Belated Thanksgiving thoughts

I joined a small group in a church I have been attending and we had our Thanksgiving celebration the week before Thanksgiving. While having dinner with members of my small group I had a couple realizations about needs. The small group serves to meet my needs of not only when I am in crisis or need help but they serve as family. Earlier this year I had a falling out with my sister and I know I will not spend time with them or see them but it does not sink in until a holiday approaches and have that feeling to be surrounded by family. I can visit my parents and still spend time with them but not going over to my sister & brother in law’s place is awkward. They hosted events every holiday and spending time with them seemed central to enjoying the holidays in many ways.

As I sat down for dinner and talked with people I realized we may not have the same sentimental bonds or years of memories & connection I have with my family but these people do not care and love me and spend time me anyway. As I sit with I am reminded of how faithful God is as he does provide and make a way.

While listening to conversations I over heard a conversation about everything we need for our needs to be met is right there before us. We need to recognize that and seize those things before us. I realized all the family & connections I need to make it through life can be met by people around this table or through my church.

I have spent most of my life unaware of the blessings I have and the longer I live and more situations I am in I can see how God has blessed me with friends and people that are close like family. Jeff and Michelle Saeger’s family have been loyal & loving to me as they always invite me over to their place for holidays or to hang out for events. This Thanksgiving I can see where I am blessed with friends who treat me like family. I have much to be thankful for.

Irony

A couple weeks ago while having lunch with co-workers we began to discuss T.V. shows we were watching. With a certain disdain I told them I don't have time to watch T.V. as I have a life that is busy with friends, events, random parties & dinners and could not watch anything consistently.

I noticed in the weeks after making that remark all events with friends, parties, & dinners were canceled. I ended up sick and at home for a couple weeks. Most of the time at home was spent watching T.V.

Mystery illness

About a week and half ago I had a sore throat come on very quickly while ending my work day. A coworker had come down with strep throat two days before hand so I assumed I knew what was happening to me. That night I drank plenty of hot tea & water & juice. I got plenty of sleep over the next couple days and sucked on cough drops during the day.

By Saturday I was getting worse as I had low energy and was tired. I did not have any of the flu symptoms associated with strep throat and was not coughing. I went in to my health care providers for a strep test and it came back negative.

Last Monday through Wednesday were the rough days. I visited my health care provider for advice & to be tested for mono on Thursday. I felt better going into the weekend and the test for mono came back negative.

Saturday and Sunday were a bit worse as I had zero energy and loafed around the house. I have some sort of virus and no one knows what it is. I hate being sick and not knowing how to treat it.

Straight face

One of my regular house sitting clients talks incessantly. She is uncomfortable with silence and the type of person who rambles on. I have learned I have to keep a straight face when listening to her. Today she shared a real gem which I did not touch or pick on her. I just listened without giggling or breaking focus.

She said to me "My dog visits the same vet I do".

Some times the best thing is to just agree and not say anything. It is funner to laugh about later anyway.

Halloween madness

I spent part of Halloween in a barrel and it is on youtube.

Our office took the custom party to a new level by adding a dancing routine.

Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ZfWWIvMA60g

Enjoy