Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from Sunny California!

Riley and I are in the bay area with my best frister (best friend/sister for those of you unfamiliar with this term), Becky. She is getting married a week from today, and so we are helping with the last minute preparations, along with spending some quality time with her and her fiance, Joey, and his family. Becky and Joey are so cute together, and their happiness with each other and their decision to get married reminds me that marriage can be good and right and wonderful. I know this from the good times in my own experience, but it's easy to forget when your heart feels like it is covered in scar tissue.

Riley is thriving here. Everyone oohs and aahs over her, and she just eats it up. Also, Joey's family is Phillipino, and they speak to her in Tagalog. She is enthralled by the rhythm of their language...so different than what she is used to. She loves her "brown uncles" Joey and Joe and their Dad, Papa Joe. I forgot my camera cable, but if I can find one, I will post pictures of everyone here.

We still have a week here in the Bay area, and there is a lot we plan to do. Tomorrow will be spent running errands and helping Becky with some last minute things. On Sunday, Riley and I are going to drive down Highway 1 dtown o Monterey to check it out. I love going on little day trips, and I love the ocean and am looking forward to introducing Riley to it. Monterey is supposed to be beautiful, and the weather has been gorgeous, so I am really looking forward to the drive. On Monday, I am going to hang out with Joe (Joey's older brother-yes, they all have the same name) and am going to be introduced to San Francisco from the perspective of someone who grew up here. We plan on hitting some museums and city sites and getting some good food. Should be a lot of fun.

As we've been here, especially during the Thanksgiving holidays, I've had a lot of time to think about the things in my life I am thankful for. First and foremost, I am so grateful for my daughter and the wonder and awe and joy she has brought into my life. With her arrival, there was also chaos and anxiety and fear, and I'm even grateful for that because those emotions have taught me so much about myself and helped me realize that I'm stronger than I knew. I'm also so thankful for good friends and a wonderful family, who have provided love, support, an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on. These people have truly been my saving grace during the last few months. I am grateful that I have a good job that I am excited to return to and that allows me to support myself and Riley. There are so many more things I am thankful for, but these certainly top the list.

There are so many good things in my life, so many blessings, that even with the hard times I'm dealing with right now, I have to look at the big picture and realize that overall, my life is very, very good. Thanks to all those who read this blog, who have provided support, positive vibes, etc. You are a huge part of the positive in this equation.

Stay tuned for pics from this week. I should be able to procure a camera cable this weekend.