I am once again sitting on a flight headed to an appearance.  This time it’s an AT&T trade show in Dallas, Texas before I head to a Right to Play event in New York City.  I just got a manicure at the Xpress Spa at SFO while waiting for my flight, which I highly recommend. 

This past weekend was simply incredible.  Ethan and I were invited to participate in American Express Publishing’s Food and Wine Paradise in Kapolei, Hawaii.  It was a showcase of some of the best chefs and vintners from Hawaii, California, and one Texan. The event not only helped make connections for both chefs and vineyards, but it also raised money for the Oahu Rotary Foundation. Good food and I get to go to Hawaii?  And it goes to a good cause?!?  I couldn’t have been more excited.  And to top it off, a very generous woman from the Oahu Rotary Foundation offered to let Ethan and I use her beautiful three-bedroom condo situated on one of the property’s many lagoons. 

For four days and three nights, Ethan and I sat by the pool and got some sun in-between our several mouth-watering multi-course meals.  I haven’t been home much since the Olympics and therefore haven’t spent much time with my fiancé.  This last trip was just what I needed!  There was no need to go sightseeing or anything.  Just relaxing while reading a good book in the warm Hawaiian sun (Alice Waters and Chez Panisse by Thomas McNamee for me, and Economic Hit Men by John Perkins for Ethan) was all I was craving.  We met so many generous, kindly people at the event and had the best time.  I hope I get invited next year!  

Hi Natalie

You sound like you're having a great time! Good luck for the future,

Athena

Holaa Natalie!!

Thats s good to hear that u are having fun there !! u deserver it :D .. My better wishes for u !! ..

bye from Dominican Republic

monalisa monalisa monalisa monalisa monalisa monalisa monalisa monalisa 

o! i was wondering how you made a post in september of this year and then I remembered it's 2009!! duh.

so you got a manicure? anything special on it? If you ever come to Okinawa, Japan, you HAVE to go to coco's. You can get a haircut, manicure, and a pedicure there! But in Japan, i think you have to go to some special skol to be able to work there!

Everything at coco's has so much detail in it! The desines, for example, can be a dragon that goes from one toe/finger to another. And It's soo beautiful. I'd never be able to work there.

Or maybe you'va already been to coco's. darn.

ttyl, ~MonaLisa~

You are awesome!!!!!!!

Natalie you are my inspiration. I loved watching you in the oylimpics!!!!!