A lot of you were curious as to how the trip to the Hugging State went. I had never been to Hawaii before and it was awesome. We flew in to Oahu and it was like staying in a very sunny version of Seattle. Nice. But busy.
Then we flew to Lanai and I loved it. WAY more laid back there and there’s so much history! Aside from the two giant resorts that are there now, Lanai is vastly untouched by tourists. Everyone knows each other, there’s not one stoplight on the whole island and it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to. Hard to believe Pat ever wanted to leave.
His family refused to acknowledge any awkward vibes I was sending and embraced me with open arms. Hawaiian style. I did hesitate a couple times like…now??…wait, huuuuug now?? in a weird white girl sort of way, but they just come right at’ya. No stopping, no stuttering, no hesitations, they mover RIGHT in for the hug. And actually that’s the way I prefer it…I can’t have someone hesitating with me…then things just get really weird.
Honestly though, I have never felt more welcome somewhere. I was nervous about how they would receive their brother’s tall, young, white girlfriend, but if they were surprised by my appearance they didn’t let on.
They were extremely friendly and in true Kathy style I barely spoke and spent most of my time listening to them “talk story” and trying to figure out what they were saying.
In fact…it’s been six years and it’s still like that when we go. I just sit and smile and laugh. They’re hilarious. And they make fun of Pat constantly. And I like that. I think I talk a little more each time we go…but it’s not easy for me. I’m sarcastic and dry and I don’t think a lot of people “get that”. I’m afraid I’ll say something that no one will get and they’ll all just stop and stare and be like “who told the white girl she could talk??” Have I mentioned I’m ridiculously shy? It’s stupid.
But still. His family is wonderful and every time we leave I start planning our next trip…hugging and all.
ps Whenever I see these pre-baby pictures I think “man! I had it SO easy”. Even now when I’m not with my kids, they are a constant thought. They never leave my mind. But in these pictures…back then…they didn’t exist. What did I THINK about?? Just relaxing in the sun, having a good time with my boyfriend…kid-free = carefree. Now when we go on vacation my mind is in over drive. I pack for four people, my kids are always in need of something, constantly cleaning up after them…you can hardly call it a vacation. Boy if I knew then what I know now…I would have drank WAY more.