Looks like we're going to have a white Thanksgiving for the firt time in many years.

Happy Thanksgiving to my friends in the United States, and happy Last Full Week of November to all my international friends!

This year I am thankful for so many things, but none more than my ability to feel normal this time of year. 2008 was the last time I was not in retail doing the Black Friday song and dance, and it's been glorious. For years, I have been responsible for planning this crazy day, and it's always exhausting. From scheduling to talent management to logistics to the crazy hours, the lead up to Black Friday is a rush.

All the while, the rest of the world seems to be slowing down. It is frustrating to see other people have off work and be talking about what their plans are for Thanksgiving when you know what you don't have a chance of having a normal one yourself. Last year I worked every day leading up to Thanksgiving, then prepped the store for the big sale 10PM Wednesday until 8AM Thursday morning. Then I went home and slept for a few hours, all before packing up to leave again at 4PM to do final prep and open the store. I celebrated Thanksgiving over iMessage with my family last year, and that shitty experience was one of the deciding factors that made me know that I didn't want to spend another holiday season doing that.

This year is different. I too am slowing down this week. I still am going into the office through tomorrow, but there is less going on and these are generally easy days. Ahhhhhhhhh...

In addition to my much improved work schedule, I am of course thankful to you, dear reader. Its been quite the year for BirchTree, and I have you to thank for that. I've met some of you amazing people and I'm more convinced than ever that I have the best readers in the world. Cheers!

P.S. The site will be mostly inactive for the rest of the week as I take a little time off. If inspiration strikes, you may see something, but pleae don't call me a workaholic!