I’m thankful for my mom and dad.

I’m thankful for my aunt Sharon and my uncle Doug.

I’m thankful I had a brother.

I’m thankful for the smile on a child’s face.

I’m thankful for my Chosen Family.

I’m thankful I have a brain that works.

I’m thankful for my friends, some of whom will be the recipient of my cooking tomorrow.

I’m thankful they’ll let me say some words before we eat, because I love to mark occasions with words.

I’m thankful for my new career(s).

I’m thankful I can walk.

I’m thankful for the people in my life who love me for me, and for no other reason.

I’m thankful for the experience of a good scotch and a fine cigar.

I’m thankful for the intangibles in life; the kindness of strangers and the folks who still know the value of “please” and “thank you”.

I’m thankful that I don’t have a pre-existing condition.

I’m thankful for people who don’t cheat at the Bay Bridge FasTrak lanes.

I’m thankful for phone calls returned and emails answered.

I’m thankful for sunsets I witnessed this summer at Schoolhouse Beach.

I’m thankful for wine, food and friends. What a delirious, delicious combination of goodness.

I’m thankful for the young men and women I teach at Academy of Art University.

I’m thankful my family doesn’t fight during the holidays.

I’m thankful for the fellow shopper at Best Buy who recognizes he is not the only customer in the store.

I’m thankful for the roof over my head.

I’m thankful for words, the words that I get to concoct, mold and shape.

I’m thankful people laugh at my stupid jokes.

I’m thankful for my sweet barista at Nelly’s Organic Coffee, my branch office. She always knows what I want, and tells the newbies how I like my dry cappuccino.

I’m thankful that manners and civility are not yet out of style.

I’m thankful for C-Lo, a class act and a friend forever.

I’m thankful I’m not a picky eater.

I’m thankful for NPR.

Most of all, I am thankful for…you.