Things I'm Thankful For

I do a lot of bitching on LiveJournal, so it's only fair that I enumerate the good things in life... at least one day a year. ;) So here goes:

I am thankful for my family. I have a mother, father, and sister who are tremendously loving and supportive (even if sometimes we don't agree on what's best for me!). Furthermore - bonus round! - I adore my stepmother, stepfather, and the man who'll be my brother-in-law next year. Those I love are in good hands.

I'm thankful for my animals: The pets I have, those I've had, and the ones that technically belong to the Memphis Zoo (pfft, I know they're still my babies. It's just hard to keep a penguin in a tub, so I allow them to stay there). They're a bright spot on the worst days, and I wouldn't trade the trouble they make for anything in the world.

I'm thankful for the hand life has dealt me. I've got a lot of things I haven't worked for, and I've been very, very lucky. Though the job-search has been a pain in the ass, I've got the luxury of being able to hold out for something I want, instead of taking what's available in order to pay the bills. For all my complaining, I do appreciate that, and try not to lose fight of it.

I'm thankful for imagination; and not just my own. When I think about it, it's imagination that is the core of most of the distractions I love best: Gaming, RPGs, books, music. There are wonders of the mind that will never see the light of day, but if you can picture them, then you can live them nonetheless. ...And besides, it makes waiting in line at the grocery store far less boring.

I am thankful enough for music that it gets its own listing. I can't imagine living in a world without it. A painter from Trinidad, whose name regrettably escapes me, wrote that we each find God in the things we love best. I find God in music. (....and on a less religious note, I am that woman from Die Fledermaus with the voice fetish. Sound is an amazing thing.)

I am thankful for the natural world. (Roll for surprise.) Its beauty exceeds human imagination, and what the world would be like without it doesn't bear mentioning. I'd really like to keep it around.

Last, but certainly not least, I am thankful for my friends: Each and every one of you. I was born to my family, and they are somewhat obligated to allow me to be part of their lives. You all choose to, and I am immensely grateful for the friendships we share, whether I see you every day, every week, once a year, or not at all. Thank you all.

...oh, yeah. And I'm grateful for turkey, which is about to be served. Have a happy Thanksgiving, folks! I'm off to eat.