A trip to Maui, the comedic beginning

We finally decided to take Daryl's sister up on her offer of a week at their condo, when the temps hit -35C AGAIN. We'd been trying to come up with a week that would work for all 5 of us,and just couldn't. In the end, it's D, KT and I.

The trip began benignly enough, with a quick check in and security at YEG, but the flight was ever so slightly late which cut into our time to change planes in YVR. That wouldn't have been a problem, except....

At U.S. customs we were missing a bag, and delayed again. Special protocol for not having the bag identified means another delay. Get to the gate as they call final boarding call - missing a passport. Search everywhere, panic, and a retracing of steps. The gate agent let us know the missing bag was found and on board.

D finds the missing passport,runs through the airport and we get on board, only to find our seats given away, and we are asked to sit in the exit row. As repayment for agreeing, the stewardess promises comp'd first class wine. Not too bad a deal, and the wine flowed freely.

Sadly, the gate agent at YVR was mistaken, and the bag was not on board. Katie is without her stuff, and not so pleased.

Spent the first day getting 'essentials' - shorts, t shirts, swim suit for Katie, food and alcohol at Costco. picnic lunch with whole foods salads and some time watching kite surfers and wind surfers near Kahalui.

After a bit of downtime and a margarita, we head to the beach for our first sunset, tripod and remote shutter release, beach chairs and books in hand. Pretty enough sunset,

but to my chagrin, my tripod plate is no where to be found. Heavy sigh.

We've just heard from the airline, and the bag has been found and is on it's way. Tomorrow awaits, just another day in paradise.

Act your age

Rumour has it that I will be 49 this year. The aches and pains in my joints, the grey hair in my eye brows, and the prescription for stronger progressive lenses support that fact.

On a quest for new glasses. The frames have to accomodate the prescription. Lots of classic, even elegant choices but I want a pair of glasses that are funky, playful and in vogue. Maybe a pair with a bunch of bling. Something that makes a statement.

We don't need a mini van anymore. I want a cool little vehicle. Not a sports car though, a small SUV or hatchback I think. Bright red, or maybe electric blue. Perhaps a pretentious brand name. Something that will stand out. Something that doesn't say mom.

Need to renovate. Kitchen layout, baths, main floor flooring, garage, and probably the roof. The finances aren't in place for this but I don't want to have to care. Throw caution to the wind, and get it done.

Want to travel. Just leave everything at the drop of a hat, pack a bag and hit the road.

I want to spend money with the reckless abandon of the son, engineering coop student with pretty good income, living at home and with few expenses, rather than with the caution of a 50 year old trying to get three kids through post secondary! Is this one of those mid life crisis moments? If I were a guy would I be shopping for a sports car and a younger woman?