A birthday in Hawaii

I spent my birthday in Hawaii this year. It was not a leisure trip...the stars aligned perfectly and I was able to catch trip via military air to work (and play) in Hawaii.

I spent some time with my friends Bryant and Marianne. We broke bread together and enjoyed a nice glass of wine at a local Italian restaurant. We were stationed in Italy together and it's always great to go to Hawaii and catch up with two of the best people in the world. They'll be moving this year to California...that really bums me out but hopefullyI'll be able to see them again before they depart Hawaii.

My birthday evening was spent with my other friend that lives in Hawaii. His name is Charles and we go all the way back to my days at Keesler. A great guy, a great friend. He's walked me thru many a career move and many personal crisis'. I owe him the world...he is a true friend. As I mentioned before, I was in Hawaii to work. I am upgrading a flight nurse student, Shanti. It just so happens that her birthday falls on 10 Feb so we decided to celebrate together. Charles took us to one of my favorite places in Hawaii. A place called "Brasiere di Vin". I think that's how you spell it...please forgive my guess if it's wrong. Anyway, it's a small place across the street from the Hawaii Theatre near China Town. This place is AMAZING...the food is delicious, the wine...well, always wonderful. I had a pork chop stuffed with gorgonzola cheese over a bed of spinach. Over the top was a glaze with roasted pecans. My mouth is watering as I think about it! Following dinner we were stopped by some folks advertising a Improv show that started in 5 minutes. "Why not?" we say. All of the comedians were amateurs that took a class in stand up comedy I suppose. There were 3 separate groups that performed and their show was based completely on suggestions from the audience. The first group's suggestion, an emotion..."horny". They go on for at least 15 minutes (until the lights go out). They have to keep going...all 8 of them...improvising and making it work. The next suggestion...something that makes you have to go to group therapy. One guy in the audience yelled out "sexually deprived tap dancing". Well, first of all I've never heard of such...neither did the poor group but they pulled it off. It was quite funny and I was amazed they were able to go on and on for 15 minutes about sexually deprived tap dancing!

All in all, my birthday was a good one. I enjoyed the sunshine and always perfect weather of Hawaii. Our trip home was long and although I love Hawaii...it's good to be home.