Sometimes we forget how many things we have to be thankful for, but the simple act of writing them down can help put things in perspective. This day is about family, food and football, but I would encourage everyone to reserve five or ten minutes to take stock of all the things you can give thanks for having. Here a handful of mine, in no particular order:
1.) A wife who loves me, who is an amazing mother and has the uncanny ability to put things in perspective.
2.) A daughter who has personality and smarts in spades—not to mention that she is incredibly funny, loving and beautiful.
3.) Family and in-laws near and far who are healthy, loving and supportive.
4.) A mother-in-law who not only takes care of my child when Mandy has to work, but also buys me a case of Lagunitas Brown Shugga.
5.) My friends: one who invited Natalie and I to his family’s Thanksgiving dinner today, another who gives me the scoop on the Rangers season (I am the worst baseball fan and since Pop passed away I have to rely on them to tell me how we’re doing), a guy who has taught me a ton about photography and video production, another who hauls firewood to the mountains, another who has made it big but always has time to talk, another who mails me Batman comic books (even though I have slacked on sending him Spider-Man), another who always takes the time to call me to see how I am doing, a couple whom is always welcoming and let Natalie see a cow up-close-in-person, another who has helped me with my writing and countless others who are there when I need them and it feels like our conversation just picks up like ain’t-no-thing.
6.) My nephew Blue who is the only other man on one side of the family, keeps me on my toes and always looks forward to visiting me.
7.) My neighbors, past-and-present—I’m fortunate to have always lived near people who care for me and who are willing to lend a helping hand. I know that this is a rarity in the world today and I can’t believe I’ve been so lucky.
8.) The fact that a possum just got the tail feathers of our orange legs chicken and she was able to escape.
9.) That I have clean water—I mean seriously, this sounds so basic, but it is amazing that I can just go and turn on the faucet and have something to drink out of.
10.) The Austin Water Utility—they really, REALLY bailed me out of a major issue when I broke off a valve (and the water wasn’t all the way off) at my sister-in-law’s house on a Sunday.
11.) Eddie’s Tacos—I mean, people, you can get a huevos rancheros plate, beans, potatoes and two tortillas for $2.50!!!! And ten tacos for $10!!!! I know I haven’t written about them (shame on me) but they are freaking amazing and you need to eat there.
12.) A pastor who somehow finds a way to talk about the Word as a human being who is relatable.
13.) A job where (i) I have a boss who cares about me as a person, (ii) I have a VP who basically funded an idea I had for the company out-of-pocket because he believed in it, (iii) a CEO who is truly a good guy and (iv) a chairman-of-the-board making a difference in San Antonio and who takes the time to send me a text message for doing something to help him out.
14.) Chicken-on-the-stick.
15.) A Design team who has taken my visions and transformed them into amazing products.
16) Writers who have contributed articles to SA Flavor on the Spurs, the secret sandwiches of the city and the Charreada during Fiesta.
17.) ¡Viva Fiesta! I love how the city comes together for ten days to party in such a spirit of friendship and fun.
18.) Arturo Lopez, the creator of the puffy taco and owner of Ray’s Drive-Inn who passed away this year.
19.) The San Antonio Missions, now a UNESCO Heritage site!
20.) The amazing art installation displayed at night on the San Fernando Cathedral in Main Plaza by Xavier de Richemont—seriously, go see this if you have a chance!
21.) All the men and women protecting our freedom near and far—we in Military City USA love y’all!
22.) That the San Antonio Spurs organization is top-notch and the players are fun to watch.
23.) Those H-E-B Spurs commercials!
24.) The fantastic parks in San Antonio, from the newly opened Yanaguana Garden with it’s amazing rope course and splash pad downtown to Eisenhower Park with its panoramic views North of town. Our park system is truly a jewel of the city.
25.) Barney Smith and his artistry at the Toilet Seat Museum.
26.) Landa Library and their incredible program for babies and toddlers to get them excited about reading.
27.) For all of the readers who make SA Flavor so fun to work on. Thank you all for taking the time to read this humble little blog. Special shout out to all of you whom supported me on Kickstarter and the SA Flavor Store as well! Happy Thanksgiving!
Header image via Flickr CC by Don McCullough.
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