Hey everyone! If you’ve been checking up on me, THANK YOU!
I’m a-okay and unfortunately did not take a 12-week break from blogging because I hit the Super Lotto.
I overindulged for the entire 2011 holiday season….
…. then headed to the California coast until the holidays were officially DONE.
I took complete and total advantage of the time off from work…off from blogging…off from all responsibility. And, it was glorious.
To ring in the new year…I headed to the desert. Some people find the desert bare and ugly. I find it amazingly beautiful. The Palm Springs / Palm Desert area of California is one of my favorite places to visit.
Hello Desert! Oh how I have missed thee…
The battle of the UNs #10 and #11 were conquered bright and early on this mountain.
Next up was the Rose Parade…
There are two things that are not shown during the TV broadcast:
1) The before-parade craziness….
and 2) the after-parade mess….combined with religious fundamentalists on roller skates, dodging the trash and crowds.
And then came….2012.
If you haven’t been paying attention to the paper placemat at your local Chinese restaurant, this is the Year of the Dragon….which, according to my previous co-worker Linda Sun, is supposed to be a great year for me. I distinctly remember talking to Linda 12 years ago about how 1999 was such a bad year. She asked my birthday and said not to worry, because 2000 was the Year of the Dragon and I would have a super year. It follows the absolute worst year, the Year of the Rabbit.
I don’t know much about the Chinese Zodiac other than what Linda told me and the tidbits on the paper placemats at China Garden. Regardless, if the Chinese are right, the worst year ended and the best year began….and it’s been a fierce 6 weeks so far. I’ve been working intensely, playing intensely, and ready to start blogging again. Most of all, I’m super excited to find out what you’ve all been up to!
Oh….and I almost forgot to tell you about the final, top-secret, #12 task that I completed to officially Battle the UNs.
…it will take a while to explain, so be sure to check back for the next post.
How has 2012 been treating you so far?
The Chameleon's Backbone 
Posted by suzicate on February 10, 2012 at 3:29 am
Delighted to see you’re back, and super happy you’re ok!
Posted by yadayadafishpaste on February 10, 2012 at 6:20 am
What a pleasant surprise in my inbox today; You’ve certainly been missed! Glad you had a wonderful time. May 2012 be your best year yet!!
Posted by Bonnie on February 10, 2012 at 9:06 am
So glad to see you back, Tracy – we’ve missed you! You have been a busy girl, love the pictures! My ole’ life’s been pretty humdrum, you haven’t missed anything huge. Happy Friday (and 2012) to you!! 😀
Posted by Ron on February 10, 2012 at 12:01 pm
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!!!
I was BEYOND happy and excited to see that you posted today, Tracy!
You have no idea how much I’ve missed you in blogland.
GREAT photos! And I’m so glad to hear that you had a flawless time in CA. I especially love the photo of you looking over the mountains. Stunning!
I forget what sign I am in the Chinese Zodiac, but for some reason I think I’m a Sheep.
Anyway, welcome back, girl!
Have a super weekend……X
Posted by Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell on February 10, 2012 at 1:02 pm
So glad you’ve been having such a good time during your break. That’s how it should be done, and I’m so glad that the year has started off with a bang for you!
Posted by Laura Best on February 10, 2012 at 7:52 pm
I was wondering about you earlier today. Welcome back! Sounds as if you had a marvelous time. Love seeing the photos.
So far 2012 has been treating me just fine. Not as exciting as what’s been going on with you, but I certainly have no complaints. 🙂
Posted by pattisj on February 12, 2012 at 1:09 am
It’s good to see you back!
Posted by Jo Seable- Schaffer on February 12, 2012 at 11:26 pm
The 12 week break sounds like heaven. And I miss my California home. Jealous. As far as years go– last year sucked for me and so many people I know. So far– this year already rocks. Weird.