Thanks.

Thanksgiving is the sort of holiday that seems to polarize most people.  Like Xmas' little brother, most people make an attempt to put aside petty squabbles, and clear a spot on the dinner table.  You may not be happy with the person, but at least it's one more person to take home leftovers.  Not the same spirit as Xmas, but it's close enough.

It's also a day where everyone shows their gratitude for various things.  I thought I might take some time to post what I am grateful for.

1.  I was never meant to live in a small city like Shelbyville, and it's not a big secret that this isn't my first choice when it comes to where to plant my roots.  That being said, I'm very grateful that I have someone in my life that I love enough to make living here much easier, and totally worth it.

2.  My life goes against many popular moral codes in this country.  I'm married (though not legally) to a man, yet I flirt too much, I'm an atheist, and I accept almost anyone who isn't a repeated felon running from the law with dead orphans in the trunk of his car.  That being said, my blood family loves me, as I am, and would never think of writing me off or ejecting me from the family.  They may give me the 3rd degree, but they would still hug me when they did so.

3.  I suffer from depression, and on some days, it is crippling.  That being said, I am very grateful that I have close friends who put up with my shit, even when I'm in a dark place, and hold my hand while I mope, cry and beat myself up.

4.  More often than I wish, I get jeers and hateful comments hurled at me while I am out and about here in Shelbyville.  It's nothing to be concerned about and I don't think my safety is in question, but after all these years, it still happens.  That being said, I'm grateful to those who live here who cancel them out with their acceptance and tolerance, and invites to join them despite what others might think or say.

5. I love Nutella.  That being said, I love Nutella.  

That covers the biggies, and you know that I'm grateful for every positive thing in my life, and in some crazy way, I'm also grateful for the negative, because of the balance and perspective they provide. I hope everyone has a great day full of love, happiness, and at least one good bout of belly laughter that you *know* you will feel in the morning.

I love each and every one of you.

Posted via email from Random and Absurd: The American Way