What are you thankful for?
Otto's thankful for his BFF Daisy.
The holiday this week has us thinking about giving thanks (and turkey, too). So, we were curious:
What are you thankful for?
We'd love to hear your answer in the comments. It could be anyone or anything.
We'll draw one person at random from the comments and AOA will give $100 to a charity of that person's choice.
OK, we'll start: AOA is very thankful for our loving and supportive family and friends -- we never would have been able to start this site without them. And we're also thankful to you. We count ourselves very lucky that AOA is part of a community that includes so many interesting and thoughtful people. It makes us smile.
Important: To be part of the drawing, you must submit your comment (that answers the question) by noon on November 24. You must include a working email address (that you check regularly). The winner will be notified by 5 pm on November 24 and must respond by 5 pm on November 29. The choice of charity is subject to AOA approval (for example, we're not going to give money to People Against Puppies).
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Comments
I'm thankful that my parents are creative, interesting, caring people who raised me to to appreciate the natural world and to embrace life rather than focus too much on other people's depictions of what it should be.
... said Lskeet on Nov 23, 2010 at 10:45 AM | link
The addition of a healthy baby girl to our family in the new year!
... said Jason Steven Murphy on Nov 23, 2010 at 10:46 AM | link
I know it's a cliche, but I'm grateful for my family and friends.
... said Dina on Nov 23, 2010 at 10:50 AM | link
I am thankful for such great friends and my family. I am thankful that I live in the most beautiful neighborhood in this great city and have a terrific job that I am proud of. I am thankful for a wonderful husband who makes me laugh. I am thankful that AOA made me pause and think of how lucky I am, and everything I have to be thankful for!
... said Summer on Nov 23, 2010 at 10:53 AM | link
I'm thankful for all the people around me ... my fantastic friends, my nutty family, and my beautiful little niece!
... said Kim M. on Nov 23, 2010 at 10:57 AM | link
I am thankful for the wonderful people at Microsoft and Nintendo who keep making video games that can draw me in, even into my thirties!
... said derryX on Nov 23, 2010 at 10:59 AM | link
I'm thankful for my husband and two children and for still being employed! :)
... said Melissa on Nov 23, 2010 at 11:17 AM | link
I'm thankful for little things like finding money in your pocket, a cold pillow, and the sound my kitties make when they purr. Also thankful for the kids in my life, because they say the darndest things.
... said Sue on Nov 23, 2010 at 11:25 AM | link
I'm thankful for chicken wings, because I really like them.
... said Jackers on Nov 23, 2010 at 11:27 AM | link
I'm thankful for my family and friends, thankful for my good job at a time when far too many people don't have a job, and thankful to the good people of Novartis, who provide me with the Gleevec that keeps me alive and able to be thankful for such things. :-)
... said Slacker on Nov 23, 2010 at 11:33 AM | link
I am thankful to have met Vijay! I came to Albany thinking that I'd put my head down, get through school, and get out, and it's turned out to be such an awesome, worthwhile experience, especially because I have gotten to know and love him.
... said Liz on Nov 23, 2010 at 11:38 AM | link
I am of course deeply thankful for my giggling, healthy new baby girl. I give thanks every day that I am still in love with her father and our marriage becomes stronger every day. While I resent my job sometimes, I am so lucky to have a career that gives me interesting things to do - and that I simply have it. My family fills me with joy and frustration - making us enviably human and normal.
But above all I give thanks for the capacity in all of us for forgiveness. That's the best thanksgiving in my life of all.
... said Jin on Nov 23, 2010 at 11:42 AM | link
I am thankful for the close connections I have made with other people, my good friends. Though all different and wonderful, they all manage to be intelligent, creative, unique and hilarious. I am lucky to attract such awesome human beings towards my sucking gravity pull.
I am also thankful that my dog, Fred has lived 16 years thus far and is still pretty cool, even if he does eat right off people's plates sometimes.
And I am thankful that I myself have strength, because I have needed it, and will continue to.
... said Nicole on Nov 23, 2010 at 11:43 AM | link
I'm thankful for the friends that are accepting me into their home on Thanksgiving day when my own family won't.
... said Ryan on Nov 23, 2010 at 11:44 AM | link
I am thankful for Jackers and all the other wonderful friends that I have in my life.
... said meierrain on Nov 23, 2010 at 11:45 AM | link
I'm thankful for all of the natural beauty and open spaces that are still left in our area.
... said NG on Nov 23, 2010 at 11:46 AM | link
I am thankful for beer, lovely beverage that it is.
... said Patrick on Nov 23, 2010 at 11:49 AM | link
I'm thankful for a group of friends that have become more like family since we moved here.
... said JoJo on Nov 23, 2010 at 11:54 AM | link
I am thankful for the strength, both my own and that the amazing others in my life provide me with, to make it through just about anything. I could go on forever, but suffice it to say that I am thankful every day when I wake up and realize that I am blessed with many things other people do not have (like heat, for instance). I hope I can pay at least some of it forward. Also, I am thankful for my beautiful dog and cats!
... said Melanie on Nov 23, 2010 at 11:55 AM | link
I am thankful for strong coffee, Buddy the Elf, sweater vests, and the opportunity to procrastinate on sites like this.
... said Erin on Nov 23, 2010 at 11:55 AM | link
I'm thankful for Jimmy Dean's Chocolate Chip Pancake & Sausage on a stick, it was a revelation. I can't wait to bring a few back to France.
I'm also thankful for derryX for taking one for the team in this post.
... said -S on Nov 23, 2010 at 11:55 AM | link
I am thankful for my husband for always being my rock when things are rough.
I am thankful for everyone who keeps us safe, be it soldiers, regulators, nurses, etc.
And I am thankful that I am home today, enjoying some time off because I really need it!
... said Chelle on Nov 23, 2010 at 11:59 AM | link
I am thankful for my family, urban and biological, for loving me when I am unlovable, lifting me up when I am down, and clamping down when I am getting too big for my "britches". I put them through a lot just by being me and I am glad that they are here for me, and I for them, because without them, life wouldn't be nearly as much of an adventure.
Thank you and I love you.
... said ned on Nov 23, 2010 at 12:02 PM | link
Happy that my brave sister, who is struggling with an incurable cancer diagnosis, is getting through this and is well enough to be celebrating this Thanksgiving.
... said Sandra DEE on Nov 23, 2010 at 12:03 PM | link
I'm thankful for the supportive people in my life who reinforce my goals and for the unsupportive people who just make me more determined.
... said Liz on Nov 23, 2010 at 12:14 PM | link
I am thankful for the chance to be with my family at Thanksgiving, and for my new niece, adopted from China this week after 5 years of waiting!
... said Katie on Nov 23, 2010 at 12:22 PM | link
My family. I know I can count on them no matter what.
... said Rob on Nov 23, 2010 at 12:26 PM | link
I'm thankful for having a good job in this not so stable economy, as well as my family and friends.
... said aj on Nov 23, 2010 at 12:28 PM | link
I am grateful and thankful for all of my friends (that feel like family) in Albany and my family back in Rochester who are only a phone call away. Also, my pitbull Walter keeps me sane, so I'm pretty thankful for him too.
... said Jason on Nov 23, 2010 at 12:32 PM | link
Sometimes this place can get you down. Seems nearly everyone is afraid of change, even if they know deep down that the change is good. I'm thankful for the people who stand up day after day and speak up for the things they believe in, even if I don't always agree with them. The direction of this city (Albany) and region are dependent on the participation of the community. If you believe in something, don't wait for someone else to make the tough stand. Speak up!
... said daleyplanit on Nov 23, 2010 at 12:44 PM | link
Albany, the people and the place.
... said Laura on Nov 23, 2010 at 12:55 PM | link
I'm thankful for my dashing good looks, genius intellect, brilliant wit, and underlying humility.
No wait, maybe I should go with: I'm thankful for eBay which feeds my neverending addiction for photo equipment.
Or maybe: I'm thankful for New World Bistro Bar and especially their duck liver pate (but not for dropping quail eggs from the menu).
Okay no, of course I'm thankful for good health, the extremely fortunate circumstance of being born in a propsperous, secure country offering millions of pontential paths to happiness, my awesome family and friends who are the best people ever, and for the ability to step back and actually be thankful for all of that.
And $7.25 movie days at the Spectrum. And whiskey. And library books. And WiFi. Also chocolate and pickles (not necessarily together -- necessarily).
... said B on Nov 23, 2010 at 1:00 PM | link
I am thankful for my mom. Three years ago when I had to leave Seattle due to total and permanent disability (not being able to work anymore or live independently), my mom took me in and is my primary support system (financially and emotionally). She bought us a new home and has created a wonderful, comfortable, lovely safe haven for us. I may wish I was still in Seattle and I may miss my friends and most of all I wish none of this had ever happened - but I am deeply grateful for my mom. I am glad we have each other.
... said xina on Nov 23, 2010 at 1:11 PM | link
I'm thankful for good people. Right about the time that the world seems overrun by jerks and bastards, it always seems like someone does something really decent. It's a nice reminder that awful human beings likely don't outnumber the good ones, they're probably only a little louder.
I'm also super thankful for cute dog pictures. They're a reset button for a bad mood.
... said Alice Person on Nov 23, 2010 at 1:14 PM | link
I'm thankful for this area. No, seriously.
I'm also thankful for my readers.
Most importantly, I'm thankful for my wonderful sisters and brother, all my gorgeous nieces, and the addition of two adorable nephews this past year.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
... said Kevin Marshall on Nov 23, 2010 at 1:18 PM | link
I'm thankful for more things than I admit..or that I realize. God knows. The Universe reminds me when I forget.
... said Ryan Naylor on Nov 23, 2010 at 1:32 PM | link
I'm thankful for all of the people who commit so much of their free time towards rescuing and sheltering stray and abused animals. Especially AnimaLovers (animalovers.org) and everyone who was involved with the Orange Street Cats rescue (orangestreetcats.org).
... said Erik on Nov 23, 2010 at 2:05 PM | link
I am thankful to be able to send my child to a Christian School and for the opportunity to attend a Christian Church. I give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Happy Thanksgiving!
... said Rich R on Nov 23, 2010 at 2:13 PM | link
I am thankful that I have been given the gift of this life. Good and bad, it has been a great ride so far. I am so lucky!
... said Kathy on Nov 23, 2010 at 2:40 PM | link
I'm thankful for vodka and coffee.
... said wide awake drunk on Nov 23, 2010 at 2:52 PM | link
I am thankful for my kids, wife and tractor, in that order.
... said Barold on Nov 23, 2010 at 2:52 PM | link
Forgive my sappiness - but after last year's holiday season being one of the worst of my life in the midst of a bitter divorce, this year I am thankful for moving on and truly finding myself, and for the promise I've made to myself to never again compromise who I am for another. I'm also thankful for finding a wonderful man who believes in me, supports me, is dependable, trustworthy, and who has restored my faith in men and in myself.
... said MF on Nov 23, 2010 at 2:53 PM | link
I'm thankful that there's a Dinosaur BBQ just 4 miles from my apartment.
... said Meagan on Nov 23, 2010 at 4:52 PM | link
I'm thankful for health and my beautiful family and a job. I'm thankful for being here in the Capital Region and for people who read my blog and look at my photos and maybe comment once in a while. I'm thankful for friends and family near and afar and for AOA (of course!)
... said the_exile on Nov 23, 2010 at 5:52 PM | link
I'm thankful that all of my siblings have managed to find sobriety over this past year & we are able to celebrate the holidays as a complete family for the first time in over 15 years.
... said Captain Veggies on Nov 23, 2010 at 5:54 PM | link
I'm thankful for food, 'cause it's a food-based holiday -- I'm glad I'm going to be sitting down to a big, home-cooked dinner, 'cause some people go hungry and I'm lucky not to be one of them.
... said KB on Nov 23, 2010 at 6:22 PM | link
I am thankful for my boyfriend and his never ending patience with me when I complain about school and insist on telling him all the boring details of my day. And for my dogs who make me laugh everyday (seriously, how do people live without dogs?!)
... said jcp on Nov 23, 2010 at 6:25 PM | link
I am thankful for some all the cool music that's come out this year, and eternally grateful for the pod.
... said capgirl on Nov 23, 2010 at 7:21 PM | link
I'm thankful for this delicious homemade venison stew which I am about to consume.
... said Marcie on Nov 23, 2010 at 8:35 PM | link
I'm grateful that the first contractor whom I called to try and quell the rapidly rising flood of sewage coursing through my basement, seemed like a schister - cuz he was. After telling me I had a collapsed pipe requiring major excavation (to the tune of 5 grand, 50% up front) he left with a (rubber) check swearing to return with his crew the next day. Sensing a snake, I sought a second opinion, (far less fearsome) and had the problem solved using, what else, another type of snake. Meanwhile I stopped payment on the check and am considering what form of retaliation, I mean, action, is appropriate.
So yeah, I'm really thankful to bail (like, literally) with a price tag of three digits, not four. There's a lot of carnivores out there with more on their plates than just turkey, so heads up.
... said Bonnie Engelman on Nov 24, 2010 at 12:53 AM | link
I'm thankful to have retained my job amidst layoffs. I'm thankful for the great network of family and friends that are there for me when I need them and are around to share a drink or five when I need that too.
... said Diana on Nov 24, 2010 at 9:34 AM | link
I hate to be cliche, but I'm thankful for my friends & family. I have a great group of people that I can count on for companionship & support. I'm truly blessed to have the friends that I have, and a family that is a big part of my life.
... said Erinn on Nov 24, 2010 at 9:42 AM | link
I am thankful for the continued health and happiness of my friends, family and pets. I am thankful for my great job. I am thankful for meeting Arun and learning how to cook Indian food this year!
... said Kathleen Lisson on Nov 24, 2010 at 9:49 AM | link
I'm thankful for my volunteer job doing something I love, which helps me keep my sanity and work with some of the most awesome people in the Capital Region!
... said Amy on Nov 24, 2010 at 10:25 AM | link
Opposable thumbs.
... said sig on Nov 24, 2010 at 10:25 AM | link
I am grateful for those things that keep me going each day: family, friends and coffee.
... said abby on Nov 24, 2010 at 10:27 AM | link
I'm thankful for the patience of my friends, wife, and family. I'm also thankful to have the opportunity to help others.
... said Matt on Nov 24, 2010 at 10:47 AM | link
I'm thankful that I have a job in this tough economy. I'm also thankful for my family who "sponsored" me for the 6 months I was unemployed!
... said Kelsey on Nov 24, 2010 at 11:25 AM | link
i'm thankful to AOA for bringing this community together the way that it has and for helping us all become a little bit more informed and involved in everything that is great about our area. it's hard to remember a time before there was AOA, all thanks to the tireless work of Greg and Mary. love you guys!! happy thanksgiving all!! :-D
... said Kim D. on Nov 24, 2010 at 11:55 AM | link
Job, good health, house I can pay for.
... said chrisck on Nov 24, 2010 at 12:39 PM | link
This year I am especially thankful for all of the travel oppurtunities that my job has given me.
And right now I'm thankful for two weeks of "down time" before I hit the road again!
I'm also thankful for redheads.
... said Jessica R on Nov 24, 2010 at 3:29 PM | link
i am thankful for AOA.
... said vijay on Nov 25, 2010 at 11:27 AM | link