Willpower: DON'T EAT THAT COOKIE!

Hello and welcome my FAMILY, FRIENDS and other good people...

WHY COUSIN PILI HAS NO WILLPOWER AND WHY YOU DON'T EITHER.

First my disclaimer: I am not a doctor. I am not a nurse. I am not a psychologist. ALL SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION THAT I AM USING COMES FROM the American Psychological Association's article on Willpower. Click HERE for the article. I will be using it as a reference for the next few blogs.

I am not affiliated with any sort of health industry. You are reading this blog with the full knowledge that Pilialoha K. Nathaniel is not authorized by any school, institution or government to give health and medical advise. If you follow any advise in this blog it is at your own discretion and at your own risk. Okay? Nod if you agree. If you read anything past this paragraph that means you have nodded and you agree.

Did you nod? Great! Read on.

Did you know that will power can actually be drained. Seriously. It's been studied. For example: A scientist puts a plate of fresh baked cookies in front of you (whoever you are) and I (Cousin Pili). He says, "Don't eat the cookies." The scientist leaves. YOU EAT A COOKIE! Damn YOU for eating that cookie! I wanted a cookie but I used my WILLPOWER not to eat one.

The scientist comes back in. I point at you and tell the scientist that YOU ate a cookie. The scientist just smiles and removes the cookies. He comes back with two jump ropes and asks us to jump to a thousand. We both gawk at him but get to it.

Did you know that according to the latest studies on WILLPOWER that YOU, the bad cookie eater, would last longer than me. The act of USING MY WILLPOWER to NOT EAT THE COOKIES drained my willingness to push further.

WILLPOWER is a limited resource. SO DON'T FLIPPING TEST ME!

I am so joking. Kind of.

Did you also know that WILLPOWER can be drained by emotionally stressful situations? It's been tested! Say we're watching an emotional movie and I tell you to suppress all feelings while I get to cry my eyes out and enjoy the film naturally. After the film, we're both given those jump ropes again. This time I would last longer.

WILLPOWER CAN BE DRAINED.

So... lets apply what we have learnt to life's little situations. Lets play THE WILLPOWER GAME.

First a broad stroke: Your girlfriend wants you to do something. You don't want to do it. She argues with you. You feel a little bad but still won't do it. A day passes. You are taking out the trash. Your girlfriend walks out with the bathroom trash and berates you for always forgetting to take out ALL the trash. You apologize. She asks you again to do the something you don't want to do. You say no. She continues to berate you for you forgetfulness. Later that night you are both watching an action flick. She talks throughout the entire movie, picking it apart. She expects you to agree with her and laughs at you when you don't. So you stifle your excitement for the movie and you listen to her banter away. She actually has the nerve to point out after the movie that you seemed angry. Later, you are about to sleep when you find her on the bed looking excitedly at websites about the thing you expressly told her you did not want to do.

But she is so excited. You really don't want to do it but maybe if you do this for her she'll stop making fun of your movies and stop berating you for forgetting things. You felt kind of bad for saying no in the first place... So what do you do?

You say yes.

You just lost the game of WILLPOWER. Some people are very good at this game. Watch out for those people. They are everywhere... hey... YOU might even be draining the one you love right now. The girlfriend I just described seems like a bitch but what if she was someone you truly loved and wanted to please. What would you do?

Here's another one: You are on a diet. You have been exercising regularly and eating well for weeks now. You haven't slipped up at all. UNTIL... You have an amazing day with your family at the beach. You barbecue with your cousins and only eat the chicken and vegetables. You have a long swim in the ocean and enjoy your day. Your family decides to come over to the house for more fun and food. There is fried rice and pizza. YOU KNOW you shouldn't be eating any of that and YOU DON'T. You have a great meal planned for yourself and you have the WILLPOWER to stick with it.

But you're not gonna stick around to watch everyone eat. Screw that. You always have to watch that skinny bitch (you mean that in the best way) of a cousin eat whatever she wants. And what about cousin so and so... he always says that he's going to eat better but he never does. You are so much better than him. YOU HAVE WILLPOWER!!!

Or do you? You just LOST the WILLPOWER GAME. You had the willpower to keep to your diet but not to hang with the rest of your family. Willpower depleted. Again.

Last one for tonight: Your (fill in the blank) is a NEGATIVE PERSON. But you love them. This person is wonderful and has been there for you through everything. But their VOCAL NEGATIVITY blackens everything and brings you down. But you LOVE THEM. They complain about the closest people in their life. They complain about YOU. They complain about the way things are done and not done. But you love them. THEY COMPLAIN AND COMPLAIN AND COMPLAIN.

You smile. You try to commiserate. And finally you leave. You have lost the WILLPOWER game. Or have you won? You lost the patience to put up with the complaints and negativity of a person you loved. SOMETIMES THERE IS ONLY SO MUCH YOU CAN TAKE.

There is a point where you break and you can never go back.

Cousin Pili

PS... This Nathaniel will be a lot happier on her next blog about WILLPOWER and her Cousin Kaeo. Cousin Kaeo always makes me a HappyNathaniel.

Cousin Kaeo at WARRIOR DASH!

Not Happy Nathaniel.

Aloha (cough.) My Family, (Cough.) My Friends, (COUGH.) and those people brave enough to come around.

I have a cold. A cough to be exact. I have just taken a cough suppressant with CODEINE so forgive me if I fall asleep halfway through this post. I WAS going to write about WILLPOWER today and specifically about my lovely cousin Kaeo.  But that's gonna come to you sometime tomorrow. Hopefully I'll be able to fight though the medicated haze to blog-a-di-blog my thoughts and wisdoms on the subject.

As it is I do not have the WILLPOWER to stay awake.

Note: I used to be a stubborn butt-head about medicine and doctors. I thought I could fight everything using Hawaiian Salt, lemon and tea. While I suggest trying home remedies at first... PLEASE after a few days JUST GET SOME COUGH SYRUP. If that doesn't work GO TO THE DOCTOR. This goes for your aches and pains too. Thats what those highly educated white coats are for. To make you get better.

Now I am just writing in bubbles. I'm going to go to sleep. I originally was just going to tell you that I was sick and that I'd be back tomorrow. That's all I was going to type... BUT I am PODAHGEE (like Portuguese but the Hawaiian version) I get straight to the point no matter how long it takes...

Good night, wash your hands and don't get sick,

Cousin Pili

PS... See you tomorrow!

Poop well.

Aloha My Family, My Friends and passing acquaintances,

Welcome to Thursdays edition of "Happy Nathaniel: The Blog" with your host Cousin Pili. I can't decide what to write today. One of "da Aunties" suggested I write about willpower. WOW. That's a little broad. I wanted to do another feature on one of my cousins but "girlfriend" didn't get back to me. (You know who I'm talking about, Kaeo.) I also could do a segment on the "Master Cleanse" and it's pros and cons.

Since my little Cousin Kaeo (text me!) didn't get back to me and the research I've found on WILLPOWER is astonishing and deserves more thought.... I'll talk about CLEANSING.

But first...

I am not a doctor. I am not a nurse. I am not a psychologist. I am not a counselor. I am not affiliated with any sort of health industry. You are reading this blog with the full knowledge that Pilialoha K. Nathaniel is not authorized by any school, institution or government to give health and medical advise. If you follow any advise in this blog it is at your own discretion and at your own risk. Okay? Nod if you agree. If you read anything past this paragraph that means you have nodded and you agree.

Great!

For those of you who know me know that I have done the MASTER CLEANSE every year for many years now. I highly suggest this CLEANSE. Note that I say cleanse and NOT DIET. This cleanse RESETS your body while giving it the very basic essential nutrients to survive. I did not do this to lose weight. I would though lose about TEN POUNDS everytime I would do it. BUT I WOULD GAIN IT BACK! This is because I have healthy eating habits and I didn't need to change them. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DO NEED TO CHANGE--- CHANGE!!! Once done with any sort of cleanse the body is ripe for CHANGE. If you need to keep the weight down then YOU should take measures to do so. Every time I have done this cleanse I have felt more energized and well... CLEAN!

It takes enormous amounts of willpower to do a cleanse. It takes time and preparation to DO IT RIGHT. Once you are prepared and you START... the HARDEST PART is STICKING WITH IT. Keep a GOAL in mind. Remind yourself why you are doing the cleanse in the first place. 

Do you need to get HEALTHIER?

Do you need to LOSE WEIGHT?

Do you just need CHANGE in your life?

What is your goal? Write it down and post it everywhere.

For more information on THE MASTER CLEANSE and HOW TO START, DO AND FEEL BETTER... go HERE. Please BUY THE BOOK and follow the directions. I will reiterate... FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS!

HERE is wedmd.com's BAD review on the Master Cleanse and reason why you shouldn't do it. LOT'S OF VALID POINTS HERE...

...

Please read the articles above. 

...

Have you read them? Okay. Good. Because I just did too. I DO NOT PROMOTE STARVATION DIETING. Do not starve yourself. It is not healthy. It is not good. Anorexia is a disease. (Go HERE for my views on starving and anorexia) And, now that I have read through webmd.com's take on THE MASTER CLEANSE do I suggest it? SORT OF... I suggest CLEANSING. I still believe that some bodies need a reset. IS THE MASTER CLEANSE THE BEST FOR YOU? I don't know that answer. You have to do what is best for you and your health.

The best suggestion that I have for you is to GO TO YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER and say, "Dr. Sonso, I would like to lose weight. I have heard that cleansing is a good way to start. Can you suggest some healthy ways to do this?" If your insurance covers it... WORK WITH A NUTRITIONIST. 

What's best for me? Truthfully, I won't be doing the Master Cleanse anytime soon. Go HERE for my reasons why. I just wanted to let you know about it. 

All else fails... just drink more water daily. You'll be surprised on how much healthier you'll be if you do just this one thing.

I'll end with this... CLEANSING isn't only about ridding your body of toxins. It's about ridding your MIND and HEART of the toxic gunk that you've swallowed and wallowed in. Take time to LET GO of the NEGATIVE. Negative thoughts, feelings and actions take too much time!

Love and hugs,

Cousin Pili

"For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness." 
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Also... don't forget to POOP WELL at least once a day. 

PS... Come back on Sunday for some WILLPOWER!!!

The Family Stubborn. You are Infected.

Aloha my dear DEAR Family, Friends and other people...

I searched http://www.mayoclinic.org/, www.webmd.com/, and the US National Library of Medicine. I couldn't find ANYTHING on this important issue that seems to afflict my family on a semi-regualar basis. I try to keep it under control but, and this is hard to say publicly, I GET FLARE-UPS TOO. I just assumed it was a medical affliction, some horrid disease that I caught from my Mom or some close relative that has a particularly nasty infection of it. I thought that maybe it was something in our DNA that has passed down from generation to generation. 

Nope. Stubbornness is not a disease. There is no cure except the one you make for YOURSELF... or maybe you can follow Cousin Pili's Three Simple Steps for Getting One's Head Out of One's Ass.

But first...

I am not a doctor. I am not a PROCTOLOGIST. A proctologist is a doctor that specializes in anal, rectal and intestinal disorders. If you actually have your head stuck up your ass, I am not licensed to help you remove it. I am not a nurse. I am not a psychologist. I am not affiliated with any sort of health industry. You are reading this blog with the full knowledge that Pilialoha K. Nathaniel is not authorized by any school, institution or government to give health and medical advise. If you follow any advise in this blog it is at your own discretion and at your own risk. Okay? Nod if you agree. If you read anything past this paragraph that means you have nodded and you agree.

If you can't nod because you have your head up your ass just give me a thumbs up.

Great.

Cousin Pili's Three Simple Steps For Getting One's Head Out of One's Ass (and keeping it out):

1) Pull it out yourself. 
2) Get help from a friend or family member.
3) LOVE.

1) PULL YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS! Easier said than done. Shit just gets stuck up in there! But it can be done if you just wade through the shit and FIND THE TRUTH. One example: I was too stubborn to see a doctor for a cold and fever I've had for days. I finally had to admit to myself that the over the counter drugs and ginger tea were NOT HELPING. I pulled my head out of my FLU-ridden ass and went to a doctor. Although, even with this example, I had help. Go HERE for the entire story.

2) POSITIVE people are happier people. BE POSITIVE! Stop COMPLAINING about having your head stuck up your ass. Please, please, please keep a positive attitude if a friend or relative calls you and says, "Last time I came over, I noticed that your head was up your ass. Would you like my help in taking it out for you? You just seem so unhappy and uncomfortable. Can I please help you?" It takes guts for anyone to approach a person that has his/her head in his/her ass. No one likes to see that.

3) I know I keep on mentioning this word in every blog and I will continue to do so until I feel you have GOTTEN IT INTO THAT STUBBORN HARD-HEAD! LOVE EACH OTHER! Know that there will be misunderstandings but if you totally shut down and if you FAIL TO SEE THE TRUTH... YOU will be the LOSER. If you act BEFORE you receive all the information YOU WILL LOSE THE LOVE OF THOSE CLOSEST TO YOU. You wanna know why??? Stubbornness may not be a disease but it certainly is infectious. Chances are your friend or relative is JUST AS STUBBORN AS YOU ARE. So just stop and SWALLOW THE BULLSHIT and LOVE.

I will end the post with this ... LOVE EACH OTHER AND SHOW YOUR LOVE... you don't know when the LAST DAY will come. I don't know when my last day will be. I may live to be a healthy ninety-eight year old marathon runner OR I might choke on my food this afternoon and die. WHO KNOWS??? Am I dwelling on it? Absolutely not! I have made a commitment to live my LIFE with HAPPINESS, LOVE and LAUGHTER. I may fail at times and at those times I WILL LOOK TO YOU, MY FAMILY, TO GET MY HEAD OUT OF MY SELF-RIGHTOUS ASS. Please make the same commitment my family. No more BLAME GAMES. No more SELF-RIGHTEOUS anger. No more STUBBORNNESS. 

JUST LOVE and allow yourself to BE LOVED. 

PLEASE. Pretty please.

Your Friend, Daughter, Granddaughter, Niece and/or Cousin in STUBBORNNESS,

Cousin Pili

PS... Every Sunday, NO MATTER WHAT THE TOPIC... I will feature a recipe. Why... because cooking makes me feel good. Notice I did not say EATING. Today's recipe comes from Kristian Guynes from Kapolei, Hawaii. Enjoy!

"Kousin Kristian's Killa Kauliflower"

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds cauliflower (approx. 1 head),cut into large florets (about 8 cups)

6 garlic cloves, peeled

2 (14-ounce) cans chicken broth

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Chopped fresh chives

In a large pot, combine cauliflower, garlic, and broth. If cauliflower is not completely covered by broth, add water to just cover. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until cauliflower is tender, about 12 minutes.

Reserve approx. 2 tablespoons of the cooking liquid (maybe more..), then drain cauliflower and garlic. Transfer cauliflower and garlic to the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth, pulsing in some or all of the reserved cooking liquid, if necessary, to moisten mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Just before serving, stir in chives. Serve warm.

Makes 4 (1 Cup Servings)

Per serving:

80 calories, 8 g protein, 12 g carbs, 1 g fat, 4 g fiber, 183 mg sodium

It is a very healthy alternative for mash potatoes. You can barely tell that it isn't a potato.

Sex.

Aloha my FAMILY, my FRIENDS and all the other lovely people reading!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!! Today marks the ONE MONTH ANNIVERSARY of THIS BLOG! It all started HERE on January 14. Twelve posts and almost nineteen-hundred views later I am celebrating a month of WRITING! It's been awesome! 

Now back to Valentine's Day and .... shhhhhhh ... SEX!

"You should be talking about love, PILI!!!" I ALWAYS speak of love. I am trying to drill it into anyone who stops by here that they should be LOVING LIFE! LOVE YOURSELF by doing what makes you HAPPY and HEALTHY. LOVE YOUR BODY by eating happily and healthily. LOVE THOSE AROUND YOU because you don't know when the last day will come. LOVE will ALWAYS prevail throughout this BLOG. Look up the meaning of "Pilialoha" HERE to find out why. It's not the meaning my Mom gave me but it should clue you into my reasoning for filling my life (and this Blog) with LOVE.

Also.. I figure if you don't already know that you should tell the ones YOU LOVE that you LOVE THEM EVERYDAY... then you're probably lost anyway and nothing I say will change your mindset. I hope to change your mindset though!!! Call your son, daughter, mother, father, grandpa, grandma, aunty, uncle or cousin RIGHT NOW and say I LOVE YOU!!!

ALSO... If you are one of those people who don't do anything special for their loved one on VALENTINE'S DAY because you think THIS DAY is the ultimate exploitation of LOVE by the candy and greeting card industries THEN you are also one of those people who don't believe in SANTA and you shouldn't be reading my blog anyway.

SEX.

First my DISCLAIMER. This blog was originally written for my FAMILY (mostly the younger, over eighteen family members) and whatever friends happened to stop by. That being said, my family and friends know me and the crazy ideas I get about love and the world and other things and they understand that I am a little crazy. If you don't understand the words that are coming out of my mouth (or my hands... whatever) then read once more. If you still don't understand... THEN ASK ME A QUESTION. That's what the little comment box is for.

I will also repeat here that this blog is for ADULTS. YOU SHOULD BE EIGHTEEN! If you are not then STOP READING. I have said it and I now assume no responsibility for anything your young mind is about to read because your parents should be blocking this stuff.

ALSO... I AM NOT A THERAPIST. I am not a SEX therapist. I didn't go to college for SEX-ED. Although a Performing Arts degree is probably the closest thing to it. I am not a doctor. I am not a nurse. I am not a psychologist. I am not a counselor. I am not affiliated with any sort of health industry. You are reading this blog with the full knowledge that Pilialoha K. Nathaniel is not authorized by any school, institution or government to give health and medical advise. If you follow any advise in this blog it is at your own discretion and at your own risk. Okay? Nod if you agree. If you read anything past this paragraph that means you have nodded and you agree.

You nodded?

Firstly... GET TESTED! I don't care if you've never had sex before. If you are EIGHTEEN and over, it is my opinion that YOU NEED TO KNOW YOUR OWN HEALTH! You must take responsibility for your own health especially your SEXUAL HEALTH. Talk with your health care provider. Talk with your school nurse. GET TESTED! Check for everything!

I don't wanna talk about it but the good catholic girl that rests in my crooked little pinky-toe is yelling at me.... ABSTINENCE. Don't have SEX. It's the best way not to get pregnant before you are ready. It's the best way not to contract SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES. AND... I DO NOT promote ABSTINENCE. I DO NOT promote PROMISCUITY either. I PROMOTE HEALTH and HAPPINESS. If you have not had sex and want to keep it that way. YIPPEE!!! I did not have sex until college. I ABSTAINED until I... well ...until I didn't. If you have religious or moral reasons for waiting... well... you probably looked at my next paragraph and stopped reading a long time ago.

WEAR A CONDOM. I don't care if you are a Man, Woman, Homo, Hetero, Gay, Straight, Mahu, Trans... I don't even know all the names... AND I DON'T CARE. WRAP IT UP! That also means you LADIES. Ladies... you need to be taking control of your own SEXUAL HEALTH. There are GIRL CONDOMS TOO. You put it inside you!!! AMAZING!!! I've never tried one but I am assuming they work the same way only backwards. If you are having SEX and you are NOT in a devoted and monogamous relationship (we will get to those later) THEN WEAR A CONDOM! Remember this: "YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE THAT THING HAS BEEN!" And until you can sit down with your partner to have THE CONVERSATION (we will also come back to this)... then you need to WRAP IT UP!

"But, PILI, I don't like condoms. They itch! They smell funny! I can't cum with it on! I don't like the way it feels!"

You know what I say to that. BULLSHIT. COMPLETE and UTTER BULLSHIT. If you are fucking that hole or letting that hole be fucked... whatever kind of hole it may be... WRAP IT UP.

HAVE LUBRICANT! Water based is best. NOT VASELINE. I'm so serious. I know a few of you are probably laughing. But I am so very serious. Sometimes things get dry. Don't just keep hammering away at it. Wet it first! It not only feels better for both parties but it also prevents rawness and tearing. There is less chance of disease and infection.

After you're done... CLEAN IT UP. I'm not saying right away. But after you've let that golden rush of amazingness come and go, after you've cuddled a bit... or a least after you've said THANK YOU... excuse yourself and find the bathroom and CLEAN IT UP.

-----Women... PEE!!! Best way to clean it up is to sit on the toilet and pee. You'll flush out your urinary tract and give your bits a rinse. This will lower your chances of UTI (urinary tract infection). Now... if you're at home... go ahead and give your vagina a rinse. Stuff gets up in there!!! If not, wad up a piece of toilet paper, wet it and wipe. Front to back like your momma taught you. This will NOT PREVENT ANY DISEASES!!! But it will give your vagina a breather and a clean vagina is a happy vagina. Drink some water. Wash out your mouth. Take stock of yourself. Did you enjoy yourself? If you did... then get back out there and enjoy yourself more. If you gotta go... then it's a perfect time to get out there and search for your panties.

-----Men... if you are at your partners place... be a gentleman and throw the condom in the trash. Don't just leave it bedside. Take a piss. Flushes out any bacteria that may have traveled upwards. Men get UTI too. It's not fun for both sexes. If you're at home rinse off... if not... wet some toilet paper and wipe. Don't use the towel. That's rude. And don't forget to flush. Great time to wash your mouth out and make sure your pits don't stink. This five minute time alone also gives you a chance to reevaluate the situation and how you feel about what just went down. Did you like it, do you want to stay for breakfast... then by all means... cook breakfast. If not, then its a good time find your pants.

Don't take more than ten minutes taking care of the sanitary conditions of your bits. Your partner is gonna think you fell in the toilet.

Oh... you should also WRAP IT UP if you don't want babies. But that is for my Easter Sunday Blog.

Let us continue on shall we... If you are in a relationship... meaning: you will be having sex with this individual on a regular basis. HAVE THIS CONVERSATION:

Questions:

1) Are you monogamous? Are you or Will you be having sex with other people?
2) Have you been TESTED? If not... GET TESTED and SHOW each other the results.
3) Have ever had any sort of infectious disease? Do you have any STD's?

DO NOT BE ASHAMED OF YOUR SEXUAL HEALTH. DO NOT BE ASHAMED OF YOUR SEXUAL PREFERENCE. YOU NEED TO COMMUNICATE!

Let your partner know your likes and dis-likes. Let your partner KNOW when it hurts. DEFINITELY let your partner know when it FEELS GOOD! TALK!!! COMMUNICATE!!!

Now for my list of resources because you KNOW it didn't just wake up this morning with this info... for more information you can use these LINKS to go to these websites:

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL and PREVENTION or CDC
The MAYO CLINIC
PLANNED PARENTHOOD

Health, Happiness and much ALOHA,

Cousin Pili

SPECIAL POST!!! Malasada Day!!! Fat Tuesday!!!

HAPPY MALASADA DAY!!!

Hello or Olá my Family, Friends and everyone else who enjoys a good treat!

Normally I would talk to you about eating healthy and cutting down on desserts. NOT TODAY!!! Today we will all EAT HAPPILY!!! Today is Terça-feira Gorda, Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras depending on your race, creed or just on how your family happens to celebrate TODAY. My family knows this day as MALASADA DAY!!! Every Tuesday before Lent my family makes fried dough and we cover it in sugar and eat until our hearts are content!!!

Aunty Cori's house in Kauai!

My Grandma

This year I know My Mom and all my Aunts are making a batch of Malasadas. They all learned from their Mom who learned from her Mom who learned... well you get the idea. It is a day of sharing and family. A day of openness and fun. Growing up I LOVED waking up to the smell of the fresh dough rising. Grandma was usually the tennis ball size dough balls up. As a kid I couldn't wait to get my hands on one... Although my OLD Cousin Kahanu usually got to them first. Punk. An hour later and about a pound of Malasadas rolling around in our bowling ball sized tummies my cousins and I would be running around Grandma's House and yard on EXTREME SUGAR RUSH!!! No wonder we were all cranky for church the next day. I didn't know the historical and religious aspects of this day. I just thought it was a special day to EAT MALASADAS!!!

Making Malasadas!!!

Aunty Rocki pounding the
dough!

There are many different recipes for Malasadas. Originally Malasadas were made as a way for Catholic-Portuguese households to used up all lard, butter and flour in the house before Ash Wednesday and Lent. Another tale I heard was that the yeast would go bad faster in Hawaii and the dough wouldn't rise or would take on a funny taste. Back in the day you couldn't go to the grocery store for more supplies. You had to make do with what you had even if it was BAD DOUGH. That's the story my Mom gave me and if you don't agree... I welcome you to argue with her.


Back to the recipes... There are a few really amazing bakeries out there that make a mean Malasada. If you look online you can find the recipe. Even Emeril Lagasse has a recipe!!! NO ONE IS BETTER THAN MY VOVO! I'm not even talking about my Grandma. MY VOVO was my Grandma's Mother. I know my Grandma would agree, MY VOVO HAS THE BEST RECIPE... and MY GRANDMA makes it THE BEST. 

OUR Vovo... Our Grandmothers, Mother. 

THE BEST MALASADAS CAN BE FOUND AT MY GRANDMA'S HOUSE!

If you are reading this and you haven't gotten your Malasadas from my Grandma's House... Then "TOO BAD!" As my Grandma would say, "YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE!" My Grandmothers Kitchen was open from 6AM to 9AM.

Unfortunately... I will not share the recipe with you. My Grandma said she gives her recipe book (Our Family Malasada recipe is in it) to whoever she want. If she hasn't given it to you... then there is nothing I can do about it. I will leave you with a few links to recipes online...

Cousins Pili and Kehau.
Crazyfacing.

Click *MALASADAS* for more information from Wikipedia!!!

MALASADAS from all recipes.com

MALASADAS from epicurious.com and TEX's Drive in on the Big Island.

PLEASE check back here for more pictures! I gotta go sleep! Long fun day of FAMILY, MALASADAS and EATING HAPPILY!



Aloha,

Cousin Pili

Aunty Ku'uipo, My Mom. My Brother and My Sister!

Stuffing our face! Cousin Kahanu and I.

Cousin Kanoe... In Malasada Heaven!!!

Happiness. Doggie style.

Woof Woof! and welcome to my watering hole Family, Friends and other animals just stopping by,

Po'ele aka Poopy.

Yesterday morning I was torn out of sleep by incessant wheezing and coughing. It did not stop and it was coming from the other side of my bedroom door on what is usually a very quiet Saturday morning. I open the door an I look down. I see the outline of my families little Chihuahua- Toy Fox Terrier. He is gasping loudly for breath. I turn on my light and squint at him. He begins to cough like he has something lodged in his throat. He looks up at me with sad old puppy eyes, still wheezing, and runs for my brothers doorway. 

My little brother has woken up too. I look at his bedside clock. It reads 4AM. My first coherent thought is. This doggie needs a vet. My second thought... where am I going to find a vet at this hour? I do a mental checklist. Is he lethargic? Besides the cough, Po'ele seems to be okay. His tail is wagging and he's running around. Does his body look abnormal? Yep... he is the same skinny little pup he's always been. I ask my brother, who is his vet? 

Needless to say I got a little angry when I heard his answer...

BUT FIRST... a Disclaimer. I AM NOT A VETERINARIAN. I once wanted to be one but I would rather cut open a consenting human than a poor animal that can't fend for itself much less TELL YOU WHAT IS WRONG. I admire and throw my hat off to Vets everywhere... it's not an easy job. So if any vets out there are reading this please feel free to respond. I would have asked Po'eles' Vet for his take but the poor man was so busy. So I will repeat myself... I am not an ANIMAL DOCTOR. 

Also...

I am not a doctor. I am not a nurse. I am not a psychologist. I am not a counselor. I am not affiliated with any sort of health industry. You are reading this blog with the full knowledge that Pilialoha K. Nathaniel is not authorized by any school, institution or government to give health and medical advise. If you follow any advise in this blog it is at your own discretion and at your own risk. Okay? Nod if you agree. If you read anything past this paragraph that means you have nodded and you agree.

I asked my brother, "Who is his Vet?"

My brother says, "I don't remember when he was taken to the vet last. It's been YEARS." Oh man. I am tired and now angry. I bite my tongue as Po'ele begins coughing again and my brother bends down to pet him. "Pili," he says, "he sounds bad. I've never heard him like this." 

He continues, "I think we used to take him to the Vet at the Mililani Town Center"

"It closed down last year." I say. "Well, keep an eye on him." I take out my handy dandy iPhone and search, "Vet in Mililani" Two pop up. Both open at 8AM. It is about 4:30AM right now and Po'ele doesn't sound like he's going to make it another three-ish hours. The coughing is longer and more frequent now. I type in "24 hour Vet" and, THANK PUPPY HEAVEN, one pops up. 

The VCA Animal Hospital in Pearl City

I call them and a wonderful man named Chris picks up. I let him know what is happening and he suggests that we bring Po'ele in right away BUT that the walk-in fee is $135.00 before 7AM and $77.50 after. I cringe at the price difference. I'd like to say I would do anything I could for this doggie, and while that is true... you still have to be financially responsible. 

It was nearing 5AM and Po'ele was not getting any better. I come up with a solution. I tell Chris, "I am going to bring Po'ele in just so we are all there should he get worse."

Friendly Chris says, "Good. In that case I can have a technician do a preliminary check on your dog when you get here." Chris takes our info and pleasantly hangs up. 

I turn to Kepa. "We are going now. Wake up Mom and Dad and YOU tell them what is happening." My Mom emerges. I am too tired to ask why Po'ele hasn't been seeing a Vet regularly... but I think I already know the answer (I'll come back to that). She asks if she should come. I just say no. At this moment I just thought Po'ele had something stuck in his little doggie throat. 

Kepa and I jump in the car with a now excited Po'ele (he loves car rides) and drive over to the VCA Animal Hospital in Pearl City.

The facility is large and clean and we are greeted with a fresh pot of coffee and Chris the receptionist. He takes our information and calls the technician out. She is not nearly a nice as Chris as the first thing she asks me (rather harshly) after picking up Po'ele is, "Why is he so skinny?" 

I don't blame her for being harsh. I want to be harsh with my parents and with my brother. All I can say is, "He eats and he eats a lot." We give her a review of the morning. She looks at Po'eles' gums, asks us to wait here and takes Po'ele behind the "employees only" swinging doors. Kepa and I sit. Chris reemerges and explains to us that since Po'eles' gums looked pale the technician decided to put him immediately into the oxygen tank.  

About an hour later at around 6:30AM a new smiling technician comes out. She explains that the 7AM Vet will see Po'ele and she will come and get us when he is done. Chris calls us over. He has an INVOICE in his hands. All I see is the bottom line. $2000-$3000 dollars. I remember that it is a small price to pay for Po'ele and our families Happiness. He explains that this is just an estimate and the Vet will be able to explain in better detail. There is something wrong with Po'eles heart. He tells us that the doctor has already administered a shot for Po'ele that will hopefully take care of Po'eles breathing problems.

I look at Kepa. His normally easy smile is strained, his eyes bleak.

The technician comes out and takes us back into one of the rooms. She gets all Po'eles' info from my brother. I did not know that Po'ele is almost 10. She leaves and Doctor Luis M. Ho, the Vet comes in. 

Without Po'ele.

"Po'ele has CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE. (Go HERE for more info) He is stable and in GUARDED condition." He explains the shots he's given and how he has already treated Po'ele. He says one thing that sticks in my mind.. and proceeds to explain the cost analysis and what he needs to do to

"ANIMALS CANNOT TELL US WHAT IS WRONG WITH THEM." He then proceeds to explain the cost analysis and what he needs to do to properly diagnose Po'ele and to HOPEFULLY extend his life in comfort.

He pushes for A LOT of work to be done and by the time he is finished I am not surprised that the cost is going to land between $2000 and $3000. I am about to tell him to go ahead. I can see my brother sink lower and lower in his chair and I feel so bad. But then Doctor Ho says two key things... "Even with all this treatment he MAY BE BACK NEXT WEEK." In other words.

He may not make it.

AND... "At his AGE and with how far the Heart Disease has progressed, you may want to think about PUTTING HIM DOWN."

My heart stopped. This was not a decision I could make. This was NOT a decision I wanted my seventeen year old brother to make. I needed to call my parents...

I am going to stop this story here and skip over the really really sad parts because, lets face it, we have all been there. Losing a family member is hard. Saying goodbye to someone is hard. My parents came and we visited with (very scared) Po'ele in his little oxygen tank. My dad left for work and my mom and I left my brother with Po'ele to speak with Doctor Ho. 

Doctor Ho kindly repeats everything he said before and looks to my Mother for his next course of action. I look at my Mom. My heart sinks a little. I know she and my Father would have talked. I am guessing that in light of the options before them they talked of the most humane action if Po'ele was in pain. 

I ask her, "What did you and Dad decide?"

"Your Father and I decided no treatment."

The Doctor looks a little floored. I reiterate what he said to him and to my Mom. Just to make sure we all know the implications. I ask the good Doctor, "There is a chance he could have a comfortable life right? Without all the tests? What do we need to do to take him home?"

The Doctor says he can give Po'ele another couple of shots, three different medications that he will have to take for the rest of his life and a promise from us that we will bring him back in if he gets worse and for a check up in a week." That is exactly what we do.

The bill ended up being $409.09. The cost of Happiness is very little indeed. We brought Po'ele home. My Father was happily surprised to get kisses from his dog when he got home. Today he is his regular little happy old-man puppy-self. No more walks for him though and he needs to take his medicine.

Po'ele has had a long and awesome life with my family. He is loved and cared for. YES... I was a little angry that he had not been taken regularly to the Vet for check-ups. And where does a middle class family get the extra $200 or so dollars to take their dog to the Vet twice a year? In this failing economy, it is hard. 

Can I say that Po'ele wouldn't have gotten sick if he'd had yearly check ups? No, I can't. I am sure a Vet would tell you it would have helped. I can say this, though, it is our RESPONSIBILITY as pet owners to take OWNERSHIP of the COMMITMENT we made when we took on a pet. I fully realize that life happens and financial hardships happen... and when they do please ask yourself, "Am I doing the best of my abilities and the best possible thing for my pet."

In life, sometimes the best thing is to try harder. Sometimes the best thing is to say goodbye. I am glad we didn't have to say goodbye.

Aloha and tummy-rubs,

Cousin Pili

Good Morning Midnight, Welcome Home.

The Hawaiian word for Midnight is Po'ele.

PS... HUGE thanks to Doctor Luis M. Ho and the entire staff at VCA Animal Hospital. Thank you for giving us more time.

Im starving.

Aloha Family, Friends and everyone else who wants to join the fun!!!

If you have been following my blog you will know that I said I would post every Thursday and Sunday on topics focusing on HEALTH and HAPPINESS and my FAMILY. You will also know that I have not been following that timeline and usually I am horrendously (maybe that's a strong word) LATE. Or... as I've just realized with my latest "Eat Me" post... a day early? I blame it on jet lag even though the last time I traveled was over three weeks ago.

So boys and girls, you get a bonus post. Today, Thursday, February 7th I am going to talk about MY HEALTH. I am going to do a Q and A with myself.

Why? Well it's only fair... don't you think? Cousin Kristian and Cousin Chelsea had the guts to tell Bloggerland what drives them. I look fairly healthy. I have always been skinny and fit. I write a Health and wellness blog. What could possibly be wrong?

This past summer I became anorexic.

BUT FIRST... my disclaimer. I am not a doctor. I am not a nurse. I am not a psychologist. Though, I SHOULD PROBABLY GO SEE ONE. I actually have two really good friends who have suggested it. But enough about that... I am not affiliated with any sort of health industry. You are reading this blog with the full knowledge that Pilialoha K. Nathaniel is not authorized by any school, institution or government to give health and medical advise. If you follow any advise in this blog it is at your own discretion and at your own risk. Okay? Nod if you agree. If you read anything past this paragraph that means you have nodded and you agree.

Let Me introduce you to Me. 

Pili Nathaniel: (PN) "I was anorexic."

Cousin Pili (CP): "WAIT FOR ME TO ASK THE QUESTION!!! First, how would you describe yourself for the folks out in Bloggerland?"

PN: "Now? I am a Healthy and Happy thirty-two year old Hawaiian-ish, my many ethnicities would fill this page, woman currently living with her parents in Mililani, Hawaii. That sounds depressing but it is what I needed. Their love guided me though some pretty tough times."

CP: "How did you find out that you had an eating disorder?"

PN: "Once I got back to Mililani, that's where my parents live, I finally went to a Doctor. She did a complete check up and blood work up. She knew I was underweight by just looking at me. At that moment I was 116 lbs. I am 5'8". According to the Center of Disease and Control anywhere between 122-164 lbs would be considered healthy. I then explained my problems during the spring and summer and how I was trying to overcome them."

CP: "You said, 'At that MOMENT...' How much did you weigh before?"

PN: "I started losing weight at a very rapid rate from about June into September. I had nothing really to lose in the first place. I lost about twenty pounds. The lowest that I checked was 108 lbs."

CP: "Shit."

PN: "Yeah. I used to weigh myself ALL THE TIME. I got kinda obsessed about it. I knew something was wrong at the time but I didn't know what and I was too scared to see a doctor. I'm pretty sure that's the lowest."

CP: "Didn't anyone say anything?"

PN: "Yeah. All the time. One of my friends mothers even asked me point blank, "Pili, are you anorexic? You don't look healthy. I know you have always been skinny... but right now you look sick." That's pretty close to her exact words. I told her that I was fine and that I was eating. She didn't say anything more. My good friends behind the bar would ask me if I was okay and I'd basically just brush them off. They kept me functioning, though. I'd find snickers bars and snacks at my register. My manager even started to order my food for me... or at least he'd make sure I wasn't just eating a salad. So yeah... people said things. I just chose not to hear."

CP: "Why do you think you got this way?"

PN: "My doctor said the anorexia was brought on by depression."

CP: "Depression? You want to elaborate?"

PN: "No."

CP: "Have you seen a therapist or any specialists?"

PN: "No. I probably should. But by my next appointment with her two weeks later, I'd been in LA and SF for about a week, I had gained five pounds and was at 121 lbs and holding. She saw that I was already taking care of myself and on the road to recovery. She told me then that she thought I'd been anorexic due to the depression. She also told that she had not seen such amazing charts in a long time. She said everything was clean and healthy except for the extreme weight loss and that I was hypoglycemic. It probably triggered by the anorexia, she said."

CP: "What?"

PN: "It basically means I have a tendency towards having low blood sugar. Normal blood sugar is anywhere between 70 - 100. I was at 40. (Go HERE for more info on blood sugar levels) She said that she would normally refer me to specialists and a therapist but that she thought MY FAMILY and SUPPORTIVE FRIENDS were doing the job. I will seek help if I start losing weight again."

CP: "How did you begin to CHANGE YOUR LIFE and EAT HEALTHY again?"

PN: "That is exactly what I did. I chose to be HAPPY. I moved back in with my parents and my little brother. I began EATING again... and eating as MUCH as I wanted. My doctor friend in New York told me that my calorie intake ... just to keep my body functioning at 5'8", 108 lbs ... was 1300 calories. He said that I was probably only taking in on average 1000 calories. I put myself on a app called Calorie Counter and made sure my intake was at least 1800-2000 a day. Calorie Counter is still trying to get me to be 144 lbs... but I don't think that's going to happen. I stepped up my exercise routine. I worked with a personal trainer for about two weeks. Instead of just yoga I added cardio and strength training."

CP: "How much do you weigh?"

PN: "This morning I weighed 126 lbs. I could stand to gain a few more but this is my NORMAL HEALTHY weight."

...

OKAAAY... enough of that. I gotta stop talking to myself. You're all gonna start thinking I'm crazy or something. And... in all seriousness if you think that you or someone you know may have an eating disorder. Talk with them. Show your support and love for them. Urge them to SEE A DOCTOR. Get a physical. Get a check up. Even if they do not have an eating disorder there may be something else wrong.

For continued reading here's some information on Eating Disorders:

Anorexia (Mayo ClinicStaff): "Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that causes people to obsess about their weight and the food they eat. People with anorexia nervosa attempt to maintain a weight that's far below normal for their age and height. To prevent weight gain or to continue losing weight, people with anorexia nervosa may starve themselves or exercise excessively.

Anorexia (an-oh-REK-see-uh) nervosa isn't really about food. It's an unhealthy way to try to cope with emotional problems. When you have anorexia nervosa, you often equate thinness with self-worth.

Anorexia nervosa can be difficult to overcome. But with treatment, you can gain a better sense of who you are, return to healthier eating habits and reverse some of anorexia's serious complications."

Go HERE for the Mayo Clinic's entire article on Anorexia.

Also for further reading my good friends at the Huffington Post just posted an article about this very subject HERE.

Also... for those that still think I need professional help... and I'm still not ruling that out... look at this WEBSITE for a study done on self-help and eating disorders. 

EAT MERRILY, EAT HEALTHILY, EAT.

Your Cousin,

Pili

My family.

Eat me.

Aloha to my Family, Friends and all the others who have joined us on this lovely journey.

You are what you eat.

Hear that on a lot? Well it's true. YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT! Or as my Cousin Kristian has posted on her refrigerator:

Today we talk of FOOD!

But first... a DISCLAIMER. I am not a nutritionist. I didn't go to school for nutrition I got my degree in Performing Arts. So please take my advise as a stepping stone... a boost in the right direction. I am not a doctor. I am not a nurse. I am not a psychologist. I am not affiliated with any sort of health industry. You are reading this blog with the full knowledge that Pilialoha K. Nathaniel is not authorized by any school, institution or government to give health and medical advise. If you follow any advise in this blog it is at your own discretion and at your own risk. Okay? Nod if you agree. If you read anything past this paragraph that means you have nodded and you agree.

Today I will introduce to you Cousin Chelsea and Cousin Kristian. Both have made resolutions to eat better and exercise more. How often do you hear those words come out of your mouth. Every year, probably. Well, these two lovely ladies are keeping to their word and doing just that. THEY ARE EATING BETTER and doing it in a way that FITS THEIR STYLE!!!

Cousin Chelsea says: "I will be getting my BS in NURSING this coming December. I am striving toward this degree so that I am able to PROMOTE PREVENTATIVE MEASURES in the community in order to stop/lessen the occurrence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, etc. My goal is to KEEP PEOPLE HEALTHY and OUT OF HOSPITALS. I never really thought that I would be interested in this but within the past year, my life has changed greatly." How has Cousin Chelsea turned her LIFE and HEALTH around? Here's one quote she sent me...

Chelsea says, "I am very motivated. I wake up every morning with motivation. After eating healthy throughout the day, I am satisfied with myself for resisting temptation. If i exercise, I am satisfied especially when I get a good sweat. Though, I do have some "bad" days, I am human and remember that I have a goal and will get there. It doesn't take a day to mess it up as long as I get right back on track the next day."

AND KEEP READING!

BUT FIRST... Cousin Kristian just turned twenty-one in December. She is currently an English Major at the University of Hawaii, West Oahu. She is hoping one day to get into Journalism. At her mom and dad's Super Bowl party this past Sunday I overheard her say she was doing a weight loss challenge at her work place. Then, I noticed that she had inspirational quotes posted around her house. It got me thinking about my next blog... THIS BLOG. Thank you for being such an inspiration Kristian.

Here is a text conversation I had with Kristian yesterday:

COUSIN PILI (CP): "Aloha my beautiful CUZ!!! I am focusing my next blog on you and Chelsea. How have you changed your EATING HABITS?"

COUSIN KRISTIAN (CK): "Oh cool! Well, the way I changed my eating is NO FRIED FOODS, less red meat but rather MORE CHICKEN, FISH and GROUND TURKEY. I try to include more veggies into my meals. For example, Instead of a tuna sandwich, I eat tuna with cucumber or with carrots. For BREAKFAST, my body needs something filling. In sticking to HEALTHY EATING I'll eat OATMEAL that I sweeten with either a packet of Splenda or Agave, along with cinnamon and fruits like apple and banana.  I rarely eat rice now. When I do I eat brown rice and LIMIT MYSELF to only a half cup. It is still REALLY FILLING and tasty!!! Desserts are my WEAKNESS!!! So instead of eating a scoop of ice cream, I'll trade it for a light yogurt or a sweet/salty snack like an apple with peanut butter."

CP: "What does that quote on your refrigerator mean to you?"

CK: "Also, NO SODAS or JUICES. They're FULL of EMPTY CALORIES and TONS of UNNEEDED (and refined) SUGARS. The quote on my fridge (see above pic) is a reminder to myself that eating bad will lead to feeling bad. Temporarily the food will be good, but it will lead to your body feeling sluggish for the rest of the day. WHEN I EAT GOOD, I GET MORE ENERGY FOR MY DAY!" In my room I also have a sign that says, "YOU ARE ONLY ONE WORKOUT AWAY FROM A GOOD MOOD!" 

This quote not only MOTIVATES ME to workout, but reinforces that I'll FEEL GOOD about myself and it'll put me in a GOOD MOOD for the day! 

EATING GOOD + WORKING OUT = A HAPPY BODY!!!"

CP: "YOU ARE AWESOME!!!"

CK: "Thanks... I've lost four pounds since Thursday!!!"

CP: "Yeah! Keep it up! You are BEAUTIFUL and I'm not just saying that because I'm related to you! What do YOU think of YOURSELF? "

CK: "I have always been INSECURE about my body, specifically about my weight. Not to sound conceited LOL but I think I am a pretty good looking girl so I realized if my weight is the only thing keeping me from feeling secure with myself and having confidence then... I NEEDED TO CHANGE THAT." 

CP: "Is that what made you change your habits?"

CK: "Ultimately, yes. Along with that, OUR FAMILY has TONS of health issues. Diabetes and high blood pressure being the main ones. I just WANT TO BE HEALTHY so I won't have to struggle on in the future with the burden of needing to take tons of meds and developing arthritis or something."

CP: "You are AMAZING little cousin. You are INSPIRATIONAL. I can't wait to publish your BEFORE and AFTER pictures! I can't wait to write about my beautiful cousin WHO GOT HEALTHY! You are not being conceited!!! You are BEAUTIFUL and FUCKING AMAZING!

CK: "Thanks for the words of encouragement! I really appreciate it. Those kind of things help me to stay on track and remind me that it'll all be worth it in the end! And our whole family is beautiful! LOL! That's why we're such camera whores! Hahaha!

CP: "Hahaha! Serious though. YOU. ARE. BEAUTIFUL! Love you Kristian. Have an awesome day!"

CK: "Thanks! You're gawwgeous yourself! Love you and have a good day!"

CP: *blush*

Kristian. 

...

Talking about "gawwgeous" girls... my COUSIN CHELSEA. She inspired me to start writing this blog in the first place. Go HERE to find out how she got me to not only WRITE but to maybe help our family live HEALTHIER and HAPPIER lives. Or... at least give them a good laugh. LAUGHTER IS HEALTHY!

Cousin Chelsea and I have had numerous conversations about my health (which I will have to write an entire blog about... later) and her health. We have talked in person, on the phone, in text and by email. I am going to paste together those awesome conversations with my GAWWGEOUS Cousin Chelsea here...

COUSIN PILI (CP): "CHELSEA!!! I NEED YOUR HELP!!! I'm doing my next blog on eating! I'm going to feature you and Kristian. I wanna write about what you said about portion control. Do you have anything else to add? How are you eating better?"

COUSIN CHELSEA (CC) "How am I eating better? Honestly, eating healthy is super duper expensive! I am currently a full time college student and am not working. I live with my boyfriend and brother whom I am very grateful for supporting me through this journey. Anyways, while very expensive, I am eating way more fruits and vegetables than I used to. My biggest change though is "portions, portions, portions." It is not possible for me to cut anything out and just stick with the healthy meats, salmon, chicken, and turkey, it is so expensive that I wouldn't be able to sustain it."

CP: "You are absolutely right!!! HEALTHY can be EXPENSIVE! What is your usual food schedule?"

CC: "Breakfast: I usually eat oatmeal in almond milk with bananas and strawberries, yogurt with kashi cereal, just kashi cereal, or protein pancakes.

Snacks: Carrots, fruits, tofu, etc.

Lunch: Normally left-overs from the night before. Save money!

Dinner: I eat what the boys eat, just a small portion with lots of water. No matter how tasty the food, I just remind myself that I really don't need that much. If I am still hungry, I eat unlimited vegetables and eat more water."
Also, I AM NO LONGER EATING FAST FOOD, not like I used to eat a lot before, but it was a go to when I would be hungry and nothing was prepared. The key is to not make it an option, IT DOESN'T TAKE THAT LONG TO MAKE A SMALL MEAL. I also am not drinking juice or soda, unless it's 100% orange juice with my vitamins as it helps absorb the nutrients."

CP: "So you haven't CHANGED your DIET... YOU'VE IMPROVED IT. Awesome. What is your exercise routine?"

CC: "I exercise at least 5 times per week. I do cardio for at least thirty minutes, normally on the elliptical and sweat like a river :) It feels awesome. If I have time and not much homework, I also weight train. Exercise, while is is great for your physical health, it is also very beneficial to your mental health...just fyi :)"

 This quote motivates me to exercise because no matter what, there is always time for at least a quick round of cardio. Even if I'm tired, working out for twenty minutes will be much more beneficial to me than just sleeping. I can sleep at night."

CP: "Yeah... my crazy mind definitely is less spastic now that I hit the gym almost everyday. Now a little about what makes you tick. What are you studying in school? What do you aspire to?

CC: "I will be getting my BS in nursing this coming December. I am striving toward this degree so that I am able to promote preventative measures in the community in order to stop/lessen the occurrence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, etc. My goal is to keep people healthy and out of the hospitals. I never really thought that I would be interested in this but within the past year, my life has changed greatly. What I have experienced, I don’t want others to need to experience it either. I figure if I can change my habits and get healthy perhaps I could be MOTIVATION (see quote at the top of this blog) to others to do the same. I would never force others to do this, as it is their own choice, but I just want people to know that it is possible. Almost a year ago, I made a promise to someone that I would get healthy and that is exactly what I am going to do. I need to do it for him as well as for myself."

CP: "HOLY SHIT!!! BS in Nursing!!! You should be writing this blog! You are AWESOME Chelsea! CONGRATS!!! Last questions: I KNOW that YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. How do YOU view YOURSELF? What made you decide to CHANGE YOUR LIFE?"

CC: "How do I view myself? I don’t necessarily see myself as being obese, as my numbers would say if I were to put it into a computer program. I just see myself as needing to make improvements. I know that I am nowhere near as fit as I can be. I am not one to look at pictures of fitness experts and wish my body would be like theirs because I know that even though I work hard, I may not look quite like them. I JUST WANT TO BE THE BEST I CAN POSSIBLY BE. If I can do this for myself I can cut down many of my risk factors for chronic diseases that I am at risk for, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. I am seriously scared that one day I will succumb to one of these. Though it may eventually happen, I want to do whatever in my power in order to decrease my chances."

Chelsea and I. The normal picture is not normal.

Love, Aloha and Eat, 

Cousins Pili, Chelsea and Kristian

PS: Cousin Chelsea has lost TWELVE POUNDS since starting her plan! She looks good and feels good! MOTIVATION!!!! Thank you for the INSPIRATION!