I'm Back

Ok, I've benn slipping on the blog for a while. Some cool things have happened since the last post:

Uncle Ken organized a family reunion with all the siblings, kids, and kids kids that could make it, which was pretty much everyone.

Me and Carrie got married. Thanks to everyone for showing up and all the the very thoughtful gifts! I didnt think much about gifts during the process and I was touched by everyones thoughtfulness and beautiful presentation.

Erika Pursley-Paulson and Steven Paulsons son Grant is having a first birthday near December 13th. More details will be posted.

Everyone had fun at Joyce Paces daughter Noalani had a birthday recently passed at Frogs Bounce House. I cant remember what other birthdays passed in my absence from the blog updates but Ill try to hit all the upcoming ones.

Some fun artwalks passed such as Carrie Canfield-Pursleys debut headlining photography group show, a painting/fashion show, and a 28 artistgroup show. See www.kavikaworks.com for details video and pics.

Hawaiian Language 2.0

Aloha kakou (Aloha to all), so I've been trying to learn Hawaiian as some know. Its a beautiful language. Thank God it's resurged. Many language schools opened up in Hawaii led by original native speakers. But still there needs to be more speakers or it will be in danger again of becoming a dead language! Aunty Puanani gave me a link about language classes in Anaheim.

It's pretty hard (but worth it) as any non Latin based language is for Latin based language tongues. I know the family knows there are 7 consonants along with the 5 vowels in Hawaiian, as opposed to the 27 letters in English, but the difference is bigger than that. English has 27 letters but 42 sounds Hawaiian has only about 15 sound variations as taught in modern times. Though less sounds the words are typically longer than English You have to listen for very subtle pronunciation differences!

For particularists, original hawaiian has more variations in sounds like 3 'v' sounds, but that's not in my lessons. It is long an involved but here is a random find disposition on neo-Hawaiian language vs original Hawaiian.

Ahui Hou (until we meet again). Imua (forward) Hawaiian.

Art Show - Yuki Miyazaki

The last gallery showing of KAVIKA WORKS was pretty awesome. We had LA artist Yuki Miyazaki show dozens of her colorful paintings. Sales were made and people kept bringing their friends back and a couple people said it was their favorite gallery that night. Another highlight of the night was that we had Lokilanis Island Breeze Hawaiian band in the courtyard for the art walk. They rocked and some neighbors said it was their favorite band that has played yet. So hopefully we can continue to improve every month.

Comedian - Jason Collings

Joyce and John called me and Carrie to a comedy show gig of one of their clients. His name is the title: Jason Collings. He was the funniest act of the night so when invited again, I went, hoping he had new material. Little did I know at first, it was his first night headlining and he was excited. He killed a packed crowd with a double long set. His family was there too. It was cool to see him go from opening to headlining. So if you see a Jason Collings at an Improv, go and know itll be a good show.

Evening Beach Fire Pit Party

It was a recent decision. Anyone is invited. It'll be on the Peninsula in Newport. I'll get to a pit at 5-ish and let people know where exactly I found one. We got hot dogs, chips, soda, water, couple hangars, bbq sauce, marshmellows, graham crackers and chocolate.

530 pm to whenever. Take the 55 till its end at Newport Blvd. Continue on Newport Blvd till you pass PCH and it wont be far from that point on the right (where the beach is). Call me for exact location closer to the time.

Jennifer Party

Jennifer is turning 19 in August and very soon taking off to be with her man/husband. Sean, to support him in the Airforce (hopefully soon enoughthey will be back in Cali). We are having evening pool party for a combined 'birthday' and 'send-off'. Your presence is the best present so dont worry about a gift. Plus she is packing to leave and she has no room to bring more objects with her.

It sounds like Jen will have plenty of room for visitors in their house off the base in South Carolina. I saw tickets online for $280 if anyone wants to visit.

When: Sunday, August 2
Time: Anytime after 3 pm to to late evening. Stop by when you can.
Where: The Parents house
Bring: Swim outfit

Erikas 30th Birthday

Erika is old now like the rest of us into our 30s so to welcome her into our club we are having a birthday for her at her and Stevens house on July 11th for a UFC party. Starts 6pm. Dont worry about gifts, the best present is your presence. If you really really wanna bring something, chips or a wine is fine.

Erika lives near Warner and Harbor in Coasta Mesa. Call me if you need directions (949) 677-7106


This was interesting too:

Engaged

Sunday I took Carrie on a air balloon ride to ask for her hand. Pictures are worth 1000 words so here are a few.

Latest Updates in One Shot

Lots of people and cousins showed up to Aunty Tonis birthday BBQ to wish her a Happy Birthday. Was fun. I played some UFC game and have to buy it so I can practice :).

Also Junes art walk was kind of a letdown other than my dads birthday party which was fun. Allot of people arrived to that too to wish him a good year.

So at the artwalk the artist arrived late, missed 1/3 of the traffic. The traffic was slow because of Fathers Day and graduations that weekend. The Kogi truck started over an hour late. Good thing the birthday party was good and people provided allot of food!

Me and Erikas birthdays are coming up soon in July. Not sure who elses. I hate being the center of attention at large gatherings tho. I can handle small ones.

Yard Sale

This weekend Carrie had the idea of putting out a few things for a yard sale. The neighborhood only allows one big yard sale weekend every 3 months so we put out some junk and made $80 easy. $8 of it was from cupcakes that sold out. So I opened it up to my mom, Jen and Erika the next day (Sunday). Jennifer made cookies and Erika sent more than 1 truckload of stuff. Sunday Jen made almost $7 in cookies that pretty much sold out and a Gameboy, Carrie and I Made $62 and a surround sound system and Erika and Steven made $227. Also my mom scored a nice jumping horse for the backyard for the kids.

Total we brought in $385 in cash. Not bad. Was allot of work but tax free money is great! :)

Contest

I been busy and not updating the family blog. Here is the reason why, posted below.

Me and some friends (thanks Kurt, Tyler, Alan, Oscar, Matt and Craig!) are entering an art contest that we stand a good chance of placing 1st or 2cnd in. It was allot of work because we entered when it was half over., so we had less than half the time. Our entry has officially passed qualification for consideration and we are allowed to fix some small bugs that were a result of our rush job. Our submission has to animate in the Unreal Engine and Editor. That was the hard technical part.

He is Anubis 'God of the Dead" ruler of the Egyptian Underworld they called, 'Duat'. The ancient Egyptians believed every night Ra/Horus guarded the sun through the treacherous Underworld where Anubis tried to destroy it.

Latest (Moon)

Moon is a new movie that looks great. See trailer below. Reminds me of the movie Insomnia. Intense.

Also Aunty Puanani has a friend who is selling refurbished computers for $200. Contact her for more info.

Lastly remember Santiago Art walks happen once every month on the 3d Saturday. Im too tired to do the math on the date on that, I'll update that later with photos of past walks.

Joyces Birthday!

I know this is last minute but I think people know. Joyces Birthday will be tonight at a Hawaiian restaurant. Call Joyce or John to find out where. Happy Birfday! Carries and Uncle Kens birthdays are on April 15th too.

Grants Dedication

I missed it last Sunday but I should have posted it before it happened so people can go. Next time. But it went well, Grandma Pursley was there and the immediate families. Pastor Davidson performed the dedication.

Joyces Birthday

Hey all, Joyces birthday will be on Wednesday April 1. More details as they come in will be posted. Word is that it will be a Hawaiian restaurant in OC. I'll let you know where exactly when i find out. Just keep your evening cleared. Partay!

Worlds Cheapest New Car

India car company Tata Motors is launching the worlds cheapest new car. $2,000 for the bare bones edition. There will also be an electric edition. In the current economic condition this might do very well, where as originally this idea was scoffed at. America loves its luxury, speed and options. At a time where people have to choose between their house or Lexus payments, or worse, thier apt or SUV payments this car might have a chance here till the economy picks up and it will.

The 2k version only goes 60 mph and will not contain many luxuries. I'm sure there will be 3k and 4k versions that have extra power and sound extras.

For sure this car will do better in Europe, Asia and India than the US but the fact that there is a chance of sales here is a big deal for Tata Motors and has made their launch possible.

Concerts!

Well I bought Carrie Depeche Mode tix for a Hollywood show and... oops... the exact date is the weekend of a Canfield family get together in Texas. :( On the upside the tickets are going for double on Ebay (they cost almost $200 after $50 in service charges). Im not going to sell em for too high but I did legitamately buy them for personal use and if I sell em for face value a scalper will just buy em and put em back out for double.

NIN! I have a code for 'presale' NIN + Janes Addiction (May 19, 09, 10 a.m.) tickets for NINs final tour. Trent is retiring the NIN jersey after touring again with the first band they ever toured with, so it'll be epic. Email me for the passcode or if you want me to get you a ticket while I get myself one.
Place: Verizon Wireless Amphatheater
Time: Wed, 5-20-09 7:00 p.m.
Seats: Nosebleed

Silversun Pickups! They are doing a single show at the Glass House in LA. They will likely play songs from their new unreleased album they are working on.

Coachella if you wanna go, try for tickets on ebay.

Jens Engaged!

On a trip to Texas with my mom where Sean was graduating from boot camp (I dont know all the terminology), he proposed on Sunday and Jen accepted. He will be in training for 14 weeks to prepare to work on jet engines for the Air Force. Congrats to the happy couple! My only brotherly advise is: "Dont forget about Jens schooling or training Jen! Also travel and have fun together."

PS: My mom said she had a great time meeting and hanging with Sean's mom at Sean's graduation.

Watch Watchmen!

OK! I have 7 tickets to Watchmen. Let me know if there are more people that want to go. Everyone is welcome. Tickets will sell out quick so let me know or Fandango yourself some tickets and meet us up in line.

Where: Metro Pointe Edwards
When: 12 am Midnight Thursday March 5(But be early, the line will be long)
What: To see WATCHMEN
Who: JohnJohn, Jennifer, Carrie, Me, Bolo, Joseph?, Dad?
How Much: $11.50, Expensive but worth it.

Shark

I e-mailed uncle Gilbert in Hawaii to ask about our rumored family god, the shark. On the net there are quite a few shark god names so I asked if it was the shark in general or a particular name and he said the shark in general is the family 'guardian angel' and attached this cool story:

IN OUR GENEALOGY BOOK PRINTED ON OUR OHANA SHIRTS AT THE REUNION 1990, AS TOLD BY AUNTY HAANIO, OF KONA, ABRAHAM AMANA AHLO'S ( YOUR GREAT GREAT GRANDPA'S) SISTER.

WHEN OUR DAD ABRAHAM WAS GROWING UP IN KONA, KEAUHOU BAY. EVERY DAY HE'D GO TO THE BAY TO GO HOLO HOLO (VISIT) FOR THE FAMILIES MEAL. ALSO THERE WOULD BE "MANO" (SHARK) WAITING TO TAKE HIM TO THE FISHING GROUNDS.

DAD WOULD CATCH SOME LITTLE FISHES NEAR THE SHORE AND WOULD FEED THE SHARK AND THEN HE WOULD SWIM WITH THE SHARK HOLDING ONTO ITS FINS. THE SHARK WOULD LEAVE HIM THERE TO FISH. THEN LATER ON HE WOULD RETURN AND DAD WOULD HANG ON TO THE FINS AND THE SHARK WOULD TAKE HIM BACK TO THE SHORE AND WAITE FOR DAD TO TAKE SOME OF HIS CATCH AND WOULD FEED THE SHARK AND THE SHARK WOULD LEAVE AND SWIM OUT TO SEA, AND RETURN THE NEXT DAY.

THE OMEN OF THE SHARK. IT'S THE AHLO OHANA'S (FAMILY). "AUMAKUA" OR GUARDIAN ANGEL.

BY AUNTY PHILOMENA AHLO ( YOUR GRANDMA) A WORD OF ADVICE. WE WUST NOT BE AFRAID OF THE SHARKS. DO NOT CONSUME ANYTHING MADE SHARK MEAT."

Bolos Birthday

Hey It's been a while since an update so I will do 2. Bolos birthday is coming up and word on the street is that it could be at Garlic Joes on PCH and Newport Blvd. Its easy to get to and will include directions. We will pick a Friday night when they have a Hawaiian band there. Regea played with ukeleles.

Unrelated but cool:

Congrats Deandra and Valencia Tigers!

"The Valencia girls basketball team maintained their undefeated Empire League record Thursday night as they won the regular season finale at Loara, 58-27, in a physical game that put more girls on the ground than balls in the basket."

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/tigers-points-league-2307510-game-valencia

Aunty Puanani invites anyone to the basketballers victory banquet in March or April. Will post details as the info comes in. I hear there is food and it is really nice. I'm guessing you'll see Deandra all formal-ed out. :)

Good job Deandra!

Comments and Google Group

It's my fault I dont have a google group link on here. I have to figure out how. Buuuut I'd like people to join it. The links in an email. Erika is the only one who figured out how to join and nobody has posted nothing.

Also leave comments on the blog. A few people have figured that out. Post as 'anonomous' but you can add your name in the comment. If you have a Gmail it might list your name if you are logged in.

Thanks to those who give feedback (comments) and have supplied me with inspiration for blogs and pertinent info.

The Edison

Why travel when there are tons of cool things locally that we don't even know about. They can cost a few dollars but they are like mini-getaways. A place I want to go to is "The Edison" in LA, near Hollywood. Its a 1920s themed epic Hollywood Golden Era restaurant. It is more epic than that though, they have a Circa du Soliel type vaudeville/burlesque act on certain nights. Soup kitchen night features Depression Era prices (for realz... 35 cent drinks and other stuff). Have to look at the pics!

Hawaiian Language and History Lesson

I bought the best book this last weekend. It's a 1948 book named "All About Hawaii" and it really is 'all about Hawaii'. It covers agriculture crop percentages, origins of the natives, history of each early boat arrival on the islands, early studies of the language, and more. Being from 1948 the history is fresh with detailed and early analysis of the language and native origins are way off. Quite amusing to read.

The American scientists came to the conclusion that Hawaiians were originally Caucasians who left on a sea voyage from near India, mating with 'primitive' brown people on the way: Asians and Malayans. By the time they got to the islands they were brown. Haha. To this day it hasn't been officially deduced where the original islanders derived from originally but its safe to say that this book is very off in claiming Caucasian origin. Hey, science still isnt and exact science.

Here is a word lesson from my mom:
Ohana -- family, relative, or to be related, whether it’s a small ´ohana or an extended one
keiki -- child, youngster, offspring, or descendant; it can also refer to the offshoot of a plant.
hanai -- -- has two very important meanings: to feed or raise and to foster or adopt
Honolulu -- Honolulu is a place name made up of two words "hono" which means "bay" and "lulu" which means "shelter, calm, or peaceful"; Honolulu means "sheltered bay"
ali'i -- is a very common Hawaiian word and it means "chief" or "chiefess."
ukulele -- (pronounced oo-koo-lay-lee not "yookoo" as most say it) means "jumping flea" and is the name of a uniquely Hawaiian instrument, developed here in Hawai'i, based on the Portuguese braginha.

Cool Pictures

This doesn't have anything to do with the blog but its funny. Have a good weekend.

Digital Scrapbooking

I wanted to let you know about a program my mom and Carrie have been thoroughly enjoying, a digital scrap booking program. Check out the links below. It is perfect for Christmas cards, and sprucing up vacation or baby photos. The program also makes it easy to put slide shows on Vimeo.com which is cooler than Youtube (only because it is higher quality video and clean interface).

Carries: http://www.scrapblog.com/myScrapblog/myscrapblog.aspx?gycid=0d8d1d14-bad0-47d2-8891-f5b09aed8811
Moms: (I'll post it here when I cant get it from her)

word.

January Birthdays (Updated)

John and Jaymes birthdays are coming up.

Where Phuket Thai Restaurant
16612 Beach Blvd Ste H
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
(714) 842-1101
Cross Street is Heil Ave.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan 23d

Hau‘oli, call or txt Jayme to see if he's available.

Inclusion

A few people brought up a good point about inclusion. I'm sure I'll adjust the blog title. I intend everyone related to me, whether I normally get to talk to them allot or not to post. Actually especially the ones I don't get to talk to enough.

Understand one inherent problem is I will never be able to cover every last name in the family tree as is grows and people get married, adopt and re-married but this isn't going to discourage me from making an online hub to stay up to date and in contact.

My goal is by the end of the year everyone one is mentioned on here and everyone posts. Here are a few of the last names intended to be included and I'm sure there are more: Blunt, Paulson, Kakalia, and the Moreno kids.

In other news this last weekend was great, tons of family showed up to the grand opening of 'Brutal Parade Gallerie' and Bolos 'Welcome Back'. I'm waiting to hear how Johns school reunion cruise was, but I forgot my phone at home.

Visual Entertainment

Update on Bolo's Arrival

The lowdown is Bolos 'Welcome Back' will be a potluck type thing Sunday (Jan 18) at Westminster Park: 13900 Monroe St., Westminster, CA, 92683.

The park is off Beach Blvd, South of the 22 Fwy.

From Beach Blvd, turn East on 17th St,

Turn North on Monroe and you will see the park.

It is in a residential area.

Aunty Puanani: "Bolo wants one big gathering of all the families this Sunday. He says, "I want some home cooked food!" I think it's to be warm so we got to hurry before it is cold again!

Leave info on what you can bring in the comments section. Also txt Auntys phone. I don't wantt o post anyones phone # on the world wode web so ask for it if you dont have it. I'll do that too and I can update the info displayed here anytime (like adding directions). Yay internets!

Cool Places to Take Your Date in OC

Great date restaurants below (for the new date or long time significant). Don't be lame and waste your money and time by haunting the same local washed up joint (Olive Garden, Red Robin, etc...) every unfortunate males who doesn't know better takes his lady to over and over and over again. Earn brownie points for the same price and very little extra effort.

Appear fun and cultured without breaking your bank. These are all in OC. One day Ill do a blog on amazing restaurants in LA and elsewhere. In the mean time go to...

-Tommy Pastrami's-
Cheesy name but the food is GREAT. Service is super friendly. Classy but fun casual decor. I almost didn't go here because of the name. (SA downtown)

-Lola Gaspar-
5 stars for ambiance. Your date will love you for taking her here. Tapas menu. A tad pricey but you'll still thank me later for pointing you here. This place was started by the people who run The Lab and Gypsy Den but this is much higher class. (SA downtown)

-Gypsy Den-

Take your date for an inexpensive dinner or lunch or even less expensive coffee or dessert only. Great casual comfortable ambiance. 2 locations: 1 on Bristol near Main Place Mall and another on Main Street in Santa Ana downtown. Me and my friends used to spend hours and hours here drawing and BSing. (SA and CM)

-The Whole Pita Greek Island Grill-

Best Greek food ever! Cost is better than Daphnes and more authentic. Casual Euro Cafe feel. Customer service is the best. They may recognize you as new and give you free dessert. Order the same thing several times and they will sometimes remember what you order and your name. (SA metropoint area)

-The Crosby-

Go there. It is affiliated with renoun OBEY GIANT artist Shepard Fairely. Its a good restaurant but they have a good $5 meal called 'the starving artist' that is really good. It includes a grilled cheese sandwich with mushrooms and a small bowl of tomato sauce. (SA downtown)

Gallerie

My new neighborhood has Art Walks every 3rd Saturday. This month it's the 17th of January. Come. Its fun. There is djs, art galleries, free food, a bar, cultured chicks/cultured mens (for the unattached), all spread over 2 blocks.

I know some galleries are boring, ugly or stuffy. Just make fun of those ones. There is a large variety to mock, gawk at or enjoy. You might even find a nice piece for your house. When I say 'variety', that means a vintage furnature gallery, a modern gadgety furnature gallery, and all kinds of paintings from abstract to well rendered to kid-ish, to photography.

I'll probably be showing mine and you can hang out in the exclusive VIP lounge (my house).

SO anyways. Come over if you can. Bring people if you want and be art critics.

When: Sat: Jan 17th 7 pm to 11 pm
Where: 731 Poinsettia St, Santa Ana
How Much: Free

The pics are of my first and second shows in other peoples galleries at the Santiago Street Lofts.

Pace Barbershop

Todays feature is about the Pace barbershop. If you haven't gotten to see it check out the pics. Very cool 'vintage nastalgic with a surfer' feel so far. Broke, John saw this oppritunity to take over a shop with built in clientelle in need of a younger barber to keep it going. He raised the money and within a short time employs 2 barbers and is already in the black (opposite of 'in the red') with Joyces help. Kudos.

What do you think John should call it? (leave vote in comments)
1) Ohana Cuts
2) Ohana Barbers
3) Ohana Barber Shop
4) Tacos and Hair Cuts
4) Other (suggest your own)

I added some barber related art. Stop by for a family discount and a bowl cut.

Grant Louis Paulson

Here's the latest pic of Erika and Stevens little menehune man. He is still in the 'winston churchhill' stage, as I call it but you can see some of his features: blonde, butt chin, Stevem size (10 lbs 22 in). That is all that I can deduce right now.

Other random facts: He often holds his own head up. He will look towards light or motion or lights in motion. He is mild tempered so far. He is going in for his first tattoo next week.

Bolo is back (Soon)!

Bolo is coming back from his completed term in the Air Force. Are we going to take him out or have a welcome back thing at someones house? I dont think we can party like his military peoples. I dont want to bore him by taking him out in that case. We should do something though. Maybe a knitting party? Yeah?

Let's Recap 2008

Allotta good things happened in 2008 for me my family (and friends) dispite the bad economic weather. I don't say that about every year. Most of the good things came through at the 11th hour. Let's recap some of it.

Erika got married and had a baby that has my butt chin * Joey got married * I got my house I been talking about all year * I did 2 gallery showings though never having painted till April 2008 * I sold a painting and did some websites * John started a successful barbershop with Joyces help * Joey started a company 'Relentless Fab Works' * Uncle Russ started his own Private Investigar firm * Bolo finished his term in the Air Force * Friend Chris became art director of Diablo 3 * Friend Brian had his first 2 gallery showings * Most importantly I put vertical doors on my 350Z

Other cool things:

Diandra rocked the basketball court this year * Jenifer captured Sean who just left for boot camp * Joseph has been tearing into asphalt with his custom remote cars