New Meaning for "Thanksgiving"

(Marilyn looking out of the window on our return home today. She and Teddy have been boarding at "Grandma and Grandpa's" (my parents) for a few weeks while I've been out so much)

Wow. What a span of two weeks. I mean... wow. I have had many many thoughts and plans over the last bit. I'm wondering if the uncanny (diabolical?) string of occurrences in my life in the last few weeks have helped spur them. I'll post on those thoughts and plans after going private. BUT - before I do, here's what I mean by a new meaning for "Thanksgiving".

I have been very grumpy for roughly 3 days (see causes later). Tonight, I had three full hours to do laundry, dishes, vacuum and clean the bathroom. I feel SO much better. Not whole yet, but less grumpy. And, that is forward progression. This was the first time in three weeks I've been able to do any of the above household maintenance regulars. I realize how much the total chaos and traveling has taken its toll on normality in my life. I've never been so grateful for these three hours tonight. Truly.


It would take too long to write the full story on all of these patience-trying experiences of the last couple weeks. I'm just going to give you the bulleted highlights. If you see me soon, I'm sure the complete versions will have you in laughing fits (I'm hoping they do the same to me in the future)


My Dumb Luck of November

• Getting pulled over for speeding 2 miles from home, after driving 5 hours. Finding out from officer that licence had been suspended for failure to resubmit my proof of safety inspection.
• Spend $147 on fine to the City of Richmond for the stupid $15 inspection paper (which I had gotten back in Sept.) and another $85 to the State of Virginia to get my license back.
• Get rear ended by hit-and-run guy. He tells me (after tailing him for 8 miles while on the phone with the police) that he wasn't sure if I rolled backward or if he rolled forward. Geesh.
• Having $7 to my name during my trip out west because of my bank's inconsistency with deposit times. Never assume just because you make a deposit on Friday and your receipt says it will be available on Monday that they are telling the truth.
• Missing my first flight out west (because I tried to squeeze a nap in between 2-4am) and making the 2nd by miracle after being trapped in my own neighborhood by the Richmond Marathon. (I arrived at the gate 17 minutes before departure - still need to write thank you note to counter agents),

There are a lot more such happenings. As a cockeyed optimist, I'm hoping all this is just preparing me to be an excellent candidate for The Amazing Race. I'm pretty resourceful!

For Your Eyes Only

I've always had a disdain for Bond (I know.. I know.. I just can't get past the womanizing aspect of the movies). I have, however, always loved the theme song from For Your Eyes Only.

In that spirit, I have decided to go private with my blog. If you are a friend linked on my sidebar, I will automatically plug your email address in for access. If you are another friend, just send me your email so I can give you access. If you're a friend of a friend of a friend who frequents my blog by following links, I'm fine with that. I'm a blog stalker too. Just send me your email address. Chances are, I've been following your blog too.

I'll be pretty liberal with permission. Just ask.

A Better Woman

I stumbled across this quiote recently. At any other juncture in my life it might not have rang as true.

"The person who tries to live alone will not succeed as a human being. His heart withers if it does not answer another heart. His mind shrinks away if he hears only the echoes of his own thoughts and finds no other inspiration." - Pearl S. Buck

My life has been so very rich because of the people that have been in it. My family, both immediate and extended, is an excellent foundation. My friends have quite literally made me who I am.


I could never list them all; those who taught me to laugh, chuckle, learn, cartwheel, explore, stand out, crochet, prank, listen... to grow. Now, more than ever, with much more time to myself, I miss their influence. I've really noticed how much more rich my life is when my bestest friends are close.

Although I began this post earlier, I'm finishing it now from DFW, my least favorite airport in the nation. But, I'm enroute to see 3 of my all time favorite people for an abbreviated visit. I can't wait to give them hugs and tell them how much I appreciate them - and their wonderful influence on my life.

School Teacher Browbeats Student over Campaign Support

What a Day

(signage at my 2nd duty station of the day)

5:00 am - Wake

5:30 am - Get in Car

5:45 am - Arrive at Tucker High School Polling location. Marvel that the parking lot is already full.

6:00-9:30 am - Hand out sample ballots. Smile. Remind people that their "I Voted Today" sticker gets them free coffee, doughnuts, chicken sandwiches and ice cream today. Regret not wearing heavy coat.

Thus began my Election Day 2008.

(signage at 1st duty station this morning)

Giddy

Once again, my favorite night of the year is here. Well... perhaps a close second to Christmas Eve, anyway. Daylight Savings!

I don't know why I don't give the rest of the hours in a year the same amount of gratitude I give this one. I wish I could. In fact, maybe I'll start mulling over how to begin doing that. In the meantime, though, I'm going to cherish this night. I'm sitting in bed eating a pomegranate and gearing up to watch the new Veggie Tales movie I just bought.

What did you do with your extra 60 minutes?