In October of 2014, my boss for the last 12 years will retire. It will be his successor's sole prerogative to retain me. I love my job and hope to stay, but it's largely out of my control. If she or he doesn't want me, my life could radically change. If, for instance, I have to go back to private practice, I may find myself with far less vacation time and far more stress.

So, DH and I decided to take a big trip in 2013. We're spending 10 days on the Big Island of Hawaii next April. Ten days!! We plan to split our time between the Hilo and Kona sides of the island. We just booked the flights tonight and I have an email in to the owner of the Hilo rental home where we'd like to stay (it's actually in the Puna district).

I'm so excited! I've only been to Oahu and DH has never been. We debated which island to go to, but we finally settled on the Big Island. I doubt we'll be disappointed!