I couldn’t even remember the password to log into this blog.  My domain had expired. I had 4,021 comments to sort through.  Like a patient coming out of a coma, I had to relearn how to even write a new post.  The moon was aligned with Jupiter.  A beast with six heads arose from the sea, and all six heads were wearing crowns.

I owe a huge apology to the three of you still checking this.  I’ve got lots of stories, so many stories you’ll grow sick of me.  I’m on my way back; I think it’s still going to be about another week before I can get back into the groove.

Consider this a warning.  See you soon, dollfaces.

Luna Blue’s Playa Zone–Is it safe?

Hotel Playa Maya

The Roses-Standring Family–Is Tulum safe to visit?

Countdown to Mexico–Everyone is on the Defensive

Rivergirl–Is Cancun Safe for Tourists?

Rivergirl–Cancun, Mexico is Safe for Tourists

Travelojos–multiple articles on safety in Mexico

About.com–Is Cancun safe?

Same life, New location–She walks in beauty like the night

The Mex Files–Each man’s death diminishes me (not really)

Dangers Cancun Casa–Travel Still Safe to Major Tourist Hubs in Mexico

Isla Gringo–We’re All Going to Die!

The cynics among you might think that because some of our businesses rely upon tourism that this is why we feel the need to address this issue, but you’d be wrong.  Many of us are retirees or workers whose businesses have nothing to do with the tourist trade, and in general we are just a group of like-minded people who have chosen to live a life different from that in which we were raised.  Life in Mexico may not be everyone’s choice, but it is obviously ours, and I for one don’t take kindly to people talking shit about my adopted country.

I know that I can be profane at times, but it’s mostly because I think swear words are so funny when used properly. I didn’t think, however, that my blog would score high on the Cuss-O-Meter.

What do you all think? Are you offended by my language? Does it put you off, or do you find cuss words as funny as I do (in the appropriate venue, of course)?

I want to sincerely, deeply, from the bottom of my shriveled little black heart thank all of you who have checked in every day to be faced with nothing new, to you who have written me a note of encouragement or sent me an email or a text.  Under the bell jar, not much sound gets through, but from time to time the noise made is just raucous enough to break the seal.  I think I’m back.  I think I’m on my way back.  I’m sleeping, anyway.

While I was underwater, this blog quietly slipped over 100,000 hits.  Amazing, that.  So I thought it might be thoughtful for me to put together a page of what might be considered my “greatest hits to date.” So that anyone stumbling across my blog wouldn’t have to wade through as much crap as you have all had to.

I have a few particular blogs of mine that I think might be “winners” in that they generated the most comments.  I also have one or maybe two that I think are actually decent writing.  But ultimately I believe that you are the judges.  You tell me your favorites of the blogs I’ve subjected you to over this past year.  I’ll put them together on a little page, it will be like Heather in Paradise Cliff Notes for the lazy student.

As soon as my computer is saved, the new blog will be posted.  Thank you for bearing with me.  I will try not to leave you again, I promise.  Because when you’re gone, I miss you.

Please stay tuned, we shall return to our regularly scheduled silliness as soon as possible.

Each of us has a voice; why not use it to try to raise awareness and offer meaningful discussions about a global ill?  We are all in this together, even if we think we’re not.

I know it’s short notice, but I’d love to hear what you’ve got to say.

Today marks one year since I’ve started this wordpress blog.  I want to write a really meaningful post that will illustrate all the important things I’ve learned about blogging and life this past year, but I barely slept last night and am not yet functioning properly.  So for now, just enjoy that pirate cake of my dreams and I’ll speak to you later today.

I do sincerely want to thank all of you for reading along, boosting me up, leaving me comments that make me laugh, and being a friend.  I loves you.

She is a volunteer for Obama’s campaign and has been writing frequent election updates/stats. Her most recent two posts killed me and I think they should be seen by as many eyes as possible.

Warning: She’s profane at times, but not as profane as I am watching the Cubs

Check her out here and here. And then read her blog regularly. It does a body good.

1.  I joined a gym with my friend Sara and actually WENT every weekday morning last week.  Not one to enjoy exercise, I’m surprised at how much more tolerable (and-gasp-FUN) it is to go with a friend.  I feel much better about myself than I have in a while.

2.  I’ve been working my tail off trying to get ready for a big trip home to Chicago in September.  I have a lot more to do so might be even more spotty with the blog posts.  Being the boss isn’t always easy.

3.  I went to a lovely wedding.  I will tell you about that soon.

4.  I’ve watched two Cubs games at Pinche Gringos this past week, and both times I spent too much money, but the Cubs won, so who cares?  We’re still in first place, and it’s August.  Who is this ball club and what have they done with my team?  On August 30 and 31 I will be actually sitting within the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field, watching live, late-summer baseball, eating hot dogs, and drinking beer with my good friends Adam and Martina.  I feel dizzy with happiness just thinking about it.

5.  I’m brewing a tourist rant blog, a “how to live here” blog, a blog about my street dogs, and a new feature I’m unveiling for a weekly post.  Stay with me and I’ll do my best to reward your loyalty.

6.  I’ve received more postcards.  Victoria, Hollito, Liane (2 cards), Katie and Becky.  Still working on the scanner.

7.  This is the longest stretch I’ve gone without depression in years.  I think you all are very good for me.  Thank you.

I’ve been growing increasingly disenchanted with the way my blog looks, but am pretty computer illiterate and well, I’m just lazy and didn’t feel like doing anything. I keep the theme I have because it’s the only one I like the look of with my custom header and tagline, even though I HATE that I can only write in Times New Roman. God I HATE Times New Roman . Yes, Times New Roman, I was talking to you. Wanna fight?

Today I was reading Ask and Ye Shall Receive, a site that mercilessly tears other blogs new assholes (apparently at the blogger’s request) and some of their posts on “blogging no-nos” scared me into action.

Here are the changes I’ve made:

• I’ve changed the Monthly Archive to a drop down list, to clear up some clutter.
• A few people have mentioned that my Blogroll was WAY too long, so I made that its own page (tab at top of blog) and have expanded/categorized it to include many (but not all, I got tired) of the blogs I read. I’ll update that frequently.
• I took out the Recent Posts widget. Since you’re on the front page, isn’t it obvious just by scrolling down what the most recent posts are?
• I reduced the number of post Categories, drastically. The number was just ridiculous and unnecessary
• I added the Top Posts widget. Because my sidebar looked so barren after all the changes.
• I also cribbed Theresa in Merida’s idea and added a weather feature. This one is for Cozumel, i couldn’t find one for Playa del Carmen, but it’s close enough, I guess, to make all my friends Up North jealous. Cozumel is just a ferry ride away.  I noticed that the time is wrong, by an hour.  We’re at Central time here.  Anyone know a better, more accurate weather feature I could add?

I think the blog looks nice and clean now. Just in time for me to clutter it all up with ads. Kidding, I kid. Unless they come knocking, in which case, bring on the sellout.

Huzzahs and/or Boos welcome.