Thanks for Everything

So here we are at Thanksgiving once again. But before I go make a sea-pig of myself in a post-turkey haze, I thought I should do the right thing and give a little credit for...

Things Thomas J. Gressel is Thankful For – 2006 Edition (Sounds classy, don’t it?)

I am thankful for my little family – the Lovely Mrs. G, Miss Katie, Uncle Jack, and Crazy Tasha, the girl who drools. We’ve had our ups and downs and sides-to-sides, but we’re still together, so that’s a plus.

I’m thankful for The Lovely Mrs. G. encouraging me to go to the gym on a regular basis. I’m walking 40 minutes a day now, and am hitting the weights, despite the pain it causes. If it means I’ll be able to move around without the aid of a walker when I’m 80, then it’ll really be worth it.

I’m thankful for vacations. See the next line.

I’m thankful for Walt Disney World. I’ll be there two weeks from today, dragging Mrs. G. around Epcot. It’ll be fun – trust me. Plus, it’s not work, which makes it even better.

I’m thankful I’ve got food in the fridge, a roof over my head, and some coin in my pocket. A lot of people can’t say that. So be sure to think of them the next time you walk past the food bank drop-box, okay?

I’m thankful that despite everything I still manage to find my sense of humor every now and then.

I’m thankful that by this time next year we will no longer be Iowans. No more cold winters, no more oddball Sioux Cityans.

I’m thankful that school is going so well. I have 5 classes to go, and still have a 4.0 GPA. Sweet! I never seriously imagined that I’d end up with a 4.0, and I’d hate to jinx it now, but I’m kind of excited to prove that I can do it. And no matter what, by this point I’ll graduate with honors, so that’s good.

I’m thankful that the latest transition at work has gone reasonably smooth. I’ve had 3 different managers in the past 3 months after Skippy Whitebread moved on, but I think we’re now set for a while. But like the Iowa weather, that could change any time.

Speaking of which, I’m thankful that it hasn’t snowed much yet this year. It’s supposed to be sunny and 60 tomorrow – unbelievably good weather for this time of year. But you watch – we’re going to get buried in snow come January. Just you watch.

I’m thankful that as bad as things may get at times, it’s not worse. And no matter how sticky things may get, we always stick together. For better or worse, for thicker and thinner, for good and bad. Now, if that isn’t a great family, what is?

I’m thankful that I can now hear my favorite radio show via podcasts. No more static-y reception.

I’m thankful that we had an opportunity to go to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade a few years back. It’s one of those things you always dream about, but never get around to actually doing. My next big crowd-o-rama? New Years in Times Square. Some day...

I’m thankful that Kevin Federline is slowing fading into obscurity.

I’m thankful for turkey, sweet potatoes, and pie. Mmmmm, pie. Pie for breakfast is probably one of the best meals you could ask for. Try it – you’ll like it. And I'm also thankful for the healing powers of a post-turkey nap. It's better than aromatherapy any day.

I’m thankful that the Seahawks don’t suck anymore than they already do. C’mon, guys – get it together!

I’m thankful that you’ve actually read this nonsense this far without drifting off or finding dancing cats to watch instead.

I’m still thankful for Walt Disney World. Nothing to worry about, nothing to do but have fun. Ahhhh.

I’m thankful for my convertible, especially between mid-May and the end of September.

I’m thankful the Democrats will have Congress back in January. A little balance is needed every now and then.

I’m thankful that there’s a fan on my desk. Lord, it’s hot in here today. You’d think a company like ours that squeezes every penny dry would try to save money on the heating bills on reasonably warm days. But noooo...

I’m equally thankful for sunrises and sunsets.

Finally, I’m thankful that I’m able to sit down just about every day and think up something stupid/useful/a little bit of both/ to write about. It’s been a good way to let go of some of my anxieties, feelings, emotions, and disgust. “Shut up and write” was some of the best advice I’ve ever been given, and I’ll never regret being a writer.

So there you are – a happy Thanksgiving to one and all. Drive safe, don’t eat too much, and watch out for runaway Macy’s balloons.