Strobe Lighter

MY LIFE. MY THOUGHTS. MY WORDS.

Welcome to the Family! LoL!



My husband was invited to join my brothers Solomone & Loloa to the Chargers vs. Ravens game in San Diego. They had a blast! Although, the Baltimore Ravens lost, it was a good time. I packed 2 cameras and our flip camcord to take and still there were no pictures taken, (guys will be guys, lol). The only picture on the left was taken of my brothers by my husband. LoL!They had many great stories to tell about the trip. They even did some shopping for some of us. YaY! My husband was a die hard Buffalo Bills fan, and just dropped his long time team for the Ravens. YaY, welcome to the family. Well, I guess I shouldn't say that because my brother Solomone is a huge Steelers fan. I'm not so much a Ravens fan as I am a Haloti Ngata #92 fan.


We may not talk about it much, but our fathers were partner in crime buddies since their childhood days back in the village of Vaotu'u, Tongatapu, Tonga. My father Loloa named his first son after his favorite cousin Solomone Ngata. One day (after school's done) I hope and pray that I may one day be able to tell their story. The Legacy his parents left behind is an amazing one. We're just super proud of #92. He's an amazing man and deserves all the success in the world. Love you Loti and the rest of your family!

Merry Christmas!



IDKYI did this, it's not like me to record myself, let alone in the middle of the night looking all busted and babbling on about a few things, but wanted to share my testimony of the reason for the season. In the spirit of Christmas, and through the rest of 2011 into 2012... I will be a whole lot more positive. I was lost and now I'm not only found but back up on the wagon for good. Life's different but only for the better. Keep in mind during this time and through out the year that when you get someone a gift, you put more thought into it and wrap it with love for the finishing touch. Regardless of how expensive or inexpensive it is, you can give a nice gift to someone else to warm their hearts.

Full Circles


Wouldn't it be nice if all things came to a full circle immediately before your eyes? I want to share with you an experience that has truly touched my family. One Sunday morning, I offered to take my mother to work to pick up one of her lovely (disabled) clients, named Britney, to the bus stop to catch a shuttle home for the Holidays. During our wait in the parking lot of McDonald's, I had seen that my daughter and Britney were hungry. I didn't want to break the Sabbath, but couldn't let those go hungry, so into McDonalds we went. During our time at McDonald's, I noticed a man standing outside in the harsh cold, holding a sign that let the public know, he was homeless and asking for help through humble donations.

As we watched this homeless man, my mother told me a story about my father Loloa. She explained that sometime during the early 90's, my father saw a homeless man, holding a similar sign. However, my mother said the homeless man that my father had encountered, did not seem homeless, but what she thought was a lazy drunk. Without any warning or discussion, my father went to the Burger King Restaurant, where the man had been standing in front of, and purchased a whopper, value order of fries and a large sprite. My father took this small meal along with $20.00 and handed it to this homeless man.

My mother was a bit disappointed, because she was a bit tight. As always, during our tender young ages, she tried her best to ensure that her children always had the best. We weren't dirt poor, but we weren't also financially stable or comfortable, either. Funds were running low and mom was concerned that her children wouldn't get the things we wanted on our Santa list. She also feared that this homeless man would take her money and spend it on alcohol or something of unimportance. She asked my father why he gave up so much money. My father explained that it wasn't his place to judge the man, nor his business as to how the man spent his money. All that matter what that he did his part in paying it forward.

Remembering this story, brought tears to my eyes. I realized that I had complained so much this year, and forgot to count my blessings. Touched by mom's reminder, I secretly asked my daughter if she would like to spare some of her allowance to help the man standing outside of McDonald's. I explained that the poor man had no warm home to sleep in and no warm meal to eat and if there was any way she can help by donating some of her allowance to help him in need. She quickly agreed, with so much excitement. She asked if she could give the man everything she had in her little wallet. I told her she did not have to give up all her allowance, but told her to think about an amount that would be just right to help this poor man. Secretly, we planned to have her sit on the right side of our vehicle, so I could roll her window down, to hand the man some money.

Soon after the Shuttle took Britney home, we pulled out of the parking lot. As we came closer to the man, I put the car in park and rolled my daughter's window down, so she could pass the money to the man. She quickly realized that he wouldn't be able to reach her without having to walk over to our car. Without me asking her, she took off her seat belt, opened the door, hopped out of our warm car and ran to the man to hand him $5.00 and wished him a Merry Christmas.

During this time, the other cars behind and next to us, that was so impatient and obnoxiously honking at us, stopped. It felt as if they all heard a whisper, Peace be still. Some raised their hands and we could read their lips say, "Sorry". Seeing this quick change in their behavior, made my heart so warm. The purpose of this, or my reason for having my daughter give the man some of her money, was to teach her a valuable lesson, an obvious lesson. However, I wanted her to see the look on the man's face and feel the warmth in her own heart for doing what was right.

As we finally got Alana back in the car and pulled away from the parking lot, my mother sat in the passenger seat amazed. She rolled down her window and cried, "Merry Christmas and God Bless Brother!" The poor homeless man had tears in his eyes and my mother felt a real burn in her heart. My mother was the biggest recipient of this experience. There are precious moments in her own home, where she will just cry tears of joy because of the feeling she had when my daughter did something that reminded her of my unconditional love that my father Loloa and her father, my Grandpa Paul had for all mankind.

BYU TV

I’m super excited my cable guy is showing up today. Our amplifier in the basement is busted so I’ve gone an entire evening & morning without my BYUTV. How come I’m dancing around the house, singing …

BYU TV BYU TV
Oh how I miss my BYU TV
BYU TV BYU TV
I can’t go without my BYUTV
BYU TV BYU TV
I really only need my BYU TV
BYU TV BYU TV
Oh how I cherish my BYU TV

This channel is super amazing! Check it out… never a dull moment on BYU TV… I promise you’ll love it. It allows you to see the good in the world! J

Da Cousins!

I have to give a HUGE SHOUT OUT to my family….DA COUSINS! WOOT WOOT!

RO
TUE
DRE
NA’A
JOON 
DEE

There are 3 main reasons, I just adore this bunch here. No, you don’t understand the extent of my love for these individuals. This crew, is the type of clan that I feel, you must earn their friendship, trust or love. Honestly, I probably shouldn’t say that I don’t feel they should open their doors so freely to drifters (LoL!) or rather anyone. I know this may not sound so nice, but I really cherish this bunch. These individuals have taught me more than they know, about LOYALTY and TRUTH. They remind me of my mother, always down to take a secret to the grave. 


I appreciate how honest they are. They will tell you to your face and not behind your back, exactly what they're thinking and who couldn't appreciate anything less than the truth? They know who they are and who their real friends are, never switching sides, never making excuses for themselves or anyone else. I appreciate what may seem to most as the brutal truth, because I know it always comes from a good place, their hearts. There have only been a few individuals that I knew, during my YSA days, that shared these same characteristics. And, in a world full of gossip and babble, these types of people only come a dime a dozen and I stand proud to say that I'm related to many. These types of bonds are to be earned and not freely given. 


They live by a code which remains to be, “OUR WORD IS OUR BOND”! Although we have a whole lot of family and friends, I do not ever expect anyone to attend and support us in whatever the special occasion may be. However, this bunch amazes me. I will let you know why. These individuals are hardworking, back breaking students. They study and work hard and play even harder. 


They truly are part of the reason I have changed a whole lot of my set in stone ways. I never expect any of my family and friends to make it to our daughter’s events.These individuals, who some may consider “Starving Students” (NOT & Never hungry & thirsty people), will take the time out of their very busy schedules to come and support all of our events. So here’s a “HATS OFF” to you all. I speak on behalf of my family and our dear brother LOLO  when I say, “O 4 OWSOMENESS” and THANK YOU for everything, really! xo

LoL :)

Try to keep a smile on your face all day. You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference this will make. Every face you see will turn their frown upside down as long as you smile from your heart and not your head. Keep it real and genuine! XO  

Dearest Lisa Marie Presley Tuaone,

Lisa GuuuuuurL! I love you so much and see a bright future ahead of you. Why? Well, I'll tell you, exactly why. I know you  already know (but little reminders are always nice) who you are and where you're place is in this world. I love the selflessness of your heart. It's BEAUTIFUL! You're beautiful inside out. Don't you ever forget it girl. I also love that you will never let a man hold you back from your goals. That alone separates you from all the rest of the weaklings. LoL! And, that alone will allow the Lord to prepare an amazing man for you. You're a jewel, a rare gem and I pray one day, you will allow me an interview with you, so that I can tell your story, because it's amazing. You will truly be blessed! Keep it up babygirl! I love you! XO

DID!

Our family and home watch a whole lot of Television, which I know sounds really bad, but there are actually a lot of really great programs to watch. I really enjoy the Discovery IDentification Channel, because of my interest in criminal psychology. Another reason, for my interest in this channel is that even under unimaginable circumstances and horrific situations, there’s still good in the world, through families that forgive and also families of the murderers who are still healing from the shock of what their loved ones have done. It doesn’t matter how disturbing the crime is, what I love is at the end of each show, there’s always hope of a brighter tomorrow and I can appreciate every single family that has shared their stories, allowed us to feel their pain, and comfort us through their peace.  

What's Next?

Truth be told and acted upon with regards to turning a New Leaf. This year's been quiet a journey. It's had its major ups and downs. Overall... it's been a great year. However, this year I've totally neglected my blog. I love blogging. I love all my blogging sisters. I've always been pretty gullible. Everything I read, see, and hear, is taken into full consideration, "take it to heart". 2011 could have been a whole lot better, but it wasn't its best because I wasn't my best. It took me a while to realize that you really get back what you give out the world per Karma.   I'm very ashamed to admit, that I have been such a bitter person and it's left me nothing but a world of misery and hurt.

In the spirit of Christmas and for the rest of my life, I promise to put out nothing but POSITIVE VIBRATIONS and hope that the ripples will take full effect and that little by little, all who know me and you will begin to see the good in the world. So, fellow bloggers get ready for a new and improved Niva Diva. Out with the Old and In with the New. I pray that you will enjoy each message found in my blog posts as I have found in yours. One Love! xo

What's your secret?

There really isn't any huge secret about my weight loss, except for the basics, which is to cut down your intake and remain consistent with my daily workout routine. However, I do want to share my journey with you. I started in January 2011 at 280 pounds, wearing a size 24 in jean size. I started with a prescription of Phentermine (37.5mg) for the first 3 months (90 days from February to April). This helped me cut down my intake, by suppressing my appetite. I tried hard to stick to either 3 regular meals per day, or 6 smaller meals per day. I attempted to follow the Palumbo diet for the first three months, eating lots of Protein and enjoying my free day of junk, per week. I dropped about 10 pounds per month, weighing only 250 pounds. The next month (May) I fasted on the Lemon Cleansing Diet, for 20 days, dropping another 30 pounds and weighing 220 pounds. In June, I had gained 25 pounds from all the summer festivities, luncheon and dinners, weight 245 pounds. During this time from February to June, I started working out with light weight lifting and intense cardio, but exercise was still not a regular or daily activity for me. I worked out 2 to 3 times a week. I had even skipped a few full weeks of working out at the gym.

In July I made it my goal to, "EXERCISE" everyday. I realized that my husbands weight really started to noticeably shed, when working out became a daily activity and not just a 2 or 3 times a week thing. So, I pushed myself every morning to get up and go to the gym with my husband. He was my biggest supporter. In the morning when I woke up with unexpected swelling, my husband would literally dress me and help me out of bed to freshen up and head to the gym. My husband is the drive behind my motivation and determination. Now, workout is part of our daily routine. We work out 6 days a week. I even started to challenge my body to burn more than the day before. I tried longer repetitions with light weights or resistance bands. When I was home and bored, I would play a Hip Hop, Belly Dance, Zumba, Hula Cardio or Tae Bo  workout routines from Cable On Demand or Torrent DL, and get my sweat on. My intense Cardio sessions at the gym, would last an hour or two, burning anywhere from 1500 calories to 3500 calories.

In July, I really cut down the intake, to almost and some days eating only one bowl of low fat cereal (high in Fiber) for breakfast, one cup of light yogurt for lunch and a fat free cup of yogurt for dinner. My calorie intake for the day would always be less than what I burned at the gym. I would take in less than 1000 calories a day. I don't ever think about food. When I'm hungry, I'll put a little something something in, just to stop the growling of my tummy. I drink lots and lots of water, Gatorade and Powerade, through out the day. The more I keep myself hydrated the less hungry I was. I even started to listen to my body. I would listen to my stomach. Asking if I was really hungry or bored. This led to my new rule of thumb to follow, "Eat to Live and not Live to Eat". Food just became unimportant to me. I only need one slice of Pizza or have of a Hamburger for my stomach to be satisfied and full. I really started to cut weight this month, going from 245 pounds down to 220 pounds.

In August and September, I stuck to this daily workout routine and low intake diet. It became so much easier to follow this, because my stomach had adjusted so much and is now use to eating little but working out really hard. I dropped down to 215 pounds. By the time Halloween came and left in October, I dropped another 10 pounds, weighing only 205. Mondays, are always a little hard, because my body is recuperating from the weekend. My weight would fluctuate because my weekend weight would increase with a bit more intake and enjoying rest day, Sunday. Today, I am 207 pounds and wearing a size 16 in denim jeans. I know by the end of this week, I'll be closer to my 200 pounds mark. Also, cut out the junk. Substitute the junk with something healthy for a snack, even when craving and trying to satisfy that sweet tooth. When you eating out, make sure that you're ordering something that's healthy and yummy. So many restaurants offer Simply Fit or Healthy options. When going for something quick on the go, like fast food, try a kids meal or eat half of your adult meal. You really don't need that much food. Ya feel?


I weigh myself everyday, morning and night. On the weekends, I try out all my small clothes or buy a smaller piece of clothing from the store. This would motivate me to work harder to get the body, I have always wanted. Music is another form of motivation, along with dance. Pictures of myself before and after would keep me on track with my health goals. So overall, 75 pounds down and 25 more to go. My goal weight by Valentine's Day 2012 is 180 pounds, wearing a size 12 or 10. I believe that at the rate I'm going, this goal is realistically attainable. It's become so easy, because it's a CHANGE in my lifestyle. My husband, my brother and I, don't even diet anymore. We eat whatever we want to eat now, without over doing it. We eat a good breakfast, then snack through out the day. This is now the normal thing for us. We no longer count the calories, we just know what we're taking in and what needs to be done, to work it off the next day. I'm driven to look great and to THRIVE in my THIRTIES! So, what's the secret you ask? It's simple. Stick to the basics! Eat less and exercise more. Stop talking about it and JUST DO IT! Shut up and Do the Dew, already!

BEFORE 

AFTER




Happy Halloween!

Carving with my brothers Joon, Jerome, my husband Sho and daughter Lana. 

Sho, Mine, Lana and Joon's Pumpkins.
 Lana as, "Ghoulia Yelps" of Monster High.
Lana w/Grandpa Jack Sparrow

 My brother Lolo (Joon) as Zombie from Walking Dead
These two silly kids. LoL!


Happy Birthday to Me! XO (09/24/80)

I'm not big on Birthday's, but this year I really embraced the new year, turning 31. I used to think 30 was old, now 30 is the new 20. At my mid 20's up to nearly 30, I had gained so much weight and was even diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, and Early Dementia-related Psychos. I've really taken time to reflect on my past and plan for my future. This required major changes in my life. So here's to THRIVING in my THIRTIES! Cheers! XO

Roe, Lana, Drea & I @ Sushi Ya.

My husband Sho & I @ Tapenyaki.


My Family & I @ Asia Buffet. 

Ps. Thank you cousin Drea, my husband Sho and my Parents for taking me out for my birthday. As you can tell, I'm a big fan of Asian food. XO LoL

GNO!

It's been a while since I've attended any GNO (Girls Nite Out) time with any of my lady relatives or friends. I've been on STD leave from work, so I've had a few GNI (Girls Nite In) at home with family and friends, watching movies, DVR recordings, baking, playing Dance Central and other things ladies do while laughing and talking stories in the comfort of our home. Well, since my SIL and I have less than a week before the girls (Lana & Leina) come home and my husband Sho had to work, I figured it was a perfect time to spend the night out in SLC down town for some fun and dancing. This was totally last minute, but it was fun. Yes, Drea, Ro, Reece and I had a blast. 


























Some of our Summer Fun!

So the girls (Leina & Lana) went to California with my Parents in Law for the Summer. As much as I did not want Alana to go, I'm sure glad she did. She's been having so much fun. I owe it all to my in laws, Mom, Dad, Sherm, Chrystel and Hadyn (also Shenna and her girls). She's been getting Pedi/Mani's, going to the Movies, visiting the Zoo, water parks and so much more. As for the rest of us here at home, it's been pretty chill. It's been just my husband Sho, his sister Clarice and I. We have also been hanging out with our neighbors a lot, my Mama Salote, cousins Roe, Drea and Na'a. We've also spent some time with my brother in law Spence and his wife Lisa. It was weird at first not having any kids around, but the summer has gotten better. We've attended the 2 Funerals, one on Sho's side of the Family and one on mine. They were both beautiful Farewells. We quietly celebrated Sho's 35th Birthday. My brother Solomone and his beautiful wife Ash have had a beautiful baby boy named Beckham. My brother Loloa came with cousin Derek for a weekend visit, which was way fun (HBcareLoL) We have also attended the Bula Fest, Samoan Flag Day Fest and the One Foundation Concert. The girls come back in less than 2 weeks and we'll be enjoying each other's company at the Tapusoa Family Reunion and J Boog Concert. Nice way to end the summer. My husband has promised Alana, one more family fun filled activity here in Utah when she gets back, before school starts. Speaking of school. I have registered for Fall Semester at Utah Valley University. School starts on the 29th of August and I'm so excited. Although, I'll be a 30 year old Freshman in College, I'm super excited. I'm taking 13 credits this Fall. YaY! Well, here is a mix of pictures from this Summer... Enjoy! XO :)