Thus begins my favorite time of year - Thanksgiving ushers in the time when I can start listening to Christmas carols unabashedly, thinking up what gifts I'm going to give to my loved ones (although in this economy its going to look mighty sparse under the tree), and looking back on where the year has taken me.While my sister keeps on joking that this year is going be like Christmases of old: in the place of gifts we'll gather 'round the fire, fashion homemade gifts, go caroling, and *gasp* focus on the true meaning of the season - the birth of Christ.
I am truly Thankful for many things and even when it gets dark (but thankfully not as bad as it got for our American Indian brothers and sisters. They didn't realize that the feast with the Pilgrims was a one time deal) I can sit back and count the blessings.
So, in the spirit of the season, these are the things (silly and serious) that your favorite sis is thankful for in no particular order:
1) Netflix - who knew the word queue would take on such a deep meaning in my life? I look forward to checking my mail like no other
2) my adorable nephews - 1 year olds are hilarious
3) the older, not as cute members of my fam - they've known me my entire life and still manage to like me. On the real, a solid family is a gift from God.
4) good friends - aka my grading squad. Special shouts to Jess, my weekend scholarly warrior.
5) living in a nation in which a black man (yes, he IS black) can be elected to the highest office in the land 143 years after people who looked like him lived in bondage
6) my bomb apartment
7) Bed-Stuy - in the throes of gentrification a girl can still manage to get a small wonton soup and egg roll for $2.50.
8) Recession proof meals - The Chinese spot, a plain slice, a chicken patty and that good Foodtown card.
9) podcasts- makes my commutes far more enjoyable (and nerdy)
10) having a job! I can pay my bills on time, maintain a good credit score (I'm on my Suze Orman), and even when the kids are stressing me out lovely I get to sow good seed into good ground. And the minds of my little scholars are good ground.
I could marinate on all that I lack and all that I want, but I'd rather do like Adam Clayton Powell and "keep the faith baby". So instead of getting tight, embrace the spirit of the season and be thankful. Give thanks and praise, because if you have the ability to get on the computer, and read this little entry, you already have much to be thankful for.
