Giving Thanks

I've been meaning, for a fortnight now, to do a post giving thanks (of the non-bird-killing-variety). Recently, my life has turned into a vast and mapless wonderland. And especially during weeks like this one (it's nearing the end-of the semester, people), any sense of gratitude I have is beaten to death by its natural predators (plagues of self-doubt, uncertainty and painful neighbors).

But today, I'm thankful for old friends. Especially for this old friend - for his patience, wit, humor and persistent wonderfulness. Without you, I might still have made it through the terrible times, but I'd be in significantly worse shape. And certainly, without you, my life would be a lot less fun, a lot less engaging.

It would have fewer birds, less Ogden Nash and no Richard Armour or Peter Sellers.

Without you, my mind would not know The Old Man and Mr. Smith.

And I would have grown up without knowing  this gem:

I would also know a lot less dirty jokes and terrible puns and pick up lines than I do now.

In other words, I'm thankful for you this holiday season.
And so this holiday season, here's to being friends for a long, long time.