We had a nontraditional Thanksgiving today. I felt much better; my stomach bug was brief, for which I’m grateful. In addition to making art and wrapping gifts, I made chocolate chip cookies. Dinner was chili with rice. I’ll make a traditional meal this weekend, when my husband feels better and can actually taste food again.

I’ve also made a decision to turn down the job offer from the company I worked for. Thanks to all who responded with comments and emails. The perspective helped. I am seriously interested in pursuing the non-profit opportunity, so I will develop that prospect. If that doesn’t come through, there will be other possibilities. I am at a point in my life where I prefer to work to live, rather than live to work. A job that would consume me to the point of excluding all else is a form of death. Is that dramatic, to put it that way? I don’t think so. Work is important; it has its place — among other important things, such as relationships, creativity, fun, relaxation.

While this has been a low-key holiday, it has still been good. I’m thankful we stayed home, actually. The traffic was horrible throughout the day; our jaunt to a park to hike would have taken more hours on the road than the hike itself. And I’m thankful for my peeps, my health, my needs being met and then some. I am grateful to be. I hope you are, too.