Monthly Archives for January 2011

Temple of Equality

Yesterday Don & visited the Boyodo-In Temple in Kaneohe.

The Temple is a scale replica of a temple at Uji in Japan, and was constructed entirely without the use of nails.

The Byodo-In translates to “Temple of Equality – not to discriminate” such a nice message.

The Buddha is said to be the larges figure carved since ancient times. It was amazing in person.

To switch gears completely, we came home later and walked downtown where there was a Pro Bowl block party with tons of street vendors. I’m not that into football, but I got some Yogurtland, Don got a Gyro so we were both happy campers.

And we got to witness this lovely sunset.

I love living in Hawaii 🙂

Going into Monday I’m pray pray praying that something happens on the job front next week. I need a job & to start feeling productive like yesterday.

A Thoughtful Weekend

Heaven is under our feet, as well as over our heads.  ~Henry David Thoreau

This weekend was full of contemplative moments. On Saturday we went on a long drive around the island in the Jeep. And I must say Jeeps are the vehicle of choice for living on the island. Without windows and doors, having a Jeep makes the experiencing the beauty of the oceans and the mountains that much more tangible. Here are a few pictures from our Saturday drive.

On Sunday, our weekend continued with a thought provoking visit to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. The Pearl Harbor Visitors Center provides a free museum that thoughtfully educates visitors on the history of December 7, 1941, a day that led to the United States involvement in WWII through the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. There were 2,403 casualties as a result of the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial is a somber reminder of the reality and incredible gravity of war.

Now days, I often have a difficult time articulating my feelings about history, politics and war. I am a liberal some may even say progressive military wife. Despite my feelings on political matters, I would never undermine the sacrifice and dedication of U.S. military members – past and present. Individuals who chose a life of service willingly commit their lives to an ideal that they believe in – that they’d give their lives for – and politics aside, those individuals stand as an example of strength, dedication and spirit.


Won't Let em Knock Me Down

Back in November when my Mom & I attended the Womens Running Magazine Half Marathon Expo, we had the pleasure of meeting a woman who revolutionized the world of women’s running, Kathrine Switzer.

Although she’s contributed such monumental achievements to women’s running such as helping to secure the women’s marathon as an event in the Olympic games, Switzer is most well known for the infamous incident that took place at the 1987 Boston Marathon.

Credit: AP Photo

At the time, women were not allowed to participate in the Boston Marathon as running was considered too dangerous for women to participate in – let alone race in. The much publicized incident involved one of the race’s officiants, Jock Semple, who attempted to physically remove Switzer from the race by tackling her. Luckily there was a photographer nearby to catch the event on film. Not only did Stemple not succeed in preventing Switzer from finishing the Boston Marathon, but he inadvertently publicized the obvious fact that women are completely capable of overcoming and achieving seemingly impossible goals.

I just finished reading my copy of Kathrine Switzer’s Marathon Woman,

and it’s a great read for anyone looking for inspiration – whether it be motivation for athleticism or an inspirational story of an empowered woman. It was an honor to meet Kathrine Switzer, she is a positive role model and an encouraging woman to celebrate! She’s did so much to initiate the acceptance of women’s athletic capabilities and women’s rights and clearly deserves to be recognized.