Things I'm Thankful For, Things I'm Watchful For

We are spending the day with my family in my hometown. Actually, we eat dinner at a family-owned pub in a small town next my small hometown. We've been doing this since my grandpa died, making it easier on everyone. I appreciate the fact that no one has the pressure of hosting Thanksgiving dinner.
I don't want to be negative right now, but I feel like I have one of those "holiday headaches". There is so much expectation around family gatherings, eating, and getting time off from work. My favorite holidays are July 4th (because of the patriotic-themed T-shirts), January 1st (many people gathered in a small space makes me warm and cuddly), and Halloween (I like snack-sized Twix). There's a part of me that loves Christmas-it's a child-like love. I need to find that again and get over the cliche, obvious irritations. I need to cut those things out, because it IS possible. (note to self-it isn't Christmas yet-chill out).

I have much to be thankful for, and if I let myself go, I could really, truly cry over it.
-My sister has had a tremendously difficult pregnancy, but she's still a spitfire. I look forward to seeing her and her big, round belly.
-My nieces are magical, and I can't wait to see them again and hear all about Hairspray.
-I enjoy the car ride with Pete. Inevitably, I'll change the station to Xmas music (because I love it, even though I get sick of it), and he'll bitch, but we always have good conversations in the car.
-I enjoy eating
-My cousins are loud and kind of obnoxious. It's funny. I do not like one of my uncles very much, but I like to impersonate him after seeing him. Good material.
-My parents are great people, and life has aged them. I always feel a little sad when I say good-bye because I wish I could do more for them. I'm thankful they continue to be such good people.
-Rumor has it, my other younger sister (the not pregnant one) has been clean for some time now. I hope this continues. I will not bank on it, but I am thankful this might be the case.

I'm always, always, always slightly nervous to go home. It can be chaotic, and stressful, and it really shouldn't be. It's this way because some family members continue to make unwise decisions. However, I have some great siblings, parents, and, overall, it's ok. Definitely.

I thought I was going to have to work Friday and Saturday, but I don't have to now! This is wonderful news...I almost don't know what to do. Movies, walks, dog park, and a house project...yes.

I'm rambling and don't feel like saying much else.

Happy Thanksgiving.