I'm Thankful

Tomorrow I will be headed up to Memphis to see my parents, brothers sisters and my new niece. I'm looking forward to it. A lot of times I have a bad habit of refusing to let myself be excited about things or look forward to events that make other people feel good like the holiday season. As a matter of fact, I was being a smart ass earlier today and told one of my friends that my favorite day of the holiday season was January 2 when everything is over. I didn't really mean that. It's just that I get drained from the daily routine and it's hard to switch out of that focus on what I need to do. I'm working on that.

The truth of the matter is that I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. If I was one of those people that could detach from everything going on in my city, state and country I would consider this one of the best years ever. Since I am not that kind of guy I won't do that but I won't act like it's all doom and gloom either because that wouldn't be honest. I was just sitting here having a pre-road trip cocktail and decided to write down just a few things I am thankful for. I came up with this list that contains no food or alcohol products.

I am thankful for......

Family

Friends

Fatherhood - If it wasn't for this I would probably be jumping off a table in a barroom somewhere with no hope for tomorrow.

The Volunteer and Information Agency and it's employees

Unity of Greater New Orleans

KIPP Central City Primary School

Good health

Superbowl 44

Hartley's Field Goal

Tracy Porter's two interceptions - If I am ever on life support play this clip and if I don't at least crack a smile go ahead and pull the plug. I'm already talking to my grandparents.

No hurricane evacuations in 2010

Howling in the Wires (Thank you Sam and Mark)

The Ashley Morris Award (Thanks Rising Tide People)

CNN Newsroom with Don Lemon (Thanks Karen Gadbois)

The opportunity to help others.

The Volunteers of America Mentor Program

My mentee/little brother Christian and my other little sidekick Savion

All the people from different walks of life around my city that believe in me

See, 2010 hasn't been so bad. I hope everyone has a great day Thursday and I hope the Saints whip that fugazi football team from Dallas. I hope me watching the game in Memphis instead of my usual spot doesn't break the winning streak. It doesn't matter either way because I'm going see the St. Claude Street gang our our new addition. That's even more special than Reggie Bush's three touchdowns his first game back. I have my priorities straight. We'll talk next week.

P.S.

I'm also very thankful and excited about Jay Electronica signing with Jay Z's Roc Nation. 2011 will be the year the image of the New Orleans MC's changes for the better.