Thanksgiving 2014

Dear Internet,

I was reminded today on Thanksgiving, at one of the family dinners so commonly experienced by all of us, of my blogging past - specifically during my time abroad in England.  While the blogging era has seemingly passed both for society and myself, I'm happy to continue the tradition of taking time to put into words what I'm thankful for each Thanksgiving.  And like many of you, I too have a tremendous amount of things to feel gratitude for.

With that intro, here's my list, in no particular order.

1. Good health - I feel very fortunate that I don't have physical or mental limitations to what I can do and want to pursue.
2. A new position at the Minneapolis Grain Exchange, and everyone who helped me get there.
3. Renewed respect for, and appreciation of, my work of counsel at my prior firm.
4. With number three in mind, the support of my former partner, Alan, as I transitioned to my new job.
5. For my spouse, Kate, who challenges me to not be complacent.
6. For my mom, Anne, who is always there.
7. For my dad, Paul, who is also always there (on that note, I'm thankful he emerged from his car accident in good health, and with a new tuba).
8. For my aunt Kerry and uncle Pat, who have shared with us their home and their pie.
9. For my cousin Mike, who reminds me to be myself.
10. For my cousins Lisa and Keith, and their kids Oliver, Henry, and August, who are a joy to become closer to.
11. For my sister and brother-in-laws, Kim and Erik, who are always so welcoming (and also good for a ski trip, fatbike ride, or emergency family dinner whiskey shot).
12. For my in-laws Vince and Sue, who let me be myself.
13. For all of my extended family, be they related by blood, marriage, or otherwise.
14. For my brother Benjamin, who is never more than a phone call or text away.  I'm very thankful for the long weekend we got to spend in Minneapolis this summer, which featured among other things, fixing a wall, watching a Twins game, nursing the worst hangover of my life, eating two pounds of pork steak, riding bikes, and listening to rock and roll outside - all of the very best things.
15. For my brother Scott, who is as present now as he was in elementary school.  One thing I'm thankful for this year are summer nights spent with him and Sara at their newish home, with nothing but good conversation to pass the time.
16. I'm thankful for all my other friends who mean so much to me, including but not limited to Kris, Michael, Travis, Emily, Emily, Mary, Emily, Sara, Sarah, Shivan, Hilary, Will, Kevin, Dave, Kevin, John, Courtnie, Steve, and Alex.
17. I'm thankful for my beloved Minnesota Twins, and summer nights spent under the stars at Target Field with a beer and a sausage.  I'm thankful for my friend Bruce, who is always good for baseball talk and a stiff drink.  Thankful for walkoff wins, home runs, pitching duels, and new faces.
18. Our house, which has mostly managed to keep itself in one piece throughout the year, plumbing blowouts and ice dams be damned.
19. To live in a community where I feel respected and valued - unlike many of those in our nation.
20. Chipotle - chicken burrito with white rice, black beans, the hot, the corn, sour cream, cheese, and lettuce.
21. For listening to vinyl records with good friends.
22. Whiskey.
23. To have attended the 2014 All-Star Game in Minneapolis.
24. Biking.  Whether tooling around town on my orange steed, training for the great divide on my Fargo, or floating over snow on my new fatbike, there's no other way I'd rather get myself from point A to point B - or just out and about.  Bikes are freedom.
25. For a great week spent exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, including my successful stare-down of a black bear.
26. Jazz.
27. My friend the dog, Basil.  He's always excited to do anything.
28. The smell of a pine forest.
29. Downhill skiing, and the opportunity to share that passion with family.  Highlights last year would be Kate embracing skiing, and three days spent ripping Vail and Beaver Creek with my dad.
30. The community and cast of characters at Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Apple Valley.  I'm even thankful for the Finance Committee.
31. For Pastor Kent, who always appears to have something wise to say.
32. The Farmington High School Mock Trial Program - extremely thankful for all of our students, and thankful for their dedication, hard work, and sense of fun.
33. Steak.
34. For getting rid of that shitty box spring and couch that have been littering our home and garage for two years.
35. Vegetables from our garden.
36. Star Wars Episode VII
37. Saturday morning coffee and donuts at the Angry Catfish.  I am thankful for Stephen, who I met as a salesperson, but now look forward to speaking with each week as a friend.
38. For fly fishing - the opportunity to learn a new challenge, the opportunity to be at peace in nature, and the opportunity to what feels like single-handedly support the neighborhood small business.  
39. Coffee.
40. Donuts, of all types.
41. Crisp, bluebird winter days.
42. Soccer games in Blaine.
43. Relaxing with a pipe.
44. The colour blue.
45. My friends, the Notters.  Not a second goes by (literally now - see item 46) where I don't think of you, 67 Homefield Road, or the experiences that forever bind us.  IX.
46. For first tattoos.
47. The chance to play the trombone.
48. For fine craft beer - preferably brewed here in Minnesota.
49. Clothing products made of wool - wool socks, wool vests, wool everything.
50. For intentionality, in all things.
51. Being able to bike to work.
52. Trading Kevin Love for Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett.  
53. Snow.
54. Shorts and sandals.
55. Twitter.
56. Music.
57. Seinfeld.
58. Leather bike saddles.
59. That feeling you get after a good workout.
60. Taprooms!
61. Adventure.

I'm thankful for all of the above, and a lot more.  I'd venture to say many of you have much to be thankful for as well.  I believe God has blessed me richly, and whatever god, spirit, feeling, or principle you choose to subscribe to, I'd venture to guess you've all been blessed as well.  Thanks for everything!