Back from a blissfully lazy two weeks in Maui. I swore off social media for the trip and had no laptop, no Facebook, no Twitter, nothing, for the entire 14 days. I felt no withdrawal whatsoever. I had time to read books (8 in fact - including 3 Diana Gabaldon trashy novels, which are big mothers) scribble things in my journal, swim in the ocean every morning, sit on the beach watching whales breach, lounge at the pool listening to music on my iPod (trip highlights: Adele, of course, and the Black Keys) and nap every afternoon.

I was worried about being alone with my thoughts for so long, frankly, being my own worst enemy at times. And there were moments of work anxiety, it's true. And sadness too, remembering the last time I was in Maui, with my Annie. But mostly, it was restful. I smiled walking by the surf shop where Edy and I took surf lessons. I laughed padding over the grass where my brother and I once ran into a toad and promptly ran screaming in the other direction. I thought about my aunt at every sunset. Even the sad and scary thoughts were easy to digest. I was able to make peace with them, carry them comfortably. So I guess this is what "refreshed" feels like.

When my parents dropped me off at the airport yesterday afternoon, my mom whispered to me, "Fill your memory bank, kid." I guess she meant to hold on to this feeling when I plunge back into the race this Monday. I'll do my best. I bought a vintage Hawaiian art print, of a beach, that says "A Trip to Hawaii," and hung it in a place of prominence in my house. I also brought back a little bottle of sand, with shells in it, to keep on my desk at work. Hopefully these daily reminders will keep that memory bank full.

Roadside hibiscus.

Lounging, poolside.

Our beach.

Maui bus stop on South Kihei.

Poolside essentials.

Our garden.

Missing the palms already.

"Downtown" Makawao, up country.