Thirty Days of Thankful

Every November, I try to post something I'm thankful for on facebook every day. Granted, sometimes I miss a day or two (or three!) but I always catch up. Now that facebook has the "one year ago" reminders, I've noticed a theme.

The things I am most thankful for in my life are the little things - the things that I usually take for granted. I am so thankful for my children - they are the light of my life! I am thankful that they are well-rounded, well-adjusted individuals that do well in school and have a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. I am thankful for the opportunities they have - from sports to music and from ski club to trips abroad. And, I am thankful that I am able to help them with their endeavors.

I am also thankful for my mother. I cannot express this enough - she has been my rock and my best friend for all of my adult life. From her support through my divorce to her devotion to my children, she does so much for me every single day. I laugh sometimes when I realize that I am turning into her...but then I realize that there is no one else that I would want to be like.

My job often causes me a lot of stress...but I am still thankful for it! I have met some wonderful people - employees, salespeople, customers - that have become great friends. I have the flexibility that allows me to be there for most of my kids' milestones. I am given opportunities to learn and grow. Most importantly, my job allows me to provide for my family.

In today's busy world, friendships are often hard to cultivate. I am thankful for the friendships that seem to flourish despite any effort. I am thankful that I have friends that I can pick up with right where we left off, even if it's years later.

Finally, I am thankful for the man in my life. He has been there for me through thick and thin. He treats my children as his own. He has given us opportunities that we would not otherwise have. He is my best friend and my soul mate.

I am going to try to keep these things in mind every day - not just during the month of November. Sometimes, life gets so hectic that we lose sight of the little things. Taking time each day to reflect on all that I have is a good reminder. I just read a blog that talked about "being" and not "doing". That was also a good reminder. Sometimes, we need to take a step back and live in the moment. Even if that means that something doesn't get done.

I would love to hear what things you are thankful for. I hope that you, too, can find the time every day to remember these things!

What I've Learned...

Just one more day to go after today, and I've accomplished my goal of writing every day during November. Unfortunately, I still don't think I found my "voice".

I am going to do my bet to keep working on it, though. I've decided that I really like writing. However, I think part of writing - especially blogs - is reading. While I occasionally read some blogs, I realize that I do not read enough of them to really know how to write one.

So, my goal for December is to read more blogs. Then, starting in 2017, I am going to give this another shot! Hopefully, I will have a better idea of what to write and how to express myself better.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. Remember to take a little time to be thankful and considerate of those around you that may be less fortunate. Do what you can to help others who may not have the means to help themselves. Drop your change in the Salvation Army bucket, donate an unwrapped toy somewhere, drop off non-perishable foods at your local food pantry.

Happy Holidays to everyone...See you in 2017!

Cyber Monday

It's so hard not to get caught up in all the sales and deals going on today! I usually end up spending a good deal of time on the computer searching for great deals. But when I really stop and think about it, I am probably spending more than I am saving because I end up buying things because they are on sale and not because they are needed.

This year, I am trying to be more cautious in my spending. I want my kids to have a fantastic Christmas, and I know to them that means LOTS and LOTS of gifts! It used to be so easy...they were pleased with just about anything! Now, they want expensive gadgets and name brand clothes. And it really is more of a want than a need. That is my dilemma.

In any case, I know I will be online, checking out deals, for at least a little while today. If only it wasn't so easy to click and buy from the comfort of my house in my PJ's!

A Few Days Off...

Why is it that when the kids get a few days off from school that it still never seems like enough time? Don't get me wrong, I look forward to Monday mornings when they are all off doing what they need to do, but I still enjoy the relaxed times that we have together when there is no school.

Thanksgiving break is over today, and we didn't get to a lot of the things I wanted to do while they were home. I guess it's partially because two of them are teenagers and still have lives of their own even when school is out. In some ways, I long for the days when they were younger and looked up to me. I wish I had those days back and focused more on being with them than crossing things off my to-do list.

Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, we are full-steam into the Christmas season. Every year, I try to focus on the true meaning of the season - the birth of Jesus Christ. I try to focus on giving rather than receiving and spending time with family and friends. This is truly my favorite time of the year! I look forward to some of the old family traditions and long to create new traditions and memories.

To those of you with young kids, remember to take the time to be with them. The laundry and dishes will wait. Bake cookies, hang decorations, send out cards.

Enjoy your holiday season!

Small Business Saturday

As a local business owner, I know all too well that this is the beginning of a crazy holiday season! It is so easy to go to the big department stores or order online to get the best prices of the season. But, during your holiday rush, try to remember the "little guy" - the one who employs people in your local community and has ties to the community itself.

Today is Small Business Saturday. Take some time to visit the small, local businesses in your area and support them with your business. Not only will it help your local economy thrive, but it's also a chance to buy a unique gift that can't be found in other places.

I'd love to hear what local businesses you support and the great deals you found there today. Please share them with me!

Black Friday...

It seems crazy to me that exactly one day after we sit down and give thanks for everything and everyone we have in our lives, we rush out to the stores in a frenzy to get even more!

I've done the Black Friday thing once in my life. Once was enough for me. I decided that day that I did not like the crowds or getting up that early!

I get it, though...some of the deals are hard to pass up. If you are brave enough to go Black Friday shopping, please remember to be kind. Don't push or grab - although I'm not sure things are still that bad. Also, remember that while you are there to get that "great deal", the employees of the store are there to earn a living. They don't deserve to be yelled at because the line is too long or they are out of the latest gadget. They don't have any control over that.

Good luck to all of you Black Friday shoppers!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!
In my family, Thanksgiving is far from traditional. Sure, some years we have actually had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at someone's house. But, since we're in the restaurant business, we are usually open for Thanksgiving...which means we work!
So, for those of you that get to spend Thanksgiving with your family, enjoy it. Relish the good times and the memories that you are making. Be thankful. And, for those of you that are working on Thanksgiving - I know I am not alone - THANK YOU for giving up your holiday to protect and serve everyone. I hope you are able to spend at least part of the day with your families. Be thankful for that time and cherish it.