Enjoying the warm embrace of family in Arizona

I am typing this from my parents' family room, with my dad watching the Ohio State vs. Michigan college football game and my mom cooking an early Thanksgiving dinner within earshot. All three of us are relaxed and connected on this sunny Saturday afternoon in the desert, where we intermitteningly comment on various family members (including my neo-con uncle), world news and politics (the cowardly Joe Lieberman), our fitness and nutrition routines (running with shorter strides), and Project Runway (highlights from the finale). It feels good giving and receiving love so effortlessly. Material things are great, but nothing beats being accepted and appreciated for who I am...rough edges and all.