It’s Thanksgiving, which largely means expressing thanks for that which you’re grateful.

I know most of my posts have been in story form, but I think this one will be a little different because… well, because I can make it different, and for that, I am thankful. It’s my version of ‘because I said so.’

So, with that, I’d like to take this time to express my gratitude for the things that bring me joy.

I’m grateful to have loving parents that I know would do anything for me. I encourage you to play the “would you cover for me if….” game with your loved ones on Thanksgiving. I’m sure you don’t need me to elaborate, but I will for the sake of it. Ask everyone (maybe not your children depending on their age) if they’d cover for you if you killed someone. Obviously this isn’t just a yes or no – it could depend on the situation, circumstances, the person, etc.

I’m grateful for toilet paper – namely, Charmin. I can picture the red bear singing, “oh yeah, I’m Charmin clean,” which is really a terrible commercial, but damn is it catchy. I have a small bladder so nice toilet paper really comes in handy.

I’m grateful to have a boyfriend that’s smart, witty, hardworking, and challenging… and by challenging, I mean he’ll challenge me to be my best. And I also mean he’s challenging at times – how hard is it to throw the socks in the basket? I love our trips to the farmer’s market (and need that salmon dip again ASAP), our ability to engage in real conversations, when we play 20 questions or charades, when he makes fun of me for my singing and I make fun of him for his absurd Albert Einstein-like hair… it really needs a deep conditioning.

I’m grateful for entertaining television. I mostly watch TV while I’m on the treadmill at the gym – right now I’m indulging in Atypical – highly recommend. But if you haven’t seen Dexter, put it next on your ‘to watch’ list. I still have that Charmin song stuck in my head…

I’m grateful to have siblings I get along with. I talk to my sister multiple times a week, which consists mostly of stories about her Hinge dates which I’m dying to turn into something… seriously, writing down every one. Also, how smart would it be if Hinge were to have a section on their app called ‘First Date Questions’ which users could refer to on their first date so they don’t have to ask about the weather!? Pay me for the idea whenever, Hinge, or Bumble, or Tinder, or whatever’s newest this week. As for my brother – I have an upcoming post coming out about nature v. nurture, which the two of us collaborated on. Being seven years apart is difficult growing up – I think he told on me for just about everything, though he loved when I read him the Harry Potter books. Since graduating high school, we became a lot closer – and I’m so damn grateful his suicide attempts failed because he’s smart as… someone really smart. PS – he’s written about his depression and attempts which I will release down the road.

I’m grateful for the ability to learn so conveniently, whether through Masterclass (I took classes from author, Neil Gaiman), or a podcast, or just through Google. There were days, not that long ago, where people would have to go to the library to try and find information on something they were curious about. We would also rent movies from the library, often not the one we wanted, but still a fun experience… I kind of miss it. But I’ll take the ease of technology over flipping through a 500 page book any day, because sometimes I just quickly need to know how many plant species there are in the world.

I’m grateful to have a niece I can practice parenting with… although I’m not a fan of Blippi. Can someone else step in by the time I have a kid? Where is Steve from Blues Clues? Or was there something controversial with him? Okay – the future is female – one of you girls step in and create a channel for kids’ entertainment. Hannah… you in?

I’m grateful for dry shampoo… there’s no need to elaborate.

I’m grateful for my friends. I know how lucky I am to have such a tight-knit (when did that become a phrase?) friend group. Everyone is so supportive of one another despite the fact that there’s an event at least every other weekend… again, we just need to all move together – same block – it’ll make life much easier, and probably more dramatic (hello, Desperate Housewives).

I’m grateful for Mindy Kaling – her writing has always impressed me, but her ability to create such a name for herself with such authenticity has captivated me even more. I mean, who doesn’t love The Office? And The Mindy Project was so charming. I will consume anything she puts out, because again, she’s so authentic… really, the other day I watched her taste test multiple different pumpkin spice flavored foods and honestly, I’d watch it again.

Lastly, I’m grateful to be hosting Thanksgiving at our house this year, although the transition from our dining room table to the portable one isn’t seamless. I truly appreciate the fact that I can prepare food (that doesn’t have dairy in it), make a pretty tablescape (that I spent way too much time on), lay out board games (Family Feud is itching to be opened), and of course, allow them to use the exquisite Charmin toilet paper.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I urge you to put out a jar, a pen and paper this year, and have everyone write down two things they’re grateful for – one serious, one funny or lighthearted.

Devon Herrera

Committed To Curiosity

Instagram: @Coffee_With_A_Question