Adding to the Christmas List

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, I have been thinking about the year that has gone by and for what I am thankful. It's amazing how different my life is from a year ago. I am finally starting to feel like Washington is my home. It's the little things that make the difference like:

- I know my way around the stores.

- I love that every corner has a drive thru coffee so if you change your mind about getting a treat, there is another chance in a block (unlike Santa Cruz when visiting I wanted a coffee before church and actually had to stop and get out of my car).

- I haven't gotten lost while driving for ages.

- Terry knows alternative ways home from work.

- I recognize people from the gym at the mall.

- I have ran into a friend at the grocery store.

- Terry and I had a conversation with a neighbor 2 houses up.

- I know enough people to have a Ladies Night at the movies.

- I have added to the Christmas list so now there are more Washingtonians than Californians (even though the majority are still family).

Last week I started updating our Christmas list for this year. I went thru and updated addresses for those people I know moved or got married since last Christmas. Then, I started adding names. It was fun adding so many names to the list. Terry and I have been blessed with meeting some great people thru our church and 4-wheel drive club in the last year. I know some of the people whose names are being added to the list will be great friends for years to come!