Hawaii, here we come.

Today is officially the day I am excited about Hawaii.

No, excited isn't the word. Ecstatic? Jumping out of my skin? Nope, they don't do it justice either.

We had the main flights booked and paid for ages ago. But something in me just wasn't feeling the pending adventure, and I didn't know why. 

It wasn't until today, when the travel lady sent through the full itinerary with the final cost that I got excited. Why? Because before it still felt like a long way away, and a lot of money away. It seemed daunting. As if it was all too good to be true and I'd eventually have to throw in the towel because it was too much money and I wouldn't be able to do it. It's as if someone said you could go somewhere exciting, but it's going to cost you half your yearly earnings. Your first thought isn't, "We'll, let's make this happen." Most instinctively think, "Oh well, count me out."

Well, that's how I felt at the beginning. But now looking at the final figure, which is already half way paid off it's becoming a reality. I'm going to get to go to Hawaii and not have to sell my first born son - and better yet, I think I won't be in any sort of pain for the next 12 months for going there. Bonus!

I've reverted back to a habit I had as a little kid. I grew up in northern NSW. The rest of the family lived in Victoria. Which meant through my childhood I spent a great deal of time in the back seat of the car. To be exact, it was a 14 hour one way trip. Yeah, it sucked.

Anyways, I used to get excited and plan out those hours with lists of what I was going to do, going to pack, etc, etc. That's what I did when I knew we were going somewhere.

Well, today after I calmed down a little, I ripped out a piece of paper and started writing down all the things I need to pack, divided into two main lists (flight and luggage) with sub lists of clothes, toiletries, entertainment and extra bits and pieces. It's a bit much - it's not for another 9 weeks, but judging how fast the first half of this year has gone, it's going to fly by. 

I think now I have to buckle down and get the spending money sorted. Do I go for it and try and scrape up the cash (and be limited)? Or should I get up as much cash as possible + a small personal loan (which really, takes like 6 months to pay off like the last one I did) which means I can go full on and not worry?

The latter is looking more attractive. Only because it's a no stress, fun filled option.