MY MIND IS ELSEWHERE

I don't know what it is today but my mind is not focused - it's elsewhere. I am thousands of miles away meandering that tropical paradise known as Maui, Hawaii. I think looking over my class syllabi put me in this state. So much academia packed into one quarter. And I am back to what I have done the last two quarters - already thinking about vacation only one week into the quarter.

No Brett, it has nothing to do with being spoiled since stepping out of the workforce nearly three years ago. It's called just being a bit overwhelmed at what has to be accomplished in these next three months - complete three classes, two which are heavy-project studios, complete another class online to qualify my GE transfer credits as acceptable with FIDER, pull my resume together, start researching design firms in the area, and obtain an internship, preferably by quarter's end. This will allow me then to enjoy my six-week summer break, the last break before I am tossed back into the working world.

So...I guess I find my mind wondering to fonder places, places like Hawaii where I always manage to feel rejuvenated. I have a smile a mile wide just thinking about my Winter school break this past December. Six days of heaven on Maui. My brother and I went together, stayed at the Wailea Marriott Hotel in an upgraded ocean view room, and basked around the pool with unrestricted bar service. See we beat the Christmas crowds by one week. But I also find myself looking ahead and a little 'bummed' that I won't be able to go to Kauai with my little sister, brother-in-law, niece, and nephew this coming June. I'll still be in school and my graduation walk happens to fall in the middle of their vacation. Such is life. I can't have everything. Oh, if it sounds like I have been to Hawaii quite a bit, yes I have -- 4 times in the past three years.

Thought I'd share some of my photo memories from Maui this past December so you can see why I love Hawaii so much and why it can be such a diversion for me. Enjoy! I know I am.