Just a small question here…

When you learned your American history what were the non-native Americans who attended the first thanksgiving called?

They were called Pilgrims.

So why is it President Obama needed – or felt the need - to call them European settlers? No other presidential Thanksgiving day proclamation in the last 12 years felt the need to specifically point out European, so what is so special about the distinction now?

Little by little this administration is trying to change the traditions and fundamental beliefs this country was founded on.

Thanksgiving is a very interesting holiday.

While originally a harvest festival, the event has turned into a day where people look at their lives and take stock of what they have.  Over the last several months I have really refrained from posting too many personal thoughts on the blog; however, I feel this is an appropriate time to share some thoughts.

I am thankful for (in no order) my:

• Wife
• Past failures and future successes
• Parents
• Job
• Friends who look out for me and provide direction in life
• My two cats, regardless of the fact that they drive me nuts
• Car – I mean, come on!
• Health
• Flexibility and options in life
• Access to information

This is the second day where the classic Deadwood quote come to mind: “No one gets out alive, Doc”

Sure, that sounds morbid for Thanksgiving wishes but the truth is that we, everyone, should be thankful for all that we have and we should be thankful every single day of our lives, not just one one day. All that we have, from life and friendship to material goods are precious gifts that can vanish in the blink of an eye.

I wish you all a happy thanksgiving. Even if you do not celebrate the holiday, I wish you the best on this day.

This isn’t going to be your typical “I am thankful for…” reflections on Thanksgiving post.  Let’s that that right out there.

As I age I find that Thanksgiving is the holiday I enjoy the most.  Not because I believe in the good ole myth that Pilgrims, way back in 1621, decided to pull up a log and have a gigantic feast the local Native Americans.  No, it’s really that the family seems to be much more relaxed with this holiday.

I enjoy this day simply due to having family and friends together without the pressures of forcing yourself to give a gift to someone simply because of a holiday.  I enjoy the stories of times past, regardless of the fact that I may have listened to it 18 time at this point. I enjoy the smell of freshly baked ham in my parent’s kitchen as my father runs in and out to the grill.  

Basically, I enjoy the experience – even when tempers get a bit hot.

Looking at the “Holiday Season” (Thanksgiving to New Years) also points out one of the biggest problems I have as a person trying to find their way in life.  I only can take so much – holidays or otherwise.

Yes, I enjoy and love my family and friend, but so many events take place between now and the New Year I want to simply lock myself “in the bunker” and not come out until everything is over.  Seriously – how many Christmas events do I need to go to?  

As much as I love seeing everyone, it is the very things I enjoy that end up putting me over the edge.  Come January 1st, the stories I enjoy so much on Thanksgiving will be as annoying as a giant zit that has happened to strategically placed itself on your left ass cheek and doesn’t want to go away.  Come January 1st, I’ll be so sick of ham, sausage, and fowl of all types I will want to go vegetarian, and come January 1st I will be leading the charge when it comes to flaring tempers.

But I digress…

I hope you enjoy your time with you family, if you celebrate Thanksgiving or not, and be thankful for everyday for what you have – not one specific day.