From Donna

I AM THANKFUL:

For the wife who says "It's Hot Dogs tonight", because she is home with me and not out with someone else.

For the husband who is on the sofa being a couch potato, because he is home with me and not out at the bars.

For the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes, because it means she is home, not on the streets.

For the income taxes I pay, because it means I am employed.

For the mess to clean up after a party, because it means I was surrounded by friends.

For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat.

For my shadow watching me work, because it means I am out in the sunshine.

For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means we have a home.

For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means we have freedom of speech.

For the parking spot I find at the far end of the lot,because it means I am capable of walking and I have been blessed with transportation.

For our huge heating bill, because it means we are warm.

For the lady behind me in church who sings off-key, because it means I can hear.

For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means my family has clothes to wear.

For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been capable of working hard.

For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means that I am alive.

The Great Floridian 2009 - Jim's 10th Ironman!

Jim finished his 10th Ironman in 12 hours and 25 minutes! It's only about his 5th best and 25 minutes slower than he expected -- however he PLACED, which he has never done before!!

We are so proud!

He finished 4th in his age group and 23rd overall. It's too bad it took us so long to figure that out, because he missed the awards ceremony which took place at 9:00 this morning.

Would you recommend your new boss on LinkedIn?

Suppose for a moment that your New Boss, a person you barely know at a job you have held for 8 weeks, has asked you to recommend him on LinkedIn.com. Would you do it?

It's not my direct supervisor (I have daily contact with her)- it's someone I have had very little interaction with, someone I barely know, and yet he is still very much my boss because he is married to the person to whom I report -- and they own the company.

Hmm -- Dilemma.

Preview of the Pirate Costumes

Every year, about 2 weeks before Halloween, I experience a "What was I thinking?!" moment when I realize I need to create 2 costumes from the fabric I purchased. That's about where I am right now.

I finished the first costume, as you can see. I'm having trouble with the "Iron-on" velcro closure at the back. I need to just replace it with snaps, I think.

Otherwise, I'm in love with it! I just need to make one more for his little brother.