Vacation With A Conscience

To vacation or not to vacation, that seems to be the question lately. Most of us were born with a sense of wonder and adventure and a desire to see what's beyond our own backyards. Today we're able to travel to distant and exotic places but at what cost? I'm speaking not only of monetary expenses but also environmental. To travel any distance we must use fossil fuels, and we all know what that has done to our planet thanks to Al Gore. With all the talk about the impact of our carbon footprints I know I for one feel guilty when planning a vacation that's going to involve traveling hundreds of miles from home. Is there a solution? Yes, ecotourism!

Ecotourism is defined as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. Ecotourism is about connecting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. Sounds like a bunch of political/hippie crap right? It's not and it's out there and it's not that hard to participate. I ran across a site today called Hawaiian Beach Rentals which makes it easy to experience paradise with a clear conscience. Makes sense for the Hawaiian locals to protect their natural areas, right? After all that's the main reason people visit.

This website helps you to plan an unforgettable vacation with stays in Maui beach front vacation homes. You can stay in an out-of-the-way oasis where you can enjoy the beauty and awe of nature first-hand instead of through the window of a big hotel. You can live like a native! The best part is that through Maui Beach Rentals you can customize your vacation. If you're looking for a romantic getaway for two or for a fun family vacation it's all there. The accommodations are beautiful, the views exquisite, and the price...affordable! Maui Beach Rentals specialize in alternative vacations to Hawaii and help you to plan the details of your personal dream vacation. The best part is that you can do this all without feeling guilty. You can leave with a new respect for nature and take comfort in the knowledge that you've helped the local people take steps towards conserving their land. Since Maui's economy is tourism-based, practicing ecotourism protects valuable environmental assets while luring savvy travelers to experience the raw beauty of a Pacific Island, that is how your tourism dollars work.

So what are you waiting for? Go plan your next vacation and take advantage of technology to plan the most unique, socially-conscious trip of a lifetime!


EDITED 8-10-13...I was asked to remove the links within this post and have complied.  I apologize for any confusion.

Windows Vista

Our new computer came with the new Windows Vista already installed. At this point, the following video pretty much sums up how I feel about it. Enjoy.


How To Properly Load Vista - Watch more free videos

Chillin' & Goodwillin'

I went to Goodwill yesterday for some retail therapy because I needed it and I'm cheap. I came away with a couple new shirts. I had forgotten that I donated most of my spring/summer clothes last year and was left with mostly stuff for wearing while working outside. Geof even picked out two shirts for himself. The best find of the day was a Tommy Hilfiger purse I found for myself. I would take a picture of it but my new computer and camera aren't on speaking terms at the moment. Yay for technology. There's a picture of what it looks like that I found online. At any rate, it's a good find since I paid only $3 for it and it is in new condition. It will come in handy for our vacation to Chicago which is coming up at the end of the month. My focus has been elsewhere and I just realized how quickly this trip is coming up. I think I'm looking forward to it, but I know my thoughts will be back home. Ugh, I'm going to develop an ulcer if I'm not careful. I will admit that I've been smoking again too which is so dumb and I feel like shit for back-sliding. I have no excuse except that old habits really do die hard.

Good News

Just wanted to let everyone know that my Mom came home from the hospital on Friday after a 10 day stay. She is doing remarkably well and has no permanent damage to her brain. The doctors say she is in the "golden 5%". That means that only 5% of all aneurysm patients come out alive and without lasting effects.

She had two separate aneurysms and the first was treated with "coiling". She'll have to return to the hospital in 2-3 months to have the other one "clipped". You can read about both procedures at the end of this article found on WebMD.

Thanks again for all the support and well wishes. They've all been most appreciated and welcome. You've all made an extremely traumatic event seem a little less...well...traumatic! We're still not at the end of this ordeal, but we can see the light. Any positive energies, prayers, or blessings you can spare are still needed until she's completely out of the woods. Thanks again, you guys rock!