Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was really enjoyable this year. I had a chance to get together with both my uncles and their families. My grandparents were also able to come visit from Scottsdale, which is a great treat for all of us!!! I swear that every time I see the kids in our family, they look so much older. Maybe I'm just getting really old!! I'm to grateful this year. . . more than other years because this year has brought me so much hope. Last Thanksgiving I remember telling myself that it would be my last grossly fat Thanksgiving. I never imagined I would weigh 160 pounds less the next year and how much of a difference that weight loss would make in the quality of my life!! While I'm still fat, it wasn't about the food this year, though it was great (thanks Mitch and Kris). It was about the people. In the past I felt so uncomfortable with teh way I looked that I focused on eating because then I didn't have to talk to anyone or notice that people were watching the fat girl eat. It was as though I could become invisible. It's the first year that the day didn't result in overeating and overwhelming exhaustion from a tryptophan (sp) high!! It was nice just to chat with family and PARTICIPATE a bit more. I feel so much less like a freak!! I also got a new member of my family this year . . . my little dog, Toby. He is so much fun and I am so grateful to be trusted with his care. My older dog, Caesar, has had some health problems this year and is still with me. I'm afraid it will be his last Christmas; however, I'm so glad that I was able to have him in my life this long!! I am so lucky to have my boys! I also have a new job, which I am really enjoying so far (of course I have only been there three days). I wasn't looking for a new job, but had prayed to know where Heavenly Father wanted me to be where I could feel a sense of purpose. The next day i met the CEO of the company and the rest is history!! Well. . . it's actually the present now!! It is a remarkable opportunity, the pay is higher, and it is a career path and not just another job. I work with people close to my own age and who are all so friendly. I have also been able to truly understand the power of prayer this year!! Never before in my life have I had such a close relationship with my Heavenly Father. I know he listens to me and loves me. I also know that he wants me to be happy and blesses me every day. It has taught me that I can't just sit back and hope for good things to happen. i have to ASK and be OPEN to them. They have been all around me, but I wasn't watching for them or taking the opportunities when they arise. I love my family . . . immediate family and extended. I am blessed to still have grandparents on this Earth and to have three uncles and aunts!! Thank you to any who read this, because you are people who have enriched and blessed my life! Many of you have provided answers to my prayers in one way or another. Never forget the power one person can make!!