Reasons To Be Thankful

Yes, I've been a slacker. My only excuse is that it was Thanksgiving, and I was too busy hanging with friends and family. And eating, eating, eating! Might as well stock up on body fuel for the winter! That's what usually happens. I eat like a maniac during the cold weather (I hate it!), and burn the fat off as soon as spring arrives. Anyway, I had a wonderful time this year. During the past few years, we didn't have much celebration due to various squabbles and lack of social connections. Well, this year I was invited to four different places! Confused about it all..I decided on one event. I figured it'd be too much of a hassle to drive around to all the other places--people scattered around the mountains. Yes, it was at the gay bar. The owners threw a free customer appreciation dinner. It was yummy and fun. I brought along a Hungarian wine, which was too strong for some taste buds:)

When I lived abroad, I got a lot of jokes about Thanksgiving from the other foreigners. Screw that I'd say. Either come and eat, or save the rants for another occasion:) Yes, it's one day of the year. We should give thanks every single day. But I like that it's a unique AMERICAN holiday. Nothing religious about it whatsoever. If you want, say a prayer before the meal. Otherwise it's just a great day to share the joy with everyone. Pig out, drink, and tell jokes. So here are the 10 things that I'm thankful for...

1) New friends from the gay bar...Such fun people, both gay and straight. No one is harsh or judgmental, and that's what I love about the atmosphere.

2) Working with the elderly has brought much light into my soul...One particular resident said some kind words which almost brought tears to my eyes. He said that the last months were some of the happiest since his arrival about four years ago. I don't think I've done anything but laugh at his jokes, and give the care that is necessary for that age group.

3) Living on my own has done wonders for my mental health. However, I'm sad to report that the roomie situation has turned sour. We had fun while it lasted, but I definitely need my own space. We have our differences, and I can see that it's time to move on..I've learned that I can't tolerate animal neglect! She's not my dog, but there's no excuse for not having dog food for more than a week. I was feeding her whatever leftovers I could find, and finally ended up buying dog food. After I sent the roomie a text message, she said "thanks but stop babying her--she knows she can get away with it with you" WTF???! I was rather furious that an act of kindness was blown off like that...Screw that, I'm outta there in Dec. I have to house-sit our own cats anyway. It'll give me time to look for another pad. (UPDATE: I found one! Whoohoo!)

4) New wardrobe..well, I splurged on clothes this year. I was living in house-pants and t-shirts for the past four years. I found no reason to dress up, but now I have fun getting dolled up on the weekends:) A woman deserves to feel and smell pretty. I highly recommend Euphoria by Calvin Klein--got it as a birthday present last year.

5) Standing up for my rights when it comes to slackers and rude people. I don't have to say anymore about that co-worker incident. And if someone doesn't smile back at you, it's their problem...not yours. Enough said!

6) New hair color. I finally got on the highlighting bandwagon. Why didn't I do this earlier? Change is good--nothing crazy, just enough to jazz it up a little.

7) Chocolate chip waffles and coffee for breakfast/brunch--I prefer the Giant brand..Eggo and I are finished!

8) Thanks to God for bringing such colorful people into my life. I always knew that I have to treasure the friendships from here and abroad--that they were brought into my circle for a reason. When I couldn't attend my best friend's wedding in Crete, she sent an email saying it's alright (it wasn't financially possible!), but that one of the reasons she wanted me to come was that her dad was ill and that he wished to see me. And that he loves me as one of his own. More tears again! I must have been Greek in a past life...

9) Sleep...I've had my love-hate relationship with sleep over the years. It's great now and I can't complain since I have work at 3pm:)

10) Finally, I'm thankful to all blogger buddies. You've all taught me so much over the past months. You have no idea how much of a wreck I was...luckily Angel convinced me to get back in the game. I appreciate all the comments and laughs. Some days when it's BLAH, the writing eases the pain and my troubles are released...SO here's to all of you! Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!