Post #41784 by Humuhumu on Sat, Jul 5, 2003 3:01 PM

Ahhhh....

Hukilau was indescribably wonderful -- it's taken me a week to absorb it all and even feel ready to describe it. Folks here at work, so used to hearing about my tiki escapades as soon as I return from them, have been baffled by the simple beatific smile they're greeted with when I'm asked "how my tiki thing went."

I left my camera at home this time, and I'm glad I did -- the experience will live on much better in my head, photographs would fail it.

Many factors contributed to my extreme enjoyment of that weekend, but the single most important one was Miss Inky Louise. My favorite memory is simply the two of us girls, all alone, playing in the ocean in the middle of the night after we returned from the Mai Kai. How fortunate was I? I got to go to bed every night with Inky Louise!! :wink:

There can never be enough mahalos for the folks that made it happen. Thank you so much, Swanky, Kiliki, Bree & Tristan! I can't begin to fathom the many months of hard work that went into just that one weekend.

With so much going on, I feel like I missed 2/3rds of what was happening. My biggest regret is that I missed meeting so many East Coast TCers! Next time, a more concerted effort will be made on my part.

That said, I did get to meet a bunch of new (to me) folks, which is always a blast!

Purple Jade -- so neat to finally meet you! Can't wait to swap closets.

Basement Kahuna & Brad the Beachcomber -- oh my god, do they make boys right down south! Such gentlemen, so charming, the girls were positively melting as you guys passed by, we don't have boys like you out here on the west coast. Screw LA, I'm moving to Georgia!

James -- the rumors are true, girls, he's quite dashing, and a bit impish. Sharing the fireworks moment with you was just right.

Gecko -- I'm going to extend the echo with yet another swoon... but where was that pigeon? Next time, I'm gonna see you in Hawaii so I can hear that beautiful lilt.

Kava King & his Queen -- it was great to share a table with you folks! Who knew my handbag was so famous?

Vern -- it was so great to put a face to the name! I'll have to come up with an excuse to visit DC so I can see the local tiki sights!

I think I met more TCers for the first time, but due my zombie-induced haze, you may have to re-introduce yourself at the next event! :(

My new Hoiti Toiti 'ohana, thank you so much for accepting me into your tribe! I can't wait to be down there with you. In particular, it was a blast hanging with the boys, Crazy Al & Bamboo Ben! C'Al, my little resin ape has been affixed to my handbag, and is now my constant companion and symbolic reminder of all that is TC. Ben, you can advertise on my ass anytime you want! Holden, of course, is the ultimate stress reliever. Sane Al & Shelly, SugarCaddyDaddy, TraderPup, King Kukulele, Doctor Z & Z-girl... you guys feel like home to me already.

Of course, it's not all about the Hoiti Toitis -- TikiVixen, Mr. Smiley, Otto & Baby Doe, Tiki Bob, I love seeing you guys!

Casey, from Caliente Tropics -- I'm so glad that after hosting us so graciously at Oasis, you were able to relax and enjoy an event! Welcome, officially, to the 'ohana.

David Doris -- dunno if you're on here, but in case you are, you were a blast to chat with! I hope to see you at more events.

This year has been an amazing one for me so far -- massive life changes, hugely painful experiences, terrifying new decisions to be making... and through all of this, you guys have been there, waiting with a smile and a Mai Tai. This year, which could easily have been described as my annus horribilus, has been quite possibly the best of my life. Much aloha to all of you, mahalo.