The Shame Squad

This is part 1 of 2 of our Mexican vacation, also known as Mexit. View upon arrival. It's Tuesday, and we arrive at the hotel, which we picked in part because it doesn’t have television, so clearly this isn’t a multi-million-dollar all-inclusive resort. And the point of this vacation is to experience a little bit of Mexico’s culture, so we’re excited about staying at a small, family-owned place. Instead of being shown where the 18 restaurants, the spa, the golf course, and the Maui Jim sunglasses shop are located, we are given delightful tour with helpful instructions that include: Those are the spider monkeys--please don’t feed them. I resist the urge to ask their names, but I silently christen the three wide-eyed spider monkeys staring down at me Snap, Crackle, and Pop. Here’s the bottled water, and you can always ask for more, or refill it from the filtration system in the lobby. I then explain to Chris that this means that the bottled water is also what we should...

New Year Resolution Time! Well, last year I had two resolutions: Wear more maxi dresses and/or sun dresses. Make more Cuban food. Guess who didn't make this last year? Unlike in 2014's resolutions (take more naps and have less accomplishments) I did not achieve these.  So they go back on the list: 1. More maxi dresses! 2. More Cuban food! Gonna need more beaches, too.  And a floppy hat. In 2017 we'll add: 3. Read all of the unread books in my bookcase before buying any new ones. 4. Spend at least 1 hour per week opposing hateful acts that threaten equality, education, or the environment and inspire others to do the same.  (You'll note that I'm not naming any political names here, because I think it's important to evaluate all ideas from an individual/agency/government body/etc. instead of issuing a blanket NO.) The good news?  Last year I set a secret resolution to lose 15 pounds, and I ALMOST got there: I lost 11.  Part of the rea...