My son refers to this day as “Gorgefest,” but all the food is just the trappings. This is one of the many, many blog posts that will go up today in recognition of the American Thanksgiving Day.

This is actually one of my favorite holidays, and it’s not all because of the good eats – I think it’s great that we have a day officially set aside to be grateful for all the good that we have in our lives, and to remember that even when it seems like there isn’t any, there probably really is if we take a few minutes to think about it. Then again, there’s nothing – other than time and the general business of life – that should stop us from doing that more often, or even every day.

The things that brighten my world, every day, are all people:

My husband – I appreciate him all the more because it took more than 40 years for us to find each other. With our first wedding anniversary just past, I hope we’ll have many more years together to make up for the ones we didn’t have.

My son – He’s 3000 miles away, and I guess he’s officially a grownup now…but I think he’s turned out OK. He’s spending Thanksgiving with his girlfriend’s family, and they’ll be with us at Christmas; I hope they’re thankful for each other.

My stepchildren – They’re the best anyone could wish for, and they’re giving me some more time (even if it’s part-time) to do “mom stuff.”

My sister, brother-in-law, nephews, and father – Since my family was spread across the country for so many years, having us all in the same town now is a strange and wonderful experience.

My friends – both offline and online, no matter how long I’ve known them or how I met them

There are a few other things I’d like to mention my appreciation for as well:

My job, despite all the aggravation I’ve had with it this year; I may not love what I do, but I’m pretty happy with the place where I do it (and the fact that it helps pay the bills!)

My dog, for all she’s been through with me

My trip back to Tennessee last spring, and the chance to introduce my husband to places, people, and food (!) that shaped much of my life

My home – California is by no means perfect, but it’s got many things that are hard to find anywhere else (and I mean good ones this time!), including the husband I’d never have met if I hadn’t moved here five years ago.

See those links I worked into some of the items I mentioned? This blog – and everyone it’s introduced me to – is among the things I’m thankful for this year. Becoming a participant in the online community has broadened my world.

Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for giving up a few minutes of your time reading my random ramblings! (And if all the sentiment and sappiness is upsetting your stomach – that is, if it’s not those third helpings – check out Laurie Ruettimann’s palate-cleansing take on Thanksgiving gratitude, with a big grain of salt.)

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