There are a lot of good things that happen in my world, and I tend to forget about them a lot of the time because the problems seem so much bigger. But it seems, these days, it's easier to do good things. It takes less effort. Bad stuff you have to think about and plan, for the most part. Good things, well, we should be happy there is still a lot of goodness left in our lives. So here's a few things I'm thankful for as we start the end run into next year:

Hot rock and roll nights: Getting together with the band. Learning new songs. Playing the old ones with gusto. Performing for a bunch of people, many of whom have no idea who we are. For a few moments, becoming the rock gods we have dancing in our heads.

The family: Even though I haven't seen most of them this year, we stay connected and talking and supportive. There is an art to staying in relative contact with relatives. Of course, it's good to see everyone in person, too.

Friends: Near and close, far and wide, the friends are a constant reminder that what comes around goes around. If you are a good person and don't take people for granted most of the time, you'll have good people around to help you when you're down. And, hopefully you won't be down all the time, so they're around to appreciate your good cheer, too.

Johnny-come-latelys: I'm thankful that people are beginning to see the sham of this conflict the US seems to have with the rest of the world, especially in Iraq. While I would have preferred it happened much earlier, it's not bad that it's finally happening. Even if it turns a few people into political pariahs. Sacrifice, as everyone should know, is necessary in any fight. Even if it's an ideological one.

The long, warm fall: If we've been below freezing here in Albuquerque this fall, it hasn't been for very long. This has been a very mild (and dry) autumn, and I still wear short sleeved shirts half the time. No snow, but I'm sure there will be some coming in a while. So it's nice to use less energy to stay warm--beating high gas prices with the good weather.

The car: About three years ago, I bought a used car for a little over $9K. Other than a flat tire and some problems with the electronic windows, this has been a very reliable replacement for my old Camaro.

Music: When I walked into work on Friday, I found out the office had been broken into. The Mac I used was one of five computers stolen. I lamented the loss of my jukebox, as that Mac had close to 3000 songs I'd listen to on random. Luckily, I have backups for almost all of it. Music is life to me, and I spend a lot of time, energy and money keeping it in my life.

Movies: Even when there isn't anything worth paying $10 for at the multi-plex, I've got a nice library at home to peruse. Another world is waiting with just a few button pushes. The movie theatre hasn't completely let me down this year, either. It's just been really spotty at times.

Quiet nights: I can read, play some solitaire, not worry too much about what's happening the next day. Get to bed in time to have a long, good night's sleep.

I could have made this much shorter. I could have just said thanks for good food, good drink and good cheer, and I'd have hit most of these right on the head. So I thank you, reader, for making it all the way to the end of a somewhat milquetoast column this week. I'm looking forward to a few days off the grind later in the week. And I hope everyone is able to sit back and not worry too much. Even if it's just for a little while.

The rest of the world will still be waiting, with all of its concerns, when you get through with your respite.

Matt Worley is stocking up on the food and wine now, so he doesn't have to go anywhere on Thursday. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.