Thanksgiving:

A day to give thanks or a day to be reminded of what to be thankful for?

For me, today, both. Not that I've ever forgotten the latter, but there are times it is shoved to the rear of my thoughts in lieu of self pity.

Last week we went from empathizing with the nation to sympathizing with it. Really, those two words confuse me, so suffice to say we are unexpectedly feeling the wrath of today's economy (so if you need a great carpenter...). On top of that, BigCat has a "raving ear infection" - yes, he even went to the clinic. Sans the delicious take-home meal from his loving auntie this Thanksgiving, BigCat would have completely missed out on all of the greatness of the day.


However, the Bird and I were fortunate enough to enjoy the best part of today... in the company of family. Going into the day, I sadly felt unsure of my thanks. I know deep down how absolutely blessed I am, but I sometimes still allow myself a funk. This year, Thanksgiving came at an impeccable time in my life... when a reminder of the safety, love, support and realness of family goes a long way. It clears the fog in my head, helps me to see life a little more clearly.

Thank you... to all of my family and friends. In all honesty, without you, I would be nothing!

Indisposed

There's decent reason I've been absent from blogland... all in our abode are sick. Who wants to read about a bunch of sickly?? Well, quit reading now if you don't because it's all I have.

The Bird ran a temp, of 102, as his nose became an ever-running fountain. Although he's a bit chirpier now, he's far from full flight. BigCat rarely admits he's ailing but this time around he's engulfed in meds... and a blanket. And me, well, same ol' story. Again, no diagnosis but some confidence from a specialist that we'd find the answer (soon, please!!!). Onward with tests. Fun, fun tests.

So, that's kind of where I've been... just hanging with docs and taking care of sick ones. Lots of QT for our little family, both last and this coming weekend. That should be good for us all.

Easy Peasy

That's what my co-working friend said about the last procedure I had in attempt to figure out my stomach issues. I, however, felt differently. I guess it wasn't difficult on my part, but I didn't enjoy it. On Wednesday, I am finally going to the specialist. Apparently he's like the specialist of specialists, who specializes in post gallbladder removal surgery. Whew. And the procedure: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography... It's not even easy to say much less easy to endure! Nah, it'll be fine.

Although I'm not looking forward to the procedure, I am anxiously awaiting some answers. Let's hope I get some, and fixable ones at that!

Correction: Sorry, I got a little ahead of myself. When I received the paperwork for my appointment I looked it over and put it away for the following month. In the mean time, I searched mayoclinic.com and pulled up the name of the below mentioned procedure... I saw the looooong last word and assumed (we all know what ass-u-me stands for) that was my procedure. Well, really I'm having magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. This is a "less invasive alternative to [ERCP]".

Verdict

The verdict is in... I didn't get the position. At this time, I am trying to force some positive thoughts:

* Both the Bird and I still have Wednesday's to enjoy together
* I am content with my current position
* With my recent health issues, a department that understands is helpful
* The supervisor "wishes they had a position for me"
* She also stated that a great fitting position may be opening in the future
* They now know me and were very impressed
* If they did have someone in mind when this all began (which is what I believe), I have a chance of being that someone the next time around.

So, that's that. Onto the weekend to recover.

Driving Miss Crazy

Make copies
Check phone
Meet with co-worker
Check phone
Little Girl's room
Check phone
Get mail
Check phone

Nothing
Nothing
Nothing

It's making me nutty.

Ahhhhh!!

I just can't keep it in anymore! I think if I share this with you, I will feel better and maybe, just maybe, my wishes will come true with more positive thoughts coming my way.

I have applied for a position within my org... but not just any position, basically it's what I've had in mind since I graduated that windy day back in May 2003. I had my first interview last week, and have since interviewed a second time after making it into the top five. Whew! I expect to hear back by tomorrow, or on Monday at the latest... Lord help me if I have to wait the weekend, good news or bad.

On the side of superstition, I'm not sure whether I should be bloggin' so openly about this, but I just have to let some of this excitement out somehow.

You can always visit

Thursday: Pineapple appears when we arrive home
Friday: Pineapple is fed, warmed and loved (see eaten words)
Saturday: Pineapple is taken to the Humane Society, we are informed 'she' is a (neutered) 'he' (Thanks AD!)
Monday, Sign spotted reading "Lost Cat Call... ", contacted Pineapple's family, conducted reverse phone number search, determine said residence is right.next.door.

In some way, this seems to make the story less heroic, less riveting. However, in the end, all are well; Pineapple (aka Jack) and his family. That's always a good thing.

Amy's Day

9 years ago today, my dear, dear cousin Amy passed away. Anyone near and dear in my life knows how much this girl meant to me. We were more than cousins, closer to sisters, just the kind that didn't get to see each other enough.

Although it is a very sad day, it is also a special one. It is a day to remember her and how she impacted every one's lives she was a part of, in her extraordinary way. I awoke this morning with only thoughts of her, and although it was 9 years ago that she was taken from us, I remember the day like it was last week.

I was at a boyfriend's house when I received the call from my mom. I can still clearly picture myself sitting on the edge of the bed in complete shock, disbelief, bewilderment. I wasn't able to drive myself, so he brought me home. There stood my mom in the kitchen, waiting. There was nothing to be said. All we had were questions, and unanswerable ones at that. We curled up in the living room being sleep was not conceivable and watched Forrest Gump. I haven't even peeked at the movie again since then, nor do I believe I ever will.

There are no words to describe the loss we all feel. I am grateful we're able to talk about, remember and appreciate Amy with her parents, siblings and son. To this day, I still feel her presence now and then, and am thankful for the connection we continue to have.

Amy, you are always missed, remembered and loved and will continue to be until we see you again.

Pineapple

First of all, this is post #100. What a milestone! Now, onto the matter at hand...

We have had a cat for the last 12 hours. Although BigCat's name may imply otherwise, we are far from 'cat people'. In fact, we're the complete opposite. After arriving home last night, a cat, we'll call her Pineapple, shimmied right into the garage. It took us 20 minutes or so to get her swept out (yes, BigCat used a broom to coax her). After she reluctantly left the garage, we were able to shut the door and continue unloading our groceries. Pineapple sat right next to the garage door and meowed, constantly, non-stop. Although I'm not a cat person, I felt for the poor little thing. Pineapple is clearly a house cat, waiting at every door, and at the sound of one opening bolting towards it. We had to be cautious about letting the pup out being Pineapple is bigger than her, and the pup has not had any cat encounters. As the night went on, we continued to check once in a while to see whether the coast was clear for the pup, but each time we neared the front door there it was... meow... meow... meeeoooww. I eventually took the pup out back and called it a night. BigCat checked a bit later and said that Pineapple was gone.

After the night's sleep, I woke with only brief thoughts of Pineapple. BigCat heard the meowing but the coast was clear in the front. I went to open the back shades and there she was on the deck, clawing at the screen door and meow... meow... meowing.

There will be no feeding, housing or loving of Pineapple. I thought she'd realize when looking in through the back door this morning at the house with the yipping pup and short guy that it wasn't her home like she seemed to believe. My only option of ridding her (without using BigCat's idea) is to haul her into a shelter, and honestly, that isn't happening until Sunday at the earliest. I hope you find your home Pineapple...

I I Cap'n

I recently had an instance in which a somewhat uncomfortable, irritating situation arose. My first reaction was great concern for how the other's involved felt about the situation at hand. Whenever I do this, there is a great amount of assumption involved (and we all know what 'assume' stands for...). Anyway, after some thought about the issue, I decided to permit, or more so force, myself to do something I rarely do. I allowed myself to think about my feelings in the matter. Let it be known, this was a very minor issue. One of those little life things that you stress about for no good reason. Anyway, my conclusion was that I was actually a bit hurt myself. This self realization, acknowledgement of this sentiment, was a freeing moment.

Judging Sarah

If you were to ask me if I was glad I did it? Absolutely. Will I do it again? Absolutely. However, after a 16 hour day at the polls (and endless commercials, political calls and campaigning mail) I am quite relieved it won't be for quite some time.

Today's Faves:

* Being an important part of something we have the "right" to do
* Sampling all of those good treats brought to share
* Meeting some of the family behind "Honor Road" - 1 of the 3 (remember?)roads surrounding us
* Recognized name = First cousin once removed
* Talking with Roger about family, Z-town and sheep
* Inadvertently becoming referred to as the "Head Judge in training"
* Meeting yet another neighbor after 3 years in an unconventional way (I met one just recently when she helped me at a store 30 miles from our houses...)

Even after the Primary Election, I was quite anxious about today. The verdict is in... it has been a good day!