In Hawaii and chillin'

Here I am, hanging out in Starbucks. But not just any Starbucks! It's in sunny Hawaii. Okay, I lied. It's a light drizzle, but that's only because I'm in the higher elevation of Kamuela, Hawaii. Love it -- reminds me of home....nice and cool. As some of you know I DETEST really hot weather. I thought I would be melting by now. The locals are all wearing long pants or jeans and I'm hanging out in my summer shorts. Gotta love it.

Anyway, I'm sipping my Lite Caramel Frappaccino and finding some time to actually write in the blog. I've checked the emails already and nothing seems too important, so here I am.

I am about to meet a bunch of my classmates in 2 hours -- some I haven't seen in 20 years (I actually ran into one outside of Starbucks this afternoon!). None of "my gang of friends" are coming which makes me a little depressed, but oh well! If you know me, I can start up a conversation with a rock. So it should be no problem trying to blend in. I'm thinking the weather isn't going to hold out and it'll rain out in Haina Park. Going home holds a lot of fond memories, both good and bad. Everyone has baggage...some just have more than others! LOL!
I am hoping that I'll see classmates I want to talk to and hope everyone is friendly. It would be a bummer if people were really cliquey. I still have to figure out what to bring to this potluck. I am picking something up along the way -- I am NOT cooking on this vacation!!

No stamping is going on on this short vacation, but I do have scrapbook stuff with me. Lucky for me, I hooked some of my best friends with stamping so I can "borrow" their stamps. See, there is a reason why I got them involved with stamping. Just kidding...

Bought some really cute things for Emma and Sheena. Still looking for something unique for Harry; haven't found anything yet. He did say he wants fishing hooks. So maybe that's what he'll be getting. Oh, yeah -- if you haven't figured it out I'm in Hawaii BY MYSELF! I hardly know what to do!! :) It is SO NICE getting through a hot meal without someone else saying "I'm done -- I want down please" or "I want out!!". You forget the nice little things when you have a toddler.

I did go shopping already for the co-workers and some snacky things for me and Harry and packed them up in the flat rate box and shipped them out this AM. Heck, I'm not toting anything around in the suitcase if I don't have to! LOL! Still need to get some 100% peaberry Kona Coffee beans before I leave.

Do you know that it has cost me approximately $9 a meal (we're talking lunch/dinner)?! A plate lunch is sure darn expensive -- I remember paying only $6-7 six years ago. Okay, so I guess it's inflation?! We aren't talking gourmet meals either. I'm afraid to go to the places I used to frequent when I was making the big bucks in Hawaii!! :( And gas?! Ha. Oregonians would cry if they had to pay $3.56 a gallon. That's not Costco's gas price -- but I am thinking it's about 20 cents less. I am filling the rental car up at Costco if at all possible. Oh yeah, I'm driving gray a Pontiac Grand Am. This baby can really take off on those hills. I was quite surprised. Wonder if I can convince the hubby to buy one of these.

Anyway, I guess I better go and face the music. Wish me luck!!

I'll try and post again before I leave Hawaii. Laters!