It’s all about great hair!

Out cat Jabbey loves the water. So when it comes to baths (like the one he got this past weekend), he’s more than happy to sit in the tub and let us wash him down. When we first started bathing him, we’d dry him as best we could with a towel, then let him do the rest. But these day’s he’s gotten to be a lot more “high maintenance” and prefers that we use the blow dryer so he doesn’t have to work so hard. As celebrity hairstylist Jonathan Antin (from Bravo’s hit show Blowout) always said, “It’s all about great hair.” I guess Jabbey agrees.

-NGK

LOST will be found on our TV tomorrow

ABC’s hit show LOST returns tomorrow for a fourth season which means Ensen and I will be spending some extra “father-son time” together on Thursdays for the next couple months playing with his cool toys and running around the condo. You see, Kelly is a LOST fanatic and nothing drives her crazier than me asking dumb questions every 10 seconds…like “what just happened?”, “what did they say?”, “what does that mean?”…because I have a hard time following the show as an “I watch it sometimes” kind of viewer. So we’ll do our best to keep quite, make pretend like we know what’s going on, and let Kelly enjoy the show.

While we’re watching the premiere at home in HD, there are some big LOST events planned around town. According to the Honolulu Advertiser, Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Kakaako is having a little get together, as is Planet Hollywood in Waikiki. I’m sure there are more, so wherever you happen to be, I hope you enjoy the show.

To keep up with the latest LOST happenings with a local perspective, a good resource is Caryn Kunz’s blog ‘Lost in Hawaii’. Like her, I’m hoping someone can help me get to that “AAH HAA” moment where it all comes together. I’m so lost when I watch LOST.

-NGK

The Hawaii Chair…you’ve got to be kidding me!

A co-worker sent me a link to a product called the Perfect Hawaii Chair made by Perfect USA. Her e-mail to me said it all: “Have you seen this? The Hawaii Chair…I thought it was a joke, but it looks real.”

As far as I can tell, it’s as real as it is embarrassing to see Hawaii associated with it. Just check out the video on the site. Tell me your co-workers wouldn’t laugh you all the way to Human Resources if you had this in your office. According to the website:

The Perfect Hawaii Chair combines the ancient art of the Hula with patented 2,800 RPM Hula motor to create an easy-to-use waistline slimming and fat burning aerobic workout exercise machine that take the work out of your work. The Hawaii Chair fits in anywhere, is easy to use and perfect for the whole family. The Hawaii Chair targets improved waistline and shedding some unwanted fat from your body. For senior citizens, frequent exercising with the Hawaii Chair promotes vigor without strenuous exercising.

The chair’s movement really makes it look more like a “Tahitian Chair” to me! And what the heck is a “hula motor”? It’s pretty obvious to me these designers never once saw the ancient hula kahiko performed or understand the significance of hula here in Hawaii. Someone get them a copy of last year’s Merrie Monarch Festival. Now that’s authentic hula!

The marketing behind this product really proves to me just how strong the Hawaii brand is. Take the tourism industry for example. Hawaii is one of the most recognized and loved vacation destinations in the world. After decades of brand building, it’s disgusting to see how far some companies will go to take advantage of Hawaii or the culture just to sell something.

As I once heard in a Hawaiian cultural sensitivity training class, putting pineapple on a pizza with ham doesn’t make it a Hawaiian pizza. There’s much more to being Hawaiian or “of Hawaii” than what’s on the surface. Wouldn’t you agree?

-NGK

It doesn’t snow in Hawaii…does it?

Photos courtesy of Daisy Melendez.

OH, YES IT DOES!

The Haleakala Summit on Maui was closed today due to snow and ice according to a news report from KGMB 9 News. The entire state of Hawaii has been experiencing “winter like” conditions with colder than usual temperatures during the day and night and stormy wet weather. Another news report on the KGMB site also reports hail falling in Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island and also provides some great photos.

I have to admit that I personally like it when its gets a little cooler here in the islands. The rain I can do without though. I guess we’ll need to keep the windows shut and break out an extra blanket or two over the next few days. Stay warm!

-NGK

Ensen’s buddy Dane drops by for a visit!

Our friends Brandon and Julie dropped by for dinner after taking their son Dane (14 months old) to get his very first professional haircut. They say he did really well and these photos prove his new ‘do’ turned out quite handsome. Ensen loves playing with Dane and now that he can sit up on his own, crawl around, and pull himself up, it gives him even more options to cause trouble together. Aside from playing with all of Ensen’s toys, including his “entertainment center,” the two boys also enjoyed some delicious snacks and had a great time!

-NGK

The Ala Wai was definitely a fun challenge!

What do you get when a team of public relations and advertising pros compete in an outrigger canoe race and ancient Hawaiian makahiki games? The Anthology Marketing Group (AMG) ‘ohana having a blast at the 23rd Annual Ala Wai Challenge this past Sunday…DUH!

From left: Rhegan Liwanag-Luat, Ashley Pias, Frank “The Enemy from CommPac” Clay, yours truly, and Karl Nakagawa. Amy Hennessey, Keith DeMello, Patrick Dugan, and Karl Nakagawa. Page Gaylord, Dan Zelikman, and the rest of TEAM LCA.

Roughly two dozen of the “finest athletes” from McNeil Wilson Communications, Laird Christianson Advertising, and StarrTech Interactive (all divisions within AMG) woke up very early to brave the morning cold and participate in this one-of-a-kind event celebrating the unique sports only found in Hawai‘i.

From left: TEAM MWC canoe paddlers Wok Kim, Keith, Ashley, Amy, and Karl. Cheering on TEAM MWC as they race into the wind.

There were more than a dozen teams (we had two) representing the hospitality industry who competed in a quarter mile outrigger canoe race along the Ala Wai Canal and in ancient Hawaiian games, including ‘ulu maika (bowling a round stone through pegs), o‘o ihe (spear throwing), moa pahe‘e (dart sliding), and ‘ihe pahe‘e (spear sliding).

From left: TEAM MWC makahiki squad Patrick, Erin Mankins, Rhegan, LeeAnne Mathews, me, and Darcy Maeda. Patrick rolling the ‘ulu maika. Leanne prepares to slide the spear.

From left: Erin in the moa pahee competition. Patrick leads off the spear throwing. Rhegan giving it her all to make it stick.

So how did our teams do? Well…considering we didn’t practice once for any of the events, I’d say we did…ummmmm…pretty good. There were definitely some ringers on other canoe teams that gave them a clear advantage. So our next opportunity to catch up was in the makahiki games competition. But seriously, how good could we expect to do? None of us have played these games since intermediate school or the last time we visited the Polynesian Cultural Center. We gave it our best, but in the end, there were just a few teams a bit more talented in rolling stones, throwing spears, and sliding darts than us.

From left: Darcy letting it fly. Me trying not to look foolish. TEAM MWC’s scoring sheet…aiya…where’s the rest of the points!

From left: LeeAnne and Erin Kinoshita, the MWC PR guru who had to work the event and got all four TV stations to cover the festivities. LeeAnne and Rhegan enjoying shave ice. AMG represent!

There was an area of the competition where Anthology Marketing Group was clearly the winner and that was in “team unity,” “enthusiasm” and “sportsmanship.” The entire AMG team had a great time! Who won versus who lost was inconsequential in the end…thought it was obvious it mattered a lot to one team in particular…not naming names here. If you’re wondering what kind of classless guy talks trash to girls from our firm, just ask anyone on TEAM MWC. We’ll tell you.

Last but not least, mahalo to the Waikiki Community Center for hosting the event and to Chris Tatum, general manager of the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, for being a great corporate citizen and sponsoring this great community cause.

I’m looking forward to doing this again next year!

-NGK

Weekend + Family = Go, Go, Go!

Ensen and Maui Grandma (Lynn).

It was a busy weekend once again for Ensen with Maui Grandma spending a night with us before going to Las Vegas and all kinds of action with the uncles, aunties, Jabbey, Tikki, mom and dad. Here’s some of the best photos we were able to grab.

From left: Ensen getting crazy with Uncle Glen and Uncle Jon. Ensen trying his best to play Guitar Hero!

Jabbey serves as Ensen’s pillow. Daddy cuddles the little one. So precious!

-NGK

Still Christmas in January…

It’s been a little more than a month since Christmas, but Ensen is still far away from opening up all of his gifts. There was just too much toys to open at one time. So Kelly and I have been introducing a new toy every week or so for him to enjoy.

This week, we opened the a cute hippo riding toy from Uncle Mike and Aunty Joy. Ensen is still a little to small to ride it, but he’s doing his best. One thing’s for sure, he loves to hold on and stand up. I think it makes him feel like a big boy.

The second gift we opened was an alphabet and numbers play mat from Aunty Erin. Ensen loves this one for a couple reasons. The first being he loves to read and can now practice his ABCs and 123s while playing in the living room. The second reason is that the soft mat now protects his head from the hard floor when he falls down. He’s already tested its effectiveness and I’m glad to say the mat passed with flying colors.

Thanks again to everyone for the great presents.

-NGK

Winner chicken dinner!

Ensen, sit down! Ensen, stay still! Ensen, eat like a good boy! Ensen, look this way! Ensen, let’s finish your mum mum. Ensen, sit nicely in your Bumbo!

It seems that’s all Kelly and I have been saying these days since E-Mobile has learned to crawl around, pull himself to a standing position, and figured out how to wiggle his way out of his Bumbo chair. From the photos above, can you tell it’s gotten increasingly more difficult for Ensen to focus on eating? As much as it is a challenge, it’s so darn sweet and amazing to see him grow and mature. Just watch the video below to see what I’m talking about. Don’t you agree?

-NGK

A Cajun shindig at Mike’s apartment!

From left: Karl Nakagawa, Rhegan Liwanag-Luat, Michael Ni, Merrissa Uchimura, Kelly, and Linda (Karl’s wife) deep in thought playing Cranium.

Since returning from New Orleans, I’ve craved creole and Cajun food like you would not believe. So much so that we’ve had two get-togethers with friends to satisfy my appetite for fried catfish, jambalaya, dirty rice, and beignets.

The latest Cajun party was hosted this past weekend by my co-worker Michael. The entire McNeil Wilson Communications HVCB PR team gathered at his apartment on the 29th floor high above Honolulu for some good food, company, and entertainment.

From left: Me, Karl, Rhegan, and Michael plotting our strategy to win the game. Unfortunately, even with all of this brain power it didn’t work.

Michael whipped up a pot of delicious jambalaya, Karl and his wife Linda brought some delicious crab “crawfish” dip, and Kelly baked her world-famous cornbread. Of course, no Cajun dinner would be complete without an assortment of desserts. Rhegan’s boyfriend Kyle baked an unbelievable peach bread pudding, while I did my best to recreate the classic Cafe du Monde beignet. Merrissa joined the party later in the night and brought smiles to our faces as she unveiled a selection of alcoholic beverages she picked up on the way.

From left: Michael and Rhegan with Ensen. Merrissa making the little guy laugh. Kelly, Linda, and Kyle (Rhegan’s boyfriend) on their way to winning the game.

Throughout the night Ensen got to know all of his uncles and aunties a little better and eventually called it a night. Before saying goodnight, we all engaged in a friendly battle of Cranium. Unfortunately, my team consisting of Michael, Rhegan and Karl was outmatched by Kelly, Merrissa, Linda, and Kyle. Trust me, they won’t be so lucky the next time.

With this party, I think I’ve officially had my fill of creole/Cajun food for a while. I’m looking forward to discovering what my stomach will be craving next.

-NGK

E-Mobile…as in Ensen Mobile…

If you take your eyes of Ensen for just a second these days, you never know where he’s going to end up. As you can see from the photos, he’s learned how to pull himself up to a standing position on just about everything…including our TV stand. I’ll admit it is cute, but he keeps us on our toes whenever he’s awake…hence the new nickname…E-Mobile!

-NGK

Will Ensen catch Tikki?

The other night Ensen decided to go “cat hunting” around the condo. Unfortunately for Tikki, she was his prey. Do you think Ensen was able to catch her? Find out the outcome in this three-minute video I threw together…100% cute guaranteed!

-NGK

Not the Super Bowl I was hoping for!

No surprise that the New England Patriots beat the San Diego Chargers yesterday to win the AFC title and advance to Super Bowl XLII. Tom Brady has simply been unstoppable this year and with the addition of Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and Donte’ Stallworth to the roster, Brady has been extra special. I’m glad to see the Patriots back in the title game this year and will be cheering them on to victory in a couple of weeks.

What would have made this Super Bowl even sweeter is if the Green Bay Packers could have pulled off a victory against the New York Giants. Nothing against the Giants, but how awesome would it have been to see Brett Favre play for another Super Bowl ring at the tender age of 38? He, like Brady, had an amazing year and the chance to see these two future Hall of Famers battling it out would have made for a very entertaining game…in my humble opinion.

But maybe we should have known from the start it was going to be the Patriots and Giants playing for all the marbles on February 3. Just check out the video clip below of Eddie Murphy in Coming to America (one of my favorite movies of all time). He certainly knew years ago what the outcome of the Giants game was going to be before it was even played!

In case you didn’t watch the game yesterday, Lawrence Tynes of the Giants kicked the game-winning field goal in overtime to beat the Packers. Freaky!

GO PATRIOTS!

-NGK

Hawaii’s Next Top “Baby” Model?

Dear Macy’s Marketing Director:

If you are are in need of a cute baby boy to model in your next advertising campaign, look no further than our son Ensen. He’s definitely got that fresh “baby next door” appeal that your customers five years old and under can relate to. He’ll also melt the hearts of parents across Hawaii with his sweet looks which is certain to increase sales of your infant wear by at least 200%.

Ensen will work for diapers, baby food, baby mum mum, and straight cash. If you are interested in having him in your next ad campaign, please leave a comment on this post. We sincerely appreciate your consideration.

Aloha,

Nathan and Kelly
(Ensen’s joking parents)

-NGK

Happy Birthday Uncle Dickie!

Uncle Dickie shows Caitie how to take photos on his new camera.

The family gathered today at Happy Day Restaurant in Kaimuki to celebrate Uncle Dickie’s (my mom’s brother) birthday. We all enjoyed a delicious feast of dim sum that included fried taro, pork hash, char siu bao, a variety of look fun rolls, stuffed eggplant, seafood wrapped in bean curd, beef broccoli cake noodle, and much more. I better stop there as I’m getting hungry again just thinking about how good everything was.

Ensen was his usual good self the entire time , so after everyone was done eating, it was time to play with all the aunties, uncles, and cousins before heading home. As you can see from the pictures below, he too had a good time celebrating with Uncle Dickie and the rest of the family.

From left: Aunty Erin, Ensen, Chloe, and I pose for a picture. Everyone having a good laugh with Ensen. Aunty Caroline holds the little guy for the first time.

From left: Aunty Steph carries Ensen while Uncle Dickie, Cailey, and Uncle Alan relax. Looks like Aunty Steph loves carrying Ensen. Aunty Caroline, Uncle Dickie and Aunty Steph talk story after lunch.

From left: Ensen hamming it up for the camera. Aunty Erin and Caitie taking pictures of Ensen. Here I am trying to be fancy taking pictures in sepia.

From left: Ensen and daddy! Caitie and Ensen talking story.

-NGK