Hello again!

Good morning, fine readers. I hadn't posted in a while and just wanted to check in and say hello. I've been at my new job for about a month now and so far, so good. Like all jobs, there are good and bad parts, but thus far, the good far outweighs the bad.

It's about time to gear up for the holidays now. Just over two weeks until Thanksgiving and then Christmas will be right around the corner. It sure it going to be different this year. I knew I wouldn't be going back to Ohio for Thanksgiving, but I had thought Christmas might be doable. Unfortunately, airline tickets are already outrageous for that time period, so I'll be staying in Texas for both holiday seasons this year. It will be strange to not be around family for the holidays for the first time in my life, but let's be honest, it would be strange even if I were there, with my mom not around any longer.

I've got great friends here, so I know I won't be alone and I'm going to do everything I can to enjoy the time. Just because the holidays will be different, it doesn't mean they have to be bad. I'm sure I'll have some sad times where missing mom will hurt a lot, but I don't plan on letting it consume me.

As the holidays get closer and closer, just remember to try not to stress so much and just enjoy the season and remember to tell your family how much you love them.

- C