Our trip to Molokini was a little more than rocky. In fact, I spent more than half the trip to the island watching everyone’s equipment slide back and forth on the boat deck. I could feel my stomach churn and my skin turn cold (indications that my morning would not be a good one).

Because of the rough waters that morning, we had to take the longer route to get to the desired snorkeling spot. The captain only had one CD and it is this CD that was played over and over again. Nonstop. Now I have nothing against the American rock band, the Eagles. In fact, their Greatest Hits Volume I is (was) one of my favorite albums. But after listening for hours to this CD while feeling queasy, I had more than something to say to Mr. Glenn Frey, et al. about telling me to “Take it Easy.” I just…couldn’t…hold it in…any…longer…

While the boat was cruising along the choppy waters, the inevitable finally happened on my side of the boat. I tried to be discreet about it to the point that I tried to maintain a glamorous composure in the midst of all of it. I’m sure I looked like a complete fool. BUT afterwards, let me tell you…I felt like a new woman. I felt like I could conquer the world and eat steel. Mother Nature also decided to bless me at this point with sunshine and a warm breeze. By now, our boat had arrived at Molokini island. I took in a deep breath and stood up to go snorkeling.

At that point, however, some very ambitious (and over-excited) group of women from the boat decided they, too, were ready to go explore the deep blue. They ran over to where I was sitting and threw their (at the time) clean towels onto the side of the boat…where…I had… just…

Tom watched the events take place in horror. I shifted my eyes left and right and quickly, but silently, left the scene of the crime.

The rest of the trip was a glorious one. Tom and I swam with the tropical fish and explored the beautiful coral below the water. At lunch time, I had an absolutely ferocious appetite. Tom watched in complete amazement as I went through the lunch line and loaded my plate with all the day’s bounty. I ate like a queen. What can I say? I happily munched away on my sandwich and snuggled inside my clean beach towel as I looked out to the blue water. I guess I didn’t hear all the commotion from that one group of women on the other side of the boat…

“You can’t hide your lyin’ eyes
And your smile is a thin disguise
I thought by now you’d realize
There ain’t no way to hide your lyin eyes”

When Tom and I first got married over nine years ago, we started a tradition that has stuck with us to this day. We decided that we weren’t going to buy each other gifts for our wedding anniversaries. Instead, we would plan each other “experiences.”

Early on, I thought it would be fun if we took turns planning out the experiences. For example, I would make plans for the odd year anniversaries: first, third, fifth and so on. Tom, on the other hand, would plan for the even years. Our 10^th year anniversary is coming up in February and it’s Tom turn to make the plans. We’ve been talking for years about wanting to revisit our honeymoon spot and go back to Maui, Hawaii.

Many different visions come to mind when one thinks of Maui. From strolling the seaside streets of Lahaina to watching humpback whales from our guide boat. From the championship golf courses to the scenic road to Hana. Yep, Hawaii brings many lush and beautiful memories. But not for Tom. Or at least not the lush memories you would think he would have.

Whenever someone asks about our honeymoon to Maui, Tom turns his head and you can see a smirk form around his lips and his shoulders visibly shake as he tries to hide his laughter. No, for Tom Maui brings back memories of our unforgettable snorkeling trip to Molokini.

Molokini is a small, crescent moon-shaped island that is a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District. It’s located three miles off of Maui’s southwestern coast. It spans over 18 acres and rises 160 feet above reef-filled waters. It is THE place for snorkeling enthusiasts. Why not I thought? I couldn’t wait to see the kaleidoscope of coral and say hi to the more than 250 species of tropical fish waiting for me.

The day of our snorkeling tour started out gray and rainy – definitely not a good sign. As the winds picked up and the water started getting rocky, I questioned whether our tour was going to get cancelled. Seeing the waves crash against the rocks and knowing my experience with motion sickness, I was second guessing my decision to go and wondered if I should have stayed back.

And I was right.

What should have been a memorable experience for all became a very memorable experience for some. Especially the some who had their towels hanging over the side of the boat where I was sitting…