Thankful

Thankful

   So here I am resting in my sofa; wife and daughter by my side and watching a Netflix movie. We're all stuffed with turkey and my wife's favorite soup --- ox tail with chinese bok choy.

   We had guests earlier but they've already gone shopping or gone back home. Another batch is coming a bit later but for now it's all quiet in the home front. I'm looking at the clock and it's almost midnight. This TGIF email is about to launch. Just have enough time to put my final thoughts.

   There are many things I am thankful for: my family, my home, my friends, my faith, my health, my country, my job, my abilities, the technology, God, nature, things I can laugh at, things I can cry about, etc. Can you relate? One thing I realize that is essential to be thankful for anything is the abiliity to remember. Do people who suffer from dementia remember what they are thankful for?

   Last year we visited someone who suffers from dementia. It was sad. I wondered what it would be like to loose my memory. How difficult would that be? But then again, i realized it was sad for us because we knew what she was missing. But was it sad for her? If you don't know what you are missing, how could you be aware of that loss?

    Our memories are such a precious gift from God. Before I lose mine, I want to be sure I give my thanks to everyone I appreciate.A few people have told me how much they enjoy this email I send out. Well, it actually works both ways. So, here's what I wanted to say to you today this Thanksgiving weekend --- Thank you for reading my emails and being part of my Friday fun. TGIF people!

Wisdom from Tom of Pasadena, CA

Internet went down and I had to spend time with family. They seem like nice people.

November Insight
Contributed by Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

Things I Learned Living in Redneck Country
Contributed by Naomi of North Hollywood

My apologies to the Hillbillies among us. We know you're not all like this. --- Raoul

A possum is a flat animal that sleeps in the middle of the road.

There are 5,000 types of snakes and 4,998 of them live in Redneck Country.

There are 10,000 types of spiders.
All 10,000 of them live in Redneck Country,
plus a couple no one's seen before.

If it grows, it'll stick ya.
If it crawls, it'll bite cha.

"Onced" and "Twiced" are words.

It is not a shopping cart,
it is a buggy!

"Jawl-P"? means, "Did you all go to the bathroom?"

People actually grow, eat and like okra.

"Fixinto" is one word. It means "I'm going to do that".

There is no such thing as lunch.
There is only dinner ... and then there's supper.

Iced tea is appropriate for all meals and you start drinking it when you're two.
We do like a little tea with our sugar. It is referred to as the Wine of Redneck Country.

Backwards and forwards means I know everything about you.

The word "jeet" is actually a question meaning,
'Did you eat?'

You don't have to wear a watch, because it doesn't matter what time it is --- you work until you're done or it's too dark to see.

You don't PUSH buttons, you MASH em.

"Y’all" is singular. "All y’all" is plural.

All the festivals across Redneck Country are named after a fruit, vegetable, grain, insect, or animal.

You carry jumper cables in your car – for your OWN car.

You only own five spices: salt, pepper, mustard, Tabasco and ketchup.

The local papers cover national and international news on one page, but require 6 pages for local high school sports, the motor sports, and gossip.

Everyone you meet is a Honey, Sugar, Miss (first name) or Mister (first name).

You think that the first day of deer season is a national holiday.

You know what a hissy fit is.

Fried catfish is the other white meat.

We don't need no dang Driver's Ed. If our mama says we can drive, WE CAN DRIVE!!!

You understand these jokes and forward them to your Redneck friends and those who just wish they were from this area.

AND one more:
Why did the chicken cross the road?

To show that stupid possum that it CAN be done!

Perspectives: Reasons to be Thankful
Contributed by Joji of Antipolo, Philippines

FOR THE WIFE ...
who says it's Hot Dogs tonight ...
Because she is home with me, and not out with someone else

FOR THE HUSBAND ...
who is on the sofa being a couch potato ...
Because he is home with me, and not out at the bars.

FOR THE TEENAGER ...
who is complaining about doing dishes ...
Because it means she is at home and not on the streets.

FOR THE TAXES I PAY ...
because it means I am employed.

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY ...
because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG ...
because it means I have enough to eat.

FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK ...
because it means I am out in the sunshine.

FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING ...
because it means I have a home.

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT ...
because it means I have freedom of speech.

FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT ...
because it means I am capable of walking and I have been blessed with transportation.

FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL ...
because it means I am warm.

FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY ...
because it means I can hear.

FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING ...
because it means it means I have clothes to wear.

FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY...
because it means it means I have been capable of working hard.

FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS ...
because it means I am alive.

AND FINALLY, FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL ...
because it means I have friends who are thinking of me.

Live well, Laugh often, & Love with all of your heart.
HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING!

Videos of the week:

Do All Country Music Sound Alike?
Contributor: Charlie of New Jersey

Anxiex

Understanding Millenials
Contributor: Charlie of New Jersey

Have you donated to your favorite charity lately? How about giving to the Millenial International Society? Never heard of them? Watch this video and get your checkbooks ready. Those guys need our help too. TGIF people! Happy Thanksgiving!