Happy Thanksgiving 2014 Edition!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year.  It's not about giving or getting presents.  It's not about hunting for eggs or firing up the BBQ.

It's about remembering what we have to be thankful for.  And, boy do I have a lot to be thankful for.

Here are just 10, in no particular order:

1. Life!  I am thankful for life.  Without it, I couldn't experience anything, much less the many blessings I've received.  I know life life is hard, harder for some than others.  But, overall, life is beautiful and I am thankful to be alive. 
2. My amazing little dude, Desmond.  His is such a gift to me and my family.  I know every parent is supposed to say things like that. But, I can't over emphasize how many times that kid makes me smile every day.  And, as a sub-note, I am grateful that I have an amicable relationship with Shaundar so we can co-raise this young dude to grow into a good, strong man. 
3. My family.  I have an amazing family.  They've been there for me through everything.  And my mom still drops everything to come up here and spend time with us in Washington.  I look forward to spending time with my parents again this summer!
4. My job!  I am about to celebrate my 10th year at Microsoft.  One of the life changing moments in my 37 years was when I started work at Microsoft.  It's been an amazing ride and I look forward to the next 10. 
5. My team!  I recently got reorged onto a new team.  Some people dread reorgs, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous going into it.  But...I landed in a great place, working with some amazing women that will make be better.  
6. My Kimmers!  It's no secret that my divorce was hard.  I never thought I would meet someone as amazing as Kim.  Someone who shares my same values, someone who is amazing with my son, someone who brings me happiness that I have been missing for a long time and, finally, someone who is an amazing freakin' cook!
7. My church!  I have recently rediscovered my Catholicism.  Not that I ever lost it, but I certainly didn't enjoy participating as much when I go alone and find certain things annoying.  My church, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Fr. Jack have reminded me that my faith is about love.  Not about judgement.  I am not your average Catholic (divorced, getting remarried, etc) but I am welcomed and accepted. 
8. My friends!  You can't pick your family (but, I still got really lucky) but you can choose your friends.  And, boy did I pick some friends.  People I know I can count on under almost any circumstances.  And, to make it even better, I am inheriting some great friends by marrying such a great lady!
9. The Seattle Seahawks!  Cuz, I man...come on!  My team won a Superbowl this year!  That was so rad. 
10. Our new house!  We have a big back yard for Mr. Blind Quincy Pants.  We are in a wonderful neighborhood and we are within walking distance of some of my favorite restaurants. 

I am grateful for a lot, and I know that I am exceptionally blessed.  I try to never take it for granted. 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!  Enjoy your holidays!

6 years ago today!

It's so funny to look back on my life over the last decade.  So much has happened.  Good, bad, great, horrible.

But, easily, the best thing to ever happen to me happened 6 years ago today.

My little man was born.

There is truly nothing that makes me smile more than my Desmond.  He makes me laugh so hard.  He cheers me up when I am down just by cracking up at his own jokes.

I love this little dude!  I am grateful he's in my life.