Back in Black

Today I decided to start a new tradition. Instead of celebrating "Black Friday" with an insane shopping frenzy, I celebrated "Give Back Friday" with an insane giving frenzy. Instead of attacking my fellow shoppers, I attacked my closets, bookshelves, and that pesky under the bed storage container. Instead sitting amongst a pile of bags of new purchases, I am now sitting amongst a pile of bags ready to be taken to the Goodwill.

I'm inviting anyone and everyone to join me in this new tradition. (Since it's the inaugural year, we can do "Give Back Saturday" and try Friday next year!")

It's always seemed to me a silly thing to rush around trying to get as many material things as possible at the cheapest price just one day after sitting down with family and friends to celebrate being grateful. Is that all gratitude gets? One day? Immediately followed by activities specifically designed for us to focus on what we DON'T have? Not for me.

So I've taken the day back to focus on everything I already have. And what I have in such abundance that I can share with others. It makes for a much more satisfying Friday!

TODAY'S THANKS:
Gorgeous sunny weather!!

Two Things

While at work today, one of my co-workers commented: "I think everybody should have two things-- a label maker and a copy of Emily Post's Etiquette book."

Funny. I think everybody should have two things as well. But I think those two things are a good pair of fitness shoes and an upcoming adventure.

I'm planning a good one for 2013!

TODAY'S THANKS:
having plans and goals to work towards.

Pumpkin Weekend

This weekend was a fantastic weekend for playing with pumpkins!

On Saturday, I did this:

Yes, I went to a pumpkin drop. No better way to spend a sunny fall afternoon than watching pumpkins dropping from 140 feet up in the air. SPLAT!

What would possibly possess anybody to go to a pumpkin drop, you ask? The very best reason of all: charity.

Four years ago, my friend's mother grew a giant pumpkin from seeds she had received as a gift. It made a spectacular Halloween decoration, but then they had the dilemma of what to do with the 100 pound pumpkin before it rotted in the front yard.

"Hey, we should drop it off the roof" turned out to be the very best suggestion.

Fast forward 4 years and it has morphed into a very big event in a parking lot with a crane and a bulldozer to scoop up all the pumpkin pieces and a number of trucks to bring donated food to a local food bank.

In the end, over 200 pumpkins were smashed!

As well as one unfortunate bunny

SPLAT!!

And then on Sunday, I drank this:

Love me a pumpkin smoothie on a Sunday morning!

Yes, it was a fantastic weekend for playing with pumpkins!

Niece and Nephew Wisdom

It's been a while since I imparted the infinite wisdom of my nieces and nephews. But this is just too brilliant:

On Monday, there was a mock election at the elementary school where my niece and nephew go. When they got home, my brother and sister in law asked them who they voted for.

5 year old boy: "I voted for Obama"

7 year old girl: "Well, I voted for Mitt Romney"

Their parents said "Oh, no. We need a tie breaker here" So they called in the two year old and asked him who he wanted to be president. He thought for a moment:

"Superman!"

I think he may be on to something.

TODAY'S THANKS:

Reading under the covers all snuggly and warm.

TODAY'S THANKS:
I am thankful that I don't work outside today! 

Great American Ass

Tonight after work, I went to a party. We've been looking forward to this night since last summer when we were lucky enough to be party of a television show that was filming on Cape Cod.

Cape Able Adventures, the adaptive sports program that I have been volunteering with for the past three years was chosen to be featured on the show Great American Heroes with Trace Adkins on GAC. I was very impressed with the job they did representing the program and the variety of people who participate in the activities. Plus, Trace Adkins is just an all around nice guy.

As usual, any time I'm involved in something like this, it's always my ASS that gets camera time, never my face.

Tune in and look for my ass as well as a great program and two amazing guys (Trace and Cape Able Adventures founder, Craig Bautz). It'll be showing for the next 4 days on GAC.

TODAY'S THANKS:
I'm thankful for no more political ads and lots more uplifting TV.

I broke down and turned on my heat today. It's time.

TODAY'S THANKS:
I'm thankful that I have heat and that I am able to pay my heating bill, even though my electric heat necessitates being thrifty in other areas. I know I'm lucky for these things.