Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, but it is not just because it is time to enjoy turkey and pie. I enjoy it because it is one of those few days that our country seems to stop, pause and be thankful for the many blessings in life. Here are several things that I am particularly thankful about this past year.
- The Soon-to-be-Released, Newest Edition to the Heath Family – my wife and I are incredibly excited to be having our first child, and everything right now seems to be checking out just fine.
- My Wife – she is incredibly smart, beautiful and a great cook (not to mention the fact that she encourages me with some of my shenanigans). I am so happy to have her in my life and excited to build a family with her.
- My Family – it was great to see my extended family out in New Mexico, my brother and his wife in Utah, my immediate family in West Texas as well as going to the beach with my in-laws and nephew (seeing him grow has been a blast). Some of my grandparents have had major surgeries, and I am thankful that they are OK.
- Oscar’s Taco House – I was fortunate to discover Oscar’s Taco House and their amazing Sleeper Plate in the year where one of my favorite TexMex joints (which shall remain unnamed) really started slacking.
- Fiesta Fandango Run – this is one of the greatest runs in the city; you get to dress up and lead the Fiesta Flambeau Night Parade. This was the fourth year my group of friends ran the race (we were the piñatas) and each year we have placed for best costume!
- My Friends – speaking of my friends, I am blessed to have a great group of people in San Antonio and around the country that are truly good friends. You have been around for the good times and the bad. You helped me create the Pi Pans, brought to life film projects, worked on business ventures, ran races, drank beers, ate good food, gone to beaches, played paintball and cheered on the Spurs. You guys are the best.
- Thousand Oaks Chilaquiles – because they are so dang good.
- The Growth of San Antonio – I am so fortunate to have San Antonio as my adopted hometown. It is continually inspiring for me to see how this city is transforming in front of my eyes. But I am thankful, and a little hopeful, that as the city changes we will hold on to the many qualities that have made it such a wonderful city in the first place.
- Getting a “Real” Camera – my little brother let me borrow his camera this past year, and I have enjoyed getting to learn how to operate and take pictures with an SLR, while getting decent pictures for the blog.
- Stephanie, the SA Flavor Intern – working with Stephanie this semester has been a blast. She has been able to showcase many new restaurants and bring a fresh perspective to the blog that I have really enjoyed.
- Meatopia Texas – I still can’t believe that we some how wrangled this top flight, national festival of meat to showcase chefs in San Antonio and look forward to it returning in future years.
- My colleagues – I work with some smart people that challenge me to become better, giving advice on my writing and providing a community that I look forward to seeing at work each day.
- Pi Pans Getting Kickstarted – who would have thought that an idea that I had back in 2010 would see the light of day? Thanks to all who backed the Pi Pans!
- The Unfiltered Artists – this past year saw several installments where artists took pictures of San Antonio on a disposable camera. I am thankful for each of those artists spending time to photograph the city as well as for Judith Cottrell for helping me organize this project.
- The Mountains – Oh I love the mountains of New Mexico; that fresh air and lack of humidity is both inspiring and rejuvenating.
- My Machu Picchu Guide and Porters – This summer saw my wife and I along with my mom and her friend go on a seven day, six night hike in Peru. We travelled along a path through the Salkantay Mountain as well as the traditional Inca Trail, finishing at the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu. Thanks to our guide and porters for making sure that we were safe and well fed.
- My Health – Getting another year older, I realize how important my health is; while my passion for cheese enchiladas has never waned, I do realize that they are bad for my cholesterol.
- My Neighbors – Since living in San Antonio, I have been fortunate to have wonderful neighbors. I am thankful that my old neighbors remain good friends and for the help and friendship of my new neighbors in Mahncke Park.
- My Chickens – Ruby, Tallahassee and Shiloh have turned out to be some major egg producers. By laying an average of 10 eggs a week since the beginning of July, we’ve been the beneficiaries of over 200 eggs from our little flock!
- Solid Handymen – After going through some rough times, I am thankful for finding some solid handymen to help out with the remodel of the house. The transformed bad situations into a good one, helping me keep my sanity.
- French Press Coffee Maker – you make some terrific coffee for me at work, saving me from the swill as well as helping me keep money in my pocket.
- The Six-Pack Club – this group of guys at work had the incredible idea to get a bunch of people together, have each of us bring a six-pack and then have a fantasy football-esque draft so that you walk out with six new beers. Genius.
- Lagunitas Brown Shugga’ – possibly the greatest winter beer I have found, courtesy of the Six-Pack Club.
- The Spurs – it is awesome to have a professional, class act team right here in San Antonio and I am proud to be a season ticket holder. Hopefully they will be able to make a run far into the playoffs (and maybe even the Finals again) this year.
- My Readers –thanks so much for reading SA Flavor. I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
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