It's a Small Island But Full of Ohana

When we went out to lunch on Saturday we were shopping beforehand at Macy's for a birthday gift for Art's sister. We heard someone call our names and lo and behold, there is Art's Auntie who we haven't seen in several months. We had a nice chat before we left for the restaurant.

After lunch, we headed to the grocery store and were checking out at the self check-out when someone came by and tapped on our shoulders. It was Art's cousin and his wife. It was such a wonderful surprise!

Today, we were once again out shopping and someone called my name. It was my high school buddy/college roommate, Jo. We had a great time catching up and promising to get together with our other other high school friend, Diane (elementary school/high school/college roommate) in a few days. The funny thing is, since we've moved here, I've hardly seen them so this will be very nice, indeed.

Like my mom said, you can't be rude to anybody you meet in Hawaii because they're likely related or are friends of friends or some kind of calabash cousin. Everybody is sort of Ohana (family).

In fact, here in Hawaii, I am "Auntie" Kay to quite a few grown-up "kids." It's actually rather rude for children to call grown-ups by just their first names here. If it's a friend, you add that "Auntie" or "Uncle" before their names. I had a hard time getting used to little children on the "Mainland" calling me by my first name. It's very much an island culture. And now that I'm back here, I am loving being called "Auntie" again.

Hmmmm.... sort of drifted away from my topic, didn't I? Ah well, what do you expect from a forgetful "Auntie."