Omigosh, it’s almost Thanksgiving.

I point that out because most of the retail outlets skip from Halloween to Christmas, leaving out that day that reminds families all over the country that it’s time to festoon their homes with festive lights and shiny things.

Oh yeah, and eat turkey.

Seriously, I walked into Target on October 31 and the entire store, floor to ceiling, had puked Noel. If it wasn’t red and green, you couldn’t buy it. Costumes? Unless you were hoping to be a jolly old elf, you were out of luck. Both pumpkin and Pilgrim outfits were conspicuously absent.

So I have taken it on myself to make my community aware of Thanksgiving. It’s also a way for me to jump back into the blogpool, since my husband’s voice reminds me every Tuesday (during my news program “Something To Talk About,” podcast available just a few clicks away) that those who want more of Carol Rock need only check out her blog, ‘Rockbottom’ at hometownstation.com.”

So here I am again.

Thankful.

Thankful that I have a job where I get to be me and do what I love.

Thankful that I get to work with cool people.

Thankful that there is live theater where I am invited to play, both on stage and in the most important role, as a clapper.

Thankful that there are many Starbucks.

Thankful for Trader Joe’s. That should be at the top of everyone’s list.

Thankful for a healthy family, including the furry, four-footed residents of my house.

Thankful that my kids and their friends like hanging out at my house. Even when I’m home.

Thankful that my son got out of the deadly sandboxes of Iraq and Afghanistan this year. I would be more thankful if there were no more of my neighbors’ sons and daughters still there, but I am thankful that Santa Clarita is patriotic enough to remember them and give them a hero’s welcome when they come home safe and care for each other if a sacrifice is made.

Thankful that my sweetheart gets to be an artist. He does pictures, I do words. It’s a match made in heaven.

Thankful that my kids aren’t afraid to try new things because both soaring and stumbling are allowed in our family.

Thankful that my censoring gene kicks in most of the time when I could really get myself in trouble.

Thankful for Facebook. Seriously. I have reconnected with friends I never should have lost and found family I thoroughly enjoy.

Thankful for the freedom to think, write, speak and act like myself without fear of persecution … for the most part.

Thankful for the ability to make mistakes…and try again.

Thankful that my family will be all together on Thanksgiving and that my house will hum with activity and love.

Thankful that I can wish all of you a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving. Only 29 days later, it’s Christmas!