Filed under: new year

Mochi pounding (Day 15)

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Mochi pounding at the 2011 Honbushin New Year Mochitsuki Festival.

Mochi pounding is the biggest event of the New Year’s celebration in Hawaii. Rice and water are pounded with a kine–a big hammer, while another leans in to knead with hand–until the mixture becomes the chewy, glutinous substance known as mochi (a delicious sticky rice cake). The sequence demands precision as the kneading is done swiftly between hammer strikes on the wetted bed of rice.

Location: Honbushin International Center, Mililani

time to reflect...

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...It’s that time of year again. A new year where one look towards the future while reflecting upon the past. I am not one who usually makes New Year's resolutions, for I invariable break them — sometimes before I can write them down. This year, however, I've decided to make my list and I believe I am able to actually do it for 2011;

  1. Stop Overspending: Who does not love to shop? This one will be tough but I promise to stop overspending and start living within my means. I want to genuinely manage and get out of debt and then save money for a rainy day!
  2. Indulge in Moderation: I love to eat and drink...no doubt. I won't say I'll quit eating junk food or not have a sip of alcohol. I'll definitely break it. Instead I promise to indulge in moderation for a more realistic approach to healthier eating.
  3. Get More Sleep: I admit I'm a night owl. I wake up every single morning of my life groggy and soft-headed. I do not find every morning fantastically beautiful – many of them are gray and cold and not at all inspiring. But I'm getting older and I admit I should be getting more sleep. It will certainly require some effort on my part but I promise to get more sleep and I think my body and mind will thank me and appreciate the extra Zs.
  4. Floss Regularly: I promise to floss my teeth and gums regularly!
  5. Do Exercises that Make Me Happy: I've talked and talked and talked about exercising since 2008...then, to get my body in shape for the wedding but I never DID! This past year was a flop too. I promise to do exercises that make me happy that will more likely have me exercising regularly and see weight loss results. 
  6. Recycle: I promise to recycle plastic, paper, glass, aluminum and other recyclable products in order to do something good for the environment.
  7. Give More Affection: I am affectionate but I tend to throw tantrums now and then, especially towards the husband. I promise to be less grumpy, crabby and moody and give more affection every day. A smile, give more hugs, kind words...it's not too terribly hard to show affection to those I care about, right?

I also like to become more organized, get pregnant, share a photo every day for a year and hopefully take a trip or two to visit home and/or a new destination.

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou - Happy New Year and I wish you all the best in 2011. Have a good weekend everyone! :D

xoxo

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