Feb. 10, 2009 - Cruising…

My brother Andy had the hairiest Chest on the boat!

I love the way a vacation allows me to step back and re-assess. A change of scenery is stimulating and the world view when removed from my nest is an important way for me to have my pulse on the world. I prefer this to watching TV! Bub and I spent last week in the Western Caribbean on a WorldVenture’s DreamTrip on the Carnival Imagination with my sweet brother Andy (who won the men’s hairiest chest contest!) and his wife Judy. I relaxed, read, spent quality time with my family and ATE! We had never been to Key West or Cozumel and will probably revisit both.

My assessing led me to do some late 2009 planning….I’ve come up with my 3 projects for the year: a bathroom remodel, the backyard revamp and a plan to take a trip every month. I’m reworking the budget to make it all work responsibly. This budget thing is one that seems to be coming up with many of my clients. With the economy and uncertainties that lie before us, being prudent is important. Getting rid of fluff or unnecessary frills is part of this (I’ve dropped $40 of monthly movie subscriptions). But, I believe it is time to still enjoy, have fun and find the bliss, we just have to do some shifting! My word for this year is relax and that’s the “mood” I am surrounding myself with AFTER doing the necessary planning!