Thanksgiving-a time to give thanks, or to make people feel better for taking things for granted the rest of the year?
Whether it’s just another national holiday or an annual guilt-fest, Turkey Day has been a ritual among many American families. Surrounded by those we love and are accustomed to, we stuff ourselves and bask in the glow of holiday spirit. Even if some call it a holiday from Hades, we are all reminded of the gifts in our lives as we look back on a year full of things to be delighted about.
Thanksgiving-the time people are grateful for everyday occurrences, faces and experiences. But I honestly am appreciative for these things throughout the year. So I’ve decided that this Thursday I’m going to show my gratitude toward those unique things this year that have touched me.
First, a big “Thank You” to professional sports for making this one of the spiciest years in athletics. The year started off perfectly with the Super Bowl fiasco, proving that skin is definitely in, and then the Monday Night Football commercial dared to show audiences a female’s bare back. Love it!
Basketball and the NBA took a different approach, choosing to add more violence to its programming, rather than sex. With the wonderful brawl occurring last week among the Pistons, the Pacers, the fans and a cup, I fully support changing the organization’s name to the National Bar-fight Association.
A sincere merci to the candidates in this year’s election. We laughed, we cried and we watched as the characters developed in this powerful drama about corruption, cat fights and power. “Dallas” never had it so good. Sure, we failed to realize it was more reality TV special than sweeps programming, but isn’t the fact that we were entertained and amused more important? Sure it is.
I also cannot think of 2004 without being thankful for the little things-events such as the MSU vs. Tulane game, the MSU vs. Florida game and the MSU vs. Kentucky game.
I am so happy this is the year pop culture reigned. We anticipated the nuptials of J.Lo and Ben, only to find her marry another. Then we were shocked at the surprise Britney wedding, only to find her annul that one and move on to another.
Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson showed us the lighter side of marriage, and Jessica made us all feel a little bit smarter while doing so. Oh the joys, oh the madness, oh the fun!
Last, but not least, I really must say a special “Thank you,” to my coworkers who make work fun, to my friends who make life bearable, to my family members who make loving easy and to all MSU fans, faculty and students who make being at State an interesting, if not the best, time of my life.
It’s been a heck of a year, guys. Thanks.