ALOHA----

OK everyone, don't freak out. I recently had miraculously 5 days off. I did the math and found that with my time I could have had quite the trip and seen everyone... but my schedule would have been something like this-

Leave Tokyo Narita- evening
Arrive SFO, wait 5 hours to transfer to Vegas.
After 12 hours in Vegas, fly to SLC.
Next morning, take red-eye flight to Omaha.
That evening take the late-flight back to SLC.
Next morning head back to Vegas.
That evening leave for SFO,
Head back to Narita the next morning.

Needless to say, I would have spent more time in an airplane than with any of you... sorry guys...

A good friend calls and tells of a great deal on tickets to Hawaii. Round-trip airfare, hotel, airport and fuel charge, ALL included for $600. As my electric blanket and I were seeing WAY too much of eachother, and it was snowing the day the offer came- I took the trip! I hope you all understand. I will see you all soon! I promise!

In the meantime- here are some highlights from the Hawaiian adventure.

I recovered from my jet-lag while frying myself on the beach. I was hoping to nap for 30 minutes before a brief dip in the ocean, but 2 hours later woke up. Ummm- I was asleep from 12:30 to 2:30 covered in Hawaiian Tropics... not sunscreen. hahahaha. I ate way too much local food, but felt like I deserved the break from my normal diet of too much healthfood and protien shakes. I was able to go to my alma-mater of BYUH and see my favorite Kajiyama Sensei!! He still remembered me and introduced me to his 301 class as his 'prize student that became a famous actress in Japan.' (he may be the only one in the room that didn't catch that. i love that guy!!)

I got to take a tour of the Polynesian Cultural Center. It was fun being on the receiving side of things. Even though I have been through the center litterally hundereds of times, it was amazing. I got to see one of my favorite people in the world, Jimmy, who did so much for me while I was at BYU, and again when I was there this time. Heart as big as a whale!! He and my homegirl Ardis embody the love of Polynesia.

Spent not one, not two, but THREE hours in Wal-Mart!! Hehehehehehe- LOVE that place. I got lots of vitamins and things that are sooo expensive in Japan. Picked up some macadamia nuts, chocolate, lots of treasures, CDs, DVDs, books, etc etc etc. I got so much, in fact, that I had to buy another suitcase to get all of my stuff home. hahahaha-

After four days of beach, food, sun, food, shopping, food, friends, food, and siteseeing, I was fast asleep on the plane back to Japan and my busy life in Tokyo.