Tuesday, November 21, 2006

What? It’s Nearly Thanksgiving? And It’s 2006?


Wasn’t it just Thanksgiving, like… a few months ago? I just can’t believe it’s that time of year again. My wife has just reminded me how we’re leaving for Florida in exactly a month for Christmas. Where does the time go?

With Thanksgiving coming up I thought I would make a little list of things I’m thankful for this year. My family use to do this before my grandmother passed away 6 years ago - she would make everybody say at least 6 things they were thankful for (if you happened to be in the house when she initiated it.) We would all cringe at this crazy tradition, sometimes being a little too obnoxious with our answers. When her turn came around she would always name her 6 kids (my 5 uncles and my mom) for giving her a huge family and then make some funny joke.
My family no longer gets together every Thanksgiving, every uncle does their own thing with their kids and grandkids; it’s just not possible to have one large dinner anymore. Now that I have a little family I miss those large family get-together days. This year, we’re spending it with my uncle’s (#5) family and my brother’s family.

Thankful for:

The Wife- It was nine years ago this week that I met her in Paris (yes, France) and after 7 years of marriage, it was the best decision I’ve ever made.

My Daughter- I never imagined how amazing being a parent could possibly be. I find myself just staring at her, entranced by her curiosity, growth, and the person who she will eventually become. It’s both exciting and a little intimidating.

Friends – Somewhere along the way, I got lucky. (Even the dude who likes facials and pedicures.)

Extended Family – My side of the family has grown by leaps and bounds, and as I get older I’m thankful that they’re not too far away (but far away enough). My wife’s side of the family is everywhere - which makes for great places to visit.

Job/Immediate Co-Workers – Some days I still can’t believe I get paid for what I do (But I never let my boss and his boss know that.) I also have the privilege of working with some of the most talented artists in the world. Even though I was somehow chosen to lead them, most of the time I feel as if they're leading me.

Colonel Sanders Secret Recipe – Because that chicken is what dreams are made of (I couldn’t end this without a KFC reference, people would start thinking I was loosing my mind, or worse getting “all emotional”.)

Happy Thanksgiving Ya'll!


Some interesting links I’d like to share from other bloggers:
MetroDad writes a very good “serious note” about the anger in people these days and tells people to chill.
Mr.BigDubya gets a new family addition
Ruth Dynamite gives some advice about getting distracted and eating anything bigger than your head.
Redneck Mommy (T) on marriage.
Mrs. Chicky is thankful for Leonardo (not Da Vinci.)

10 comments:

  1. Well time does fly by and Thanksgiving is almost here...and i also love getting together with family and having a splendid dinner and spend some quality time with my dear ones...and hy do visit my Thanksgiving Blog sometime and share some of the spirit and joy of Thanksgiving....have a great Thanksgiving celebration!!!!

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  2. Anonymous6:06 AM

    I like your grandmother's tradition, Tony. It's always good to remember how much we really do have to be thankful for. Best wishes to you and your family this holiday season!

    By the way, when/where you going to be in Florida over Christmas? I'll be down there for a short time over the holidays too. Maybe we can meet up with the kids!

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  3. I know Tony, how time flies huh? That also means that I'm getting older and my children will be leaving me soon too. WAAAAAHHH!!

    Enjoy your time with your family!!

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  4. People always laugh at me because I am thankful and mushy every day. On Thanksgiving, people finally join me in my crazy love fest. Your comment about getting paid to do something you love is exactly how I feel about the two kids I watch. I love them so much that I feel like I am stealing their parents money away when they pay me to play with them. I won't tell them that of course, but it is how feel. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  5. Anonymous2:15 PM

    You're right. This has been one damn fast year. Not the best year of my life, but I'm very thankful (being alive, to start!) and I think our little one is getting old enough to start some of our own traditions. I might have to borrow yours :)

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  6. It's too easy these days to look around and notice what you don't have, rather than to appreciate what you do. Thanks for showing others the way, Tony. Have a good one! (Thanks for the mention, too!)

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  7. Great list. But it sounds like your grandmother had an easy answer all planned out when she started that tradition.

    Happy Thanksgiving.

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  8. Happy Thanksgiving. Where in Florida will you be for Christmas? Hope it's warmer for you than it is now. I live in west central Florida and it was 46 degrees last night. That's butt-freezing cold for us!

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  9. Aw, you gave me linky love, Tony.

    Thanks.

    I love your tradition. We have a similar one, but we only say one thing we are grateful for. I might have to up the ante in your grandmother's fashion.

    I hope you and yours enjoy the best Thanksgiving yet!!

    (And my hubs would like to remind you to keep any pets out of the damn bedroom...He has no sense of haha..)

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  10. T. - no use of pets in our household for that reason.

    junebee - we'll be at Disney World meeting up with the wife's family. It was either there, or Ohio. Pretty obvious choice, don't you think?

    radioactive girl - you have the best job out of all! I would love to do that myself

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