The definition of Thanksgiving is giving thanks--go figure.

This Thursday of giving thanks and eating sweet potatoes, I am grateful for...

My God, Savior, Pa and Ma, the siblings, my uncles and aunts and cousins. My gracious, compassionate, loyal friends. My dog and two cats. Homemade food. Internet access. Writing. A roof over my head. The most ridiculously comfortable bed known to man. Looking pretty. Clothes on my back (and front). Christmas music. The hope of snow. Family fellowship. Books, lots and lots of intelligent-written literature. Christians. Teachers that listen and understand. Joy. Writing. Big, fluffy, warm towels after stepping out of the shower. The Word. Bright colors. The holiday spirit. Forgiveness. Gifts. Prayers. Singing and dancing. White, ankle socks. My best friend/roommate's pumpkin pie. Gentleness. Foreign friends. Road trips. Photography. Randomness with Olivia. Writing. Knitted sweaters. Fast food. Snorting while laughing. Honest people full of the Truth. Olive Garden. AOL instant messenger. Music. Every movie ever made. Extremely awesome television series. Kind strangers. Dreaming. My fairy-god-son, "nephew" Jassir. Good health. Animals. Playing sports. St. Louis Cardinals World Series Champions. Writing. Bicycling. Second, third and forth chances. The Gospel. Hot cocoa. Blogging. Thunderstorms. Loads of fatty food that only Thanksgiving can bring. Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin's voices. Inspiring, well-written movies. Second cousins. Computers. Thought-provoking quotes. Sunrises. Chinese food and people. Batman. Weddings. Happiness. E-mails from old friends. Late night drives. Late night talks. Breakfast. Teddy bears. Perfume. American Eagle, Old Navy and JC Pennys. Traveling. Angels. My apartment and roommates. Ice skating with "no one in particular". Acceptance. Freedom. Friends I consider family. Going home. Athletes. St. Louis, MO. Johnny Depp. People who aren't afraid to be themselves. Respect. Facebook and Myspace. Video games with the 'lil bro. Max Lucado. Harry Potter. Authors. Janitors and mechanics. Libraries. Fine lookin' guys. Writing. Pictures of the beach. Perseverance. Chick flicks. Love, Love, Love! Wisdom. Holidays of great and small. People who have changed the world. And last, but most definitely not least, my faithful readers.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! Give thanks!