Thanksgiving 2008

So this year's Thanksgiving was the same as any others. My parents spent it with friends of theirs and I was left with my brother eating last night's dinner.

The cider I drank tasted more flat and dull than usual. I finally learned to how to cook eggs sunny side up! It turns out the trick is to put a lid on it. DUH! I think the combination of poorly cooked eggs and warm apple cider is making my stomach hurt.

During Thanksgiving, we're supposed to write down what we are thankful for. At least that's what all my teachers have been making me do everything Thanksgiving since first grade. So without further ado, this is my list of what I am thankful for this year:

1. My health- A lot of people like to tell me that I'm not healthy. Maybe in your opinion, I am not healthy; the way I see it, I'm alive and I eat everyday. I don't have a fever and my body doesn't ache. That's healthy enough for me and its better off than a lot of people. If you're healthier than me, well good for you but that doesn't make me any less healthy.
2. My friends- I've said it before and I'll say it again: 2008 has been a difficult year for me. According to my superstitious parents, every 6 years on the Chinese calendar will be a year of bad luck. So every year of the rat and year of the horse, I have to be extra careful (that goes for the rest of you horse's!) Well if you spoken to me anytime in the past 11 months, I don't need to tell you about all the problems I've been having this year. The only reason I am still standing and still laughing is my friends. I'm almost grateful for all the hardships I've faced because it has only brought me closer to my friends. I'm usually the guy that people come to for help. I am the one who cheers people up and offers advice. It feels great to know that I finally have people who would do the same for me.
   Henry- I've known your ass since kindergarten. For 14 years, you've never failed to put a smile on my face. This year, I fell down and I want to thank you for picking me up. We've always been able to share good times; now that we've faced the bad time together, I know our friendship can overcome anything. I love you man and I hope we don't stop laughing for another 14 years... and then another 14.
   William- I get by day-to-day thanks to this guy. William, you are a bright and shining beacon of gayness that spreads joy to all. Sometimes when I have a bad day, I'm a big grouchy downer but you always try your best to turn me around each day. Even though you suck at scoutzknivez, you try your best and you never quit! That attitude encourages me to keep going and I'm blessed to have your determination rub off on me.
   Tiffani- You're the only person balancing my feminine side. When serious shit goes down, you're the first person I call and you're always there for me. Your ability to stay calm and cool gives me strength and it reminds me to think with an even temper. It's also good to know that someone actually cares about and listens to what I have to say. It's fun when we agree on things and even more fun when we disagree. You are a diamond in the rough and in time, you will grow to be the jewel in everyone's life. You like that fortune cookie line?
   And now the three B's in alphabetical order:
   Bao- Even though we're "mad" at each other right now, I'm still thankful for you in my life. We don't always see eye-to-eye but its the differences that allow us to complement each other. I mean, if we agreed on everything, it'd be boring. I know you're going through a tough time right now, but just know that I'm just trying give you advice. My advice isn't always the best, but it's all I got. You're King Bao! You'll figure it out!
   Bruce- Hey boo boo! I love you caca! Brucie-bear, I know I give you a hard time, but it's only because I know you're tough enough to take it. I think the world of you and even though I don't show it, you're kind of like a role model for me. You always have a smile on your face and your positivity is contagious. You given me so much; don't ever hesitate to ask because I would love to return the favor. I respect you and I envy your powerful personality.
   Bunnath- You're the only asshole meaner than me. You make me look good. HAHAHA I love you, you stinker! Seriously though, you are like the one guy who I'm not afraid to be myself around. I'm glad that I have someone like you who makes the music sound louder and the lights shine brighter.
   Es- Dude you are so chill... Too chill in fact. I can't even think of anything to write. I am thankful for your placidity. Everytime I talk to you, you so serene and peaceful. It's good to know that when my life is crazy and on it side, talking to you can be like a 2-week vacation which relaxes all the tension.
   I'd really hate myself for forgetting anyone but this sections getting pretty long and I got a lot more to say and I wanna make it before midnight. So if I forget you, I am sincerely apologetic but know that I am thankful of our friendship!
3. My things- Now I'm not a materialistic guy, but it would be negligent to overlook all the great possessions I have. In our capitalist society, the success we've achieved is not necessarily expressed in our accomplishments or moral characters. These days, people are more measured by what we own. I've worked hard to earn everything I have and even though I don't like being judged by my property, I'm still proud of them.
4. New music discovered- It's pretty evident that I have an esoteric taste in music. I like listening to popular music, but they always leave me wanting more. This year, I've been able to define my musical taste by experimenting with maybe different sounds and genres. I'm glad that I found artists who I really appreciate; music that never gets old. Yeah, it's sad music, but it makes me think and it makes me feel "full." A Fine Frenzy, Ingrid Michaelson, Adele, The Bird & the Bee, Mason Jennings, Travis, James Morrison, Secondhand Serenade (?), Pink Martini, Owl City, etc. Music like this is now my style of music.
5. Being Single- HAHAHA not really. I can't really say that I enjoy being single but I do believe that it is good for me. Being alone has allowed me to grow into a better person and it unleashed the real me. It was a much-needed wake up call which really put my life into perspective. I think that part of living in this world is knowing where you fit in it.

So there you have it, my list of what I'm thankful for. It's not much but I would gladly put my list up against yours and I bet I'd still be happy with it.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and I wish you can appreciate what you DO have instead of focusing on what you DON'T. It's the only way you can live with an honest smile!

Now that Thanksgiving is over, it's all Christmas now 8)