Turkey Day!

I know: How dare I mess with your sense of time by sending out an email on THURSDAY!

Waiting until AFTER Thanksgiving to send a thoughtful wish seemed out of place, though. So I humbly beg your forgiveness for throwing you off.

As you might guess, there won’t be a shell drop this week. (Again, I wish I could adjust the header to reflect the change. But unless you want to start paying for subscriptions, that isn’t an option)

Instead, I choose to reflect on some things I am thankful for on this traditional day of stuffing ourselves sick with delicious food. (Or at least pretending to so we don’t alarm the friends and family surrounding us who’ve been blessed with functional GI systems)

(I got the idea from the lovely Rachel León, who is hosting a giveaway. If you don’t already read her Pub Cheerleader—which you SHOULD—this is your incentive to do so!)

1. All of you wonderful readers. The likes and comments—here or via email—make my day. It encourages me to keep up this writing exercise that I love. (Some days more than others) Playing with new forms and seeing your responses fires my imagination like nothing else. Without you, I would be—well, shouting into a void. (Not quite as fun)

2. My beloved Minions: Squeak, Tonks, Juniper, and Ekko. Without those furry monsters coming in to interrupt me throughout the day, I could easily forget to step away from the computer and stretch. I’d also lose chances to laugh, roll my eyes, and smile—when I most need them.

3. Though it pains me to admit it, the accomplished physicians in my life. (Only the accomplished ones, though) They take the time to listen to me in appointments, don’t roll their eyes (much), and are always willing to TRY. Maybe it’s taken years to find them, but I don’t begrudge the journey (much).

4. In a weird, sadistic way, my body. Because I can say that life is never boring. Will I wake up in pain? Numb? Freezing? Hot? (Just kidding—I’m never hot) Am I going to require assistance getting dressed? Is it going to be one of those days where pajamas are the go-to fashion? Will I beat my previous ibuprofen record? Or will I surprise even myself and manage to be a functional human being? It’s always a roll of the dice. And not many people get to say that. (Yes, today is one of those semi-good days, which is the only reason I’m writing this)

5. Is it a cliche? Probably. But without Tim, I’d be an utter disaster. (No, really—the man has been helping me put on a bra since my frozen shoulder kicked in!) Everyone needs that one person who puts up with their shit—real, imagined, and hysterical—and still wants to be around them for the ridiculous laughter. And if they’re willing to cheer on their wildest dreams, all the better.

I’m not stealing Rachel’s thunder by offering a contest. But if you want to share one or two things you’re thankful for this year, I’d love to hear them. Pop them in the comments.

Because, honestly, who DOESN’T need to hear some positivity these days?

(I promise I’ll be back to proper form next week!)