I woke up this morning to the sound of palm fronds rustling in the breeze and a view of the blue Pacific just beyond the red-tile roofs and white stucco of our resort complex. To think that less than 24 hours ago I was gazing upon slush-clogged streets and low, gray clouds! We arrived last night here after dark, and a chill wind was blowing at the time, so to wake up to this summery view and 60-degree temperatures makes it seem even more as if I have been dropped into some wonderful dream. We are staying at the La Paloma Tennis Club and Resort complex where our time-share vacation plan has a number of condos. Located in Rosarito in northern Baja California, it is about 25 miles south of the U.S.-Mexico border. While certainly not as trendy as Cabo San Lucas and likely not quite as warm, this place is a heavenly oasis after the past year of hustle and bustle I’ve experienced. We have several pools and hot tubs to choose from, tennis courts, sauna, spa facilities, FREE WiFi in our apartment, a gym and beautifully landscaped grounds.  For me, though, the best thing about this place is our west-facing balcony, giving me a quiet, sheltered, sunny spot from which to gaze out on the ocean and read (or not). Shortly, I will be watching the sun set and enjoying the fact that I don’t have to do anything or be anywhere by any particular time–for a whole week. I have decided that I will not even consider any New Year’s resolutions until after we return north next weekend. In the meantime, I have made a few vacation resolutions: I will not put on make-up unless we go out to dinner (or unless my husband or daughter refuse to be seen with me, but they’re not likely to make a fuss–if they know what’s good for them!); I will read at least two books (GT‘s editor in chief Lisa Matte and associate editor Jan Hecht gave me some great recommendations which found their way onto my Christmas list and under the tree); I will eat whatever I want whenever I want without thinking (too much) about the consequences; I will try to learn and use at least three new Spanish words or phrases a day; and beyond booking a massage and a facial, I will not schedule my days with places to go or things to do, but I will definitely, maybe, get out and do something each day–if I feel like it. Now excuse me, but the sunset is not going to wait. Patty Vanikiotis, proofreader