Oops. I almost started this day complaining about how I am not a fan of turkey, or of music, or happiness.

Time for some perspective. My colleagues Andrea Griffith and Rory Kelly and I decided to turn things around and make a list of what we are thankful for in our area. Drumroll ...

1) The pecan pie at Acme. Just last night, my husband said if it was his last hour in town, he'd go straight to the Carrboro restaurant to get a piece.

2) The fact that 3Cups is serving free pie and wine today. 

3) Battle Branch Trail. It's beautiful year round, and people make rock sculptures deep in the forest.

4) My yoga studio is offering free yoga on Thanksgiving. Thanks, Franklin Street Yoga! Reason No. 4

5) The fifth grade class at Glenwood Elementary School. I spoke to them recently about my life as a magazine writer and editor and was astounded by their alert attention, astute questions and overall polite demeanors.

6) The Manhattan at Neal's Deli (one of the delicious sandwiches that found a place on our May/June cover).

7) The fact that our jobs allow us to meet amazing and talented people. Case in point: At the N.C. Literary Festival, we covered and met writers like R.L. Stine and John Grisham and had a glass of wine with Chapel Hill scribe Sarah Dessen. Love her! (Check out her blog to see her reasons for giving thanks this year.)

8) That our community is home to the Red Window, a store opened by Elizabeth Edwards with furniture that is stylish and affordable. 

9)The S & T Soda Shoppe ... and the basketball-sized banana split on the menu.

10) Mediterranean Deli and the homemade pitas they serve.

11) $5 wine nights Wednesdays and Sundays at Spice Street - and  - the super-nice bartenders and waitstaff there.

12) The band The Sundowners at The Station - a perfect mix with a Guinness.

13) All the local produce we have access to at the many farmers' markets.

14) How the Carolina Brewery and the City Tap add spice to Pittsboro's nightlife.

15) The fact the flowers bloom year round.

16) How our impressive community of artists are inspired by their surroundings to create breathtaking works.

17) UNC's win Monday night.

18) Our great music community. Musicians Mark Cool, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Chatham County Line, Big Fat Gap and The Old Ceremony and venues The Cave, Cat's Cradle and Local 506 are all a testament to the creativity of our town.Reason No. 18: Chatham County Line

19) The way people value and celebrate education. I guess being home to the first public university in America has that effect, huh?

20) How visitors jump at the chance to book a plane ticket from other places to spend their holidays here. After all, what's not to love?