If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get. -Frank A. Clark

Minus the traffic, the fall is definitely my favourite time of year.  The weather is crisp, the colours are beautiful, and I love the smell of fresh picked apples, baking, and the buzz and excitement of the holidays being right-around-the-corner. 

Thanksgiving was never a huge ordeal in my family, though. We were certainly thankful because it was a long weekend, but I don’t really ever recall it being an elaborate affair.  I was never a turkey eater, so it definitely wasn’t a time where I longed for a hot turkey dinner with all the trimmings.  M’eh. No thanks.  In fact, for the first time ever this year I stepped away from fighting tradition and celebrated Thanksgiving with turkey! And sweet potatoes! And pickled cabbage! And brussel sprouts! And key lime pie! And my first-ever taste of pumpkin pie! I got to spend the evening with a friend I’ve had since I was FOUR.  She lives here now, which is wonderful.

So, thankful. Yes. Very.

I’m thankful for my family. Well. Most of ‘em (I kid! I kid!).  BOTH of my parents are still alive and well and I am thankful for that every single day.

I’m thankful for my wonderful friends, the fact that I’m healthy and incredibly happy. And kitty snuggles. I’m always thankful for kitty snuggles.  

I’m thankful that I share my life with someone who I love more today than I did yesterday. And more yesterday than the day before. It isn’t a perfect life, but I love sharing it with him. 

I’m thankful my cousin who was recently diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin’s Lymphoma got a report recently that showed all of the cancer is gone. GONE! He still has two more treatments, but how incredible is that?!

I’m thankful for the big stuff parading as small stuff – my house, my job, feeling safe, having a full belly, and going to bed (relatively) stress-free at night.