On Sunday, December 13, 2009, I ran my second Honolulu Marathon. This year, I was struggling with knee problems and they really hurt during the marathon. I had lunch and dinner at my parents’ house and my sister Lara came by in the evening as well.

On Saturday, December 12, 2009, my campaign team consisting of my mom, sister Lara, Tracy, Brandon L., Brandon U., and Kenji decorated my truck with Chrstmas ornaments and “Jon Riki Karamatsu” magnets for the Waipahu Christmas Parade, which was from 2:00 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. that started at the Waipahu Recreation Center to the Waipahu Town Center.  During the parade, we threw candies to everyone.  I bought my friends frozen yogurt at the event at the end of the parade.

This evening, I had dinner with my mom and dad at Paesano in Aiea.  I needed to get more carbs for my run tomorrow.

Friday December 11, 2009

I attended the Hawaii Farm Bureau Luncheon at Kai Market in Sheraton Waikiki from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.

I interviewed an attorney from 2:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. at my capitol office.

I had dinner with my friends Shin and Neil Ho of Ho farms and a represenative of a national association for food security at Alan Wong’s Restaurant from 6:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M.  The assoc. rep. left at 8:00 P.M. and the rest of us continued to talk.

 Rimi Natsukawa featuring Hawaii’s own Konishiki and Jake Shimabukuro – “Asadoya Yunta”

In the past few entries of this journal, I have written some really deep thoughts of mine.  To change the pace and liven things up, I made this fun entry!  This is a very lively tune by one of my favorite singers Rimi Natsukawa featuring Hawaii’s own Konishiki and Jake Shimabukuro performing the song “Asadoya Yunta”.

Go out with your family and friends!  Enjoy life!

My Thursday, December 10, 2009 Schedule:

1. Worked on my business;
2. Attended a meeting with Leeward elected officials Sen. Colleen Hanabusa, Rep. Sharon Har, Rep. Henry Aquino, and Councilman Tod Apo;
3. Picked up my Honolulu Marathon packet with my office manager;
4. Lunch with my office manager;
5. Interviewed two attorneys;
6. Worked on state work;
7. Talked with representatives in the health insurance industry; and
8. Watched a political play called “November” with Rep. Clift Tsuji, Tracy, and Lauren.

I attended the Hawaii Plantation Village Annual Christmas Party at the Hawaii Plantation Village in Waipahu on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 from 5:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. I talked to a number of old friends and met some new ones. I met a lady Yoko who worked at Duty Free Shoppers (DFS) Hawaii from 1969 to 2000. One day in 1969, she walked into the DFS store in Waikiki and was looking for a job. She met my grandpa Maurice Karamatsu and he told her, “If you want, you can work here now.” She was surprised that he was hiring her on the spot without a formal appointment or interview. She replied, “Now? I could work tomorrow.” She worked for DFS the very next day.  She spent a year at the DFS Waikiki store and the next thirty years at its airport stores.

“Hana” & “Warabigami” - Rimi Natsukawa and Jake Shimabukuro

My grandparents have all passed away.  As I reflect on them and their generation who faced racism, death, and so much struggle, I feel deep gratitude.  They helped to change the United States to make it better for the unborn generations to come such as mine.  To my grandparents and their generation: “Okage sama de.  Because of your sacrifice and love, I am who I am.  Domo arigatou gozaimashita.” 

Below is a mix of two songs, “Hana” & “Warabigami” sang by Rimi Natuskawa with ukulele music by Hawaii’s own Jake Shimabukuro.  I dedicate this song to my grandparents and their generation for everything they have done for us.  “Hana” means flower and “Warabigami” is about a young child born into this world.  The Issei (first) and Nisei (second)  generations sacrificed for us, the unborn children in their thoughts.  I pray to them. 

Grandma and grandpa Sakai and grandma and grandpa Karamatsu, I miss you.  Until we meet again.

 Frank Mills – “Music Box Dancer”

This song is one of my all-time favorites. 

I remember when my sister Mia danced to this with her first grade class for May Day.

It is one of the few songs that can make me happy and it can also bring so much emotion in me, sometimes even tears.  The tune brings purity and innocence, something many of us adults forget or lose, but the wonderful feelings come back when we hear it.

  Omar Akram – “Free as a Bird”

Above is a song that I have been listening to a lot recently.  When I listen to it, I think of life, especially all that I have gone through, the ups and downs, happiness and sadness. 

I think of all my loved ones and all that they have done for me.

I see my loved ones who passed away and I get another chance to tell them how much I care for them and all that I am doing now.

I entered the world of politics about fourteen years ago as a young man ready to fight the world, upset at the cruelty of humanity for all the suffering inflicted on so many people.  Now, I can look back and see that even in this cruel world, we can find joy.  I encourage many of you who are suffering, to keep trying, and to at least believe there is hope for joy.  I hope you can feel my positive energy.

When I listen to this song, I close my eyes and I can picture a couple dancing together under the cherry blossom trees as the flowers fall gently down with a cool light wind;

on a cliff overlooking the ocean with a soft mist as the sun slowly sets;

under a graceful snow fall, lightly falling from the heavens as if they too were dancing with the beautiful music;

and under a black night with stars sparkling, and a few stars streaking across the night’s sky here and there. 

True love surpasses everything, even when it is goodbye forever.

I attended the “Hawaiian-Style Christmas” party by Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC at the Halekulani Hotel on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 from 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.