I've always been exceptionally good at rationalizing -- especially when it involves something I really want. It's possibly my greatest talent ;-). But I think I might have just graduated to an entirely new level.

I've booked my flights and a Sealodge condo to spend four weeks in Kauai -- leaving January 8th. (This is completely separate from the four weeks that I'll be spending there in October.)

January in Kauai sounds great, right? Um, er ... except for one little detail. Three days after returning to Nashville I'll be teaching a huge event ... and the following day I'll leave to work in Ireland! That’s a 12 hour time change from Hawaii. AGGHH.

So, here's my rationalization ...

I want to live in Kauai. If I already lived there and I chose to take a job in Ireland then I'd still be flying from Kauai to Ireland. (Here comes the really impressive part of the rationalization ...)

So instead of doing the grueling trip from Hawaii to Europe, I'm breaking up the trip by stopping mid-way -- and "getting my bearings" in Nashville--then continuing on the second leg of the journey -- to Ireland!

Has my Kauai addiction gotten completely out of control? Am I crazy??? Should I open a new business: “Rationalizations-R-Us?”

PS. I still haven't unpacked from the Canadian Rockies. They were MAGNIFICENT. If you want to see my photos (taken with my new camera) check out:

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...



(click on "view album" then "view slideshow")

Is this "dual" rationalizng? Right side - left side brain?

Songdoc, you posted twice. It's gettin to ya.

I had a problem with the first posting -- and it did not show up when I checked. But now I see it. How strange. I think it's a sign that I'm supposed to go to Kauai -- TWICE!

This has been so frustrating!

I wonder if there's a way to get the editor to add the Hawaii tag on the original posting. Hmmm ... I've got an idea. We'll see if it works.

Also, the link to the photos wasn't working. The one that works is:

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...=2QctG7hu0ZPbg

Your rationale is beyond reproach! (meaning, whatever it takes to be in Kauai)

By the way, loved your Alberta pix. We were there last year and saw many of the same sights. Isn't Peyto Lake beautiful? And you saw a bear and cubs..

So do I have this right? You would move to Kauai today but somebody else doesn't want to?

LoveMyLab -- Peyto Lake SLAYED me!!!

Tom --
<You would move to Kauai today but somebody else doesn't want to?>

Well ... not exactly. I'd love to, but ... I have an elderly cat (she's at least 16 years old) and I won't put her through the flying and the quarantine that would be required. AND I'm under contract that requires me to be in Nashville approximately every six weeks -- for the next year.

DP seems to be coming around and says we could probably move in 3 - 5 years. I'm thinking 2 - 3 ... but in the meantime, I'm spending four months a year there -- which is almost as much time as I spend in Nashville. I can handle that ;-).

Loved your pictures of the Canadian Rockies!! We were there in 1992 and it is still in my memory. You are so fortunate to be able to spend so much time in God's beautiful natural places!

Tough sledding but somebodyh has to do it, eh?

Yup, my life is tough -- and I'm profoundly grateful. But you have no idea what went into creating it ;-).

Thanks for the nice comments about the Canadian pix. The beauty was incredible--in a totally different way from the islands.

Absolutely beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing. We are planning a roadtrip from our home in Oregon up through Yellowstone and then to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper next summer. Can't wait to finally make this trip after years of other things.

oregonmom--
That will be an amazing trip. FYI, I have a trip report under the Canadian Forum. It might help you. Thanks for the nice comment about the photos!

>So instead of doing the grueling trip from Hawaii to Europe, I'm breaking up the trip by stopping mid-way -- and "getting my bearings" in Nashville--then continuing on the second leg of the journey -- to Ireland!<

This is actually very good rationalization. I live in Hawaii and I always just grit my teeth and fly straight to Europe without any stop in between (excluding connecting flights). Spending a few days breaking up the flight over sounds great. I just never have enough time on vacation to consider that option.

The worst was flying to Athens several years ago - including connection times I was in transit for about 30 hours. Since I am never able to sleep on planes I was a zombie once we landed.

Songdoc: There are four of us coming to Kauai late September (We'll be renting one of the Alii Kai condos)for the first time. Hoping we will magically bump into you as we'll be there one week. You paint such a wonderful picture of this island that I knew from your description that I just had to see it. I love your writing style and read all of your trip reports. I know we'll all fall in love with Kauai just like you have! Thanks for your contributions!