Thanksgiving 2015

Dear Internet,

Each year on Thanksgiving, I strive to make a list of those things I am thankful for.  I don't look at the previous years' list, nor is it intended to be exhaustive.  I find that by sitting down and being mindful, I am better able to appreciate this special day.  In many ways, this list is more for me than for others, so that I can remember just how blessed I am.  Therefore, in no particular order, here is this years' list.

1. Good health, save for a troublesome tooth.  More than that, I am thankful for an active body and lifestyle, which enriches life in so many ways.
2. My very pleasant spouse and adventure partner Kate - she's great.
3. All of my family - mom, dad, aunt, uncle, cousins, in-laws, siblings-in-law, etc.  I think it is easy to be ungrateful and take family for granted, and it's always a challenge to appreciate people in the midst of our busy lives.  But I want everyone to know that I love and appreciate you all very, very much!
4. My coterie of very good friends, who I really don't see as any different from the family listed above - a few that come to mind are Benjamin, Scott, Kris, Michael, Alex, John, Sarah, Sara, Emily, Shivan, Travis, Erik, Hilary, Mary, Katie, Corey, Josh, Steve, and Kevin.  If you're not on the list, I'm thankful for you too!
5. Tacos - specifically with carnitas.
6. Matt's Bar, the Town Hall Tap, and Northbound Smokehouse.
7. My very good friend Basil the greyhound - what a delightful roommate and astute companion.
8. For the feeling I get when I ride my bike anywhere - the feeling of unlimited freedom.
9. Star Wars - teenage Aaron would be so proud of what present Aaron has become.  So excited to see the next chapter of a story that has been such a constant source of comfort and narrative of ... HOLY SHIT HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEW TRAILER?!?!
10. An adventurous odyssey across the American West and central Idaho by mountain bike, car, and a whole lot of Grand Teton Brewing 208 Ale.  
11. For gainful employment, the opportunity to gain experience, and the prospect of a new chapter.
12. Whiskey - all of the whiskey.
13. Friends who are on new adventures of their own, whatever they may be.
14. Whenever my garage door opener works
15. Important people - a person who comes to mind is my high school band director, who is retiring this year after 30 years of teaching at Farmington High School.
16. Speaking of Farmington, for the students of the FHS mock trial program and all their successes.
17. The fact that I didn't need to get a stronger eyeglass prescription.
18. Celebrating the marriage of friends - Hilary and Brendan, Andrew and Danielle.
19. For somehow surviving the aforementioned marriage of Andrew and Danielle, and the Catholic youth minister that did his best to fell me.
20. A community where I feel safe, that accommodates plentiful bike traffic and provides opportunities to get outside.
21. Minnesota River Bottoms - don't pave it!
22. The faith community at Christus Victor Lutheran - I've particularly enjoyed being able to be on the church council and sing in the choir.
23. For the Wednesday evening gatherings after choir, discussing the world and our lives over beer and sweet potato fries.
24. Kevin Kooienga's instagram - long may we live vicariously through him!
25. Nottingham, and the IX.
26. The trombone - its sonorous tone, glorious projection, and the sheer joy of playing.
27. Lazy summer nights at Target Field with the Minnesota Twins.
28. Bruce, my jedi master who taught me that I can do anything until someone proves I can't.
29. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, and the promise of a pending adventure.
30. Pizza.
31. The menthol/teatree shampoo that Uncle Pat recommended to me.
32. Records on the turntable and a glass of Surly Abrasive.
33. Snow.
34. Skiing - doesn't really matter whether its Welch Village with my mom and Kate, or Alta with my dad.  Any day on the slopes is better than a day elsewhere.
35. Fly fishing trips and master classes with Tom, and adventures in muck with Erik - of course, always topped off by Wisconsin's finest beer and cheese curds.  
36. Coffee in a mug.
37. Well made and well worn leather goods.
38. Paying off credit card debt.
39. Weekends spent with friends.
40. Leaving work early to go outside on a perfect summer day.
41. Spur of the moment stuff.
42. Colourful wool socks.
43. A trip to San Francisco, complete with baseball, oysters, and trolley riding.
44. Taking a ski lesson at Alta, and learning something new.
45. Having the strength to stand up for myself.
46. Those times when you laugh so hard you can't breathe.
47. The friendly folks and conversation at Angry Catfish Bicycle and Coffee Bar.
48. Even numbers.

Again, by no means did I capture everything I am thankful for.  The more you think about it, you realize that you should have gratitude for everything.

I hope everyone has a contemplative and peaceful Thanksgiving!