The last time they traveled with us, was a year ago last August, when they joined us on a Saturday morning to celebrate my in-laws 60th wedding anniversary in Oklahoma. We flew home together the following day. Short, but very sweet.
So - while I'm having a blast with my 3 younger children, I am missing my two grown-up children. McKenzi did tell me that my Sausage, Cranberry, Macadamia Nut Stuffing (made out of Hawaiian Sweet Bread) was the best she'd ever tasted and she doesn't like stuffing. That and the key lime pie were my favorite parts, although the turkey was delicious, meat isn't my favorite part of a meal. I'm wondering if I went vegetarian if I'd lose a few pounds. :D
Anyway, I have had some thoughts as we've been here in the islands.
My first trip to Hawaii was my honeymoon with my ex-husband. I tend to remember the bad times with him more than the good. My second, was after my divorce was final and a friend from high school whose divorce started and ended in a matter of days even before mine that had been going on for a year finally came to a close. She worked for Delta as a Reservations Agent, and invited me to fly with her to Oahu and Maui on a buddy pass. The entire trip cost me about $65.00 in airfare and $25 per night hotel. I started then, to make new memories.
This is my 7th trip to the islands with the last 5 being the last 7 years. Trent loves the islands and traveling as well. I've been to Kauai 3 times, Maui twice, the Big Island once, and Oahu 6 times. I'm not counting this trip in the numbers because we never left the airport.
Trent and I are beginning to feel like we can make a few recommendations to others about things to do. I think the captain of our catamaran tour on Tuesday was a bit offended that he was making recommendations that were different than his own. We were open to his suggestions though, so we went to JoJo's Anuenue so we could give it a fair chance compared to Paradise Shave Ice in Hanalei.
https://plus.google.com/101319984777047729616/about?gl=us&hl=en
I had the shave ice with macadamia nut ice cream at both places. I have to say that I actually liked the Bali Hai Shave Ice at Paradise better, but that any of the Shave Ices at JoJo's Anuenue with their cream beat them all. They packed more ice in the cup and the price was within a dollar less - they had quite a few more fancy concoctions to try at JoJo's as well. Our captain told us that JoJo sold her name, but not her secret recipe so you won't get the same Shave Ice anywhere but in Anuenue.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60612-d1778594-Reviews-Shave_Ice_Paradise-Hanalei_Kauai_Hawaii.html
I love that we are learning about all the best places in the islands.
Our boat tour was also something worth mentioning. We sat through the "schpeel" on things to do at our condo twice - guess the free fruit and cinnamon rolls were Wepulled into the little town and boat ramp to see rows of parking for other catamaran companies and loads of people waiting for their tour to begin. We somehow missed the little run down hut at the back of the parking lot the first couple times through. After a phone call to our concierge, and a stray glance on my part, I discovered the little hut. We parked and headed toward the hut. Imagine our surprise when we found the same Hawaiian mumu clad woman inside the little hut. Can we all say, "Conflict of Interest"? At least that is what was screaming out at Trent and I. Our group was relatively small too - our five, a family of four, two older couples, and a family of three.
After checking in and the other groups clearing out, we took their place to wait for our captain to arrive.... late. We were both quite concerned. I have to admit that I entertained the possibility that Captain Ron (old movie) was going to be piloting our craft and we might be regretting our decision.
When the boat arrived, our mumu lady led us to the dock where we removed our shoes, climbed down the ladder and onto our boat - much smaller than the enormous catamarans the other visitors had previously boarded.
But, I have to say that the tour was amazing. We passed by dozens of boats snorkeling while we headed straight to the Napali Coastline. Our captain later told us he had been out surfing already that morning. He started his company, named after his grandparents back in '69. His grandparents taught him to read the winds and waves. He said he knew that we needed to go see the coast while the surf was only 2 feet. He said this time of year, yes, it is winter in Hawaii too, that the surf is usually more around 20 feet with the waves crashing up 100 feet on the cliff side and the caves unaccessible and even the coastline, not visible due to the crashing waves and steam. He said they had cancelled the day before, and would probably only get out 7 more times the whole rest of the winter season.
We felt truly blessed. Add to that, that on our way, a huge catamaran passed us by speeding along and screaming at a school of porpoises - which we got to swim along with and take some amazing pictures of them just inches from us.
When we stopped to snorkel just before lunch, there was only one other boat there - a small raft that held maybe 6-10 people. We saw some pretty awesome ocean life. Makes Trent and I both miss our scuba diving experiences.
We have loved having our younger kids with us - but we will focus on the bickering in July when we celebrate our 15th anniversary on the Mediterranean cruise that is on my bucket list. Trent asked me what I wanted to do for our honeymoon. In the end though, he wanted the Sandals Resort in Antigua and since his parents were paying for it - who was I to argue... plus, I loved Antigua and all the inclusive diving and activities. It was amazing!
But, when he asked me if I wanted to go back for our 15th anniversary, I said no - I wanted my Mediterranean Cruise - and I think, thanks to Disney, and a really good year at work, it sounds like I will get it!
I love my sweet husband. He did get upset with me for taking the turkey out because my rolls were ready to bake and it slowed down his turkey progress - but Thanksgiving dinner was no less tasty because of it, and not that much later in the making,,
Anyway, Trent and I have had an amazing life together. I feel so sad for those whose marriages are struggling or even failing. I've been through it myself. I think that the difference, at least in my experience, has a whole lot to do with the things that Trent and I do to keep the romance alive.
In my first marriage, I don't think a day went by where he didn't call me some horrible name. I think because of his own insecurities, he had to keep me in my place, or knock me off my pedestal. I think asking me why I had to go to college, and couldn't be happy being a "normal" person, meaning someone willing to work as a dispatcher or secretary. My thinking was I wanted to have options and use my brains, and make more money by the hour.
Besides the name calling, lies, pornography addiction, cheating, foul language and being told how often I could pray, if I could hold a calling, and when I would be able to make covenants based on when he was ready, we had to do the things he enjoyed for entertainment and if I didn't do things the way he wanted, he threatened to find someone else who would.
Trent has loved me continuously for just shy of 15 years. I am not exaggerating when I say that he does not let a day go by where he doesn't tell me just that and that I am beautiful and how blessed he feels to have me. I tell him the same, but he usually beats me. I think there's still a part of me that finds it hard to open up completely.
We love so many things together - but traveling is one of the things that have made our life together so full of amazing memories. I didn't marry him for money - I made more than he did when we married. But I knew he had aspirations and believed in himself. If I'd had my way, we wouldn't have bought our vacation club package for $4000. We wouldn't be in this beautiful 2 bedroom condo on Kauai just 5 years after our last trip and 3 bedroom condo in the islands.
Now he is wanting to get a timeshare. Again, I think it would be a waste of money, but if we our completely out of debt, house included, then I won't stand in his way. That day should be here sooner than I ever thought possible.
It isn't about the amount of money we have - we haven't always had that much - it is more about having our weekly date nights, the sweet little gifts and surprises, the words of affirmation. Trent is easy to please - I make his favorite meals and give him hugs and kisses and he says that is all he wants - I think he really means it too. At least, he has never seemed unhappy with me for doing just that after he says that is all he wants.
My family will soon be joining me. I've had a pulsing headache and stomach upset today - even before Thanksgiving dinner. I didn't want my family to miss out on the beach and snorkeling because of me so I sent them without me. Sounds like they found us another amazing beach to try out tomorrow!
I thank God for second chances - and that he prepared someone as awesome as Trent for me!
Love,
Valerie
