The Holiday Season is Upon Us

I think it is unfortunate that too many people feel that the holidays really descend atop their shoulders and they have to haul the weight of them around all of November and December.  I feel very lucky to have two families that miss us when we're gone but don't insist on having us in Michigan or Spokane for any particular day.  I feel very lucky to be blessed with material things as well as the immaterial gifts of friends, family, health, happiness, love.  I feel very lucky to take joy in the season, to celebrate the turning of winter, the triumph of light, the birth of God, and the gift-giving season.

Busy with travel and helping with 2 crises has put off the bulk of my job searching until the new year.  I'm looking forward to finding a job where I can use my programming skills and tackle something new.  In the meantime, however, I very much enjoyed our trip to Spokane for Thanksgiving.  We rented out Grandma & Grandpa's church, let the next generation tire themselves out in the gym, ate and talked and celebrated our family being together.  We exchanged gifts with the nuclear family, played games, talked, had pictures taken, and ate some more.  We're both looking forward to Christmas in Michigan and a trip to Mt. Bachelor with dear friends for the new year...  More loved ones, games, and good food.  I notice a theme.

Well, I hope the holidays are descending upon you gently and that your themes are more full of loved ones, games, good food, and celebration than worry, panic or depression.

Peace to you,
No