It was tougher than usual to give thanks today. I had to keep reminding myself that the work that I have to do -- the work that I've been doing until now, 1:30 in the morning, and the work that I'll resume when I get back to my place tomorrow -- is actually a blessing.

I had to skip out on the Thanksgiving festivities early, missing the bad movie sequels screening and the second round of pigging out.

Instead, I slipped into my pajamas and set up desk in my parents' office. My mom played Wheel of Fortune on her PC, while I cropped photos on my iBook. The only time I got up was to get dessert.