Mexico / Resortland

I spent 16 days in fancy resorts in Mexico with my friend Ryan who is a private investigator of hospitality. While he worked, I tanned. It was an experience that was both exactly what I expected and completely surprising. I had anticipated being pampered and feeling strange about it, but I hadn't expected the level of luxury or the deep deep feelings that I would have.

It took the first week for me to be able to reconcile my feelings of disgust and indulgence, of guilt and enjoyment, of horror and fascination. It made me look deeper at what I hold to be important and meaningful, while also opening me up to accepting the existence of something very different.

I travel a great deal, and spend lots of time in foreign countries, but I still find that I tend to fit in where ever I am and don't run into too much friction between my own values and the values of those around me. Yes, there are always differences of opinion and lifestyle, but generally the differences are minor and fairly superficial.

However, on this trip, I realized how different I am from my fellow countrymen. It was the first time that I had ever spent time at resorts-- you know, those all-inclusive destination places, where most people never leave the hotel and you could literally be anywhere in the world. At every turn I was facing people with whom I share nothing. Differing values, goals, views. It was really shocking to me, but also really vitally important in the sense that it revealed to me how much I cling to my own beliefs and how truly significant they are to me. I didn't know before how rigid I am about what I believe and value, and how that is actually something that I appreciate about myself.

It was interesting to be there with Ryan, who is a wonderful person and friend with whom I share absolutely nothing in common. I realized that I can accept, respect, and appreciate someone with totally opposite values and lifestyles than me, but I still can't change who I am. It really showed me how strong those values are, and how important they are in terms of relationship.

In other lighter news, the places we were staying were absolutely gorgeous. We had to utilize all of the facilities, including the spas, the restaurants, the bars, etc., and get massages at every hotel, including one on the beach, and another in our own private suite. To say that I was indulged is an under-statement. Ryan took very good care of me, and always ensured "feeding time" and plenty of time in the sun. I was a happy little thing!

It was quite an experience, and I'm very glad that I went! The post-vacation let-down of coming back to gray boring Ashland is definitely getting to me, but I'm trying to remind myself that I'll be leaving soon, and that the sun will come out and I will retain my tan! That's the hope anyway!

Until next time, enjoy the spring and each other!

Sunny Spring!!

Travel. Yes. Like a rock star? This is new. I have a new friend, and my friend has a great job. The difficulty is that if I want to see this friend, I have to travel to where he is. So where is he? Last week, at the Hotel del Coronado near San Diego. Next week? In Mexico.


As I was laying in the sun at the pool, getting a much-needed tan (which promptly faded after I showered!) and Ryan showed up with a Pina Colada, I was thinking "huh, so this is what it's like to have money and stay at resorts". Does it match my personality and travel style? No. Did it make me feel kind of superficial and unworthy of so much luxury? Yes Was I enjoying the hell out of it? You bet.


So, as I prepare for a two and a half week trip to Mexico in May, I simply must say to myself, "what an opportunity, I'm just gonna go for it!" and dive into the experience.


It's good.

Spring Showers...April Snow brings May Sleet?

There really is no such thing as "normal weather" anymore, is there? Climate change is occurring all around us all the time, and even sheltered little valleys like the Rogue are seeing all sorts of bizarre happenings. Like this weekend, for example. It was was absolutely beautiful with sunshine and a high of 80. T-shirt weather, first sunburns, talks of bbqs and people asking about picnic supplies. Monday afternoon. Snow. 3+ inches. Everyone nursing colds and covering up those dearly-won tans with winter coats.

Natural phenomena aside, life also follows a less than "normal" path, for which I am continually grateful and thankful. Work continues at the travel store, where I am able to talk to people about traveling and often am invited to go along! Work also continues for a local business doing marketing, a job that has been frustrating at times, but hopefully will be rewarded with dazzling success. :) I am always making plans for the next trip, job, etc. and hope to be returning to Europe sometime this fall!

The weather will hopefully grow warmer. In the meantime, I am taking off for San Diego for a few days to get some sun!

In support of artists everywhere

Art keeps us alive. So, in the spirit of Valentine's Day, Love, and Human Nature, I would like to invite everyone to check out my brilliant mother's latest creation-- The Balance Deck.

This is a 72-card art deck of Catie's original artwork and writing about the human condition and the balancing act we do daily.

The deck can be used a number of ways, and is a wonderful tool for self-exploration and a fun way to get a group of people to open up.

I hope you find the Deck to be interesting and thought-provoking! They can be purchased from me for $25/deck.

www.balancedeck.com (see link to the left)