Back to My Regular Routine

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Happy Groundhog Day and Kung Hei Fat Choy (the Cantonese version, I’m told), or Gong Xi Fa Cai (Mandarin) to those who celebrate. The new year officially started yesterday, but celebrations go on for several days. It is now the year of the tiger, which symbolizes strength and courage, among other things.

Pexels Image by Angela Roma

Normally, we would be going out for a large family dinner, but in these Covid times, small family gatherings are safer, especially for eighteen-month-old Ellie. How is your 2022 going so far? Has it been productive and smooth-going, or a bumpy long haul?

Before Covid, my husband I were lucky enough to spend a few days in Mexico in January 2018 and January 2019. It was a welcome break, although we had no plans to go ever year. Good decision, too, as it turned out. But I do enjoy breaks in late January. By the third week of the month, most of us feel that winter’s become a grind we could live without. My husband, hardly a world traveler, has actually been checking the daily temperature in Puerto Vallarta, which I don’t think helps his longing for warmer weather.

I had a break from my usual routine this past week, as my daughter was on a week’s holiday, so babysitting services weren’t needed. I used the time to finish tasks that had been on hold for several weeks, and to catch up on rest and reading. This week, I’m back babysitting, amazed by the way Ellie’s language and motor skills are progressing, and how she’s now crawling up on the furniture and running at, what for her, is top speed. Yikes!

I’m grateful for the great feedback I received from my beta readers on the Casey novella. Of course, changes are needed, and I’m rethinking the title, but it shouldn’t take too long to make the changes.

Meanwhile, I’ve joined the largest BookFunnel group promotion yet, with over 80 authors offering samples, excerpts, or full books of suspense and thriller mysteries. You can find the link HERE.

A Mini-Break To Start 2019 Off Right!

To wind up this three-month break from the day job, tending to family needs and other obligations, I’m excited to be heading off to sunny, warm Puerto Vallarta tomorrow. We’ll be joining my daughter and future son-in-law for fun, relaxation, and site-seeing.

This is my second trip to this wonderful city, but the first time we get to share the experience with family. It could be our last Mexico trip for a while, but who knows?

The photo is a glimpse of the resort where I’ll be staying. I’m bringing lots of sunscreen and books on my iPad, and yes, a little light editing for those early mornings with coffee in hand, when the days feel fresh, creative, and promising.

I’ll also bring my laptop, but don’t guarantee that I’ll actually look at it too often. Those two-for-one happy hours and all that sun tend to sap my energy as the day goes on.

I won’t be blogging until the last week of January, when I’ll catch up with all of the great bloggers I follow. Until then, adiós!

Back From a Whirlwind Vacation

Well, it’s back to the grind, but at least I feel more rested. No major sunburn on this trip, and tons of great memories. Even as we boarded the plane, my husband and I weren’t sure what kind of vacation we were going to experience. We just went with whatever we felt like doing, which turned into tours, walking, shopping, meeting up with my husband’s former coworker who’s now living down there, and of course lounging by the pool.

 

 

As you’ll see from the photo, we took a tour of the city, exploring both poorer and wealthier sections of Puerto Vallarta, plus a restaurant meal in the jungle, shopping at an amazing jewelry store, and a tour of a tequila distillery. I’ve never been a fan of tequila until now.

We spent time just exploring the touristy, but fun Malecón area, with plenty of souvenir shops, restaurants and a beautiful ocean view.

The only mishaps were hubby’s two falls. One took place during his early morning run, when he tripped over a brick on the sidewalk. (There are a more of them then you’d think). Those who’ve been to this area are well aware of the uneven surfaces, ongoing patchwork jobs, and some very steep curbs. Happily, he only wound up with some scrapes.

The second mishap was on a hike with his buddy, following the up-and-down trail along the coastline. Somehow, he managed to fall again, this time landing on his back, which remained sore for the remaining two days of our trip. He saw his doctor this week, and he’s fine. Healing nicely, in fact, and will be back to running soon.

The last mishap turned into a bonus. We were about to board the Air Transat flight home when they abruptly cancelled the flight. Long story short, we wound up with a free night at the Sheraton, three free buffet meals, and decent credit toward our next trip. Given that we didn’t have to return to work for four days, an extra day in warm and sunny Puerto Vallarta was worth the inconvenience.

Would I go again? You bet. I felt safe, the people were friendly, and the weather unbelievably good. I’m already anticipating next year’s trip!