Since it’s Thanksgiving this weekend, and since I haven’t written recently, I figured I’d write the same post as everyone else (in Canada, at least).
When I decided to jump on the bandwagon and write this list, a whole 30 seconds ago, it seemed like it should be quick and easy. Bang out a few things I’m thankful for, maybe slap in a few pictures, tag it and hit post. The problem is gratitude is not an emotion I’m very good at, either being on the giving or receiving end. It’s not that I’m an ingrate, I just feel like I sound insincere whenever I do try to express my gratitude to someone, so as a result I just tend not to do so verbally. Likewise, I have a love/hate relationship with being on the receiving end. Like everyone else, I do appreciate being appreciated, but at the same time it often makes me intensely uncomfortable. What does all this have to do with my list? Not much at all, it’s mostly just a way for me to stall while I decide what to include.
So, without further ado (in the obligatory cursive font):
What I’m Thankful For
Family and Friends
Of course, at the beginning of any list such as this you’re required by law, or at least social convention, to list your family and friends. Truth be told, even if it was required in order for me not to be thought of as a Horrible Human Being, I still would have included them in this position. Even though I’ve never been terribly close with any of my family, I do know that if I ever really need them, they’d be there for me, which is comforting to know. I have a handful of close friends who I can, and often do, go to and share way more personal information than is probably healthy for any of us, as well as a broader circle of friends that I can rely on to just hang out with and keep me entertained. And finally, of course, I have a wonderful, loving girlfriend who’s willing to put up with all of my quirks and eccentricities, who I can’t imagine being without.
Work
After having been unemployed for a year a couple years ago, having a steady job is not something I take for granted. Sure I complain as much as anyone about my boss, my salary, and the absolutely ridiculous vacation schedule, but the truth is I’m thankful to have a reliable job, with interesting work and people I enjoy working with.
House
One of the benefits of that steady job is that I was able to purchase a house. It’s nice to be on my own and independent again, even if it does come with a never ending stack of bills.
Technology
The only thing better than living in the year 2011 would be living ten years from now. Or ten years after that. Or ten years after that. You get the idea. I’m writing this blog on a custom Windows 7 PC, with photos from an Android smartphone, while listening to music in iTunes, downloading a game on Steam, and recording a show on my PVR (while my eReader waits patiently for me nearby). I’m a tech junkie, so I’m thankful to live in a time where we have so much cool tech to play with, but also to have the financial freedom to be able to afford to play with it.
People, prosperity, shelter. Check, check, check. A frivolous one just to keep things interesting. Check. Looks like that’s about it for my list. I know it’s full clichés, but that doesn’t make it any less heartfelt (see, there I go questioning my own sincerity again). Regardless, that’s all I’ve got for today. I hope you have a great long weekend (and if you’re not in Canada, feel free to defer those wishes until your next long weekend rolls around).
Sleep well,
DTE
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