...and I can still fit in my skinny jeans

      I pulled a tissue out of the box I keep tucked into the console of my car and started lifting it toward my face. It felt like my arm was tied to my side with an large strong rubber band. That's when I realized what an unusual Thanksgiving I was having and also how much my world view has changed in the last few years. For the first time in my adult life a holiday has come and it is not my job to cook, serve, or even clean up after. It is amazing to me that the world seems to be spinning peacefully on its axis even though this  year I have reservations instead of a turkey thawing in my sink. I did not rise at the crack of dawn to and cook until late afternoon. My daughter and I rose at a leisurely pace  this morning and headed to the gym. That's where Crystal put us through the body pump class that earned me the dull ache, slow arm movement, and righteous attitude.

     Now, elegantly dressed, I am ready to head out to a first class restaurant and have wonderful food that I did not cook. My husband can have ham and beef and pecan pie to his... well, heart's delight doesn't seem to quite fit, but he can eat only the things he wants. My girl and I can enjoy the lighter side of the menu and perhaps indulge just a bit, since the calories have already been burned. Then the best news of all? There will be no lingering pie and stuffing and gravy calling to us from the over loaded refrigerator. Five years ago I could not imagine myself in this situation, but today it feels as natural as picking up that loaded bar and checking in the mirror to make sure my butt is sticking out like Crystal tells me it should. 

   Over on a shelf in the corner of the kitchen is a cookbook I created. In it are more than thirty years of Thanksgiving and Christmas menus that I prepared with love. I think I'll print out the menu from the restaurant today and add it to the stack. I have no regrets for spending the endless hours in the kitchen previously, but today instead of falling asleep exhausted before dark, I will have time to contemplate how truly blessed I am. For you and yours, those who celebrate Thanksgiving, and my friends in other countries who are puzzled over a holiday devoted to food and football, I hope you have a lovely day, rich with the joys of the season.