As I write this, it’s Thanksgiving night. I had lunch with my mom this afternoon. I’m also getting over a cold, feeling better than I have all week.

Currently, I’m in relaxation mode. I’m working an overnight shift tonight, which isn’t as bad as it sounds. It actually allows me to get a lot of work done without shoppers around. We need the people, but I don’t need them in my way.

So, I’m just here thinking about the things I have gratitude for. These are things that make me happy or give me comfort. I’ll list a few here.

1. Family and friends - I’m glad I have my people. I’m trying to enjoy the moments with my mom, especially now she’s getting up in years. My brother has been good to me over the years, bailing me out of some tough situations. I don’t have a lot of close friends and the ones I do have I don’t see as often as I wish I could. But, if the shit hits the fan, they’ll be there for me.
2. My cat - Griffey is the best cat in the world to me. He’s a stereotypical orange cat, full of life and personality. He’s also a huge cuddle bug and a good nap buddy.
3. Music - I’ve gotten back to enjoying music this year. I love the discovery. I love throwing playlists together (like the one I’ll play at work tonight). I love how it sets the tone for what I’m doing and how it’s an instant connection to memories.
4. My health - Overall, things are good. I’ve actually lost weight this year, which I can contribute to eating better and not eating out as much. I’ve also been walking far more this year. I hope to get into the gym this winter while the sidewalks are too slippery to roam the neighborhood. I haven’t had any stomach issues in months at this point. I feel like things are going as good as they can be.
5. Weather - I’m a huge fan of fall. It’s allowed me to not run my heat or cooling much at all this year. It’s also made my walks far more comfortable. I appreciate the sun when I see it, but I fully embrace the cool misty days we get here this time of year as well. We’re due for some snow this weekend, but I’m also off so I shouldn’t have to drive in it at all.

May you all have some blessing you can be thankful for as well. Appreciate the simple things if you can.

Weekly Photo

While out in my walk tonight, I see the neighborhood yard display war was in full effect already. This is now my fifth winter seeing this and it’s only gotten bigger year over year.

This Past Week

• My Pace
• A Couple Thoughts on Blogging

Weekly Links

• My Recent Media Diet, the Japan Edition by Jason Kottke
• It’s all a scam by Jason Dettbarn
• When Montlake Missed the Boat by Sounder at Heart

Songs in the Chaos

This is my weekly list of songs that either caught my attention or came to mind this past week. I post these throughout the week on a site called Crucial Tracks, where they’re also added to a playlist on Apple Music. Feel free to follow me on either space.