The holiday ends but aloha remains

He’s been back in D.C. for just a day, but chances are that it seems like much longer for President Barack Obama, who cut short his annual Hawaii holiday after five short days home.

Consider the differences: No more fun in the sun, going from Honolulu’s 80-something-degree weather to D.C.’s frigid 40-something degrees. No more relaxed golfing with his buddies here; just more political games with Congress about the fiscal cliff. And no Michelle and the girls in the short-term, since they’ll continue vacationing here through the beginning of January.

It’s tough being president. But if significant progress can be made before year’s end, the warmth of the 50th State will surely be felt in the White House.

From LG to D.C. on Air Force One

You’d think they might have lots to chew over on that long flight back to wintry Washington.

Brian Schatz, en route to being sworn in as the appointed successor to U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, went to the same high school as President Obama, albeit a decade or so later.

And before he was elected lieutenant governor, Schatz also had chaired the Hawaii 2008 campaign for Obama.

However, he has said there were few opportunities to become acquainted that year. And now, although he had hours of flight time with the president, Schatz said he spent most of that time sleeping.

Oh, well. It was a tiring day at the Hawaii office, and Air Force One is very comfy. Might as well grab some Z’s while you can. In the waning hours of the lame-duck session, there won’t be much time for shuteye.