Most of us just celebrated Thanksgiving. Tables laden with an abundance of food surrounded by friends and family. Mostly family, right? Because it’s a family holiday.

When we go around the table to say what we are thankful for, most folks say family… and food. It’s not that I’m not thankful for family and food! But can we be a little more specific?

I’d like to take a moment (well, longer. If it was just a ‘moment’ I could have fit it in at the round table during thankful turn-taking.) I’d like to tell you some of the stuff I’m thankful for.

I am thankful to be with a guy that makes me happy.
I am thankful for the opportunity to make him happy.
Anyone in a relationship knows how lucky I am.
Anyone in a shitty relationship needs to know it doesn’t have to be that way.

I am thankful that both of my children are well-adjusted, happy, healthy, responsible adults.
Anyone with kids of any ages knows what a relief this is.

I am thankful that my W-AHHR adult children have partnered with equally W-AHHR adults.
Anyone with in-law issues will appreciate that.

I am thankful for Doritos and Diet Coke.
Yeah, I said it. Love me some Doritos and Diet Coke. Sure, a feast of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy is awesome, but it doesn’t really compare to a freshly opened bag of Doritos. If it did, we’d have it all the time instead of only once (or twice) a year.

I am thankful for the time and expertise to volunteer.
Anyone who thinks that’s not work, well, suffice it to say that
I am thankful to those who appreciate my ability to volunteer.
And everyone else can suck it.

I am thankful for the many friends I have.
Friends are something I reference frequently in my blogs. Because my friends are awesome.
Yes, you.
You are awesome!

I am thankful for my dogs. And the bunny, cat and betta.
But mostly the dogs.

I am thankful for a house big enough to have raised those two kids and a garage full of pets, and that holds all of my hobbies and other stuff. I am thankful to have a home I can live in.
And in case you’re worried, Dave has most of the downstairs. Man cave? Try man level.

I am thankful to have a yard that’s mostly grass. Grass is good.
I have to imagine my neighbors are happy, too, considering the fact that I don’t do yard work.

I am thankful for my awesome car. I have a Nissan Rogue. I love it!
Anyone who’s had a crap car knows it’s nice to not have to worry about that.

I am thankful for the skills I possess. And thankful that when I don’t know, I have people I can ask. Thank you, people!
(I’m pretty sure in my next life I’ll also be able to sing.)

I am thankful for music. Thankful for all those people who can sing. Like Billy Squier, Jack White, Mikel Jollett and Prince. (Thank you itunes random.)
And jealous, sure, but mostly grateful that they share their talents with us.

I am thankful for DVRs, indoor plumbing, microwaves, computers, movie theater popcorn, thick socks, zoom lenses, crayons, double-sided tape, gummy vitamins, and books, both audio and hard copy.

I am thankful that I have so much more to be thankful for.
Anyone reading this blog is thankful I decided to stop here.