Happy Thanksgiving!

I remember the last time I felt completely caught up, the last time my personal and professional to do list was clear.

It was 1987.

I was stretched out on the couch in our new home, which was spotless. I had finished the chores and was waiting for Tom. I was so bored, I invented a reason to be busy: I decided, right there and then, that we needed a dog. That decision led to Snowball; aka, RocketDog; aka, our first child. (I mean no disrespect to Kate. If you've had a pet, you understand that "first child" feeling.) I haven't caught up with life since we drove Snowball home.

Now, you may think this is the start of a lecture on wiping things off the to do list so you can enjoy the holidays. Nope. This is a reminder that, like me, you might love most of your list. And this is the perfect time of the year to embrace that wonderful fact.

For example, I love:

• Standing in my living room, admiring the house after I clean.
• Having the entire family home, even if just for one big meal.
• Baking goodies. Buying presents. Wrapping.

Is creating a lovely holiday season time-consuming? Absolutely. And I hope you enjoy every single second. I'll see you back here on Monday!