Because It's Thanksgiving, Charlie Brown.

It's that time of year again, folks. Time for turkey and green bean casserole and broccoli cheese casserole--all things I can't eat. So, for me it's time for my Thanksgiving pork chop, my no-MSG soup green bean casserole, and staring longingly at that broccoli cheese casserole. Yum!

 

I kid. I think I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving more this year that in the past few years, and I'm attributing that to my current student status. What college kid doesn't want some homecooking? I mean, forget that whole technically being an adult thing. Beyond the food and break from the rigors of real life, it will be great to sit down with my family and well, just sit. And, of course, it is time to reflect on all those things that I'm thankful for throughout the year but only take the time to really consider when I'm thinking about pumpkin pie. For which I am also thankful.

 

Counting My Blessings 2011

 

1. The world's greatest caffeine delivery system: Dr. Pepper.  

2. My giant 27" HD monitor at work that allows me to have two windows open at once and function in both of them. Efficiency is amazing.

3. The shots that the monkey that bit me on our honeymoon were given before it bit me on our honeymoon OR the fact that I didn't contract any strange monkey diseases from being bitten by a monkey.

4. The fact that I was bitten by a monkey, so that I can have a really awesome honeymoon anecdote. Never thought I would be thankful for that.

5. The safe delivery of little Piper, and the fact that she's cute as a bug.

6. Flannel pants. And a man at home who says, "It's flannel pants time!" when he knows I need to relax.

7. Online shopping so that I can send random presents to friends across the country. And regular store shopping so I can send random presents to friends across the country.

8. Postcards from friends who continue to send me postcards from their adventures even when I am lax in sending postcards in return.

9. Turning 30 and realizing that 30 isn't any different than any other year when you are surrounded by family and friends who love you. In fact, it can be better.

10. Adele. And Sugarland. And Lady Antebellum. And Ben Folds.

11. The "tracking changes" feature on Microsoft Word. How have I lived without this?

12. A grandmother who, despite being one of the few in her family to graduate from high school, or perhaps because of it, saw the great value of education and wanted to make sure her grandchildren would be able to follow their dreams to college, whatever those dreams might include. Through her forethought seventeen years ago, I am able to work toward the completion of my Ph.D. without having to juggle finances. Her desire to better herself and make a better way for her family is a constant inspiration.

13. When the sunshine breaks through the clouds, literally and figuratively.

14. The recliner in our office at home. I may fall asleep in it a lot, but boy is it better than trying to read in an uncomfortable desk chair!

15. Meeting new people at school that I can have intelligent, and not-so-intelligent, conversations with in class. And feeling that I could give those people a paper to read and edit. Maybe. I'm almost there.

16. Adopting the Bailey dog. She's a handful, but she's our sweet, silly, dorky, underwear-eating handful.

17. Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me! Peter Sagal is amazing. With a voice that makes me happy. I want Carl Kassel on my answer machine.

18. My digital camera to record our adventures. And our misadventures. And the shuttlecocks and bowling pins.

19. Catching up at happy hour with Natascha and the crew.

20. Other people's blogs. Thank you for keeping me informed and in stitches. I love seeing photos of your trips, your kids, your new shoes, and hearing about your triumphs and sorrows. It makes me want to reach throught he screen and hug each and every one of you.

21. Carpooling. Yertle gets tired sometimes.

22. Morning cuddles with my Daphne cat. Realistically, I know she just wants to be fed, but it still makes me feel good.

23. The time I get to spend with Briton and Jo.

24. The buttery goodness of pizza crusts in a can.

25. The impending arrival of Tamara Grace, my cousin's little baby girl. I can't wait to meet her and give her her sock monkey Christmas tree ornament!

 

Stay tuned for installment #2, sure to be a crowd pleaser.