What I have to be thankful for this year.

It's 2:38 p.m. in Connecticut, and I just woke up for the day less than an hour ago! :bounce:

Since my father died almost seven years ago, I no longer feel compelled to ruin--excuse me, spend--my holidays with freeper relatives. And even if I wanted to see those relatives, it would require hours of driving, so I have a built-in excuse if I ever need one!

Last summer--after five years of living in a noisy, rundown apartment building in the Hartford, CT area--I got into a roommate situation in a nice, quiet part of my homestate. My roommate is a former state legislator who can more than hold up his end of an intelligent political conversation, plus he has two cats and the friendliest, most affectionate dog I've ever met. This is the first time I've ever lived with pets, and I really like it!

In August, after just five weeks of being out of work, I started a new job that actually pays a living wage. First time I've had one of those! Not only that, but my workplace is a small, independently-owned franchise, which means Roy (the owner) is free to run the place any way he sees fit. Thankfully, Roy is a genuinely nice guy who believes in treating his employees well. Not only does he pay us considerably more than he has to, but he also pays for 100%--mind you, that 100%!--of our medical benefits. And, when you work on a Saturday, he springs for lunch from a nearby Italian restaurant. That I got a job this good in George W. Bush's America is nothing short of miraculous!

After 12 years, I'm still involved with WHUS, the radio station at the University of Connecticut. My Saturday-night soul music show recently began its eighth year on the air. (For more info on my show, go to www.soulexpressradio.com ).

In July, Connecticut's governor of nine painful years, Republican John G. Rowland, resigned under the dark cloud of his administration being investigated for corruption. Our new governor, Jodi Rell, is a Republican too, but she's far more honest and moderate than her predecessor ever was.

After 25 years, I've built up a kick-ass record and CD collection that encompasses pretty much the entire history of recorded sound, from the late 19th century to the present.

I have lots of friends--not only in cyberspace, but in real life as well! :-D

I just met a woman who seems really wonderful. We're going to get together some time soon, once she gets Thanksgiving out of the way (her words, not mine).

"Happy Thanksgiving," indeed! :loveya:

and I hope everything works out for you just the way you want. Happy Thanksgiving!

It's a shame we couldn't have made things work for us, but whatcha gonna do besides go on with your life?

Hope your holiday is going well, and that no goddamned freeper relatives insult you this year! :hi:

you're right, life does go on and I'm glad at least we're still on good terms and can be civil with each other. I've had a good day so far, wonderful family and no political talk. I'm stuffed to the point of gluttony, of course, but that's just par for the course!