Yay! So I've finally found the time to write up an update for our upcoming trip. I've been busying myself with things like getting fit, to watching anime (haha)--everything & anything I can before work and school consume my life again. Though, I will admit, I haven't been very adamant about the gym for the past week & a half. Even though I've told myself to I need to get into tip top shape, running errands has taken up my free time (aka gym time). Not only am I going to Hawaii, but I'm also attending a friend's wedding! Gah, we've known each other since we were 13 years old. Now we're 25 and it's bachelorette weekend in Las Vegas!<< This is the only reason why I'm okay with missing Comic-Con this year. That being said, there's much to be excited for this summer & lots to do to prepare.

Anyway, back to business.
Eek! I am so thrilled because I haven't traveled anywhere in such a long time. And I've been gettin' myself ready: This week I bought an excessive amount of tops/tanks for Vegas/Hawaii, a "tough" camera for partying & adventuring, and I just booked some ecotours in Maui.

So, to document all the fun, I will be bringing my trusty Olympus PEN E-PL2 and my brand spankin' new tough Oly, the TG-1.




Sweet, right? I haven't used the TG-1 much lately, but so far I'm fully pleased with the photo quality (see E-PL2 photo above). So cleannnn. I am most excited about its waterproof-ness! It has only been put through a running shower, but so far, so good. You can bet I will put it to use next weekend at the Las Vegas resort pool parties.

Alright, so now for the Hawaii itinerary. We pretty much have our Maui stay planned and we may just wing it once we get to Oahu. We aren't afraid to be touristy and so, yes, we will be doing lots of... tours! Sadly, this also means spending a whole lot of dough. To mitigate overspending we have been keeping track of all of our bookings/costs via shared spreadsheet on our Google Drives. Recently, I've really been adamant on budgeting wisely in everything. I've also made a spreadsheet of all my purchases, budget, money left over (etc.) related to my friend's wedding. That being said, even with the high cost of Hawaii, we seem to be doing well in terms of spending--so far. Oh and it also helps that we booked vacation condo rentals at extremely low rates instead of hotels! Note: must use VRBO this again for future destinations.

ITINERARY (Maui only; Tentative) 

Thursday  8/08 - Arrive in Maui

Friday      8/09 - Snorkel/Kayak Tour

Saturday  8/10 - Haleakala Sunrise Biking Tour 2:30 AM! - Booked  

Sunday    8/11 - Ziplining Tour!

Monday   8/12 - Road to Hana!

Tuesday  8/13 - [Anything] --- Arrive in Oahu 4:30pm

Well, I think it's safe to say we are going to be broke for at least a month after this trip & we will be needing all the energy we can get in Maui. Now I know the activities don't sound like the "classic" dates the Romance Isle is known for, but I can't wait to experience all of these adventures. It isn't fully exotic nor is it a journey across the world so I know it is as if I'm making a huge deal out of this domestic vacation. But if you didn't know, Hawaii is also my birthplace and home to much of my family. I haven't been back since 2006 so actually, it is a big deal to me!

Ah, I can almost feel the sand between my toes!