Happy Thanksgiving!

I know I haven't blogged much lately, but it isn't because I don't have anything to say. So much has been going on, I haven't been able to keep up!

Mina and I both had dresses ready to go for the NPS Grand Winter Ball, but we went up to Gilroy and the BCBG outlet. We both found knockout dresses! I had a hard decision between two of them, but I think I picked the right one. If only I hadn't put on a few of those pounds I lost lately. I'm going to have to be careful at Thanksgiving dinner! In any case, this is a dress I would not have been able to wear for the past many years. Now, with my new fitness lifestyle I can, and I will!

While I was in the dressing room I received a call unhiring me from the job at the knitting shop. To say I am disappointed is an understatement. Her explanation is that she doesn't think she has the money to hire me. If that is a true statement I completely understand. If she is using that as an excuse because she is mad that I couldn't start last week, then I don't want to work there anyway. When I was hired I explained that I was going to Portland and could start on either the 15th or 22nd. When we had the move scheduled for the 17th I called and said I was going to have to push back to the 22nd. She was not happy with that (I don't blame her, per se). I wish she would have given me the chance to prove what a good employee I would be. She said she'd keep me in mind for when she was able to hire again. If she can't understand that personal emergencies arise, I don't want to work there. I want to give her the benefit of the doubt and believe that she is telling me the truth.

Speaking of jobs, I started my job at the running store yesterday. I had such a great time! I think I am really going to enjoy it. I felt a little uncomfortable because I am not proficient and knowledgeable on the items that are sold or on the register. However, I know that will come quickly and that they don't expect me to know (unless I had previously worked in the industry). I believe I will look forward to working there every day. Time flew by and I didn't realize it was after 5.

I want to take a moment and state all of the things for which I am grateful. I should do this more than just on Thanksgiving, but today is a good day for that.

I am grateful that Bill is home safe and sound. He is my rock and my support, as well as my best friend. I would rather do anything with him than with anyone else. I can't imagine life without him and I treasure every moment we spend together.

I am grateful for my family. Even with all their quirks, I love them dearly and I know they love me. They have helped shape who I am and have been there for me when I needed them.

I am grateful for my pets. They give me unconditional love. They are there for me when I am down and they have helped me cope through the darkest days of deployments. They do not judge me for anything. They just sit with me and wag or purr.

I am grateful for my health. Without that, life would be so much more difficult. I am happy that I have found fitness I enjoy and have made many friends through it. I feel better about myself and I'm happy to know that this is helping me live a longer, more productive and enjoyable life.

I am grateful for my friends. I would be lost without them. They help me when I need help, they offer advice and companionship. I am lucky to have a lot of people I consider friends. I know that time and distance won't diminish the value of these friendships.

I am grateful for the life I am blessed to live. It may not be easy sometimes, and I have had my fair share of rough patches, but overall I would not trade it with anyone else's life.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving!