As I near the wrap party for the Year 2000, there are a bunch of things that have helped me survive since last Thanksgiving (strangely enough, the show Survivor isn't one of them). They are not cataloged in a Top 100 list, and they will not assist in finding out who are next president will be. But when it comes down to it, I wouldn't trade these things for all the votes in Florida. Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!

My endearing thanks for:

My comfy bed--After years of sleeping on the floor, a sleeping bag or mattresses Goodwill would not accept, I finally obtained a blissful place to rest my head every night.

The Sandias, the hills near Magdalena, Jemez Falls and Bandalier--Everyone should be blessed with such natural surroundings.

The Albuquerque Dukes--My AAA baseball team made the playoffs in their final season in town. After more than 20 years in Albuquerque, they're off to Portland where the sun shines much less.

D.H. Lawrence--The short stories I read of his this year helped me understand the basic nature of men and women better than relationship book on the market.

Amy--Our endless summer relationship has gone farther than either expected, and we still can't think of a good enough reason to quit on each other.

The Vortex Theatre--As my day job has proven fruitless in every aspect besides the paycheck, it's been rewarding to help run a place (for free) with some artistic expression.

Film (both digital and celluloid)--I budded my way into a digital film festival and 16mm class this year, and the experiences have made me crave to do more filmmaking. Any executive producers reading?

My friends and family (far and near)--More than government officials, more than television actors, movie stars and magazine covers, more than all the folks I wish I knew, these are the people who really matter. They are my support group, my inspiration, my brainstormers, my teachers, my students and the best reasons I can think of for trying to be a better person.

My white 1988 Ford Escort Hatchback--Since 1994, this little car has gotten me to distances both far and near. Every time I start thinking about a different vehicle, it dawns on me that I should never throw away anything that still works.

Marijuana--If this is the gateway drug, then you will see me leaning up against the gate. This habit I started in college has helped my education more in the past few years, in many respects, than college did. Sometimes for recreation, sometimes for medication, pot has mellowed my mood when life has been unforgiving in its absurd reality.

A Large Enchilada plate served Christmas-style--If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you really need to experience it before you run out of Thanksgivings.

All of the anonymous SUIT readers--Every now and then, Jon forwards a brief comment someone made about one of my columns, and my heart skips a beat. I sometimes forget people actually read what I write. That's all any writer can ask for from the public. I don't know how many of you are out there, but I'm thankful for everyone who occasionally reads these weekly rants. If we keep contemplating and discussing the events that occur in our lives and world, we just might end up enjoying this crazy ride all the way to the end.

Chris Jungle has an unlimited supply of gratitude.