What has helped me the most through any major life change is that I have a pretty practical outlook on life. Whenever I’ve done a major move, I know it takes time to get acclimated to the new place, adjusted to the pace of life, and meet new friends. Now that I’m about to get married, I’ve done enough reading and “interviewing” of successful family members in long marriages to know that a long and happy marriage is more about the three Cs: commitment, communication, and coitus!

Wow, thanks for the cleaner "recipes!" I have been wanting to get greener household cleaners, but I've put it off because they really are more expensive than the usual stuff I buy.

Alicia hit on a huge “hot button” for me. It makes my blood boil the way mental health issues are regarded in our society (and actually, we’re pretty good compared to other countries, so at least I’m thankful for that). I have a family health history of mental health illnesses. I regard it in the same way that I come from a family prone to heart disease. Does it mean I will end up with bipolar disorder or heart disease? No, but I know what risk factors to avoid. Mental illnesses are every bit as real and manageable as real illnesses, and it frustrates me to no end that people are 10 times more embarrassed to admit they have an anxiety disorder (men or women) than they are to admit they are diabetic. From my experience, it really does seem as if people think those who have a mental illness must have done something wrong to incur their condition. Just to give a concrete example of the discrimination mental health issues have seen: It has taken until this year for mental health coverage to be comparable to general health coverage in the eyes of the insurance companies. Better late than never though.

I love Trader Joe’s, and I used to shop there a lot more. I have to admit that I’ve fallen victim lately to the proximity factor. Albertson’s is right up the street, and even though Trader Joe’s isn’t that far away (maybe a 10 minute drive), it’s hard to break the convenience habit.

I feel really lucky to have a nice boss. In fact, that reminds me of one more thing I can be thankful for this Thanksgiving!

My new thing is to skip going out for happy hours and have them at my place or my friends' places instead.

Yeah, I'd have to say if times got really tough, that I would have to switch back to Ramen noodles before I'd go with spam. Although, I admit that I haven't ever tried it. I don't really like pork, so I doubt I would like pork shoulder!