I planned this trip to Hawaii with a good buddy from work. Little did I know, it would be the beginning of a huge change in my life. Prior to the trip, I had been contemplating calling off my wedding engagement for several months. I just had a gut feeling that something wasn't going to work out. I was holding onto some old feelings and terribly unsure of what I wanted. He is a wonderful guy and I wish him all the best, he is just not "the one" for me. I honestly want to be 100% sure before I jump into getting married. I have waited this long and am not afraid to wait for "the one". Marriage is so difficult and choosing the wrong partner would've been an awful decision. I have no regrets about that and am happy to report that he has a new gal and is doing swell!! I took off for Maui with a clear head. All our friends/family had been informed about the cancelling of the wedding. I needed a vacation after that!
Mom and I took off for Maui. My friend Suzie left a day ahead and was picking us up at the airport. We arrived and found that my screamin' deal paid off!! I found a condo for $50 a night last minute!! It was right on the water and in a fabulous location. We spent the mornings snorkeling or swimming at Big Beach. Suzie was such a great tour guide! We explored the towns in the evenings. Paia and Lahina were awesome. We had a blast one evening in a store in Paia. They were selling raffle tickets or giving them away if you purchased something in the store. I fell in love with a handmade comforter and bought it ($200). The raffle prizes were amazing and the drawing was in less than an hour. Ruby necklaces, handmade ottomans, and a set of wine glasses were some of the prizes. Our chances were pretty good considering there was only about 30 people in the store and you had to be present to win. We sipped on our wine (possibly a little too much) and waited for them to call our numbers. I bought Suzie and my Mom a ticket so they could participate. We sipped on our wine and waited forever for them to call the numbers. They began calling out numbers and no winners were stepping forward. Before you know it, Suzie's number is called. We were, shall we say, way too excited to win!! I was sure they were giving away the big prize and we had won (hence the need for screaming up and down among some uptight folks)!!!! However, the prize was the wine glasses. So for Christmas, Suzie got very expensive wine glasses (which were on her list) and a fun story behind them! All for a $5 raffle ticket. We really had a fun time in that store and I look forward to going back again ;). The rest of the week was filled with fruity drinks and lots of shrimp from Bubba Gump!
I leave Hawaii always knowing that I will be back soon. I love that place and have a goal to see every island! It is the perfect winter getaway! Now back home to find a new place and start my life!!!
