Every day I look around me, and I do thank heaven for a whole lot of cool stuff in my life. Not enough time or keystrokes to list it all, but today's list includes:

Mike, always. My best friend, my life partner, and my favorite person to wake up with in the morning. This morning, the coffee was ready because he set it up last night; he gets bonus points. (Yes, I'm wicked grateful for coffee.)

My family, who are fun and cool and bright, and who love me despite my failings (which are many). Mom called last night to wish me happy Thanksgiving. :-) She beat me to the punch (my calls get made after the stuffing is done).

The friends in my life who add spice and meaning; they have laughed with (and sometimes at) me and helped me with so many things over the years. I really, really dig friends.

Some neat acquaintances, here and elsewhere, whose zest and interests and comments and sharing of life's amusements makes it all more amusing.

A good, steady job with fewer annoyances than in previous years.

Some of the most interesting students anyone could ask for.

My bluer-than-blue state, where men and women have choices about who they may formally bond to.

My nation, which has proved to the world that a child of color can grow up to be president of the U.S.

Enough to eat, warm clothing, a comfortable house, a bed with flannel sheets. And I'm still grateful for coffee...of which there is, alas, no more.

And, since my flu isn't quite gone, I'm thankful for Halls and Kleenex. :-)