There’s no question that spoiled suburban-raised brats like myself take everything for granted. I don’t mean to. It’s a rare thing to take a step back and really look at your life and be thankful for the things you’ve been given. Thanksgiving used to mean just food. When my parents were satisfied that I could drink without being entirely reckless, Thanksgiving’s meaning morphed to include drinking as well as eating.

At some point, however, I came to realize the importance of being grateful for things/people/events large and small alike. And while I have more than my fair share of narcissistic moments, I also know when to not be such a self-involved cock-bag. This is one such moment. Below the photo [of my father molesting a Thanksgiving Turkey] is a very brief list of some of the things I’m very thankful for.

Dad un-stuffs a turkey

Thanks for…

• My job: I’m lucky to have one. And I’m one of the lucky few who has one who actually enjoys it.
• My co-workers: awesome, creative and hilarious people, all of them.
• My wonderful girlfriend: without whom I would be a much fatter mess than I currently am.
• My amazing friends: without whom I would be a much fatter mess than I currently am.
• My parents and brothers: partly responsible for my upbringing, but without whom I would be a much fatter mess than I currently am.
• My cat: the constant source of amusement, bemusement, and detached but unconditional love.
• The amazing people I’ve met: there are so many folks I’ve met this year because of my [now over] one year using Twitter. I’m so fortunate to know you all, and to get to share and interact with you daily.
• My health: in spite of my allusion to fatness and messiness, I’m a healthy adult male with few — if any — complaints.
• My roommates: oh sure, I want to strangle them 49% of the time. But that 51%? Sweet, sweet friendship.
• Opportunities: some I’ve experienced, and some are coming over the horizon. I’m grateful for all of them.

What are you thankful for at this particular moment?

bald spot, love, thanksgiving, turkey molestation