Does this thing still work? Guess so. It’s been a while, hasn’t it? No, this is not a joke either. Anyway, that’s not why I’m here.
I’ve spent nearly half of my life now walking through this life, not alone and in the dark, but in bright sunlight in the company of an amazing person. She guides me when I drift astray, encourages me when I feel I can’t do something, and comforts me on those days where things just don’t go the way you want them to.
Fifteen years ago today I set out on a new journey. One that was scary at first, down right terrifying if I remember correctly, but along the way has become quite easy and extremely satisfying. April Fools Day 1994 my wonderful wife and I set out on our first date. We did the typical first date thing, going to a movie and then out for a quick dessert, if memory serves me correctly. (Hey, I’m a man, forgive me if I forget the details) The movie at the time was not the greatest, and we still think so today, but every year we sit down and watch it again, always in the comfort of each other and always with happy memories.
Who would have thought that two young people, having their first date on April Fools Day, would still be together 15 years later, but we are. So, today, as I do every day, I think about you, all of the joy you’ve given me, all the memories we’ve shared, and the life we still have left to live together. Happy Anniversary Baby and thank you for all you are to me.
I stopped by a local print shop today to see about getting some larger prints made of some of my images and to test them out for printing of client work. Talk about small town business. They came recommended by a coworker, so we’ll see how they do. Nice thing is they sound like they’ll be fast, normally turning them over the next day. I’ll let you know how they come out. I’ve really wanted to print some of my shots large. I can’t wait to see the tests.
Still not making any progress on my Christmas shopping. Seems really tough this year. That’s not a good thing. Maybe I’ll get some done this weekend so I’ll have something to put under the tree.
Anyway, here’s my shot for day 6. I’m not the proudest of this one, but it turned out OK. Have some good ideas in my head, just need to get them into the camera.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I know everyone is ready to go out and stuff themselves with turkey and desserts, but for me, it’s still really early in the morning and I’m not quite ready for turkey yet.
We all live our lives day to day and don’t often step back and look at where we are and the people around us. Thanksgiving usually gets people to stop, even just for a moment, and think about the great things in their lives. I try as often as possible to appreciate what I have, but I don’t necessarily write it down or say it as much as I should.
I’ve been given so many great things in my life. I’m thankful for the freedom I have to do what I please, the wonderful place that I live in, to be surrounded by all of my wonderful family, and to be able to live day after day in happiness.
Most of all I’m thankful for family, both immediate family and my wonderful extended family.
To my wife of 10 years, it’s like we’ve never been apart and I’m thankful for every morning I wake up with you, every day we spend together, and every night we curl up together again. You make my life worth living and you give me so much.
To my son, you never cease to surprise me. You are way too smart for your own good and I love how passionate you are about the things you love, never forget that.
To my daughter, boy are you going to be a fun one at 13. You have your mother’s spirit, and that is one of the reasons I love her so much too, so I’m glad she passed that on to you, even if some days I could just ring your little neck. You will make some man very happy some day, just as your mother did for me.
And to all of the rest of the family and friends, each of you add to my life in your own way, and for that I’m thankful.
So, here’s to a happy day filled with joy, laughter, friendship and love. Oh, and turkey. (Mike, is it done yet?)
Make sure you stop and think about what you’re thankful for today. You’ll feel better doing it.
