Coincidence or Fate?

Last year May I was in Italy and a couple of months before I left I stopped into Bath & Body Works because it so happened there was a sale. I was astonished by the new fragrances because I was staring at a newly released fragrances of "Venice" and "Paris."

I thought nothing of it, until a couple weeks ago when I decided to shop for a mother's day present a bit early and was drawn to the bottles of "Hawaii" and "Maui" as they were positioned front and center  of the store. I was flabbergasted! Two coincidences in two years? Really? I'm still looking for an explanation, but I can't find one. How did Bath & Body Works know I was planning a trip to Italy and to Hawaii? And, what made them create fragrances, two years running, of places I was headed to?

I really don't think there is a conspiracy, however, I do find it quite comical to ponder the idea. 

So, now the fragrance is out of the bag... so to speak. I am headed to Hawaii in the next couple of weeks with my best friend. Kauai is where we will be disappearing to for little over a week.

We had been toying with the idea of traveling to the West Coast and check out the sights of the Grand Canyon, San Francisco, Los Angles, and Las Vegas. But, my best friend came up with the idea of Hawaii. I couldn't decide! I had been to San Francisco before, but I don't recall every detail without looking at pictures. So, it was safe to say that another trip would've refreshed my adolescent memory. (I was 8, give me a break). 

So, what to do!? 

I'm not sure if you are aware of the song, "Heads Carolina, Tails California" song by Jo Dee Messina. When I was younger it was one of my favorite songs, right behind Travis Tritt's "Here's a Quarter" (Call Someone Who Cares) song. 

Anyway, how did I solve this dilemma? I think the answer is obvious, I flipped a coin. Heads Vegas and tails Hawaii. 

I'm looking forward to learning how to hula! Who knows, I could turn professional in a couple years! ;-) But, in all honesty, I'm most looking forward to spending time with my best friend on the beach with a coconut drink (or two, etc..) in hand and watching my cares drift off to sea. 

Before I say Aloha, I'd like to share some insightful meanings I found of the word. An article I found said Aloha was a lesson growning up, "Aloha is being a part of all, and all being a part of me. When there is pain - it is my pain. When there is joy - it is also mine. I respect all that is as part of the Creator and part of me. I will not willfully harm anyone or anything. When food is needed I will take only my need and explain why it is being taken. The earth, the sky, the sea are mine to care for, to cherish and to protect. This is Hawaiian - this is Aloha!"

David Bray interprets this as "Come forward, be in unity and harmony with your real self, God, and mankind. Be honest, truthful, patient, kind to all life forms, and humble."

Finally my favorite meaning of Aloha, "The joyful sharing of life energy in the present." Or simply, "Joyfully sharing life." 

It can't get much better than that, can it? Joyfully sharing life. How appropriate now that I put everything in perspective. 

Aloha.

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All Work & No Play Makes Johnny a Dull Boy

re·cess (noun)

: a short period of time during the school day when children can play

:a usually brief period of time during which regular activity in a court of law or in a government stops

:A temporary cessation of the customary activities of an engagement, occupation, or pursuit.

Why is recess only for children and those who are in the judicial system? How is that fair? What about that secretary at the doctor's office? Why can't they have a recess? Why not that plumber down the street who just was knee deep in his work or the government workers within the cube farm constantly on their phones and computers and lets not forget the chemist who is stuck in a quarantined room testing?

By now you get my gist, we need recess. I'm not talking about going on a "break" where you are required to come back to work within 15 minutes or a lunch break where you have a half hour, if your lucky. I'm speaking of the good old fashioned recess where everyone (including the CEO, president..etc) plays a low-intense activity together. What does it matter what the game is? 

I know your thinking about if someone gets hurt... liability issues and who pays. Oh, give me a break... Why is it always about money and who has to pay. Accidents happen, yes. But, there are ways that it can be worked out and shame on you for automatically thinking negative! What about all the positives? Growth of morale, less stress, better health, happier, mental break and lets not forget about pure joy.

I know your thinking what if no one wants to participate. Again, with another negative thought, shame on you! I bet you there will be people who will want to participate. A pick up game of four-square or volleyball, maybe even a little badminton? Count me in! 

Stop with the structure and routines. Get off of Facebook, turn the phone off and go play for an hour. The Spanish had it figured out with their idea of siesta. Granted they created it because of the intense heat, but the concept is the same. A recess to regroup. Some would regard recess as a waste of company money, time and personnel. I don't believe that. We are humans, not robots and we need to regroup after recess.

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