A few years ago, I had a really vivid dream where I briefly met… the one. I was sitting in a Subway restaurant when all of a sudden she just appeared, sitting across from me and holding my hand. I couldn’t see her face too clearly, but she was thin, had long blonde hair, and a beautiful smile. I knew I was dreaming too, which for me is very rare, in fact it may have been the first time I was ever aware that I was in a dream. I could feel myself waking up too, and I held on to her hand desperately, not willing to let her go.

She continued to smile at me, her face at peace, her fingers interlocked with mine, and promised me that I would see her soon.

And then she was gone.

Usually I dismiss most of my dreams as being sheer nonsense (including the dreams where I’m Spider-man), but because this one was so vivid, and because I knew I was dreaming, I have to wonder… was she real? Does the girl of my dreams really have blonde hair and a gorgeous smile? Will I meet her in a Subway restaurant someday?

I do know one thing: I’ve made Subway a WHOLE lot richer now ever since I had that dream.

It’s true though, and since I’m a romantic at heart, I make a point of stopping by every Subway joint I come across, just to see if there’s a cute blonde inside snacking on a veggie sandwich.

“Every Thanksgiving, over 80 million Americans get together to be with their families…. and wonder why.”

This time of year used to get on my nerves for the longest time. Because I no longer have a social network of family or friends, Thanksgiving would usually find me twiddling my thumbs or climbing the walls out of sheer boredom.

A long time ago, when I used to have a family, we would often get together at my grandfather’s house for a feast of the ages. I remember aunts, uncles, friends of the family, ad infinitum coming from all over to celebrate and toast the occasion.

But I also remembered the arguments too. And the fights. And the screaming. Thanksgiving, instead of being a time of reflection and giving thanks for what we had, instead became a poorly scripted soap opera. There was contention, strife, envying, bitterness and genuine hatred all around.

But then one day, my family went away, and with it all the aggravation and grief that came with it. Thanksgiving, though often a dull occasion for the last few years, was at least a QUIET and PEACEFUL occasion.

Upon reflection, it seems I do have much to be thankful for after all. Thankful for a good job, a warm home, a beautiful car, many material blessings (including my smokin’ sweet laptop), and of course the blessing of no longer having to deal with a family of relatives that brought me nothing but grief and pain.

This year, I’m thankful above all for hope: hope for a better future, the prospects of a new career, and of perhaps finally meeting my one true soulmate (preferably a woman).