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Saturday, February 27, 2010

Prayers for Hawaii

We spent almost two weeks on the Big Island a couple of years ago. A few days in Kona, which was nice, but very touristy so not our favorite, and the rest near Hilo Town in an ocean side home. Watching the whales and dolphins in our backyard was awesome. Visiting the tide pools and other sites fascinating. The Tsunamai Museum was amazing. We had a personal tour there with a gentleman who had lived through the 1960s tragedy. We purchased a book for Sam's school library and I'll never forget when our guide said "Your school has it's own library?" He was a retired teacher and his glimpses into the ugly side of Hawaii remain with me today.

How can paradise be ugly? Well, the poverty there is unbelievable. We continually had to remind ourselves that we were in the United States. Our tour guide said that so many who visit his island keep themselves to the resorts and tourist sites and, unlike us, do not explore the entire Big Island. Few see what we did and this has completely changed my opinion about Hawaiian tourism. So, when we worry about Hawaii, we think of the poor there. For they will be the ones most affected by the tsunamai.

Selfishly,we're also worried about Cafe100 in Hilo. If they get hit Loco Mocos and frozen mango drinks may be hard to come by for awhile. Thanks for the reminder D.

Say a little prayer.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Date 6/52 A Couple of Olympic Couch Surfers

We've debated whether or not this is REALLY a date night, but I think it is and so I win. (And I post on here more, so...)

We've been watching the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics!

Sam's hosting a sleepover. We are trying very hard to be invisible and visible at the same time.

It's nice to just be together after a long week.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Date 5/52 Shoe Shopping Mall Walking

Sam and his Auntie Andi and Uncle Tom were off to the Youth Symphony and to have dinner. What a nice Christmas present. He said it was "really fun" while trying not to smile. Too cool, ya know. Wouldn't want to destroy his street cred. He would enjoy a sewage treatment plant tour with those two. Symphony and cheeseburgers, a great combo. And he got to see two of his friends playing in the symphony. Great fun.

We both needed shoes and wanted to search out a travel bag. After a little Greek food, we headed to Midwest Mountaineering to check out Thrifty Outfitters. I bought a couple of pairs of shoes. Darren scored a few things in the attic. We'd been there before, but it's so much nicer to actually get to look around when the kid isn't with.

We both hate the mall, but ended up heading there to find shoes for Darren. He was able to find a couple of pairs and I got to break in one of my new pairs while walking the mall. We never did find a travel bag that we liked. But, it was fun to wander and talk and catch up.

Home in time to catch that big football thing that happens this time of year.

Fun time.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

So THAT'S What 64 and 65 Looks Like

We just watched The Who rock the stadium. Roger and Pete still got it. And I'm still a rocker at heart, despite the mom jeans.

How come I can remember all those lyrics, but not where my checkbook is?

Go Saints.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Date 4/52 Closed Signs and Tired People

Sam got invited to another sleepover. I'm beginning to feel like I have joint custody of this kid. Every other weekend, same story! We knew that Saturday would mean sleepover aftermath, so that day would be pretty much shot, so we thought we'd better grab this opportunity for a date night despite how tired we were.

We decided to go out for hot chocolate or coffee or something and went in search of a cozy spot to relax and catch up on our week. Every place we went was either closed or closing and we just didn't have the energy to keep on looking.

Home. Couch. Movie. Was the best we could do.

We laughed our way through My Life in Ruins, especially the Ugly Americans. Too funny. And we decided to save hot chocolate for another time.