Give Thanks- Childhood

I saw this today:

It made me think of my doll I had growing up named Patty.  I loved her and she went everywhere with me.  Vacations, camp, sleep overs.  You name it, I took her.  For the longest time I couldn't sleep if I didn't have her.  

That got me thinking about my childhood.  I had such a wonderful childhood full of games, imagination and good times.  It was different from a lot of people's childhoods because we didn't play video games, we didn't watch tv, we didn't eat a lot of junkfood.  But I wouldn't change a minute of it because it made me a strong person that loves stories of heroes, running around, and being the person you want to be.  I wouldn't change it and I am so thankful and grateful for it.

Give Thanks- Coffee

Nothing really going on today so I'll just find a small pleasure to be thankful for today.  My biggest "small" pleasure is coffee.  If you didn't know already, I love a good cup of coffee.  Getting up in the morning and taking that first wonderful sip gives my soul peace.  Nothing like the perfect cup of coffee!  Thank God for it too because without it I wouldn't be half as nice and pleasant as I am to everyone.

Give Thanks- The good ol' USA!

Voting today!  I am very thankful to live in a country that I have the right to voice my opinion in the government.  Regardless of how it turns out, I am glad that I get to vote as a citizen.  It wasn't so long ago that it wouldn't have been possible simply because I am a woman.  It also isn't possible in every country of this world, which is sad.  I've always been proud to be an American and enjoy the rights that we have in this great nation.  That is why, not matter what, I exercise my right to vote.  If you don't use it, then why have it.  The people who don't vote very much disappoint me.  Be thankful for your rights because you don't have to have them.

Wedding

My cousin, Kayla, got married this weekend.  I wish it hadn't been this weekend purely for selfish reasons because we had to fly out to St. Louis on Halloween and kind of wiped out any Halloween fun, but I am very happy for her.  Jake, my brothers and my mom and I all flew out.

I always enjoy seeing the Hastings family because they are such great people.  I was a little disappointed that it didn't seem like we made much of a show of it like a normal family reunion but I am used to HUGE reunions where everyone is there and there is always something going on.  So this was a tame one in the broad term, which means it was a good one to bring Jake to.  He survived just fine and I hope they all liked him.

It was fun to see the aunts but I really wish we had more time.  I haven't been there in forever and actually had time to sit down and visit with everyone.  I feel like all I get to do is drive by visits.  "Hey how are you?  Love you!" and I'm gone.  It gets harder and harder to do those big visits when you're an adult and have to factor in time off from jobs and money.  I miss them though.

Anyway, we flew in on Friday afternoon and spent the rest of the day around St. Louis.  I took Jake up the Arch, which was fun to do again.  I always loved that as a kid and since he had never been before we journeyed up.

That night, my phone died of course.  So annoying.  So the next morning before the wedding I got Jake to take me to Verizon so I could see about getting a replacement.  Of course they had to try all the stupid things that I told them I already tried to get my phone working again... like resetting it and charging it.  Seriously, the people that go in there must be stupid.  Either that or the people that work there are stupid.  I was irritated with them so after we left we crossed the street and went to AT&T.  They bought me off of Verizon and I joined Jake's plan.  It will save me a lot of money in the long run but it actually took a lot more time to do than I thought so we only ended up having about 5 minutes to get ready for the wedding.

That was irritating but we made it there with plenty of time.  The church was very pretty and the ceremony was well done.  Kayla and her husband looked so happy.  That was great.  The reception was downstairs and a little to drawn out for my liking but it was all fun.  Weddings are a great time.

Sadly we didn't get much time past that and flew back out the next morning.  Quick in and out but it was good to see everyone I did and it was good to celebrate Kayla's wedding.  I know she has wanted to be married for so long and she looked so over the moon.  It is always great to see that much happiness in someone's face.  Many blessings to her!

Give Thanks- Work

I am back at work today from "vacation".  I am not always thrilled to be here, like today.  I would so much rather be at home in bed because I am independently wealthy.  However, since I am not independently wealthy, I am thankful to have a job.  It isn't a half bad job either.  We have fun.  I hope that it continues to be something that I am thankful for through the changes that are happening this month.  Even on days I just don't want to be at work, I have to remind myself that I'm thankful for the opportunity to make a living and take care of myself.

Give Thanks- Family

I've been at a family wedding in St. Louis this weekend so today I am thankful for family.  Although I've always lived far away from my extended family, I never felt like an outsider when visiting them.  Being back for a wedding is a great experience!  Seeing the love and support a family can give is an amazing thing, especially when you think about the fact that not everyone has that.  I am so thankful that, although I live far away, there are people out there that love and support me.

Give thanks!

Welcome to November.

Just like I did last year, I am going to post everyday about something that I am thankful for.  I am going to try to make it different from last year though and find other things to be thankful for.  Time for life reflection and seeing the bigger picture instead of getting stuck in the negative things that drag us down.

So firstly, there is a huge debate going on about life.  A woman with terminal cancer decided to end her life today with medication prescribed by a doctor.  As sad as it is to think of a young newly wed facing a tragic and painful end to her life, I am glad that she had the choice.  In my years of going to nursing homes and locked Alzheimer's wards with Gerani it was always hard to see how people can suffer at the end of their lives.  I've always believed that one should be able to make the choice to end your life with dignity instead of suffering and drawing death out.  Easier on your family instead of draining them emotionally and financially to take care of someone that is suffering.

Anyway, that brings me to what I am thankful for.  I am thankful for my health and that I have a life to live that is relatively free of hardship.  Some people's lives are hampered by their health and I am glad to have good health so that I can live a full life.  I hope to hell I never am faced with life and death health decisions.

That reminds me that if I am grateful for my health I should be doing more to stay healthy.  Damn... exercise it is.