So I Was Just Thinking

...Signs. Signs? You might ask. Yes, signs. I am thankful for the signs I was given this week. The following story is adapted from a status update I shared on Facebook: Sign Number 1   Most of you car owners have seen a similar sticker in your front window. It stays out of sight and out of mind behind the visor for the most part. My father however, ingrained into me the compulsion to make sure that the oil is changed every 3000 miles and before long trips. About a week ago, I noticed I was overdue for an oil change. I am usually very prompt in doing this, but have been very busy. I kept telling myself, I will do it tomorrow after school. However, every tomorrow would find me passing the exit for the service station, and I would magically somehow find myself pulling into my driveway without an oil change. This task would have to wait until "tomorrow."  Next the right blinker started blinking too fast. I have experienced this before. I learned that is the blinker...

Well, it has been an interesting couple of days. Let's start with today. Mondays are my busy day. I left work about 3:30 and drove over to Caitlin's school to pick her up and get her home earlier than the bus would. I do this because she has dance from 5:20 until 7:00. This gives her time to get her homework finished before class. On this particular Monday, I had to run to the post office store to mail two shirts to Gary that he left hanging to dry in the bathroom. James was dilly dallying while getting out of the car giving a woman with 500 packages the opportunity to get in front of us. This is not hyperbole. Picture the biggest gift bags you have ever seen. Multiply that by three. Stuff these bags to the gills with individual boxes. That is how much she had to send to BOSNIA!!! This didn't bother me too much though because I had plenty of time to go get Caitlin from the house. Unfortunately, the unthinkable happened. My son begins doing the peepee dance. I tell him to ho...

Being the organized woman that I am, (I hear laughter out there) I had everything ready yesterday for today's Thanksgiving meal. I tried a precooked turkey from the local grocery store. They also provided the pie. We had the traditional green bean casserole, cornbread dressing AND the best sweet potatoes that ever have graced a Rodriguez-Victory table if I do say so myself. All of these were prepared yesterday, ready to go in the oven right after the turkey. Man, I was on top of it. It made for a lovely table and a great meal. Yes, there is turkey at this meal, but it's waiting for a serving dish. James is determined to eat this leg. (Please note the clean windows and sills for my mom.) The piece de resistance should have been dessert, but my shortcut fell short...according to my five year old who begged for pie before dinner even started. I think his teacher must have talked about what you have at Thanksgiving dinner. He even ate things that would have never crossed his lips ...

I just wanted to take a moment to be thankful before I start worrying about clean houses and such. I am grateful... ...for two healthy kids ...for a roof over my head ...for a car to drive ...for a working kitchen ...for a job I love ...to be living in the best state in the US. (We will see how I feel next Thanksgiving when I live in Missouri ...that my husband was able to come home for two weeks. ...that my class size is shrinking ...for a generous mother ...for a decent camera (Took this photo Wednesday morning) ...for friends who love to chat over wings and a drink ...for short lines at the grocery store two days before Thanksgiving ...a beautiful sunrise I am sure I could go on, but this short list has already lifted my spirits and prepared me for the wonderful day that is ahead. Hope you all have a great day, especially those celebrating Thanksgiving.