[ geniuses. 2Legit2Quit. AMAMAMAZZZING. ]

GOD IS GOOD....all the time.

ALL THE TIME.....God is Good!

I love the difference I feel between "PURE" happiness and any other kind of {temporary} happiness.

It's funny how much easier life gets when ya make right decisions.......booo to me for slacking at times. =(

Right now life's at peace......and I'm simply grateful.

Like I've said in previous posts, I've picked up on my music A LOT lately, thanks to my boys that believe in me 100%. I always wanted to do more, but I felt so limited because tons of reasons. Shawn see's my potential when it's just us & really pushed me to pursue it, Josh (White) opened up the opportunity a bit more, and my family [my MAIN SUPPORT SYSTEM] stood by me with it all, and continue to stay right by me. Gollee....i love em!

I've had tons of opportunities to get into the studio (free of charge), play around a little, and lay stuff down. 

Tonight though, was something different. 

I don't wanna sound cocky or whatever because if you're ever in the studio with me, YOU KNOW I'm not. lol... but I feel something GREAT coming along. 

I love the GENIUSES I've been working with, they seriously WORK MAGIC!

I LOVE MY FAMILY REUNIONS. 

I don't know any other family [besides mine] that has reunions 

ALL. YEAR. ROUND.

haha

Nonetheless, I love em all and am super excited for our 'Olive Reunion this weekend. 

If you're not doing anything this weekend come check it out- this side of my family and this reunion are always 2 Legit 2 Quit!

Now, I've been meaning to write up on this guy since his farewell just because from that day and his talk I knew he was ready for what he was about to face the next 2 years. 

 This is my younger cousin Muka.

A.K.A. Elder Atiga

 {thanks Tang for the pics}

Like I said, after Muka delivered his talk at this farewell I noticed such a difference in him. He was beaming w/the right spirit. Just being around him the last few months honestly lifted my spirit because of how positive, mature, and spiritually he's grown. I LOVE IT! His missionary glow illuminated more every time I saw him, til the last time I seen him on his farewell. The day of his farewell He showed me the difference between missionaries that are just going on their missions to go......and those that are going because their own desire....because they know the Lord needs them, and most of all because they want nothing more than to share the good word w/our brothers and sisters around the world and bring em back to Christ!

  3 things I hope for w/Elder Atiga heading out:

1.) I hope Anaheim is ready for this guy......he seriously is going to be a AMAMAMAZZZZING

2.) I hope he remembers the 2 names he will be carrying.

{Atiga AND Jesus Christ}

which I'm pretty sure he won't because I KNOW he'll be AMAMAMAMAMAZZZZING!!!

3.) I hope HIS FAMILY is ready for the blessing's in store for them because of his willingness to serve. He will be AMAMAMAMAZZZING!!

Git it Elder! 

XoXo

[5 days in to Oct, and already all this? ]

If you live in Utah....or if you're LDS you know General conference weekends (Oct/Apr) are always ON & POPPIN' in the 801!! There are tons of conference events going on that are really fun....clean fun that is!!!! ;) This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend a few functions and enjoyed myself at ALL OF THEM!!!!!! (hence all my exclamation points!! haha) My conference weekend started a bit early. I've picked up on my music the past month and a half and was finally able to hit the studio last Wednesday. So I was singing every night since then whether in the studio, home practicing, band practice, performing, or singing for the sick- by Sunday evening I could not even reach my notes haha.....not cool. If you know me, you know that THE most depressing times in my life is when I lose my voice, I feel helpless in something I KNOW I can do. Anyway before I just keep blabbering on and on......which is a problem of mine, I'm just going to post pics and hopefully you can get a hint of what my weekend was like out here.

 Played w/my dad's band for the CCWS Alumni Reunion (a.k.a. Pesega Reunion) downtown.

If you're tongan, it's very similar to our Kolistutuku (however the heck you spell that lol), but Samoan.

It was beautiful and so much fun.

There was a lot of

 

....fashion show & dancing....

 ......EATING.....

 

...entertainment...

 ....singing....

Later that night I sang w/Josh Wawa @ Suave

check it out on Thurs & Fri's. 

It's the Main Floor at the Bay

{josh and my girlie Taylor Vaifanua}

Cheered for our UTES, even though we lost. I don't know who played on Saturday but it definitely wasn't the Utes. I have NO IDEA where our boys were because they weren't on the field. haha....

We SHOULD HAVE beat Washington. They're not even that good- BYU's better. ugh.... don't get me started. haha Anyway, it was still fun.......if you can't tell on mine and Fatboys faces. ;)

I swear.....there is NEVER a dull moment w/this boy. He's adorable and every reason why being an Aunty is the BEST!

....and of course cheered for my NEWEST, MOST FAVE BAND....

at the King Invasion in Provo, hosted by the HOTTEST promoter here in the 801.

Kulture Shock

..what ya know bout that ALL ACCESS pass???.. 

hahaha

 

I was so excited to meet up with one of our writers Greg (G-Writer). He had to write up an article on the concert, that you can find here. Common Kings are So Cal natives and since TheWhatItDo is out of L.A. we've linked up w/the CK's many times......they're just like fam. So seeing them on any occasion is always a pleasure and like a small reunion. I'm so big on stage personality...and that's what I love about these guys the MOST. They rock it onstage, and off stage....they seriously are the most chill people. 

Anywho, I can go on and on about em, but I won't. haha. I do got mad love for them though and NEVER do I get tired of watching them perform. =)

I was suppose to fly out to San Diego for the Dolphins and Chargers game on Sunday. 

I know....what was I thinking right? haha Well that's what my plan was. Then, Shawn asked me after the concert if I didn't end up going to the game in San Diego, if he could pick me up to go to GC. Psssh... I was like "WHAT GAME?!" haha it wasn't even a question. I happily missed my flight (and the game, and good seats, and field passes.........not complainging though lol) and attended conference with him. 

It was amazing, like I said in this post. 

After conference I headed to the hospital to sing for one of my really good friends (Bella) who had been in a terrible car accident just last week. =( And as hard as it was to see her lying there in bed I was happy to be following the inspiration from Presiden Eyrings talk earlier that day about charity. We sang our first song (I Know Heavenly Father Loves Me), and couldn't even get through it with out crying. The spirit felt that day was overwhelming and I loved every moment of it. I know Bellas in pain, but this didn't bring her down one bit, she's still the same silly, uplifting Bella we all know. 

It sure was a crazy weekend. But crazy or not it reassured me that GOD IS SO GOOD! The saying "when it rains...it pours." is just a small amount of what I witnessed this past weekend w/everything going on around me. He bleses hard and loves unconditional. I'm forever grateful for that and all that I do have. 

Hope everyone has just an amazing week as I did. 

XoXo

[getting better??]

I feel like such a slacker these past few weeks.....or months I guess with blogging. I use to update all the time but I've totally been slacking {or my life's been super boring and I'm just using being busy as an excuse lol}. Seriously though, I can't believe how busy I've been, and I've mostly remained in Utah lol.... Gosh people can't you leave me alone...?? ;) lol...

So instead of blogging my life away, like how I'd like to, I'm going to try and keep it short and sweet, and try not to get too carried away.....lol. But in case I do, dont mind me. ;)

Pili boy turned 4 and we had a Kung Fu/Pool party for him......I seriously think I had more fun than all the kids. (if you can't already tell in the pics lol)

I've been blessed enough to play with The Whatitdo.com crew, and they are just super fun, exciting, talented, determined, motivated, and full of love...... 

...and most importantly...

being home has allowed me to focus more on my music. I get to actually sit back and enjoy and share my love for music. I've had the opportunity to meet and work with extremely talented folks about music, and I absolutely love it. I've been performing a lot with Josh at his concerts or apprearances, and  they've been great. {Thanks Josh for the TINY fan base i do have LOL} I feel we've been such concert junkies the past 2 months........and it's been fun. free concerts are always fun...hahaha... 

With life being crazy busy I don't have that much time to spend with friends, but since they're my besties and apart of my tiny fan base they're always supporting and I'm super lucky I get to hang with them there and shawnee by my side too... =)

So far...thats the latest. Not too exciting but it's been fun. I'm still looking for a place, so hopefully I'll find one by the time summers done. =/ I truly am so blessed and grateful for EVERYTHING and EVERYONE in my life. =)

[MUSIC]

Well....I love to sing. period.

I have been singing for as long as I can remember. I guess everyone has been singing for as long as they can remember lol, but I guess for me I mean forced to sing. My first memory of singing in front of an actual audience was my uncle Ofas wedding about 20 years ago. I sang 'Shower Me With Your Love' (by Surface).

Probably off key and all...but I do remember practicing for it and I often remember me singing there.

Since then, I've  been singing. About 10 years ago I began singing with my dad and his band. 

And I've loved every moment of it. Singing with my dad and uncles I've gotten the opportunity to spend time with them, travel with them on jobs, learn from them and their experiences with music, learn how to deal with different types of crowds, and most importantly learn and appreciate ALL types of music form oldies to rock'n'roll, from reggae to country, and much more.... and I'm grateful for that. I like to consider myself one the LUCKIEST nieces because all the time I get with these fellas and for what they've taught me.

I always wanted to do more with music but always figured IF i didn't I was satisfied with myself. For sharing my talent playing with my dad's band and also singing in church. For me, I was okay with that. But just in the past year or so my interest in music has definitely broadened. I have a different desire for music now (finally at the age of 24...so sad lol) and I am all for taking it as far as I can.....and more. I also think a lot of the reason why I didn't do much with it either before was because I doubted myself. I doubted myself in writing (even though i STILL think a lot of stuff I do write is retarded and doesn't make sense lol), I doubted myself in what I would be able to do, and I doubted those who would be working with me. =/ Sad story, I know. Well it took a lot of....let's just say, ISSUES and heartache to make me realize that music seriously is what soothes my soul. It's what I can truly go deep with and still be so comfortable no matter what I'm going through. =) I LOVE IT. 

Anyway, on with the blog...hahaha... I don't know what I've been doing right but for some crazy reason I've been given so many opportunities to take my music to a whole different level. The folks I've been working with are amazingly talented and I honestly thank God they came into my life at this time. I don't want to be shouting out any names but I trust them with all my heart and am willing to work my hardest with all this. I'm super stoked to see where this all ends up in the next year or so (maybe even 5 years...yikes i'll be close to 30).....and if it's just as far as recording...I'm good with that too. But I'm staying focused and am staying postive about it all. I have so much to do before I actually settle down and this is definitely one of them.And boy am I glad my father forced me to sing when I was 4.... =)

[who's coming??]

This right here.....

.....will be my contribution to Japan!

Now I just hope the flight will be open that morning.

Feat : Freddie Mcgregor, Tarrus Riley, Maxi Priest, Capleton, Etana, Jr Gong, Stephen Di Genius, Chino, Laden, Fire Ball, Alaine, Tanya Stephens, Mr Vegas, Gramps Morgan, Peter Morgan, Ruff Kut Band

When : Sunday 5 June 2011 Doors Open 4pm Showtime 6pm
Where : York College (9420 Guy R Brewer BLVD, Jamaica NY)
Admission : $75 VIP, $60 General, $50 Balcony

[Move Your Body 2011]

You probably already know from previous posts that i heart to dance, any kind of dancing. I love the feeling of just letting loose and the sense of freedom it gives me to express myself.

Work outs that incorporate dancing is what I'm all about when it comes to exercising because I'm so not self motivated when it comes to working out. =( [SAD...i know lol].

I love ZUMBA and Hiva (tahitian class) but.....

My new favorite work out................................even though I'm already tired by the 2nd move. haha

is Beyonces "Move Your Body" 2011 video made for Michele Obamas obese campaign.

Beyonce is seriously is amazing, and so are all these kids in the video. My goal is to do this 4 minute and 18 seconds work out and reach the end with out being out of breath and my nostrils flaring like da heo...hahaha.

[Gyptian concert w/NO Gyptian??]

Wednesday =

Worked some OT [savings! savings! savings!]

made and ate a delish spinich toss salad. [YUM]

sound check [4 hour sound check......really?? =( ]

performance was FUN

ETANA was amamamamaaaazing, she reminded me so much of Melanie Fiona. 

[I want to go back to Jamaica NOW]

Gyptian was a NO SHOW.....but performed lastnight for FREE so I guess that's cool.

I'm in the reggae mood all over again... =)

[Friday Favorites: my GUITAR]

Do you find yourself, at times, just overwhelmed with emotions and ya don't really know what to do??

 Well, I always find myself that way whether it be mad, happy, sad, loved, frustrated, excited, nervous, or ready to take on the world.............but mostly frustrated and/or nervous.

I'm the kind of person that doesn't like to dwell on things that are pretty much 'waste time'. I don't hold grudges..........at least not for too long lol. I just don't like the feeling of having that kind of burden on me. So I'm pretty easy when it comes to forgiving (which in some cases can be dangerous for me [insert sad face] ) those that trespass me and screw me over....try to forget it.....forget it.....but I will always stay cautious of certain situations. And instead of dwelling on things that are out of my control I've found that turning to something really helps. 

For a while I wondered what that was. I could've turned to drugs like a lot of people do or some other kind of depressing thing but lucky for me I've always been surrounded by positive influences. Dancing has always been my way of getting any kind of emotions out. But now, since the travelling and shows have slowed down enormously in the past 2 years music and playing the guitar have moved into that #1 spot. And I absolutely love it, I don't mind it at all. I've found more things I am capable of and my creativity ability has broaden, it's pretty cool!! I still love dancing and that'll always be my first love but I enjoy finding new talents. =)

 When I need to unload my emotions I turn to my guitar since there are about 5-6 in my house. For some odd reason when I play it's my way of unloading everything whether my mood is positive or negative at the time. Once I start to play I just go to a whole different level and my mind, heart, and soul find peace. I love that feeling. You might think, why doesn't she just pray?? haha well...I do, this is just a different feeling and I'm okay with playing and unleashing on the guitar.  I mean, I'm not even nearly as talented at it as I wish I could be but it's I'm SLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWLLY 

getting the hang of it and getting a little better. But big thanks to my ever so talented daddy (Frank) who always seems like he's ready to slap me when I can't find the right chords yet never ceases to give up teaching me. LOL I love playing with him and my brothers when we all just sit around the house and jam. I sure wish I could take them every where I go in life that way I can always find peace with them......but I can't so my horrible playing will have to do for now....haha

So...no one has seen this video because I've kept it locked up in my computer for the longest time because I was so insecure about showing it to anyone but it's all good since I only have 32 followers and I know em all so I'm not too shame to have it on here....haha But I remember making this video when I had tonz on my mind and couldn't really find a way to let it out.....so I unloaded by doing my hair....then playing LOL..


Before you press play: PLEASE EXCUSE all the mess ups on the guitar {told ya I wasn't pro}, my not giving My All on the singing {this was suppose to stay out of the view of YOU}, aaand the wrong lyrics {I honestly never listen to the song past the first verse hahaha} maybe if I could play nearly as amazing as Karina does on the piano I'd know the right lyrics lol........oh yeah and the double chin ;).....

[Just an Idea for my frustration]

So there are a lot of people and things that irritate the heck out of me. I mean I know I can be really...... like verrrryy......extremely annoying to those around me (especially my family) and even to those who don't know me, but what can I say that's just little ol' annoying me so whatever. lol... I try to remember that when others annoy me but i'm human and i forget....and then I get irritated and that leads to me getting upset. =/ No bueno. Well since blogging and keeping a personal journal is not only advised by church leaders but also very therapeutic I decided to have em both, to free my thoughts, achievements, failures, blah blah blah...all that good stuff.
When I was younger my cousin Tangi gave me the bright idea of having 2 different journals. One to write all the positive things in and one to just vent all my frustrations, kinda like a hate journal I guess. I took her advice and had 2 different ones....not such a great idea tang...cuz my mom ended up finding my "frustrations" journal because it was just a notebook (i didn't want to make it too obvious that that was a hate journal hahaha) and I got "the talk" after that like I was gonna commit suicide or something....hahaha. Which quite honestly, I've always loved my life way too much that that idea NEVER even crossed my mind. haha.... but anyway so after "the talk" from mom I never kept 2 journals. Later found out from Tangi that I'm suppose to take that "frustrations" journal and burn it......because really all those bad venting entries will mean nothing....so in the end it wasn't too bad of an idea but to this day I still never had another "frustrations" journal. LOL...

Anyway, point of my story is that instead of unleashing all my frustrations through blogs and even in my own personal journals when I'm upset I take a step back.....and before I begin writing a turn on my 'Sunday Sounds' playlist. Just a mixture of all kinds of church music such as MoTab, One Voice, Musical Truth, etc... It really helps take away the frustration

of whatever and whoever is annoying me. hahaha... Do I have issues?? Uhhh maybe! LOL.
That bright idea came from this past week at work when Utahs bipolar weather was a bleh.... and almost every flight of the last bank came in late which led to me leaving work around 2AM. Anyway, with all the frustration that night my boss (DrEw) who also happens to be my cousin had a mixture of church and classical music playing in his office. Surprisingly it calmed my nerves....and work wasn't so bad after that. So I figured if that could make me feel that way then what better way to blog/write journal entries when frustrated to that particular kind of music??!! =) Geeez....I'm a genius right?? hahaha.. Nah j/k.... It really helps. Because I was full on irritated about something and someone that I wanted to just write a blog and blast this person.....but thanks to The Wolfgramm Sisters rendition of "Did You Think To Pray"....that blog didn't get published!!! ;) So try it when you're frustrated. i promise it helps, you'll even notice how blessed you are and realize that what you're facing at that time of frustration is just a moment. =)

This video always comes to mind when I write in my journal and it's so true. I love the way it makes me recognize His hands in my life every day. =) Try it.....

Happy Bloggin Ya'll