WEST SEATTLE, Washington, November 25, 2009 (WSFB) – It’s hard to believe we’re already in the death throes of this glorious year of Our Lord, 2009. Thanksgiving is upon us and it’s time for reflection.

As we prepare to revive the economy through conspicuous and copious consumption this Black Friday, it’s important for us all to remember the important things in our lives.

Beyond the feel good sensation of walnut bourbon, exceeding the comfort of quaffing pints of brown ale, or transcending the generosity of a free lunch, we are at our core more substantive and wealthy.

Here are the things I’m thankful for, right now.

Your Mom

I’ll never forget Your Mom. The first time I met Your Mom, she was working the cash register at Big Lots. I was there getting a box of freight damaged shaving cream for a college project. She looked at the wet foamy box, then looked up at me and said, “what’s this for?”

“It’s for something I’m doing at school” I replied.

“Where the hell do you go to school?” she asked.

I didn’t answer. I just held out my hand and led her away from that awful place. She never went back.

Orcas

There are few things more majestic than the Puget Sound Orca Whale, and we are very fortunate to live in a region where they exist.

These local treasures can be observed congregating in the waters right outside West Seattle, and every sighting is a sight to behold.

Oklahoma City does not have an orca whale population.

German Shepherd Dogs

Let’s face it. When you’re unable to legally own firearms, the next best thing is to own two or more highly trained and unbelievably loyal German Shepherd Dogs.

This highly intelligent pack animal provides protection superior to that of a firearm, in that the German Shepherd Dog is statistically less likely to be turned upon its owner.

LDS Missionaries

You won’t find a more helpful, friendly, or determined person of faith than the contemporary LDS Missionary.

The LDS Missionary receives extensive training at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah where they’re schooled in doctrine, conduct, proselytizing methods, and when necessary, a foreign language.

The United States Military

The men and women of the United States Military deserve our thanks and gratitude.

For over 200 years they’ve stepped up to serve and sacrifice; to keep us free within our borders, and to spread freedom and liberty across the world.

Thank a service person today.

Beer

Wonderful beer. How I love you so.

You cool me when I’m warm inside, and you warm my insides when I’m cool outside.

My heart is filled with courage when you course through my veins. You’re the one real thing in a glass I can drink.

The Bald Eagle

The American national symbol of courage and strength, speed and agility, fury and tenacity, power with purpose.

The Bald Eagle is capable of capturing large prey in mid flight and mid air. It’s powerful talons pierce the spine of unsuspecting snow geese, rendering them paralyzed and helpless. Dinner for the eaglets in the nest.

Orson Welles

The man that whipped the nation into a panic with his 1938 War of the Worlds radio broadcast that cemented the notion of extraterrestrial existence into the American psyche.

To this day Martians are synonymous with UFOs, even though research suggests our extraterrestrial visitors are from an entirely different – and more distant – region of the galaxy.

The West Seattle Funblog

Finally, the most influential force in my life this year – the Funblog.

The Funblog was started as a virtual refuge for those deemed “unclean” and “too unsavory” for other local non-fun blogs and has blossomed into a force of extraordinary magnitude that not only supports local businesses with cash money but has also ventured into the realm of community service, making a significant impact at the recent Turkey Bowl in support of the West Seattle Food Bank.

The Funblog has arrived, and I am thankful for the support of all the good people we’ve come to know in the community, and look forward to continued growth as we head into the second half of our first year.

SEMPER FUN!