It's that day, and the bird (all 20 pounds of it) is in the oven, so I figure I have at least three hours before the first relatives show up. So with a few minutes to myself, I'll resume a long forgotten habit of writing a column giving thanks.
I'm thankful for my two little bowlers. One now looks down at the top of my head, but he'll always be my baby. And the little one is most excited to go turkey bowling on Saturday. So while we spend several days a week promoting a sport I love, I still can get both of them into the car with little more than a "Let's go!"
I'm thankful for the bowlers that despite the parade of managers and questions on the building lease still show up every week ready to roll. I'm even more thankful that they seem to understand that I'm as in the dark as they are, and I long ago stopped trying to read the tea leaves at the bottom of the cup. When someone from corporate tells me what is going on, then I'll react, but for now, it's business as usual--with a giant question mark hanging over all our heads.
I'm thankful that Mario became president of the North Los Angeles County USBC (say that three times fast). With all the push to do the actual merger, no one in Greendale seemed too worried about what came next. He's done his best to moderate a few conflicts, and ride out the storms, but I can't think of a better person for the job.
I'm thankful to be able to give back to my city as a Historical Commissioner. My passion for really old houses finally can be turned into something useful. Did I mention that one of the perks of Zoe's school is driving right through a development of Eichlers? :)
I'm thankful that I have been able to devote the time to picking the kids schools. This year it was figuring out which kindergarten for Zoe, and beginning to narrow down the college choices for Michael. We may drive old cars, and have to plan for some major purchases, but there is no greater satisfaction than spending time with my clan.
I'm also thankful that I'm able to help others with our experiences within LAUSD. I never thought the trials and errors I went through with Michael would some day benefit kids coming after him (and of course, that includes Zoe), but now hopefully families will be able to be more proactive with their educational experience.
I'm thankful that back in January, we decided to forgo the Magic Mountain season passes for Disney passes. We've had some great experiences down there, and I think Michael and I can call every cut in "Soaring over California" about two seconds before the shot changes.
I'm thankful that Michael has decided he's not going to drive just yet. I didn't want to drive until I was 17 1/2, so his being 16 and deciding that it's just not worth it is ok with me. I keep reminding myself of that while I'm driving him around to college classes and to all his water polo practices, but I know he's right.
I'm thankful that my shy little munkin has suddenly blossomed into a social creature. She has a clan of her own. And bless her teacher for getting two Zoes and a Chloe and not even blinking. I'm lovingly calling them the oo-ee-oo-ee-oos (credit Morris Day and the Time).
I'm truly thankful for all the friends I've made along the way. Some of us can't get together as much, or talk as often, since life has a way of committing people to all sorts of issues without coordinating a single schedule. Take our four schedules and try to align that with a single other family and you'll see what I'm saying.
And of course, I'm thankful for everyone's health and happiness. I know I take that for granted, but I'm calling it out right now.
So to those off to shopping (apparently there are even stores open today), good luck and good sales. To those just content to watch Twilight Zone marathons and football games, enjoy. And to anyone planning on getting up at 4:30 on Friday to hit the big sales--more power to you. You'll probably be home before I get up, but I admire your tenacity.
Gotta split,
Angel
Posted by Angel Zobel-Rodriguez at November 23, 2006 10:52 AM