We're Back...

We're back and it's 48 degrees here - cold and windy!

Pictures are uploaded, but no time to post now.

Here's a preview, though:

On the plane, euphoric and enthused, despite the 10 hour plane ride

Waikiki Beach, 85 degrees

Sunset on the West side of Oahu, at the Ko Olina Resort

On Vacation

Busy Week

I haven't posted in a week and with good reason. Or maybe not such a good reason.

Work.

It has consumed me.

The only thing that is going to get me through this week (well, today, since I've already worked all week) is knowing that tomorrow, we are leaving for a very much anticipated (and needed) vacation.

I hope to return with stories of the hula, Blue Hawaii's, and Elvis sightings.

Well, maybe not Elvis sightings, but definitely of Blue Hawaii's. :)

Karma

A few months ago, I posted about an old friend who I felt betrayed me.

Since that day, I hadn't really thought about her, and certainly hadn't lost any sleep or anything like that.

This morning, another friend called me give me news that she heard through the grapevine.

Turns out, there is a divorce pending.

Karma can really kick a person in the tush sometimes, eh?

And while I can only imagine how much it sucks to get divorced, I actually smiled when I heard the news.

It was a great way to start my weekend.

My Ultimately Favorite Superhero

Mike, 1971

Two of My Favorite Superheroes

Making Lists

I know that everyone does it: those lists.

I keep a list for everything. I have a work list. A grocery list. A wish list. A 'to do' list. I even have a packing list.

The packing list. There's a reason behind this, seriously.

Anyone that knows me understands that I do not like messes. I hate piles of stuff on my counter tops and on the bed and dressers. I have to put the laundry away. I have to put *all* the groceries away. Basically, if there isn't a spot for it in my house, I don't want it.

Simple enough, right?

Nah, it could never be that easy.

Mike is the complete opposite. He can leave a stack of clothes on top of his dresser for weeks without it bothering him. He will take a shirt one day, a shirt another day, and before you know it, his stack is gone and he hasn't opened a dresser drawer in a week or two. On the other hand, if I see that, my skin automatically starts to itch and I *must* put the stuff away.

When it comes to packing, Mike will throw stuff in a corner or on top of an extra bed and then pack it in a bag the night before we are due to leave. I can't do that. It's is physically impossible for me to do that.

So I make a packing list. It looks something like this:

• three bathing suits
• four pairs of socks
• five pairs of shorts
• five t-shirts
• two button down shirts
• two pairs of capris
• two pairs of flip flops
• purple sneakers
• shampoo/conditioner
• deodorant
• toothpaste
• camera
• camera charger
• extra memory card for camera
• aspirin/tylenol/motrin

and so on.

This method has worked for me for years. I've never forgotten anything. Except batteries once. :)

So, today, I start my list for Hawaii.

But first I have to check off stuff from my work list. Tee hee hee.

Yes, I'm sick I tell ya. But don't you (my three faithful readers) have a quirk that identifies you?

Excitement Builds

It's a shame that I don't live in Florida anymore. Not because of the heat or humidity. It's because I can't be there to celebrate like these folks:

As of this morning, the mighty Florida Gators were ranked second in the nation, right after Ohio State. Where is florida state? What? Unranked? Oh, yeah, that's right. So sad for the 'noles.

Not really.

Okay, now that I have gloated, I will say that it's a shame the Yankees didn't have the same luck this weekend. Actually, it's not a shame as far as their playing, but more a shame for me because I spent all day yesterday listening to Mike replay their season and his disappointment in the team. At least now, we won't have to watch the World Series while we are on vacation.

Which, coincidentally, starts in 11 days. I need a pedicure.

Chatter During the Day

He calls me at work to tell me he's home from the grocery (nevermind the fourteen phone calls beforehand, asking me what kind of Tampax is the right one).

Him: I'm home from the grocery store.

Me: Did you get everything on the list I left for you?

Him: All of it.

Me: Are you sure? How much did you spend? Did you use all the coupons I left for you?

Him: I dunno. But I bought a chicken.

I can hear him chomping away. Immediately, I am worried that he's bought perishable items and they are sitting on the counter, growing all kinds of bacteria, as he stands there - yes, stands there - eating a supermarket chicken right out of the container.

Me: You bought a whole chicken?

Him (in his Otis voice, from Superman): It's a little bitty thing. A little bitty chicken.

Me: Okay, enjoy it.

I am clearly defeated in the training of the husband.

Then, out of the blue, he shouts out: Pollito!

Not only can I not train my husband, he makes fun of me constantly.

Welcome to the Party

The pity party, that is.

Honestly, I must have some degree of that seasonal disease, because for the last few weeks (ever since the weather changed to autumn) , I have been feeling down in the dumps.

Work stinks.

I can't seem to get the house as clean as I want it.

I am sleeping a bunch.

Oh, and did I mention that work stinks?

The only thing making me feel slightly better is the start of Grey's Anatomy and Dancing with the Stars. And tonight, the season premiere of Lost. Which, if you think about it, makes me really pathetic.

At least I still have my charm and good looks.

Thug in the House?

Last night, I came home from work to my dear ole hubby. Tired as I was, I sat down with him and chatted about our days (on his day off, he scrubbed the bathtub!).

I noticed he was wearing his favorite Sean John shirt. Favorite. Sean John. Shirt. His claim is that it's comfortable. But maybe, deep down, he's a thug waiting to emerge. I really don't know.

I was able to snap a few pictures before he left me, all alone, with camera in hand.

Super Thug Husband

Yes, a cheesy picture. What can I say? It's love!

As the seasons change...

It is undoubtedly fall: we've been watching football, both college and professional, for weeks now. (Go Gators! Go Scarlet Knights! Both teams are 5-0 for the season.)

For two weeks now, we've had to close the windows before going to bed and wake up nestled underneath our comforter.

Last week, I had to rake the backyard.

And this morning, I had to pull on my jacket. A jacket.

But guess what? Less than three weeks until Hawaii!