giving thanks

Working from home has got to be one of the greatest unsung perks of the working world. Seriously. I rolled out of bed half an hour later than I normally do, and was able to get right to work 2.5 hours before I normally stumble into the office. (I stumble b/c I'm often hungover. Just kidding. I'm just clumsy.) I love wearing PJs, watching the sky outside my window get light, and looking forward to meeting up with Tyler for lunch. I just don't think I'm really that cut out for a corporate career. I know I've talked to a few of you guys about my career uncertainties, but in case some of you were wondering, I'm not really into working 13 hours just to say I do, and not having anything to really show for it at the end of the day but stress and a superiority complex. It's like wandering around in a J.Crew clone army (not that I don't like J.Crew! I do! But come on, guys, show a little creativity!) and being constantly terrified one of them will want to make banal small talk.

Thankfully my boss is like the greatest ever (he's a Brooks Brothers guy -- super classy), so things could be worse. I think I'd just shoot myself if I had to work for someone dumb/incompetent/takes job too seriously.

To continue on that thought, here are other things I'm thankful for this year:

- Having an amazing family. I feel pretty lucky to have a family that really gets me. For example, my dad recently sent me an article called "Jobs For People Who Don't Like People." Both of our jobs are on there (computer programmer and writer), so you might say that being a bit anti-social is in my genes. He's as good a role model as any that work isn't life and clothes don't make the man. My mom is hands-down the best person I know, inside and out. And my little brother is beyond awesome.

- Cross-country friends. Being in the Midwest by myself is kind of like living in a friendship sieve. It's been great to know that, with some people, how far away we are or how infrequently we talk has zero impact on our friendship or our understanding of each other. And I'm always learning from and leaning on them, even if I haven't seen them in over a year (I'm looking at you, "Julie Andrews" Chung). And now we're making friends in Evanston. So things are good.

- Freelancing. Even if it doesn't technically put money in the bank, it keeps me sane and less frustrated with my career path. It also makes me feel like my journalism degree wasn't a mistake. Plus, it's fun, and makes me feel like I'm keeping up with my HS/college/grad school peers. Not that it's a competition, of course. (Only if I don't like you, or if you've wronged a friend in some way. I'm not above a little petty, pointless, one-sided rivalry.)

- Back in January, I felt like I was holding a bunch of loose threads. My family/friends were all in the East Coast. My Medillians were gone. I was living in my first real apartment that I was responsible for in every way. I had my first real job with real responsibilities and a very real, very long bus commute. Oh, and I couldn't remember the majority of the last 3 months of grad school due to rage blackouts. So January started off on a bit of an amnesiatic note. And without any sort of anchor in Chicago, I probably would've packed it all in, gone back East and moved back in with my parents. I wouldn't've ever become this independent or been able to carve a place out for myself. So this one's for you, Blue.

Ugh, gross. My Grinch-heart can't take all this sap. I need to do something senselessly insensitive, like punt a guinea pig. Or just take a shower, that would work, too, I suppose.

On a side note: is the Grinch a multi-purpose holiday-cheer-zapper, or does he function for Christmas only? What's the Thanksgiving version of the Grinch?

Anyway, I hope everyone has a good Thanksgiving!