By Klew

There is so much to be thankful for (unless you are a turkey) on this official day of observance.
This year I went in the opposite direction and made a list of things I was thankful did not happen to me.
I am thankful that my son is NOT harmed while serving in Iraq.
I am thankful that my daughter was NOT unemployed for more than a few weeks.
I am thankful that my cats are NOT ruining my furniture with their claws.
I am thankful that all my friends are NOT fair-weather friends and all-weather friends.
I am thankful that my car is NOT broken down and in need of repair.
I am thankful that I am NOT working on Black Friday.
I am thankful that I am NOT on any waiting list for anything I want to purchase for the holidays.
I am thankful that my beta fish is NOT dead from lack of attention.
I am thankful that I am NOT in "need" of anything even though I am in great desire of everything!
I am thankful that I am NOT on Glamour List of Don'ts.
I am thankful that my mechanic does NOT take advantage of my hair color.
I am thankful that my favorite ice cream sandwich is NOT more than 200 calories.
I am thankful that I am NOT cooking for Thanksgiving. (Others share this same thought!)
I am thankful that I am NOT far away from my Mom, Daughter and Granddaughter.
I am thankful that my favorite vintage clothing store is NOT closed all day on Thanksgiving Day.
I am thankful that my computer does NOT have any connectivity issues or viruses.
I am thankful that I am NOT spending the holidays alone.
I am thankful that my spa is NOT by appointment only.
I am thankful that my boss is NOT "bossy" or any other "b" word.
I am thankful that CPT K ("Indiana") has NOT dumped me yet!

So….I am NOT going to wish anyone a Happy Thanksgiving Day because we should be THANKFUL everyday for what IS in our lives and what is NOT!

By Klew

While shopping at a local sporting goods store, I found a beautiful NILS Jacket!
The jacket was red, belted with a rhinestone buckle and buttons, fitted, with a faux
fur hood! It was a jacket you would see on a model in a high end magazine.
It was on sale for $365.
It was stunning!
It made me look stunning!

This jacket is high quality and would be considered a classic fashion and not a fad;
well worth the price. However, I decided that I would try to get the identical jacket
for a less expensive pricetag to make it more of a bargain.

At another store, I found a North Face Jacket that was similarly styled and ½ the price.
I purchased the North Face Jacket. Once I arrived home, I hung the jacket next to my
14 winter coats that I own. I justified this purchase as this being my first and only outdoor
recreational jacket vs a fashion statement.

As I looked at the North Face jacket in my closet, I realized that I had settled on second
best. I really wanted the NILS jacket. And if truth be known, the only outdoor activity
I participate in during winter is going to and from my car; hardly a justification to keep
"outdoor gear".

However, I have many, many justifications to purchase the NILS jacket
One…..it's on sale!
Two… it's stunning!
Three…it makes me look stunning!
Four to infinity…re-read justifications one through three!

By Klew

When you are 50, how do you introduce the person you are dating exclusively?
When I was between the ages of 13 and 24, he was my boyfriend.
When I was between the ages of 25 and 40, he was my husband.

Now at my age, I am in a quandary as to what to call "Indiana"
"Friend" isn't specific enough; "Date" is too temporary; "Boyfriend" is too "young"; "Partner" sounds like a business relationship; "Significant Other" sounds too "80's"; "fiancé" doesn't work unless I am wearing left handed jewelry; "Main Squeeze" sounds like an ad for orange juice; "My Man" sounds too possessive; "beau" is too old-fashioned; and "Lover" is, well…TMI!

I toyed with "cutesy" titles based on my feelings for him.
Indiana is my entry into the world of fun, excitement, adventure and romance; making him my "catalyst.:
He was written into existence; making him my "journal entry"
He couldn't be more perfect for me; making him my "blue-print".
He holds on to my heart (as well as my keys, my glasses and , sometimes, my cellphone); he is my "keeper".

So, until there is a time when I can come up with something clever that covers all bases,
I will just have to make the following introduction:
"I would like you to meet "Indiana", my…….(then look at him to fill in the blank!).

By Klew

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARINES!!!

The official birthday of the United States Marine Corps, on November 10, (1775) was when the Second Continental Congress decreed:

“ That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates as with other battalions, that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the Colonies; unless dismissed by Congress; that they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalions of Marines." (Wikipedia)

I am proud to be a "family member" of an organization with such a rich and proud heritage. My son is currently serving his second tour of duty in Iraq and is scheduled to be home in April! Please keep him and his "band of brothers/sisters" in your thoughts...no matter what your views are on the war(s)!!!

My son's father is a retired Marine (23 years in the Corps) and I knew the day that my son was born (1988) that he would follow in his dad's footsteps! However, I never thought that he would follow his footsteps to Iraq nineteen years later! (His dad left for Operation Desert Storm in 1990 right before our son's second birthday!)

SEMPER FI!!!

BY Klew

Although I love working in my current position, (and I am not saying this because my boss reads my blogs), I am currently going through a career crisis! This has been a chronic condition but I am having an acute attack. The etiology of this current relapse is CPT K's (aka Indiana) lifestyle.

As previously written, I am very envious of his career which affords him international travel, daily excitement and fodder for novels. This weekend I had an opportunity to meet and hear about other people who are in this adrenaline charged career. I want in!

Ok…maybe not "in" as I don't see myself carrying AK-47s, Glocks (although, I did receive one as a birthday present once), blades, med-kits, compasses, strobes, etc.
I do see myself doing SOMETHING altruistic or constructive in Dubai or in Africa.
I want to support something, teach something or plan something that will benefit humankind.

I looked at every aspect of this career crisis! I have made lists of my short term and long terms goals. I made a list of my personal passions and my humanitarian passions. I have realistically looked at my capabilities and compared them to the needs of service organizations around the world. I also looked at the volunteer positions available at the organizations and wish that I was in a position to be a volunteer! Volunteerism would result in instant gratification and, unfortunately, instant bankruptcy!

In my fantasy and romance inspired world, I would take a leave of absence (after saving up enough money to be self supporting) and meet CPT K, while he is on a mission in a remote and exotic place, to offer my humanitarian services to an organization in need.
CPT K and I would get together during his R&R Leave to explore the sites and explore our romantic options! (deep sigh)

OK BACK TO REALITY!!!
This weekend, in the course of our many conversations and topics, I realized that CPT K could be the catalyst to my career change!

He knows the who and the what to my where and why!