As you well know, my mind is on 1 thing these days…or at least it was.

There are not many things that I have a fear of. Thanks to a Daddy who taught me that there was nothing I could not do if I just tried. (Thanks, Pop) But, a fear I have never conquered is my fear of the dentist. I put off going as long as I can, and only make the appointment when there is no other way out. Yes, I know this is irrational, and silly…..well, it’s just plain stupid, really. And, my mind knows that…but my soul still feels like running for the hills. And, I do not know why I have this fear, or why it is so strong…..but it is. I have prayed for help in overcoming it, but so far….it’s as strong as ever. Several years ago, I began having a terrible toothache, and I knew I had to find some help fast. I had run into a high school friend recently and she told me she was a dental assistant. So, I called her and asked for “HELP!” She tried to calm my fears and said to come right then. Because I did not think I could pull the offending tooth from my head…I went. The dentist was wonderful. She was very calm and understanding. And, she promised not to hurt me. And she didn’t. I ended up having to have 2 root canals and never felt a thing. Not even pain afterwards. She got me all fixed up, and I promised myself that I was going to go regularly from then on. I didn’t. And, now a part of a filling has fallen out. And I have been paralyzed. I leave for my trip on Saturday, and I was toying with the idea of taking a chance that all would be well, and I could wait till I got back. I knew I should call and see about this…but I could not make the call. I am such a fool. Don saw me wincing and asked about it, and told me I WAS GOING TO FIX IT……..NOW! He called today and they will see me on Wednesday. Which is fine, because it is not hurting…it is just rough on my tongue. Plus, that gives me another day and a half to work myself up into a twisted mess. I am ashamed of myself for being like this…and for not going back to see her sooner, and now I am in a mess and it’s time for my trip, and why didn’t I just do the right thing, but I am so scared, and this is silly and it serves me right, and …and…and…

Just say a prayer for me, my friends…obviously I need it….BAD!

LUGGAGE TAGS
Originally uploaded by Tonja Owens

Because my upcoming trip to Maui with my 2 BFF is all things girly, I made us all matching luggage tags. ( I had to blot out my address, they don’t really have a huge white spot on them. ) This is the front and back side. Are these just tooooo cute? 5 days…8 hours…and counting….

CIMG0780
Originally uploaded by Tonja Owens

Can you imagine anything any better than wearing THESE shoes on MY feet…IN Hawaii?……Well, I can’t….which is why I bought them! They are just tooooo cute.

But, I MUST have something cute to wear them with…..so…..
“HI–Ho Hi–Ho Off to the mall I go–“……….

AND…..FYI….it’s 6 days—17 hours—13 minutes till Aloha !!!!!!!

This is a pic of my sweet DIL, Suzanne and myself with our cuties at Vacation Bible School. This is AnaLea and Jaxson. We had fun this week with these 2 and we had another baby part of the time. Mom came and helped us out also. A good week and glad it is behind us. I loved spending the time with Suzanne…she’s a jewel.

And, thanks, Adam, for making a special trip to get this pic for us. Love you. Both.

In exactly 8 days, 9 hours, and 14 minutes, I will be winging my way to Hawaii. I can not believe it is so near. My friends Shirley and Tina and I have been planning this trip since October and it seemed like it would never get here, and now…it’s almost time!!! I still have lots to do to get ready. Since Don and I have been several times before, I am the designated trip planner. I have been working hard to plan activities for each day…but not too many…we need plenty of unplanned time, too. Neither of them have been before and there is so much I want to show them. We are going to spend 8 days…8 DAYS IN PARADISE!!! When I was a senior in high school, I had the opportunity to teach in a camp on the island of Oahu. My love affair with Hawaii began then, and I went back during college to teach again in the same camp. The history of the islands and the Polynesian people has always fascinated me, and I have done quite a bit of research into the ancient history of this magical place. If ever I had to choose another place to live, it would be here. I have spent some time on the islands of Kauai, and Hawaii, and Maui also. Each has its own flavor and beauty. But, I chose Maui for this trip…it seems to have a little of everything. AND, we have a convertible rented for the week!!! Cool, huh? I know, I should be more dignified…but, I don’t care…you can be 53 and an old lady, or you can be 53 and be a young lady…I choose young. I have begun to lay out my clothes for the trip, and my shoes, of course! The only downside to this trip is that I did not accomplish my goal to lose some weight before I went. Last year, I lost 30 pounds. But in early fall, I had to go on steroids for an auto-immune disease for 3 months. Well, you know what those can do for you. Along with the stress eating I have done due to Pop’s surgery, and Mom’s illness, and Don’s sudden illness, and Alex’s, I have gained it all back. I tried to lose it, but it just didn’t happen and I am sooooo disappointed in myself. But, that’s life, huh? At least, I can eat all I want there without worrying about a diet…but when I get back…it’s diet city!

If you have spent any time on Maui, tell me what you enjoyed doing. I’d love to have some new ideas!