A Thanksgiving Editorial

As a few people who read this blog know, I've had a pretty rough year at worst, and a marginal year at best. I have managed to get through this year, though, much to my surprise. Now, it's almost December, and I'm going over the things that I'm thankful for, and I'm kind of surprised by it. I've listed them from least to most important.

1: Video Games

I know how odd this sounds, but I am thankful for them. Without them, I probably wouldn't have a way to vent my frustrations, or a way to relax and unwind. When going through my issues with the VA as well as my art teacher, it was video games that got me through. When I get back from the store, and I was surrounded by idiots, it's video games that allow me to cope with it. After all, if it weren't for video games, I wouldn't have this blog/job of making fun of them. Yet, ultimately, because they're (mostly) fun, it feels less like a job... sometimes.

2: Bad Video Games

This sounds weirder, but if it wasn't for these, I wouldn't appreciate the good ones as much. For every Arkham City or Saints Row: The Third, there's a Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust or a Call of Juarez: The Cartel. There's no way I could see why some of these games are great if not for the trash.

3: My Time in the Army

I hated being in the Army, but I wouldn't trade it in for the world. Without it, I couldn't afford to go to school. I also wouldn't know that other countries are thankful for what we're doing. I'm still touched when I think about how every one in the Shannon, Ireland airport stood in line, cheering us on as we walked inside. Even if we come home to people who trash us, those that support us are what get us through.

4: The Rats

How can I be thankful for rodents?




These are a few of them (Lana and Salt on top, then Frank Sinatra, Sugar grinning while getting kissed, and finally, Aphrodite). Each one is loving, has there own personality, and is an absolute joy to be around. Even the ones we've lost have left there marks on me, causing me to tear up at times when I think about them. To top it off, nothing is like waking up, and seeing these little faces staring at you, waiting to play.

5: Family and Friends

It seems cliche, but for me it's true. I don't make friends easily, especially since I don't talk to many people, or I come off as standoffish. Without my friends and family, I'd be a lonely shell. I may not see my family much, but I am grateful for having them. I may see my friends all the time, even when I'm not acting my best, but they know I wouldn't trade them in for the world. There's also, finally, my Cami, whom without, I'd be a lonely wretch sitting and playing video games all day. Now, I watch her play!

Seriously, Happy Thanksgiving, one and all. I'll see you after the holiday.