There has been some questions and concerns if the reunion is still a "go"?
YES, it is!
I hope everyone is still budgeting your money so that we can all be there at the Kahumoku Reunion 2014 in Oahu, Hawaii. Everything is still moving forward so please, please try your best to keep saving so that this reunion will be a happy, fun time with all of us together FINALLY! Even if you think you may not be able to make it because of prices, there is always a way. Put away a few bucks, and you'll be surprised!
I have been watching the prices of airline tickets and it is continually rising. Be prepared for this. We are still going to put a deposit down on the vacation rental next year, 2013, to hold the house. We will let you know how much we need from each of you when the time gets closer. I understand that our family is still growing, so please adjust the budget as needed for your individual families.
It will be nice to see and meet everyone. I'm so excited for this.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Getting to know Aisling
I was able to interview Aisling via Skype. She was the first person in our family to be interviewed and while we did experience some technical difficulty, I think the interview was a success. I tried my best to jot down everything word for word but their were some answers that were so long that I had to go off of memory. Sorry Ash! But I tried... I'll post a picture of Ash on the sidebar when I get one. So, here you go..
What's your name (maiden name - sorry didn't get the middle name)?
Aisling (Beattie) Kahumoku
How did your parents come up with the name Aisling and what does it mean?
My Mom was looking through an Irish baby name book and liked that the name means 'dream' or 'vision'. I was a miracle baby since my parents tried to have kids for a long time.
Where were you born and raised?
Scotland, in a town called Alexandria, and lived there for 21 years
What's the biggest difference that you notice from Scotland and the USA?
People in the states don't have time for each other. In Scotland, everyone was so friendly and always made time for one another, even complete strangers.
When were you born?
August 16th, Yup Kolu and I were born in the same month, just a week earlier (Ash is younger then Kolu by one year)
Do you believe in the Loch ness Monster?
Yes! Absolutely!
What are your hobbies?
Swimming and martial arts such as karate and judo. I took 1st place in karate when I was 11 years old.
Was martial arts the start to your interest in physical fitness?
It was actually competitions like strong man (or iron man) that got me into fitness.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Graduating college with my Fitness Degree
Favorite event in your childhood?
Going to Ireland once a year in the summer's to visit family.
What countries have you visited?
Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Dubai, Spain, Australia, France, Austria, New Zealand (I might've missed some, sorry Ash)
How did you have the opportunity to visit all of these countries?
Vacations, work, high school trips and backpacking with friends
Wow, that a lot of traveling! How many languages to you speak?
Just one, English
With all that traveling and backpacking through different countries, would you consider yourself a hippie?
Yes, a part of me because I like moving around and doing spontaneous things. Before I was married, if a friend were to call me up and ask me if I wanted to go traveling with them, I'd say, "Yes!"
What kind of people are you most drawn to?
Outgoing people who are chill and willing to experience new things, people who aren't hyperactive but are willing to break out of their comfort zone.
What is your motto in life?
"Accomplish great things...must have a dream in order to act."
Who is the most influencial person in your life and why?
My Mom because she is a strong, independent woman who doesn't give up.
How would you describe yourself?
Spontaneous and free spirited and I don't like to be tied down.
Are you a morning or a night person?
It depends because right now I'm working morning shifts as a personal trainer so I have to be a morning person. But I could be a night person too if I have to work late.
What do you do for work?
I'm a supervisor (we had technical difficulties, so this is all I heard for this question)
What are you best at?
Fitness
If you could attempt anything in life and knew that you wouldn't fail, what would you do?
Become a swimming coach
Who is the cook in the family?
It's in the middle for Kolu and I
What's your favorite food?
Anything local. I like making chicken katsu!
What's your favorite color?
I have two of them, purple and green.
Do you like to read/what's your favorite book?
I don't like to read. Well, I like inspirational book's but not fiction. For example, I just read, "How to have confidence and power in dealing with people" by Les Giblin
What do you like to do in your free time?
I normally run errands in my free time, but mostly I like chillin', relax and watch tv.
If you had a million dollars what would you do with it?
Pay off my debt, go on a vacation around the world, maybe visit some orphanages for kids, go see elephants because they're my favorite animal.
What's your dream job?
Help adolescents overcome obesity so that I can help reduce obesity.
Ideal retirement/location?
Sydney, Australia at 50 years old, or maybe even Hawaii. Just so long as it's warm because after living in Scotland, I'm real tired of the cold. I need a little of the city, beach and country.
What's your favorite movie?
Dirty Dancing
Do you like to take pictures or be in them?
Take pictures
Any pets?
I had a dog when I was a baby, a gold fish when I was little and I currently have a dog named Kavika.
How do you want people to remember you?
As a 'Go Getter'
What kind of music do you like?
Everything except classical
What's the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
It was Kolu who did the kindest thing for me actually. Kolu upgraded my families airline tickets to 1st class from coach.
How did you and Kolu meet/what about the proposal?
We met at work (Kailua-Kona Airport). Our 1st date was a dinner down at Alii Drive and we were going to go to the fair, but we changed our minds and played games at the arcade. The proposal was kind of like, "Hey you wanna get married?" and I said, "Yeah, I'll marry you." But now I'm like, "Dude, you should've got down on one knee!"
When we come together at the reunion, what do you want the family to remember or know about you?
That I come off as shy when you first meet me, but once I warm up to you, I'm a big goof ball. (I can attest to this because all Ash and Kolu ever does is laugh! It's a riot!)
What's your name (maiden name - sorry didn't get the middle name)?
Aisling (Beattie) Kahumoku
How did your parents come up with the name Aisling and what does it mean?
My Mom was looking through an Irish baby name book and liked that the name means 'dream' or 'vision'. I was a miracle baby since my parents tried to have kids for a long time.
Where were you born and raised?
Scotland, in a town called Alexandria, and lived there for 21 years
What's the biggest difference that you notice from Scotland and the USA?
People in the states don't have time for each other. In Scotland, everyone was so friendly and always made time for one another, even complete strangers.
When were you born?
August 16th, Yup Kolu and I were born in the same month, just a week earlier (Ash is younger then Kolu by one year)
Do you believe in the Loch ness Monster?
Yes! Absolutely!
What are your hobbies?
Swimming and martial arts such as karate and judo. I took 1st place in karate when I was 11 years old.
Was martial arts the start to your interest in physical fitness?
It was actually competitions like strong man (or iron man) that got me into fitness.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Graduating college with my Fitness Degree
Favorite event in your childhood?
Going to Ireland once a year in the summer's to visit family.
What countries have you visited?
Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Dubai, Spain, Australia, France, Austria, New Zealand (I might've missed some, sorry Ash)
How did you have the opportunity to visit all of these countries?
Vacations, work, high school trips and backpacking with friends
Wow, that a lot of traveling! How many languages to you speak?
Just one, English
With all that traveling and backpacking through different countries, would you consider yourself a hippie?
Yes, a part of me because I like moving around and doing spontaneous things. Before I was married, if a friend were to call me up and ask me if I wanted to go traveling with them, I'd say, "Yes!"
What kind of people are you most drawn to?
Outgoing people who are chill and willing to experience new things, people who aren't hyperactive but are willing to break out of their comfort zone.
What is your motto in life?
"Accomplish great things...must have a dream in order to act."
Who is the most influencial person in your life and why?
My Mom because she is a strong, independent woman who doesn't give up.
How would you describe yourself?
Spontaneous and free spirited and I don't like to be tied down.
Are you a morning or a night person?
It depends because right now I'm working morning shifts as a personal trainer so I have to be a morning person. But I could be a night person too if I have to work late.
What do you do for work?
I'm a supervisor (we had technical difficulties, so this is all I heard for this question)
What are you best at?
Fitness
If you could attempt anything in life and knew that you wouldn't fail, what would you do?
Become a swimming coach
Who is the cook in the family?
It's in the middle for Kolu and I
What's your favorite food?
Anything local. I like making chicken katsu!
What's your favorite color?
I have two of them, purple and green.
Do you like to read/what's your favorite book?
I don't like to read. Well, I like inspirational book's but not fiction. For example, I just read, "How to have confidence and power in dealing with people" by Les Giblin
What do you like to do in your free time?
I normally run errands in my free time, but mostly I like chillin', relax and watch tv.
If you had a million dollars what would you do with it?
Pay off my debt, go on a vacation around the world, maybe visit some orphanages for kids, go see elephants because they're my favorite animal.
What's your dream job?
Help adolescents overcome obesity so that I can help reduce obesity.
Ideal retirement/location?
Sydney, Australia at 50 years old, or maybe even Hawaii. Just so long as it's warm because after living in Scotland, I'm real tired of the cold. I need a little of the city, beach and country.
What's your favorite movie?
Dirty Dancing
Do you like to take pictures or be in them?
Take pictures
Any pets?
I had a dog when I was a baby, a gold fish when I was little and I currently have a dog named Kavika.
How do you want people to remember you?
As a 'Go Getter'
What kind of music do you like?
Everything except classical
What's the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
It was Kolu who did the kindest thing for me actually. Kolu upgraded my families airline tickets to 1st class from coach.
How did you and Kolu meet/what about the proposal?
We met at work (Kailua-Kona Airport). Our 1st date was a dinner down at Alii Drive and we were going to go to the fair, but we changed our minds and played games at the arcade. The proposal was kind of like, "Hey you wanna get married?" and I said, "Yeah, I'll marry you." But now I'm like, "Dude, you should've got down on one knee!"
When we come together at the reunion, what do you want the family to remember or know about you?
That I come off as shy when you first meet me, but once I warm up to you, I'm a big goof ball. (I can attest to this because all Ash and Kolu ever does is laugh! It's a riot!)
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Interview Schedule
As stated in the previous blog, each of you will be contacted via phone or skype on your scheduled interview date. I will call you prior to the interview to set up a time that works best for you. It'll be a fun interview with a series of questions so that the family can get to know you better. Yes, I need a photo of you as well so that you can be properly "spotlighted". The interviews are in alphabetical order by first name as shown below:
*I may need the help of the parents in order to gather information about these family members.
If I missed anyone or spelled your name incorrectly, please let me know asap. Take care...
| Ash | 10/1/2011 |
| Aura | 10/15/2011 |
| Brighton | 11/1/2011 |
| Byron | 11/15/2011 |
| Chris | 12/1/2011 |
| Dillan* | 12/15/2011 |
| Duke | 1/1/2012 |
| Elijah | 1/15/2012 |
| Emma | 2/1/2012 |
| Hannah | 2/15/2012 |
| Big Herb | 3/1/2012 |
| Little Herb* | 3/15/2012 |
| Ikaika | 4/1/2012 |
| Jacob | 4/15/2012 |
| Jon | 5/1/2012 |
| Josh | 5/15/2012 |
| Kahea | 6/1/2012 |
| Kalei | 6/15/2012 |
| Kanoe | 7/1/2012 |
| Kathryn | 7/15/2012 |
| Keiki | 8/1/2012 |
| Kolu | 8/15/2012 |
| Lahela | 9/1/2012 |
| Logan | 9/15/2012 |
| Martha | 10/1/2012 |
| Merv | 10/15/2012 |
| Natalie | 11/1/2012 |
| Nathan | 11/15/2012 |
| Paityn | 12/1/2012 |
| Peter | 12/15/2012 |
| Pua | 1/1/2013 |
| Seamus | 1/15/2013 |
| Willie | 2/1/2013 |
| Zoe | 2/15/2013 |
| W&N Baby* | 3/1/2013 |
*I may need the help of the parents in order to gather information about these family members.
If I missed anyone or spelled your name incorrectly, please let me know asap. Take care...
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Spotlight
This is your time to shine!
Each of you will have the opportunity to answer a bunch of random getting-to-know-you questions. So be prepared to receive a phone call or skype call for your personal interview. You can add whatever tidbits of information that you would like us to know about you, tell us a great story about your life, or be as brief as you'd like. It's really just a fun way of getting to know each other prior to the reunion. Who knows?! You might be surprised how much you have in common with another family member, or learn things that you never knew.
This process will continue until all family members have been interviewed and spotlighted via this blog, until the reunion date. Please be prepared to submit a photo within the time of your interview.
The voting poll for the reunion date deadline is fast approaching. If you haven't voted already, please do so asap. I've already received feedback regarding this question from some of you over the phone. Once the voting poll expires on September 15th, I'll go ahead and let you know the majority vote of the final reunion date.
Each of you will have the opportunity to answer a bunch of random getting-to-know-you questions. So be prepared to receive a phone call or skype call for your personal interview. You can add whatever tidbits of information that you would like us to know about you, tell us a great story about your life, or be as brief as you'd like. It's really just a fun way of getting to know each other prior to the reunion. Who knows?! You might be surprised how much you have in common with another family member, or learn things that you never knew.
This process will continue until all family members have been interviewed and spotlighted via this blog, until the reunion date. Please be prepared to submit a photo within the time of your interview.
The voting poll for the reunion date deadline is fast approaching. If you haven't voted already, please do so asap. I've already received feedback regarding this question from some of you over the phone. Once the voting poll expires on September 15th, I'll go ahead and let you know the majority vote of the final reunion date.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Family Discussion
I hope everyone has started talking within your own family about a personal financial plan to be able to come to the family reunion. By now, everyone should have an idea of how much you need to put away per month to cover airfare, car rental, lodging and spare cash on hand. Remember, airfare and car rental is your responsibility. Lodging will be a split cost between 6 families.
Most of us have or will have enough air miles to cover one or more airline tickets, so that can help reduce the cost that needs to be put away per month. For those who live in Alaska, Permanent Fund Dividends could be another addition toward your financial planning. If you know that you'll get a refund from your tax return (sarcastic laugh), that could also help alleviate the cost saved.
If you haven't discussed your family savings yet, please start. The sooner you save, the less stress you'll be facing as the family reunion date approaches.
Many of you were totally upset about the cancellations of the committee's. I know, I know... But don't worry. I'll be delegating a bunch of responsibilities out to all of you a year or so prior to the reunion date. So, just enjoy the calm right now. It's gonna be crazy-busy-awesome when the reunion gets closer.
Take care!
Most of us have or will have enough air miles to cover one or more airline tickets, so that can help reduce the cost that needs to be put away per month. For those who live in Alaska, Permanent Fund Dividends could be another addition toward your financial planning. If you know that you'll get a refund from your tax return (sarcastic laugh), that could also help alleviate the cost saved.
If you haven't discussed your family savings yet, please start. The sooner you save, the less stress you'll be facing as the family reunion date approaches.
Many of you were totally upset about the cancellations of the committee's. I know, I know... But don't worry. I'll be delegating a bunch of responsibilities out to all of you a year or so prior to the reunion date. So, just enjoy the calm right now. It's gonna be crazy-busy-awesome when the reunion gets closer.
Take care!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Lots of Changes!
Change in Committee's
The following committee's are being cancelled: Invitation, Food, Activities and Finance (Pretty much everything is being scratched)
Why?
It is decided that Our 1st Reunion will be with our family only. With that said, the Invitation Committee is no longer needed. Also, it has been brought to my attention that the Food Committee isn't really needed either as responsibilities are so incredibly simple and will be delegated out a couple of weeks prior to the reunion anyway. Activities will be open to everyone since many of you were bummed that you weren't on the committee and had lots of cool idea's. So if you have an idea, just let us know and we'll try to save for that as well. Finance is pretty much underway... now it's up to all of us to start saving and making sure we'll be there. Lodging is shaping up nicely.
What is my responsibility now?
Let's concentrate on budgeting and saving within our own families for this totally awesome reunion. Start looking at airfare and car rental so that you can figure that into your personal budget. Try to save more if you can for any unforeseen costs. There is a lot to think about in way of costs, so let's get to work.
Who is doing the reunion T-Shirts?
Dad and Mom. A "Kahumoku t-shirt" was made years ago by Grandpa Kahumoku (Mervin Kahumoku Sr.) and will continue to be used in our family. Dad and Mom have the screen print for it already, as it has been in the family for years.
Who is putting together the genealogy, to hand out for the reunion?
Dad and Mom. It is only right that the Patriarch and Matriarch of the family do this part for their posterity. Plus, they have the "Master" genealogy and lots of information that some of us may not have. So Mom and Dad, you guys have a lot of work to do! It'll be nice to see what records will be handed down to us kids and grandkids!
I will continue to post on a weekly basis so let me know if you have any questions or comments.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Update
After blogging the Team Committee's, there was a lot of family activity and discussion. Thanks to all of you for your participation. Your participation has pushed the work forward even farther than I had anticipated. Also, some questions are circling, so let me answer them for you.
LODGING COMMITTEE
Willie pretty much hit the ground runnin' with the lodging committee and figuring out what the cost would be per family. Thanks Wil! He has been working with his wife Natalie, as well as Mom and myself (Lahela) with scouring the "VRBO" website. Therefore, the lodging committee members is set and is underway. All of you should have received a phone call from Willie as well as an email with an attached link to the home that works best for our lodging needs. If you have not been contacted thus far, you will be contacted shortly. You can also go to www.vrbo.com and type in VRBO# 128838 to view the description.
Many of you have also helped with looking at various lodging for the whole family. If you have found or find a great place in East-Oahu that would work even better than the one found on the link that Willie sent to you via email (and found above), or if you have any lodging questions, please contact him.
So far, the following families have agreed or are assumed to be staying in the vacation rental: Dad and Mom, Jon and Kahea's family, Willie and Natalie's family, Kolu and Aisling's family, Byron and Lahela's family and Herb and Pua's family.
Chris and Keiki's family as well as Duke and Kathryn's family has agreed to staying in a separate vacation rental.
If there are any changes with families opting to stay at the main family vacation rental, or opting to stay at a vacation rental of their choosing, please contact Willie asap!
Cost of the Main Family Lodging
The cost of this lodging for 2 weeks (14 days) in May or September is roughly $695/night. Since there are 6 families staying here, each family would pay $115.83/night. That is smokin' deal for Hawaii, especially considering the amenities that come with the home. I know you're thinking, "Ok, so I only have to save $1,621.62 for my family." Well, no...sorry. The reality is this - $695/night x 14 days comes out to $9,730+State Tax+Cleaning Fees. There is also a $2,000 Damage Deposit that is required upfront and is fully refundable. To be on the safe side, each family staying at the main family lodging will need to save $2,000.
BUDGET
If you start saving in September 2011 and we have our reunion in...
COMMITTEE'S
I have randomly selected names to help with different committee's, and yes, I broke the Planning Committee into sub-committee's.
Invitation Committee
Dad, Kahea, Jon, Keiki and Chris
*This committee will be put on HOLD until further notice. Please DO NOT contact the extended family yet, because this reunion may just turn out to be for OUR family only since this is our 1st Reunion. It is still undecided at this point.
Activities Committee
Herb, Pua, Kolu and Ash
Food Committee
Duke, Kathryn, Natalie, Chris and Keiki
Finance Committee
Mom, Willie, Jon and Byron
Lodging Committee
Willie, Natalie, Mom, Dad and Lahela
Some of you may see your name on two committee's. This is because you may be experienced on what to do in this area. Get together with your committee and start brainstorming. Keep it simple, don't over think it. Just come up with idea's for now. Skype one another so that you can see and get to know each other better prior to the reunion. We'll talk on a quarterly basis to see your progress. With that said, you don't have to post your idea's on the blog since we'll be talking every quarter. I'll contact each committee at the end of November instead of December.
Talk to you all in November!
- Cost of Airfare and Car Rental is your responsibility
- Yes, we can start a family weight loss program so that everyone feels their best at the reunion
- Yes, we will have a girls day/night out and a guys day/night out
LODGING COMMITTEE
Willie pretty much hit the ground runnin' with the lodging committee and figuring out what the cost would be per family. Thanks Wil! He has been working with his wife Natalie, as well as Mom and myself (Lahela) with scouring the "VRBO" website. Therefore, the lodging committee members is set and is underway. All of you should have received a phone call from Willie as well as an email with an attached link to the home that works best for our lodging needs. If you have not been contacted thus far, you will be contacted shortly. You can also go to www.vrbo.com and type in VRBO# 128838 to view the description.
Many of you have also helped with looking at various lodging for the whole family. If you have found or find a great place in East-Oahu that would work even better than the one found on the link that Willie sent to you via email (and found above), or if you have any lodging questions, please contact him.
So far, the following families have agreed or are assumed to be staying in the vacation rental: Dad and Mom, Jon and Kahea's family, Willie and Natalie's family, Kolu and Aisling's family, Byron and Lahela's family and Herb and Pua's family.
Chris and Keiki's family as well as Duke and Kathryn's family has agreed to staying in a separate vacation rental.
If there are any changes with families opting to stay at the main family vacation rental, or opting to stay at a vacation rental of their choosing, please contact Willie asap!
Cost of the Main Family Lodging
The cost of this lodging for 2 weeks (14 days) in May or September is roughly $695/night. Since there are 6 families staying here, each family would pay $115.83/night. That is smokin' deal for Hawaii, especially considering the amenities that come with the home. I know you're thinking, "Ok, so I only have to save $1,621.62 for my family." Well, no...sorry. The reality is this - $695/night x 14 days comes out to $9,730+State Tax+Cleaning Fees. There is also a $2,000 Damage Deposit that is required upfront and is fully refundable. To be on the safe side, each family staying at the main family lodging will need to save $2,000.
BUDGET
If you start saving in September 2011 and we have our reunion in...
- May 2014 then... $2,000 dollars/32 months = $62.50 per month must be saved
- September 2014 then... $2,000 dollars/40 months = $50.00 per month must be saved
- May 2013 then... $2,000 dollars/20 months = $100.00 per month must be saved
- September 2013 then... $2,000 dollars/24 months = $83.33 per month must be saved
COMMITTEE'S
I have randomly selected names to help with different committee's, and yes, I broke the Planning Committee into sub-committee's.
Invitation Committee
Dad, Kahea, Jon, Keiki and Chris
*This committee will be put on HOLD until further notice. Please DO NOT contact the extended family yet, because this reunion may just turn out to be for OUR family only since this is our 1st Reunion. It is still undecided at this point.
Activities Committee
Herb, Pua, Kolu and Ash
Food Committee
Duke, Kathryn, Natalie, Chris and Keiki
Finance Committee
Mom, Willie, Jon and Byron
Lodging Committee
Willie, Natalie, Mom, Dad and Lahela
Some of you may see your name on two committee's. This is because you may be experienced on what to do in this area. Get together with your committee and start brainstorming. Keep it simple, don't over think it. Just come up with idea's for now. Skype one another so that you can see and get to know each other better prior to the reunion. We'll talk on a quarterly basis to see your progress. With that said, you don't have to post your idea's on the blog since we'll be talking every quarter. I'll contact each committee at the end of November instead of December.
Talk to you all in November!
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