Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Mobilization to End Poverty - April 26-29, Washington D.C.

I go back and forth deciding whether or not to keep adding to this blog. My intension was to keep the fire warm inside my soul for awhile rather than putting out energy into the world. Yet at times I want to do write ups on Hawaii places for friends traveling to Honolulu. And other times I want to write...but only on things that really matter.

Today's post I suppose falls into the latter category. It's an opportunity to participate in a political mobilization effort to march against Global Poverty at the White House. Sponsored by Sojourners the march interests me because it offers a window to see the ways in which contemporary Christians are involving themselves politically...and particularly through direct challenges, tactics and practices. Too, it fascinates me to see how in order to "entice" Christian participation at the national level, the march must be precluded by a Christian "conference" highlighted with key Christian speakers, clergy and politicized leaders--as if political mobilization isn't enough. And for most Evangelicals, no, a march isn't enough. At the gut level, a part of me thinks that something is missing in this national campaign. Perhaps the timing? The planning? The strategy? The conference packaging? Not sure.

Nonetheless, you can find out more info on the mobilization on the link below as you watch the video promo. The video isn't that compelling, rather dry actually. Regardless, any effort to mobilize Christians is notable and worthwhile.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Hawaii State Quarter


yay! it's finally here, the last and final quarter for the U.S. Quarter collection. how timely the introduction of this quarter is; it's Hawaii's Statehood 50th anniversary

my beloved quarter collection is now complete
no more turning over quarters to see the backs when i get change at the market

Hawaii Statehood
the third friday in august is the official statehood day.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Target - Hawaii's First

Target. Period. How can anyone live without Target?Grand openings for the first Target stores in Hawaii were held this past Sunday. One opened in Kapolei and another one closer to town in Salt Lake. Two Target openings on the same day!? Crazy.

Friends say that the "soft" openings were a mad-house. I'd expect it to be especially given the void of Target for decades.

Walmart now has a rival on the island. For political reasons I try to avoid Walmart; in Hawaii Target at the time was not an option. Yet what gives Walmart an edge is that it has a special Hawaii section. Like my mainland friend said about Walmart in Ala Moana, "This is the best Walmart in the whole country!"I'd be curious to see if Target happens to have a special Hawaiana section to rival Walmart!?

Another Target store is said to open in Kona (Big Island) in July. Maui residents are expecting a chain...but no official word yet.

Hawaii and mainland friends should know too, that Target often offers free shipping for online orders as well as additional 15% on featured weekly items.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Monthly Dance Lessons & New Film Series



Dance Movies & Dance Lessons...together...in a recurring monthly event.
Very cool!

Every 2nd Tuesday of the month from March through July, head out to Cupola Theater for a monthly film series on "dance." Before each film screening dance instructions and demonstrations will be given.

March schedule: "Shall We Dance" (Japan) paired with a night of Ballroom Dancing!
April: Belly Dancing ("Belly Dancers of Cairo)--film's first screening inHawaii.
May: Tango

The Scoop: 6pm: doors open
6:30pm | Dance demonstration
{flim screening}
8:30-10:30pm | Open floor dancing

Where? The Cupola Theater located in the Honolulu Design Center (next to Amuse Wine Bar and Stage restaurant). $10 at the door. Tickets must be purchased before 6pm. Check it out!

Monday, March 9, 2009

Free DVD Rental - Code Butterfly


Rent 1 DVD Video & Get 1 FREE!

Use Coupon Code "BUTTERFLY"

Expires at midnight 03/09/09

Go to your local "Foodland" market in Hawaii and visit the electronic video rental booth, "DVD Express." It looks like an arcade game machine--just touch the screen to select the DVD you want, swipe a credit card, and the DVD gets spit out from the machine. Today's coupon offers you a free movie rental.

Continuing to Blog

I attended a conference a couple of weeks ago--on Technology and Ministry--which has impacted my decision to re-engage in my blogging endeavors.

Workshop topics included social media (e.g. Twitter, FaceBook, etc), website building, brand marketing, and such. (More on the conference later)

I thought to stop blogging to refrain from put energy out into the world, in hopes of keeping energy nestled inside. Yet, I've come to re-appreciate the impact and role of social media in the 21st century. I also realize that as a true "Maven" I'd be denying myself great joy if I wasn't able to share cool things in life (ideas, cool finds & interesting FAQs) with the world. Authentic living for me still means that the maven in me needs to be set free. (For more on Mavens and 3 types of influential people read "The Tipping Point.")

So though I continue to blog, my primary focus in this life season will remain the same--to be a loving person, to live in grace, and to extend love and grace to others well. I hope that you'll continue to journey with me at mainlandgirl.com! {mahalo}