Oh, Mexico: Part II

Hola chicas!  It’s been a while since my last post.  I just needed a break…from everything.  I was hoping Joyce hadn’t deactivated my account – thanks, Joyce!  It’s been a taxing year with both my husband and I working full-time again.  I know I should be thankful that we both have jobs in this economy, but balancing work and home life has been more difficult than I had imagined.  I just hate admitting that.  I’m perpetually tired and the house is always a wreck.  Winter Break was just what the doctor ordered – and our family spent it in beautiful Cancun!

Mexico was never on my radar as far as vacation spots, but my brother Tom was getting married there on February 17, so Mexico it was.  I can describe our vacation in one word: paradise.  We stayed in an all inclusive resort called the Moon Palace.  It’s a giant complex a little south of the busy hotel zone in Cancun.  We booked a family suite, which was well worth the extra money.  The kids had their own room with two double beds and their own kid friendly snacks and drinks.  Chocolate milk round the clock, baby!  Mom and Dad’s room had a king bed and stocked bar.  Perfect.

We spent plenty of time outdoors enjoying the Mayan sun.  Margarita in hand, I watched my boys play on the beach.  Michael found a tiny blue hermit crab while he was playing on the shore - he’s my little explorer.  Liam liked to pick up clumps of wet sand and squeeze them in his fists.  Every night we went to bed early – usually around 9 p.m.  No lunches to pack, no clothes to wash.  It was heaven!

We only left the resort once, to go snorkeling in a little fishing village called Puerto Morelos.  They took us a mile offshore to explore the second largest coral reef in the world, and boy was it amazing!  Michael loves marine life, but he was nervous about being so far from shore and told us he didn’t want to do it.  I told him it was ok, no pressure, he could stay on the boat and watch.  But once they anchored the boat at our first stop, he looked down through the clear blue water and saw things moving and quickly changed his mind.  He jumped in right in behind his Dad! I have to admit, I was scared when I first jumped in.  But once I put my mask in the water my fears dissipated.  I couldn’t believe my eyes.  Coral of all shapes and sizes, tropical fish such as blue tangs, angelfish, cowfish, and barracuda (“Don’t worry,” our captain explained, “They don’t like white people.”)  Michael went crazy when one of the divers found a sting ray and held it for everyone to touch.  He told us afterwards that if you come up under them and put your hands flat under their body, they will suck on your fingers and relax (I’m NOT recommending anyone try this on their own).  He said they only get defensive when you approach them from above.  Our guides were wonderful and took special care of Michael, staying right by his side with a life preserver ring.

Oh, I almost forgot…the wedding!  It was beautiful.  I was one of the witnesses and I heard from several people that my brother was nervous that I wouldn’t make it to the ceremony.

I had spent too much time on the beach that afternoon drinking margaritas.  But we made it.  We zipped right by the bride in her horse drawn carriage and made it to the pavillion just in time!  I’m so happy to have Amy as my sister-in-law.  She is beautiful, both inside and out, and the best part – she makes my little brother happy!

After we returned to Atlanta, I found myself already thinking about our next planned vacation for July.  It occured to me how sad it was to merely live for the next vacation.  Just passing time, keeping my head down and working until that next break.  I told my husband I was going to try to live in the moment more.  It sounds so cliche to “stop and smell the roses,” but that’s exactly what I need to do. Otherwise I’m doing a terrible disservice to my family – and me!  We’re so busy with work, homework, swimming lessons, grocery shopping, laundry, and all the other necessary tasks that fill our days.  

I was doing good until Sunday night.  I couldn’t find some paperwork I needed for school the next morning and I felt myself slip back into the old routine - house is a mess, can’t find anything, tired, cranky.  So this is my reminder – and yours.  Slow down and enjoy, no matter what you’re doing.