Looking over the last few entries, I'm beginning to realize that sometimes I can be really negative. It's probably because politics can really infuriate me. But I do have things to be thankful for, and I think I should try to remember that.

I'm a regular at a bar here in Houston called the Gingerman. I'm probably one of the younger regulars, if not the youngest, because they only serve beer and wine and people my age who go out tend to like to get trashed really quickly on liquor. But I keep going back because the employees are great, and the regulars that I do know are genuinely good people. In fact, one of them invited me to come over for Christmas dinner if I was not going home, which I'm not. Plus the bar has great beer.

I also have my health. Of course, drinking all that beer has caused me to put on a few extra pounds, but I could always start working out again.

I have good friends. Always there to get me into trouble when I need it, and get me out of trouble when I really need it, I love those kids. They're smart, and they're funny. And perhaps best of all, together we have music and art.

I need to step back and count my blessings occasionally.