I’m always so excited in the New Year! New goals! I’m going to read more, write more, exercise more, eat better, never get mad (😂), learn Spanish fluently, have an adventure every week, dance every day, give more, strengthen my faith, celebrate each day, and the list goes on and on.
This year, my first big adventure began in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. I spent 10 days here on my own before meeting up with my BFF, Lisa, along with her partner, Steve for a stay at Pueblo Bonito in neighboring Cabo San Lucas.
I’ll spare you the details and progress of my way-too-many goals, but the overarching “goal” for my life is to live and love fully.
Connections in San Jose del Cabo, En Español
The first 10 days of the year, I was on my own in San Jose del Cabo. Every day, I had a goal to have a conversation with a local in Spanish.
- Day 1: Taxi-Driver
- Day 2: Waitress
- Day 3: Get battery on my phone replaced (I’m still proud of this one!)
- Day 4: Discuss Venezuelan President capture with Pharmacist (his topic and beyond my Spanish-speaking abilities!).
I hit the jackpot when I met Amado, a bilingual Mexican-Canadian. I told him that I wanted to practice Spanish and he was a patient listener, teacher and tour guide! He showed me all over San Jose del Cabo and was so generous with his time and his heart. It was my favorite day in San Jose del Cabo. Amado became a fast friend and I hope we’ll stay in touch.
Connections with God and BFF, Lisa
In my quest to further my connection with God, I’d downloaded the Bible app, on the recommendation from my BFF and Minnesota-friend, Lisa.
Every morning that I was in San Jose del Cabo, I was greeted by the most beautiful sunrise from the high-rise balcony at my HomeExchange.
One morning, right as I was viewing the gorgeous sunrise, my phone dinged and up popped the morning verse:
Isaiah 60:1
Arise, Shine, For the Light has Come and the Glory of the Lord has Risen Upon You.
It was as if God was texting me!
Maintaining Connections from Afar
Even though I’m loving the warmth, beauty, and freedoms of vacationing in Mexico, I don’t want to neglect or be insensitive to my friends and family that are going through hard times.
The most valuable calls I’ve been making have been my Drop-in calls to Mom. She still has her good days and bad days. I’ve been happy to see that she now recognizes her new friend, Debbie and that they’ve become very bonded!
I’m also able to stay in touch with other friends and family – Facebook, text messages, and calls help me keep up with what’s happening with my “people” and it’s such a comfort.
What Went Well and What I Want to Do Differently
Overall, this first 2-weeks of 2026 went amazingly well. The beautiful HomeExchange, the ever-present bougainvillea, the colorful streets, finding a new sweet friend, Amado, improving my Spanish, meeting up with Steve and Lisa — all have surpassed expectations.
The one area that I could do better would be to detach more from the news. For the next couple of weeks, I’m choosing to cut back. I’ll stay informed, take a deep breath, pray for those who are suffering, and focus on what I can do—show up, help where I can, and keep noticing moments of joy.
