Giving thanks

Things that I am thankful for:

My health. All of the health problems that I currently suffer from are obviously the result of my weight. Given what I have seen others struggle with, I am very grateful that my health is not worse. And that what I do have is within my control to fix.

My family. We're not really close any more. And that is certainly my fault as much as anyone's. But, the serious majority of my friends come from families that are at least hostile environments, if not outright damaging or abusive. So, I am constantly thankful that I was raised by people who loved me, and each other, very much.

My career. I am lucky enough to be in a career that is interesting, challenging, and financially rewarding. While I haven't yet found a way to tell people what I do that doesn't result in their eyes glazing over, no one is ever dismissive of my skills.

My mind. I don't know if this is a chicken or egg thing, but I am constantly looking for answers. I am fortunate that I have a mind that is usually able to find, understand, and remember those answers. I really can't imagine what it must be like to read an article, and not be able to comprehend what it is saying. It would be endlessly frustrating for me.

My friends. While too many of them only exist to me on the other side of this monitor screen, I still treasure them. I have been blessed to know some truly remarkable and wonderful individuals.

My music. Hits me, so hard. Makes me say, "Oh, my Lord. Thank you for blessing me with a mind to rhyme and two hype feet."

The time and place in which I live. I try very hard to remember that I live in one of the most prosperous places that has ever existed on this planet. I take for granted a standard of living that people only 150 years ago would consider miraculous. I happen to believe that that propserity is no accident, but a result of the Founding Fathers of this country setting down some critical freedoms that have encouraged growth, relative honesty among our politicians, and a remarkable diversity in our population.

Further, I was born at a time where I got to see an explosion of technology first-hand, and got to ride the wave of the cultural changes that come with it. Geeks of my age were lucky enough to have some truly remarkable cartoons when we were kids, a great renaissance of science fiction and fantasy properties when we were in college, and an amazing array of geek-friendly shows, movies, etc. now. I can't imagine a time that, for my interests and tastes, would have been better to grow up.

I am very thankful to have the internet. I can't even imagine life without it any more.

And finally, of course, I am forever grateful to have my wife. She has been the best partner in this life that I could have asked for. We share a sense of humor, a taste in movies and TV shows, a desire to travel, and even, for the most part, political and religious views. We have reached that perfect balance, where we have just enough differences to keep conversation going, but not so many differences to turn conversations into arguments. Agreeing to be my wife is the greatest gift she ever could have given me.