Mmmm...tryptophan rush. *snore*

Another year, another Thanksgiving. This year, we've been blessed to have not only the usual crew of Mom, Grandma and Erich, but also Mike and Em, my sister, her husband and their little ball of fire, Elliott. It was another holiday full of food, festivities and more Guitar Hero II.

What? Ya'll may celebrate with football, but we do video games around here.

So now it's my annual list of things to be thankful for in 2006. We all know the usual stuff -- good health, good friends, good family, roof over our heads, decent jobs and good eats, but here's some not-so-major things to give thanks for:

Rico. Gen Con. Kilts. Ally and Jenna for being the two sweetest girls ever. Eric and Karrie for showing us how to juggle two kids, two careers and a dog. Sushi. Indian food. Good books. Hot bubble baths with a cold drink and a good book. A well-written sentence. A well-written paragraph. Kindness in the least expected moments. A finely crafted martini. Daniel Craig as Bond. Being able to have enough room and space to host friends and family for Thanksgiving. Jeff for everything (and even the things that drive me insane). The fact that after 12 years, the Democrats finally took control of Congress (now lets see if they can do anything with it). Stella for being my favorite sister (OK, my only one, but who's counting?). Guitar Hero II. Nintendo Wii (so want one for Christmas). Dan for being a good husband to said favorite sister. Elliott for being a big screaming ball of intensity. Afternoon naps. Sleeping in on weekends. Mom and Grandma for helping clean up after we made a mess cooking dinner in the kitchen. Mike and Em's sarcastic banter. Erich's pies. Keidra for being a good writing partner and partner in crime. Raizel's hugs. Sims 2. Ugly Betty. U2. Being idealistic but also pragmatic at the same time. Alan's urge to push every button. Eva's mad costuming skills. Scharffen Berger chocolates. A nice sunny day. Zonk's willingness for us to pick on him. Katie's urge to cut off her foot. Bloggers like Shasta, Sid, Michelle, Dooce, Jon and a host of others who are witty, funny and smart. Something Positive. Order of the Stick. Flintlocke. World of Warcraft. Joe's Nerdcore. Abby's hyper sweetness. Brian's drink-making skilz. Kat's poise. Pants with an elastic waist. Turtles. Culver's pumpkin shakes. Being able to run around naked in your house without fear of being seen by a roommate or neighbor. Having the right song come on your iPod at the right moment. The Red campaign. Jeff's parents for being so kind to us all these years. Rumsfeld is out. Gregg and Susan for FINALLY GETTING MARRIED NEXT YEAR! Richie and Mareah's wedding in PuertoBucco di Beppo in Indianapolis and us being "That Table." Warm fall days where you can enjoy the leaves changing colors. Sturdy wool coats and warm leather gloves. Britney FINALLY dumping K-Fed.

I think that's pretty much it right now. Or at least everything that can come to my turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, wild rice stew, green been casserole addled brain. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!