Sorry for the delay

Hey All. I hope that things are going well with you. Things here are starting to get busy as you can imagine. Gearing up for our 'peak' time of year. Thus far, it doesn't look like things are going to be so bad. Thanks in part to having extra staff this year, our days are actually going to be manageable.

Man, it doesn't seem like it has already been a year since my medical ordeal. The past year has absolutely flown by. It has been a good year all in all for me. Things at work are going great! I have actually already been offered a promotion to another facility. I told my boss that at this time, I would have to turn it down. I don't feel that I am ready for the position that was offered. Yes, I turned down a pretty decent raise, but my quality of life is far more important to me than climbing the corporate ladder. I told him that I really appreciate his considering me, and that if in another year or so, I am still single and feel that I have accomplished all that I want to here in Tuscaloosa, that I would definitely be up for it. The other two factors in my decision were the that (a) I'd be farther away from home, and (b) I can honestly say that I am truly happy here. I am with an awesome church and an awesome group of young singles at that church. I am honestly happier now, at this point in my life than I ever have been. I am growing both as a person and as a Christian.

I kind of explained these reasons to my boss. Seeing all that my dad has been through recently, he completely understood why I am reluctant to move FURTHER from home. As for the second reason, I think he found the spiritual stuff a bit strange, but said he completely understood. He said that he knew that happiness is essential in life and that he wouldn't want me to be miserable somewhere just because of the dollar amount associated with the job.

This past year has been a challenge. From my health issues to my dads, things in my family have been pretty hectic. However, in this past year, I have made some great new friends. It's always great to know that you have friends that you can count on. That's what I recently told my best friend since high school. No matter what situations life deals you, or what changes that you either make (or are made for you) that your true friends will always love and cherish you regardless. When it's all said and done, physically, here on Earth, all you really have is your friends and your family and you should cherish and value them with every fiber of your being. Also, during this year, I have been blessed with a wonderful new niece. She is such a happy baby and cute as can be! I have yet another niece due in March as well!!

A great friend of mine is getting married in a few weeks. I wish she and her future husband many wonderful years of happiness and blessings from God. Yes, I guess even God loves Oklahoma and Oklahoma State fans....if THAT doesn't prove what loving and forgiving God that He is, than nothing will!!! :-)

With this week being the week that we, as Americans have designated to have a day of thanks, let me implore to you that you count your many wonderful blessings. We have so much to be thankful and grateful for. We take for granted many wonderful gifts and freedoms that others around the world have never known and probably never will know. Sit down, and for only five minutes, write down everything and everyONE that you are grateful for. It'll surprise you at just how much you have been blessed. And if you haven't taken the time to talk to your family, call them. Yes, I completely realize that sometimes families can feel like anything BUT a blessing, but trust me, they indeed are. They are all you've got on Earth, save a few good friends if you're lucky.

With that said, I hope and pray that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy your festivities. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

~Greg~