Learn how to be a good listener and let your friend know that you are there for them if they want to vent about their condition or if they'd rather talk about something else. Either way, having someone to talk to can be a huge relief to someone who is ill. Be honest with your friend if you don't know what to say. Illness often makes people uncomfortable, and that's ok. What is important is for you to be present for your friend and offer your support. Tell your friend that you are there for her no matter what. If you can't be physically present with your friend, send a card or make a phone call. It's easy to send a text or make a Facebook post, but mail and phone calls feel more personal and will feel more thoughtful to the recipient. Consider writing a thoughtful letter. This can be easier if you are someone who doesn't know what to say around people who are in difficult situations. You can write a letter, and then take time to edit it and rewrite it if you feel like you haven't conveyed your feelings well. Focus on kind wishes, prayers for recovery, and good news that is unrelated to their illness. While its important to respect your friend's privacy, if your friend is open to questions they can be a great way to learn more about her condition and to find out more ways that you can support her. You can research her illness online, but asking her questions is the only way to know how her condition affects her as an individual, and just as importantly, how she feels about what she is experiencing. If your friend has kids, they are probably feeling isolated, lonely, and confused. Depending on the severity of her illness, they may also be feeling scared, angry, and worried. They need someone to talk to, and if they know and trust you, you can serve as a mentor and friend to them during this time. Take them out for ice cream and let them talk to you. Don't force them to say more than they seem comfortable. Some children just need you there as a reassuring force in their lives, while others may want to pour out all their feelings to you. Be open to their lead, and follow up with them every few days or weeks, depending on how close you are.

Summary: Talk to your friend. Send a card or make a phone call. Ask questions. Talk to her children.

Keep the graphic or child's name visible and facing outward. Slide the ring toy through the top so they hold the two blanket ends. Slide the toy until it is almost all the way down to the diaper tire. Check that it fits snugly. Slide a small piece of rolled-up light cardboard inside each handlebar roll. Try to pin in place if they don't hold naturally. You may need to pin the toy in place, especially if the toy is pliable. You now have a fun, cute and very useful gift to give to the expectant mom.

Summary: Pin the bib to the top of the front diaper tire. Hold the ends of the front diaper tire blanket upward. Insert the baby bottle above the bib and underneath the ring toy. Create more definition and strength in the handlebars. Stuff the baby socks with a small amount of tissue paper to puff up the garment. Top the handlebars with one sock on each side. Add the second bib to the back diaper tire the same way you added the first bib to the front. Prop the stuffed toy on top so it appears that the toy is riding the motorcycle. Finished.

The most important element to choosing your straightening tool is to find one that feels natural and makes straightening easier for you. However, a good rule of thumb is to select flat irons that are thinner for short hair and thicker for long hair. Before choosing a flat iron, consider the thickness or type of your hair. Thicker hair may require a wider flat iron to straighten a relatively small section, as this hair type makes it more difficult for heat to penetrate the layers of hair. If you have very dry hair, choose a lower heat setting to avoid frying hair. Flat irons can heat up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 Celsius) or higher. If your hair is thick or coarse, you'll want to choose a high heat setting between 350 and 400 Fahrenheit (176 to 204 Celsius). If your hair is fine or damaged, use lower heat between 250 and 300 Fahrenheit (121 to 148 Celsius). You can either blow dry or allow hair to air dry as you wish. Many people are under the mistaken assumption that blow drying damages hair. If you use a protectant spray, blow drying can actually make your hair healthier and easier to manage. This is largely due to the fact that blow drying prevents tangling that may occur when hair is allowed to air dry, and by brushing as you dry, the cuticles of hair are flattened making hair appear sleeker. Make sections on both sides of the head and down the back. Lift and separate the top layers of each section, and clip them to your head, leaving only the very bottom layer of hair free in each section. Starting with the bottom layer, select strands that are slightly thinner than your flat iron. You don't want hair to get pulled or broken by attaching to other parts of the iron. Gently move the iron from the top of hair, as close to your head as possible, all the way to the tips of hair. Continue until each strand is straightened. Typically, you'll need to go over each strand at least three to four times, depending how curly your hair is.

Summary: Choose a flat iron. Set your iron to the right temperature. Start with dry hair. Separate hair into layers. Iron each strand.

The race starts at 5 am, so it's important to get there early. It's important to know the marathon route, as all streets are closed overnight and re-opened during certain hours throughout the day. Avoid thinking and concentrating on running like it's the only thing on your mind. There are lots of Pacific Ocean sights over Kalanianaole Highway and Diamond Head, so take a breath and enjoy the views. Take advantage of any water cups or sponges as you move along. Even if it's throwing the water on your hair or the back of your shirt, you will feel better and more energized. The marathon doubles up along Kalanianaole Highway, so cheer on encouragement to those on the other side of the road. There is a lot of Aloha spirit and even if it's cheering on a Japanese participant, everyone has fun.
Summary: Arrive at Ala Moana Beach Park. Take in the views. Hydrate yourself at all times. Cheer on others.