you think i care how cheesy it is?
okay, people. there are two things i really love in the world [on the same list as ... well, all the things you see in that there sidebar]. and they are: thanksgiving and lists.
and now, for a thanksgiving list of thankful-ly goodness.
my home. the furniture, the warm smells in the kitchen, the old-fashioned bathtub, the four-poster bed.
family – the kind you love because they’re fantabulous people, not just because you share hapless chromasomes.
my mother because she knows i smoke pot, knows i have sex, and loves me as much as she always did. because when she looks at me, i realize what true love really means. because she laughs just like me, and laughs with me, and knows how best to style my hair and how best to hold me when i’m crying.
my dad because he knows when to step back and let me decide, and he’s the most non-judgemental person i know, and because it’s such a hidden treasure to get beneath his gruff exterior and see the honest, brilliant, loving and generous man beneath. and because he loves the simpsons.
and my brother, because he’s never once been mad at me, even when i pulled his cats’ tails. and because he’s got a heart of gold – one of the few out there. and because he’s part of the glue that holds the four of us magically together. and because underneath his business suit, he’s still the biggest rock star i know.
my friends – the kind i’d take a bullet for: erin, beth, raychul, josh, matt, conrad. people whose weddings, children births, birthdays, and any-old-days i will be there to celebrate with. people who never cease to amaze me, challenge me, and bring a smile to my face. and buy me a drink when nothing else works.
my friends – the people you may not even talk to all the time, but you know that it will be like the ceaseless fabric of time when you see them, and pick up where you left off: payan, mido, marnix, the stephanies, victoria, jakob, christopher, luke, chris, the other chris, brandon, and will.
my web friends – because you make me laugh, and you don’t mind sharing your lives and it makes it so much more fun: monkey, anna, chuckles, greg, alex, sarah b., ismat, and yes, even jason.
but also, randomly, i’d like to thank a total stranger: dave, who sat next to me on the train for two hours yesterday, is one of the most erudite strangers i’ve ever met, has a breathlessly well-tuned political mind, and was absolutely fantastic conversation for two straight hours. thanks, dave. good luck with the masters’ degree.
i don’t hold hands with family and pray at thanksgiving. but i do know the meaning of thanks – and of counting your blessings – and the things i give thanks for, every day, are those i’ve just listed. so, thanks.
and cheers to that. everyone have a safe, merry thanksgiving. quench your many appetites – not just sharing food, but sharing joy, love, and thanks.
and pass that cranberry sauce!

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