Thanks

Here is what I'm thankful for.

My health. Despite the fact I think I'm developing a heart murmur from too much coffee.

My family. Dysfunctional and weird as they are, I would rather have them and their unconditional love than a boring bunch of goobers.

My friends. They're all funny, sympathetic people who are my family away from home.

I'm thankful there won't be a casino in Rhode Island anytime soon.

I'm thankful I don't have to worry where my next meal or paycheck is coming from.

I'm thankful for a good education, even if it's bankrupting me to pay for it.

I'm thankful for a Democratic majority.

I'm thankful for To Catch a Predator. I know this is stupid, but every week I sit on my couch for an hour and marvel that these sickos show up, even when they suspect a rat. I marvel that as soon as they hear that actress's voice chirp out "Heeeey, you made it! Come on back, the hot tub's on" they don't run in the opposite direction. I am also surprised Chris Hanson hasn't gotten the shit kicked out of him for his smug, superior attitude. It's disgusting and salacious and I love it.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to write for InSite and Boston Magazine.

I'm thankful I'm single. While I'd love to have someone good in my life, when I see a couple who clearly can't stand each other walking down the street, or a couple comes into the part-time job and openly argues and I remember how much it sucked to be in a relationship with someone who I was always fighting.

I'm thankful my brother is picking me up today so I can bring the eight metric tons of laundry I need to do home.

I'm thankful for my Mom's mashed potatoes.

I'm thankful I can look forward to my uncle ranting about something that wronged him.

I'm thankful I can hear my grandfather talk.

I'm thankful for my father.

I'm thankful that I'll probably miss my aunt's thinly-veiled reference to my father, who died twenty years ago Monday. It's hard to keep it together when my grandmother and grandfather tear up.

I'm thankful for my coworker bringing her adorable kid into the office today. Having an energetic kid running around tossing his stuffed chicken in the air makes the day much better.

I'm thankful for the kids I babysit.

Lastly, I'm thankful for those of you who read this blog. I hope you have a very happy and safe Thanksgiving. And please be kind to those of us who are working in retail on Friday. ::shudder::

"Our Father, thank you for all the birds and trees,
that nature stuff. I'm grateful for good health,
food, air, some laughs, and all the other things I've never had to do
without." -Andrew Hudgins