Hello from my first Los Angeles Thanksgiving. The turkey is the smoker (that one up there. It’s R’s masterpiece), the apple fritter is in my belly (my fave way to start a holiday day), and I’m nestled in to watch the mini bits of Broadway during the parade (slash wait for the Rockettes. I used to want to be a Rockette. I sort of still do). Life is very good, and here are a just a few reasons why:

• The love and support I received from friends and family, far and wide, after deciding to pursue my writing full-time. Some of them probably think I’m insane, but they didn’t tell me they feel that way, and for that I am grateful. 

• $18 pedicures at Satin Soles on Fairfax. It is an necessary, unnecessary indulgence. 

• Gchat, without which I would not have Dani, Sara, Geanna, Katie, Carly, and Abby at what feels like an arm’s length. 

• Facebook, without which I would not know what Alex is up to every second of every day. 

• My Dad’s wildly thoughtful e-mail responses to my blog posts. I save them all in my “SuperSave” folder. 

• My Mom’s quote-of-the-day e-mails. She sends them every single day to our entire family with a little comment on the quote. It is remarkable, and I look forward to it every day. 

• Evernote for iPhone. Super helpful tool for remembering the thousand plus thoughts I have per day. Extra helpful this time of year for remembering the thousand and one plus Christmas gifts I want to add to my list.  

• My Poppop. At 90 years old he is still the strongest, smartest member of the family, even though he said, “what the heck did you quit your job for?!” when I told him I quit my job. 

•  Sushi by Haru on San Vicente near Maryland. So good. So affordable. And Haru is there every time. 

• The West Hollywood Public Library. Great view. Great space. And you can work there all day long without having to buy a $5 coffee. 

• My health, and the healthy of my family. It is not to be underestimated or under-appreciated, any time of year.  

• Forever 21 – without which I could never say, “oh, this old thing? It’s just from Forever 21.” 

•  R. He keeps on loving me despite my growing number of antics and outfits.