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No thanks....... I have the money to go to these types of resorts but you know what, I don't care for them. They are so "superficial". I just got back from taking vacation to New Zealand for three weeks. I did the backpacking thing. Stayed in Hostels. They are simple. I met quite a few people while there and hope to stay in touch over time. Sometime, I want to go back.

One of the things I realized when I was there was when people found out I was from the US, they asked how I pulled off taking three weeks off. I mentioned I decided to take the time. Comments were made on how us Americans kill ourselves working so much where we don't take time off and enjoy life. Here in America, the attitude is "live to work".

On the McMansion, screw that. We live in an 1800 ft^2 house. It is paid for. I bought my first new car ('06 Subaru WRX Turbo) last Summer - 7 years since my previous new vehicle. It will be paid off in June 2008. I also own a '91 P/U truck (bought used) and a 99 Jeep (bought new).

On the house, if we moved, I was thinking of doing a Modern Contemporary type which includes a lot of natural light. No cookie cutter type.

In my previous job where I worked for an @$$hole boss, the people who did well were the ones who worked the whole day Friday with some weekend work, did not take vacation or took a few days off here and there instead of a week or two. In fact, judgment was passed by management where if you didn't play the game of "keeping up with the Jones'", it hurt your career such as driving the latest, greatest car or SUV, participated in "approved activities" outside of work. Going 4x4'ing or riding motorcycles did not qualify. Also not being in heavy debt such as credit card and having your house paid for even though it was simple counted against you. One couple paid off their house in 5 years and owned only one car. That was looked down on by management since "The Man" could not "own them". It hurt my career since I had my house paid for and not other debt to speak of at the time. My @$$hole manager had the audacity to try to poke into my financial affairs and made comments such that I seem to have money and wealth and asked me how I got it. He then mentioned that being well off at a young age was not good for Society and I should think of Society in my financial decisions such as giving money to the "disadvantaged". I told him it was none of his business. He did not take that too kindly.

The women I meet are generally spoiled beyond control, and demand - yes demand - engagement rings that will put you in debt for decades. Then they demand the $50K wedding that takes a year to plan, driving everyone nuts, followed up by the $10-20K honeymoon to some idiotic "couple" resort, or the typical cliche Hawaii. Then, when you return, you are expected to buy the newest, biggest house in town, furnish it from the best of suppliers, and buy the newest, fanciest cars imaginable. All so your darling wife can lord it over everyone else.