Shine Jiliin Bayariin Mend Hurgeye!!

Happy New Year from Mongolia! We’re a half an hour or so from 2013 here. In front of the Darkhan Children’s Theatre there’s been an all night fireworks show – fireworks being a welcome import from neighboring China. Today has been a lot of visits from family with gifts and good tidings for Christmas and New Years (squished together here for secular efficiency) and to check out the newest member of the Mongolian family.

2012 brought me back to Mongolia, but this time for good. It led me to say goodbye (for now) to a much loved Giant Robot family and friends in Los Angeles. It brought me a husband and an army of amazing in-laws who have embraced me and my American family. And the last gift of 2012 was the arrival of a tiny human. All in all, it’s been a jam-packed good year.

I don’t have any resolutions for 2013. Well, maybe one… I resolve to keep doing what I’ve been doing, since it seems to be paying off.

Mongolians love ABBA’s one and only ” holiday” song, second only to Boney M and Wham’s Christmas tunes. I’ve heard this ABBA song everyday since December 1st, so I’ll send 2012 off into the ether with it…