He sometimes delivers!

This has been a busier than normal month for us...largely because Ryan has had taiko performances for the last three weeks, Rich is doing major repairs to a condo we manage for my parents, I am working to help reopen a newly renovated restaurant that will seat up to 400 guests...etc. 

AND...the holidays are around the corner! Normally I try to get through most of it in the month of November, as December is pretty filled with Christmas parties (3 work parties, 1-2 friend parties, and a family party). So there is no time then for Christmas shopping, gift wrapping, writing/addressing Christmas cards tec.

So we're trying to get ahead of the game, as a family...with the grudging help of a 14-year old male child (don't let the pictures fool you). Haha.

After many years of one of Ryan's sinks needing a new drain stopper, Ryan decided that he'd rather replace the faucets as well. The faucets he had were the ones the builder put in, and they were more farmhouse chic than contemporary. Ryan picked the style he wanted, Rich found some online, and under his father's help/direction, they replaced both successfully this weekend. Now I'm jealous, because his look super cool...and also proud of him for learning. He doesn't love this stuff, but I know he has a feeling of pride after, and it's just important for him to learn this stuff since his dad won't always be able to help him. I did not make the effort, despite my dad's best efforts, and now I suck at furniture assembly/basic home repairs. And don't tell me, "You're never too old to learn!" I am choosing ignorance here, as I also do in the area of 'auto repair,' and I am super okay with it.

Ryan had a few more performances this weekend and last, and that is him to the right with his arms in the air. Even though I've seen him perform probably 2-3 dozen times over the years, it just never, ever gets old watching these kids. 

They are learning so much- self discipline, teamwork, eye-hand coordination, physical strength, teamwork/cooperation, volunteerism, confidence onstage...the list goes on and on. Just priceless opportunities for them that have also led to the creation of another 'family' for all of us. We have our generous, talented and hardworking leader of the flock to thank for all of this- Sensei Akemi. She's kind of a legend in the community for leading so many keiki over the years, and providing a true cultural service for the community as well.

And the photo below is of Ryan's recent karate seminar. He was able to train in kata (form), kobudo (weapons) and kumite (sparring) last weekend. And the best part of all? His two cousins trained with him, like old times! Keni took the day off from work (he often works Saturdays), and Riki flew in from Oahu for the day. I was thrilled that they could all attend. This is another organization that is volunteer-led, and we can never thank his Shiroma Hanshi and Sempai Yamamoto for teaching Ryan the lifelong skill of self defense and instilling confidence!

Our poor son thought he was over maintenance chores on Friday (Sat he had a performance and friends over) but on Sunday, he found himself working all day- assembling a new TV stand for his grandparent's condo, and breaking down two ancient TV stands for them. 

I got to spend some time at Mears Farm this weekend...harvesting cherry tomatoes, eggplant, oranges...and transplanting succulents so I could reappropriate three planters to vegetables. We shall see just how successful this is...but not super optimistic as even though these seeds were all unopened...I think they're all...too old. Most were over a year old, and I left the packets in the sun for months...initially to motivate myself, but then that didn't work well, so...I think the sun killed them.

But here's what wasn't...I baked 6 batches of pumpkin bread, and for the first time ever...all fourteen loaves (some small, some large/full size) all collapsed/ruined. The amount of ingredients for this alone, was like, $30? Not to mention the labor of 3 hours to mix, bake, wash the pans... It felt like SUCH a waste. Very disappointing, but a lesson learned that even though a toothpick comes out clean...your center can collapse and be mushy (while cooling).

Okay, I'm leaving with this cuteness overload. This is Ry with a few friends after a performance. This is a reminder to me, that you know...despite him being messy, forgetful, lazy, self absorbed...as many teens are...that he really is doing A-okay if he has smart, sweet, funny and kind friends like this. 

He is busy, he is social, he is doing well in nearly everything he does (I wouldn't say 'excelling' since you know...lazy). ;-) But mostly pretty good. And given all the other issues we could dealing with, I'd say we hit the jackpot. Even though he doesn't exactly give us much attention, gratitude or love these days...he is still someone I'm 100% proud to call my own.