It’s Black Friday. Where were you at 5 a.m.?

Me? I was at home in bed. And not one of the thousands of people who got up at the crack of dawn to go shopping.

I’ve never really understood the whole Black Friday thing. I like to shop as much as the next woman (okay, maybe more), but there’s nothing that I want or need bad enough to get out of bed at 4 a.m. No matter how on sale it is.

What about you? Do you get up at 4 a.m. to go shopping? Inquiring minds want to know …

Things I have to be grateful for this Thanksgiving:

1. My family, significant other, and friends.

2. My health and general well-being, and that of those I love.

3. The kindness, generosity, and valor of others, whether it’s the troops overseas, police and firemen here at home, or the woman at the mall who holds the door open for you when your arms are full of bags.

4. The fact that my dream of being a published author came true this year. Well, sort of. The book won’t be out until May 2007, but it’s in the works right now. 

Realizing a dream is a wonderful thing. I hope everyone gets to experience it in their lifetime, especially if you’re a writer. There’s nothing better than getting that call when an agent or editor tells you that you sold your first book. Here’s to my agent, Kelly, for believing in Karma Girl and making it happen.

5. The little things in life, from sleeping late to finding an extra $20 in my jeans’ pocket to eating Mom’s turkey on Thanksgiving. Little things mean more than you think.

What about you? What are you grateful for this year? Inquiring minds want to know …

Out of all the holidays on the calendar, Thanksgiving is definitely my favorite. 

It’s about three things — food, family, and football — and it’s one of the simplest holidays around. All you have to do is cook a little bit (or a lot if you like), show up for the family shindig, eat too much, and spend the rest of the afternoon on the sofa in a semi-comatose state watching grown men fight over a football.

It’s perfect. 

There are no presents or cards or chocolates to buy at Thanksgiving. Nothing to wrap, no gift receipts to keep up with, no crowds to fight at the mall (although I would advise you to go to the grocery store early this week). It’s practically stress-free, especially if you’re only making a few dishes like me.

I also just like the idea of taking a day to reflect on the many things that I have to be grateful for, instead of worrying whether my significant other will like the sweater I bought him for Christmas. (Probably not). Or how many family gatherings I can hit on Christmas Eve (current record is three). 

What about you? Do you like Thanksgiving? Or are you already thinking about Christmas? Inquiring minds want to know …