Giving thanks

By Jason Bryant
jbryant@intermatwrestle.com

I’m not spending Thanksgiving at home for the first time. Perhaps this is a moment in life that says “Hey, grow up.” Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t, but while wrestling season is here, I’d like to take a moment to scribble down some things I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving and forthcoming holiday season.

Some deal with wrestling, some don’t. So ready, set, go.

I’m thankful that I now have a couch to veg on after work.

I’m thankful that I’m spending Thanksgiving around people that are happy to have me, I couldn’t make it home this year.

I’m thankful that I still like turkey, stuffing and all the fixin’s.

I’m thankful that my sister is happily married.

I’m thankful that the tie-breaker is a better finish than a coinflip.

I’m thankful that I saw my first Thanksgiving Day high school football game.

I’m thankful that traveling back to Lancaster will only take 90 minutes.

I’m thankful that I don’t have a seven hour drive to Lock Haven on Saturday.

I’m thankful that Nate Schy’s dog, Sadie, didn’t keep me up all night.

I’m thankful that things are starting to come together.

I’m thankful that after seven years in college, I did get my degree without changing my major 17 times.

I’m thankful that I have co-workers I respect.

I’m thankful that I’m homesick.

I’m thankful my sister’s mad at me for not coming home.

I’m thankful that my sister will forgive me when I come home for Christmas.

I’m thankful that wrestling has provided me friendships that will last me through the rest of my life.

I’m thankful my 1989 Ford Bronco II finally died.

I’m even more thankful my 1981 El Camino also hit the fritz.

I’m thankful for down comforters in the soon-to-be chilly Pennsylvania winter.

I’m thankful that 35 colleges have added wrestling since 1999.

I’m thankful that even with disagreements and squabbles, people always still say “Happy Thanksgiving.”

I’m thankful the PA Turnpike isn’t always under construction, just stretches of it.

I’m thankful that my mom is doing fine without me or my sister around the house for the first time in 26 years.

I’m thankful my dad and I made amends after I graduated from college.

I’m thankful I’m doing something I enjoy.

I’m thankful for those men and women serving our country.

I’m thankful for the first amendment.

I’m thankful for the infield fly rule in baseball.

I’m thankful that Playstation 2’s double as DVD players.

I’m thankful for cranberry sauce right out of the can, with the ridges from the can still showing through.

I’m thankful for a place to sleep at night.

I’m thankful for spam filters one of my email accounts.

I’m thankful for hockey’s return.

I’m thankful for Cartoon Network.

I’m thankful for a growing collection of random wrestling t-shirts.

I’m thankful that the Central Missouri State Wrestling shirt is neon yellow.

I’m thankful I’m shooting good darts.

I’m thankful that I still shoot good pool.

I’m thankful that it hasn’t snowed (too much) yet.

I’m thankful for the feeling you get when you go home and realize, it’s the best sleep you’ve had in years.

I’m thankful for Turkey Hill Iced Tea.

I’m thankful for the number 12.

I’m thankful that people know a Monarch isn’t always a butterfly.

I’m thankful I have the time to sit down and share thoughts and discussion with everyone I meet around the country.

I’m thankful for you. Constructive criticism or rave reviews, I’m thankful that someone is reading.

These are just a few random thanks I’d like to throw out on this Thanksgiving of 2005. I wish everyone and their family a safe and happy holiday and continued best wishes throughout the holiday season.

Jason Bryant
InterMat Wrestling

InterMat Lead Writer
Jason Bryant