My Mental Vacation

Mini-Breaks are a Great Bargain Now

Everyone knows that the economy is tough right now, but if I don't get out of town, I'll usually never leave my desk (unless it is to go to a meeting.) I've been busy lately, and all three of my loyal readers will remember that this is nothing new.

Tony decided it was time for a mini-break, which made me shudder because both income taxes and property taxes are due. Let's just say it is a lot of money, and leave it at that. So... not a good time to go spending money.

We made time for a quick getaway; just one night, and close to home. Napa is usually pretty expensive on the weekends, but tourism must be pretty slow. We reserved a room at the Silverado Country Club again, and this time it is only $99 a night. We splurged and got the junior suite. This is one of my favorite places in the Napa Valley because it is convenient to the Bay Area and very reasonably priced. I like the fresh fruit in the morning, too.

Now if we can just get through the weekend without spending a fortune on wine, we'll be all set!

I Love Points!

With all the current economic uncertainty, I'm so glad I bank points for travel. You just never know when you'll need them, and for someone like me who lives to travel, they sure come in handy.

We're planning another trip to China in the fall, and I just figured out that I have enough Amex and Starwood points to cover the hotel stay in Beijing. Happy news, indeed! Terra cotta army, here I come!

Spring Fever

Today marks the vernal equinox. Sunny weather here in the Bay Area, and spring is once again in the air.

I'm sitting at my desk, and I keep getting drawn to the outdoors. From my window, I can see the trees turning green and the first buds appearing on the vines covering the back fence. The dog next door is barking at everyone who walks past on the creek path, and he totally drowns out the sound of the birds.

All this distraction. I've got piles of stuff all over my desk, and I just want to sweep it away, and get outside for a while. But no... I've got projects to finish and taxes to prep for.

The other official sign of spring - income taxes! (Groan...)  Maybe I'll give myself a reward when I get them done!

Down Mexico Way

I like Mexico, and especially love the ocean there. We took a cruise a couple of weeks ago and got to spend four days at sea. The sea days were just what I needed to get away from the phone and the Internet, and it worked.

A couple of high points: Sail and snorkel in Zihuatanejo on the Picante catamaran. FUN! We had a great time on Captain Tony's ship, and would love to return to Zihuatanejo.

We found a great restaurant in Acapulco called El Olvido. Great view and really good food. Our cabbie suggested it, and deservedly got a really nice tip.

More later!