Graduations and Globe Trotting

Good Morning. And what a fine Saturday morning it is. After going back to Texas last weekend for John's High School graduation, and then turning around 4 days later to jet back to Hawaii, I took a much-needed night off last night! My Friday night was spent watching "Friends", eating popcorn, and lounging around. Adam partook (is this a word?) in the evening activities, and gracefully fell asleep. Needless to say, it was rest- that was well-deserved!

John's graduation was fabulous! It was so great being there, and seeing family. I love being in Texas during this time of year. Everything is fresh and green. The flowers are out, and the summer thunderstorms roll in from time to time. One morning, Abbey, Dad, and I went for a nice bike ride through some of the old country roads near our house. It was simply delightful! 

Last Saturday, Abbey and I took off for the San Marcos outlet malls. That place is literally a little piece of heaven on earth. Being out here in Hawaii, I grow accustomed to how ridiculously overpriced everything is. Because most items have to be shipped in, the cost of living out here is significantly more, especially when you compare it to a place like Texas. All that to say, Abbey and I went to town at the outlet mall! I stocked up on several things...the whole time vowing to never buy another item in Maui unless it is absolutely necessary! Ha! I have definitely learned how to be the "Bargain Shopper" while living out here. And, now that I work at my church, and not some luxury hotel chain, I have really learned how to make every dollar stretch. It has been such a good lesson in stewardship, and taking care of my money. In fact, right now I am taking a class at my church called "Financial Peace University," and I'm loving every second of it. I love studying finance and money. I find the subject fascinating. So much so, that I've sometimes considered going back to school and getting an MBA or a Masters in Finance or Micro-Enterprise/ Social Development. Maybe one day :)

As far as today is concerned...I'm going to the volcano. Some friends and I are leaving in a couple of hours to hike the crater of "Haleakala" which means "House of the Sun" in Hawaiian. We are going to spend the afternoon hiking, and then keep going until just after sunset. There is a full moon tonight, so we'll hike for awhile by moonlight! I'll definitely post some pictures once I get back. The pictures that I have posted right now are from John's graduation weekend. It was so great having everyone at the house. I love it when that house is bursting with people. Which will be happening again in a few weeks for Abbey's wedding. Can't wait for that one!

I hope whoever reading this has a very restful and enjoyable weekend. Please know that I send my love!