And just like that, it's over.

I couldn't have asked for anything more out of my vacation. Having a Secret Agent Man for a husband really paid off on the trip home.

Our suitcase weighed 15 pounds heavier on return than it did on arrival. Can anyone say "chocolate-covered macadamias?" The airline rep told us that it would cost an extra $80.00 to check the suitcase. S.A.M nicely agreed, I don't think they were asking permission. When the rep tried to apply the charge, the computer wouldn't take it, because the computer knew something she didn't, she asked, "Mr. Secret Agent Man, are you a Gold Medallion?"

He replied, "Why, yes I am."

The rep, "I am sorry, Mr. Secret Agent Man, Gold Medallions don't have to have to pay extra for over-weight bags."

Me, in my head, "I should say not!! Who are you calling an over-weight bag, you snipe?!"

Minutes later when we arrived at Security there was a long line.

Me, in my head again, " Sigh. I hate waiting."

S.A.M then pointed out that there was an express lane through Security for "The Golds." Hooray! I wonder if heaven is like this?

When we arrived at our gate we were called up to the desk, "Mr. and Mrs. Secret Agent Man, we are trying to accomodate some extra passengers. Would you mind if we moved you up to First Class?"

In my head, "Woot! Woot! Righteous livin'! Oh yeah!"

S.A.M said, "That will be fine."


(more pics later, the usb cord ain't a workin')

Guess who I ran Into in Hawaii?

Another one of my "imaginary blog friends" verified as real! Wendy of "Wendy's Tiki Hut!" She is cute, shorter than me, we took off our shoes and measured, and has super sweet kids!

The temple in Oahu

Short video from the Polynesian Cultural Center. My, oh my, those kids are talented!

We spent Thursday beach hopping. I'll spare you my swimsuit pics, but here is one of "Vanilla" on the North Shore.

Today, we will visit Pearl Harbor and the Dole Pineapple Plantation.

Morning walk on Waikiki and hike up Diamond Head

View from the top of Diamond Head.

Near the top of Diamond Head: full hair

At the top: flatter hair

Secret Agent Man

Film crew on the beach, could they be from Lost? Hooray for new episodes!

That is Diamond Head behind me.

Sorry about the short descriptions. I don't like typing on the laptop.

"Annie has landed on the island."

I am still on MOUNTAIN standard time. That's 3:56 a.m.

We arrived in the late afternoon yesterday. Our home for the next few days is the 18th floor of the Embassy Suites.

I know what you are thinking. (see the blog description) "She must like that shirt, she wears it all the time." What can I say? A crisp white shirt is appropriate for many occasions.

The bathroom is nice. I've made myself at home already, notice the two curling irons.

I have nothing amazing to report yet. After dinner, we went back to the hotel,watched American Idol, and fell asleep. Yep! I am in paradise and I still take time to watch Idol. Poor Brooke, I don't think "Mormon vote" is powerful enough to save her this week.

Right after Idol, 8pm Oahu time, we fell asleep.

On the agenda today is a sunrise walk on Waikiki Beach and a hike at Diamond Head!

More pics later!

Hula skirt? Check! Coconut Bra? Check-check!

I leave in exactly 5 hours for my Hawaiian vacation with Secret Agent Man. You won't have to miss me because I am bringing you along! I know that's what makes me so nice. I will be posting travel logs and plenty of pictures. You may even see another blogger we know and love!
See you in a few hours!

While you are waiting for pics of my island getaway, check out my never-been-seen-before post at Mile High Mamas about volunteering!

It's finally happened...

...Clay Aiken is prettier than me!

Anniethology on Idol: "Idol, whooz ur daddy?" & Thanks "Mrs. Know-It"

The guys tonight blew me away. So much so that I am going to confess something right here, right now. The big confession is...

I can't remember the last time I voted. Maybe during the Carrie Underwood season... maybe. I know! Right?! Shocking! I am an American Idol maniac. But, I voted tonight. Boy, oh boy did I vote tonight! I voted over and over and over again for Jason Castro because "I don't want to see him cry."


I'm also impressed enough with David Cook to give him a new DNA match up.

David has graduated from Fraggle Rock to Kevin Bacon!

In other totally unrelated news...

I have a secret weapon in my arsenal of homemaking happiness. I have "Mrs. Know-it." Mrs. Know-It taught me how to replant my potted Peace Lily.

I was so excited, I repotted my Easter Lilies, too. I hope they bloom again. They smell so fragrant.

Mrs. Know-It doesn't like to be a called a "know-it-all" but, she has yet to let me down when I had a question.

Don't worry if you don't have your own "Mrs. Know-It," click here to borrow mine!

Just another one of my mad mom skillz

Third Grade Projects!

A Nile Crocodile made of packing peanuts.

Fighting King Cobras made of paper towel rolls.

How much of the project was completed by me and how much of it was completed by my boys, I'll never tell!

It may be déjà vu to you...

...but show me some "comment love" over at Mile High Mamas anyway.

You may have already heard that Cutie is engaged. Clickety to congratulate her and see her ring!

"I was never happier than the day I married Farmer Brown."

Cutie, may I suggest a vegetable theme for your bridal bouquet? Think about it and get back to me. (The vegetable bridal bouquet can be found at Tai Pan Trading Home Decor.)

Carronin and I had a great weekend in SLC with Elizabeth W and B. They are wonderful ladies with a fantastic sense of humor.

B. rocks at Rock Band and lives in a beautiful home on some amazing property. She is like the queen of world over there in the U.C.

E.dub is so cute you just want to put her box and tie a ribbon around her. She shares my love for all things Indian and swims like a fish!

We ate some great food, laughed a lot and shopped, of course.

I know you may be wondering, "Hey, where's is this week's post about American Idol?"

I know. I know. I tell ya, Inspirational Song week left me really uninspired. I wasn't jazzed about any of their performances. If you put a gun to my head and told me to pick a favorite, I'd close my eyes and pray for a blank.

The Office PSA - Hooray for New Episodes!

Anniethology presents...."The Unsung Heroes of The Office."




There's a little "Kelly Kapoor" in all of us. Please, oh please let her be in

the new episodes.

India representin'!

"If I could escape..."

Carronin and I are going on a road trip this weekend.

Do your dishes. We may be stopping at your house;)

Anniethology on Idol: "I love you Dolly."

Update: Here is proof that Ryan Secrest is one sick puppy.

Ryan says, "Kristy you are safe. Ramile, I'm sorry you are out of the competition. Kristy eat Ramiele's head."

If I hadn't seen it live, I would not have believed it.

Idol Downgrade: Cheezy group numbers.

Idol Up-grade: Gravity and Jesus.

***

I remember when I met Dolly Parton 16 years ago. I was working as a waitress in a cocktail bar. Okay, not really, it was a restaurant in a hotel. (I was having a "Human League" moment.)

Dolly Parton came to town to perform at Country Jam. They allowed the staff to wait for her in the hallway as they snuck her out the service entrance in the back of the hotel. Her people said we could say "hi," but we couldn't approach her or take pictures of her.

I wasn't a fan, per sé, but I was excited see someone famous in real life. When the elevator door opened I was surprised at how little she was, except for her... well you know.

That day I understood what the words "star struck" meant. I was so filled with emotion and excitement I yelled out,

"I love you, Dolly!"

I don't know where that came from, but in that moment, I really meant it.

Dolly was so kind, she said,

"Well, I love you, too."

Fast forward to tonight, I was only lukewarm on the performances. At least no one sang "Islands in the Stream." Have you ever heard the joke, "What do you call Dolly Parton doing the backstroke?"

Brooke was good. She should have sang the song "Creepin' In" as sung by Nora Jones and Dolly.
David Cook got a good haircut.
Ramiele is going to be in the bottom three. This song could have been good if it was sung on a Corrine Bailey tip. They should have taken out the country instrumentation. I'm right about this, people.
Jason Castro was so cute, I can't help but smile back at him when he sings.
David Archuleta is back on his game. He should have taken the jacket off, I have a feeling that was a nice sweater underneath there. I didn't see any lip licking. I could be wrong. I have been wrong before. It must be hard for him to find songs that don't talk about secks.
Kristy Leigh, sometimes being beautiful is enough.
Syesha, Syesha. I don't care how good you think you are, nobody can do it better than Whitney or Celine or Mariah. Their songs should just be off limits.
Michael Johns needed to ditch the scarf. And that was a dirty, dirty song he sang. He made this old lady blush. Shame on him!

April Fools!

Just kidding! I'm not converting my blog to "private."

Best Reaction goes to: B!

Oh, my goodness!!!
Have you gone private??
Are you going to invite me? Because I will be soooo hurt if you don't invite me!!
What happened?
Why did you decide to go private? Was there a threat on your life?
Or.......is it an April Fool's joke?
Whatevs, I love you no matter what.
Love, b.