A moment of panic set in Thursday when I read Robert Downey Jr. had been injured on the set of "Iron Man 3" and that filming was temporarily suspended.
"Iron Man" is hurt? I screamed mentally while quickly scanning the Associated Press story for further information.
It was just his foot. He's going to make it. I sighed with relief. My coworkers threw me some strange looks while I lamented over the injury.
First-world problems, I know. I guess it's true that Americans are spoiled.
I don't have to worry about not having fresh water, food in my stomach or clothes on my back, and I don't have to worry about bullets raining down on me while I'm shopping for groceries (aside from the random acts of violence that can occur anywhere).
But if I don't get my single, grande, upside-down, iced caramel macchiato at Starbucks when I'm going through caffeine withdrawal, my world goes, well, upside-down.
I have a lot of things to be thankful for in America.
I have the right to worship any god(s) I want.
I enjoy the freedom of speech.
I don't have to hunt, kill and prepare my own meat (if I did, I'd definitely be a vegetarian). And I don't have to grow or gather my own greens if I want a salad.
I can cut up my spaghetti with a fork and knife.
I can enjoy the comforts of an air-conditioned place to live and an air-conditioned car, and I can drive to any one of five Starbucks (including the one inside Barnes and Noble, not that I'm counting) any time I want.
I can go to Walmart at 2 a.m.
I can go to the library and read any book I want - and even take it home - for free.
I can watch reality TV. (Not "American Idol" - I have moved on to better shows, such as "Storage Wars.")
I can start a blog.
I can take up speed walking. Better yet - mall walking. (This way I am both air-conditioned and able to browse my favorite stores.)
I can join a think tank. I probably won't, because honestly, it sounds very boring. But I can if I so desire.
I can make a bucket list.
I can eat prime rib for breakfast or blueberry pancakes with maple syrup for dinner.
I can write my own column.
I have my health (aside from asthma, allergies, eczema, low blood pressure and a small hiatal hernia).
I have my family.
I have a job - one that I happen to love.
There are many freedoms that come hand-in-hand with being American, and I'm proud to be one - and grateful to the sacrifices made by those in our armed forces who protect those freedoms.
So if the release date for "Iron Man 3" gets pushed back, I'll try not to freak out too much - things could be much worse. (They could be delaying the release of the second half of "Twilight: Breaking Dawn.")
What are you thankful for? Tell me at bhazen@tribtoday.com or comment on this story at www.tribtoday.com.