Which Spring Break Would You Pick? My Last Few Hotel Stays

The weather is crummy, drizzly and gray. I could be napping or reading but decided nothing would put a spring in my step faster than writing about my last month on Spring Break. I won’t bore you with the whole month, just the last two weeks. It will be quick, simple and I’ll do it in pictures.

As an aside…

A guy friend came up to me at the gym this morning and informed me that we belong to the “Lucky Bastard’s Club” (LBC). “What the heck is that?” He went on to explain that we are fortunate to be living the dream and can do whatever we want since we don’t have kids at home. I’m sure he was talking about all his golf games so I agreed. It quickly came to mind that maybe I should start a “Lucky Bitches Club” and anyone could join…How about that?

As a member of the LBC, I recently had the amazing fortune to take two Spring Breaks (SB) to two wonderful islands and stay at one fab resort and one nice one.

The first SB was of the adult variety. We were two couples hanging out on the beach, relaxing, sipping Killer Bee’s at Sunshine’s and taking some adventures. Nothing could be better, IMO! We were carefree and mellow, a little too much so once, twice…okay maybe a few more times than that but we blame the Killer Bees. Our nine-day vacation looked like this.

Peaceful looking, right?

Sunshine’s on Pinney Beach, Home of the World Famous Killer Bees. Our favorite Rasta spot and the best sunset viewing…or maybe it was just a crazy fun place.

One night we helped with the beach bonfire at Sunshine’s. Probably wasn’t a great idea to let us near it but whatever, Mon!

Lazy afternoons were spent sipping rum punches or Caribes,

And every night included a gorgeous sunset.

Fast forward nine days and more than a few islands away, we met up with our freshman in college for his SB. Actually, he/we nixed his original SB plans, which included 10 pledge brothers in one room in Panama City, FL. It was never going to happen and he wised up fast when I dangled diving everyday in front of his nose.

After a diverted flight where he was fortunate to spend the day on a Dominican Republic tarmac and night in a roach infested hotel, by himself let mama add, he arrived to our spot in one solid piece and just one day late.

My vacation with him, aside from diving together everyday and sharing lovely dinners (he even asked me to dance once while a band was playing), looked more like this…

Due to his delay, he and his daddy only had one night together. Mom bowed out of boys’ night after the Cuban cigars were purchased. 

This is a picture from his dad’s camera! Why is a 30 year old woman dancing with MY 18 year old son on a bar? (Picture blurred for privacy but really because it’s a bad picture) Why is my son ON a bar? Dad??? They rolled in at 1:45am and were not quiet. I reminded my son that I would be tapping his shoulder in 5 hours for our two-tank dive.

He and I had spent only two days alone at this point (sorry you had to work, Dad) and he exclaimed, “There is no one at this place my age.” Hmmmm…Really? Maybe he was missing his other playmate or this one's not as fun because I don't smoke cigars. However, our room overlooked the pool and beach and I could see several kids just from the lanai. Being an extremely outgoing guy, he tells me he’s going to go down there and check things out. A few minutes later I walk down as well and he introduces me to three freshman girls from the University of Texas. Well, now. No one your age? Be quiet, mom!

That’s him on the dive boat the next morning. In the wee hours of the night, he ran up to our room, excited, and explained that he’d been trying to smooch (my word) one of these girls on the beach and that’s why he was late. TMI!!!

College SB finally caught up with my guy. I’m still recovering.

Even though I love spending time with my son, I’ll choose to stay at the other place, on the other island…the quiet one!

Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop

1.) Describe an outfit you LOVED wearing.
2.) Share your idea of the perfect Spring Break family vacation.
3.) A lie you told.
4.) Pinterest Challenge, find something you’ve pinned, TRY it and share it. Was it worth pinning?
5.) What was the occasion? Write about the last time you stayed in a hotel.

Would I Do It or NOT? Reverse Bucket List

I suppose some things are always up for negotiation.

There aren’t many things I wouldn’t give a whirl but there are certainly a few things I would never do, want to do or be willing to do. If you have done the things on my Reverse Bucket List, more power to you and please don’t be offended if I don’t partake. For me, some things are just not gonna happen. Like…

1. I’m never going to Japan, not one ounce of interest even though I’ve been known to stalk the head chef at The Sushi House. You tried to lose me by moving to Nabuki but I found you!

2. I would never, never appear on “Fear Factor” and only for one reason. I’m not going to eat or drink any of that disgusting crap! Push me out of a helicopter but I refuse to drink donkey piss (they got in trouble for that!)

3. A tarantula will never come anywhere near me again. We came upon one on a path in Big Sur and told our friend to put her foot next to it for size reference. We later found out they jump. Yuck!

That's my bad video job as we were caught by surprise. 

4. I will never watch Jersey Shore or read anything related to the subject and I don’t think that requires an explanation! 

5. I'll never run a marathon. I’m not going to poop my pants on the streets of Chicago just to finish or maybe it’s because my body wouldn’t cooperate. Not sure.

6. I refuse, therefore won't, give up wine or coffee but if I had to break up with one, it would be coffee.

You know who said this? Benjamin Franklin and he knows his shit! True fact!

7. I will never be a White Socks fan. When you live in Chicago, there are some decision you have to make early on and then there’s no such thing as switching even though they suck EVERY SINGLE year.

 Sorry, slightly inappropriate.

8. I think some tattoos are really pretty but…

9. I don’t want to jinx myself because I have never even been arrested which kind of leads into… I never want to spend the night in jail. I’ve had a run in or two before or should I say a “run from” so I’ll knock on wood here.

Good book, BTW

10. I won't be taking it all off at a nudist beach. My only opportunity was when I went to Hedonism in Jamaica at the age of 25. If I didn’t do it then it is very unlikely to happen...EVER. That's not to say I wouldn’t go to a very private beach and skinny dip but not more than one person at a time is going to see me doing this!

There you have it...a few things I never want to do courtesy of Mama Kat's prompt:

3.) Create a reverse bucket list that names the top ten things you never want to do.
(Inspired by The Hairpin)

I Know What Day It Is...

But I don’t celebrate the “big” day and it’s not because I’m not romantic or in love or anything like that. Is it a Hallmark holiday? I usually say let’s not do something just because someone decided we should; nothing like putting pressure on people to act! You know I love you because I tell you.

I've never been a present person so if you ask me what I want you know you’ll get a list of stuff like a robe, gloves, water glasses and a teapot (my Christmas list for the family). I don’t wear a lot of jewelry… one ring on each hand, one special necklace, sometimes a bracelet and earrings occasionally on the weekend, if I remember. I look at a box filled with lovely things that are never worn. I’m not ungrateful. You know it's not important to me.

Pick a random day, put on your awesome iPod and grab me to dance.

Ask me to go on an afternoon walk with the puppies.

Call me up in the afternoon and suggest dinner around the corner at the diner.

Talk to me about anything other than the kids, our families, work and all the sensitive subjects that confuse our everyday life.

Take me to the movie I’ve wanted to see and hold my hand through most of it except if I’m going for the popcorn then let go.

Let me plan a trip just for us and because I’m really good at it know I’ll pick a place we both have been longing to go. You know the combination of a bathing suit, sun and a beautiful beach melts me into putty.

I am grateful because you do most of these things for me (except the grab and dance thing) but let’s do them more often!

What I’m saying is let’s keep creating memories but not on a day when we're supposed to. Those are the gifts that are most special to me…places and moments that I can lock away in my heart, which can’t be lost or forgotten. It’s what’s important to both of us. We had nothing when we started and some of those times were our happiest (although it's nice to be able to afford dinner out without the worry of credit card bills). I remember telling a friend that you marry for love and cross your fingers. My fingers haven't needed crossing in years.

I have this vivid memory of my parents dancing to I Hear A Symphony on random weekend nights.

I want to do that but let’s do it to 

Chaka Kahn. 

And just when I thought this day would be like yesterday, the doorbell rings. I peek out and there’s someone standing on my porch with a simply gorgeous vase of red roses. The last time I answered my door for flowers, they were for my neighbor. I only get flowers on my birthday from my dad.

I’m stunned! This is definitely a huge surprise (I should go re-check the card). I think I'll welcome him home a little differently tonight. Not because it’s Valentines Day but because he made me feel special when I didn’t expect it!

What Is Life

(Just a favorite song of mine)

I like to play the music that is special to me so thank you for reading and listening to my blog.

Tomorrow, I’m going to write about a very special present I received yesterday from a brand new friend of mine, Jen from 

We're Living A Full Life

Things That Make Me REALLY Happy

The title of this post was originally going to be "Things That Get Me REALLY Excited" because, as I'm learning from another blogger, a title alone can be cause enough for people to visit and leave a comment.  However, the comment in most likelihood won't be related to the content at all. So.......

Waking up on the right side of the bed is just AWESOME, plain and simple! Top Ten reasons why I'm happy today:

1. My scale smiled at me today! She's usually a really big bitch and I have a habit of avoiding her at all costs. Today, I'm feeling good and, you know what? She REALLY likes me. I'm loving her so much right now that I did a happy dance which guaranteed she won't end up in the trash anytime soon.

(Not my ugly toes. Mine are ALWAYS painted. A mans?)

2. Don't know what's with the dreams I'm having lately right before I wake up...some crazy ass stuff. Today, I'm smelling the most incredible food (I LOVE food) and for whatever reason, my nose is 6 inches from my grill (I grill all winter) and I am starving when I wake up. I descend to the kitchen a few short minutes later and there's a breakfast taco waiting for me. Yeaaa! AND a note about the dry cleaning I forgot to pick up : (.


3. Addison and I get in the car for my mandatory, first things first, coffee from the shop right around the corner. Turn the radio up because my favorite band is playing. A great cup of coffee and music...starting my day out right.

4. My Thursday morning workout was particularly brutal but Dave, my partner in crime, is wearing a Rocky tee-shirt just for me so I hit him really hard for a half an hour. He makes me laugh and I get to hit him. Doesn't get much better.


5. I'm feeling very motivated and, therefore, really productive. Checking off things on the to-do list right and left. Cleaners, check!


6. Only blip so far is a text from my college guy. He hates Finite Math and "my teacher goes too fast and sucks", "I have lots of studying to do before this test". At least he's texting from class so I know he's there. "Hell Week" this week at his fraternity is bringing this pledge way down. As a mom, you're only as happy as your most unhappy child and this one sucks it out of me if I let him. Not today!!!


7. Just received a call to plan the second of two warm weather vacations for the month of February. Looking way, way up! I'm an admitted traveloholic.

(Island of Nevis, West Indies)

8. I texted my next door neighbor to go for a long walk this afternoon in the glorious weather and she said yes. 


9. My 13 1/2 year old Chocolate Lab is not wincing in pain and limping anymore from when I ran over her a week ago Monday. Thank God because...

10. The very best thing of all is my daughter is coming home today for a spur of the moment visit! She called yesterday and asked, "Would it be an inconvenience if I came home this weekend?". Are you kidding me? "I'll cook you anything you want, take you shopping and do your laundry (yuck). We'll have a glass of wine." (She's 21 so we can do that). 

It's only 10:00 a.m. and it's got the makings of a great, great day!

I Can Hang With The Youngin's

As my post from yesterday mentioned, I have been away. I have been away working on me....my mind, my body, my spirit. It's the fourth year in a row I've returned to this magical place to work on moi...a never ending process, you know!


My special place is somewhat remote allowing for peace and natural beauty to invade your insides. It connects it's guests with themselves as well as like minded people but only if one chooses. Women from all over the world travel here (two men this time) to eat healthy, exercise, try new things and, as a result, develop bonds with people they never imagined would come into their lives. Often, they arrive solo searching for something...whether it's inner peace, a connection with their mind and body or to purely get away from it all. This is a truly unique environment where any and all are welcome and encouragement is available by the buckets full. It's a "do as much as you want" supportive place.


The week begins with an opening circle. I've been down this road four times before so I know when looking at the 23 strangers before me there is no way in hell I will have ANYTHING in common with them. This never fails to be a false statement!


My general observation this time was, "Man, am I old!". I can be the old lady; I guess I'm okay with that. The mix of people was youthful, accomplished and astounding. We had three 50 year olds (me and my two campadres) and the rest were crazily successful 30-42 year olds (PR Execs, Ad Execs, two veterinarians, a doctor, a nurse practitioner, a 27 year accountant to the third wealthiest family in Canada, two famous actors*, best friends, etc.). Can you see where I'm going with this?


How does a fifty year old fit into this hot mess? Hence, the question I feared most was, "So what do you do?". I know it's my own insecurity because I'm between things right now. I've worked since I was fifteen doing a million things, mostly sales and marketing though. Right now, I'm trying to figure out my next step with my kids in college and taking time for myself. This became my answer...I'm retired FOR NOW! The youngin's accepted that.


What they really wanted to know from us older women, with a combined 77 years of marriage, was pure and simple. Is there someone out there for me? Will I find someone to share my life and dreams with? Am I getting too old for kids? I'm no expert but I know a little about this subject. We quickly became the counselors and suddenly had value of a different kind... a kind I never imagined for this week.


At closing circle, each of us spoke about what we got out of all the blood, sweat and tears during our 7 days in paradise. At the same time, acknowledging the week wouldn't have been the same if just one of the 24 was missing from the mix. We each offered something of value to the group. We created strong and some unlikely bonds. Then we went out to party!


What I reaffirmed last week is I have value and I'm enough for me even if I don't have a firm path or direction at the moment!

 (Our group at closing circle with two important friends missing*)

(Alexandra, a crazy and gorgeous greek woman who lives in Sweden holding a very important thought)

*All I will say about the actor and actress is that you have seen their work. What I took away from my week with them is THEY WERE NORMAL, ENGAGING, HARD WORKING PEOPLE with a smile always at the ready! Normal people looking for relationships and happiness just like us. They just happen to have a few job perks.  

Just Be Enough

Packing It In

I'm not packing it all in. It won't fit. I mean in my day and in my suitcase as I prepare to leave this icy cold tundra for a glorious beach and adventure!

I packed in a sweaty session first thing this morning. Before someone thinks I mean one thing, I meant an hour spin class, my favorite type of exercise hands down. "Paying the piper", which is what my friend Susie and I call it when we travel partnerless, will come later today. Another friend calls it leaving a memory. In any case, one must always properly thank your vacation sponsor!

Bathing suits, check. Personal grooming for said bathing suit, check (OUCH!). Yoga pants and workout clothes, check. Flashlight, Kindle, Two bottles of fine red wine, check, check, and triple check! Toiletries, got'em.

Hair dryer and make up...nope. Not that kind of place. Amansala is an au naturale, eco-friendly place. I don't mean it's a nudist retreat but being smack on the beach means that the power and plumbing systems are pretty fragile (don't flush the paper). Also, who would we be wearing makeup for anyway.

Shoot...flight check in, passport, chargers, cash!

That's about all I need.

The only things left to do...pay that piper and head to the city for a Chicago Bulls game and close the suitcase!

I better get going.

This Can Get REALLY Intimidating!

The more I follow favorite blogs, read all their wonderful posts, and follow link to link to other people's writings like a labrador on a scent, I get exponentially more intimidated. It amazes me how the blog community is so interconnected and know each other. How can so many people be incredibly engaging, creative, and fresh all the time? You are all so fabulous and here I am just starting out feeling amateurish. It's me, I know. It takes time to develop.

This began as a challenge to myself... maybe out of boredom or a desire to release the jumbles in my brain (sanity prescription) or just simply to engage with how I feel. Even a more basic thing...I do love to write.

It has rapidly and unexpectedly become something so much bigger. Every blogger must have felt this at one point or another. It is almost discouraging and a little depressing especially for someone who is just starting to write out thoughts and feelings, looking for inspiration around every corner. What happens if there's nothing to write about?

I will keep reading blogs because I enjoy them. I will keep writing here because I love it. Daily, I have an urge to redesign and rearrange to the point of becoming obsessive. As each day passes, I hope my self-confidence builds.

Next week will be a challenge for me as I hit the beach in Tulum and try to write on an IPad (not the easiest). Keep it short and simple, Stupid! Maybe it will be a pictorial of my week at Bikini Bootcamp, who knows. That would be very interesting.

(Miel, Spanish for honey, on the Amansala beach in Tulum)

Blog Discovery Day

I just discovered this blog today called Sunday Stealing (sundaystealing.blogspot.com). Every Sunday, the game, I think, is to answer the questions that are stolen from another blog each Sunday. I don't know. I'm going to take a stab at this each week between my other lazy activities for the day. So here is this week's Community Meme.

Sunday Stealing: The Community Meme 

1. As a blogger, what do you draw inspirations from for your posts?

Since I’m a new blogger, just what pops into my head.

2.   If you could swap blogs with another blogger for a post, who would you switch with and why?

I would switch with one of two people…the editor of Conde Nast Traveler or Anthony Bourdain from The Travel Channel. Why them? They have unlimited access to travel! I am obsessed with traveling and willing to go anywhere at any time. I would choose the gift of travel over the Hope diamond every single time. 

3. If your blog had a theme song, what would it be? Why?

“You can’t always get what you want” The Rolling Stones or Pink “Raise Your Glass”. True and fun! 

4.  What is your writing process for a post?

See 1.

5.  Your blog requires a cute, new, mascot-what would it be?

Addison (one of my chocolate labs) caught mid-air after taking a running leap off our pier at the lake.

6.  Do you feel you express your “true self” on your blog?

I’m getting there. Since no one is reading it, it’s pretty easy to be myself. However, my mind is far more R-rated then I have let on so far.

7.  What is your biggest online pet-peeve?

When you have to type in those funky words to authenticate an entry for a website, if that's what you call it, ala Ticketmaster purchases. ANNOYING!

8.     If you could live in a fictional universe, where would you live? Why?

It would be on an island in the Pacific inhabited by only those truly important to me. We would have all the food and wine we would ever need and live peacefully with each other.

9.  You’re having a bad day, you’re upset, you’re angry, or you’re sad-what is your go-to comfort?

Either I call one of my best friends to bitch or I read.

10.  What is your favorite inspirational quote?

I have two, both by Mother Theresa. “People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people my cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.” AND 
“ Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”

11.  If they were to make a movie based on your life, who would play you, your leading lady/man, your best friend, and your rival?

Me: Gwyneth Paltrow; Leading Man: George Clooney; Best Friend: Sandra Bullock; Rival: Madonna

  12.  Do you think the world isgoing to end in 2012?

No

13.   If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?

My procrastination when no one notices.

14.  What is your favorite season and why?

The Fall in Chicago because of it’s beauty and glorious jeans and sweater weather. It feels like a new beginning or transition to me.

15.  You’ve been bitten by a vampire. Would you fight it with all your undead being or would you embrace it for all it is worth?

I’d have no choice but to embrace it. I am a biter at times. A guy in college got really mad at me for biting him in the shoulder (through his shirt, I might add) and didn’t speak to me for over a year. He figured out he wanted to date me again but I had already moved way on. It was unfortunate because he was gorgeous. Interestingly enough, he now lives in my tiny suburban Chicago village. It was a long time before I bit anyone again and the next guy liked it!

16.  Have you personally met any of your blogger friends?

No but I don’t have any.

17.  What does your favorite pair of underwear look like?

White, gray and black lace thong

18.  Have you ever drank something right from the container in the refrigerator knowing other people will have to drink out of the same container later?

Of course! Who hasn’t?

19.  What is your favorite word and explain why?

Besides a good explicative to emphasize a point (my favorite is fuck) there are too many to pick one.

20.  2011 is soon coming to a close, is there anything you’d like to do different on you blog in the year 2012?

Figure out a better format and design. Interest some people.

sundaystealing.blogspot.com

I Must Exercise!

Since no one reads my blog yet, I have decided to start all my posts with the type of exercise I have accomplished for the day. It will be just a few words unless it was hard as hell then I will complain as well. ...One hour Spin class has made me very hungry... This is for me and not related to anything other than keeping my lazy ass moving. Therefore, I will only sit down to write if I have vigorously moved my bod. If I haven't, I suppose I will still write but  hopefully be embarrassed to admit to the blog, and web, that I failed for the day.

I get one day off, though, and it will usually be Sunday. On Winter Sundays, I slowly read the Chicago Tribune with coffee, eat a late breakfast, watch football (or a movie), read, nap, then drink wine while making dinner. It could be the perfect day, particularly in the winter! Summer Sundays involve very different activities and a vibe all it's own. Love them both but am in love with Sundays in general!

Ok...I must stay focused on this goal of strenuous daily exercise because I have something very fun and important to do in mid-January. These last few weeks have been a kick start to an increased fitness level. The beaches of Tulum are calling my name and I have to debut a recent birthday gift from my best friends at that time...a custom made Rolling Stones bikini! Yikes!!!