The Thankful Thing, 2009 Edition

Thanksgiving day is once again upon us in the United States. I’ve noticed that most people have been saying what they are thankful for in their MySpace and Facebook statuses, or in their Tweets. Regular readers of my blog know that for something like giving thanks, I’m much too wordy for any of those outlets. So, here we are. What am I thankful for in this past year?

As always, I’m thankful for the people I consider to be family. Some are blood relations, but many more aren’t. I carry with me the idea that family is who we choose to be family. I’m fortunate that my non-relatives who I number among my clan also think of me as part of theirs. This leads to many smiles, sometimes tears, and hugs that are always welcome.

I’m thankful that I’ve gotten to indulge myself with writing. The Connor Wars has turned out to be so much more than I ever thought. Personally, it’s been a joy even when it’s been agonizingly hard. I’m a writer. I love to write. This project gave me the excuse to write in the form I love, in a genre I’ve long enjoyed, and with a subject matter that suits me. Without hesitation, then, I thank the Muses–not just today, but everyday–for all of the help they’ve extended.

I’m thankful for all of the fans I’ve garnered from around the world. I’ve yet been able to express how much their/your participation and occasional effusion has meant to me. It’s quite a reward.

I’m thankful for the Internet. It lets me express myself with a reach that I couldn’t before. More than that, it’s connected me with new people and re-connected me with some I’d lost touch with over the decades. What a marvelous tool we have.

I’m thankful for whiteboards. I’ve been using them a lot.

I’m thankful that my water meter got replaced. I’m no longer wasting all that money for no reason.

I’m thankful for a June reunion.

I’m thankful that DLTs are on their path toward realizing their vision of their futures.

I’m thankful for chile–green and red.

I’m very thankful for aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and Claritin-D.

I’m thankful for the University of Maryland women’s basketball team, the WNBA, the WPS, and so many other women’s sports. They bring much happiness to my life.

I’m thankful (again) for family and friends who are so patient with a smart-ass like me. It can’t be easy.

And if you’re reading this: thank YOU for sharing your time with me even if it is for some random scribblings.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you who have been fortunate in your year, and who have generous enough hearts to find the good even when times are hard.