July 5, 2000 4th of July
Last night’s fireworks show from Magic Island lasted just twenty minutes, but it was what I had been waiting over twelve hours for. And it was worth it.
I’ve always had a certain magical sentiment toward fireworks. I remember begging my mom to drive us downtown, and then huddling under an umbrella in the pouring rain with my sister one wet, summer night in Hilo, just to watch the fireworks. I remember one year when the rains became a storm, and the show was cancelled. There was yet another year when the Hilo Jaycees cut the fireworks from the budget, and I was totally bummed.
Having moved to Honolulu almost guarantees me a rain-free fireworks show every 4th of July.
And since I met Kyle, the holiday also means a marathon picnic at Ala Moana Park with our friends. It’s one of the few things in our chaotic lives that we can always count on. As we all grow up, get married, and have children, I’m sure the blue tent and green volleyball net will faithfully mark our picnic spot every year. There will always be great food, card games, swimming, volleyball matches, and “talk story time.”
This year the fireworks began at 8:30 PM. As in recent years, the show is accompanied by the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, and broadcast over the radio. Like those rainy nights in Hilo, the fireworks hypnotize me as I ooh and aah at the glittery fire, and cower at the loud “booms.”
My body, drained from the sun, and puckered from the salty ocean water, forgot how tired it was, or that I had to work the next day. Watching the fireworks reminded me why I spent my entire day at the beach, and why I need to do it at least once a year. It’s not a waste of time, nor an expendable activity. It means so much more, and I’m lucky to have such a tradition.
Sure, the long walk back to the car, with two coolers, two beach chairs, and two heavy bags made me moan and groan, but we’ll definitely be doing it again next year!
Susan Sensei’s English Lesson #36(スーザン先生の英語講座 その36) For two years I taught English in Japan, and was “スーザン先生” to my students in Ikaho town, Gunma Prefecture. I will try and introduce new words and phrases for the Japanese visitor to Hawaii. Here is this week’s situation: 【今週のレッスン】 「荷物を見ていてもらえますか 」 英語で言ってみましょう。 “Would you keep an eye on our things?” 「これでいいです。」 貴重品はビーチに持って行ってはだめ。タオルと日焼け止めとビーチグッズがあれば十分! Have a nice trip! |
Loco Girl’s Profile(ロコ・ガールのプロフィール) Born in Hilo, I grew up going fishing with Dad, shopping with Mom, and trying to be a good “big sister” to a younger sister and brother. A Waiakea High School and the University of Hawaii at Manoa alumni, I taught English in Japan for two years on the JET Program, and am now employed at PacRim Marketing Group, Inc. I love doing a lot of things-shopping, reading, lettering, making jewelry & crafts, watching Friends-and that’s just the start of my list! I like being busy, and am active with the JET Alumni Association (JETAA) and the Honolulu Junior Japanese Chamber of Commerce (HJJCC.) My family and friends are, of course, very important to me, and are why I live a very typical, happy, local-style life in Hawaii and will never leave! |
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