At Peace

Hola from Puerto Vallarta,

As I write this week's blog, I am sitting in the lobby of my condo with my laptop (of course), wearing a baseball hat and a beach cover up. It's good to come back to my second home in Lindo Mar to get away from the stress of work and "Orange County life." I've brought lots of books to assist me in my goal planning for 2009 for my business as well as what I call "cleansing of the brain" time. I plan to watch the show from a local restaurant in town, and the staff has assured me that they will broadcast Bravo on all the restaurant televisions. We'll see if that happens — I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I don't know if you are aware, but we watch the episodes at the same time the viewers do. Needless to say it's a bit nail biting at times to see how each episode turns out.

I just returned from my annual insurance convention on Sunday and was awarded a brand new Rolex watch for being one of several top insurance agents throughout the country. Whoohoo! It felt so good to be given a new Rolex, because I worked hard and earned it. It felt good to be recognized for my efforts, and being rewarded only makes me want to be even more successful in 2009.

I want to thank all the bloggers for emailing me about the Duzoxin weight loss supplement that Jeana and I are both using. The supplement is working fabulously and together we have lost over 20 pounds! I'm working hard on getting as trim as I can, and that includes working out with a personal trainer 4-5 times per week. Thanks so much Gabe!

In this week's episode I go back home to Chicago to visit my family, which includes my mom. I know my mom worries about how hard I work - she encourages me to slow down and says that I work too hard. I have to tell you, I have never felt more in control and more at peace with my life than I do right now. My business Coto Insurance is doing extremely well, and I am in no position to stop the train that is moving. My saying in the office is, "you can get on the train that's rolling through the station, or you can get off." Either way, it's not stopping if I can help it.

It was fun seeing my mom take an interest in possibly dating again. She has been a widow for 10 years, so going on a date may be fun for her. My mom is extremely healthy, she's a lot of fun, and she has a spitfire personality, so I'm sure she'd make a great date for someone. I don't think she's looking to get remarried ever again, but it would be nice for her to have a man to take her out to a movie or dinner.

I had a great time at Tamra's dinner party. It was fun getting all dressed up for a formal party at home instead of going out to a restaurant. All of our homes are so beautiful and I feel we don't spend as much time in them as we should. It was amazing having Chef Brian Malarkey cook for us. It was overwhelming to watch how much work goes into the preparations for each dish. I have been to his restaurant Oceanaire in San Diego a few times, so it was nice to experience his menu and talent at Tamra's.

The only reason I made the comment at dinner about Lynne being so laid back was because I have never been around anyone like her before. It seems like nothing would ever bother her at all, and it doesn't seem like she has a care in the world. Coming from me, Ms. Type-A Personality, it is nice to see someone with that level of calmness.

Well that's it for now. The happy hour bell just rang and I'm sure there's a corona sitting in a bucket for me by the pool. I hope you are enjoying the season and the sneak peek into our lives.

Adios for now.

Vicki