On Thankfulness

I'm spending this day before Thanksgiving grading papers, working on a grant proposal, and doing some baking. I have to admit that I'm feeling really grateful for this brief respite before I head into the final week of the term and then finals. M. and I are having a friend over for dinner tomorrow and a couple others may join us later in the evening for a glass of wine, so our prep this year for Thanksgiving is rather low key. We will do some cooking and feasting, but we aren't hosting a big group of friends or both of our parents this year. I plan to enjoy the day and indulge in my favorites: mashed potatoes, cornbread dressing, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie. I am also making a promise to myself to take tomorrow completely off from any form of work. No grading. No research. No class prep. Just a day to enjoy a morning run, some relaxing, fun cooking, and the company of my spouse and friends.

A non-traditional Thanksgiving in Morocco with a dear friend in 2007

This year I have a lot of thanks to give. My mother-in-law, who has undergone treatment this past year for rectal cancer, is done with chemo and surgery and has been given a clean bill of health. My sister has had a healthy pregnancy and is due in just a few weeks. I have a job that challenges me and excites me - and that also pays me a livable wage and gives me health insurance. I am able to run. I have wonderful friends here and elsewhere who have enriched my life in so many ways. My spouse has been offered a class to teach in the spring, which will make things easier financially and help to keep him intellectually engaged. I'm also thankful for the little things that add up - good coffee, a snoring doggy at my feet, a text message from a loved one, and cute boots.

I hope that all my American readers have a wonderful holiday and that all of my readers have many reasons to feel thankful!