kinda stopped after she passed away. Kinda makes me sad :(

4. Are you staying home or traveling for Thanksgiving?

This year, we're traveling. Actually, we'll be in Florida on Thanksgiving Day! My family is spending a few weeks on the mainland (Florida--Disney Cruise, Disney World, and Wizarding World! & Vegas!)

5. What else do you do on Thanksgiving day besides eat?

Watch movies, sleep, watch football, sleep. Yeah, mostly sleep!

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If you want to play along, just go ahead and click and link up!


In other news, we leave for Florida TOMORROW! I am so excited it's crazy. This is my first time going to Florida and we get to go to Disney World AND Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I'm way excited about both, but of course I know I'm gonna go absolutely nutso in HP World. Especially since I just saw Deathly Hallows. After Florida, we're going to Las Vegas. It's my first time going there too, which is just crazy since pretty much every Hawaii person considers Vegas the "9th Island." I'm pretty stoked! We're gonna be gone for three weeks, but I'll try updating as much as possible.


Today, it's all about finishing up some homework, washing and putting away all my bedding, and packing those last minute items. So, I'm off for the day!

XOXO,

Aloha Po'alima!

Happy Friday, friends! While friday isn't really my favorite day of the week, I always look forward to it because of the possibilities it holds. Not only do I get a break from work and school (well...not this weekend) for a few days, but it now means fun linky parties. Sooo, here are some for today!

My fun for this weekend comes in the form of three beautiful girls and one handsome little boy. I'm going to be spending the weekend at my Aunty and Uncle's house helping them pack and watch the kiddies for a bit. I plan on helping them get their stuff packed, while finishing packing my own bag. Also, we're going to bake! Hopefully...

Tonight, I'm going to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! I am so stoked it's crazy. I've been a Harry Potter fan for as long as I can remember so this moment is actually very surreal for me.

Deathly Hallows in honor of Deathly Hallows!

Also on the agenda for this weekend is homework (still in overtime with that).

AND...The La'ie Hawaii temple Rededication!

please don't steal this picture. i know, it's gaawwgouuss. but it's mine.

Even though I don't get to go, it's still an amazing celebration. Plus, that means that the prophet is here in Hawaii! How cool is that?!

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Now time for the linky partiess! First up is Five Question Friday hosted by Mama M over at Five Crooked Halos!

1. What Christmas song do you loathe?

I don't think I loathe any Christmas songs. Like, I genuinely like pretty much anything. Oh wait, never mind. I don't really like Grandma Got Run Over by A Reindeer. Not sure why, it just freaks me out. Must be some suppressed childhood thing.

2. Do you and your significant other cuddle at night or sleep on opposite sides of the bed?

One day, when I'm married and actually have a S.O. I'm sure that I will love cuddling at night. I'm really big on cuddling.

3. Have you ever had surgery?

Nope. I guess I've just been blessed like that.

4. When do you typically have your holiday shopping done?

Whenever there are awesome sales! This year, we had all our shopping done by September.

5. If money were not an issue (and you HAD to pick something), what would your ultimate luxury item be?

My own house, for sure. That would be the ultimate luxury.

And now, Fill in the Blank Fridays with Lauren!

1.   My Thanksgiving plans this year will include       Landing in Florida for vacation! Possibly dinner at Denny's with my family. Well, technically my Aunty's family, but I consider them my own family now too. Hey, this will be my second year spending Thanksgiving with them!   .

2.  My favorite Thanksgiving was   all of the the thanksgivings of my youth. We used to go to my Tutu's house with pretty much my entire family and have a huge feast. We stopped that after my Tutu passed away. So sad :(  .

3.  My signature Thanksgiving dish is       I'm gonna go with Cream Cheese Pumpkin crunch. I've never made it, but in my mind they're delicious.     .

4.  My favorite Thanksgiving food is   Stuffing and mashed potatoes. I adore stuffing and mashed potatoes!  .

5.  Thanksgiving free association!      family, fun, love, fooooodd!!! .

6.  Thansgiving is        the best time of year. It's my favorite holiday. It's a reminder of all the good things that we have in our lives.    .

7.  I am thankful for       my wonderful family, the church and awesome church leaders, growth throughout the year, change, being able to do things that are fun     .

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Have a wonderful weekend everyone! If I'm not around for the next few days, just remember that's a good thing, cuz I gotta get my homework on!

XOXO,