Not a very Black Friday.

I did expect that last Friday the shopping malls will be filled with shoppers who are trying to find great bargains. That people will fill up the highways, the parking lots and the check out lines. People who will fight over specific sale items just to get one. People who will push and shove others to be first in line. People who will trample others just trying to get into stores.

But to my surprise, the stores I went to don't have much shoppers. Or maybe because I got to the stores late in the afternoon when all those door busters prices they are offering are almost over. I was very glad though that those great deals I saw in newspapers ads were still available and I don't have to wake up early or stand in line to get them. Exciting!

I actually don't have a list of things to buy because Ken and I did our big shopping two days ago. We bought new appliances for our kitchen - refrigerator, gas stove and micro wave oven. We are also going to change our cabinet doors and kitchen counter to give our kitchen a total facelift.

But just the same, it is still a thrill to scour the aisle for cheap stuff and hunt for bargains.

So, would I go shopping again on Black Friday next year?

Hell, yes!

Another Thanksgiving day.

What are the things I am thankful for?

Hmmmm...

For such a simple question, the answer is many, simple and other times, complicated.

The first thing that would come to my mind is the love of Jesus. I have seen how His love work miracles in my life and I am grateful for that. He has been a source of constant strength for me.

I am also thankful for my family. Good or bad, my family helps to keep me centered. They help me remember who I am, and who I want to be. My family and I have been through some hard times. Like most other families, we also sometime don't always see eye to eye, but at the end of the day, we are there for each other. In there own special way, every single person in my family has been instrumental in shaping me into the person I am today and I thank them for that.

I am thankful for the times that I have been through and conquered, because they have made me into a stronger person. My life has been a long journey and along the way I have faced obstacles, road blocks and forks in the road that I have dealt with and I have learned from those choices I have made.

I am thankful for my health and the health of those who mean so much to me. I am most grateful for and most blessed by Ken with whom I share my love and laughter. A husband and friend who in his fierce loyalty and supportive love have always kept my heart full of joy and warmth.

So, no matter how dim or dull my surrounding seem right now because of the winter season, I have so much to be thankful for. All I have to do is look at what is right in front of me - Ken enjoying his bowl of popcorn!

Happy Thanksgiving Day, everyone.