For every breath, for every day of living - this is my Thanksgiving.

There's been this "thing" going around Facebook regarding giving daily thanks during the month of November. While I don't doubt that there are 30 things that I am thankful for, it's not quite my style to share my actual thanks with people that are mostly acquaintances or ex-students. If word got around that I actually have a soft side - a side that does things like "give thanks" and share feelings - my reputation would be ruined. And I absolutely can't have that happen.

So, in the spirit of "the Facebook challenge" but with a smaller, more intimate audience, I would like to officially declare my "thanks" of 2009.

I am thankful for the following:

• J and Danger - As a trial run to test out my maternal instincts, I don't think I've done too bad with them. If they are any indication of what having twin boys would be like, however, it looks like I'll have one stupid gay kid and one anti-social lazy-ass.
• Family - While I don't see them as much as I should (being within a 5 mile radius of them and all), it is nice to know that they're there. And the occasional free meals are pretty boss.
• Friends - Leaving behind my core group of friends in LA was devastating, and I haven't been the best at keeping in touch with them. But knowing that I once had such a strong support system of close friends is hope for the future. And I have a few friends here that are towing the line pretty solidly.
• Job - I am one of the few people I know who has TWICE moved without knowing that a job was waiting at the destination. And while technically I got my current job before I trekked cross-country, I did put in my notice and begin the process of relocation before I even had a hint of a job. So I'm pretty thankful for my stellar good luck in the employment department.
• Health - As bad as I have been to my body, this has been a great year for me. Not only did I lose 30 pounds, but my glucose, cholesterol, bmi, and blood pressure are all within healthy ranges. And although I almost completely chopped off the side of my pinky, it's healed well and I am still whole. Success.

And while I am listing things I am thankful for, let's not forget the little things that make each day bearable:

• On-Demand - I can't rave about it enough. Genius.
• Cheez-Its - Quite possibly the best in-bed snack ever.
• Happy Hour - What would motivate to work all week if I didn't think a sweet, tasty beverage was waiting for me on Friday?
• Mix CDs - I received 10 quality mix cds this year, all which have a guaranteed spot in my daily music rotation.
• Healthy Choice - Takes all of the guess work out of what to eat for lunch.
• 8th graders - They're pretty cute, and super respectful. Now if they would just hit puberty, their voices might be tolerable.
• Internet - Seriously, what would I do with, like, 3 hours of each day if I couldn't stalk people online or google ridiculous questions I have?
• Snuggling - Not as overrated as I once believed.

And while I am sure that there are infinitely more things to be thankful for, right now I'm just thankful to be alive, and that I only have one more day of work this week.