20 Years Ago

I was burning some music for my sister the other day (yes, I can be nice once in a while), and it got me thinking. You see, the music I was burning for her was Kenny Rogers Greatest Hits. There is one of his songs I happen to like ( ok, there is more than one), and it is titled "Twenty Years Ago". Part of the lyrics say "Life was so much easier, twenty years ago". I dont think it matters what decade you were born in or what happened twnety years ago, but I believe this holds true for most if not all of us. So I thought today we would discuss what happened to us twenty years ago.

Twenty years ago a Flock of Seagulls ran (they ran so far away), Madonna wasnt married and she was doing the Vogue. Johnny hated jazz, Frankie went to Hollywood, and Prince sang under a Purple Rain. Men Without Hats popped the world, Motley Crue took the world by storm with headbanging, thrashin metal, and Bon Jovi set a fashion trend with ankle length trench coats. There was The Cure, The Femmes were violent, Duran Duran was Notorious, and Girls Just Wanted to Have Fun. Boys to Men sang to us without instruments, Marky Mark became funky, and the New Kids on the Block had the Right Stuff.

The 80's brought us the best decade of music and trends. Garbage Pail Kids were the thing, and Thundercats saved the day every Saturday afternoon. He Man was the master of the Universe, Papa was smurftastic, and MTV debuted to millions of kids with nothing to do but sit in front of the tv for hours waiting for Thriller to come on again. We watched in amazement as Dire Straits got their Money for Nothin (and their chicks for free), and we all came together as one on January 28, 1986 when the Space Shuttle Challenger fell apart just after takeoff. We went through puberty, lost and gained friends, learned to drive, started dating, got our first kiss, fell in love, and for many of us, went on missions.

Now i cant and dont claim the 80's was the best decade for all. I have spoken with some who not only hated, but despised their high school life. We were all different then. Friends I have today I only knew briefly then. Friends I had then, I have fallen out of touch with or have lost. Things change, time changes and so do people. I was a geek in high school. I wore glasses, tried very hard to fit in with a crowd, and kept all my classes laughing with my never ending banter and witty humor. I sometimes look back and wonder... if I could do it all again would I change anything? Yes and no.

The 80's brought us some great movies too. The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Howard the Duck (ok, not ALL the movies were great), License to Drive, Lost Boys, 16 Candles, and many others. We learned how to fit in, how to dress, how to dance and how to love from many of these.

The last twenty years has seen changes in all of us. We grew up, some of us grew out, we got married and started raising familes. We learned that a job isnt just something to make money at, we survive now by what we do and dont do. We learned what our parents said when they cursed us with " I hope someday your child is just like you!", and for some of us we learned the heartbreak of loss and divorce. Twenty years can bring a lot of change.

When you think back twenty years ago, what do you think of? What music do you still enjoy from then? What movies or God forbid, fashion trends? Do you tell your children of the "good ole days"? Do your kids wonder if Dinosaurs were around when we were younger (like we did for our parents)? What song was your first slow dance to? What song was playing when you got your first kiss? Do you remember games like "7 seconds in Heaven"? Did you have poofy, teased out hair (dont forget, I have yearbook photos of you all...I know)? Did you find spandex like tooootally tubular? Did you ever say, like gag me with a spoon? Do tell, do tell. Enquiring minds want to know. Anything you remember would be wonderful to read.

As we start a new year, I look forward to my life more than I have of late. I now have someone wonderful in it. She brings me the joy, love and good times I have been missing out on. I also look forward to my ...cough cough...twenty year reunion. There are so many of you I long to see again. I have grown closer to many of you since high school, and have made better friends of you I did know then. The planning committee is a wonderful one and I know it will be a fantastic time. And if youre reading this Kamie, Im still doing what I can to track down lost Lancers...dont fire me yet.

So spill the beans, tell us what we want to read. Make this your own confession page. I look forward to all of it...and I cant promise it wont be used against you.

Be good to everyone you meet...be better to people you like, and remember...a broken clock is correct twice daily.

Until we speak again................. Brandon

Christmas Wish

I'm back. I'm sitting here with mixed emotions...there are a couple routes I could take here. I decided on this one. Today I would like to talk about Christmas. Not far out of the ordinary, especially after the last post, but bear with me folks. You see its like this. Everyday my day begins the same. I get up, I get dressed ( I shower at night for those of you holding your noses), I go to work. Once I get to work I put my steel toed butt kickers on (work boots), I dress all warm and fuzzy and I turn on the Mp3 player. I start off everyday the same way. At first I tune to 98.7 and listen to the entertainment news and the daily celebrity challenge ( I have won several times). After all of this has ended I turn to KBER 101 for my daily dose of Bob and Tom. Lately though, I find my routine taking a different course. For the last few weeks B98.7 has been doing what they call the Christmas Wish. I find it both remarkable and incredible what they do and have done with this program. They recieve hundreds of letters and emails about people in need. These are often written by family members, but have been known to be written by neighbors or even people they work with. The letters themselves are very warm and heartening. After the letters have been read, they choose a family to visit every day until the day the jolly fat man visits. This is where i really pay attention. Im not a softie, so you can stop now with the awwws and the ooohhhss. I truly believe though that they have hit it on the head with this program. There is a group of people that show up in the early morning hours fighting the cold and often the elements to make a wish come true for a different family each day. The gifts are always different and the letters are never alike, but the meaning is there. The Christmas Wish is sponsored by Kurt Benson Motors. This man has done a wonderful thing. Shawn Stevens is the radio personality responsible for entering the houses and wishing the families a Merry Christmas. He really gets into it. His emotions are true and his message is the same ..."Pass it on". There have been families who have disabled children. Parents out of work and worried about Christmas for their children. A single father with several children who had recently lost his wife to cancer. These are all people deserving of this program. I applaud this radio station for taking the time and the energy needed to see this through each year.

They of course are not the only ones. Today I heard a story about two girls in West Jordan. These girls are 8 and 9, and have for the past couple of years set up cardboard boxes in different locations to collect clothing, toys, food and cash to help the homeless and those living in shelters. Well done little angels.

One of our own ( I wont name a name) along with her brood of elves has done a wonderful job making blankets. Kitty blankets to be exact. These will be used for new kitty's adopted at the animal shelter. She has not only done a service for the community but shown her children the art of unselfishness. Wonderful!!

Rupert, the old guy that never could win survivor, has started a charity called Rupert's Kids. He takes donations, items that can be used or auctioned off, and clothing and uses it to support a camp for children. These kids are getting a summer experience they wouldnt otherwise get. I know this isnt exactly Christmas, but he does a wonderful service and he deserves a little recogniton.

Finally, but only barely, The Angel Tree. This is a program sponsored by KUTV and has been going for many years. Its simple, you pick a child from the Angel Tree and grant their wish. Most times these are small items..a pair of gloves, shoes, maybe a coat. Toys are not uncommon, and books are always wanted as well. Its a simple thing, and it rarely costs much. I know in todays economy times are tough. I understand all to well being strapped for cash. I have done the Angel Tree for five years now, and couldnt see breaking tradition this year. I picked a little girl who needed a new backpack. I hope she likes Dora the Explorer. You can find the Angel Tree at any Macy's location or any branch of Cypres Credit Union. This program is also sponsored by The Salvation Army.

I dont know how many of you recieved a letter in your inbox about a coat drive for the Granger High School Alumni Association, but I would like to take these last few sentences to ask you to please consider helping. There are teenagers and other kids out there with no means of staying warm in the winter. We all know (those of us that went to Granger) that some of those classrooms are always cold. There were others that were always hot too. But thats neither here nor there....this is a valid attempt at clothing those who need it. Please look through your old coats and mittens. Got any old BYU stocking hats laying around that even the dog wont wear?? How about an old 49'ers coat that you cant wear out of embarassment? Anything will help and everything is appreciated.

The coat/clothing drive info is..Contact: Brent Newton, 801 957-1779; Brent1966@aol.com

I hope I didnt come off as preaching there folks. I know you all have families and I know you all work hard to stay ahead. I only ask that at this time of year we all remember the true meaning and the true spirit of the holiday by helping our fellow man in any way possible. I would like to end with a heartfelt thank you and and warmest holiday wish to all the men and women serving in todays armed forces. Overseas or at home...doesnt matter. They have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and liberties. Its a debt of gratitude that can never be repayed.

I wish you all the best life can bring you. Be good to yourselves and others. Throw snowballs at those you dont like, and remember....please dont eat the yellow snow.

Until next time...Brandon

Holidays

Ok, so its been awhile and I havent written anything in here. I thought today we would discuss the Holidays. What they mean to us (other than the obvious "family" reason), and what some of our traditions are. The Holidays mean extra time off for me. They also mean a chance to spend time with or see people you havent seen in like forver. I know to some the idea of time off from work and the daily routine sounds rather selfish. Youre right, it is. I wouldnt say I have the hardest job in the world, but it is definitely a physical demand daily, and the idea of sitting on my butt typing a blog is much more appealing than getting up at 430 in the morning for work.

There is also the seeing people part. When I say this I typically mean relatives. Im not especially close to my father's side of the family. I have some wonderful cousins and some very nice aunts and uncles, its just not a "lets get together every chance we get" type of family. Recently my Grandfather died, and I had the opportunity to see many if not all of this side of the family. Uncles who live in Vegas and Texas came up and it was a brief time for re-connection. I saw two cousins I hadnt seen since they were 3 and 5...they are both now in college and one is taller than I am. It was a sad time for the family, but a joyous one as well.

So now, as far as seeing people, I guess you could say Ive done my one turn for the year. Im sure there are Christmas parties and other gatherings, I just usually choose not to attend. I have noone to blame but myself, and Im ok with that. What Im really loking forward to this year is the seeing that someone special in my life. For the last many many years, there has been noone to spend the Holiday with. That all changes this year. Im looking very forward to spending some time and much needed rest and relaxation with Jackie. This will be my first year away from home on the Holiday, but again, Im ok with that. Jackie and I are planning on spending Christmas and the few days following in Las Vegas. I love Las Vegas and everything about it. The up all night atmosphere, the never closes vibe. I could live there. Its warm and the people arent so uptight about smoking in public.

I cant wait to see Jackie again. It seems like forever ago since we last saw each other, but in reality its been mere weeks. I wont howver have the chance to spend time with the kids. They are all going back to Chicago to be with their Dad or Grandparents. Michael (the second oldest) is going to China with his school roommate. Its just her and I. I hate not being able to see the kids though. The little buggers have grown on me like a fungus or mold. I look forward to spending even the smallest of minutes with them. Bonding, having fun, you know...being like a parent. The whole idea scares the royal hell out of me. I dont consider myself a good role model, nor do I look at myself as a postive parental figure. I dont treat the children as my own as Jackie and I agreed its better for them to get used to our realtionship and grow accustomed to it first. Right now the relationship between me and the kids is more of a friendly nature. Give it time.

So now that I have wandered, I will actually go into the whole question behind this particular blog. The Holidays. Now I have already told you what they mean to me, and now I would like to discuss the traditons. My mom has a tradition of giving one present every year on Christmas Eve. It is usually a new pair of pajamas. As I have grown older, the gift has changed. It started when I was younger as footed (or is it feeted) pj's to more along the adult line...pants and a t shirt. As the gift has progressed, so have I. I have gone from wearing the cute adorable pj's with the Hulk or the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers to more along the lines of just the bottoms. Most times not even that. I now have a rather wonderful collection of pj bottoms that come in very handy after working all day. There is nothing better in my mind than lounging around the house on a cold Saturday afternoon in a pair of flannel bottoms, my Motley Crue tshirt and a nice hot cup of coffee.

That is really the only tradition we have. We get up, make a mess of the family room, clean up the mess, comment on gifts given and eat a nice homemade breakfast. I have been volunteered as I have grown older to cook part of that breakfast, and I gladly do so. Its not much, but it brings everyone closer together for one day.

So now I would like to know what your traditons are. What do the holidays mean to you. Is it stress, worry, financial ruin? Could it be knowing you have your loved ones around? Is it just a nice relaxing day off work? You tell us gentle reader.

I will continue to write my blogs now that I have a new computer. I downloaded something and ended up with a nasty hacker virus that destroyed my old one. Jackie gave me my Christmas early and sent me my new wonderful puter. You all have her to thank for my new batch of ramblings and posts. I know I do. Thank you so much honey, I truly do love you.

I wish you all the best of the best and the happiest of happy. I pray your Holidays are without incident and add to your fondest memories. I have missed you all, and look forward to reconnecting to you once again.

Until the next post.....Feliz Navidad, Vesele Vanoce (Bohemian), Mele Kalikimaka, Shub Naya Baras (Hindi), Sung Tan Chuk Ha (Korean), Saint Dan Fai Lok (Cantonese), and of course Merry Christmas.

Brandon Claus

Update

Ok, so I have received requests for an update on my current status of non singleness. Well, here it is. I'm still not single. Simple and to the point right??

Jackie and I are doing wonderfully. We have spent three weekends together so far, and I have had the opportunity to meet all the kids. I can't say that I blame them, but the kids love me. What's not to love? We have spent the last month plus getting to know one another, and finding out all we can about each other. At this point in time, she knows that I am awesome, funny (funnier than her according to the above mentioned children), romantic, sweet, handsome (her word, not mine), and an all around good guy. I now know that she is not only intelligent (as I stated in a previous blog), but she is also kind, warm, funny (not as funny as me though remember?), attentive, giving, beautiful, spontaneous, accepting, patient, and the most important part of my life. I can honestly say without a doubt that I have fallen in love. Fallen so hard that is stuck to me. Jackie has become the person I sought. She has taught me so much and left me yearning to learn more.
I know that when I first mentioned I had met someone, there were many posted congrats. I thank you all. I can now say that when I see how happy you all are with your husbands/wives, I honestly understand what it is you see. I have been far too long in the dark, searching without a light, and then suddenly the clouds parted. Jackie and I have so very much in common. We have our bad times as every relationship does. I ensure her it only strengthens us. I now know what it is to truly miss someone's company.
We have talked at length of me moving to California to be closer to her and the kids. She has no desire to move to Utah, and I don't blame her. Besides, she has a pool. But don't worry, the move will not be immediate. I have some loose ends to tie up here first. And I'm positive they get facebook in California too. Don't worry folks, I'm yours for a bit longer.
Well there it is...the update asked for. It is unusual for me, but I smile more lately. My stress has diminished and my anger doesn't surface as easily. I cannot wait for her to meet you all, and have already mentioned the reunion to her. I will still fulfill my duties to the reunion committee and will still peek in on your blogs every so often. I share your happiness for me, and thank you all again for your encouraging words and your pats on the back. I hope life is finding you all well, happy and full of fire. Remember to please be kind and rewind.

Brandon

Holy $*&% !

Yes, I know the title of this blog is a little off putting, but bear with me folks. This blog also falls into the Halloween theme. In this one, I want to know what scares you the most. Now everyone has their fears. If anyone tells you " I ain't a skeered of anything", they are lying. Everyone has a fear. Inate or not. For some it's spiders, for others clowns. Yes, clowns. I have a cousin who is frigthened of clowns. Sad, happy, evil...doesn't matter. I made the mistake once of wearing my Motley Crue Carnival of Sins t-shirt around her...I wasn't aware she hated clowns till that day. She avoided me like the plague.

Now I'm not looking for you to admit your fears so we can all have a good laugh. I wouldn't do that. I have fears of my own. For instance, I am deathly afraid of sharks. I have the utmost respect for a killing machine that has survived millions of years of evolution, and I have no desire whatsoever of swimming with one or even being close enough to touch one. Oh I went into the ocean when I was in Hawaii...far enough to jump out again if anything brushed past my leg that wasn't to my liking. I don't really care for spiders either. Nothing says good morning worse than waking to a hairy wolf spider on your ceiling as a teenager. Now THAT got me out of bed and actually looking forward to school. The movie Arachnophobia still creeps me out to this day. I know there are others out there that share my sentiment to these eight legged demons.

Now that I have sufficietly freaked myself out, I would be highly interested in what freaks you out. For some it is the fear of death. For others nothing more complicating than the fear of public speaking. Whatever it may be, fear has the power to render you motionless. The power to dry your tongue, palpitate your heart and make you sweat. There are literally hundreds of fears out there. Some we may find silly or ridiculous, but fears none the less. For example, Ablutophobia is the fear of bathing or washing. Alliumphobia is the fear of garlic (I suppose most Vampires would have this fear). Bibliophobia is the fear of books. Cacophobia is the fear of ugliness. I could go on, but I'm sure you get the picture. There are fears out there for everything...and I mean everything. From books to razors, toads to snakes. Fear of the number 13 to the fear of beautiful women. So what is your fear? Psychologists believe that admitting our fears help us in realising them and facing them more openly and evenly. Whatever helps you sleep at night, right?

I have included at the bottom of this blog a webpage. It is the "official" list of fears. It is alphabetized for those with the fear of disorder. It is a very interesting list and you may surprise yourself with what you find on it. Take a look, relax, and let us know what haunts your dreams. What is it that freezes you in your steps? I have avoided my blog posters responsibilities as of late, I have been lurking in the shadows reading your blogs but sending none of my own. I hope for this to change. I appreciate your kindness, and your willingness to read. I also love your comments and concerns. Please keep on keeping on, and I shall in turn keep on writing things for you to read.

http://www.phobialist.com/

Until next time...I think I saw a spider in the shower...

BOOOO !!!!!!

I found myself wondering at work the other day about Halloween. The why's and hows, the who's and what's. We all know Halloween as the holiday from our youth which we anxiously looked forward to almost, if not as long as, Christmas. For months beforehand, we would let EVERYone know what we were going to be, and how much candy we wanted to net. To a child, Halloween is the second most important holiday there is. Even more so than their own Birthday, but never as important than the day the jolly fat man visits.

Halloween is known throughout the world in hundreds of countires differently. In Latin American countries it is known as Noche de las Brujas (Night of the Witches). In others, it is still known as a Pagan holiday called All Hallows Eve, or even All Saints' Eve. In the early 19th century, a form of Samhain (Gaelic for Halloween) was brought to the North American Continent by Irish immigrants. Samhain was a festival marking the end of the summer and the end of the harvest. The term "Halloween" was in fact a shortened version of All Hallows Even. No matter the spelling or the actual name, Halloween has always been a celebration signifying the harvest and religious festivals. I'm not entirely sure, but I don't think people went door to door begging for candy in the early 19th century.

There are even traditions to have survived the years. The tradition of carving a pumpkin, or Jack-O-Lantern dates back to early Celtic legends. In the early days, a turnip or rutabaga was used instead of the pumpkin, but the meaning was always the same. Believing that the head was the most powerful part of the body containing the spirit and the knowledge, the Celts used the "head" of the vegetable to frighten off any superstitions. Today, we try each year to out do ourselves in carving the scariest, funniest, or cutest Jack-O-Lantern we can.

The symbolsim of Halloween is not in fact a legend, tale or even a tradition to have survived the years. Witches, Mummies, Ghosts, Ghouls, Devils and Monsters is all Hollywood. They do make for some cute and often gory costumes, but that is the extent of it.

Now that I have lectured you on the how's and why's. I'm looking for the what's and where's. I would like you constant reader to tell me why you enjoy Halloween so much. Do you feel you're still a kid at heart? Do you enjoy scaring the neighbor children to the point of cardiac arrest? What (if anything) makes this an entertaining and enjoyable holiday to you? Are there any traditions you and yours hold to? Do you enjoy the Haunted Houses? Is a good scare in your repertoire of tricks?

Last weekend, Jackie and three of her four kids came and spent the weekend with me. It was wonderful. We had a great time. After having gone down to Mt. Pleasant to pick up child number four, we went to the Castle of Chaos. The youngest of her brood was rather uncertain. Sweaty palms and constant pleadings of "Mommy, can we sit in the car and wait?" were met with "You're a big boy now Zachy, if you don't want to go, we won't". Once arriving at the sullen, downtrodden cashier, we found we could purchase "Monster Be Gone" passes for the young or faint of heart. This pass assured those who weren't fond of monsters that they would be protected. It worked like a charm. A flashing red light on the necklace Zach wore caused the actors inside to cower in fear. This gave him not only a boost of pride, but some resolve as well. Two minutes into the castle, and he was flashing anything that moved. Nothing touched him and he bravely protected his Mother and I. He came out of there happy, giggling, smiling and forever known as "Super Zach".

That is just one example of what one can do to celebrate this Holiday. Another one is in the decorating. There are many houses my parents and I would go to each year to see what new items had been added. Not all of these people continue the tradition of decorating anymore. As a matter of fact, the houses from my youth are all but gone now. There are still people who go all out on Halloween though. Coffins, spider webs, scary sounds and lights adorn every inch of their homes. Some inside and out. Some to the extent their homes can be seen on Google Earth. There is nothing wrong with it. It just has to come down before you decorate for Christmas is all. Unlike Christmas lights, Halloween lights get a funny look from people when left up all year long.

So here we come to the part I want to know about. What is it you do to make this holiday special for your little ghosts and goblins? What traditons do you have in your family or from your childhood that you have passed onto your witches and warlocks? Please do share constant reader. I as always look forward to your input and your responses.

I apologize for the delay in my blogging...a gentle rest for you all I'm sure. But trust me, there is more to come.

As always, Brandon

Aloha!

I'm back. It has been a short two weeks that seemed to go forever. I have seen much and done more, but alas, I'm happy to be home.

We started our trip with a 7 day cruise through the Mexican Riviera. This is not my first cruise, nor is it my first time through the Riviera portion of Mexico. The weather was warm here when we left, it was hot and humid there when we arrived. The way I like it...minus the humid part. I was happy to find out there were people aboard this cruise closer to my age. My last cruise was a 14 day cruise through the Panama Canal, and the average age aboard that one was 79. Stop laughing...it wasn't funny then and it still isn't. Ok, maybe a little. Anyway, there were perhaps 150 people aboard this ship in my age range, and a lot of very beautiful women. The crew was fantastic, the drinks were strong, and the views were magnificent. I have posted many pics on my facebook page for you to look at. I however was not impressed by the ship itself. This was my first sail with Royal Carribean as my last two times were aboard Carnival Cruise Lines. The ship (never call one those hulks a "boat") was smaller than I expected, and the activities were limited. They had a rock wall, and it was only open certain times of the day...usually while I was ashore or at dinner. They did however have many trivia contests which I am proud to say my team "the Braintrust" took a gold medal and several other prizes in. By the third day aboard, other teams were trying to join ours. That is where I met Jackie.

Jackie was sailing with her 18 year old daughter Nikki. They were behind us at the first trivia game, and I was smitten at once. Now Nikki is a very vibrant, beautiful, girl full of life and energy. She could be found dancing with people she didn't know or rooting our team on (they joined us by day 4) or trash talking other teams on our behalf. Jackie is much like her daughter. Outgoing, intelligent and amazingly beautiful. I knew I had to know her. The second time I saw the two of them they were playing trivia as we were headed to Bingo. I asked them if they were "getting their trivia on", and I recieved a look from Jackie that could freeze ice. A challenge...YES! Game on! I befriended Nikki to get to her Mother. I'm not ashamed of this..I used someone else to meet another. And I'm glad I did. Jackie is truly amazing. Once I got past the wall, I met someone very much like me.

Now I mentioned her intelligence. It rivals mine and I consider myself to be a very smart person. She can talk politics, religion or anything at hand. Another facet I enjoy. Did I mention her beauty? She is very beautiful...and tall. Another good sign. She enjoys fine wine and fine dining. She is adventurous and giving, sweet and gentle. She keeps me in check. She is the yin to my yang. She surprised me by showing up to the airport in Long Beach to see me off on my way home. Oh yeah, she lives in California. The one hurdle in an otherwise perfect so far relationship. But a good hurdle, it will force us to take things slowly. She has four kids, her oldest being Nikki. her next youngest is in school in Utah. Michael goes to Wasatch Academy in Mt. Pleasant. This being a good thing as we will now get to spend time together when she visits him. I look forward to our first visit this next weekend.

Jackie and I spent a lot of time together on the ship, walking and talking till the wee hours. We asked each other everything we could, and told each other everything we should. She was wonderful to be around. It was a good and a bad thing to have finally met her. Good because I was suprised by the wholeness of it, the excitement, the thrill of the chase if you will. Bad because it made the time go so much faster and the days whizzed by. We parted with the agreement to meet again, and a longing for each other.

The week after was spent in Hawaii. We landed in Honolulu around 10 pm with some minor jet lag and a need to find a place to sleep. Upon arriving at the hotel, we recieved two surprises. First, there was only rooms booked for four of us...there were eight in our traveling party...almost our own Fellowship of the Ring. Secondly, we had reserved rooms on the 14th floor but recieved rooms on the second floor. The front desk staff was not very friendly or helpful. My sister in law requested extra pillows, and we got them...three hours later. The next morning it was rise and shine...time to explore.

Waikiki is the most beautiful place I have visited to date. The streets were clean and free of debris, and the women wore bikinis everywhere. Hey! I met someone but I wasn't dead. It was a culture shock but we were still in the United States. I loved it, until I saw the prices for simple staples. Milk was almost $7 a gallon. I drink a lot of milk, but not at those prices...I could drink gasoline for cheaper. Ironic huh? We went to the beach and I was amazed at the splendor of the waves crashing onto shore. Water as clear and blue as a blown glass dolphin. There are swap meets everywhere, and I wandered and gazed in excitement. The people will bargain, but not always nicely. I found a rare Elvis zippo that one lady was asking $79 for...I balked and said I could find it cheaper at home..she not so kindly asked me to "find it at home". For the most part, I loved every minute in Hawaii and cannot wait to return.

While visitng Hawaii, we went to the Polynesian Cultural Center, and Pearl Harbor. Toursit sites for sure, but ones that should be visited at least once. The PCC (Polynesian Cultural Center) was both fascinating and intriguing. We learned native dances, greetings and customs. We saw all the uses for a coconut...including dental floss, and learned how to start a fire with tree branches. A lot of the people working at the PCC are students at the nearby campus of BYU, and are working towards degrees by volunteering their time. The PCC is return helps pay for their tuition. The finale of the day is a ceremony with dancing, fire, singing and excitement. It was a long day (almost 12 hours) but fun.

We also visited Pearl Harbor as a group. I have visited battlegrounds before, but this one holds a sense of hallowed wonder. It's in the air when you arrive, and it stays with you as you leave. The one simple act of betrayal launched The United States into a war they had no desire to fight. There are only two battleships and one submarine still visible today. The other battleships involved were repaired and sent back into waters to protect and serve. The USS Missouri is the only wounded battleship from that day still above water. It now stands as a tourist site, and a reminder. The USS Arizona sits below water under a monument erected to its demise. Its amazing to stand above its rusted remains and peer into the water knowing that there are still over 500 people buried in its twisted hull. To this day, oil still bubbles from somewhere inside the ship, rising to the surface to be seen by all. There are pictures of this on my facebook page as well.

As I said earlier, I am glad to be home. I would love to take another extended vacation someday, but I'm not sure I would do it in such a large group. There were times of bitter resentment, times of stupidity, and times of frustration and anger. Typical family vacation for sure. This will not be my last cruise, and will surely not be my last visit to Hawaii. I look forward to seeing the other islands.

I have enjoyed regaling you all with my adventures, and will now take some time to read your blog pages. I have missed writing to you, but missed reading yours more. Feel free to look at the pictures taken and feel free to comment on anything you like. Until our next reading time...Aloha