Black Friday

So what are you doing today? Have you been up since last night camping out in front of your favorite store? Are you one that just salivates over getting to the store first, getting all those early bird deals?

Or are you like me?

I refuse to go shopping on Black Friday. There's a reason it's black. Sure the retail version of the story is that it's the first day of the year that the store operates in the black. But me. Pssht, my definition is that it's the most congested, least holiday-ish, most selfish day in the shopping year. Ugh. People pushing, yelling, shouting, all the cars, traffic. Yuck. And all to save a buck or two. Or quite possibly spend more than you thought you were because of all the "amazing" deals on shit I don't need.

I'm visiting friends and laying low today. Just doing my part to make it a little happier for all you Black Friday fans.

Have fun whatever you decide to do.

Happy Thanksgiving

So what are you thankful for this year?

I asked myself that question today. Hmmm. Well, of course, there's my husband, daughter and extended family, the friends that I've gotten closer to, old friends that I've reconnected with. Of course, there's always the family and friends that pop in my head when I say this. But what else? Anything?

What am I thankful for?

I'm very happy that the Hubs and I are both employed.

That I've decided to put myself more in the fore-front. And I don't mean selfishly. I mean, I did the 3-Day walk this year. I trained, fundraised, and dealt with blisters. But I gained so much. I learned how much strength I really had. I pushed myself to walk every single step. And I did it.

I've recently started on a new spiritual path. Not exactly new, more of a more structured path than I was on before. It's refreshing to have people to talk to about my faith on a weekly basis. Plus I'm thankful that I have an understanding husband. And we can discuss our different faiths, and come to an understanding that we are both on different paths, but going in the same direction.

I'm thankful for the Holiday Season this year.

I usually wait until the week or two before Christmas before I even start to shop. But this year, I've already gotten quite a head start on it. And I'm the one putting Holiday music on in the car. Rather than running screaming from it (remnants of my time in retail).

I'm thankful that I have such a blessed and full life.

I can say that this year and truly mean it!

Family and the Holidays

Luckily, I've gotten past some of the typical fights, snits, and drama that can occur during the Holidays. But if you haven't had that fortune yet. You might want to check out a great article on Shine.

Essentially, it's how to avoid the holiday family fights. Specifically, how to handle the following types of people:

The "Constructive" Criticizer
The Slacker
The Cheerleader
The Exaggerator
The Martyr
The Passive-Aggressor
The Over-Sharer
The Whiner
The Bully
The Busybody
The Pontificator
The Gossip
The Emotional Wreck
The Grinch
The Drunk Uncle

This is obviously hilarious. But it does have some helpful tips. And please, people, avoid being any one of these. ;)

Election Day

Did you vote?

I don't care which way, for whom or what you voted.

Did you vote?