Since it's Thanksgiving..

It's not like I need Thanksgiving to express gratitude for the many wonderful things in my life. But when the going gets a little tough, as it has these days, it can't hurt to remind yourself of why life is (mostly) good. And if you're dunking yourself in some good ol' American festive spirit, that can only help matters, right?

So here it is. I am thankful for:

1. My family. My wonderful parents, who make themselves all the more lovable as I see how hard they try to do right by me. And of course, my baby brother who's growing up way too fast for my good.

2. My friends. With every year, I appreciate you all much more than I ever have. Thank you for being you.

3. Roti, kapda aur makaan. (Special emphasis on the first, mind you) I could have been out on the streets on an empty stomach, like millions of other people across the world. But the only time I come close to looking like a homeless, undernourished (not unclothed even then, thank God) woman is when work takes over my life.

4. Roommates and friends who cook. Getting down to specifics now, we are. I'm glad someone in my house likes to cook and feed my insatiable appetite (all the while making fun of me for being perpetually hungry, but that's okay). I'm even more glad that we have an arrangement that lets me indulge in my Obsessive Cleaning Disorder. You cook, I clean. We're good.

5. Musically inclined neighbours. I'd like to say musically talented, but that would be an overstatement. Either way, dear neighbour, know that someone in the next building is glad for the entertainment while sitting buried in piles of work. Know that you make me happy, and if you ever hear a high-pitched nasal voice singing along out of nowhere, don't be alarmed. It's just me trying to keep up.

6. Laughter and smiles. When someone laughs out loud, whether in the next room, on the train, or on the street, it makes me smile. I love laughing, and anyone who can make me laugh is instantly my best friend. And oh, I'm very generous with my smiles. So, if I ever meet you in real life, don't be alarmed at my constant grinning. That's just me being me.

7. Music, books, movies. I am grateful for books that are their own world, for movies that make for a good escape, and for music, my constant companion. By extension, I also thank Apple for coming up with the iPod. And I'm not too sure I like the Kindle idea.

8. Hugs and kisses. Enough said.

9. The constant moving about. I grew up in a big city, moved to a small town, and then to an entirely new country altogether. I hope this goes on for a while; it's amazing how much it can teach you.

10.The somebodys I used to know. You left amidst hurt and anger, accusations and frustration. But you left. Thank you for the good times. But more importantly, thank you for leaving. I would have never known this was the right thing for us.

There are so many more things I could list here. But I like even numbers, and multiples of ten.

Happy thanksgiving, all.