2010 Gratitude Challenge – November 30

I’m not sure how it got to be the LAST DAY IN NOVEMBER already.  This whole year is just flying by, isn’t it?  Anyway, today is the last day of the Gratitude Challenge. 

Today I am thankful for Brenda, our Gratitude Challenge Hostess.  My relationship with Brenda started out as “strictly business”.  We “met” a few years ago when she applied for a position on the first ever Homeschool Crew.  She made the team for Year 1, and stood out with 24 other members who were selected to serve as First Mates for Year 2. 

Year 2 started and just a few weeks into it, due to some extenuating circumstances, I found myself in need of a new assistant.  Brenda was among 4 other First Mates that I interviewed for the position.  I remember asking Gena, my boss, for help in making the final decision, as I felt they were all quite qualified for the job.  She said “didn’t anyone say anything that stood out to you?”  Brenda had – she had ideas and she knew ways in which they could be implemented. 

I was amazed at how quickly she stepped into the role and made it her own!  Now, about a year and a half later, she’s so much more than just my assistant.  She is my friend!  We chat online almost every day and I miss her when a few days go by without contact.  She’s been there for me through some really tough times this year – she’s always willing to listen and offers help when needed. 

We had opportunity to meet Brenda and her family in Cincinnati this past spring.  We enjoyed getting to know them and hope to be able to hook up with them again one day. 

It’s amazing the amount of bonding that can be done when you are the only  vendors left in the vendor hall (after everyone else has packed up and gone home)!  Who knew those dollies were useful for so much more than hauling tables around?! 

Brenda – this day is for YOU, my friend!  Thanks for all that you do to make my life simpler and more fun!  I love you!

 

Tomorrow, we’ll be starting a new daily meme for the month of December – Holiday Bliss. 

Here’s how you can participate:

You can share favorite holiday recipes, crafts, traditions, things you do during the month, thoughts on Christmas or Hanukkah, pictures of your family during December, or just anything that has something to do with this blessed holiday season.  Since we are going through the entire month of December, the meme should lead us right up to the new year.  So don’t forget to include those holiday plans as well.

Stop back tomorrow and play along!