Giving Thanks

My thankfulness post today comes easy. For those of you who have followed me for a while you know that in May of 2009 I lost my job due to the company being "outsourced." Me and everyone else there. People I had know for 12 years and grown pretty close to. We were given the opportunity to go to school for 2 years while drawing unemployment - but only to a junior college for an associates degree. I didn't see the point since I already had a degree but I went for one semester until I managed to get hired here at the university. Many of my friends also chose to go to school - some only for the unemployment - some, with hopes of achieving the degree and "bettering" themselves. This post concerns one of them-Linda. She had never gone to college and really embraced the opportunity. She worked hard, achieved excellent grades and graduated this past August. Unemployment ran out - she was living on a part time job and getting really discouraged - the only job she could find was at WalMart - seasonal help - working overnight and would have to drive 60 miles one way to do it. I talked to her last night and she has gotten a full time job! While the pay is not great, it is actually not bad for the area and the current economy. Best of all, it is only 10 miles from her home. Congratulations Linda. I am thankful that you found a job.

Giving Thanks

Today I am thankful to have a home - be it ever so humble. I was doing a project for school yesterday and it concerned the "global economy" which got me to thinking about how lucky I really am. With so many people out there that ended up losing their homes when the bottom fell out of the real estate market, I feel that I am truly lucky. I am thankful for that.

Christmas Dress Challenge

Christmas Dress Challenge

Last week's wt.      163.2
This week's wt.      163.2
Difference                -0-

Nothing - nada - zero - ziltch. I guess that's better than a gain. BUT I did actually try on the dress and believe it or not I got it on AND zipped - of course I couldn't breathe but it was zipped! If I can manage to lose another 5 lbs (ten would of course be better), I might actually be able to wear the thing to my Christmas party! I was actually amazed that I got it on - seems like when I lost weight for my daughter's wedding, I couldn't get it on till I was down to 160.

Giving thanks

Today I am thankful for having the opportunity to get my Master's Degree - basically for free. By working at the university, I can take classes with no tuition. I still have to pay for books but the savings is incredible - I couldn't do this if I had to pay for it. I am saying this today as I have reached the end of my "procrastination" time. I have a project due tonight at midnight- a project I have not enjoyed. I've been putting off and putting off doing the final write-up. No more, it has to be done and I will do it. And I am thankful that I have the opportunity to do so.

Giving Thanks

I am thankful to have a lot of good friends - but one in particular. My best friend used to live just 5 miles away. We spent a lot of time at her old farmhouse - canning, talking, crocheting, quilting and doing nothing. Two years ago she and her husband moved about 20 miles away. Last year I moved 40 miles away - the other direction. But she is still my best friend. My children have called her "Mama Vickie" since they were small. We still talk a lot - usually early in the mornings. I truly miss being close enough to spend time together but the friendship is still there. She has been there through the bad times and the good times. I am thankful for that.