I’m writing from the couch of our apartment in L.A. with pumpkin-spiced coffee in hand, a soon-to-be-smoked turkey marinading in the kitchen and R reading last week’s New York Times Sunday Review by my side. It’s 65 degrees outside, The Rockettes just did their thing they do so well, and in an hour I’ll be back on this coach watching the National Dog Show aka America’s greatest television programming decision of all time. Life is very nice. Here are 10 other things that have made it particularly enjoyable to live this year.

(It goes without saying that my family and friends make the top of this list this and every year, but especially this year because I’m getting married so they’re doing friend and family duty way overtime.)

10. The Couch-to-5K App for iPhone – At this time last year I could run for approximately 1.5 minutes without stopping. Today I can jog for 22 minutes through a series of run-walk intervals all while listening to tracks pulled from my own iTunes account, and if I actually stick with the app I’ll allegedly by able to run a 5K in something like 9 weeks from now!

9. The writing staff of Homeland – Things were really touch-and-go last season but the team over at Homeland headquarters seems to have reigned it in making for a season full of twists, turns, and Claire Danes crying faces. I’m pleased, so far.

8. Trader Joe’s – It’s just excellent there, always. It doesn’t hurt that we got one around the corner from our apartment a few months ago. Also they sell the ground pumpkin spiced coffee that I’m currently drinking, and it’s killer.

7. Frizz-Ease Hair Serum – No matter what is going on with the mop on my head, this product makes it look better. Also it’s something like $4 from CVS.

6. Anyone who has ever attended or performed in my Sunday Night Sex Talks show – It has been such a joy to bring this show together every month and because of all the support and talent, we’re finally taking it to NYC! More details to come, but #SNSTalks will soon be a bi-coastal monthly production.

5. Those socks that just cover your toes and heel – Now I don’t have to ruin my low ankle booties because I made them too stinky by wearing them without socks!  

4. Ruth’s Skincare on Melrose – Those Russian ladies know just how to scare me into taking good care of my skin, and they do it for a fairly reasonable price.

3. The Virgin America Visa – You guys we’ve earned something like two free flights in no time flat. I have no idea how it works but R says we’re not doing anything illegal, so I’m huge fan.

2. The granola from The Larder at Burton Way – I’m sure it’s fattening as hell, but I love that nut and honey-based mixture so, so much. I eat it with fat free Greek yogurt and blackberries, so that makes it mostly healthy, maybe.

And the #1 thing that has made 2013 just a little bit sweeter is The West Hollywood Public Library – I can work there for hours in absolute quite with or without a beverage at my own private desk that boasts and insane view of the Hollywood Hills, and they have free books and movies!

 Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! I hope it includes family, friends, specialty cocktails, baked brie and a wild game of celebrity with a ton of gay men, just like mine.