Happy Thanksgiving to those in the USA. Yes, I know about the problematic nature of this holiday, colonization, wholesale slaughter, attempted genocide, and all of the problems brought to the Indigenous Population. I could go on a rant about this, however I am trying to focus on the spirit of the holiday not the history, however difficult. This is a good time to reflect on the past year and what we have to be thankful for. Due to politics and other considerations the US is in turmoil. Over the past year I have lost three members of my family. Along with these losses the realization that I have not seen so many members of my extended family for a decade or more. While I do not go to a church, I do believe in God and His blessings.

I am blessed that this realization has come in time for me to see my family more before it is too late. I am now in a full-time job with decent vacation time and many family members only a few hours away by car. There are challenges and difficulties in my life, as with everyone. I have found that if I try not to stress too hard, a solution comes to me no matter the difficulties.

Over the next month I have so many joys to celebrate. The first weekend in December I will be making wrapping paper at the library for work, as well as watching the Sorted Food livestream. If it was not the first Saturday in December I would have taken the time off so that I can watch this, however, I am happy to bring some fun to people at work. Since Sorted Food is in London, it will start at 7 am for me so I will be able to see a couple hours before I have to go to work. Then on Sunday I will be able to see the entire stream live. I have taken Monday and Tuesday of the second week off, mostly to start to use up my vacation time.

I still have to make the presents for my family, I hope to work on that this weekend so that I am able to relax and enjoy my time off later in December. If not then the time that I am taking the second week in December should be good to finish the presents up and see if I can get them sent off. I am also taking off three more days in December, again to make sure I am only rolling over the number of days I am allowed to, and I hope to use that time to concentrate on reading.

I am very lucky and blessed. I am able to pay my bills, have food on the table, and send out some presents to family. I have not been able to see family for years, now I have the opportunity and time to rectify that. Despite my relatively minor health difficulties I am in decent enough health to be able to do things that I want to and enjoy doing. My transgendered sister has not been cut off from her medication, and seems to be in a decent job right now. Should anything occur I am in a place to offer my home and support should she need it.

I hope that everyone has an amazing weekend, Happy Thanksgiving if you celebrate. Remember to Live Life a Little More Abstract.