Yes, of course I’m thankful for my family, my health, my friends, my job, and my house. But there are other, less obvious things for which I am grateful on Thanksgiving Day 2012:

• “Lonely Boy.” The guitar-crunching, beat-driving, blessedly economic anthem celebrating unrequited love was my gateway to the Black Keys, and the best rock song of the year. (Yes, I know it was released in 2011, but I didn’t hear it until this year.) A staple on my iPod.
• Cole Hamels. The suave southpaw would have commanded a massive contract on the free-agent market, but instead signed a massive extension to stay with the Phillies. No, he won’t be hurting, but Hamels’s deep ties to Philadelphia–he and his wife are among the most visible and outspoken philanthropists in the region–seem to be genuine. Here’s hoping a few Cy Young Awards and World Series titles are in No. 35’s future.
• Bluetooth. Commuting an hour each way means I have a lot of time to make and take phone calls on the rides to and from work. Thanks to my Mazda’s Bluetooth connection, I can converse without taking my hands off the wheel.
• Kate Atkinson. The British novelist writes terrific crime fiction drenched with poignancy and insight. Started Early, Took My Dog is on my nightstand, and I don’t want to open it because I don’t want to finish it.
• Travel soccer. Time for honesty: I thought I’d hate it. I didn’t grow up playing soccer, so I was among the smug Yanks who sneered at the lack of scoring and European prissiness. And the prospect of driving longer than 10 minutes to watch 11-year-olds gingerly tap the ball with their toe was dreadful. Except that we landed with a great group of parents, an awesome team of girls, and passionate, kind-hearted coaches who have turned R. into a better player. On top of all that, the games are competitive and fun; the girls are, well, good. And tough as goddamn nails. I think I’m getting why soccer is the world’s most popular sport.
• The Yards, Victory, and Troegs microbreweries. How did beer drinkers endure the piss water that was the only suds available for so many years?

There are many other esoteric things to give thanks for. What are some of yours? | DL