It is fitting I am writing this column on Thanksgiving.
Sated from a heaping plateful of moist turkey, stuffing and a plethora of veggies, I am thankful for so many things. Did I mention the pumpkin pie and whipped cream?
Yes, I am indeed thankful for that!
And, for the fact my jeans are comprised of two per cent spandex to accommodate my increasing girth. And, for my overpriced Belgian lace bra which has expanded from a C cup to an E cup! Thank God there are only 26 letters in the alphabet.
I am grateful to my friends who whipped up the fabulous aforementioned dinner with finesse and flair. Of course, I poured the wine with equal skill and grace.
I am grateful for my friends who keep me humble.
I am grateful I am not Mike Reilly, the forlorn star quarterback of the beleaguered BC Lions whose faint playoff hopes have all but vanquished.
To add insult to injury, our poor Mike was toppled on the field by a dead weight of opposing players in the last game against Edmonton and broke his wrist.
It sucks to be Mike.
Mind you, it wasn’t his dominant hand he injured, so he could still carve the turkey, I’ve no doubt.
I am grateful that the unemployment rate in Canada has fallen to 5.5 per cent and 4.8 per cent in British Columbia, according to the latest stats from StatsCan. And, thanks to the federal election, I can say I am one of the employed.
For one day… working for Elections Canada.
As a Zoomer with too much time on my hands, I have tried to get a part-time job with no luck. I was beginning to take it personally, screaming ageism as the rejection letters piled up.
My boyfriend looked at me supportively and asked, “Do you really want to work?” I sheepishly replied, “Not really.”
So we booked another cruise.
I am so grateful for my generous boyfriend who puts up with me and loves me unconditionally, my expanding waistline notwithstanding.
It’s all his fault, though, as did I mention he can also cook with flair and finesse? And I can eat and drink wine with equal skill and grace.
A perfect pair, for which I am thankful.
I am thankful I can groan my way through mat Pilates.
“Am I skinny yet?” I ask my Pilates teacher as she puts us through our paces. “Is my core strong?” Grunt, whimper, moan.
No reply from said instructor.
I am grateful I have a family doctor as there are over 200,000 British Columbians who do not have a primary physician.
I am grateful for my gaggle of gals at book club.
I am grateful I can still see to read, and occasionally understand what I am reading. With the exception of Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders.
I am thankful to be living in Canada, a country as diverse as my wardrobe and as free as my morals.
A nation where our prime minister can be either an insurance clerk or a black-faced drama teacher.
Much better choice than their opponents… lawyers, don’t you agree! Streuth!
I am grateful I am a senior with an impeccable driving record who Mr. ICBC has rewarded with a lower insurance rate. Cheap movie admissions, free ferry rides and seniors’ day discount at the local drugstore.
Life is good.
I am grateful I have this Zoomer column which has been published now for nine years so I can rant and rave to you, my tireless readers.
With gratitude,
April
April Lewis is the local communications director for CARP, a national group committed to a ‘New Vision of Aging for Canada.’ She writes monthly.