Ushering in 2009
I feel I should write a post that ushers in the New Year and dismisses the Old Year, or something. So here goes.
I began 2008 with a lot more money in the bank than I ended it with. I’m a long-term investor so I’m not very bent out of shape about it, it will come back, but I did like having more money.
When the year began the exchange rate between the Mexican Peso and the U.S. Dollar was such that our house was worth more than twice what we originally paid for it (in Dollars). At year end our house is worth quite a bit less in Dollars, though still more than we paid for it. That’s frustrating. So now I’m really rooting for the Peso to gain strength against the Dollar again. Go Peso!
I began 2008 thinking that selling real estate in Mexico was something I might be good at. By May I’d been stabbed in the back on two big deals and had come to believe that if you lie down with wolves you might not get back up again. I love looking at real estate and have a strong understanding of real estate investing, so I may still help my friends find places to buy, but I’ve learned that I have to keep it light and not think of it as my work.
In 2008 my web design business made more money than ever before. I learned to be more efficient. I got faster and more importantly, I grew more realistic about what I can do for clients.
In 2008 I missed my kid way too much. As one friend told me recently “it makes you old before your time to live away from your kids.” I was happy to see her at both Thanksgiving (In November) and at Christmas, so we ended the year very close. But it still rots not to live with her.
We began 2008 with 10 cats and 1 dog. We ended with 8 cats and 2 dogs. Overall the house is happier with 2 dogs in it. But we still miss the two cats that died, one of them left a sister-cat who still cries for her, the other left his mama who isn’t close to any other kitties.
I’m not one for making lots of New Year’s Resolutions because I think it sets one up to fail. But there are several things I want and need to change this year. My one Resolution is to stop working on weekends. And I think if I stop working weekends I will automagically change other things that need to change because I will be taking more time for me and will be less stressed.
Here’s wishing you all a happy, fruitful 2009!
January 3rd, 2009 12:34
Happy new year amiga, may 2009 bring you everything you desire.
January 3rd, 2009 14:05
Kim,
I just returned from the Barcelo Costa for XMAS and fished with Manuel Rosado (great guy) who has his boats on dock behind Club Verrano Beat.
After about 8 or 9 trips to Cancun I can actually say Cancun hooked me , love the people.
A Mexican girl who took my heart and I could hardly leave her there. She drove me to the airport and she cried all the way. At the airport we both cried.
We clicked so great.She spoke better English than I did (anyone can) She is educated and professional.We talked for endlessly and the magic was there. It is a loss to me to be here !!! Never thought I would be saying that.
Well I said it LOL. We already spoke on the telephone and it was amazing. OH ME !!!!
Nuff said.. Sorry I am off the topic but had to say all that
I ENVY you being in Cancun, Keep on posting ..luv it. You Rock !!!
Happy New Year!!!
Joe
January 3rd, 2009 16:44
I need the peso to stay down just a wee bit longer – until I’m done building! LOL. Then up, up, up!!!
Good post, we’ll still have to grab a starbucks one of these days 🙂
Happy New Year and all the BEST in ’09
January 3rd, 2009 17:21
Joe – I hope you stay in touch with her. It sounds like you made a strong connection and that’s so rare. Don’t let it slip away.
Laur & Canuck – I think coffee is in order with both of you, sooner rather than later.
January 4th, 2009 11:33
Sounds like a GREAT plan to me 🙂
January 5th, 2009 21:33
Giving yourself a weekend is a great idea. I was going crazy when I was trying to blog 7 days a week at the beginning. By switching to only 5 days a week, I actually gave myself a weekend! Saturdays and Sundays are much more gratifying now.