(or, What Do These Three Items Have In Common? Hawaii.)

1. Last week, while on my usual morning break, I discovered Maui Wowi's downtown location had closed. At first, I thought I was on the wrong street, but careful inspection of the adjacent businesses told me otherwise. I peered through the glass, past my reflection (with its dismayed expression), and saw the interior had been gutted. All that remained were the brightly colored walls. I turned away with a sigh and moped all the way to the end of the block, contemplating where I could get the coconut mocha I was suddenly craving. (And to think, the place had only opened 18 months ago.)

2. Last night, I was feeling in the mood for some kalua pork and cabbage for dinner, so I hopped over to the new Ono Hawaiian BBQ in town. It has only been open three months, but if my counting is correct, last night was Visit No. 6. Besides the pork, I'm a sucker for the loco moco and the mahi mahi. It's also where I get my spam musubi fix. As far as I'm concerned, it's the only good thing that came from the arrival of the big-box shopping center on the edge of town.

3. To kick John Mayer's tunes out of my head, I've been listening to an unhealthy amount of Jason Mraz's music. (Imagine a dozen tiny Mrazs wailing on a half-dozen tiny Mayers, and you'll have an accurate picture of what has been transpiring in my mind.)

His latest single, "I'm Yours", is saturating mainstream radio at the moment, unfortunately. If I had my way, every station would only be allowed to play it once a day, so everybody could actually enjoy it.

While I like the upbeat, yet soothing vibe of the song, I like it more when it's accompanied by the video, which was filmed on the islands of Hawaii.

It brings a smile to my face every time I watch it. And from now on, whenever I hear that song, I going to be thinking of Hawaii.