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Thursday
22 November 2001
Thanksgiving
 

 
Matthew had the brilliant idea that we should spend Thanksgiving with both of our families, attending his mother's family's large Thanksgiving meal at 2 and then hopping in the car to make my father's meal at 5.
 

 
But sarcasm aside, the day was lovely (if not exhausting) and we were treated to a magnificent sunset. Matthew had wanted to leave at 8:30 in the morning to pick up his sister and father at 9 and arrive at his family's gathering by 10:30. I said, "Do you have any idea how long the day is going to be?" and so we left later and arrived after noon.
 

 
I've done quite a good job of memorizing his family members' names, but confronting two dozen of them at once was quite overwhelming. I spent most of the time chatting with one teenage boy who is working to survive adolesence.
 

 
I am thankful that I have this diary to record what I am thanksful for.

I am thankful that you have stopped by a read a bit, making me feel heard.

I am thankful that a kind soul gave me server space for this beast of a site.

I am thankful that two families wanted me to join in their festivities.

I am thankful that I have my health, and that all my friends and family are doing well.

I am thankful to be so untouched by recent world events.

I am thankful that I grew up in a country where I was not persecuted for my gender, religion, or color.

I am thankful that I am madly in love with someone who is madly in love with me, and that the four years we have dated have gone by without major incident.
 

 
I am thankful that I have an apartment to go home to.

I am thankful that I found a job I enjoy, though it doesn't quite cover my rent after taxes, so I am afraid it will be a short-lived job.

I am thankful that I have passions that amuse and delight me.

I am thankful to all of the people who have helped me in my obsessive persuit of my family tree.
 

 
I am thankful for the beauty I find in the world.

I am thankful for the people who allow me to call them friend.

I am thankful that my family makes an effort to come together for the holidays.

I am thankful for having so many people I could go to if I needed help.

I am thankful that I can communicate.

I am thankful for living on such a wonderous planet.
 

 
I am thankful for the beautiful sunset I witnessed this evening...