November is here , practically gone now , the holiday of Thanksgiving just a few days away .

This Thanksgiving will be a poignant time for me , as a lot of things have occured this month and I can't say that all are ones that might warrant giving thanks for .

I would imagine most of us here have experienced one step forward , two steps back when it comes to their goals or plans - this month gave me a few steps forward but these were overshadowed by a whole lot of steps back ( more akin to falling back down the stairs . )

Due to my day job , the Thanksgiving holiday does not mean getting together with the family and sharing , it means a full day of getting pounded to exhaustion in an attempt to stay ahead of the rush of last minute preparations for all those folks who have the day off to spend with THEIR families . It typically involves staying a bit later at work in order to repair the damage done in order to be at full strength for the following day in order to make the most out of what is essentially " the slowest sales day of the year " . It means hoping one has the energy left by the time its over to pop something in the microwave and eat it before falling asleep . Gee . . . thanks .

Aside from all that , I'm outrageously happy right now . It's beautiful right now in Florida ( though you would not think it listening to the news anchors dreary rhetoric about the weather ), who apparently were too busy staring at the grey clouds to notice the spots of blue and sunbeams spiking through the cloud cover as the sun set . Gorgeous and just the right temperature . I have been reveling in the season at work - decorations are up , christmas trees , garland , lights , delicious aromas wafting from the bakery and the deli as pies , turkeys and other seasonal treats are made fresh for harried customers . Laughing to myself at the booze counter as folks come in to buy their holiday spirits for not just the upcoming holiday but for all the WRONG reasons as well , giving silent thanks for those occasional customers who actually DO have a clue as to what its all about . Working the Liquor Store during the holiday season is a reality check .

Four more days and the Christmas Music begins on the Muzak !! Oh Joy of Joys !!
I love this time of year . . . best time for canned music at work - none of that trendy crap that spews forth like a belching smokestack of angst - just songs and music about hope , inspiration and good will towards men . Well , that and " Santa Baby " !! I could listen to " Santa Baby " 24/7 .

Happy Thanksgiving !!