A Letter To 2010 & 2011

Dear 2010 & 2011,

You rocked me hard. You shook me violently like a ragdoll for months and showed no sign of letting up. You pushed me to my physical, emotional and spiritual limits. It was to the point that I was numb to any emotion and there wasn't any other place to go. I visited multiple counselors, doctors, family, friends, priests, nuns and churches. My job wasn't even a safe zone. I walked in everyday with hate and fear and walked out with self doubt and tears. I felt betrayed and beaten down. I was sick. It was an emotional sickness that cut so deep it made my whole world ill.

I was scared to leave a job in a bad economy because it was required of me to bring my husband in from Mexico. But my happiness was on the line.

Then I got all Eat, Pray, Love up on myself. I decided to get the hell out and dedicated all my time to looking for a new job.....and then, I was laid off. No surprise there. The hatred was written all over my face. Usually losing a job means spiraling down into a deeper hole but this was a blessing from God. I then went to a retreat for 3 days and it was my chance to heal. My wounds slowly callused over and the bleeding slowed down. A month later I was offered 4 different jobs. I picked the best one and it's amazing how different it is. I'm treated like a human. A human with a soul and a mind.

I am thankful for my new job and the retreat. I can only hope that 2013 is way better.

Sincerely,
Christy

I am also thankful for these following happy moments that happened in the past year:

Traveled to Mexico City and stayed with a wonderful family.

Added two new ruins to my "been there done that" list.

Saw my first bull fight in Leon, Gto. Mexico

Became a Godmother at my first Mexican Baptism.

Took a stab at a dream and started a photography business called PhotoBox Studios with my sister. 

Took a girls trip to Belize with a good friend after I was laid off.

Ran right into this guy - Gene Simmons on the island of Ambergris Caye, Belize.

Let my sister experience the hipster vibe of Playa del Carmen and the beauty of the Riviera Maya.

Discovered how much I'm in love with cenotes and underground caves!

Took an express trip to Chicago with my mom and sister.

Had a fun anniversary road trip to Kansas City for an art fair. 

Took my dog Rico Suave to his first Woofstock. Then we made him do a dog race and he lost bad.

Hotel Review - Riviera Caribe Maya

Hotel Riviera Caribe Maya, a home away from home. Also a hotel with a very long name. But this hotel surprised me with excellent customer service. From our first steps out of the taxi and into the lobby we were greeted with a smile and an employee that knew exactly who we were. "Are you looking for Javier?" Why yes I was! I was meeting my husband, who had arrived that morning, and our greeter knew we were the two gringas he had been waiting for. Finally, someone that cares about their guests and speaks English! Our room was small but large enough for 3 beds. It was on the first floor and one step away from the refreshing pool. Perfect. No walking necessary. It was like it was our own personal swimming oasis and great for a pool, patio, cerveca sequence on repeat.

This hotel may look small but it packs a good 21 rooms and the ability to make you think you might just be staying at a boutique like hotel. It's beautiful spiral staircase curls around a circular seating area with all the most hipster and gossip magazine for your reading pleasure. Would you expect anything else from Playa? Every room has a working air conditioner, fridge and mini bar. Their suites come with a classy rooftop pool overlooking the city. Now that's a way to chill in style! Internet is free and available at all hours and there is a café right next door for your complimentary breakfast. Keep in mind, it only includes toast and coffee. Not to worry, the menu lists an array of Mexican dishes that range from $5-$8. Very budget friendly and filling.

Location wise, it's one block from 5th Avenue and about a 5 minute walk from the beach. If you are one to complain about noise pollution, Playa may not be the place for you. From early in the morning to late at night we heard music, sport games, traffic and Mariachi bands singing to their hearts content. For us, it added to the atmosphere.

When it came time for us to leave, we had to some how arrange for a trustworthy taxi at 4 a.m. The reliable hotel staff was willing to wake us and have our taxi waiting. That was one less thing to worry about on a hectic travel day. I had a wonderful stay and would be honored to stay again. Maybe this time with the rooftop pool.

Hotel Riviera Caribe Maya
Hotel Riviera Caribe Maya Facebook

Featured In The Knot Magazine

 

The summer issue of The Knot is out and I have a feature article in it! I had forgotten all about it till I walked past the magazine rack at Borders. I opened it, quickly flipped through the pages and there it was! My travel photography and our interview was lookin good. The editors probably could have picked a better profile shot but who's complaining right? Only two other groups were interviewed (California & New Zealand) and then there is us - México. It includes a summary of one of our trip and then some extra travel tips for those thinking about heading South. Anyways, woohoo! Onto the next magazine!

Feliz Navidad

Doing a little Feliz Navidad dance for those walking

below the balcony - 5th street Playa del Carmen, Mx.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas At Tulum- Part 2