This Thanksgiving, I am thankful that:
1) I can take an elevated train rather than a subway to work;
2) I have flexible work hours;
3) Since taking this new job working for the City Colleges of Chicago in August, I have already made more money by Thanksgiving than I would have made teaching composition courses at UIC until next summer;
4) I get to hang out with Emilio for a couple hours every weekday morning and the two of us get to spend the whole day together at least two days a week;
5) Mari and I are able to leave Emilio at home in trusted, loving hands when we are at work;
6) Despite my busy schedule I am still able to go to the movies on a regular basis;
7) I have finally been given the go-ahead to assemble a working dissertation committee, I have given that committee “near final” drafts of 60% of my dissertation, and the committee is giving me encouragement;
8) Long silences have not diminished my best friendships;
9) The Cowboys are winning;
10) I have enjoyed victories, laughs, thoughtful conversations, good meals and good performances;
11) I have learned a thing or two about myself, the world, and the people I love;
12) I have Emilio;
13) And I have Mari.
