Year Of Being Honest...

I had a fun night walking around the City with two home-girls. It is so heavy laden with tourists and out of towners that the simple act of walking down any street is not only a chore because of the amount of people, but a hazard. A hazard moreso to those around us, because the frustration that builds is tangible. Holidays in the City is not pretty or easy for those who live here.

While walking, I realized that I had gas--so I used my WAD (Weapon of Ass Destruction) and led the pack. Like the final fight scene in the movie Independance Day, the character of the presidend of the United States says, 'let's clear the road.'

Well, I cleared it, alright.

The funny thing is, my two home-girls and I began talking about things (like farts, and dating...I know, weird combo) that personally I feel embarrassed of and would never talk about. However we spoke and I felt more connected to them. I felt comfortable in my skin. Then I remembered a lesson I learned years ago when I first got saved--a life of transparency is truly living in freedom. Freedom from having to hide behind pretense and facades. Security in finding confidence and security in being the person God created, developed and sustains. Power in realizing that I have finally reached a place in my life where I do not care what people have to say or what kind of opinions they have about my decisions. Heck, I have enough for 8 people. I can be me.

I fully believe in being wise in how and what I share about myself, my ideas. my opinions and my beliefs. I believe everyone's "filter" when it comes to expressing themselves is key in maintaining discretion and protecting themselves. It's just the smart and right thing to do. However, I do recognize that in order for me to make connections with people and for them to see my intentions of love towards them, I must be transparent. People in my life must see that despite my desire to appear in the 'best light,' the greatest testimony I can have to someone and be to someone is for them to see me as being like any other person. That what I may ever attain in this life does not match or compare to the power there is in being relatable and have flaws, but still be able to live in victory and with joy.

I promise to be honest to you this year. As brutal as it may get for me. The only way I can grow and actually allow this blog experience to work for me is to acknowledge that true change and hopefully transformation, will only be obtained when I deal honestly and truly allow my life to be an open book so that you can hopefully relate. Perhaps when that happens, that place of honesty can become the foundation of change for the both of us. Fart stories and all.

We'll see. Aloha.

Turning over a new leaf

So I've decided again to do something, but this time i'm looking for someone to keep me accountable. There are several things that I'd like to accomplish, not only 'this coming year', but something I'd like to check off of my bucket list. No, I'm not planning (or desiring/hoping) on kicking the bucket anytime soon--unless you believe in all that Mayan lore--but there is no time like the present to start doing what could have possibly been done years ago. And you all know, I'm not getting any younger. But, if all works out to my desires, I may be getting healthier, and thinner in the process. So in order to get a jump on my 'new years resolution', something to which I think everyone should create. Why? Because it's always good to have goals. To lay before you your dreams, aspirations, desires. I've said it before and am a firm believer--Dream Big. I have a Big God! So, I'm dreaming HUGE!!!! Here are a few things I'm planning on doing this year...

1. Finishing school. College, that is. I want to finally be able to say that I've received my degree in the field that I'm actually in, to not only validate the work that I do (and love), but to also prove to my posterity that an education is always possible no matter what age.

2. Run the Honolulu Marathon. I've always wanted to do this, but to do this in my homeland would be an even bigger accomplishment. I've got a great trainer and have my eyes set on the goal--Christmas in Hawai'i, 2012.

3. Get financially fit, baby! Better than pay off all my debt, I want to pay off the debt of my family. That wouldn't be just 'fit,' that would be frickin' fantastic. And doable for sure.

4. Read more. Specifically, read through the entire Bible again, and at least 2 books a month. It's been awhile since I've read more than watched t.v. When I get home from work where I read so much damn regulatory material, all I can do is veg. But not this year--I have me a list and it's on like popcorn.

5. Write my blog. Yes, that's right..I'm planning on setting out sometime during the day, every day, for the next 365, to write something. Not so much to fulfill a goal, but more importantly to practice consistency. You see the theme for the new year...consistency.

So, say a prayer for me, wish me luck, and I'll be in touch with you tomorrow.

Aloha!