I have just had another Moment of Clarity with Black Ribbon--about seven pages' worth of background notes and a timeline I should have drawn up years ago, but there you are. I'm a little anxious about exactly how many years it would take to get a medical degree between 1870 and 1890, which is why I think I put off pinning down the exact years for so long. But honestly, until I made an attempt at it, a lot of things could not come together. And then I had two huge realizations and it was awesome.
So. Not to be smurfy about it, but: this is what I am thankful for. What are your plans for Turkeymas, if applicable?
Failing that: BRING UNTO ME THE BLACK FRIDAY SALES.
(No, seriously, link me to the good ones.)

Mashed potatoes.
Green beans.
SAINTS VS. COWBOYS.
Everything else is irrelevant.
Your icon!!! The best!!!!
I'm thankful that Thanksgiving is not at my damn house this year. I'm making three things. That is all. Not ALL THE THINGS! Just three.
Theatre Vegetarian Solidarity!
As for Friday... I'm working from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bath and Body Works. Dear sweet lord. O_O;;
Every year I hope Fred Willard will commentate as his "Best in Show" character, but I'm still waiting.
Also, "A Deep Fried Korean Thanksgiving." My poor father is surrounded by far too much estrogen.
Pie, Oreo Delight, and Jello made. Cinnamon apples, broccoli casserole, potatoes, gravy, stuffing, rolls to go. A star appearance by a beautiful organic, free-range, vegetarian fed turkey that I have faithfully brined. I'm so excited for this turkey I can't even tell you. It's now 11 pm. T-26 hours. I can't sleep. OH GOD WHAT HAVE I SIGNED UP FOR AGAIN?
Also, I dunno if you've seen "reasoning with vampires", but it's absolutely hilarious and this post made me think of you: http://reasoningwithvampires.tumblr.com/tagged/He%27s_like_a_child._GO_OUTSIDE_AND_PLAY%2C_EDWARD.
And it's also my flippin' BIRTHDAY.
Thanks, universe. Really. You're a peach.
About the doctor thing =
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctorate
specifically: Professional doctorates originated in the United States, with the introduction of the MD at Columbia University in 1767,[9] or almost 100 years before a research doctorate (that is, a PhD) was awarded in that country, at Yale in 1861.[10] The JD was introduced in 1870, just a few years after the PhD.[11]
and a truly excellent PDF on the English system at:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1139613/pdf/medhist00071-0005.pdf