Thanksgiving

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Ross' roommate Josh is in Germany this semester. He asked "Why don't German's celebrate Thanksgiving? Don't they have anything to be thankful for? " He said it as a joke, but it got me to thinking. So often, when we think of Thanksgiving, we think of turkey or sales. I am so very thankful so many things, especially this year.

I am thankful for God who has continually lifted me up and carried me though out my life and who prepares a place for me in heaven.

I am thankful for Mark. We celebrated out 25th wedding anniversary this August. He has completed my life and made it so much richer and happier then I could ever have imagined.

I am thankful for our sons Ned and Ross. They have added so much to my life.

I am thankful for my parents, who taught me so much, not by their words, but by their deeds.

I am thankful for my siblings who made my childhood so memorable and who are only a phone call away. There is something special about someone who has always known you, where you have come from and what you have accomplished.

I am thankful for my health and the health of my family. Other then colds and minor ailments, we have been greatly blessed.

I am thankful for my home, that has sheltered us through the past 25 years. I still remember the first time we walked through the house. Little did I know then the changes that would take place within these walls.

I am thankful for my friends. Those who I have known most of my life and those who I have recently met. I can't imagine going through life without having people to laugh with, cry with and enjoy life with.

I am thankful for my work, which helps fulfill and challenge me.

I am thankful to live in a country where we have so many freedoms, we don't know what to do with them.

I am thankful for technology that allows me to stay in contact with family and friends with just a key stroke.

I could go on an on. What I am most thankful for is the life I have lived and the future that is before me.

55Things

1. The phone rings; whom do you want it to be?

Family or friends with good news.

2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart?
To the little corral thing? Absolutely. I’d hate to make someone chase my cart around.

3. If you had to kiss the last person you kissed, would you?
Absolutely.

4. Do you take compliments well?

Sometimes. I am better at taking complements regarding my work then personal.

5. Do you play Sudoku?

Yes, and I usually use a pen, which gets messy.

6. If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive?

Yes

7. Do you like nipple rings?

Hate them.

8. Did you ever go to camp as a kid?

Went to Band Camp in High School. Was a lot of fun. Other then that a week at my grandparents.

9. If a sexy person were pursuing you, but you knew he/she were married what would you do?

Ignore them, and politely tell them I am not interested.

10. Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you?

Could and would, but when it came down to marrying someone, I married someone with same beliefs.

11. Do you like to pursue or be pursued?
I like to be pursued.

12. Use three words to describe yourself at the moment:
Cold, excited, harried

13. Do any songs make you cry?
"I'll be Home for Christmas" the first time I hear it for the season

14. Are you continuing your education?
Formally? Not really. But it’s a constant thing, informally.

15. Do you know how to shoot a gun?
Never shot one, but it is on my list of things to do for 2009

16. If your house were on fire, what would be the first thing you grabbed?
Besides the kids/husband, my purse and computer

17. Who was the last person you shared a bed with?

My husband

18. Whom do you text the most?

Mark and my kids

19. Favorite children’s books?
“Love You Forever”.

20. What color are your eyes?
As blue as my politics are red.

21. How tall are you?
5' 6 ish

22. If you could do it over again, start from scratch, would you?
Nope.

23. Any secret admirers?
I am sure there are legions :-)

24. Have you ever taken pictures in a photo booth?
Yes, hasn't everyone?

25. Where is the farthest place you have traveled?
Aruba

26. Do you like mustard?
Only on hot dogs or brats with sauerkraut

27. Do you prefer to sleep or eat?
Sleep

28. Do you look like your mom or dad?
More Dad's side of the family (nose)

29. How long does it take you in the shower?
About 7 minutes

30. Can you do splits?
Not any more

31. What movies do you want to see right now?
The new “Bond” movie,

32. What did you do for New Year’s Eve?
Usually get together with Neighbors

33. Was your mom a cheerleader?
Not that I’ve ever been told.

34. What’s the last letter of your middle name?
T

35. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?
Usually 7 - 8

36. Do you like Care Bears?
No.

37. What do you buy at the movies?
Popcorn with butter

38. Do you know how to play poker?
A little

39. Do you wear your seat belt?
Always. Growing up we always had to wear seat belts so it is a habit now.

40. What do you wear to sleep?

None of your business

41. Anything big ever happen in your town?
Perhaps you heard about it - the Republican National Convention?

42. Is your hair straight or curly?

Mostly straight but a little wavy. I was always jealous of my sisters' curly hair. Of course they would spend Saturday nights in orange can curlers to straighten theirs.

43. Is your tongue pierced?
No

44. Do you like liver and onions?
Not without lots of bacon

45. Have you ever been in love?
Still am

46. Do you like funny or serious people better?
Funny people

47. Ever been to L.A.?
Yes- Disneyland years ago.

48. Do you steal or pay for your music downloads?
Pay

49. Do you hate chocolate?
What type of question is that? I love chocolate. Especially mint M&M's

50. What do you and your parents fight about the most?
We don’t, really.

51. Are you a gullible person?
I am pretty easily sucked in.

52. If you could have any job, what would it be?
Honestly, I really love the job I have.

53. Are you easy to get along with?
As long as you agree with me :-). Overall, I am pretty easy going.

54. What is your favorite time of day?
Early mornings

55. Are you a generally happy person?
Yes. I am definitely one of those the glass is half full, hopefully with wine.

Goodbye Fall, Hello Winter

Looking out the window, I have to say we have probably seen the last of fall and will be welcoming winter snow starting tomorrow. I can't complain. Earlier this week we enjoyed sunny days of high 70's. The oak leaves outside my window that were bright and vibrant on Monday now are the muddy brown they will remain through out the winter. I am ready for the cold weather and snow. I enjoyed the mild fall we had with brilliant colors. Even enjoyed the raking of leaves this year. But now, I am ready for them to be covered up. I don't want to look outside and see the leaves on the ground reminding me of tasks left undone.

There is something freeing about the first large snowfall. It leaves the world looking pristine, a new canvas. It covers everything up as if to say "don't worry about this for the next couple of months. I can browse through gardening catalogs and have the feeling that next year will be the year my gardens will look like the pictures in the garden magazines. I forget about the weeding, the mosquitoes and bugs that are a part of gardening and instead remember the results.

Cold weather encourages curling up on the couch under a blanket, drinking hot chocolate and reading a book. It encourages us to slow down and enjoy the view, instead of thinking of all that needs to be done outside. Embrace the cold and snow. It will only be a short 4, 5 months before we are back in the hurry and bustle of cleaning up the yard and gardens.

A Proud American

Well, it is over. All the political ads, the rally's, news reports etc are finished. Once again, America has held an election which many people participated. People were able to go to the polls and vote for the candidates of their choice, without being harassed, threatened or really inconvenienced. We tend to forget what a great county we live in. Unlike Iraq and other countries, to vote, you didn't have to travel more then a couple of miles, you didn't have to worry about being shot at or injured when you went to vote. If you did have to wait, chances are you waited in a warm comfortable building.

Whether you agree with who won or not, be proud that you were a part of the process, and shame on you if you didnt' vote. Today, more then any other time, there really isn't any reason not to do your duty as a citizen of the United States and vote. Especially if you live in Minnesota where you can register and vote on the same day.

I was an election judge for the first time this year and it really drove home to me how important voting is. I loved helping the new voters not only the 18, 19 and 20 year olds, but especially people in their 40's, 50's and 60's who were voting for the first time.

I don't know what will happen with President-Elect Obama. I didn't vote for him, but he is my President and I will support him as such. I will pray for him and his cabinet every day, just as I have prayed for President Bush and his cabinet. Not because of his party affiliation, but because he is President of the greatest nation in the world.