My sweet friend Margie sent this to me earlier this week. Happy Thanksgiving!

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I Am Thankful…

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
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 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
We 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
I have clothes to wear.

For weariness and aching muscles
At the end of the day
Because 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.

Let me just say that if I hear the word “diva” one more time, I might have to end it all. This is an awful word to describe any type of woman, whether its intention is to flatter or insult.

No more!

Omaha voters have selected Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” for the 2006 Omaha Reads program.

I’m pleased to report that we scored two tickets to the Feb. 20 Coldplay show (with Fiona Apple) at the Qwest Center. Cost: around 120 bucks. I’m extremely surprised at how easy tickets were to purchase online. We were given two tickets the first time we logged onto Ticketmaster. Nice.

Taken by my sister during our visit to California (and Disneyland) last month.

Here’s me celebrating all the wonder and excitement (not to mention the alcohol) of Halloween at our party this year. (I went as a butterfly, if you’re wondering.)

Photo by Chris Machian.

This blog has become recreational (online) reading for a gal who loves a good fashion fix every now and again. (Thanks, Molly!)

My sleeping pattern has been thrown off something horrible this past week. It started when I saw Bright Eyes and Spoon Friday night. Amazing performances by both (and well worth the insomnia), but I didn’t drift off to sleep until about 1 in the morning. Then, I saw the Rachels play Sokol Underground on Tuesday night — didn’t get to bed until nearly midnight.

I’ve had a handful of other post-work events this week, as well. When I come home, I’m pretty keyed up and not quite mentally prepared for slumber.

You’d think my late bedtimes would mean I’m sleeping in. Hardly. I’m finding myself awake at 4 and 5 in the morning, only to reply to emails on my PowerBook before getting ready for work.

Here’s to hoping I can get some shuteye this weekend.

I read about this idea in Shannon’s blog. If imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery, then allow me to bow at her feet and applaud this brilliant idea.

Post a comment to respond to the following: All I want for Christmas is…

That’s why much of my morning will be spent catching up (read: starting) freelance projects whose deadlines are approaching (or have already passed). A caramel latte and a cinnamon muffin will certainly help me accomplish these tasks.