24 Years and Still Going
July 13th, 2009 by Rodney LeeToday, Paula and I celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary. It was on this day in 1985 that Paula and I got married.
We had met a little over 2 years prior to getting married, but I'll get into that later.
It was hot and humid on our wedding day. Before the ceremony, picture taking took place at Waikahalulu Falls. By the time of the wedding ceremony, Paula's pikake lei was wilted. The ceremony was held at Manoa Valley Church and the reception followed at Pagoda's C'est Si Bon room. Our honeymoon was... postponed.
See, I had been laid-off just before our wedding - due to the relocation of the computer center I was working at. A bit embarrassing that Paula was marrying an unemployed guy. But I started a new job the Monday after we were married so with no vacation, the honeymoon had to wait. Then just before making 1 year and getting an allocation of vacation time, I started a job at another place. More waiting. Eventually, we did get to go to Maui for our honeymoon.
After we got married, we lived at my house with my mom for a few months, but it was difficult for Paula - trying to cook in a kitchen that wasn't hers. I understood where she was coming from so we moved to town and rented a 1 bedroom condominium at Kunawai Terrace. We loved that place so much that after just 1 year there, we bought a 2 bedroom unit.
After a couple of years of being married, I noticed that we were staying home a lot. You might say we were settled down. So the time was right for us and we were blessed with daughter #1.
We were content with our 2 bedroom condominium - until we found out that daughter #2 was expected. Before she was born, we sold our condominium and moved into Paula's aunty's house - a couple of houses away from Paula's parents. A little too close for comfort at times, but real handy for our babysitting needs.
Eventually, the girls went to pre-school while Paula and I continued to go to work.
Somewhere along the way, the girls graduated from elementary school, learned to catch the bus to middle school, and then graduated from high school.
That quick.
Looking back, I'd like to think we were good parents. We took them to Disneyland. Twice. Taught them how to ride a bicycle. Enrolled them in ballet and jazz dance classes. Participated in the PTA. Took them to see parades. And bailed them out of trouble when they needed us to.
But throughout all that, we've managed to keep our love alive.
Now, don't get me wrong - we've had our share of disagreements too. There were nights that we went to sleep mad at each other. And times when we didn't talk to each other for days (mostly due to my hard-headed Korean blood). But we remained respectful to each other. We laughed together. We cried together. And most importantly, we supported each other.
And we have the same goal - to grow old with each other.
The 24 years seemed to have flown by. I guess the old adage holds true: Time flies when you're having fun.
Next year for the big 25th anniversary, we're hoping to go on an Alasakan cruise. Maybe a stop in Las Vegas too? We'll see...
Oh yeah, as for how we met. A friend of mine from KCC, Linda, introduced Paula to me one night at The Point After nightclub. But at that time, I was still a "player" and didn't hook up with her. I'd see her every now and then at The Point and say hi, but that was about the extent of it.
Then The Point After was celebrating their 10th anniversary - spread out over a few nights. It was the last night of the celebration that they were giving away a grand prize of 2 tickets to fly anywhere in the U.S. My friend LB won the tickets while I missed the grand prize by one number. But that night, Paula and I started talking with each other. Before the night was over, we had really hit it off and before she left, I asked her for her phone number. She did one better, she gave me her address too.
Yup, I still have it!
So although my friend won the 2 tickets to anywhere in the U.S., I'd say that night, I won the grand prize. 
Do you remember how and where you first met your spouse/ex/significant-other/old-steady?
For those who are still married, how many years have you been celebrating your lives together? And where was your wedding ceremony and reception held? What's your secret to a lasting marriage?
For those of you not yet married, where would you like to be married and have your reception party at?
*oh btw, to see a picture our wedding picture, you'll have to poke (click) somewhere around this entry to find it.
Tags: 24 years, Alaskan Cruise, Central Pacific Bank, Disneyland, honeymoon, KCC, Kunawai Terrace, Las Vegas, Manoa Valley Church, Maui, Midlife Crisis, midlife crisis blog, Pagoda C'est Si Bon, Rodney Lee, The Point After, Waikahalulu falls, wedding anniversary, wedding ceremony, wedding reception
July 13th, 2009 at 4:43 am
Awwwwwww what a perfect wedding picture!
(Paula, I cant believe you took a chance on that guy!)
Happy Anniversary, Rodney and Paula
July 13th, 2009 at 4:56 am
My husband and I missed meeting in Boston, while we both lived there. But after more than 6 years' friendship (online), I flew from there to Barstow to visit.
The first thing I did was throw my suitcase in the dumpster. For months we had talked on the phone until the sun came up, and I was not going on without him. (We still have plenty to talk about!)
July 13th, 2009 at 5:36 am
Happy Anniversary to the both of you. And thanks for sharing your personal story, Rodney.
I met my wife about 25 years ago....she was my sister's best friend back then. We finally went on a date in 2002. I've been smitten ever since!
July 13th, 2009 at 5:46 am
right on Rodney. congrats to you and Paula. My wife and I just celebrated our 10th this past weekend.
July 13th, 2009 at 5:57 am
Hey Rodney and Paula,
Congrats
Here's to the both of you growing old together gracefully....
July 13th, 2009 at 6:17 am
Happy Anniversary Rodney & Paula! It's stories like this that restore my faith in the possibility of growing old together and not "getting" old together. You two have got it and I'll say same thing I said to WWD... never stop falling in love.
July 13th, 2009 at 6:18 am
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary, Rodney and Paula!
July 13th, 2009 at 6:39 am
Happy Anniversary Uncle Rodney and Aunty Paula.
Sheesh I older than you both and I calling you Uncle and Aunty.
My wife and I been married for 27 years this past March. Wish I could have taken her on a cruise on our 25th but ......
Believe it or not, I met my future wife through CB radio. We had mutual friends and we all had CB radios. She came on one day and I loved her voice. We eventually met and the rest is history.
When we got married, we moved into the house I was raised in. My parents moved across the street. Da wife coming from a nice house was taken aback with living in an old plantation house with all the critters. So we did a lot of cleaning and renovating until it became presentable. My daughter was born in that old house. And she is still living there after my dad passed away. Anyway, after we fixed up the house, I traded again with my parents since the house they were living in was getting "older". I tore down that house and put up a new 2 story house. During the construction, we stayed at my in-laws (that was rough for me). I hear you about the "fringe benefits" Free Babysitters
My parent are both gone. My in-laws older but still going. Daughter married with a beautiful G-baby that I adore. My Son is a JR in HS this year. 3 Dogs in the house. Life is good 
I'm happy for you both. May you have MANY more. Aunty Paula is such a doll. I can see why you fell in love with her.
July 13th, 2009 at 6:46 am
Congratulations.
Time sure does fly by. I heard those Alaskan cruises are great but watch out because I heard there is gambling on the cruies also.
July 13th, 2009 at 6:48 am
Good Morning Rodney!
Happy Anniversary to both of you!
Thank you for sharing.
masako and I met on-line. My friend was looking at a date site and told me that he found someone that might be a good match for me. He made the contact with masako first and the rest is history.
July 13th, 2009 at 6:52 am
Congratulations to all who celebrate love and the fairy tale. : )
@M: I know a bunch of successful relationships who met via online dating. I tried it once, ended up "meeting" my HS classmate. hahaha it was pretty funny. Left the site, maybe I'll go back another time... maybe not.
July 13th, 2009 at 7:00 am
I met my first love at Magic Mushroom. hahaha We hooked up, it was a soul-mate thing (even at 18yrs old) but we both had issues and broke up. We managed to run into each other over the years then after divorce and a death of a spouse, we got back together. Still didn't work. But we were soul mates. Go figure.
To this day 30+ yrs later we are best friends. We tell each other our darkest secrets and deepest dreams and he has a way of putting life into perspective for me.
But we still cannot be "together". I love my best friend. He's the greatest. We promised that in our next life we will get it right.
July 13th, 2009 at 7:35 am
sally, it's great that you and your ex are friends, I don't talk to my ex, haven't talked to her for more than 4 months which is fine with me. She's not a nice person, everything is about only her, what she wants and she's a control freak. Even my 22 year old daughter doesn't talk to her. It's so sad that they don't have a mother/daughter relationship. My son talks to her only if he has too.
July 13th, 2009 at 8:04 am
Happy Anniversary Uncle Rod & Aunty Paula! and with wishes for many more to come...hope have a nice nite out on the town! lots of love, ur maui niece.
July 13th, 2009 at 8:21 am
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary to you and Paula! Thanks for sharing your story
July 13th, 2009 at 8:21 am
Rodney,
I GOING CRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dat was beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And with the utmost due respect, I clicked on the pic and thought "Paula married that DORK?"
Mahalo for sharing..........my wife and I make 15 years this coming November. A mutual friend introduced us and that was it!
OL
July 13th, 2009 at 8:27 am
Happy Anniversary! I enjoyed reading your post, you guys have a wonderful marriage. An Alaska cruise is the way to go for your 25th....Just Do It!
July 13th, 2009 at 8:27 am
Hey Rod,
You and Paula beat the odds, supposedly 1 out of 2 couples divorce. Out of the 4 boys you are the only one's who have stayed together, and growing old together. After 1 divorce and a 16 year co-habitation, I guess I'm in no rush.
The best of Life for the great Couple and many more to come.
BTW, how did you pick this day?? One more day would have been a week before your birthday, that way you couldn't forget, hee hee.
July 13th, 2009 at 8:37 am
Happy Anniversary Rodney and Paula.
Great story. AND you still have the slip, aaaawwaahhh moment...
July 13th, 2009 at 8:38 am
Wow, 24 years huh? That's awesome! Aunty Paula, you looks so beautiful in the picture, and Uncle Rodney you look so... well... how shall we say... 80's
here's to many more years of wedded bliss for both you!
Aloha!
NEO
July 13th, 2009 at 8:43 am
Happy Anniversary Rodney.
Being married for 24 years is a definite accomplishment...worthy of celebrating.
Having re-celebrated my 39th birthday once again this year, I can say that my marriage is like yours. It has survived, but it has not always been easy. Been married for 22 years now, which means I...uh...got married when I was 17....yeah, that sounds about right...
Got married on the mainland, where we met and all that stuff is fading from my memory now, as is most of my life spent on the mainland. Wish I could write up my first encounters with my wife, but I would leave out too many details. I'm glad you can recall yours.
July 13th, 2009 at 8:44 am
sally:
Soul mates do not always have to be a spouse as you and I have found out. I could never marry mines.....it'd be annulled in a week...maybe quicker
Rodney:
Why not do an Asia tour....Korea and Japan being two of the stops
I would find it more beneficial than seeing a slab of glacier ice and frostbitten toes/fingers 
July 13th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Rodney:
You'll always be the Bank of Dad to your two "kids"....been there and still there
July 13th, 2009 at 8:50 am
Congrats UR & AP
I met IKHEA at school football game, wayyyyyyyy back in 69
(good numba yeah) We dated for bout 9 yrs. 
before we got married 
This comin Thursday will make 32 yrs. for us 
As for the Alasakan cruise GO FOR IT good food, good people and good fun
NKHEA.....so where's dinner tonight
July 13th, 2009 at 8:56 am
AHHA.... I FOUND YOUR WEDDING PICTURE.....HAPPY 24 ANNIVERSARY...I AM behind you almost 19 years .I met my husband at a beautiful park spring May day...four months later married..His blue eyes grab my attention plus his long socks up to hsi knees..he look like his mother dressed him for the day.
HIS IDEA OF HONEYMOON IS HUNTING...stupid guy..I try to sabotage his hunting I make lots of noise while he shoots the poor bird....I end up chasing after a half dead duck then him choking them to death ...on the way home we stop on the side road he was still wearing his hunting gear I told him to take it off his clothes and change..so we stop he put his boots outside on the ground and he proceeded pulling his pants down changing...ALL of a sudden a big huge semi truck stop us and ask if I need help..I told the guy no my husband is just changing..I was laughing sio hard ..we were young stupid and now we got smart 19 years later HE CAN HONEY HIS MOON SOMEWHERE ELSE. I am not going to fall twice him thinkign I will go hunting with him again..OUR HONEY MOON SUPPER DUCKS which I help him clean I feel bad I either scream at him to help him.
I come from indoor type of person then I married an outdoor guy.!
Our first house was an old tiny house we had no cash so we bought this old "doll house " it had a old fashion bath tub ... cute tiny house fit for a tiny person like me. OLD LEAKY ROOF so we fix it up then move after our second child.
No I didn't have my family help me babysit...I was too SCARED to leave my boys with my parents...my mom or dad is not the type that watches baby...I didn't mind letting them watch once awhile my boys got older. My parents house is nto baby proof...so I styaed hoem look after my two boys.....NOW MY BOYS ARE OLDER I AM RELAXING I just watchmy older brother and my younger brother raise thier kids.
My secret of happy married is training my husband to do my way! AND AS SOON AS OUR BOYS TURNED FIVE I TOSS THEM TO DADDY they hang with daddy I relax...THEY LEAVE ME ALONE...AT LAST I AM FREE!
My tears are PMS..so during PMS I MAKE HIM CRY too.
Eventhough he drives me crazy he is my best friend.
If you go on cruise bring lots of gravol !
July 13th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Great wedding photo! Paula hasn't aged, what happened to you Rodney? hahaha
Whea's dinna tonight?
July 13th, 2009 at 9:11 am
First of All Happy Anniversary Rodney and Paula! Many, Many More!
I had returned from Korea via Japan in the USArmy & was stationed at the Presidio of San Francisco in S.F. (Really lucky assignment) The Army was experimenting on a collegiate program for the active duty. Purpose was to increase awareness in education amongs NCO's) Somehow I "squeezed" in as one of the 6 selected to attend college while on active duty. (Anywhere in the US) I chose Univ of San Francisco since it was a small private catholic school (1,700 Total SB)
On campus, I noticed this really cute Filipina gal that looked like she was from Hawaii. A few weeks later (since I was still in service) my buddy and I went to a downtown restaurant and I saw her again! She was working to supplement her tuition. I had not heard "pidgen" in yrs & it
was great. Elaine is from Farrington HS. She lived with her Mom in S.F
One thing led to another...we were married 3 months later. Poor, ( didn"t have a pot to ---- in) struggling, future unknown. All we knew is that we loved each other. Lived in a Studio for 2 yrs in SF while studying.
That was 52 years ago and counting! (Could write a book but no room)
Enjoy your daughters Ron. Before you know it, you & Paula will be grandparents! Another phase of your lives together. Somehow, I know you & Paula will succeed and go on forever! You have the heart & warmth of a good man.
Get em brah!
July 13th, 2009 at 9:21 am
Added note: Didn't have hardly any money, just enough to pay for the blood test, called her at home in the A.M.); we met at the San Francisco City Hall and got married by a judge. (We laughed a few months later because this judge was indicted for something, and we had to check if our marriage was still valid. It was. No wedding reception, just a quiet dinner with her brother and mother.
On my 25th! Had a huge wedding reception with all my associates and mostly haoule friends in a country club. My niece and a large group of Hawaii dancers put a great show of hula, tahitian etc., My haoule friends talk about now when we see one another at reunions, golf tournaments etc., Wow!
July 13th, 2009 at 9:34 am
That's a great story, popo!
July 13th, 2009 at 9:37 am
happy 24th
anniversary Largo & Mrs. Largo! 
AP - whoa! you actually gave out your phone number and address to a "playah" at a night club?! and the infamous Point After playah at that!
nah.....good job you guys. you two make a wonderful couple. i can see the close relationship that you two have every time we get together.
hope you folks grow older together and keep the Eternal Flame burning!
July 13th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Happy anniversary! That was a beautiful wedding picture!
My husband and I met through friends. My best friend was dating his coworker. I wasn't interested in him at all, but I kept running into him around town, and ended up falling in love with him because he's such a nice guy. He's still a nice guy, and we've been married 19 years.
July 13th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Rodney you were married on the same day as Shauna's birthday. Double celebration today.
July 13th, 2009 at 10:34 am
happy 24th anniversary rodney and paula! it's so nice to see a marriage that has lasted so long and is still going strong! congratulations and best wishes for many more happy years together!
i met my husband through an online dating site, too. luckily, his friend was already signed up and encouraged my husband to do the same. now, my husband isn't the best at computers (or typing) so when we first started corresponding, i had to give him the benefit of the doubt. i was nearly sure that he was a japanese national, given his broken english (turned out to be his lack of typing skills!) and screen name! we corresponded online and over the phone for about three weeks before meeting... and we've been together almost every day since.
on our first date, i found out he was related to one of my dad's best friends. later, we found out that our parent's families lived close to each other - my mother's family by his father's family and his mother's family by my father's family. our aunties were best friends, our cousins were best friends. at our wedding, it was like a reunion - so many had met before! now you know why i think it's such a small world... but, i always felt like we were supposed to meet! somehow, the stars were aligned for us...
July 13th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Happy anniversary and congratulations on a wonderful marriage! I hope to be happily married like you two one of these days!
July 13th, 2009 at 11:10 am
So sweet! Congratulations on your 2 dozen years of bliss (mostly). Sounds like you're on for another 24. The happiest of wishes to both of you.
July 13th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Congratulations Rodney and Paula! That's a great wedding photo. Paula looks exactly the same. Rodney, those glasses are something else.
I used to have the bambucha lens glasses like that back in the 80's as well.
My ex-boyfriend introduced Sweetie and me. (Ex-boyfriend was already ex, though we stayed friends.) Our first three dates in 1995 were on successive days of the Folklife Festival, held every Memorial Day weekend in Seattle. We've been together ever since.
Speaking of the ex-boyfriend, he met his wife online. (He's a redheaded Scandihoovian with a thing for Asian girls.) They have two beautiful biracial children (I get Xmas cards from them every year) and I'm REALLY glad he's not my responsibility any more!
July 13th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Happy Anniversary !!
I think that when Paula gave you the deposit slip with her phone number and address she also wanted you to make a deposit in her account !.
July 13th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Wow, Waikahalulu Falls, I know where that is. I used to go there a lot as a kid.
Cool wedding pic.
I can't help but think how things have changed. These days, no one would dare give you a deposit slip like that. Many people do online banking. Not to mention, too many would worry about i.d. theft.
Congrats Mistah and Misses MLC.
July 13th, 2009 at 11:59 am
UR Dude!
you are seriously brave to put up a 25 y.o. pic of yourself online..
when I think about what I looked like 25 years ago, I can only laugh..
course, we look really cool, now, right?
aah, ha ha ha ha ha ha...
July 13th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Congratulations Rodney and Paula,
Are you sure Paula was of age when you married her? In those recent Vegas photos she looks like she’s still in her early 30s.
All the best to the both of you on the road to 25…and beyond.
BTW – Cool Mullet and Stache, Playa.
July 13th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
YAY! Congratulations to UR and AP for 24 years of marriage! Awww too... I was getting all teary while reading! I know you both must be great parents, as you are great people!
AP, Oh.My.Gosh. You were so trusting to give him your phone number on your deposit slip, at a CLUB!!! Hehe.. but I guess you had a feeling UR was a safe guy, so it was okay huh?! hee hee...
UR, I luv the fact that you still have that slip! So sweet!
Wow, July 13 is a pretty popular day. I know a few people have their birthday today too! hee hee... UR and AP, I hope to eventually have a relationship as solid as yours! After being around you both together a few times, I know you folks were meant to be together! Happy 24th!
July 13th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Happy 27th anniversary to ynaku!
Happy 32nd anniversary to NKHEA!
Popoman2: WOW, 52 years together? YAY! Happy 52nd to you!
July 13th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
HNL2LAS: tanks
eh btw; you hea or back dea
Popoman:
wow, congrats on 52 yrs hope we can mak'um too
NKHEA....goin back to work
July 13th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Congratulations Largo and Paula on your anniversary!
I never saw the "deposit slip for digits" thing done before.
So Largo, did you make a deposit soon after?
haha! Sorry, I just HAD to say it.
My wife and I just had our 9 year anniversary, and prior to that had gone out for 5 years, so we've been together a long time.
We met through mutual friends, and it was kinda ODD that we didn't know each other growing up, since we had so many friends in common. We even went to nursery school together!
One of my friends fancies herself a matchmaker, but when I asked for her help in "pursuing," she didn't want to help me!
She didn't think we were a good match, so I had to go about the pursuit myself. So I turned on the charm, and the rest is history. 
HA! In your face, "matchmaker."
July 13th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Happy anniversary Largo and Aunty Paula!
July 13th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Wow, Lau Lau Rod, can't believe you've been married for 24 years.
Btw, I know you guys are going to find a way to get a " detour" for your 25th to Vegas.
July 13th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Congrats Rodney & Paula...Happy anniversary!
Time flies...the mrs. and I celebrated our 33rd earlier this year.
July 13th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
CONGRATULATIONS ROD AND PAULA!
you two are sweetest couple! i'm glad to know both of you.
leslie
July 13th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Funny, Mrs. Bananafysh seemed so sensible when we met her. I guess appearances can be deceiving.
(nahnahnahnahnahnahnahnahnahnah).
BF, my parents were in the same first grade class. Mom claims she doesn't remember Dad from that time. Dad has taken the fifth as to whether he remembers Mom.
July 13th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ducks. I know that's just the tip of the iceberg of the story of you two, right?
Thanks jaydee. You knew her for quite a while before you finally asked her on a date. But look where you guys are today. Way to go
Thanks Matt. And congrats to you and your wife too for celebrating the big 10th. ** fist bump **
Thanks ankles. ** tink ** (champagne glasses)
Thank you sally. Actually, we just don't fall out of love.
Thank you kathi. As our girls got older, life became simpler. So Paula went out and got a couple of dogs. So much for simpler. LOL
27 years. Congrats Ynaku. Don't worry, there will be more opportunities to take your wife on a crusise - when the time is right.
I was hoping there'd be.
Thanks che!
Thanks for sharing your story with us too, M.
High School Classmate?!? Too funny, sally. That site's name wasn't eAlumni was it? j/k
Soul-mates are interesting concept. I guess your job in life is to help and save each other. But hard to do when you're trying to help/save someone from themselves. ...no meant to be.
Yup, be thankful that you have a second chance on a meaningful relationship - and make the most out of it.
Thank you little Maui neice. btw, did you see Banana Fysh's recommendations of Korean restaurants on Maui?
Thank you for the congratulations and well wishes, NeedaHobby.
Thanks OL. Now, show us your wedding picture.
Thanks for the encouragement, Masako.
Thanks Big Bro. We picked this day because it was Shauna's birthday and we figured she'd be busy celebrating so that'd be one less person we have to invite. j/k
Actually, not many people wanted to get married on the 13th. Don't know why - not like it was on a Friday.
Thanks Kage. Took me a little while to find it, but I knew I had it somewhere.
Thanks NEO. Ho, look how black my hair was back then...
Thanks theDman. 22 years is nothing to sneeze at either. Congratulations to you too!
Oh, we like the cold. Asia tour? Hmm... means the in-laws would be coming too.
You mean it doesn't get any better?
32 years this Thursday?! Congrats NKHEA and IKHEA! It's your folks Alaskan cruise photos that got us thinking about it.
Dinner tonight: Paesano's
That's all you could ever ask for...
Okay, that's it. Time to have BananaFysh "freshen up" the picture.
What a beautiful story Popoman2. 52 years! Wow. It's folks like you that keep the dream alive for us - to grow old together. Thank you for your kind words and for being such an inspiration to so many other couples.
A true rag to riches love story. Thanks again for being a part of MLC, Popoman2.
Touching, yeah?
Thanks opso. And mahalo for the dedication song. Now, let's find you someone.
Congratulation on 19 years and going, 9th Island Girl. Funny how you kept running into him around town. Almost as though "fate" was ready to slap you folks in the head and say "Helloooo....". Thanks for sharing your story with us.
I know. Cheap sale, yeah? We got married first. Then she was born on our anniversary! Wait, how old IS that girl?
And you call me a Japanese tourist? You married a Japanese national !
Just joking, snow. Thanks for the congrats and well wishes. And thanks for sharing your story with us.
Japanese National. Wait until I see him again...
Thanks Shauna. We're hoping you'll be happily married one of these days too - we like go wedding. j/k. Happy Birthday hugs to you!
Thank you Evie, and welcome to Midlife Crisis blog. I'm thrilled that the first time you're posting to MLC is to give Paula and me your happiest wishes. Thank you again for posting and please stop by MLC again.
Aww, so sweet. And with all that cold weather there, I bet you folks get to cuddle up often. Thanks for posting KAN. btw, I still have those frames. I should... nah.
Unfortunately, I didn't have much to deposit in those days. And she married me anyway! Thanks for the well wishes, chicorex
Even had her SSN on the slip too! Now days, they say "let me just call you from my phone and you can add my number to your phonebook".
Exactly, uncle jimmy. Reverse psychology.
Ho, I had it all, eh? And Paula took me away from all that (although I'm slowly getting my mullet back - MLC style). Thanks, King Katonk!
Thanks H2L. You deserve someone nice too. But don't go out looking for him. Let him come to you.
Touch'e.
Shoots.
Rodney....trying to wrap up so not late for dinner
But the question we want to know is: Did you bus' out da teet? If you had da teet and she still married you, it was true love.
Thanks BananaFysh !
Thank you Syxx. I can always count on you to stop on by. Thanks.
Either that or we just take another vacation and go Vegas.
Ho, brah - 24 years. Almost half my lifetime ago. K, gotta go. Thanks shoyu burner.
July 13th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Rodney,
You have two daughters....better win a lottery or the progressive in Vegas on your next trip
My 14th anniversary was in April....of being single.
. I always check the single box on any form that I fill out. I am legally 'single'...why is it any ones business that I'm divorced 
As for honeymoons, do you have to be married to have one 
Can't you still call it one if you aren't 
My soul mate disagrees.....she said I MUST be married in order to have one. I must be in an 'early harmonious period' 
according to this definition:
A honeymoon is the traditional holiday taken by newlyweds (or between two people in an early harmonious period in a relationship) to celebrate their marriage in intimacy and seclusion.
July 13th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Relationships... it's an interesting thing isn't it? So yah, my soulmate story is great but wait, I neva tell you about the other ones that so Un-Soul!!! LOL
Life goes on...
July 13th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Happy anniversary Rodney and Paula. Go on that cruise!! Just remember to pack warm clothes. Next year Japan and Korea.
July 13th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Truely didn't mean to take away from your very blessed Anniversary Rodney.
Thanks Jaydee for the comment.
Thank you for the wells wishes HNL2LAS
Thank you NKHEA
People from Hawaii are the best!
July 13th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Congrats Uncle Rodney and Aunty Paula !!
24 years!! That's like 3 years longer than I've been alive!!
I love the pic of Aunty Paula and Audy Kimura.
Wifey and I have been married for almost 6 years. Met at UH and with the help of some super good hypnosis, she married me(at Manoa Valley Church too!!). She is the most patient person I know. She has to be!!
July 13th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Happy Anniversary Rod and Paula! Congratulations on your many years of marriage. You such a sentimental guy, keeping the phone number piece of paper!
Thanks for sharing your story too. The early years are tough and it's great that you two are still going strong!
July 13th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Happy Anniversary rodney!
This was sooooo great that i just had to share it with everybody!!!
YAH BABY!!
OMG LOL!!
today is a helluva day for me, i got a few packages in the mail ( 08 prime cuts 4 baseball box, 08 upper deck ultimate collections football box, 08 upper deck premier football box, 08 topps sterling baseball box.
i opened up the premier football box 1st and it kind of sucked but the 6th of 7 cards was a 7 color triple patch autograph card of tom brady, brett farve, joe montana & the 7th card was manufactured superbowl half time autograph patch from micheal jackson. Those 2 cards alone was so awesome looking and actually made that box worth it!!
i opened the 08 topps sterling box 2nd, right off the bat the mystery card sucked but the main box was a honus wagner box and every card sucked except for the big hit which was a triple autograph card (1 of a kind) of honus wagner, ty cobb, rogers hornsby lol. i did'nt even want to open the other 2 boxes because after that it would take a lot to not be a disapointment, but i figured "the force was with me" today so i kept going.
i did a lil eenie meanie miney moe and opened the 08 prime cuts 4 box 3rd (this is a very expensive box and kind of wanted to save it for last but oh well). the box only has 5 cards but i got: souvenir cut signature of dizzy dean, jumbo swatch of jersey card from satchel paige, 4 autograph card of johny bench/ pete rose/ joe morgan/ barry larken, triple jersey card of shoeless joe jackson/ jackie robinson/ ted williams. this was definitely the best box break i have ever had in my life, my hand was friggin shaking man i just could'nt believe it (i started thinkin if i stepped on dog doodoo or something). after those breaks i almost did'nt care what came out of the last box and expected it to suck because i had already scored and made out like a bandit, but here we go for the last box.
i opened the 08 ultimate collection football box last, this box only has 4 cards in but only had 3 (told ya this one was gonna suck), 1st card was crap, 2nd was worst than crap, 3rd card was an autograph card WAIT A MINUTE; OMG LOL A TIGER WOOD AUTOGRAPH CARD (this is extremely rare insert gang)!!!
now that was unbelievable in fact if i did'nt see it happen no way would i ever believe it, but i recorded the whole thing which is PRICELESS and am gonna put it on you tube after dinner. these cards are sick man!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL
July 13th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Ohhh Congratulations also to:
Dman on 22 years.
9th Island girl on 19 years.
Matt for 10 years.
YAY! To you all!
July 13th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Hey Rodney.........prior to getting married, "Ocean Hater" MADE ME take one of those "Headshots"..........the two of us. She took 1/2 an hour getting all gussied up and I thought they'd do the same to me.
All they did was get a lil "duster" thing and some powder and dusted my forehead/nose......and that was it! I was "prepped" in like 3 minutes!
I was kinda bummed.............but I guess I'm so HANDSOME that nevah need the other 27 minutes!
OL
July 13th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Happy anniversary Rodney and Paula!
July 13th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Brother Love - I used collect back in the 90's. Back then didn't have all of those "inserts" and special cards. I wasn't into buying boxes or packs...mostly individual cards and some factory sets.
Sounds like you really scored! You got a autograph Tiger Woods in a football box? You must have invested some for those boxes...
July 13th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
yah visitor those boxes are expensive and you only get 1 pack of 5-7 cards but its supposed to be the cream of the crop so to speak. That tiger woods card was a rare insert in that product and that is only the 2nd of that box that i have ever broke wax on because i hear alot of complaints from ppl who tried it and was'nt happy w/ what they got.
the cheapest of those boxes were 100$ and to be honest i dont wanna say how expensive the prime cut 4 box was lol...
July 13th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
@ Opso; hey man cool song, neva hea dat song in sooooo long.
@ Rod; so you help da other Yobo; but leave this one out to dry?? Some braddah ur, j/k.
All the sociable girls I meet now days are just that "girls". Kinda met a old g/f and trying to meet with her again, except da thing is I went dump her for ur ex-boss's wife (HFM) and they were both good friends. Man talk about soap opera life.
July 13th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
NKHEA: I still hea, hehe.. I'm not dea yet.
July 14th, 2009 at 7:50 am
Morning UR and everybody else
Brother Love; check out my post on WWD
HNL2LAS; gat-cha u hea yet not dea
NKHEA....goin
July 14th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Happy Anniversary Rodney
Wife and I also met at the Point After...married 23 years.
I bet a playa like you trolled over towards the back of the club huh?
Go on that Alaska cruise...its a good one. We went because our son, who was conceived 3 yrs. after meeting at the Point...danced on the ship. Bring warm clothes and binoculars (beautiful scenery)...Casino on board too.
July 14th, 2009 at 9:06 am
Good Morning Rodney!
July 14th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Congratulations, Rodney and Paula. My wife and I just clebrated our 25th anniversary last week. Nothing special was planned. We traveled this past March and will travel again in September. Back in fall of 1981, I was in the Japanese Jaycees and we had a mixed bowling league, where some members would invite single women to bowl with us. My wife and I were on the same team. We were married on 07/07/84 next to the man-made waterfall outside the Waialae Room at the Kahala Hilton. A luncheon reception for about 200 followed in the Waialae Room. No secret to marriage -- but I did learn to listen a lot more. The following is not true, but I like to tell this story: My wife and I decided to split decision making. I would make all the major decisions and she would make all the minor decisions; and it's worked well -- we have yet to come across a major decision. One more thing about growing old: George Burns once said, "You can't help getting oldER, but you don't have to get OLD."
July 14th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Mike in Waipio, and my other favorite saying on this subject: Steve Laurence and Edie Gorme were always praised for having a sweet marriage and for many years. They would never fail to say, "It's because we have never, NEVER, had a serious conversation about anything!"
Rodney, since you hinted: yes there is a great deal more to my wedding story, but most important is the stature of my Beloved. I have met a few movers and shakers, seen leaders and history makers from afar; but his life has intersected with history so many times, it still takes my breath away.
He talked the other night about his friend, (a member of the imperial family), and being in the palace with the Emperor of Japan for lunch. I was stunned.
Not long after that he was knighted by QE2, and made her laugh, by kneeling and saying, "I cant believe I am baring my neck to a woman with a sword".
He says she is the nicest person, and "just a little bitty thing".
He was a POW in Viet Nam, then a Navy SEAL, 4 tours including corpsman with the Walking Dead (Marines), and he still lives.
Ironically he came home to his small children and wife, and on 9/11 his only daughter was a translator at the United Nations in WTC, and never came home to her small children and husband.
He was with Red Cross in NY that day and for 4 months. He was with them in Kosovo, and the Sudan, and South America, all over the world and the US.
He wears rodeo championship belt buckles, has written hundreds of country songs, knew, travelled and played with many big stars. His dearest friend was Chris Ledoux.
Evangelist, minister, mission director, physician, and things I do not even know yet. (me: "Paintings? What paintings??")
Yet his face is only recognized by a few who miraculously came home, and call him "Doc". It fascinates me.
July 14th, 2009 at 10:25 am
Wedding picture of my Haole Boy, (ok, so this was his son's wedding, but love the western tux ~)
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=33923&l=a0d6755736&id=1799835695
July 14th, 2009 at 11:09 am
UR..
sorry, but, took time to make fun of your pic but fo'got to wish you da kine..
rude, yeah?
so, was t'inking, me an' da kine have been together since about '85, too..
wow, guess time flies whether you're having fun or not...
so, overdue, but.. Happy Anniversary to you an' AP, Rodney..
Aloha!
July 14th, 2009 at 11:22 am
oooh, da phone numbah t'ing wen ring a bell finally..
so da kine was my student back in hmmm, '82 in LA (one real cute Katonk).. but nevah say noteen' uddah den hi, do your homework.. (silent crush)..
den move back to HI an' came back to LA in '84 to teach a seminar an' dere she was.. (still cute).. nevah say noteen' but hi, how's it going? (silent crush paht 2)..
den move to HK fo' 2 years, den back to LA, den teacheen' again an' went to the seminar peopo to look up her phone number WHICH I WAS CARRYING IN MY WALLET.. (silent but serious crush)..
den she wen walk in my seminar class 2 months after returning to LA, so aftah class she walks up and says, "You probably don't remember me, but.."
"Don't remember you? I've had a crush on you the entire time.."
"Well, you never said anything"..
"Well, perhaps we should have a chat. After all, I was going to call you"..
We've been togethah evah since.. kind of a Harry Met Sally t'ird times da chahm story.. hoo, t'anks, eh, Rodney, haven't t'ought of dat story in a loooong time...
July 14th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Congrats Rodfatha!
July 14th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Congrats right back at you visitor. 33 years is nothing to sneeze at. Here's to you and the mrs. *clink*
Thank you Leslie. I've said it before and I'll keep saying it - MLC wouldn't have been possible without you. Thanks for being a great friend of ours.
LOL - can you image what BF looked like in the first grade? Probably the same as he looks today - just in a smaller package. But still with facial hair (Uchinanchu das why). LOL
Ahh, but the key phrase is "to celebrate their marriage in intimacy and seclusion.". But how do you read it: "to celebrate their marriage, in intimacy and seclusion" or "to celebrate, their marriage in intimacy and seclusion"? Either way, you're both right.
Does that have something to do with the Beatles naming their album "Rubber Soul"? These soul and un-soul mates keep bouncing back.
Thanks NaPueo. No, next year we go on the cruise. Maybe after that, Japan and Korea. I'm sure Paula's parent might want to go on that one.
Oh, no popoman2. You didn't take away from our anniversary - you celebrated it with us by sharing your story. This blog isn't just about me, it's for all of us Baby Boomers (and Gen X, and Gen Y, etc.) to share our stories and memories and remember the good ol' days. We love having you here.
bamboohouse808 - next time you come down to Hy's Steak House, come up and see me. Not only will I play a song for you, I'll catch your tab.
Thanks Tankobu. When I was looking for that paper, Paula asked "what you doing?". I didn't want to tell her. I wanted her to see it on the blog. Yeah, I'm a sentimental guy. Others call me a pack rat.
Way to go Brother Love! Thanks for sharing your happiness with us. Send us the youTube link. I'm curious to see the cards.
And congratulations to you too H2L - for ah... um... a... for not getting a ticket for talking on your phone while driving.
Either that or the guy figured was HOPELESS and just went through the motions for make believe he putting on make up on you. j/k
Thank you gecko!
NKHEA was telling us that they used to have a store that sold cards.
Wow, just like going to Vegas. Drop $100 in the machine and hope something comes back worth more than what you put in.
Nah, let bygones by bygones. Tell her you were young and stupid back then but now you're more mature. That's true, right?
Don't forget to let NKHEA know before you go. I think he said something about throwing you one BIG going-away party.
...throw H2L one BIG going away party
Hi NWkanaka - welcome to Midlife Crisis (MLC). You and your wife met at The Point too? And married 23 years! Way to go. Trolled over towards the back of the club? You got that right - the back bar. Did you used to hang out with us there? And at Ala Moana beach on Sundays too? Playing volleyball at Keyhole? Okay, maybe TMI here. Lol.
On LGF (Let's Go Fishing) this past Sunday, they were showing some people fishing in Juneau. Ho the nice. Not that Paula and I going fishing, but the clean crisp air and beautiful scenery. I'm sold!
Hey M, we had dinner at Paesano's last night. In and out within an hour.
Congratulations on 25 years, Mike in Waipio. I like your words of wisdom. Kind of like mine: I always get the last say - "yes, dear:.."
But like anything in life, if you look for reasons to fight, you'll find them. And when these little fights come up, you just have to ask yourself "is this the hill I want to die on?". Then you come to your senses and tell yourself "don't sweat the small stuff". And it's all good once again.
As my Aikido sensei taught us, you have to be like the bamboo tree and flow with the force. Then after it passes, you stand right back up again.
Wow.
What a stately man. And with so much history. And that's not taking into account the odds that he has already beaten. Ducky, you need to write all this stuff down!
Thanks Unca juncz. I never even noticed. By you being here to post on this entry - that's enough aloha for me. But thanks for the official aloha.
Thanks for sharing it with us unca juncz. You have to believe in fate and trust that things happen when they do for the right reasons. Maybe if you guys had hooked up earlier, one of you may not have been ready to settle down. But in time, when the time's right, your paths crossed yet again. This time, forever.
Thanks WWE. btw, did you make 1 year yet? Gotta eat the cake, ya know.
July 14th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Rodney................"fist bump"!
OL..........giving credit to Rodney for a good one
July 14th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
NKHEA: said
July 14th, 2009 at 7:50 am
Morning UR and everybody else
Brother Love; check out my post on WWD
HNL2LAS; gat-cha u hea yet not dea
NKHEA....goin
thanks for the response, i only saw it now lol. yah it was like hitting da jackpot bro to be honest that has to be the best card box break i have ever had in my life for sure.
rodney i kind of got sidetracked yesterday and didnt realize you have to make a you tube acct to post up stuff but i will get to it today. i may have to put it in parts because the whole recording was about 1/2 hr with all the high five celebrations and stuff..
July 14th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
UR; good idea
we go have goin away pah-tay for HNL2LAS 
HNL2LAS; when you goin stay leave us
lets us know so we get excuse to pah-tay 
NKHEA.....just waitin for pah-tay
July 14th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Wow, I had to wait a LONG time to scroll down to the end! Congratulations on 24 years together, in this day and age that is nothing to sneeze at and that is wonderful! May the years be kind to you and yours and thanks for sharing your story, happy anniversary and many more!
July 14th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
togethah fo' evah.. hoo, did you have to bring dat up?
July 14th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
@Melissa K. - Thanks Melissa!
July 14th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Rod and Paula: Small kind late, but Congratulations on 24 years...
We've been married 13 years next month.
July 15th, 2009 at 8:53 am
Thanks Ukuhead! Early congrats to you and wifey.
July 15th, 2009 at 11:09 am
Congratulations! We have the same anniverary with you and also celebrated our 24th also. And many more!
July 15th, 2009 at 11:28 am
Brenda - Happy 24th anniversary to you too! And welcome to Midlife Crisis! Thanks for posting. Were you hesitant to choose the 13th? Apparently, it turned out to be a lucky day after all.
July 15th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
I was at first, but it turned out to be a good day for us also!