Cheesey Thanksgiving Blog

There is so much that I am thankful for. I think that it is really easy to get the impression that I take life for granted; admittedly, I feel that way sometimes. I have high expectations and I am easily frustrated, so it is easy for me to lose sight of what's important, but deep down, I know what I have and I am very thankful for all of it. Here are some highlights.

• I am eternally grateful for my family. There is no way that I could ever ask for better. Their love and support have meant the world to me and truthfully, I would not be what I am today without them. I hope that I properly express my gratitude to each and every one of them, for they truly deserve the world. I daily wish I could give it to them. This also goes to members of my family who are no longer with us. The way that they lived their lives is a daily inspiration and I hope that I live in a way that makes them proud.

• I am thankful for intelligent free will. They say ignorance is bliss, and it may be true. For as often as I say that I wish I were one of the blind masses who pass through life from one moment to the next, rarely pausing to take notice of their surroundings, it's not true. I am grateful for an understanding of the impact of current events. I am grateful for the ability to recognize the evil in the human race, for it enhances the beauty of the humanity. I am very thankful that I can express myself. This is part thanks to mom for giving me my love of reading and part thanks to some kickass english teachers in WV (sorry, Ange, but Nuthall was awesome when I had him.)

• I cannot express how thankful I am for music. There is almost nothing that can alter a mood the way that music does. The worst day is instantly forgotten when a good rocksteady beat drops. My head bops to the rhythm, everything dissipates and I'm lost in the music — it's salvation. Fast and loud, there is nothing more cathartic than a great punk rock song. I am grateful for the time I was able to play punk rock and for all of the people that the music I played meant something to. I am extra grateful to Ben and Mike for allowing me to play the irish music with them; it is the music of my ancestors and it holds a very, very special place in my heart.

• I am thankful for Damara (and Zapata, RIP!) There was a time when I was feeling desperately alone and I had a lot of difficulty expressing it. There is no better companion than this special lady; she is truly my best friend, my co-pilot, my camping buddy, my hiking partner, my snuggle buddy, the biggest pain in the ass and the best part of a bad day. She is genuinely joyful each time I walk through the door and knowing that something loves you that much is really heartwarming. Yes, dogs have emotions. Cuz I said so.

• I am thankful for my friends. I think I am pretty lucky to have them in my life, and they have been a part of my life for the majority of it. It is amazing to watch them grow as people and as they start to have families, it is amazing to watch their families grow.

• I am thankful for my life experiences. They haven't always been ideal, but I was able to learn from most of them and they helped to mold me into a hard-working, hard-playing, hard-loving person. I am nothing if not passionate, and I feel that this gusto comes from learning that the little things mean the most.

I hope everyone who reads this is as lucky as I am. There is obviously much more to be thankful for, but I think these are seldom recognized and I wanted to tip my cap. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.