Black Friday

No, I did NOT go shopping at the crack of dawn (or earlier) this morning. I'm not that crazy. Besides, I'm broke. :) I have, however, had a pretty good day. J was home this morning, and I had fun hanging out with him for a little while. After a while he went outside and started stringing lights up the flag pole, and I hung the start of our indoor decorations - our stockings and some Christmas bells and balls. Plus J hung up reindeer and snowman lights in the living room, so it looks very nice in here already. We still have a lot more to put out, but this is a start. And when we get everything up, I'll share pictures.

Yesterday was a very nice Thanksgiving for me and J. We hung out at the house in the morning, just relaxing, and then we went to his parents' house for dinner. The meal was great, the company was better (I like his family a lot), and it was just nice to hang out with them. They're going to be my family too, some day, so it's nice to get to know them a little bit better with each of these visits.

At about 7:00 or so, we left their house and went to the place where J works, and he showed me around. Now I can totally picture his office when he's in there e-mailing me. :) I'm glad about that.

And, since I've done a "thankful" list every year since I started this blog, I don't want this year to be any different. So, one day late, here is what I'm thankful for this year.

J. Without him, my life was very empty, and now it feels so much more full. I constantly think I love him as much as I possibly can, and then I look at his gorgeous blue eyes, and I somehow love him even more.

My family, especially my sister and her kids (and grandkids). My sister is a very important person in my life. I love talking to her and hearing family stories from her, and just being around her. And her kids are all fantastic, too. Being in their house is comforting, welcoming and fun.

My dogs. All FOUR of my dogs, because Rosebud and Duff are mine now, too. They all have their own personalities, but one thing they all have in common is that they are very lovable and sweet. I'm glad to have them around and healthy.

My cats. I love every single one of them. I'm happy to have them in my life.

My friends. I have a great group of friends, local and far away and online. They all make my life so much richer.

Our house. I bought it eight years ago (and moved in eight years ago this week), hoping that I would someday have someone to share it with, and now I finally do. It's gone from just a house to a home, and I love it even more because of the person I now share it with.

My job. I don't love it, but I like it, and that's saying a lot. I work for a very nice woman, and a decent company. I'm grateful to have it.

J's kerosene heater. :) It's cold outside, and we're trying to go easy on the fuel oil, so the kerosene heater in the living room is a life saver. Even if it is a pain to fill it up, especially when the kerosene can is full. Man, that thing gets heavy!

And those are the top things that come to mind at the moment. I'm just grateful for every part of my life right now. I wish I had less bills (like, a lot less), but as tight as things are now, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and things will get a little less tight all the way until I finally reach that light. So I try not to dwell on how broke I am now. Sometimes I'm better at that than others, but it will all get better. I know that.

Happy belated Thanksgiving. I hope you all had great ones (those of you who celebrate it, anyway).