TinyDancer

As they say in Costa Rica, Hola my friends! It's been a long time since I last posted. Things were so busy for awhile and then I just got lazy.

I have to say, I noticed a definite difference in my spending when I didn't browse FV faithfully. I wasn't nearly as vigilant when it came to my money and bills. I paid a couple of bills late because I didn't check the due dates and I certainly didn't save much. But, I'm back on track and looking forward to a much more frugal summer!

I attended my friend's wedding in Costa Rica in May and loved every minute of it. That was my first vacation in 10 years and it was so relaxing. I think a very large part of that was due to the fact that the entire trip was paid for before I even left for the airport. Knowing that I wasn't going to have any credit card bills (from the trip only, I still have balances that have to be paid) to deal with when I got home really allowed me to unwind.

Of course, there are a few things that I learned with this vacation:

1. It was totally worth the sacrifices I made to save up for the trip. In fact, I believe that my Vacation Fund will be a new line item in my monthly budget. Now, I just need to pick my next destination and start planning!

2. I forgot to budget for things like my cat sitter and other small miscellaneous items. In total, I think I spent an extra $50.00 that wasn't planned for. I need to include these items in the cost of my next trip.

3. No one will die if I take a week off. My work was right where I left it when I returned. There are more important things in life than legal entity integrations and Annual General Meetings - things like fried plantains at every meal, fresh pineapple every morning, a solid week with your best friends, beautiful sunsets, amazing wildlife, surfing, the ocean and warm weather.

4. I look pretty good with a tan.