As I pulled into the carport tonight, I glanced down at the fuel gauge to find it was down to one bar. Crap. How long's it been that way, and more importantly, is there enough to get Arwen to school tomorrow morning? Few things frustrate me more than beginning my day with a near empty tank of gas. It's definitely an ingredient in the recipe for a bad day, but then I remembered that last Monday my day began exactly as it will for me tomorrow - with only one bar showing on the fuel gauge. I had a good week last week. Hoping this means that a good holiday weekend is to come.
My week in review:
After walking Kapi'olani Park with Cara and Larisa on Monday, we went to Nordstrom to check out their New Moon merchandise and to get a close up of the life-sized Edward cutout. I was the dork willing to ask the sales girl to bring the cutout down from the shelf. Larisa was the dork willing to pose with it. Too funny. They had some cute stuff - bracelets, makeup, etc... I'm amazed we didn't buy a thing.

We followed the photo session with lunch at the Nordstrom Cafe. I finally ordered their delicious herb-roasted chicken and the absolutely sinful Chocolate Turtle Cake. We must come here more often.

Later that evening we met up at the Big City Diner in Kailua with the Majors family, Jayme, Solomon, and Jayme's mom, who was visiting from Missouri. This became a full day of good food, friends, and fun!

I drove out to Mililani to walk with Larisa on Tuesday. It's a long way to travel for a walk partner, but the company and change of scenery keep up my motivation to walk, so it's worth it. Especially when you happen by the Mililani Starbucks to find the Christmas stuff is here!!!!! I also discovered my new favorite drink - caramel brulee latte.

Arwen also finished her fall session of swim lessons in the Advanced Beginner 1 1/2 class. The fish was delighted to get another medal for her collection. The mom was relieved that we have a break from lessons until February. One less stop for Mom's Taxi - for now.

Wednesday, I met Larisa in Kailua to walk the Lanikai Loop. A great walk on a beautiful day. We were even greeted by a friendly little kitty.

On Thursday, Larisa and I enjoyed a Twilight double feature. While 1000s of Twilight freaks lined up outside to wait hours for the midnight showing of New Moon, Larisa and I sat in the comfort of an air-conditioned theater watching the re-release of Twilight. We were pleased to learn that we'd be able to stay in the theater for the New Moon show and keep our prime seats. Score! With no parking issues, no lines, no waiting, and a wonderful goody bag from Larisa, I was feeling like a celebrity.

The movies weren't all that bad either. This was the third time I'd seen Twilight, but the first time in a theater. Hated the movie the first time I saw it on DVD right after finishing the book, but it's been growing on me. Seeing it on the big screen and putting some distance between finishing the book and watching the movie helped. After this experience, I can almost admit I kind of like the movie now - still a bigger fan of the books though. New Moon was definitely better than the first film, but Edward still looks as if he lost a battle with a tub of glitter glue. It's okay. He's beautiful, and I had fun.

On Friday, we met up with Malia and the Majors family for dinner at California Pizza Kitchen in Pearlridge Shopping Center. Malia had just returned from visiting her twin in Kalama, WA and wanted to deliver some treats to us! I was so glad to be able to restock my Bath & Body Works supply. It was also great to just hang out with some friends and revisit an old favorite on the CPK menu - Garlic Cream Fettuccine with Shrimp and Sauteed Mushrooms.

The week finished up with Arwen attending Maddy's 4th birthday party at 808Bounce in Windward Mall. The kids had a blast and, after the party, went down to visit Santa and check out the "snow" falling by the Christmas tree.

Sadly, I overbooked myself for Saturday and ended up missing the Feast of Roses luncheon with my Alpha Gam sisters. We ran so late from the party, and I was completely wiped out. Wonder why.