Nov 28...Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Well, I've missed a few more days, but today I wanted to make sure I didn't forget a few things...

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I hope you've all had a WONDERFUL day full of loved ones and great food! Once I got off work I came home to a much better kitty and now we are just relaxing on the couch! So very thankful she is almost back to herself!

A couple more things I'm thankful for today...and always...the knowledge that some of you, while we don't often see each other, have meant so much to me over the years and have welcomed me into your families and homes to spend Thanksgiving with you, as I haven't been "home" for this particular holiday in more years than I can, or care to, remember! I'm very blessed with such amazing friends and wish you all the best for a very Happy Thanksgiving this year, too! I'm also thankful for those of you at work who helped make today a little better! Missed seeing some of you, but hope you all had a good day, too!

God Bless you all,
Jenny-May

Nov 6...Today I'm thankful for...

all of the leaders I had throughout my Army career. Both good and bad, they all taught me something. I've realized since retiring, that even those "bad" leaders, more than likely are heads and shoulders above some of the "leaders" that I will encounter for the rest of my life as a civilian. I guess it's just a different world, but it sure makes you appreciate some of the things you never thought you would! Don't get me wrong, I've also met some good leaders. I just find them very few and far between in my experiences, post Army. So, for those of you who are still in and think the grass is always greener on the other side...just remember it might not be. Appreciate what you have and learn from each leader you encounter...just know whether it's a trait you want in yourself or one you'd rather not possess.

God Bless you all,

Jenny-May

Thankfulness for Day 18 and 19...

I just realized I never made it to the blog yesterday, only Facebook for my daily thankfulness post. So, here are both yesterday and today . . .

18 Nov: I'm thankful for One Life to Live. I can't believe today is the last day they'll be filming at the studio on 66th in NYC! I wish the entire cast, crew, production team, etc. all the best and pray that 2 . 0 continues as planned. So many of you have become a huge part of my life, and I consider you friends, and you have brought some great friends into my life . . . one of whom I'm picking up at the airport in a few hours! YAY!!! Here's to the great memories! ♥

19 Nov: Today I'm thankful for any time spent with friends and loved ones. It's amazing how it can recharge you and have you ready to face the world again! It doesn't even have to be doing anything spectacular and exciting...just talking and sharing a glass of wine or spending quality time together at home. Sometimes, the simple things in life truly are the best things in life! I wouldn't trade them for the world! ♥ I really am blessed!

The last couple of days have really made me think about the things that really matter to me . . . it's not "things" at all . . . rather the people that I am fortunate enough to have in my life, as they are who make me who I am. I don't know what I'd do without them! I pray every day that I'll never have to find out and I thank God, too, for bringing them into my life. Some of them came to me through One Life to Live, and while many people may not get that, or may think it's ridiculous or insane . . . some of the best friends I have now I met through my adventures because of the Soaps!

Some of these special and amazing people have been a part of me for all of my life, those who are family. And some for nearly all of my life, the friends I have from back home growing up. However, lucky for me, the Army brought me some pretty incredible people into my life, as well. Some I've know for all 20+ years, and some I've only known since my arrival in San Antonio. Regardless of how long I've known them, they each have a special place in my heart . . . OK - some more special than others, ; -) lol, but still, all are very dear to me. The bottom line is, there is no magical number on the amount of time it takes for someone to take root in your heart or come to mean the world to you, but the blessings that I have received through the years are countless. They continue to come, as God is always there and always providing for me and He has certainly done so abundantly in recent times, as well! I truly am a very blessed individual!

Blessings to you ALL,

Jenny-May

Where Has the Time Gone?

So, life seems to have taken over for the last year plus! Now that life after the Army is nearly a reality, hopefully I will be a little better about keeping things updated. As for what has been going on for the past 15 months or so...

I was finishing up life as I've known it for the past 20 years. The Army has been just that for me...my life. It was my job, my career, my family, my friends...it was everything to me. It has been a great ride and I have some wonderful memories that I will treasure for a lifetime! I have some amazing friendships that I will carry with me into my next chapter and hope to continue to strengthen for many more years to come. While I am closing the door on that life and ending that chapter, it will always be a part of me and who I am, as will all of the people who helped me through those times.

May 26th was a very difficult day for me, as that was the day of my Retirement Ceremony. I was blessed to have many people from throughout my career able to be here in San Antonio to share that special day with me. From former 1SGs to former Soldiers who were students when I instructed or trainees when I was a Drill Sergeant, former Soldiers who worked for or with me and many peers from throughout my career. I was honored to have one of the best friends anyone could have and one of the best Soldiers the Army has ever known as my Guest Speaker to make the day even more special. Last but not least, I was blessed, honored, and very proud to have nearly all of my family here to celebrate the day with me, as well.

I have tons of photos of the occasion up on my Facebook page, so feel free to go and check them out. It truly was a wonderful day and I am really glad that someone convinced me to do it, since I originally didn't want to have a ceremony. Thank you Dennis for everything, most of all for your service to this great country...and secondly for your friendship!!!

Now I am trying to figure out what I really want to be when I grow up. My dream job would be working in the Education and Training Department at Sea World...I mean doing what I love at my happy place - does it get any better than that?!?! :-) LOL I am currently working to get my Close to My Heart business going again, as well. So, for any of you who are interested in Scrapbooking and Stamping and preserving your memories and sharing them with loved ones or exploring your creativity, let me know and I'd love to help you with that!

I'm also trying to reconnect with "Jenny-May", as "Sergeant Olson" is who I've been for 18 years now and that's going to take some adjustments and getting used to, I think. I'm ready, though, for the next chapter and what life has in store and where God leads me next. I hope you'll all come along for the ride! Let the journey begin!

God Bless America! God Bless the US Army! God Bless you all!

Blessings,
Jenny-May