I know posts have been sparse lately, but with the holiday and a 6-day trip home to Philadelphia, I've been busy. But, there's always time to write a quick few words about the things that I am thankful for this time of year.

1. Hockey.

It's like this: You love your girlfriend, you think she's beautiful, and you can't imagine that things could get much better. And then she goes on a vacation for a couple of weeks, and comes home with a tan and implants. All of a sudden, she's all you can think about. I mean, you loved her before, but a combination of the makeover and the time apart has created even more passion that you thought possible.

That's how I feel about the NHL.

2. Josh Beckett.

Sure, it will be tough to judge the success of this trade for a few years, until we've had a chance to see how Hanley Ramirez develops, and how Beckett handles pitching in Fenway. But I have a sneaking suspicion that the Boston Red Sox and their marketing machine of Gammons and Company have just convinced everyone that Hanley is the second coming, and it just paid off in the form of Josh Beckett.

3. Bill Mueller.

The acquisition of Mike Lowell and a failure to produce anything offensively in the 2005 postseason seems to hint that Bill Mueller's career as a Boston Red Sox is nearing an end. Thanks, Billy, for being the most Professional member of the Boston Red Sox in years. Thanks for the World Series ring, the other ring that my fellow female Sox bloggers are so fond of, and the Grimace. And thank you, thank you, thank you for July 24, 2004. I will never forget what will go down in history as my favorite day at Fenway.

4.

This arrived on my doorstep on Monday, thanks to Claudia. It's currently sitting on a shelf with my Pedro Martinez box of Wheaties. Now I just need to find the Kevin Millar Collector's Edition bottle of Jack Daniels, and I'll be all set.

5. Chickie's and Pete's.

The finest establishment in Philadelphia, and I will be there. Tomorrow.

6. The Denver Broncos.

I would have preferred a blowout yesterday, but thank you, Denver, for sending all of those Cowboys fans home unhappy after an overtime loss. Happy Thanksgiving, indeed.

7. Family.

It took a whopping three minutes before our Thanksgiving dinner turned to a debate about the Eagles current situation, Terrell Owens, Andy Reid vs Ken Hitchcock, and Bob Clarke's success as GM.

It's good to be home.

8. Speaking of family, thanks to them, I'll be attending my first game at the Linc today. Sure, there will be no McNabb, no T.O., and while we're at it, no Hank Fraley, no Lito Sheppard, no Tra Thomas, no Greg Lewis, no Artis Hicks. But, it's still the Linc, it's still the Eagles, and it's still the absolute craziness of football in Philadelphia.

Go Iggles.