So it's Turkey Day (Thanksgiving holiday) here in the States and I'm "lounging" at Starbucks while babysitting my workplace's month end processes and trying to write at the same time. It's not working well, doing two simultaneous things. Especially since every time there's a failure, I have to snap out of the writing grove and go into coding mode. But this is what I do and it pays the bills.
I got here just as everyone in town was gearing up for the 4th Annual Subaru half-marathon classic on this side of town. Lots of runners were coming in for coffee or hot beverages because Baby, it is COLD outside. For Florida, anyway. Heck, this is a normal October day for the midwest. But I've been in Florida too long at this point and now am beginning to understand just why everyone freaks out about forty degree temps. Oh, how I long for the days when I could mock them and say how balmy this weather was.
But today is not a day about whining or longing. Today is a day of thanks and remembrance. I have a roof over my head, food in my fridge, a car that actually works, and enough money to pay my bills with just enough left over for fun stuff like movies and eating out occasionally. That is a hell of a lot more than most people have these days and more than I grew up with. So yes, I am extremely thankful for my current circumstances.
I am thankful for my family (including aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.), my friends, my gaming group, and an interesting life. I am thankful for my current career because database administration ROCKS as far as technology jobs go (I could have a worse tech career). I am thankful for my boss(es), my employer (Allstate Dealer Services is an awesome place to work for), and yes even for the coworkers who all want something from me yesterday.
I am thankful for the women and men in uniform who protect my life, my freedoms, and my way of life. I wish they could all be at home with their loved ones this Thanksgiving. But many of them will be serving overseas or pounding the pavement here at home. I wish them an easy duty today (all days, actually, but especially today) and I hope they know how valued they are.
I am thankful for editors who taught me the value of the written word and how to write those words correctly. Some of the editors (not a complete list) who shaped my style include: Russell Davis, Stephen R. Sullivan, Jean Rabe, Jennifer Brozek, Jason Hardy, Lee Martindale, and Phyllis Irene Radford. The staff and teachers of the Viable Paradise writers workshop, who gave me hope of continuing to be published and taught me things I never would have learned on my own without a lot of heartache. And then there's Phil and Kaja Foglio who created the wonderful world of Girl Genius which inspired my story Silk and Steam.
I am thankful for my social media followers on Twitter, Facebook, and Google Plus. And for those who liked my Facebook author page. Because you guys make me feel special. Plus you tell some really fun jokes and inspire some really odd story thoughts.
Wow. This list goes on and on and on. Well, I'm thankful and I want to thank everyone who has touched my life in the past and the present. Without all of you I would not be where I am or who I am. I wish you all the joy of a happy holiday season whether you eat turkey or not.
Heck, I wish Popcorn the turkey a Happy Thanksgiving too. And I'm sure he'll have one now that he's been pardoned by President Obama. But does such a pardon count when poor Popcorn's only crime is being a turkey? Anyway, happy eating, happy shopping, happy days, Peeps.
