Happy new Year

Happy New Year! I, for one, am glad to be rid of 2008. It was a tough year, and I am sure I am not alone in hoping that 2009 is a better year for all of us.

So far, I have not broken any of my New Year’s resolutions, which is incredible, though I sort of cheated and made realistic resolutions this year. I remember last year I was crazy enough to promise to be nice to my husband. That same night at 1:00am he was snoring so loud I put a pillow over his head and almost suffocated him. This year I resolved to “try to be more understanding and patient”. Since I was on vacation until today, it has been pretty easy.
Now, let’s see how I do today when I answer all of the emails from clients asking for $500 holidays during Easter and President’s Week.

I am not going out on a limb by saying that prices for vacations are going to be cheaper in 2009 then they were in 2008. I mean, fuel is half as expensive. However, since the airlines have cut almost 30% of their flights to the Caribbean and Mexico, it is still hard to get great deals during the holiday weeks unless you are flexible with your dates. The hotels still have the same number of rooms, so the prices are really great at most Caribbean and Mexican resorts.

I just got back from my “family vacation” which everyone knows is an oxymoron. When you are traveling with 40 family members, it should not be called a vacation. Needless to say, I need a vacation. Mom and Dad, if you are reading this, you know I love you, but I think you would have to agree with me on this one.

I think that everyone should try to take a vacation in 2009. Now, if you are not working, we may want to refer to it as something other than a vacation, but go ahead and treat yourself to a little fun. Times are tough and I always recommend paying your rent or mortgage before taking a trip, but assuming you are not planning your trip with your kid’s college funds, do not feel guilty about a little relaxation.

Go someplace where your cell phone doesn’t work and there is no internet access in your room. Learn to scuba dive or practice your lessons from High School Spanish. Try surfing or eating an exotic food that “tastes like chicken”. Last year I honestly felt bad about doing my job. Prices were so high and the future looked so uncertain. Don’t tell my boss, but I had to talk a few people out of traveling. One poor guy asked me if I could put $50 on 6 different credit cards. I could have, but I said no. Another woman told me that she wasn’t working, but she needed to “rest” before going out there and finding work. I told her to rest on the weekends, and treat herself to a massage or a matinee rather than take her severance money to Jamaica and blow it all in a 5 day span. That was last year. This year I feel completely different. This year I give you my “blessing” to take some time and money for yourself. Ask for a deal though, because you deserve one.

I want to travel too, but before I take advantage of one of our excellent deals, I have got to get my son out of Russia. It seems that the judge was not confident that the biological Mother relinquished her rights (she deserted him at the hospital and gave a fake address) to our son, so we have to wait 6 months. Keep your prayers and thoughts coming, without them we could not gotten through this tough time. So, here’s to 2009, to your health, happiness, and great vacations.