My first day back at work from our 3 week holiday and I'm feeling - not too bad actually.

Kona was great, but it's been suffering from vog (volcanic fog) for the last few months. The whole place is a bit hazy and rich in sulphur dioxide (yum). It was still beautiful and a great time.

Everywhere we stayed had wireless access - so I never really took a break from the Sift. [Cue Persephone rolling her eyes]

Every time I go back to the US I feel a little more like a stranger in my home country. This time it was the little things that left an impression. There's so much water in American toilet bowls! It lets you see your leavings in gory 3D detail as it swishes down.

Also, Cadillac Escalades ... people who buy those - what are they thinking? Isn't a "luxury off-road vehicle" kind of a contradiction? If I paid 50K for an SUV I would not stray an inch off the pavement.

major purchases included clothes and a 7 piece set of Kirkland stainless steel cookware from Costco. I love that place.