I will observe the National Day calendar days as inspiration for my posts.
Sound good? ๐
Forgive the short posts. I am writing this en route to Fiji ๐ดfrom US ๐✈ using my phone ๐
Here goes ↴
February 1 - National Get Up Day. I've posted a link ↦ here ↤ for more info about Get-up Day.
Here is my interpretation as well ๐: Get up, do something. In my case, today I leave for my island home๐ด. So I had to get up, drive to the airport๐, get on the plane and fly across the globe ✈๐ ☺
Also leaving below zero temperatures for a brighter, sunnier and hotter place for 1 month.
⛄ ⇢ ๐๐
Here is our sight word worksheet in honor of Get-Up or tu (stand) Day:
It is motivating even if you're not an ice-skater, the underlying theme is still relevant to any obstacle or struggles you may face..๐ ๐
So in keeping with our snow/ice theme❅, here is our snow creation to honor Tu-day - love the play on words? ๐ ..Its not supposed to look like a chicken but the kiddos said it did ๐
and named it hey-hey ๐
February 2 - Arrived in Fiji and I lost a day. ๐ It is now February 3rd. But here is a mini booklet/worksheet for the little one ๐ - I'm spending my day at Nadi airport.✈
It is National Tater Tot Day. Celebrate by eating tater tots - no tater tots in Fiji but they have curried taro...good enough ๐
Arrived in Samoa ๐. Am now here with my physician sister ๐ฉ - so I celebrate this day not only on behalf of women physicians but sisters as well ๐ ๐ญ
Some questions Dr may ask and answers:
And here's to siblings ๐:
o si o'u uso la'ititi e foma'i ~ my physician sister ๐
My brother and I watched the game and cheered for the team that lost ๐
On the bright side, Brady is from Michigan and a Samoan got a ring...always being positive ๐
February 5 - Today we focus on Safer Internet Day. As we embrace technology that connects people globally, we should also be aware of dangerous intentions lurking about especially for our kids. ๐
Please be aware, be responsible and be sefe (safe). ๐ณ
Additionally, today is also National Weatherperson's Day - ☀⛅
Lucky for me, I have another sister who is a Meteorologist ๐ Today I recognize her, the weatherperson in my life ๐ and all meteorologists elsewhere! ๐ฆ๐
O si o'u uso Va'ai Tau - My MIC (Meterologist in Charge) sister ๐
February 6 - National Frozen Yogurt Day ๐ฆ - Today I had a Koko Samoa shake. I pretended it was frozen yogurt and it was delicious!! ๐
There is no Samoan word for yogurt but I equate it to aisa kulimi or ice cream.
Ice cream in Samoa come in all the exotic flavors that I L❤VE: Pasio/Passion Fruit, Koko Samoa, Kuava (guava), Esi/Papaya... yummm..... ๐จ
I hope you're salivating right now - enough to treat yourself to a fro-yo and celebrate today!! ๐๐ง
Kia Ora!! ⸙
I am here now in Auckland Aotearoa (New Zealand) - Land of the Long White Cloud ☁.
I have here a template for you - send a card to a uo (friend) ๐ง๐
And for you uo pele, here's lots of Al♡fas from Samoa ๐
Kites or maua in Samoan were used in ancient times as tools - sailors used them to measure the wind or spy on their enemies. ๐ฎ
Kites were also ceremonial objects in other cultures - used as offerings to the gods or to send messages to the heavens ๐
My dear Mama's birthday is today as well ๐ - if I could, I would fly a kite to heaven and let her know how much I love and miss her so much! ๐๐
Most people now fly kites as a hobby or sport and it is fun leisure activity.
Today, do like Mary Poppins - go out and fly a kite๐๐
February 9 - Today is National Pizza Day ๐๐
Pizza is a favorite for many - including my fanau (kids). There is no Samoan word for pizza since it is not a Samoan dish but, I have tried a Samoanized version of pizza - Pisupo Pizza ๐
Whether you make your pizza thin crusted, stuffed or cheesy; have a slice (or 2) and celebrate Pizza Day! ๐ ๐
February 11 - Talofa si a'u uo!! ๐ - Today is Make a Friend Day ๐
Here in New Zealand ⸙, I've met so many people. I've made new friends and rekindled old acquaintances. I've spent time with family, met new relatives and visited cousins, their spouses and children - its been a blast. Time is just whizzing by so fast ๐๐ญ
In honor of this day, take time to put yourself out there and make a new friend ๐
I hope one day I get to meet you in person uo pele (dear friend) ๐๐
๐
February 12 - Today, Celebrate L๐ VE Week begins. The second week of February is the starting point to Valentine's day celebration for you lovers out there...❥๐
I leave New Zealand for Samoa today ✈ I have enjoyed Auckland thoroughly.
The sights were amazing ๐ฟ, and the air refreshing.
Most importantly, my time spent with family and friends was priceless.
These long-lasting memories shall remain etched in my mind for ages.๐๐
The sights were amazing ๐ฟ, and the air refreshing.
Most importantly, my time spent with family and friends was priceless.
These long-lasting memories shall remain etched in my mind for ages.๐๐
Aotearoa, noho ora mai - farewell for now Aotearoa. Thank you for your generosity and hospitality.
I will miss you and shall return one day. ๐๐
Start your L♡VE week celebrations today my dearest - ๐
O alofaaga mo oe e le uma lava - my L♡VE for you shall never cease ❣
~h
I will miss you and shall return one day. ๐๐
Start your L♡VE week celebrations today my dearest - ๐
O alofaaga mo oe e le uma lava - my L♡VE for you shall never cease ❣
~h
View of Rangitoto from top of Sky Tower, Auckland, NZ
One Tree Hill - Auckland, NZ
View of Sky Tower from One Tree Hill - Auckland, New Zealand ⸙
If you're not familiar with it, click on the above hyperlink and read more ↝
Basically, it is a day for all employees to observe their company policies and rules and educate themselves on their rights. ๐
I would like to also dedicate this day to all attorneys and future attorneys who will fight for citizen's rights and uphold the law ๐ ๐
One attorney I acknowledge is my father - o lo'u Tamฤ (pictured below) who is the best lawyer ever - but I might be a bit biased ๐
O si o’u Tamฤ pele ๐ My beloved Father
I know you can find someone to L๐VE today! ๐
All my al๐fas to you my Valentin๐❣
๐,
~h
February 15 - Today is National Caregivers Day.
National Caregivers Day honor men and women dedicated to providing vital services to our loved ones with long-term care needs.
Caregivers deliver a variety of services from personal care to medical services with compassion and love. Their days may be long and demanding, but they provide support to those who need it most.
My mother is a caregiver as my dearest father has long-term medical needs. She cares for him 24/7. She is a retired nurse so she has background in medical care and does her best to look after him. It is a grueling job and definitely something I do not take lightly. I admire her patience and fortitude and give her credit for all she does for my Dad. ๐
Please take time out to thank and appreciate a caregiver. Teach the kiddos about caregivers' duties and how to give them support and care. ๐
Mom, I dedicate this day to you - ๐๐
O lima
fesoasoani a si o’u Tinฤ pele ~ my dearest mother's helping hand ๐
February 16 - Today is Saturday in American Samoa and I don't have a particular day to observe ๐ However, I went to the beach on the east side of the island and it was bright and sunny ๐
Then, I drove to the west side and it was raining. ☔ What a concept!
I L♡Ve rain in Samoa because it makes everything grow lush and green. The sound of raindrops on the roof is hypnotic and leaves me in a trance. Its the best time to cuddle and sleep ๐ดI have a sight word worksheet for the kiddos: timu (rain) ⛈.
Also, a picture of a very famous mountain in American Samoa called Rainmaker Mountain.
On a clear day, you can literally watch this mountain make rain.
Hence the name of the mountain: Rainmaker Mountain ๐
Rainmaker Mountain traps rain clouds and gives Pago Pago the highest annual rainfall of any harbor in the world.
Here is a link so you can read more about ⇢ Rainmaker Mountain ⇠
Rainmaker Mountain view from Utulei Beach, American Samoa
We observe George Washington's birthday on this day but it is also called President's Day. George Washington was the first president of the United States of America and we thank him not only for being one of our nation's forefathers but for giving us an extra day of rest ๐๐
Today is also my sister's birthday ๐ Ia Manuia Lou Aso Fanau uso!! ๐
Alzheimer's is a disease that affects many seniors including my beloved father.
This week, focus on fostering sensitivity and respect for people diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Here is a board that may help with communication between the affected individual and others.
This week, focus on fostering sensitivity and respect for people diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Here is a board that may help with communication between the affected individual and others.
February 20 - This week starts National Engineers Week.
I want to encourage our kiddos to delve into math and science subjects. STEM (Science - Technology - Engineer - Math) or STIM in Samoan (Sienisi - Tekinolosi - Inisinia - Matematika) promotes the importance of these subjects in improving our quality of life. ๐
Challenge your kiddos to be problem-solvers and future engineers by using the worksheet below ๐
I also have a sister who is an engineer or inisinia so here's to my inisia uso and other inisinias out there ๐
O lima a si o'u uso inisinia ~ my genius civil engineer sister's hands ๐๐
February 21 - Today is National Grain Free Day. ↞
This day is dedicated to families coming together and eating or sharing a meal that is entirely grain-free. Here in Samoa, it is easy to do that because there are fruits and veggies everywhere - Fresh and organic too!
For example, I just got a box of avoka (avocadoes) from my cousin. ๐ฅ These avocadoes make Michigan avocadoes look like peanuts! They're huge and delish ๐ I wish my daughter was here to eat these because she L♡VES avoka!
So here is a poster of Samoan fruits/veggies for the kiddos - enjoy your grain-free day❣๐
This day is dedicated to families coming together and eating or sharing a meal that is entirely grain-free. Here in Samoa, it is easy to do that because there are fruits and veggies everywhere - Fresh and organic too!
For example, I just got a box of avoka (avocadoes) from my cousin. ๐ฅ These avocadoes make Michigan avocadoes look like peanuts! They're huge and delish ๐ I wish my daughter was here to eat these because she L♡VES avoka!
February 22 - O nei o le aso fanau a si o'u Tinฤ. Today is my mother's birthday. ๐
I also have several nieces/nephew and aunt that share the same birthday ๐
Ia manuia lou aso fanau Tinฤ❣ (Happy Birthday Mom ๐)
February 23 - This week is Brotherhood/Sisterhood week. ๐ How appropriate since all my siblings are here in American Samoa celebrating our parents' birthdays.๐
I've been spending a lot of time with relatives learning our family genealogy, legends and history. I feel privileged to be a part of such an amazing saga! I wish I had more time here I can record everything and write a book ๐ฎ .
It feels really good to be surrounded by family and I find myself wanting to move back home. I'm definitely in my element here.
Family is so important in our culture and I am very proud to be a part of my aiga. I hope you find this worksheet helpful in teaching your fanau (children) about their tua'ฤ (lineage) ๐
I dedicate this post to all brothers and sisters out there! ๐
Especially to my superhero tuagane (brother) who will be competing in the Special Olympics next month in Abu Dhabi, UAE - I'm cheering for you bro! ๐
Manuia lou alo atu i taaloga! ๐ Manuia fo'i aiga uma o salalau solo i le kelope.
Tu pea Ieova i lo ta va ๐
Si o'u tuagane o le a alo atu i tauvaga ~ My super athlete brother ๐
O si o'u uso ulumatua - my eldest sister and top of our tree ๐
O le ui'i - my nurse baby sister ๐
I will always cherish my father and the many contributions he has given to us, his children, to his village, to his church and community.
Ia manuia lou aso fanau Tamฤ ๐-
Ou te al♡fa tele lava ia oe!! ๐
~h
O aao a si o'u Tamฤ pele ๐ My Dearest Dad
February 25 & 26- Today I leave my home in Tutuila, Amerika Samoa. I arrive the same day however, Samoa is a day ahead so I lost 1 day ๐
Anyway, it is National Personal Chef's Day. ↞ I don't have a personal chef but I have been eating out for the past couple of days and the chef personally made my entrees for me ๐
Here is a worksheet for the kiddos - some items needed for the umukuka (kitchen) the chef's lair! ๐
February 27 - Today I leave my island home for the US ๐ญ. I'm excited to see my aiga but not looking forward to the cold weather ๐จ, and going back to work ๐ฌ. Oh well, all good things come to an end.
I can't express how much I will miss everyone especially saying good-bye to my family. It really hurts being so distant and far away ๐ฉ
Today, Make Mine Chocolate campaign week begins (until Easter). It was created to address cruelty towards abandoned live rabbits. Make Mine Chocolate campaign encourage parents to buy stuffed or chocolate rabbits for their kids rather than live ones..๐ฎ..yes, its a real thing apparently.. ๐
I never knew about it either. But now I want to spread awareness to all.
I empathize with rabbits mainly because I can relate to the feeling of leaving your home and trying to adapt to foreign lands.
It's not easy- the struggle is real ๐จ ๐ฐ
I can't express how much I will miss everyone especially saying good-bye to my family. It really hurts being so distant and far away ๐ฉ
Today, Make Mine Chocolate campaign week begins (until Easter). It was created to address cruelty towards abandoned live rabbits. Make Mine Chocolate campaign encourage parents to buy stuffed or chocolate rabbits for their kids rather than live ones..๐ฎ..yes, its a real thing apparently.. ๐
I never knew about it either. But now I want to spread awareness to all.
I empathize with rabbits mainly because I can relate to the feeling of leaving your home and trying to adapt to foreign lands.
It's not easy- the struggle is real ๐จ ๐ฐ
Here is a worksheet for the kiddos - ๐ and pray for me ๐ as I travel ✈ in stormy weather ⛆ back to snowy, winter land ☃
February 27 - No, this is not a typo ๐ - I've been travelling long, grueling hours ✈
I left Apia, Samoa at 5pm and arrived Nadi, Fiji at 5pm.
Strange huh? (Samoa is 2 hours ahead of Fiji and the flight is 2 hours long)
Then, I leave Fiji and arrive in Los Angeles on the same day February 27 since I crossed the international dateline. ๐
Travelling sometimes renders me brain-dead ๐ And coincidentally, today is No Brainer Day๐ฌ
Its a fun holiday -set to remind us to relax and stop over-analyzing problems.
I will have no issue celebrating no-brainer day because right now, I'm too exhausted to think and consequently, no-brain-er status๐ค
I am going through withdrawals ๐- trying to re-adjust back to routine life and colder weather.
So I'm sharing this poster which I created for my emo-baby girl๐
Sometimes there are no words to describe the emotions we feel.
And right now, I'm nostalgic but excited, exhausted but thrilled, happy and sad at the same time. ๐
I dont know what I'm saying ๐ I'm jet-lagged so just go with it ๐
February 28 - Well, this is the end of the month. I arrived back safe and sound. Faafetai lava tapua'i, faafetai le faamuli lelei ๐
I am trying to recharge and catch up on sleep before my normal work routine starts ๐
This is what I came back to:
Tofa Fepuari! Farewell February - I'm soo ready for Spring! ๐
Thank you for accompanying me on my travels - you're the best companion ever! ๐
I left Apia, Samoa at 5pm and arrived Nadi, Fiji at 5pm.
Strange huh? (Samoa is 2 hours ahead of Fiji and the flight is 2 hours long)
Then, I leave Fiji and arrive in Los Angeles on the same day February 27 since I crossed the international dateline. ๐
Travelling sometimes renders me brain-dead ๐ And coincidentally, today is No Brainer Day๐ฌ
Its a fun holiday -set to remind us to relax and stop over-analyzing problems.
I will have no issue celebrating no-brainer day because right now, I'm too exhausted to think and consequently, no-brain-er status๐ค
I am going through withdrawals ๐- trying to re-adjust back to routine life and colder weather.
So I'm sharing this poster which I created for my emo-baby girl๐
Sometimes there are no words to describe the emotions we feel.
And right now, I'm nostalgic but excited, exhausted but thrilled, happy and sad at the same time. ๐
I dont know what I'm saying ๐ I'm jet-lagged so just go with it ๐
February 28 - Well, this is the end of the month. I arrived back safe and sound. Faafetai lava tapua'i, faafetai le faamuli lelei ๐
I am trying to recharge and catch up on sleep before my normal work routine starts ๐
This is what I came back to:
Thank you for accompanying me on my travels - you're the best companion ever! ๐
I wish you all a great weekend ๐ Manuia le uikieni ma ona fuafuaga uma!
๐,
~h
