when i was approached with the idea of doing a mochi tweetup, i honestly didn’t think people would come out during dinner time just for mochi.  i love my tweet tweet pals & thought it would be a fun opportunity to cook for them too.   that, plus being shy & feeling more at home in a kitchen than in a room full of people—and a poor case of time management (which i’m working on =p — i really didn’t plan on showing up THAT late) contributed to my not arriving at little oven until well into the tweetup.  i figured the effervescent Traci Toguchi was already the perfect hostess & since Junie & Sara I. had taken care of set-up, my presence wasn’t needed early on.  i can’t tell you how awesome it was to be greeted by a room full of old & new twitter friends when i walked in the door.  seriously, all the fatigue from a relatively sleepless weekend melted away. =)

wish all my tweet tweet pals could have come, but mochi-production limitations & little oven room capacity didn’t allow for it.

as much as i love making mochi, i do miss catering and being in the kitchen at diamond head market & grill.  i was planning to post the menu prior to the tweetup, but ran out of time.  here’s what was there:

ume edamame

matsutake okowa (mochi rice with matsutake mushrooms)

lindy’s salsa

cheesy spinach artichoke dip

artisanal cheese platter: Humboldt Fog goat cheese, Saint Andre Triple Cream, Vella Mezzo Secco, & Westcombe Red cheddar – grapes, dried fruit

baguettes/pita chips/tortilla chips/multigrain crackers

mini caprese salad with kahuku toybox tomatoes, fresh mozzarella perlini & basil

roasted vegetable pasta salad

butter mochi & blueberry mochi

plantation iced tea with Zhena’s Gypsy love rose tea

culinary peeps in action =)

I am very grateful for everyone who attended, tweeted, took pictures AND video (!) =) – i have yet to go through all the tweets & twitpics but am SO encouraged by all the positive comments i’ve seen so far & that everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves (my kitchen is still a disaster area =D).  Thank you Traci for organizing – hope i didn’t cause you too much stress.  Many thanks to Little Oven & Joyce for coming in on her day off & letting us hang out at one of the coolest venues in town.  Heartfelt thanks for the wonderful people who volunteered and helped out including Laurie, Derek, Mitchell, Junie, Sara I. & Gregg — you rock!  i’m awed by how much some Hawaii twitter peeps are so giving of their time & willing to lend a hand.  if any of you ever want to hang out at mochi house & help do stuff like make peanut butter balls, let me know.  this holiday season is going to be crazier than last year, with a newborn in the family – she’s limiting the help i get from my two major helpers (mom & sis), Mahealani’s on the mainland, and Joni is unavailable due to being severely understaffed at work.  still paying off debt, so can’t afford to pay money, though i’d feed you (incl. mochi =)  ).

Oh, and happy b*day Jeannemarie! =) glad you were able to stop by & i’m happy that we were able to play a small part in helping make your day a memorable one! =)

here’s an awesome video by Susie!  love the music too! =)

this is Chris’ cool video – and folks, please don’t try this at home…

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below are just my personal notes on the food for improvement & future reference.  i like to keep my notes in one place & my blog be it…

ume edamame – i love ume spaghetti, so thought i’d use my sauce on soybeans. need to take into account carry-over cooking =p… though part of the coloration WAS due to being boiled in shoyu dashi. grandpa grew soybeans in the garden and i grew up eating them well-done. will tweak recipe)

matsutake okowa – 1pkge makes 4 cups. -from marukai – smelled good, but was gone before i got to taste it.

lindy’s salsa – tasted better when lindy made it.  wonder if she used fresh corn.  i’d defrosted a bag of frozen corn, but didn’t like the texture, so didn’t use it & had mitchell bring canned corn.  definitely tastes better with a squeeze of lime juice.

spinach artichoke dip – used Paula Deen’s recipe plus knorr veg. soup mix.  mixed in most of the cheese and used some to top (only used half the block of pepper jack); bag spinach instead of boxed, so had 6oz more spinach than recipe called for.  it looked very solid… should have put more mayo/sour cream…want to adjust consistency.

cheese platter - (oops, forgot the table water crackers, apricot preserves, fig spread + nuts, garnishes… and wasn’t able to get my hands on the mango stilton in time =p)

pasta salad – the veggies were a little softer than i usually like them for a salad, but there’s nothing like the flavor of roasted, caramelized eggplant & onion.

finally got around to opening my can of chaokoh sugar cane.  like bamboo shoots, they don’t do well in cans. =p

…and twitterless D’s help with the mountain of dishes the day after (and peanut butter ball-making) was invaluable. =)  —not to mention getting me out the door to exercise despite my protest of time constraints. shave ice mo arigato! =)

one of my fave events is here! =)  can always count on good food, running into friends & family, and a dose of uchinanchu culture.  all the 411 can be found at: http://www.okinawanfestival.com/

there’s at least several twitter peeps planning to enter sunday’s andagi eating contest.  cheer them on & stick around to hear our sanshin group (@11:30).

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one of my friends is involved with common grace – check out the event they’re having this weekend too! =)

Common Grace Benefit Bazaar and Silent Auction

Where? Kaimuki Christian Church, 1117 Koko Head Ave. at Harding Ave.

When? Labor Day, September 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Find that video game for your child or the bowl that perfectly matches your china pattern or an exercise bike to get your body in shape … even a weed whacker to get your yard in shape. Also place your bid on Silent Auction goodies from 9 a.m.-11 a.m.

Questions? Call (909) 233-8474, email commongracehawaii@hotmail.com or visit www.commongrace.org

***if you have items you’d like to donate, stop by on sunday:

Drop off your donation of gently used items for sale at Kaimuki Christian on Sunday, Sept. 6, from 2 to 6 p.m. We can use jewelry, handbags, CD’s, DVD’s, sports equipment, working appliances and electronics, etc. for the White Elephant sale. (No clothing please.) Also needed are high-quality, valuable items for our Silent Auction.

haven’t posted in ages – and yes, i’m still swamped in paperwork, but when something post-worthy happens, i just have to update.

a dear friend & sister-in-Christ left the islands today – her departure was rather sudden and i’ve been processing the news of it for the past few days.  you know, when someone close to you dies, you go through a range of emotions… it’s been quite a rollercoaster ride — thankful it’s not a death, but y’know, it’s kinda similar, since physically, she’s no longer in town.   i’ve seen red flags pop up recently, and have wanted to do something about it, but hadn’t known that time would be so short.  didn’t know what else to do but pray – surely, if anyone could help her, it would be Jesus.

i was disappointed in myself that i couldn’t do more this past week.  after pulling several all-nighters working, my body wasn’t physically capable to hold out & i ended up falling asleep on some urgent messages.  it made me sad that i wasn’t there for her when she needed me.  i was mulling over that this evening when i was reminded about the passage of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane (Mt.26:36+) where the disciples – the people closest to Jesus, kept falling asleep and weren’t “there” for him when he was in anguish.  some friends, huh?  i would think, that in the whirlwind of events that happened shortly afterward, that the thought must have crossed their minds that they totally failed Jesus.  things definitely hadn’t gone as they’d planned (could not have fathomed the events to come) and they weren’t able to change the course of events & rescue him.  if things hadn’t played out the way they did, scripture wouldn’t be fulfilled, and history would be different.  God ultimately orchestrated everything and enabled that story to be told to future generations to give us hope.  one may wonder why people go through crappy situations or seem to be dealt a bad hand in life — it’s more a result of a fallen world & dark forces at work than God willing it for people.  i think it’s possible for God to be glorified in even horrific/tragic situations.  the events that happened this year were allowed to happen —and even though a lot of junk stuff occured, i still marvel at how we even met and how she ended up at my church!  it may seem distant, but i believe this story WILL have a happy ending. ナンクルナイサ(nankurunaisa)— it will all work out in the end.  i am hopeful that time spent with her family will strengthen their relationships and that she will obtain the care that she needs while she’s up there.  while i love her and will miss not being able to hang out, i know she’ll be back—even if it’s just for vacation.  the world’s a lot smaller with the internet too, so it’s not like i’ll never see her on-line either.

so yah, sis, it’s not goodbye.   being the conservative asian that i am, i know i haven’t said it enough — i love you and am SO thankful for your friendship.  you’ve been an encouragement to me and i’ve enjoyed hanging out with you.  you’re always welcome here and i look forward to your return.  =)

lots of things going on in town this sunday:  the annual bg charity fair (i’ll be at the bead gallery with my mochi – come say ‘hi!’ =) ); the JCCH children’s day fair in Moili’ili (@nemu & co will be there!), and the Janell Araki fundraiser @ Aloha Tower.

my mother needs to read this, but i’m posting here because EVERYONE should be aware of this.  take a woman’s word if she says she’s being stalked and if you want to help, read up on resources like this and/or direct her to them: http://www.stalkingvictims.com/home.htm

**edit:  Thanks to @danseto for providing a link to another great resource! =)  http://www.stoptheviolence.org/home **

i have a friend whom i knew pre- and post- boyfriend.  it’s been approximately 10years since they were together & they were a couple for less than a year.  i caught up with her several years ago and barely recognized her.  The vibrant, cheerful person i once knew was timid, fearful, and spoke barely above a whisper if you could even manage to get two words out of her — practically a shell of a person; not to mention paranoid that she would be found.  i’m glad she’s been able to plug into a church & small group – she’s improved considerably, even though she’s still haunted by him.

yesterday, i got a call from one of my mom’s friends, whom i respect (and who has had pastoral duties before).  she wanted this friend’s phone number so she could talk to her.   i asked if it was okay if i had my friend call her instead & she agreed.  we talked for a bit before i called my friend and relayed the message.  my mom then calls me and tells me she was going to give her friend my friend’s cell. number, and recited it, asking if that was the right one & i got upset.  i was also unsettled by my mom’s friend.  even if she is counseling the guy, i don’t see why my friend still needs to be contacted about it.  rule #1 of the survival guide is to avoid contact = CEASE COMMUNICATION.  from the last several attempts he’s made to enlist pastors and counselors help to get him in touch with her again (!), he’s stated that he’s better and wants to be friends…  obviously, he hasn’t moved on and i honestly don’t think it would be a good idea for them to re-establish any kind of relationship.  if he truly loved her, he’d let go and move on.  she definitely is not the same person he knew way back then anyway.  It may seem kind of extreme to take such precautions, but judging from the way women who hadn’t been taken seriously end up murdered & on the front page of the paper, i think it’s worth it.  My friend does not need to become one of them.

…yah, i’m behind on posting – my computer was out of commission a few weeks, it’s tax season, and been busy with work… =s

Chapter Two

I AM – Your Sufficiency

   

Lesson Five

 

 

“I Was”

モーセは思い切ってこの人といっしょに住むようにした。そこでその人は娘のチッポラをモーセに与えた。彼女は

男の子を産んだ。彼はその子をゲルショムと名づけた。”私は外国にいる寄留者だ。”と言ったからである。出エジプト記2•21-22

      

“And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter. And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.”

Exodus 2: 21-22

reading is here

    

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever found yourself ‘in faith’ yet bewildered or demoralized?  yes, feels like everything else just got pulled out from under you and you’re knocked off your feet.  not fun.

 

2. Do you consider yourself content? Would you describe it as Decidedly Content or Dreamily Content? yes, both, but usually more ‘decidedly content.’

3. If you are not content, are there circumstances that keep you from this feeling? when i’m not content, i’m stressed out with worry or wanting to take the reins of control and MAKE things happen.

4. Have you ever found yourself in a place where you looked back on a period of your Christian walk and believed a greatopportunity passed you by? no.  doesn’t do much good to dwell on stuff like that.

5. Do you ever believe your faith was stronger in an earlier time in your Christianity and find yourself floundering now? was totally there several years ago, thinking about how nice it would be to be in my mid-twenties again…  good times…  several years ago, things were so up in the air, i wasn’t really involved with any ministy and was between churches…

6. Can you recognize that this season may be one of great preparation instead of a period of “I Was”? i guess… felt like i was wandering in the desert.  did some re-evaluating and  got back to basics.  i’ve grown.

 

 

What are you looking for?  heh, i’m ALWAYS looking for something, especially when i’m trying to get some paperwork done (calculator, stapler, hole-puncher…).  need to get organized.  on the lookout for a paper i was going to forward to Tinika… 

What are you waiting for? an opportunity to study in Okinawa =) 

What is someone else waiting for from you?  besides Tinika for the aforementioned, i don’t know… nothing that i can think of… oh wait.  my parents are waiting (rather impatiently) for me to get a REAL job with a steady paycheck. =s

You know you have a long wait ahead of you at the doctor. What do you bring? my cell phone with internet access has totally changed the waiting room experience.  thank goodness for twitter for preserving my sanity & providing entertainment!!! =D

Where can you expect always to wait in a ridiculously long line? i usually try to avoid lines… the andagi line at the okinawan festival comes to mind (and the malasada line for the punahou carnival).  yes, in hawaii, it’s usually for food! =D

By Rebecca St. James, Tedd T.

I know that look in your eyes/ I see the pain behind your smile
Please don’t hold it all inside
Together we can run/ To the finish line
And when you are tired/ I’ll carry you

I can’t walk this road without you/ You cannot go it alone
We were never meant to/ make it on our own
When the load becomes too heavy
And your feet too tired to walk
I will carry you and/ we’ll be carried on

Share your burden now/ I will listen
And when I’m weak/ Will you hold me to the truth
That we can go on,/ For we are carried
Three strands of chord/ Cannot be easily torn

God will carry us

Before I say one more word/ Hear me say “I love you”
My love comes from a/ heart that overflows
With love Who fills me/ Comforts me/ Comforts you
With arms stretched out He said,/ ”I’ll carry you”

another song that caught my attention…

oh, to be a support and encouragement to my friends & point the way to Jesus…

reading is here

 

Discussion Questions:

1. I am going to present to you a little acrostic to begin our discussion today. What is your latest NLIP? (Not Like I Planned?) that usually has to do with my career plans…

2. How did you react to your NLIP? Are you still upset about it? Happy about it? Baffled by it? Explain. just keep moving and seek God’s direction & wise counsel.  not upset — anxious sometimes, often impatient, but learning to handle things better.

3. Have you ever attempted to step into an area of ministry and found your desire rejected? Did this cause you to question God and yourself? Perhaps distrust what you perceived to be your calling?  not really, though i wasn’t too thrilled with stepping down from youth ministry when i did… no, didn’t question either, though i didn’t really understand at the time.

4. Do you harbor any bitterness towards any individual or situation which you believe waylaid your best laid plans? no, though i admit to feeling hurt at the time.

5. Have you had a life experience or trial that left you with a shaken faith because it ended in an NLIP? Please share if you feel free.  no.  the weirdest thing about my first niece’s passing — one would think that would totally rock my foundations — i just knew that i knew God was with me and would see me through.  i was definitely sad that she was no longer with us, but if anything, it made my faith stronger.  definitely gave me a greater appreciation for being alive and it totally got rid of any suicidal tendencies i’d had…

5. Based on Moses’ response of faith to his own rejection, how will you re-evaluate your own experiences or look at future ones differently if a NLIP presents itself? actually already do handle things better — it’s nice to know that God’s in control in the sense that things won’t get too whacked out if i stick with Him.  it’s really not worth stressing out over and deciding to make the most out of everything & finding the silver lining in even the crappy situations does wonders for one’s outlook and stress levels.

click to read lesson.

Discussion Questions:

 

 

1. It was stated in the Lesson that God has made you “once, twice, three times a lady.” Where are you in this progression? Obviously we have all been physically born, but are you ‘twice a lady’? Have you been born again spiritually? This may be a private matter you’d like to discuss confidentially. If you have already received this gift, write a brief prayer of thanksgiving or testimony.3x…

2. Are you three times a lady? Has God given you a stirring deep within your Spirit to be a ‘deliverer’? Do you have a desire or are you already meeting a need in the life of the church, a particular ministry (such as jail ministry, food ministry, etc.) or perhaps individuals who share common issues?

Yes. Yes, though not too sure what to do about it… Used to as a youth leader/ dance ministry leader… hope to do so here/ friends that cross my path…

3. Do you ever get tired of waiting for that opportunity to do something

worthwhile for God? Do you ever feel God is using someone else instead of you?

No, there are opportunities everywhere if you stop to look… Yes, but it’s encouraging to see God work in the lives of others. =)

4. What do you consider ‘worthwhile ministry’? Are you like me and sometimes find yourself mistakenly thinking it has to be Big to be Important? Whatever you deem worth putting your time & energy into – looks different for each person.  For me, it can be as small as taking Emi to the library…  Sometimes it seems big things make a larger impact, so it appears more important but I know the little things are important too…

5. Have you ever taken a spiritual gifts test? If yes, what are yours? If no, here’s a good one from Ephesians 4 Ministry. Will you take it and come back with a response?

Yes, I’ve taken them before but took the E4M one anyway.  Top two traits were showing mercy, pastor/shepherd, closely followed by exhortation.  Teaching, administration, and serving also had high scores…  I was a little surprised mercy was up there, though i guess because i’m so sensitive, it’s a little difficult to put myself in situations where a lot of that is needed…