You know, it’s pretty damn easy to complain about your job. I mean, I never do that…I’m just sayin’. I know people who do.

However, in today’s world (Yuck, how sick are we all of hearing that? Please forgive me.) those of us who have a job should probably just shut the frick up and be thankful we aren’t in the unemployment line.

I’m thankful for my job, a job that allows me to do a lot of the things I love to do (work wise), and also allows me to pay my bills. And go shopping. Sometimes.

Today I’m thankful for movie dates with my mama. We have them as often as we can, and although sometimes we meet at the theater, watch the movie, and leave each other – it’s still some of my favorite quality time with her.

My poor friends. They have to listen to me run my mouth constantly. Some days, I don’t envy them at all. (Mr. T’s voice just said, “I pity the fool!” in my head.)

Have you ever thought about where you would be without your friends? Mine have gotten me through some rough minutes, days and months. They have made me laugh, encouraged me, loved me and listened to me. We’ve been through elementary school (and middle and high, too), college, weddings, divorces, births, deaths – you name it. We’re a walking Lifetime movie. And, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I’m (so, so, so) thankful for my friends. My wonderful, giving, brave, intelligent and hilarious friends.

A little feel good theme song for ya.

p.s. My birthday is coming up. Just sayin‘.

Last weekend, I saw some of my most favorite people whilst tailgating at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. It was such a good time, in fact, that I forgot all about car break-ins and other day-to-day woes.

Who invented tailgating, anyway? Such a genius, that guy. (Wait, it was probably a woman.) I mean, you show up early, consume a whole bunch of food (and alcohol, if that’s your thing), enjoy the fall temperatures while the guys watch football games on a flat screen (that’s how we roll, anyways) and the gals swap recipes and chat. And, did I mention the eating part?

Yes. For Diet Coke. That’s about all I can give you today, as Ben’s car was broken into while parked in my driveway last night. Laptop and iPod gone. (I gave him the iPod for Christmas last year. Sigh.) That criminal better be glad I didn’t hear him in my driveway. He would’ve carried away a “load” of something else in his pants.

That said, today I am thankful for Diet Coke. Diet Coke makes me happy.

Blackberry Messenger:
Me: Do you think it’s time to have your pilot light turned on when you’re wearing a scarf inside your house?
Ben: Yes.

Conversation with Rebekah:
Me: I need to have my gas turned on, but it’s so expensive that I have been holding out.
Rebekah: I’m in the same boat, my friend.
Me: Last night I wore velour pants, socks, a long sleeved shirt to sleep…and piled two blankets on top of my comforter.
Rebekah: Oh, I’ve got you beat. I wore a shirt, a sweatshirt, pants, socks…and had a quilt over my down comforter on the bed. And, I was still cold.

Seriously. How did people make it without central heat and air? I’m not exactly strong enough to chop wood, so I’d be pretty screwed if I had to do that to keep warm. I’m thankful as heck for the thermostat in my hallway.

Last week, one of my work colleagues was on vacation – and it was no vacation for me. I didn’t realize how much I needed her around to help keep me sane, but now that I know…I will likely sabotage any leave request she ever submits.

I’m thankful for co-workers who are hard working and fun – a rare combination.

Amendments. They can improve upon life’s “whoops, we need to correct that” moments.

As I cast my ballot today, I am thankful for the 19th Amendment. I can’t imagine living in a country where women are prohibited from voting, and God willing – I’ll never have to.

I’m thankful for my immediate family only being an hour away from where I live. (And that they aren’t 5 minutes from where I live. I mean, a little absence makes the heart grow fonder…on both our accounts.)

Last year, I gave myself a little Thanksgiving project. I wrote down one thing I was thankful for every day in November, with the intent of posting the entire list on my blog at the end. Turns out, my “thankful list” was a bit too personal (even for me) to post. This year, I’ve decided to keep my “thankfuls” a little more light-hearted…and share them with you daily.

December will be back to normal on this blog, but for November, I present to you: The Thanksgiving Project