The mountain stands, a stoic king, Crowned in clouds, where eagles sing. Its air is crisp, its heart is stone, A fortress built by time alone.
The beach, a queen, soft and free, Draped in foam and kissed by the sea. Its rhythm dances with the tides, A place where the earth and sky collide.
The mountain whispers, “Climb to me, And find your strength, your clarity. In my heights, the world is small, But your spirit grows, standing tall.”
The beach replies, “Lie on my sand, And feel the pulse of this vast land. In my waves, your worries wane, Your soul is soothed, your joy remains.”
The mountain boasts of solitude, Of paths less trodden, dreams pursued. It speaks of echoes, deep and true, Where silence sings of something new.
The beach enchants with company, Its laughter carried on the breeze. It hums of sunsets, golden, grand, And lovers walking hand in hand.
Yet both are keepers of the soul, Each a part of nature’s whole. The mountain teaches: Rise, endure, The beach reminds: Flow, feel secure.
Together they weave life’s perfect thread, With peaks that rise and waves that spread. The mountain grounds, the beach sets free— Two halves of one great symphony.
In our home, Yakitori is more than just a meal; it is an event, a ritual, a shared joy. Every time skewers of tender, marinated chicken sizzle over the grill, a sense of anticipation fills the air. The smoky aroma weaves through our conversations, teasing our senses, drawing us closer to the table. Yakitori has become our family’s culinary love language, a dish that speaks to our taste buds and our hearts.
There is a simplicity to Yakitori that makes it endlessly charming. Strips of chicken—sometimes thigh, breast, or even skin—are meticulously threaded onto bamboo skewers, then brushed with a savory-sweet tare sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. As the skewers grill over an open flame, the sauce caramelizes, creating a perfect balance of smoky, salty, and slightly sweet flavors.
For variety, Yakitori also embraces the whole chicken: tsukune (minced chicken meatballs), nankotsu (chicken cartilage), and even kawa (crispy skin). Paired with vegetables like scallions or shishito peppers, each skewer becomes a symphony of textures and tastes. It’s food that’s meant to be savored one bite at a time, offering something new with every turn of the skewer.
Yakitori nights are special among ourselves. We especially love it if we go to our favorite restaurant, Yakitori Glad, which is in the east side of Oahu. It gives us the feeling as if we are in Tokyo. Watching it prepared before our very eyes is as much a part of the experience as eating it.
Eating Yakitori is interactive, intimate. Each skewer is a conversation starter: Have you tried the tsukune yet? Don’t miss the scallion! Isn’t this tare sauce amazing? There is something magical about sharing a meal that requires your hands and your attention, bringing people closer with every bite.
Beyond its irresistible flavors, Yakitori offers surprising health benefits. Chicken, the primary ingredient, is a lean source of protein, supporting muscle health and overall energy. Grilling, as a cooking method, minimizes the need for excess oil, keeping the dish relatively light. The accompanying vegetables provide fiber and essential vitamins, creating a balanced meal in every skewer.
Even the tare sauce, though rich in flavor, contains ingredients that can support metabolism and provide antioxidants, thanks to the soy sauce and sake. Of course, moderation is key, but Yakitori proves that indulgence can coexist with mindful eating.
One of the reasons Yakitori has become our family’s favorite is its universal appeal. It suits every occasion—be it a casual dinner, a celebration, or a summer barbecue. The skewers are customizable to individual tastes: spice lovers can add shichimi togarashi, while those who prefer mild flavors can stick to the classic.
It’s also a dish that transcends cultural boundaries. While Yakitori is rooted in Japanese street food tradition, it feels right at home on our table, blending effortlessly with sides like rice, pickled vegetables, or even a fresh green salad.
For us, Yakitori is more than just a food; it is a celebration of connection, flavor, and nourishment. It is the meal we turn to when we want to treat ourselves, when we want to linger around the table just a little longer. With its smoky charm, healthful qualities, and endless versatility, Yakitori has earned its place as our family’s favorite dish—a skewer-bound delight that warms both our stomachs and our hearts.
To end, although for my family, Yakitori is number one—for sure you have your own family’s favorite meal, which is good. As I believe, sharing meals amongst families, friends, co-workers, even with new acquaintances, is such a powerful way to connect and bond with people. It strengthens or establishes bonds; shares and exchanges culture. As a communal thing, it can bring down barriers for sure.
September arrives on soft, golden feet, A quiet prelude to autumn’s grand symphony. It carries the scent of change in the breeze, Cool whispers weaving through the trees.
It is the beginning of my favorite season, When summer bows out with grace. The world begins its slow exhale, Wrapped in amber, rust, and lace.
September is the first brushstroke of fall, Its skies a canvas of gentler hues— The sun, mellow and warm as honey, Its light filtering through morning dew.
The leaves begin their whispered conversations, Turning to crimson, gold, and flame. Each tree a poet, reciting the tale Of nature’s eternal, cyclical game.
It is the time of apple orchards and hayrides, Of pumpkin patches and firelit nights. The air hums with the promise of change, Of sweaters, scarves, and cozy delights.
Schoolyards fill with laughter once more, Children with backpacks, dreams in their eyes. It is the season of new beginnings, Of turning pages, of hopeful tries.
September teaches us to let go gently, To find beauty in endings and embrace the unknown. Its charm is quiet, yet deeply profound— A transition where seeds of reflection are sown.
So, why do I love September so? It is a poem that nature writes with care. A month of balance, of dusk and dawn, Where stillness and transformation share.
And for those who pause to truly see, September holds the magic key— To love what was, to welcome what will be, And to find grace in life’s changing melody.
When the sun first kisses the horizon, spilling its golden essence across the ocean, Waikīkī and Ala Moana awaken, two paradises etched into the heart of O‘ahu. They are more than destinations—they are chapters in the great narrative of life, where serenity and joy intermingle, offering the traveler a taste of something eternal.
The Magnetic Pull of Waikīkī
Waikīkī, a name whispered by trade winds, is where the ocean meets the soul. The beach here is not just a stretch of sand but a living canvas—soft grains that glisten like powdered pearls, caressed by waves that speak in soothing rhythms. For surfers, Waikīkī offers not merely sport but a communion with nature, its long, rolling waves inviting riders to dance upon the ocean’s crest. For others, it is a haven of leisure, where beach chairs and shady palms frame a view that could make poets weep.
To walk along Kalākaua Avenue is to stroll through a symphony of cultures. High-end boutiques, street performers, and the aroma of garlic shrimp from food trucks converge in a sensory celebration. Yet, Waikīkī is not just for tourists. Its sunsets—brushstrokes of pink, gold, and lavender—remind every onlooker, local and visitor alike, of life’s fleeting beauty.
The Tranquility of Ala Moana
While Waikīkī pulses with energy, Ala Moana Beach Park offers a quieter embrace. It is a sanctuary, a place where the hum of city life fades into the gentle lapping of waves against the shore. Here, families picnic under sprawling banyan trees, joggers trace the coastline, and paddleboarders glide over glassy waters.
Ala Moana’s lagoon is a refuge for those seeking calm waters, ideal for wading, swimming, or simply floating beneath an azure sky. And the nearby Ala Moana Center, a shopper’s paradise, ensures no visit is without its indulgences. Yet, what makes this beach truly special is its egalitarian spirit—locals and tourists share the same sand, the same sunset, the same ocean breeze.
Why Waikīkī and Ala Moana Are My Favorites
These twin beaches, though distinct in character, are united by their ability to inspire. Waikīkī’s vibrant energy reminds us to savor life’s pleasures, while Ala Moana’s tranquility invites introspection. Together, they offer balance—a yin and yang of paradise.
In a world so often consumed by haste, Waikīkī and Ala Moana stand as reminders to pause, to breathe, to marvel. They are invitations not just to visit but to feel: the warmth of the sun, the cool of the ocean, the awe of nature’s grandeur. And so, whether I seek adventure, relaxation, or simply a moment of beauty, these beaches are more than worthy of one’s time—they are necessary for one’s soul.
Last, but not least, Waikīkī and Ala Moana are not merely places on a map; they are experiences that linger, memories that shimmer long after I’ve left their shores. So, no need to pack bags, I can leave behind the weight of the world, and answer their call. For in these sacred spaces, where the ocean sings and the sun smiles, I find a piece of myself.
I recently began reading 50 Core American Documents edited by Christopher Burkett, and though I’m only at the start, I already feel a deep connection to its pages. Some of the material feels like revisiting old friends, as I had the privilege of studying American history during a semester at the University of Hawai’i. But this book isn’t just a reminder—it’s a new lens through which to see the foundation of the United States and the minds that shaped this exceptional nation.
Why read this collection? For me, it’s simple: I love the United States. I see America as the greatest idea humanity has ever conceived—a nation born from revolutionary principles of liberty, equality, and self-governance. Through these documents, I aim to immerse myself in the thoughts, debates, and ideals that created a beacon of freedom and opportunity for the world.
America’s greatness lies in its unique story. The Declaration of Independence boldly proclaimed that all men are created equal, setting a revolutionary precedent. The U.S. Constitution followed, forming the world’s longest-standing written charter of government. Over time, this framework weathered crises that tested its resilience, from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. Leaders like Abraham Lincoln, whose speeches I deeply admire, showed how America’s ideals could evolve and expand to encompass more people and freedoms.
The entrepreneurial spirit here has also made America a land of innovation. It’s where electricity lit the world, flight became possible, and the Internet was born. Politically, the nation’s system of checks and balances ensures the pursuit of justice and accountability, while its cultural diversity celebrates the contributions of immigrants and indigenous peoples alike.
As I continue reading, I hope to better understand the ideas and sacrifices behind this exceptional experiment in democracy. These documents don’t just recount history; they’re living conversations that remind us of America’s responsibility to uphold its founding ideals.
One of the pieces I’m most looking forward to revisiting is Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. It is, without question, one of my favorite American works. In just a few sentences, Lincoln captured the very essence of what makes this country extraordinary: a government of the people, by the people, for the people. For me, it’s not just a speech—it’s a call to honor the sacrifices of the past by building a more just and free future. As I delve further into this book, I carry those words with me, inspired to learn, reflect, and perhaps contribute to this ongoing story in my own way.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Updated 9:21 AM HST 11/14/24
(Before I start answering this prompt, I am behind on getting back at some friends—forgive me—I apologize. Hopefully tonight, I can make it up to you. Thank you for your kind understanding! Aloha. . .)
Hawaii is my heart’s home, my sanctuary. There is no place in the world I’d rather be than here, in the land where my roots run deep. God brought me to this special place, and every day I am grateful for it. To those who haven’t experienced the spirit of the Aloha State, it might just seem like another paradise, but it’s more than that—it’s a place of profound beauty, culture, and history that is unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Hawaii’s landscapes are a testament to the creative forces of nature. This volcanic chain of islands is a geological marvel, directly formed from the earth’s mantle as a “hot spot” of volcanic activity. To the south, two underwater islands lie hidden beneath the waves, a reminder of Hawaii’s continuous transformation. And that water—oh, it’s the purest I’ve ever tasted. Thanks to the ingenious aquifer system built by native Hawaiians long ago, Hawaii boasts some of the cleanest, freshest water in the world, flowing from deep underground and sustaining all life here.
In addition, Hawaii is home to many endemic birds, plants, and flowers. Even underwater, we have corals here, which you cannot find anywhere.
Living in Hawaii means thriving. Health-wise, people here have a longer life expectancy than in most places, averaging in the high 80s to low 90s. Some may say that Hawaii is expensive, and there’s no denying that the price of living here is high. Being in the middle of the Pacific, almost everything has to be shipped in. But with the health benefits and the best weather in the world—a warm, gentle climate tempered by the ocean—it’s worth every penny.
Hawaii holds my heart in every way. I remember a time when I went through a rough patch, maybe a midlife crisis. In that season, I briefly entertained the thought of moving to another state or even to a nearby country. It’s not something I regret exactly, but looking back, it was a fleeting dream born from a temporary place of restlessness. At my core, I knew Hawaii was home, and nowhere else could ever take its place.
When I think about what it means to live here, it’s about more than the beauty, the health, or the clean air and water. Hawaii is a place of deep, enduring love and community. It’s where I’m meant to be—no matter where life leads me, I know Hawaii will always be my heart’s true home.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever found (and kept)?
I have a habit of putting everything I find in “Lost and Found.” If I stumble across someone’s belongings—a purse, a cellphone, even an old homework assignment from a former classmate—I’ll go out of my way to make sure it’s returned. Losing things, especially when you need them most, is one of my pet peeves. I know how it feels to realize something’s gone missing and wonder if it’s lost forever, and I wouldn’t want someone else to feel that same frustration.
Once, I found an old iPhone in a parking lot, clearly out of commission and likely dead for good. I posted it on Craigslist, hoping someone would recognize it as theirs, but there were no responses. Since it seemed like it was abandoned, I kept it—just that once. But other than that, every other item went back to Lost and Found, safe and sound, waiting for its rightful owner.
On a lighter note, I sometimes wonder if there could be a “Lost and Found” for people, too. There was a time I found someone who seemed a bit lost, but I had no idea who to return him to. Just kidding! Life has a funny way of bringing people into our lives, and sometimes, the ones who seem a little lost bring us the most memorable adventures.
Have a great day, everyone! Remember, if you lose something, I’ll probably be the first to drop it off where it belongs.
Lyrics, Sentiments and Me 
You must be logged in to post a comment.