Still pretty busy. My boss is gone on R&R so I am in charge. Now that I have a real handle on what needs done I am enjoying it. The first few days were a little tuff. I still don't like all the briefings, meetings, working groups and other such gatherings. I know have to go at least 2 hours of briefs a day. That spikes to 5 1/2 hours of various meetings once or twice a week. Still, I'd rather be in charge than not.
Thanksgiving was OK. The DFAC did the best they could. They really did a great job decorating. Butter sculptures, displays, food carvings the works. The food was OK but really, it was just another meal. I am thankful for that. I am glad I didn't think it was great. It just means to me that my family and holidays with them are in fact special. That no matter the quantity or quality of the food, the lavishness of the presentation; it is the company you are in that makes a holiday. In fact, you can have a holiday any time you want, because what matters is who you are with, not what day of the year it is.
I would like to say a few things I am thankful for. Not the laundry list sort of thing, just a few comments.
- I am thankful to God, for all of it.
- I am thankful for my parents and my forefathers. They gave me not only life, but they gave me "a life". From my parents who sacrificed so I didn't have to and love me unconditionally in spite of my many faults; through my great uncles and aunts who fought and died or worked at home for liberty; all the way back to my forefathers who took a great risk leaving all they knew to come to America and forge a new life.
- I am thankful for Emily and her family. I have found a true friend and true love in Emily, I simply can't express the impact she has had on my life. I am thankful beyond measure to her parents for the faith and trust they have put in me in dating their daughter and for always making me feel welcomed and loved.
Certainly I could go on and on, but doing so would cheapen what I have already said. If I have learned nothing else in the past few years, I have certainly learned that defining priorities and then acting in such a way as to respect those priorities is key to success and happiness. The things I mentioned I am thankful for are important to me. One can expect that the bulk of my efforts and energy will be directed at ensuring the safety and happiness of those included.
