Turn, Turn, Turn

Good evening, Gentle Readers.

First of all, I apologize for the lack of updates recently. I have been running around a lot since I returned from vacation and only now do I feel like I am back in the swing of things. I have a few photos from L.A. to post here, but that will have to wait at least another day.

You see, three women I know, all of whom were about my age or younger, have died in the last week and a half. They died over an eleven-day period, to be specific. Yes, people die, even young people, but as you can imagine, I'm kind of in shock from it all. So I'd like to use this little chronicle today to remind you to embrace life, joy and happiness as much as possible. We all have responsibilities, but make as much time for the things that make you smile, whatever they may be, as you can. Spend as much time with the people you love and admire as you can, and let them know that you love and admire them.

Because you just never know. Life is precious and short, and you just never know what's coming tomorrow.

Endless Summer Progress Report

Well, gentle readers, I have less than 48 hours left in my vacation, and I will be honest and admit that I'm feeling a bit blue about that fact. As much as I love my "real" life, vacation is much better.

Honolulu has been wonderful this week, as always. The weather has been virtually perfect: 80 degrees and sunny every day. In February. I say the weather has been "virtually perfect" because it got a little windy today, which made the beach a bit difficult. It's hard to relax while maintaining a tight grip on your sun hat and deflecting the sand that occasionally blows in your face. However, 80 degrees and windy is significantly better than 60 degrees and windy, the natural state of Ocean Beach in San Francisco. Anyway, here is a summary of what I've been doing, if you're interested. I think you'll find that Winter Vacation 2012 is progressing quite nicely.

Afternoons spent at the beach: At least a portion of every one since I arrived (even today, despite the wind).
Mai Tai's consumed: Three. So far.
Mornings spent exercising in Ala Moana Park before breakfast, the beach or Champagne Hour: Every one.
Books read: Two. Alison Arngrim's Confessions of a Prairie Bitch, which I actually finished on the flight here, and The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by Heidi W. Durrow
Karaoke songs sung: So far three. "Son of a Preacher Man", "Dream A Little Dream of Me" and "Only the Lonely" (The Motels, not Roy Orbison). Rest assured that more songs will be sung before I fly home.
Layers of sunscreen applied: Too many to count.
Hours spent playing poker on my phone, mostly while on the beach: Also countless.
Large bottles of Perrier sparkling mineral water consumed: Probably fifteen so far. One has to stay hydrated in this tropical heat.
Number of cheesy Lifetime Movie Network films watched during Champagne hour with Diva Mommy: One. Flirting with Forty starring Heather Locklear. Easily one of the best terrible movies ever made.

That's the update from here. Even though I only have a few more hours in Paradise, I intend to enjoy every one of them. And I'll try not to be in too sour a mood when I have to return to reality in a day and a half.

More and More Aloha

Aloha, gentle readers. I am taking yet another holiday in Hawaii, and it is, of course, wonderful. This is part two of Winter Break 2012 for me (the first being my weekend in L.A.). I have never been to Hawaii in the winter, but is just as lovely on February 1st as it is in the Spring and late Summer.

I arrived just about 27 hours ago, but already my trip has included home-cooked meals, Champagne Hour, lots of sleep and needless to say, the beach. Karaoke also will be involved, along with more champagne, beach time and delicious sleep. I'll write more and post more photos later, but for now enjoy these shots. I took them with my trusty cell phone at Ala Moana Beach Park yesterday afternoon. Now, Waikiki awaits me. Until the next time, my lovelies!