To my Father - Benny Koyama Pangelinan

Treasured Moments - The love you gave so willingly

 Father, dad... I miss you! As I sit and write on this day, our day, I recall the memories of the love and laughter we had shared throughout the years.

I know we have not been the best of friends, we separated and have become incognizant to what's more important in our lives, that is the time we have lost. When I write this, I am tearing, only because I only wanted more from you. I wanted a relationship that we could share openly, but maybe this is what our lord played out for us. It is no wonder that I have become the man I am, so giving, so trusting, let alone eager to share my life with those that I hold close to my heart. I can see now that the I have learned this from you.

I miss you dad, and although you are thousands of miles away, I know you are thinking of me as I am thinking of you on this day. You cannot imagine how grateful I am for all that you have done to showing me, teaching me life, although you stepped back and watch me fall and pick myself up, you never really stayed too far.

My memory recalls a particular moment, I believe I was 3-4 years old. We spent a family day at the beach, Royal Taga beach, I was too afraid to get in the water, but you followed me down despite the blazing heat, you sat on the shore and with your legs made a protective barrier, a pool for me to swim in. I remember enjoying enjoying myself only because I felt safe. You sheltered me from my fears, you did that not just for me, but for all my siblings. I thank you for that.

My dear father, I am sorry for not being there for you as well. I am sorry for not being the son who lived up to your expectations, but know this, the traits you have instilled in me has made me who I am today. There is no doubt in my mind that your influence gave me the motivation and determination I needed to move and progress in this world. The passion to care and love my family and the patience to understand the things around me.

Dad, I love you and I wish you could see this, and maybe one day, I hope sooner than later, we may strengthen our bonds and share what we have missed over the years.

 Your son,

 Wayne

Sometimes When...

There are times when you feel so alone. Even with loving family and friends, it is this unwarranted feeling that takes over. I guess you call it depression.  But mine doesn't stick so I say it's just a like being an outcast (for a while). Not knowing where you belong, how to fit in.

I want to write more, but I can't seem to get a handle on things today - as of now so to speak. Ughhh.  Another time then...

Curve Balls are Awesome!

Almost 4 years ago, I met her, she is awesome, beautiful, and intelligent. Who would have known that I was thrown a curve ball in life, usually I would strike out, but this was for sure a home run!

Year after year we build a strong and communicable relationship. Of course we had several bumps along the way, but I'd have to admit, as we age, I see her beauty come to perfection.

She will be celebrating her birthday two days from now. She wants nothing, but relaxation, I respect that knowing how hard she works, she deserves it!

         Dearest Honey:



It has been and will continue to be the greatest love I share with you. you are a remarkable person and I see you for the person you truly are. You share your love easily, you build up the man that I am, you treasure moments with our children, your kind and unselfish, your intelligent and by all means extremely beautiful and sexy.


As we grow together, know that I only wish for a lasting marriage. Our efforts and initiative to making this happen with that we are doing is working and without it, things would be rather different. I give my love to you knowing I get it in return ten folds. There is no doubt we were meant for each other.

Yes you Honey, I love you!

I love you more each day, your hubby,


Wayne

Moments like these are my treasure...

The early Sunday morn, January 29, 2012 - I turn 37 years old. Boni wakes and hugs me saying "happy birthday honey", I turn to her side, snug my face underneath her neck and chin and reply with the word thanks. She says she is going to brew coffee, my initial response was yes, I need that. Time to get up, face the day, a day I usually dread, but since with Boni, she has made my birthdays extraordinarily significant.

Well, it isn't a day I usually celebrate, for many reasons, I choose not too, its actually a depressing day for most of my life, again, until Boni has come into my life, things have definitely changed. I am grateful!

Ok, the day was planned by my wife, she had a lunch date with the family, made apple pie (mmm-mmm my favorite), dinner with people we love at home with home cooked meals, again something I enjoy much- cooking.

She was lovely, she took everything slow and showed me the caring and loving woman she is. She teaches the children on our outing about behavior and eating properly to feed based on needed nutrition. Her intent as with mine is to develop a healthier living habit for our children they can carry on in their lives. I support that and I dive in following the educational path we are to expose and instill in their young minds. We love them and this is why we do it.

In general, birthday blessings come from the heart and my family has shown just that. My father sends his best wishes, so does my siblings, my in-laws shared a moment at dinner making my day a special one to remember, my children state their love for me and I feel it - a true feeling can be felt even if words aren't spoken, my wife and her endearing qualities makes my worst days great! As such, my birthday is a hit each year since we have joined in union for and with our love and affection, I could not have asked for better moments like this.

Taken aback, my brother, Gerry sends me scanned photos of my past, well you can see for yourself, the children with me are Donny and Jayvier, little toddlers that have a whole lot ahead of them, if only they can concentrate..hahahha...Other photos were of the evening in sharing, oh how I love family time!

Our weekend was filled with activity, Nan and I went to celebrate her birthday at Hyatt, a father-daughter retreat, Saturday was a rest day, run a few errands and spend QT, Sunday my B-day and happiness from a great lunch at Mariana Resort & Spa to home cooked dinner celebration with the people I love. Wifey had her siblings at home for some great talks and family QT. Loving hugs and kisses from my daughters who came back fromt heir weekend with their dad.  Hope, Peyton and Sommer. Hope gave me yet another precious gift. I love my children. Ah yes, my son who is thousands of miles away sends his greeting via FB, such thoughtful children.

Got more greeting messages from my father, sisters, brothers and mom, such a lovely weekend and I would not trade that for anything. Hmmm, well-yeah nothing!

Reyes Familia sharing QT, Burrrrr! it was cold, but everyone was fashionably cool about it! Love them so much! 

Daddy and Som-som, I actually asked her what should I wish for, she said "good health for everyone" smart young lady!

Teenager, Wayannie blows her candle, I should have stepped in the photo as she asked me too, but I was busy taking it! Nevertheless she knows I love her. Hey wait, she had three cakes for her early b-day celebration... hmmmm so not fair! hahahha. Happy b-day Sweety!

Oh boy, brother Gerry sends these photos below, my past as a young father, still trying to get my footing on raising children, wait I still am... hahahaha, but now I have the greatest of partners in this, my wife. In this photo, Donny on my right and Jay on my left.

I dont remember this time zone, but I think I was still in High School and without children, gosh this is truly a flashback!

Boni would not have noticed my good looks and charm back then.... Ahem Nope she would have! hahahhaa!

Even further back! Auntie Beck and Auntie Mary are surrounded by myself and Pangelinan cousins.

Home sweet home, Susupe visit to the family. That's Donny with me! grumpy as usual. Sorry son, I had to post this! You'll thank me later when I'm gone.

Open it up, he is so excited can't you see.  hahahaha!

2011 had its challenges and successes

Its kinda late when I started to think about how was 2011 for me in general. My optimism gave my highs and depression gave my lows, but I'd say, my ratio of highs vs. lows was probably an 80-20.

Interesting enough, I remember mostly my lows. Hmmm, why is that? is it because it had a great, significant impact on how I felt whether it'd be for a day or carried and lingering for a week or so? Not sure exactly, so I could say 2011 was pretty awesome despite what I can remember.

I guess as a father, I have practiced so much into ensuring I show more love physically towards my wife and children. A time to refresh my memory of how this all transpired puts me right now at a high...

Boni and I went through scream free parenting and marriage encounter in 2010, and practicing what I've learned took some time. Reaping the benefits surely was seen in 2011. I could never imagined that using tools to build my undivided love and attention for my family has made everything all worthwhile and happiness is seen throughout my glow in life as it is today.  I feel an overwhelming feeling of joy, as such that I can relate to is the smell of a new car, its distinct aroma of scented chemicals that inspire a man's ego of accomplishment. A taste of strong coffee in morning where you say to yourself you just need it to make your day great, or that spicy pepper that makes food taste immaculate. It is that feeling of the morning sun as it rises from the horizon knowing a beautiful day is expected and you turn to the family and say let's go out, the beach, around the island, an activity where smiles and laughter give you the pleasantries of knowing you are doing great as a parent, as a father. What more can be expected as 2011 closed its doors for me on a happy note.

My challenges were that of finances.  Well who doesn't have that in their lives. I won't dwell too much on it, as with living and revolving around finance, all you can do is wake each day and pray that what you do counts to making a difference for yourself and for those around you. You see, my intentions to build my family up comes first. Then my extended family is my employees, they too are as important in my life. Sometimes I feel like the godfather, except with no Italian mob accent, maybe I should start practicing and be called the "DON". Nevertheless, each to their own lingers in my mind, but if I can help to steer them and assist in helping them find the fruits of labor in their lives, then that too is an accomplishment, yet finance challenges stick around for the long haul and I must ensure that making and taking the right choices will benefit myself, my family and everyone around me.

Successes is depended on how you feel about the accomplishment whether big or small. I'd say I have had many successes in 2011. But that did not come without support from my wife and others and the love for what I do. I am a person who is motivated by an idea. Never giving up on what I believe is possible drives me to engage into new challenges. I take stride each time I face an idea to see whether I can make this work and whether it be something that will benefit the community.

Tops + More magazine and Charcoal BBQ paved way for new income for Bison Relations, my partnership with my fellow employees make this a worthwhile venture knowing full well we are doing what we all do best and enjoy. Hence, we all strive for challenges.

As for parenting, it has its greatest pleasures. The love we share, communication (which can be improved more), my patience and understanding indicates that we will all be fine. Our journey into a peaceful lifestyle will only enhance each and everyone of us. My life is full and 2011 has been good to me.

OK, so I'm losing weight...

My wife posted a comment on FB about my lost of weight. She intentionally made a statement to ask "so what" and I agree with her. Ok so I'm losing weight and some say I'm on drugs and using some rapid lose weight pills, and that's a laugh to begin with.

NO! I am eating better, portioning foods for what I need to burn calories, staying away from junk food and picking up oranges, apples, pears, melons and plenty of water. I guess this works for me as for others it may not.

So in essence, yes I am losing weight, but that's for my benefit - my personal goal of longevity in life for my family. I will do what is necessary to maintain I live long enough to share valuable memories and build them as well.

For too long, I've neglected my health, now that I am eating right and lost the weight, its time to turn into other healthy living standards such as the removal of bad habitual practices. Ughh! yes I do have my share of "bad" habits. One day at a time.

Funny how the word spread likes wildfire here in the Commonwealth, I guess its a good thing if its positive and dreadful if not.  Nevertheless, my clarifications on my weight lost is clear, no drugs, no pills.

She never ceases to amaze me

Something beautiful is seen each passing day with this woman. Something undeniably elegant, something that truly amazes me each day. It is the heart of a woman who cares, who loves, who truly commits herself to her family, her husband. A woman who sees no boundaries to love, a woman who feels pain and suffers hurt, but is destined to keep moving forward. She is truly amazing and this person is my wife, Boni.



I have longed to find someone with natural beauty inside and out, I cherish each day with her knowing I am fulfilled in many ways. Her endearing qualities surpass my expectations and for that, I am forever grateful to the lord for making our paths cross despite how it did come around. She is there, now, with me and she never ceases to amaze me.





She makes everyone smile. Last Halloween, she made goodies for our children that were brought to school to share. It was my first time to bring something to Wade as that is not something usually done on my part. I was overwhelmed with feelings that are difficult to describe, yet I know it meant the world to me. She made him smile even though she wasn't there to see his joy and happiness. you cannot purchase such love as genuine as what she puts out and in return, I love her the same way if not more.

Its Just Feelings...

Feelings are neither right or wrong, its the actions that define whether its the right or wrong, its the choice made to act - Thats it!

I have sensed something that depressed me, but nothing that I could have done anything to prevent it, yet, it bothers me deeply. People's actions and words have a  significant impact on people themselves, let alone we don't feel it right away, sometimes, but its there.

Now I am telling myself to get out of this rut and start looking at the more positive things in life. Time to do so, no time to waste...

Way too long!

Yes, it's been way too long since I've last posted. It has been a months in progress and turning of events that have defined the company - BISON Relations.

It's relentless demands and innovative means to placing our mark, a niche in which we have built is now on its way - alive and breathing.

Nevertheless, I should have not undermined my blog. For months I have thought about getting on and placing an update, but realistically, I was challenged. Two magazines  and many projects later, I am back!

Mothers Day for a Special Someone... Love Letter

Dearest Honey:

Another year comes before us as we had recently celebrated our anniversary, but today marks you holiday, your special day, your mothers day in our home and in our hearts.

You are the rock that holds us in place, you endure all emotions, you have shown us ways to love more and for that I am sure the children and I are forever grateful.  The life we share has its up and downs, but that's our life together, the more we share with each other, the more I can't live without you. You see, at any day of the year, I celebrate my love for you and on this day-Mothers Day- the world celebrates for you too.

Your qualities as a woman, a mother is the wow factor! I only saw this more as my life with you pushes day by day and I am more impressed with who I have in my life to love. You are beautiful all around and from me, you take my every breath.

Boni, honey, love, friend, partner, I love you. Happy Mothers Day baby!

Love your hubby,

Wayne

NMI ET - Online commentators become critics of life, justice, economy, politics...

Entertainment tonight from the CNMI captures yet another headline story featuring the NMI leaders, the business person of the year, rapist/sex offenders released at minimal charges and of the course, government in shambles: asserting a trim down government- payless paydays!

To the critic, its perfectly fine to become the critic you are, but one must consider what have you done to make change in the CNMI? What have you contributed to sit idle in the comfort of your office chair or home and dictate or judge others actions. Lets take a look at the Marine Monument. At one point everyone thought of the project as opportunity, the lawmakers were being Shepperd in to believe its good considering an approval was necessary, but not that you think of, I for one am glad it took the course it did. More time was allotted to think about the issue, I am not saying I am against the monument, but I realize that the lawmakers had a point to make, had an issue to be thought out and sure enough there were more issues than one. Nevertheless, the negotiation was needed to get our statement across, Thanks to Angelo and Laurie and everyone else as well our lawmakers for ensuring that we did not just lose everything, but at least something to gain.

Today we have a monument, etched in the books of Congress, whats next?  Then you have the inflated government, I don't disagree with the comments that get in stating the government is fat and needs to be trimmed, but where would you start? I wonder if those critics are working for the government and whether they realize what could possibly happen to their employment if any. Can the private sector pull the weight of 4K plus employees? I don't think so. This is ir rational if the lawmakers think that the private can absorb such.

Food stamps, Lehap, HUD funds, there's so much out there. Alright, so the news is news, the reporting are either factual, opinionated or possibly baseless (yup, the worst news). Then again, the critics are horrid with some of their online comments.  I believe in speaking freely, I believe in choices, but to degrade and place showmanship of what you feel you know versus that of any actions, in my opinion is hypocritical.

I don't know why I wrote this, but I think its has been weeks from reading online comments on the Variety that has got me feeling disgusted by some comments.  Everyone seems to be a theorist, a know it all, scientist if you will.

Time is ever more so precious!

A photo captures time, the emotion, the composure of oneself at that very moment..Click! and thats it, a lifetime of memories that can be carried throughout time and even long after you leave this life. Time, it is the only thing we can never get back, so why squander on it, live and use it knowing you cannot ever come back to reclaim what was lost with time.

Younger in years, I recall how I wanted to be a grown man, fending for myself and making the choices. This was  more than 25 years ago. I felt that my parents held me back for nothing, but then again, it was my safety that they made these choices for me. Today, having children of my own I see myself doing exactly that of my parents teaching. Hmmm, funny how this turned out and like the phrase goes "only time will tell"...

Tick-tock, tick-tock, the life hour glass

Today, our multi-tasking world requires so much of us in our everyday life. Do you have enough time on your hands? I see many comments on Facebook saying I wish there were more hours in a day, I know me too... I've used this line many times before. The reality is- in my opinion, are the very facts that sometimes we do not plan accordingly in a given day that is tight with needed responsibilities to get done. Then the frustration sets in, the impatience and for some reason, you see everyone else as incompetent or too slow...Hurry up, geez- can't this be any slower?

Needless to say, we all have had our moments and yet because of the lifestyle today, we feel that everyone must be in the "zone", your-- my zone!  Time is ever so precious yet we squander it on occasions and may not even notice life slipping away, tick-tock, tick-tock, but that is for everyone to figure out for themselves, I just wrote this to remind me of how precious time really is...

Call me hypocrite, but hear what I have to say!

On my last post I confronted the notion of being self employed versus that of being employed through another.  Yes, there is my hypocritical slap in the face, but hear me out and then you be the judge.

Self employment proved to be exciting, fun and freedom as you know it could be, but let alone the frustrations, headaches, and keeping sanity was an all time high. Only because you work for yourself and the finances are not regular, they are up or down.

Whereas, being employed has its benefits and set backs too. Now I must conform to a schedule, a routine, a result-driven ambiance while being conservative. Possible, but challenging... I wake each morning thinking what day would bring at the new position I hold by being employed. Time is now a factor, I am no longer prone to being the free bird I once was for several months, but then again, I have income, regular income to satisfy the bills I am responsible for. Yet let alone, my daily routine has not changed much, I still do the errands, pick up the kids from school, but this time I rush back to the office where it was once an easier path, no rush take your time, my self employment work will still be there.

Today, two jobs are at hand by me. I am trying to see how this all goes together, not an easy task, but doable, the question is can I continue to do this? Was I a hypocrite? Yes I was, but with reason... hehehe!

Giving up is not my forte'

Born to this world 35 years ago. I've had numerous challenges and continue to do today. Yet, I am not ready to call it quits in self-employment. Giving up is not my forte' in many aspects of this life I heed. Accepting the challenges and frustration that come with living a lifestyle here in the Marianas has made me look at why most people residing in the Commonwealth see it easier to be employed by the government or other private businesses.

The headaches, the turmoil, the stress of wondering whether you will meet your payables is a constant wear on your mind. It's that tightening of the cap that does not seem to come off and when it does, its only for that brief moment. Even though its like this, I feel a sense of accomplishment. Nevertheless, the challenges that are always looming never go away.

I am inspired by my wife to succeed in what I do and that keeps me going. If it wasn't for her, I'd probably buckle and call it quits, but nope not yet. despite the hardship faced with running a business in an economy that is not so forgiving, I will not let up.  I hope that my brother decides to make it out here to help me out. I am sure that with him on my side along with the support of my wife, we can pull this off.

Today is about diversification. I am doing what is necessary to make this change to survive. I hope and pray it works to my advantage... Wish me luck!

August 2010, BISON Relations is a year old!

Straddling down and cracking the whip as I see this in my head there are many mornings where I ask myself, hmmm, how will today be? Will I be productive? Will this investment I made pay off? This was on-going for a year now since the inception of BISON Relations a year ago this month. My wife, supportive as she is, and dedicated to assisting me build this business said to me yesterday,

"Keep in mind business starts slow and eventually will succeed with hard work and dedication".

My partner, Ulysses Torres-Sabuco in this endeavor said, "Wow! This month is difficult just as last year when we first started". I responded, yes, I did not expect this. I guess the merry-go rounds and the whimsical-ness of running a business and hitting the ground running makes you look back at all the accomplishments as well the heartaches that were poured into what now already is a living breathing company. Supported by many and it supports many as well, I am glad to have started this venture.

A year ago, I was working out of home, no one knew that I had started something, I wondered each time I stayed up late and created more work for myself whether I was on the right path or was I just dreaming. My wife told me before this got going..."I may join the service to find alternative income", that was it! Being the man of the house, I could not see this happen. I went running with a business that I am passionate about and yet scared to wits I might fail, but never trying would have never made me realize what I enjoy the most, entrepreneurship..I love it!

It took several months before I could find a place to situate the business. With one desk and a computer to start off, my office was bare. No signs, no printers, just me, the desk and my computer. Slowly it took face and appearance. Slowly it morphed to looking like an office. Slowly we have become a company.

New plans on the horizon, a new building under renovation to move my business where I could flourish with more people and the development of a hopeful corporation that will enable people to have jobs in the CNMI. Can I do this? Can BISON Relations weather the storm of a weakened economy? Can the weakened economy support a business like this?

Many questions that cannot be answered, but I believe with proper planning and staging of money play for success, there is a great possibility to grow and enrich the lives of my family as well others who depend on such a business for a living.

Products released into the Community, this is only but a few!

My determination, my dreams, my reasons for waking each morning and pushing myself is made possible by the people I hold dear to my heart. My children and my wife inspire me, my family, my partner who shows support and confidence. These shared emotions only tells me to keep going, and keep doing what I enjoy most.

Economic Turmoil: When will it end?

In dismay of economic instability, more businesses calls it quit due to the financial difficulties. The economy that since 2007 received a rating of 47% in foreclosures continues to face difficult challenges. The economic turmoil of the Northern Mariana Islands is a negative portrait to investors and businesses alike. This figure is probably worse today than it was then, when will it end?

Contrast to how marketers yield opportunities, this is the time to start emphasizing on product and spending to stabilize the business growth.  I agree to this, but most businesses on island feeling the pinch differ in thought. The pennies saved is a dollar earned later and when to spend this dollar will not be towards advertising, at least not now in their perspective.

Take for example Verizon, such a large conglomerate company, but there tactics as was told to me by my brother who worked for them at one point indicated that the company does not necessary look at recession as a downfall, but merely looks in the "other" direction where they can make a buck or two.

Can the CNMI look at business this way?Can our tourism officials see that maybe something is not working right with their investment abroad through their offshore offices and what not? Are our advertising plans and actions of acquiring tourist for the islands weak? Is there enough money to support the global competition for tourism? Where do we stand on the paramount downsizing of airlines support for our islands?

This is a reflection of climate change and whether we are ready to embrace the change and effect change, we need to start with our attitude and be driven to find the "other" to steer this economic turmoil.  What we face will be depended upon the people who can make change in their way. Are you ready to effect change?

Now, as an entrepreneur as well, I am looking at the "other" direction. The time is now to get off and sweat more. Determination is my drive, happiness is my success.

Yes, I lost my job, my secured income, but nevertheless, this does not make me incapable of moving and earning for a living. I am determined to get out of this slump and find my oasis in the desert of despair. My wife supports me and my children rely on my presence to deliver, I cannot fail anyone. Not now and not ever!

Wake up Marianas! Go Local and support our local businesses as this is a start! Our Sabalu market, our T-shirt stores that are locally owned, our products that may seem expensive, but in the end, we are all keeping the funds locally and used for our very own benefit.

What's next?

Earlier on in my childhood, my parents instilled the working trait, the use of common sense and the desire to achieve success through sacrifice.  It has now been 35 years later and those traits are stuck, embedded and practiced everyday I wake. Now I ask myself what's next?  Hold let me clarify why I ask this question.

For almost three years I've worked for an educational institution, but it seems that my time has come to move on.  Now being offered a position with a hotel and there is my sole proprietorship business. The business is growing slowly, but is also enduring difficult times due to the economic situation hence, the battles have only begun. Innovations, strategic positioning, enhancing product value and clientèle confidence is ever-more important in todays service industry, but even with that, some clients (possible) still think that they can do without, maybe so and possibly this is why many local businesses fail because they fail to set the NEED for such services.

Ok, I said business is tough and I have decided I will not have my business suffer by carrying my baggage.  I will sacrifice yet another dream to insure stability for my company, this means, I need to get a J-O-B.  No problems with that, I think I would make a tremendous offering back into the work force, I know my capabilities and my ambitious crave to succeed in anything that I do, but now I ask again, what's next?

Difficult decisions are difficult only for the very fact that a change would affect not on you as the person, but everyone around you, in this case, my love ones, my family.  Am I ready to make the change? But if the requirement is to provide for my family then seriously there is no reason I should not consider this. The problem is lied with the extensive hours that once again I will place by being employed versus self employment.  Don't get me wrong, self-employment is much more difficult as I wake each wondering whether I'd make a buck today or not. These challenges of being self-employed in a small economically distraught economy makes you think if this is what's next to rely on as a livelihood. Scale down on lifestyle, done...but here I am again, whats next?

Weekend Toils for weekend spoils...

July 3rd 2010, a Saturday that was just beginning. My six children, have yet to awaken, I get up only on the basis of turning off the Air Conditioners. I think to myself, ok, here we go, no housekeeper today, your all alone and they will wake with rumbling stomachs and many other request that will ring in my ear like a broken record.

I lay back in bed and a few minutes later, Wade has this plastic figurine of a lego spaceman in front of me. "Dad, dad, daddy, mornin'... see, he is looking at you snoring", he says.... I laugh and say good morning Wadey boy! Mind you this is 06:14am. It's going to be a long day!

Number two child wakes and gets a hold of my camera, now things start getting louder at home. Oh by this time, Wade and I had dropped off Tony to his band practice for their concert at DFS later in the afternoon. I felt his eagerness to have me see his performance, I was proud to know he wanted my presence even though he did not directly say, I knew he wanted me there. I was so proud!

As I returned, I looked at what was to be made for breakfast. Looked in the fridge, looked in the pantry, but nothing suits the day or at least I felt. Nannie comes up by mentioning if we had lumpia wrapper (rice wrapper), and I smiled saying, nope... Then viola! I had an idea, fresh banana sugar glazed crepes!!!! Yummy-yum-o!

Ok, we get to work! Nannie gets on the bananas and I start the crepe wrap.  I stated, please when touching the bananas outer-skin with both hands do not touch the inside after as it will be dirty.  "Ai adai si dad so concerned on the dirt or other black thingys that may get on the bananas", says Nannie... Yet, she followed directions and made sure the bananas were so clean.

Not sure on what the crepe batter is, I called Mac out for pointers and he went to work for me by contacting Googs for details....First... Second....

1. Flour 1 1/2 cup

2. 1/4 butter

3. 1 1/2 milk

4. 2 eggs

5. 2 pinch salt

Ahh, success batter made! Now to start cooking.

Nannie, I will make the crepe wraps first, cut the bananas in half then place them slightly over the sugar plate for coating. Cutting away she went.

Glazing the bananas with a sugar coat for sweetness into the crepe browning the fruit for texture. Smells fantastica!

First one made, crepe wrap needs color, but thats another story!  Ha! no colored greens or other fruits to accompany the lonely crepe on the plate, however, I was not complaining, no one was!!! After breakfast, I hear the planning taking place, who will ask as they did the night before... Ok, deep breath, its going to start again...

"Dad, what are we doing today?" asks Nannie... "Wayne are we doing anything today?" asks Hope... "Umm Dad, whats happening today?" says Donny... and the other just stares.... These questions came in from different angles at slightly different times as if practiced to deliver the best performance in acting.

Wheeling and dealing. Rather than toiling around doing nothing, lets clean up and I'll think about it.  Donny on the dishes, jay on the bedding, Hope on the table and .....Nannie...

Oh yeah, she is on the floor.  They pitched in and I was very pleased.  Now, I guess I have to say something... Ok, guys after all is done, I want everyone to shower... The questions start again, "why? can't we shower later?", says Nannie..."Shower? Are we going somewhere?' asks Hope... Ok guys yes, I have a plan.

Ahhh, yes we are going!

However, I would like to finish my coffee first guys!

All showered and ready to go... "ummm daddy, where we going?"....You will find out soon. Did some errands, laughed in the car and joked with everyone, Hope and Nannie making funny faces... It was nice...

I saw in the paper on Friday, pizza hut had some specials going on, it was our lunch, but I may say a very late lunch.

Donny happy for Pizza!

Jay saying, did you know I only ate one crepe and it filled me? Ahh, yes I do remember as I only made one per child, I am glad you are not overeating...

Nannie and hope, wishing the pizza was already placed. It was only 10 minutes since we ordered.  Oh yeah the order was 2 pizzas 2 toppings. Hope and Donny - Mushroom and sausage, Nannie and Jay, Chicken and Pepperoni... Wade, bread sticks...Daddy, ok, only that!

Wade contemplating his secret thought...

"I want to tell you my secret.... I love you daddy!"

A group shot, but missing Mommy, Tony, Peyton and Sommer... Afterwards, DFS for Tony's concert appearance with SSHS Manta Band and the Guam Territorial Band.  This should be nice to watch.

Come on Donny! Why can't you smile... "Sheesh! it is so hot outside and my butt is on fire from this chair!", says Donny.

Oh Yeah! Oh yeah! Oh yeah! Hope trying to sing while Wade takes notice of the camera.. "Me, Me, Me!"

Weirdo in action, but great laughs!

Hey sister!

And there he is, Tony and his trombone along with about 50 members of the group playing at DFS. I am so proud of him, he came to a 180 degree turn when Mr. Dewitt asked him to join the band for this liberation day.  I am proud of my son! He has spent his last 72 hours in practice with the group.  Keep it up son!

Right after the concert tony comes to me and says, "ummm Wayne, the members are going to Big Dipper afterwards, do you have at least $3.00 for my ice cream while there?"... No problem here is $5.00. Enjoy yourself and call me when your ready to come home. "Thanks", he replies.

Lets take a group shot! I say and they all look at me like dad, there are so many people, hahahaha, I don't care I want this shot! Snap!

The last leg, taking the walk to the car to head home and relax.  The weekend toilers got some spoiling, but then again, it was not that much after all.  I miss my wife as I am sure she would have been proud of me on how I handled the children this weekend.