Twirley's Thanksgiving Edition

Today, I take a step back to reflect on everything for which I am thankful. Really, I should be grateful for what I have each and every day, not just during these few days when everyone is basking in the glow of turkey, pies, family and… well… thankfulness. I suppose it’s easy to get wrapped up in everyday trivial nonsense that causes me to vent, fume and snap; I forget myself sometimes. So, here’s Twirly’s special Thanksgiving edition on reasons I am thankful (and here’s hoping that I remember this every day):

• Mom and Dad, for being there for me, always. For immigrating to the U.S. without a job in sight, just so their kids could have a better life. For their crazy quirkiness that allows me to fill up a few pages of my blog, and more.

• My healthy, vivacious, curious little girl, who brings me joy each and every day, and makes me relish being a mom.

• Arlene’s Grocery, a little music bar in Lower East Side. Because without it, K and I would not have met. Speaking of which … 

• …K, for being a supportive, loving, gregarious hubs. Despite our occasional bumps, we are going eight years strong.

• My health. Last month, I went in for a physical for the first time ever. My hypochondriac self was convinced that the doctor would turn up gazillions of things wrong with me (physical, not mental…we all know I’ve got issues on the latter). Turns out everything is great, and my cholesterol is better than 90% of the U.S. population (doctor’s words, not mine). Not that I’m gloating or anything.

• My job. I was part of the 11% unemployed a couple of years ago; not a fun time. I’m grateful that I now have a job that I enjoy (despite periodic frustrations--but what would be the fun in not being able to vent about craziness at work, right?)

• My old friends who know me so well—my past, my faults, my insecurities—and still choose to keep in touch with me.

• My new friends, who have made my frequent moves to different cities a much more enjoyable experience.

• My mother-in-law, whom, despite several generation's age difference (she grew up during the depression, still sends me newspaper clippings and refers to the Internet as “Inter-Web”) appreciates me, loves EB to pieces and is a good mother-in-law.

• For the Internet, affordable plane tickets and wireless technology, without which I would not be able to stay in close contact with mom/dad/bro.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!