Mexico is an annual trip for me.  My folks live in Zihuantanejo for 8-12 weeks out of the year and it’s a great place for me to visit them without all of the other distractions of get togethers when home in the Bay Area.  Plus, it’s a retreat for my mind and body!  I rent an apartment on the beach, walk about 3 miles every morning, work for a couple of hours, and then see what the day will bring.

Having just spent both time (2 weeks) and money in Mexico, I thought you might be interested in some of the activities I chose during this visit and what they cost.  The dollar and the peso fluctuated, but for this I’ll use the low side of 12 pesos to the dollar….

If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I took private Spanish lessons, on the beach no less.  For one hour these cost 100 pesos each (or $8.33 USD)  In the U.S. it would cost a minimum of $25 for private lessons. My instructor, Tamara, joined us for dinner one evening…. here’s a picture.  (She lives in Portland, Oregon 5 months of the year, and Zihua the balance)

I also indulged frequently in one hour massages.  The two gals that I like are set up out front of my apartment, on the beach, under a palapa.  Imagine light breezes with the smell of the ocean and the sound of the surf.  Just walk over in your swimsuit… aahhh.  A one hour massage is 250 pesos (or about $20.80 USD)  Here in the states the minimum I’ve been charged is $80.

I had my haircut when there this time!  Of course it was pretty basic, no wash or blow, but hello- I can do that!  Know what Liliana charged?  90 pesos (or $7.50 USD)  Here in the Bay Area I pay between $55 and $100, depending on who I go to.

Para-Sailing was really reasonable too, I thought.  It came to 200 pesos (or $16.66) per person. I’m not sure what the charge here in the states would be, but it was a thrill to see spotted rays from above and the coastline of the Zihuantanejo Bay.

Food out in the restaurants is not the bargain it once was.  That is where I spent the most, well ok, I spent a fair amount on the margaritas too!

Let me know if you have any questions about other costs…. I may be able to provide the answer.

Until next time, J.
“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”

Being a self employed entrepreneur and working from home has so many benefits.  Have you ever thought about the freedom you could have waking up without an alarm clock?  Working for awhile and taking an exercise break?  Coming back to work and not fighting traffic or paying for gas?  And now here’s another huge benefit… being able to work from anywhere?

Right now I am working from the patio of an apartment I’ve rented for a couple of weeks in Zihuantanejo, Mexico. You’ve got to love my office view!  What’s stopping you?

Until next time,  J.
“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”

This is for everyone who could use a laugh today! A friend sent me this today…. here’s what he had to say:

“The town of Naniamo is where my family lives and the Naniamo river is were where we fished and swam, as kids, which is not too far from the bungee jump. My mom’s family, the Manca’s, Bosetti’s, Dadies,and the Zapotichinie’s, owned the property on one side of the river from it’s inception to the bay, through land grants, when my Grandparents came from Italy at the turn of the 20th century. We sold the last parcel of land in the late 70’s and one of the new owners built the second tallest (at that time) bungee jump in the world over the river.

A tradition was born when several people, men and women, mostly my cousins including one of my brothers Dennis, who were all turning 40, decided to bungee jump in the nude. Now if you arrive on the day of your birthday and jump nude, it’s free. And no, my birthday is in October-it’s to damn cold, and no I haven’t tried the jump.”

If you have never heard Jeanne Robertson, she tells stories about herself and her husband whom she refers to as “Left Brain” – never mentions his name, he’s always Left Brain. That’s enough of an introduction.

I could not stop laughing!  Now how many of you have ever bungee jumped and/or are you interested in trying?

I’m reminded of comments my grandparents used to make about how fast time goes by, and they’d say “you just wait, one of these days you’ll feel that way too”. I would roll my eyes and think yeah, right!  I can tell you the last few years have surely been buzzing by quickly though.  It makes me anxious sometimes that I won’t be able to complete everything on my “bucket list“.  This week everyone is slowing down the work mojo and taking in some good time with friends and family ~ which always makes me reflect about how grateful I am.  Here are a few of those things I am thankful for this year:

• My mother-in-law turned 93 yesterday, and in spite of the stroke she had this past summer she celebrated by going square dancing! (She’s amazing)

• My mother had major back surgery last month and is doing incredibly well

• Three of our four kids will be home and celebrating the holidays with us.  Our other son will be staying in Texas this year, but he is healthy and well.

• All of our kids have graduated college, the last 2 this past June, and we no longer have tuition expenses (can you say yahoo?!)

• All of our kids are now gainfully employed, productive, and are becoming really neat adults who show compassion and integrity

• We are in our home of many years when numerous folks around us have had to leave theirs

• My husbands and my businesses have held up during this tough economy, and we have big goals in place for next year

• We will have 24 at our house again for Xmas Eve dinner ~ busy, busy, busy & fun, fun, fun!

I am also incredibly grateful for all of my friends, colleagues, customers, and business partners ~ and wish each of you a warm heartfelt holiday!

“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”
Until next time,  J.

We have had a lot to celebrate in our household this past month.  Our son graduated last month from Chico State, and our daughter graduated last weekend from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.  After a 4:30 AM wake-up call we attended the traditional “Dads & Grads” (Mom’s welcome too!) in the local bars at 6:00 AM ~ BEFORE the actual ceremony!  I’ve got to tell you I have “closed” many a bar, but this was a first to “open” them.  I thought we’d be the only parents crazy enough to go along, but was I wrong!  There were lines out the doors and standing room only ~ 50% were parents ~ guess we were all pretty excited….

During the ceremony most of the speakers addressed how this is a very different time for these graduates to be looking for work.  How they will need to get creative and be resourceful.  How they will need to remain optimistic and positive, and to not take a “no” personally.  There are numerous markets that are still growing, it’s just the competition is greater.  Not too far in the past it was a “slam dunk” to get hired if you had a business degree in marketing.  Mikaila has that, plus another in Event Planning.  Of course over the last couple of years many companies have cut back in that arena.

Mikaila worked 20 plus hours per week all through school, and is no stranger to long hours.  Juggling work, holding a Sorority “office”, living in Italy part of her junior year, and finishing school in 4 years with a double major was no small task.  Yes, we are really proud of her and her accomplishments!  Now to REAL life!  I would love to hire her to work with me as she is incredibly talented, technologically savvy, and organized.  She however, doesn’t want to work from home with her Mom!

If you have any suggestions for her or would like to see her resume, please let us know! 

Until next time, J.
“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”