We just got back from a quite tumultuous trip to Oahu for my one of my best friends’ wedding. The wedding itself was a gorgeous, fun, low-key event, and one of the beaches near our hotel was also lovely. Besides that though, the trip left a lot to be desired…
Anyways, I don’t want to spend this post complaining but suffice it to say just about everything went wrong and when we were able to rebook our horribly rebooked tickets (ugh, Delta) to a direct flight for one night earlier, I was happy!
Eric and I used to travel a lot before kids and I often forget how much perspective traveling brings me.
Whilst staying in Waikiki, I noticed just how sharp a contrast there is on the island between haves–wealthy people in designer clothing staying in $400+/night resorts–and have-nots. It’s shocking to notice the disparities from one neighborhood to the next, and while MN has its share of those problems, they are not quite so obvious to the naked eye (probably because it’s not a tourist destination, which I appreciate).
Also, the prices of everything! Oh my goodness. The grocery, gas, hotel, and service costs were insane. When I think back to how we “splurged” on our wedding night hotel in Minneapolis (which we did! We stayed in my favorite vintage luxury hotel, the Nicollet Island Inn, and had a multi-course breakfast the next morning), it makes me laugh just how little that buys you in Waikiki. Also gas prices were $5.20/gallon… they’re under $4/gallon in MN right now, and I’ve been complaining about that! I’m going to stop doing that now.
And finally, the weather. I complain about Minnesota weather a lot as, well, it’s extremely cold here by almost any standard. When we got off the plane this morning it was 20F! That’s chilly for mid-April, even for here. But truthfully I’m not a tropical weather-loving, beach-going girl either. What can I say… pretty much all my genes are from the British Isles (England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland) and I love me some 40s-60sF, partly cloudy, some rainy days for the cozy factor 😛 But I prefer MN weather to Oahu weather for sure.
Anyways… I’ll be back in a day or two to continue with 30 Days of Feminine Inspiration, just thought I’d drop in with a reminder–to myself as much as anyone else!–to appreciate what you have and where you live. The grass often looks greener on the other side of the fence, but it’s not often true.
Also, it’s a reminder to appreciate the little parts of home that I love instead of looking for bigger thrills outside of “normal” life. This weekend I’m looking forward to preparing an Easter brunch and celebrating with family, picking up a jug of milk so I can make a cup of coffee this afternoon, and catching up on new videos from my favorite YouTubers. It really is the little things!
xx Claire