Not liking the American values regarding this time too much right now so before I give thanks let me assert the following:
The creep of consumerism is unabated. Allegedly in a recession, Americans move "Black Friday" further up into what once was hallowed Thanksgiving time... Bad enough that idiots would get up at 4am to buy anything but now I believe it is starting at Midnight. In 5 years, we will be having Thanksgiving Lunch and then everyone will disperse from the table and go to a fucking store---to spend money that they don't have on crap that they don't need. The message of the first TGiving---appreciation, cooperation, setting aside differences and coming together over a meal, sharing gifts etc. is dangerously becoming absent amongst the futile pursuit of filling the hole in our soul with material goods. Constantly getting without giving pollutes our hearts, minds and souls. Stop it.
NOW....
I have a lot to gripe and be dissatisfied about. But....
I am thankful for my upbringing in a family that loved and accepted me even when I gave them ample reasons not too.
I am thankful for having a few people in my life I can count on...for almost anything. Lonliness is a sickness that cannot be cured via a prescription or visit to a health care provider.
I am thankful for being alive...when many others who may have deserved it more no longer are.
I am thankful for entertainment of many sorts. The feeling of anticipation can be lost with age. Enjoyment of the arts and sports hangs on. Thankfully.
I am thankful for young people. They aren't so jaded and this infects me and makes me feel better.
I am thankful for some wonderful memories. Alzheimer's may be the most existentially repulsive disease as it erases your entire life.
Other things shallowly relevant: naked girls under 30, PS 3 and Madden 11, coffee, crock pots,
a paycheck, cigarettes (still), high def TV's.....not exactly proud of those but,,,,oh well.
Happy Thanksgiving! Don't buy anything.
