Turkey wings and engagement rings!

I popped the question! The day before Thanksgiving Kim and I were cooking in her kitchen, listening to Christmas music, both of us in our lounging clothes. We were relaxed, doing something we do fairly often. It was then that I realized this moment is exactly what I want for the rest of my life. This wasn't an elaborate date, it was just a perfect moment. I got the ring that I was hiding, came back to the kitchen, dropped to a knee, and asked her to marry me! After some crying and kissing, she finally said yes.

The next day she and I cooked our first Thanksgiving dinner. I usually like to have humorous stories about mishaps, but there weren't any. The biggest mishap was the amount of food we cooked. Our turkey was 21 pounds, and we made enough sides to feed at least ten people. Everything was homemade, except for the greenbean casserole that was the campbell's soup recipe that we all know and some love. We had sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing, crescent rolls, and two pumpkin pies. And egg nog of course :-) I love egg nog. Anyway, our turkey was moist and delicious, and I can't wait to make it for family next year.

Kim and I had our hands on every dish, and it was a fun day. Our Thanksgiving was great, and I hope you all had one just as wonderful.

Old habits die hard

So I've been with PetSmart for three months now, and it's going quite well. My boss hasn't fired me yet, the managers above and below me seem to get along with me well, and the employees like me. On my lunch break I go to play with the dogs, and after work I have found a Brittany who adores me and loves to curl up on my lap while I rub her ears. Since I can't have a dog, this is the closest I get!

Yes, life is pretty good, but I still can't escape the fact that I am living in the flatlands of New York. When I go to a ski shop and ask about telemark or backcountry gear they look at me funny and say "Not on Long Island". Sigh.

So today after work I decided to swing by EMS (the east coast version of REI for those not in the know) and decided to put in my application. I can only work part time there, but I kind of want to. I miss talking to people who are gearing up for trips, and sharing their excitement about the next adventure they are going on. I won't lie, I also like the ego boost of being the expert when talking about outdoor gear. :-)

I work at least 45 hours per week at PetSmart, but I wouldn't mind another 15 hours or so of working as a gear guy. As I was walking about the store I had to refrain from jumping in on conversations as customers were asking associates questions. I sure do love getting people out there. I don't even want the gear discount (though I'm sure I would use it on occasion), I just want to hang out and talk gear.

On a separate note, I have been reading Shannon's "Her Dog Blog" and I suggest you read it too if you are into dogs at all. She does a pretty good job of researching products and letting you know what her pup Teton thinks. Check it out.

New Beginnings

I have recently been reading my friend Shannon's blog "Her Dog Blog" (great by the way) and it made me realize that I kind of miss writing on this blog. I do need to edit the title, and I have edited my information. I have spent the last several months coming to terms with the life changes that have occurred. I am now living in Long Island, working for PetSmart as a presentation manager. It's not too bad, and hopefully soon I will be able to be promoted to the next level. Two promotions and I will be a store manager. Not too shabby.

Now, my knee is messed up. For those of you who are in the dark, it turns out it is really bad arthritis. Apparently I need to have knee replacement surgery to fix it, but I am far too young. Since I won't be doing the surgery, I am going to cut back on my activities and just try to enjoy life. I am enjoying being near my girlfriend. She has been so supportive over the past two years, and I love her very much. I am definitely fortunate, she has been a true joy in my life.

Working at PetSmart has really made my desire for a dog rise. I want another Brittany. In fact, every chance I get I am playing with one of the three Brittany's who stay at the Pet Hotel. It is definitely a perk of the job!

Anyway, this is an update, and I hope you all look forward to some more blogs from me.