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The Obligatory but Heartfelt “What I’m Thankful For” Thanksgiving Post

November 24, 2010 News 8 Comments

This will be one of those really rare times where I get all reflective and maudlin, it being a holiday and all. I was moved by Inga’s Thanksgiving post. I might have sniffled a little, but I did cook Indian food for dinner, so it could be that the oils from the chili peppers I was chopping for the aloo matar found their way from my fingers to my nose. That’s my story, anyway.

What I’m most thankful for is that I don’t have to think hard to come up with a “what I’m thankful for” list every day of the year. That’s the great thing about having low expectations and a cynical outlook. Any day above ground is a good day.

I love my day job and the hospital that pays me OK for doing it. It’s the best place I’ve ever worked. I’m just as happy when the alarm goes off Monday morning as when it doesn’t on Saturday.

I am thankful for my family and that I found a woman early who not only tolerates my eccentricities and insecurities, but appreciates them. We ought to be sick of each other after all these years, but the first thing Mrs. HIStalk said when she came home tonight, instead of complaining about the paint-peeling stench of my simmering chana masala that she detests, was that I looked sexy. That’s doubtful (especially since I had just sneezed violently from accidentally inhaling sinus-searing masala vapors) but characteristically commendable of her to say. She’s as cute to me as the day we met in college.

I’m happy that I’m healthy, protected by those in military service, and still moved by good music. I’m glad I don’t care much about money, power, and fame since I’d be worrying all the time about losing them even if I managed to get them in the first place.

I’m glad I started writing HIStalk way, way back in the dark ages of 2003. Nobody was reading and I didn’t care, but somehow it has improbably allowed me to meet some pretty amazing people who are trying to make a difference. Sure, and a few douchebags too, but that’s a small minority. We have our differences and our debates in healthcare, but we always end up on good terms.

I’m thankful for everybody who spends their valuable time reading what I write (even the music recommendations, especially the weird ones). I’m grateful that companies support HIStalk just because they appreciate my work and knowing that I’m still going to rag on them when they deserve it.

I appreciate everyone who takes the time to e-mail me, write guest articles, submit thoughtful comments, be interviewed, and tip me off to news and rumors. You make me look smart and your efforts benefit many.

I’m really thankful for whatever cosmic forces sent Inga my way. She keeps me sane and amused, balancing my negativity with cheery optimism and funny e-mails. The insecurity oozed from her early writing as she struggled to keep inside her tiny industry comfort zone. Now she’s confident, insightful, and eagerly read by her many fans (and just as insecure). You’d like her even more if you knew her in person.

I’m thankful that Mrs. HIStalk knows her culinary limits without me having to remind her, so I’ll be doing the cooking Thursday (after popping Zantac all night because the chutney for the samosas was a little too hot). She does make a mean pumpkin pie, though. I’ll just need to crank up the iPod while she’s watching those idiotic televised parades she likes so much.

Have a fabulous Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and the long weekend. And, in my final “what I’m grateful for” item, thanks for reading.



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Currently there are "8 comments" on this Article:

  1. Happy Thanksgiving Mr. H., Inga, and HIStalk readers! The chance given me to become a blogger through Shahid Shah’s urging, and Mr. H.’s acceptance in 2005 has grown into something I would have never considered back then, so a special thanks to all of you for making me a better healthcare blogger and commentator. TPD!

  2. I’m thankful for the efforts that you all put forth here at HIStalk. WIthout HIStalk, my life would not be complete! You make it so much easier for us all to keep up with the latest HIT news. This is especially nice for those folks like myself, who work during the day and take classes at night.

    When I think of a successful blogging team, I look no further than HIStalk. You all are a case study in the making.

    Cheers to all of you and a very Happy Thanksgiving!

  3. Happy Turkey to you and yours from a long-time lurker, and occasional commenter. Thanks for helping to keep me up to date in all that’s going on in the biz…







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