Unexpected Thanksgiving

I had an unexpected visit from a friend tonight (actually today, if you're in a different time zone). He came down from San Francisco to visit his relatives and stopped by our pad to say hello. It was after midnight and I was in the midst of cranking out WOW!'s holiday gift guide, and still am. With so much on my plate (and unfortunately, I'm talking work, not food!), it's hard to stop for a moment and just be. I have so many commitments and people to please online that sometimes I forget about myself.

At first, I was a little irritated by the unexpected visit. My mind was wrapped up in deadlines and I knew that any socializing would be a setback. But as I switched gears, I suddenly felt relieved, and recognized what was truly important. This was my hubby's best friend in the world, and a good friend of mine too. And I missed him. I can't remember how long it's been. We slipped into conversation like it was yesterday. He showed me the latest window displays he'd created for Saks Fifth Avenue in SF. We chatted about friends, family, love, work, and everything under the sun. And it was good. As he left, I asked him, "So, considering Thanksgiving, what do you have to be thankful for?" The first thing he said was, "Health..." Then he said, "Friends and family..." And we gave him a big hug goodbye.

After he left, I thought about what I was thankful for. So many things came to mind. The first two that he mentioned were also my first choices. My health. My friends and family. I'm also thankful for the many wonderful women I've met through WOW!--interns, columnists, readers, and those I've come to know through the site as personal friends. All of you are special in every way.

I'm also thankful for simple things: having a roof over my head, my relationship with my cat, my long straight hair that never has a bad hair-day (it can't do anything else but be straight!), and the beautiful days and nights here in Southern California.

I'm thankful for being able to write something and have it heard by others. Writing is definitely a gift for all that choose to use it. Many times, we focus on the negative things in our lives and what we need to improve, but today, I'd like to hear what you appreciate--writing or otherwise.

So, what are you thankful for?