Dear Diary,

Bare with me, as this is going to read more like a journal entry and less like my usual blog post. I feel the need to document my past week, and Oh what a week it was. It started well enough. First let me rewind...

Friday, May 1

May 1st, May Day, Lei Day. MONTHS of practice. Hours upon hours of work. The kids danced every day for an hour and a half rehearsing their choreography. It's a big deal. May Day Queen > Prom Queen. Grandmas & Grandpas and Uncles & Aunties fly from Utah or Tonga or anywhere else to see their kids preform. I can't stress to you how much effort goes into this production. Teachers and parents spend all their evenings sewing costumes and painting props. I put elastic into 200 waistbands. I learned how to de-rib and strip Ti-leaves, consequentially turning all my fingers green. (I think permanently). But it was worth it. 

Our 3rd graders represented Samoa proudly and beautifully. I was reminded of how much I love my job and my community. You can watch it here: 

Weren't they amazing? SO proud of my kiddos. Not only did we finish with May Day preparations on Friday, it was the day I submitted my final 50-page portfolio for the 5 credit class on 'Integrating Hawaiian Culture into the Common Core'. Two massive projects behind me- only four more weeks of school. I'm ready to unwind.

Saturday, May 2

Saturday was a day I took a prominent step towards adulthood. I decided to be smart with my money. After a week of thoughtful study and preparation, I spent three hours on the phone with *Dan from USAA discussing my long-term financial options. Ever since I was a 12 year old I've been hoarding saving money, and keeping it in a savings account earning what felt like .0000001% interest. After assessing my assets, (I assured Dan I had nothing of value- "No musical instruments?" He asked. "I got my ukulele at a garage sale for 15$," I replied. We moved on.) I split my savings into multiple accounts. Including an IRA and a Cornerstone Mutual fund. Here's why I'm telling you this; I can't access that money until I'm 55 years old. Remember, I decided to lock my life savings away for three decades. (Foreshadowing). I had an emergency fund that I wasn't about to touch, and 230$ in my checking account. No problem. Dan was worried I would run out of money but I told him I would be paid on Tuesday and all would be well. What could possibly happen on Sunday causing a need for thousands of dollars? We laughed. In fact, I was so proud of my extensive budgeting I decided to reward myself. I bought **eight books online (one for each week of summer) and a pair of Mahogany sunglasses. That's right- just about the most frivolous thing in the world. I'd been eyeing these sunglasses for well over a year but I could never justify spending so much on something I didn't need. Well, this Saturday 100% of the company's proceeds would benefit Nepal. So I deemed the purchase as a charitable act and placed the order. I had 45$ left to my name.

No Regrets

*Name has not been changed. Just in case you were wondering.

** The books are, The Diving Bell and The Butterfly, Belzhar, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, The Wife, Life of Pi, Never Let Me Go, The Ten Year Nap, and The Curious Incident of The Dog in The Nighttime. Soon I'll let you know if I can recommend them. 

Sunday, May 3

I'm going to speak plainly. I was in a car accident on my way to church. There were three cars involved, and mine got totaled. Everyone was okay, which was most important. The worst injury was a seat-belt bruise, which likely saved my life. Sunday was really just a blur. The officer on scene helped me move my car safely off the road, and then drove us the rest of the way to church. I think what stood out to me the most was how calm I felt. I'm not always a calm person but I had a very level head the whole time. I got a blessing from the Elder's Quorum as soon as I arrived, and a ride home from the sister missionaries after the meeting. An hour later, the relief society president was at my door with cookies. I love the supportive way my church works. Mostly I felt gratitude, love, and a clear reassurance that everything was going to work out perfectly fine. And it did. 

Monday, May 4

I went to work even though I had a very sore neck and a million calls to make, but my angel class cooperated with me and worked quietly while I was on the phone with insurance, junk yards, and my bank. The highest bid I could get from a salvage lot was 40 bucks. I opted to donate it to an organization that helps blind/fostered/underprivileged children (or something like that). Tuesday was the same thing. Lot's of long phone conversations with the mainland. Nothing special- except I did get ahold of the LDS Honolulu mission, they were selling a car. Silver 2012 Toyota Corolla with 50,000 miles, near perfect condition. With the help of the worlds sweetest loan shark (Mommy Inc.) it was highly affordable. 

Wednesday, May 6

A day full of little blessings. I met with the principal after school and discovered my position next year is safe. This had been a source of anxiety because of how low I was on the totem pole--last in, first out. I don't know what grade I'll teach yet, but if I'm at Laie Elementary I could care less. Also, my books arrived. 

Friday, May 8

I just went for a drive in my new car. It's stunning. I loved getting around in my old Honda but now...All four doors open & close, the windows roll up, the horn honks, the radio plays FM, the windshield wipers have blades, the gas tank has a cap, the high beams are bright, and the rearview mirror is duct-tape free. Practically brand new by my standards. 

I want to finish with my little testimony. I didn't make it to church in time to share this fast Sunday, so I'd like to say now why my heart is so full. I know that the Lord is on our side. I know if we choose to put ourselves on his side as well, then we are constantly protected and watched over. We are promised blessings that will be delivered to us when we live for Him. He gives us so much and loves us so much and I can feel that love powerfully. My testimony is to do all things in his name- both thought and deed. He is my source of happiness, and I want you to know. 

Much love, 

Abby