by toby | Mar 12, 2011 | Life
Tsunami in Hawaii–a constant shadow. Not everyone has grown up in the shadow of these killer waves, but I am one who has. Last night's warning klaxons, traffic jams, barking dogs, and overall environment of anxiety brought it all back. I grew up on Kauai,...
by toby | Feb 19, 2011 | Life
One of the things you learn quickly in Hawaii is never arrive anywhere empty-handed. For a recent meeting at a remote elementary, I wanted to make a good impression with the principal. After that, I was planning to“talk story” with a counselor colleague. So, on the...
by toby | Feb 3, 2011 | Life
Remember I was sharing The Secret to Happiness a few weeks ago? I said that most unhappiness is the result of disappointed expectations, and I stand behind that. That’s why I tried not to over-anticipate anything for Mike and my 25th anniversary—the plan included...
by toby | Dec 23, 2010 | Life
A good friend (Julie! Thanks for being a reader and supporter!) sent out an annual letter called, “A few of my favorite things” and I thought that was a great idea. So here are some of my Favorite Things about the season, and if you hang in there for the whole post...
by toby | Dec 12, 2010 | Life
As I write this I’m picking a bit of dried cookie dough off my (significant) bosom, launched there by the enthusiastic dough-wrangling efforts of my niece and nephew this evening at our annual Christmas decorating/baking bash. Christmas in Hawaii is a lot like...