I can't think of a better Thanksgiving dinner than the one I had last night at my (American) friend Rachel's house here in Damascus.

There were about ten of us, all Arabic language students -- except for me, the lone journalist.

First, we sat down to a delicious dinner of roasted chicken and vegetables, leek stuffing, mashed potatoes, apple crisp and squash pie.

We then went around the table and told everyone one thing we weren't thankful for this year (our tribute to the "Festivous" episode of Seinfeld, one of the most popular TV shows in Syria). Our complaints ranged from the way people behave on buses to bad landlords to neverending residency paperwork.

All joking aside, I do have a lot to be thankful for this year.

1. People who take the time to talk to me for my articles despite their busy schedules and who give me great quotes

2. People who have befriended me, despite the political situation

3. My friends across the world who keep in touch with me via email, making me feel like we're still close despite the distance

4. My parents, who are trying to help me straighten out my banking situation, as my credit card keeps on getting frozen due to "unusual charges" (Does Wells Fargo have something against shopping in Syria?)

5. My editors, who helped me get here, and are helping me stay here

6. Even the bad things that happen -- because they make me thankful for the good things... and sometimes they give me something to write about