Happy Thanksgiving Y'all

I hope your day is filled with wonderful family, great food, and lots of memories. 

Grad school applications are almost done, so I should be back on the blogging train soon. 

Love, Alex 

Thanksgiving in Korea

Let me start by reminding everyone of one thing: Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. My absolute favorite holiday. So much in fact, I made sure Matt and I were married the day after Thanksgiving so our rehearsal dinner could be a big Thanksgiving dinner. 

I am also very picky when it comes to what is served at Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving for me was always spent at my Abuela and Papa's house and they always had the best dinners. So whenever I spend Thanksgiving away from my family I try to make sure all my favorite dishes are in attendance.

 {Note: I didn't do this at the first Thanksgiving that Matt and I were married and ended up in a bathroom crying because Matt's grandma was serving Sushi and Rice. There were no mashed potatoes and I was traumatized. Yes, I know, I'm a freak.} 

This year was the first year that Matt and I were responsible for a whole Thanksgiving dinner. {Last year, Matt was in charge of the Turkey and I was in control of some sides, but not the whole dinner.}  It was a bit nerve-wracking, but I think it turned out well. I know most of the pressure I felt was just coming from my need to have a good Thanksgiving, but it didn't make it any less stressful. Luckily, Matt is awesome and pretty much took control of most of the dishes. I did the sweet potatoes because I'm very particular about there taste... and the only one that likes them. 

Here is what was on the menu: 

{Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Corn, Stuffing, Rolls, Deviled Eggs, Veggies, and Fried Chicken Fingers...} 

Everything was really delicious. My mom sent us boxed Stove Top stuffing, and a few other ingredients to make our Thanksgiving more like I am used to. So, many thanks to her! 

Now on to explain the chicken. For the last couple of months, Matt and I have been trying to find a toaster oven big enough to cook a small chicken. We picked chicken because I really haven't seen turkey here and we knew a turkey would be way to big for us. But we couldn't find a oven that was the size we wanted for the price we wanted. Then one day we were eating at a chicken restaurant by our house and saw that they served rotisserie chickens- perfect! We confirmed what time they opened and then get ready to pick up our chicken the night of our dinner. On Saturday, we went to the restaurant and tried to order the chicken... and they didn't have any! What!?! So we were stuck with getting fried chicken strips, or no chicken. We chose fried chicken strips... just like the Pilgrims had on the first Thanksgiving. Hahaha. 

Now, the food was great, but the best part about Thanksgiving dinner was meeting Matt's cousin Alohi. I guess it's true what they say- there are Hos everywhere. :) Haha. Alohi is also teaching English here in Korea and on Saturday she made the journey to our house to eat Thanksgiving with us. We had the best time visiting and getting to know each other. There were no awkward moments; it was all just perfect. 

For dessert, Alohi brought the ingredients to make chocolate trifle. It was so good. It was just pound cake, chocolate pudding (that her parents sent), whipped cream, and strawberries. 

 I also bought a cake from Paris Baguette, but there was no way we were eating that day. My mom had sent us a can of Pumpkin, but I was under the impression you just put the can of pumpkin in a pie tin and called it a day, but apparently there is more to it. We might save the can for Christmas when we are more prepared to make a pie. And when we can actually find a pie tin. 

While it was bit sad being away from home this Thanksgiving, I'm happy we had the chance to meet Alohi and have a Thanksgiving here in Korea. We had way too much food left over, but it was all worth it. 

Two Months Two Trips

October and November were pretty great months for me. I got to take two really cool and much much needed vacations.

I wanted to share my two trips with you guys and I wanted to document them so I could remember in the future.

In October I made a surprise trip to Georgia. The only people that knew I was coming were my in-laws, Beth, and my Aunt Nickie. Everyone else was completely surprised. It was great to see my family and to be back in my home state.

While in Georgia:

1.  I surprised my Abeula during her Susan G. Komen 60 mile walk for Breast Cancer and surprised my Papa while he was driving his truck down the road... maybe not the smartest move!
2. Took a road trip with my mom and little Asian siblings, which included Jud singing along with ABBA.
3. I saw my cousin Jessie play volleyball during her senior year of high school.
3. Had a great visit with the whole Bates family. I had not seen any of my Bates family in two years!
4. Had a girls day with Nickie and Jessie. Which included pedicures, a trip to urgent care (not part of the original plan), dinner, movie, and a massage!
5. Had quality BFF time with Beth and I got to meet her love.
6. Met my newest cousin and member of the Stewart clan- Ava.
7. Ate a lot of cupcakes... my favorite were Auntie Mammies that were in Marietta Square. They won cupcake wars.
8. Watched a lot of tennis... and I mean a lot! But it was good to see Olivia play!
9. Became reunited with my sock monkey slippers
10. Had quality time with my brother Joe and met his girlfriend Mandi.
11. Spent time with Jud. Which included playing a trick on him and trying to convince him that his new home and school was a storage unit Joe and I were stopping at. And him putting a ballon under his shirt and saying he was pregnant.
12. Watched my cousin Coda play football for this high school team.
13. Ate at chick-fli-a way too much!
14. Had a family dinner at Abuela and Papa's house. It was great to have the family together, including my in-laws, and eat some good Mexican.
15. My mother-in-law attempted to give me a sewing lesson.
16. My mom attempted to give me a tennis lesson.
17. I had the best time ever! The only thing missing was Matt.

For Thanksgiving, Matt and I went to visit my dad in California. It was a short trip, but I am glad we did it. 

While in California: 

1. We made Thanksgiving dinner. We served: *turkey, *sweet potatoes, *taro rolls, *fruit salad, *cranberries, *gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, *chocolate pie, apple pie, and pumpkin pie *Things Matt and I made, except the bread which I brought from Costco! I think for our first time taking on a whole Thanksgiving we did a great job. 
2.  Played National Parks Monopoly- where I was kicking butt until Matt and Dad ganged up on me. I actually had all four 'activities' which is like have all the railroads! It was a pretty big deal. 
3. Went into San Francisco - This is where Dad told me San Francisco was his Pearl Harbor because he always had to take people there just like I always have to take people to Pearl Harbor. 
4. Ate a lot of Sprinkles Cupcakes! 
5. Matt ate in and out for the first time. 
6. I ate Chipotle yum yum
7. Matt got to drive dad's Porsche 
8. Matt tired to learn how to ride a motorcycle 
9.  Visited UC Berkeley
10. Had a great time in three short days! 

Thankful Thought- Day 12

Day 12: 

I am thankful for adoption. 

I am so glad that my parents decided to adopt two wonderful babies from China. Olivia was adopted in August of 2004 at the age of 15 months and Jud joined our family in November of 2006 at the age of 3. 

I seriously cannot imagine my life without these two kids. They have only added joy to our family. There is no doubt in my mind that they fully belong to in my family. I think adoption is one of the greatest things a person could do. There are so many kids out there that need a home. Matt and I plan to adopt in a few years. If you have never thought about adoption I would encourage you to look into it. My family went through Children's Hope. 

(This is right after my parents got Olivia.)  

(Jud and Mom in China.) 

Thankful Thoughts- Day 11

Day 11: 

I am thankful for our little studio in TVA. 

It is no secret that living in TVA has been a challenge for Matt and me... more so me than Matt :) (Which really, if you consider our two differing personalities, should be no surprise.) 

Anyway, we moved to Hawaii in January of 2011 and had to live in off campus married housing. We were really just lucky that we found a place that was relatively clean and really close to campus that we were okay that it was literally a bedroom with a sink and that this 'bedroom' cost $990 a month. I think we would have stayed there until we could get into TVA, but our landlord was a horrible person. 

We stayed in that room for four months and then moved to studio apartment that was bigger, closer to campus, cheaper ($900), and had great landlords. We stayed there for only two and half months because we got into TVA June of 2011. Matt and I were tempted to stay in our new studio because of how great the landlords were, but TVA is so so so much cheaper. (It's about 650 a month.) 

Anyway, we moved into to our studio apartment and have made it our true first home as a married couple. Because we knew the other places were temporary, and because they were fully furnished, we never decorated our first two places. I will admit that we have put a chunk of change on decorating the studio, but since it was a long term stay we wanted to decorate. I would not have been able to stand staring at white walls for two years! 

I am so happy that I found blogging and all the wonderful ideas that people put out there. I am so thankful Matt and I could practice our hand at decorating and find our style. Plus, when we leave the island we will sell most of the stuff we purchased so the money can go to our new home. 

I am thankful that Matt and I were able to get into TVA so quickly after we arrived to Hawaii. And even though a one bedroom would have been nice, I am glad we got the cheaper studio. 

I am thankful that Matt and I got to have our first true home as a couple and it has been great. I might get annoyed at hearing screaming kids all through the day, or neighbors being ridiculously loud throughout the evening (when I am trying to sleep), but I always try to remember how much a blessing this TVA studio is. I actually just bought this home journal from Gadanke (check this place out if you have not heard of it) and I am so excited to start journalling about our two years here. 

I am thankful for our first home. 

Here are some pics of our little place: 

(The white wall space above the table is currently getting a make over.) 

Thanks for reading my Thankful Thoughts. 

Thankful Thoughts- Day 10

Day 10:

Today I am thankful for being able to live in Hawaii. 

During the first semester of my freshman year at Georgia College, I applied to BYU Hawaii as a transfer student. By February, I had gotten accepted and was seriously considering whether I should be over 4000 miles away from my family and my home state of Georgia. 

As most of you know- I chose Hawaii. By August of 2007, my mom, me, and four suitcases were on our way to the beautiful island of Hawaii. I had a signed contract for a house in Hau'ula (a town about three miles away from campus and Laie). I was excited and beyond scared... I was also not 100% sure of my choice to go to Hawaii. 

I always had such great dreams of traveling and living on my own, but in reality I am a home body. 

I went to school at BYU Hawaii from 2007-2009. I adjusted to living on an island... seeing a lot (and I mean a lot) of Asians... I got really close with my cousins in Hawaii - The Johnson Family- I went to the beach a lot- saw the huge surf waves during the Winter months- I got called Haole a lot- and I met some really great girlfriends. 

It was a great experience. I was so lucky to have been giving this opportunity. And after a quick 18 months of some life changes (i.e. studying abroad in London, and getting married) it was time to go back. 

I enjoyed my time in Hawaii and when I left in April of 2009 I felt like I was not quite done with life in Hawaii. 

So, while Matt and I were engaged and talking about our future we decided it would be best to move back to Hawaii so I could finish school. As a newlywed couple we moved back (well I moved back) to the beautiful island of Hawaii in January of 2011 and have been ever since. 

While I enjoyed being here as a single lady, it has been way better with my husband. I don't get as lonely or as homesick like before and now Matt and I have awesome memories of our first two years of marriage. 

We have been able to explore the island and go on many adventures. We have gotten used to living in close quarters (i.e. a studio apartment). We have been able to stand on our own as a newlywed couple. I graduated with my bachelors, and Matt started back at school. And we have been able to spend time with Matt's family that live on the island. 

It has been a great blessing to be able to live here. I can't believe I have been able to live in one of the best vacation spots! I am thankful we have this opportunity. 

Thank you for reading my Thankful Thoughts. 

Thankful Thoughts- Day 9

Day 9: 

I am thankful for cell phones. 

Most of the time cell phones drive me crazy... not really crazy... but I feel people are way way way too attached to their cell phone. I particularly get upset with my students because they are on their phones literally all the time. I see students at school before school starts talking on the phone... and they are like oh yeah I see you okay I am walking towards you... ARE YOU KIDDING ME... these girls were talking to each other and they can see each other- and I am thinking JUST WALK DOWN THE HILL  lazy bums... 

Oh wait- this isn't a post about pet peeves about cell phones- it's me being thankful. 

For serious- I am thankful for this technology. Where would we be without our phones? I am especially glad I have my phone when I drive to work (1. I can call my mom to keep me awake and 2. I know that I have it in case of an emergency) 

I know it's a little materialistic, but whatever.

Thanks for reading my Thankful Thoughts. 

Thankful Thoughts- Day 8

Day 8: 

I am thankful for dental floss. 

For real- sometimes dental floss is a life saver- especially when I eat popcorn. I know we are supposed to floss daily, but I don't. So often I forget about the wondrous dental floss. But the other day it literally saved my life. 

And that's that- I told you some days would be that simple!

Thanks for reading my Thankful Thoughts and keep on keeping on.  

Thankful Thoughts- Day 7

Day 7: 

I am thankful for our Nissan Maxima. 

Now, Matt and I have had a few car issues in the past year and half since we bought this car, but I am beyond grateful that we are able to afford this means of transportation. 

If we did not have a car we would be completely dependent on the bus system- which is not so great. I have to drive an hour each way every day for work and that would easily double if I had to take the bus. So thank you Mrs. Maxima! 

Thank you for reading my Thankful Thoughts! And I challenge you to find some of your own! 

Thankful Thoughts- Day 6

Day 6: 

Today I am thankful for the right to vote. 

I am so glad to live in a country where we can vote for our leaders both on the local and national level. I firmly believe that if you don't vote you can't complain. 

Now I definitely have a political opinion, but this thankful thought is not about political party- it is the fact that as Americans- we have the right to vote! 

Today I voted in my second presidential election and I am happy happy happy! 

Thanks for reading my Thankful Thoughts! 

Thankful Thoughts- Day 5

Day 5: 

I am thankful for my husband and his family. 

Let's call them my 'new' family. I am such a lucky girl to have married into one of the most amazing families there is: The Ho Family. 

First, I need to talk about my husband. He is AMAZING! He is always supportive of my personal long term goals. He always works really hard, whether that is in school or at work, to ensure that we have a good life. He is the perfect balance to my extreme personality. I am glad that he has been a part of my life for the past 7-8 years and I honestly can't imagine life without him. 

Now to my amazing in-laws. Matt comes from a small family. He grew up with his two parents and his one sister Malia- compared to my blended split crazy family. From day one I have loved Janice, Kevin, and Malia. Even when Matt and I were just friends I loved spending time with his family. In fact, Malia and I were closer friends than Matt and myself. I swear if you look up supportive in the dictionary Kevin and Janice's picture is sitting right there. In the last two years, there have been some low moments- some adjustments had to be made- but overall things have been great. 

(This is actually the extended Ho/ Graham Family: Back- Kevin, Janice, Obachan, Claudia (Kevin's sister), Tommy (brother in law), Front- Me, Matt, Malia, and cousins Windy, and Josh) 

I am truly grateful that I married into this family of Ho Hos. 

Thank you for reading my Thankful Thoughts! And I challenge you to find some of your own! 

Thankful Thoughts- Day 4

Happy Sabbath Y'all! 

Day 4: 

I am thankful for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

I think this is natural, but the older I become the more I appreciate the church and the lessons of the gospel. There are so many blessings that have come into my life and I am glad I am a member of this church. I usually don't go into my religion a lot, but I feel like if I didn't mention it now it would be ridiculous. I am where I am right now because of the church. 

Don't get me wrong- there are many things I struggle with and most days I feel like I am not doing that great of a job being a member, but everyday is a process. I think it is the effort that makes the difference.

If you have no idea what I am talking about please check out this wonderful website!

Thankful Thoughts- Day 3

Day 3: 

I am thankful for my family! 

I don't even know how to start explain how amazing my family is. I have always been close to my family, but moving away to Hawaii in 2007 really made me appreciate them more. This post would be really really long if I talked about every single person and the impact they made on my life- let's just say I am one LUCKY lady to have such an amazing family. 

Like all families we have our ups and downs... but at the end of the day we love each other and would do anything for each other. 

Every part of my personality is made up of traits from the members of my family. I love to plan parties and organize like one of my aunts, I am type A and driven like my mom, I love family and Thanksgiving like my Abuela, I am political passionate like my Papa (regardless if we are on the opposite side of the spectrum).... I could go on and on! 

Thank you family for being so awesome! 

(Back row: Barry (my second dad), Mom, Papa (holding baby Ava), Aspen, Beau, Coda, Sara, Abuela

Front: Oliva, Sage, Jud) 

Thank you for reading and stay tuned for tomorrow's Thankful Thoughts. 

And I challenge you to find your own! 

Thankful Thoughts- Day 2

Day 2 of my thankful journey. Just a recap: November... Thanksgiving.... Thankful Thoughts

Day 2: 

I am thankful for my education. 

December of 2011 I graduated from BYU- Hawaii. Now my experience with BYU-H had a lot of ups and a lot of downs. I got homesick A LOT! I got into many arguments with the admin office! I dated a couple of duds! But at the end of the day- I got a great education! I never thought I would go to a BYU CHURCH school, but it was a great opportunity! 

I loved all my History professors. I loved being able to study in a great field that was not a very popular major so the classes were super small! Most of all I love that my education prepared me enough to be able to get a job in my field  right out of school! 

And on the really good side I went to school in HAWAII!!!! I was able to experience living in a place that had a different culture... I was able to live right on the beach... and meet really great people.  And I got my degree!!!! 

Yay for education! 

(I mean how awesome is it that I went to a place where THIS is the tradition!) 

Thank you for reading and stay tuned for tomorrow's Thankful Thoughts. 

And I challenge you to find some of your own! 

Thankful Thoughts- Day 1

Seeing as it is now November - the month of Thanksgiving- I thought it would be appropriate to blog about what I am thankful for. Some of these will be preplanned because they are always on my mind and some of these will be just random things that I noticed throughout the day- just to mix things up! Plus, sometimes the small things in life you are thankful for are the things that make a difference between a good and a bad day!

I love Thanksgiving and I love November, so it would be selfish and lazy of me if I did not do this. Plus, I think at this time in the year people start to get a little HOLIDAY CRAZY and forget what this time of year is all about... So here it goes 30 days of Thankful Thoughts!

Day 1: 

I am thankful for my job. 

Let me explain why I have put this. As most of you know, Matt and I live in Hawaii- one of the most expensive places in the U.S. to live. After I finished school, there was a period of about three months where I did not have a job. It was summer break for the schools here in Hawaii and no one was really hiring. As June turned into July, I was really really worried that I would not find a teaching job and if this did not happen- I was not sure how Matt and I would continue to be able to live here while he finished up his program. 

Luckily, I found a job at one of the best schools on the island- Mililani Middle School. This is where I did my student teaching... and it was the same grade level.... with the same subject (Hawaiian and Pacific History)!!!! So I was able to reuse a lot of my material. 

I know without a doubt I was hired because of all the prayers and fasts that my family and friends did for Matt and me. I also know that I owe a lot to my education program and the fact that I was ready to be a teacher. 

I am so thankful to be able to work at a school with good resources, good people, and good kids (most of the time)! I am also thankful that I am able to bring home a consistent pay check for my little family of 2. 

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for the rest of Thankful Thoughts. 

Thanksgiving in Hawaii

(I made my mom's cranberries- they were a hit- along with my chocolate pie!)

Two years ago for Thanksgiving I was getting on a plane for Dublin with my friend Jenny. I had spent the morning of Thanksgiving in
St. Paul's attending a service for the American community in England. Then we were off to Dublin!

One year ago, I was attending my rehearsal dinner with my family and friends! I was celebrating mine and Matt's wedding day!

Now we are in Hawaii, about to celebrate our one year anniversary. This year we went to Matt's Obachan's (grandmother) home. I thought I would be okay, but it was a little overwhelming. If you know me really well, you know that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and I love being with my family. And I am extremely picky about my Thanksgiving food. At Obachan's house there was NO mashed potatoes, there were NO sweet potatoes, and there WAS SUSHI!!!! On top of that there were tons of new family members to meet. All of that combined was a little too much for me to handle. I tried to be a good sport, but at one point I just broke down and started crying in the bathroom. I know, I know how stupid, but being 4,000 miles away from family is hard!

After dinner, things got better. Most of the guests left so it was just people I was used to being around. After dinner, Matt and I went to see Arthur Christmas. It was such a good movie and a good way to end the day.

While this year held many changes, I am so happy I was able to spend my favorite holiday with my favorite person. This guy: