End of the Year Reflection

 It was a very different year for me, but I went into the year with an open mind and I am closing out the year with an open heart.

 This has been a transition year for many people thanks to Covid. Our lives were locked down for so long and this was the year many of us were “set free”. I personally got to travel a lot this year. Well, not a lot when compared to most of my life, but a lot compared to the past two years anyway.

 Even though people have gotten past Covid, it seems like Covid will be around for some time and is actually picking up steam. Now the flu is rising in numbers, as is RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) so it is almost impossible to tell what you have, it could be any one of these illnesses, all of which attack the lungs and feel similar.

 After going to six different “lifestyle” events this year, I saw large illness breakouts among attendees in most of the events I attended. Before Covid, we called this The “Cruise crud” or the “convention crud” and we never thought twice about it. Sore throats and flu-like symptoms were common after being with people from all over the country (and some from around the world) being in close quarters always created a perfect scenario for people to spread viruses.

 While I do not plan on stopping travel or attending events, I have decided to boost my immune system by taking daily vitamins and boosting the Vitamin C & D right before traveling or attending an event. I also recommitted to yoga this year and I feel a lot better. Adding regular Thai massages has been the biggest single improvement in my flexibility and in reducing normal aches and pains.

 Before a long trip or a big event, I try to pay attention to how much sleep I am getting and I eat cleaner and healthier than normal. All of these things can help us reduce post-convention illnesses and I have been very fortunate that I have not gotten sick after any big trips or events this year.

 I did get Covid again (for the 2nd time) but I had no real symptoms and never felt bad. I am not sure if this is due to my new regiment or if I am just lucky, but I will continue to be conscience before big events/trips. The more healthy we can become, the less sickness we will endure.

 It’s also a good idea to take it easy right before going on a big trip to a lifestyle event, resort, or cruise. You don’t want to come down with something right before you leave, so a little self-isolation is a good idea prior to a big trip. And while many of you are working out like crazy to get in shape for that next big event, make sure you don’t overdo it, injure yourself or work out so hard that you actually bring down your immune system.

 Going into 2023

 I have a lot of optimism for 2023. Next month is Naughty Beach, one of my favorite events, because it is small and I can hang out with pretty much everyone. It’s a nice break from the BIG events and it is in my new hometown, so that is another reason I am excited about Naughty Beach.

 Immediately afterward, is Zipolite’s Nude Fest, another great event for those that love to be naked on the beach (I do!). I am looking forward to the first real big festival in Zipolite since before Covid.

 February is one of my favorite times: Mardi Gras. I am hoping to spend some time in New Orleans during this year’s Mardi Gras before heading back to Mexico City for EDC (an amazing music festival).

 One of my most anticipated weeks in 2023 is my first trip to Desire Pearl. We have a few friends joining us and we hope a few more will sign up and join us April 23 -30. I have been to Pearl a couple of times to check it out when staying at Temptation or Desire Riviera Maya, but this will be the first time I will be there for an entire week. I can’t wait!

 This is our 25th Anniversary for Naughty N’awlins and I look forward to wearing my silver suit again to celebrate 25 amazing years. So far, it is looking to be our biggest event in history. We are going to pull out the stops and really put extra effort into making this event spectacular.

 This year’s Burning Man was a difficult week. One of the hottest and windiest (aka dust storms) burn in history. People were getting sick every day from the heat and I ended up having to leave early because of a kidney stone (ouch!). Even so, it was great to be back home and I had some magical times when the sun finally set and the temps went down a bit.

 Next year I will head back to the dust and while I hope it isn’t as hot and windy, part of what makes Burning Man so special is that you have to “earn” your burn. You have to endure difficult times in order to appreciate the good ones. It is a lesson in preparation, perseverance, and self-reliance.

 I will be heading back to Las Vegas for our Naughty Sin City event in October and I plan on some other vacations to Chiapas, Mexico as well as some other countries, I am just not sure when or where (yet). I am trying to look into the LLV Cruise which starts in Puerto Vallarta Mexico and ends up in Costa Rica. That looks like a great trip, I hope to book that cruise soon.

 All I know is that I look forward to a lot of great adventures and I will do my best to avoid any crud that might be making its way around.

 I hope to see many of you in 2023, and for years to come…

Bob