However long it takes. I am four hours away from the pre-celebrations to my favorite holiday. Thanksgiving strikes a cord with me more than any other holiday on the calendar. Maybe its the underlying theme, maybe its just because it feels like Christmas minus the expense and headache... Over the years I've fallen in love with the holiday because I look forward to spending time with those I love and remembering that even when it may not appear so, we are all blessed more than we think.

I've always loved being part of a large family, probably because I didn't have one growing up. I love the noise of the kids running around the house, the burble of conversations, and the occasional ring of laughter. My first marriage brought me these things and now fate has also rewarded me again with these secret desires through Karen's family. As time time ticks on, I can't wait until we're all together again...

For now, I am in the bitter limbo of finding out what my employment status is and waiting for my new car to arrive from Florida. My interview went as well as I can ask and I still think it will be a good opportunity. I'm not sure if I need to worry about the fine print but we'll have to see later on. As far as Karen and I are concerned there's not much to report at home and with us, and that means everything is good.

In any case I hope you're all doing well, and if you aren't I hope that the season changes things for the better... Happy Turkey day everyone!

Belated birthday gifts. And the party goes on for my wife - my parents, feeling left out of her whole birthday weekend made up for it by taking most of my new extended family to dinner. The weekend was rather busy but it was nice to spend it with family. We contributed to J.K. Rowling's pocketbook by taking in "The chamber of Secrets" on Saturday. We then had dinner and after that was done we took the kids home with us for a marathon run of X-Box and the extended version of "The fellowship of the Ring".

Sunday found us having a late breakfast and then spending the remainder of the day at Disneyland with my cousin Mark. That was quite probably the last time we will see him considering he is being shipped of to Iraq the day after Thanksgiving. Needless to say, I don't look forward to him being shipped off over there and I hope that his three month tour ends quickly for all our sakes.

I am now two days away from my impending interview and wondering where my resume is. This is also a time when I'm wondering when I wore a tie last - for the life of me I can't remember. In any case I'd actually almost rent a tuxedo if I thought it would help... I'll let you know how everything turns out later. Maybe I'll find myself with a bunch of free time... Mammoth, here I come.

Sign here and initial there. Did I ever tell you that I hate forms? Well I do. I hate forms about as much as I hate tardiness and really hot food when you're really, really hungry. Anyway, I digress... Here I sit with my welcome package trying to sort out all my options again - PPO, EPO, HMO? Long Term or Short Term Disability? Pet insurance (yes, my new company offers pet insurance), car insurance, 401K..?

Sigh

Can't you hire someone to do this kind of crap for you? See, this is why I don't move companies all that often. This is probably why I don't move all that often and abhor the process of renting U-Haul equipment to move your stuff from here to there. I admit that I'm a creature of comfort and sometimes even complacency. There I've said it.

By the way, any volunteers? We can flip a coin and you can fill in the blanks...

We are who we call. I don't know about you but I tend to use my cel phone very minimally. To tell you the truth, and my friends will attest to this - I don't call anyone. I don't know why but I'm sure there's some subconscious psyche issue with the whole phone thing. In any case I never noticed cel phone usage "at large" until I had to deal with the fact that Karen needed more phone time than seemed possible. Of course when you realize that she is our only connection to the outside world it should have been easier to understand.

The last couple of weeks I have been amazed at how many people carry and use these silly devices. In the store, on the street, in the car, in the bathroom, on breaks, while shopping, while waiting in line, while eating and even while talking to someone else. I actually saw a family, no lie, every member with a phone and each one of them talking to someone else (or maybe with each other). Based on my observations I really have to ask - "When did we all have that much to say?" I mean really, what did we do before we could all afford these things?

I am Jeff Suclla, I am currently a Samsung N400, 72 minutes into my new service and one voice mail away from never calling you back. And you are?

The City Its not San Fran, its not Frisco. Oh no, you better get it right - its "The City". This is only part of the amusing things that the bay area residents concern themselves with when it comes to their stake in their infamous town. Karen and I were also privy to the fact that Trolleys are really "Cable Cars"... When did all these things begin to matter so much? I have no idea, but the Frisconians are "passionate" to say the least about these type of "facts".

Other than some minor inconveniences, a cab ride from hell and some relatively mild but otherwise cold and damp weather we had a great time in the city by the bay. We spent Karen's birthday shopping, eating, walking and marveling at the latest incarnation of the Cirque du Soleil - Varekai. It was a magical weekend we both wished wouldn't end.

We are now back in reality and for me I am now in the thick of a Borg style outsourcing at my company. As of December 20th of this year I will end my 6.82 year run as an Ingram Micro associate... and become a soldier in the ACS army. I can only hope that things turn out to be as pleasant as the last 7 years have been. Who knows? Maybe my new employer will be the bearer of new and exciting opportunities.

Today my horoscope warned of big changes but wanted me to focus on the small details of my life. As usual, its ambiguity at its best. How are things for you?

Have a heart people...

Random Link . When I grow up

Digital Photography. As this hobby continues to take up some of my time I'm constantly looking for help to improve "my eye". For those of you who share the same interest the following is a link to some useful information.