The Many Aromas of Hawaii

I don't have too much time to write.

I have to exercise.

I have to get bathing suit ready.

We are heading to Hawaii.

The island of Aloha.

Paradise.

Where you can walk around with no bra and a sarong and call it dressy.

I can smell the hibiscus, the plumeria, the mai tais.

Once before we landed in Kauai, the garden isle.

This time for our 15 year anniversary we will visit the big island.

Volcano island I call it.

Hot molten lava bubbling before your eyes, can you imagine?!

I now smell sulfur dioxide.

*inhale, exhale.*

Black sand beaches.
 
How 'bout them apples?

And, I thought earthquakes were the wildest thing I've experienced.

Wait, Hawaii has both!

All I know is that my husband and I are already booked for the Volcano Bike Ride and Wine Tasting.

Because those things go well together.

I think the wine is in those backpack hydration kits.

Did I mention we're going alone?

Sans kiddoes?

Sans is a fancy word for without.

With. Out.

For a week.

Kona is where we're headed. The birthplace coffee, probably. I'm not a history buff.

But, mmmm...the smell of coffee. In Paradise.

There's a snorkling cruise and BBQ I've already booked too.

Again, because having a grilled burger is what I always crave after seeing Nemo.

Paradise I tell you.

Par.a.dise.

Something to Look Forward To.

I'm distracted.

Something is preventing me from sleeping lately.

It's not a good feeling when at 4 am you are up, eyes wide, and the quiet is deafening around you.

Your head spins with stuff.

Bills. Deadlines. Appointments. Schedules.

You want an "off button" but the switch is broken.

I turn on the iTouch, the light is blinding even on the lowest brightness.

I surf around on Twitter, Facebook, email.

Nothing helps.

It's too early to get up.

I would hate to wake a kid and have them up, cranky, and sharing in my insomnia.

It's the time of year that I would have gotten away for a long weekend with my girlfriends for a recharge.

That isn't happening.

I need recharging.

I begin to plan in my head the trip that I've been waiting to take for years. 

My hubby and I celebrate 15 years married next year. 

We need to get away.  Just the two of us.

For a week at least.

To recharge.

Maybe that's it.  I lack something grand to look forward to.

Aside from the holidays that are creeping in. 

Ready for something all about us.  Remember US.  Came before the kids.  Gets lost in the shuffle most often.

US needs to get away.

 .....

Forget sheep, I need to count palm fronds to lull me back to sleep.

Hammock in the sand.

Mai Tais.

Waves crashing.

Warm ocean water.

Just him, just me.

Us.

Something to dream about...

Fourteen and Forever to Go

Tomorrow is our 14th wedding anniversary.

18.5 years together if you get technical.  Since the day he asked me to be his girlyfriend.

The traditional theme-gift, ivory.

Like we have room in the house for a piano or wooly mammoth.

So now what?

If I ask him what he wants, he'll just say, "I've got everything I need."

Which is super sweet, but such a lie.

He likes to read, maybe a new book...on the ivory trade or something?

Nothing says love like books on illegal stuff.

Hmm.

And, what will he get me?


An elephant figurine or something....like those ladies at Bingo have lined up on the table for good luck.

I'm pretty sure a last minute card from Quick Stop will show up...and one of those roses with the water tube on the bottom.

Just like his very first gift to me.

His second was a gas cap.

I'm the luckiest woman in the world.

Seriously.

I just came back from a weekend away with my girlfriends.  We saw Sex and the City, dined out, walked by the beach, stayed in a hotel, visited with friend who has since moved to Texas.

Hubby stayed and managed the house and kids and drama.

That's the best present I could have.  I owe you!

I love you honey.

Happy 14th!  Here's to forever!