On the last Saturday of 2007, after I helped to make mochi at Jodo Shu (Buddhist), I picked up kadomatsu and mochi for my home, business office, and state capitol office for good luck.
On new year's eve, I spent time with my family and relatives at my uncle's house in Kapahulu. We ate good food and popped fireworks for good luck.
On new year's day, my family and I attended Jodo Shu's new year service. We prayed to my Karamatsu grandparents at Jodo Shu, where they have a niche. We stopped by Shinnyo-en (Buddhist) and attended the ending of their new year's service. Then we went to Diamond Head Cemetary to pray to my Sakai grandparents. After that, we went to the Daijingu shrine (Shinto) to get blessed by the Shinto reverend and get omomori (good luck items) for ourselves and our homes. I got omomori for my offices. Next, we stopped at the Izumo Taisha shrine (Shinto) to get blessed and more omomori. We ate dim sum at the Chinese Cultural Plaza.
Finally, my family watched the University of Hawaii (UH) football game against University of Georgia. Although UH lossed, I was happy to see how hard they tried. Just to get to the BCS Sugar Bowl was a feat in itself.
I already typed out my 2008 resolutions in October and November of 2007, so I have already been hard at work before 2008 arrived. All my bills for the 2008 legislative session were submitted in October 2007 and are being researched. I have been working hard on my business. I did some volunteer work for community organizations. I sent out a brochure to the entire 41st State House district in December 2007. I am revising my campaign plans and preparation for 2008. I am working on the non-profit organization for Peace Day Hawaii. I am slowly chipping away and writing more content for my novel. I have been exercising about four times a week, two hours a day, trying to stay “cut.” I spend more time with my family. I hang out with my friends when I have a chance.
I am starting to feel normal again after my DUI incident, but I have increased my determination a 100 times stronger, which is nuts because I was already goal-driven before my incident. In my life as an athlete, student, and now politician, I was often the underdog because I wasn't the biggest, smartest, or most talented, but I always tried my best. I create my strategies for all my goals and work at them non-stop. My strategies are in my head everyday, every hour, even when I am running or lying in bed. I have a hard time sleeping because I am always thinking. If only, we didn't have to sleep. With the adversity in my life, I am determined to do the best that I can.
I wish all of you a safe and happy 2008! Cherish your loved ones. Pray to those who passed away and pray to all your ancestors, even if you never met them. Knowing that you think about them, means a lot. Help others and when you fall, maybe someone will be there to help you up. Enjoy life. You never know when your time in this world will end. Time is limited. Therefore, go all-out in all your dreams!
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 