It has been some time since I wrote on my blog.  There has been so much happening that I must admit, I forgot about it until the other day when Cyn said she hadn't seen anything for a long time…she was right.

I started a new "old" job.  As the Director of Sales at a hotel.  Now, I said that I would never go back to the industry once we sold our hotels but ya know, it's in your blood and so when I decided it was time to find a job outside of the Internet world it was natural go to for what you know.

It has been rather fun, getting to see so many people, meeting new ones, learning a few (and I do mean few) words in Spanish and developing the marketing plan for a property that has gone through some tough times but is now on the cuspid of making a break into the market again.  The suites have all been redone and are beautiful, the pool side rooms are undergoing renovation which they needed.  Lots of other things going on but I won't bore you with them, the hotel industry is the hotel industry and in reality, not much changes.

We are getting ready to have everyone home for Thanksgiving.  Of all the holidays I enjoy this one the most.  I love to cook for everyone.  I love to have everyone here and have the noise of voices throughout the house.  I don't even mind the mess (too much).  Just being surrounded by the people that make my life worth living is just about the best thing in the world.

We have been blessed to be able to host quite a few international visitors this year from all over the world.  We usually have other people with us at dinner so they have a chance to meet the visitors and hear about their world.  Since this was the world that I loved more than any other job I ever had, with ICIU i mean, the fact that we can host the visitors brings at least a portion of that world into our current world.  I enjoy it immensley and I beleive Greg does too.

Today was a day of not doing a whole lot, both of us are pushing the work schedules pretty hard so when we have a chance to take some down time we both truly appreciate it.  It's not that nothing got done, the laundry is done, the bathrooms are scrubbed, the floors are swept and the dishes are done but that's it. 

Tomorrow is another auction.  Cyn and some of her friends are going to be there too so should be rather interesting to see what everyone thinks of the items for sale.  There is a couch and chair that I will check out early but probably won't buy.  Just thought that if it is as nice as it looks it might be worth considering.  Cyn won't like it, it's leather.  But, both Greg and I like leather in our cars so think we would like it for the sofa and chair.  We'll see.

Greg's parents have put an offer on a wonderful house in Vail.  It is the perfect floorplan for them and large enough so that when Gail and her family come to visit they can stay with Bob and Ethel without being totally underfoot of each other.  Don't know when they will come but probably not this year since they are all, Gail and her family and Bob and Ethel, are planning to be in Kenya for a while.  They want Jonathan and Melissa to see where Gail spent her early years and where Bob and Ethel go quite often.  With Melissa's health issues it will be in question as to whether she can go but we hope so.

I talked to Shay the other night.  It's really neat to hear how grown up she is becoming.  Although the wonderful giggle is still there, the fact that she realizes that she is responsible for herself now is quite a big step.  Bless her heart.  We are bringing her home for Christmas (as soon as she gives me the date she can leave!)  I'll buy her ticket, hopefully she can come on a Wed. since the rates are so much cheaper, but either way, she'll be with her family for Christmas break.  I'm sure everyone in the Hancock family will be thrilled so see her (as will the rest of us).  We love her so much, can't wait to see her.

It sounds as though Kara is going well.  She's such a charmer, love that kid.  She's busy, busy.  She's going to help make pies for Thanksgiving.  That will be fun!

Of course, Jake, Molly and Spencer are just about the most special younger people in the world.  They all make me so proud, such good kids!

Jacket sales are going well (thank goodness!) although some people should really look in the mirror before they order a jacket that is going to be too small.  I mean, really, do you think you can push your size 16 body into a small??  That's like loading two ton manure on a one ton truck (remember that girls????)

Bobbi is such a delight.  She makes me laugh just like she did when she was little.  Both she and Cyn are a hoot!!  So glad they are both going to be here….doesn't get much better than that. 

Bob and Ethel, Cyndy, Brian, Nathan and Don will be here too.  Hopefully Cyn and Drew's friends, Steve and Jason, will be joining us.  My Greg really wants a ride in their Mini-Cooper.  Hint

Heidi, Allen and Peanut will be here Friday.  We will love seeing them since it has been quite some time.  Bobbi and Cyn will be great hosts and the kids will play.  Cause, after a little while Kara, Papa and I are off to the races.  We want Kara to evaluate whether the job as a Lead Out is something she may want to do next summer for work.  It's pretty good money and not awful hours.  I set it up so she can talk to a couple of the owner/trainers to find out if it would be of interest to her.  Not a big deal if it isn't, but I understand jobs are hard to get in Show Low and both girls will need to work to save the money for school.

Just a side note, when I die, I want to have my memorial service short and sweet (course I won't be there but I'll know).  Then, laugh about the things that made you laugh when I was alive…shoot…there are enough stories that you should do well for ages.  Just take care of Greg, he'll either be relieved or so sad LOL  Do love that guy~

Now I need to go send in another order, just saw one pop up…love those sales.