What are you thankful for this year?
We're also thankful for Otto -- he has a way of making people smile.
Kathy's comment was picked in the drawing -- and she chose the Bethesda House in Schenectady as her charity.
Giving thanks is on our minds this week because of the holiday. So, we'd like to know:
What are you thankful for this year?
We'd love to hear your answer in the comments. It could be anyone or anything.
We'll draw one person at random from and AOA will give $100 to a charity of that person's choice. We did this last year and Elizabeth's name was drawn -- she chose Animal Lovers as her charity.
OK, we'll start: We're thankful for our friends and family, for their love and support and patience. And we're thankful for you -- AOA is an interesting place because of the people around it. We greatly appreciate all the suggestions and contributions, the thoughtful and funny comments. Thank you.
Important: To be part of the drawing, you must submit your comment (that answers the question) by 5 pm on November 23. You must include a working email address (that you check regularly). The winner will be notified by 10 am on November 28 and must respond by 10 am 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 thank the Lord for family.
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
Psalm 28:7 NLT
... said Rich on Nov 22, 2011 at 10:44 AM | link
Thankful for my family and friends.
... said Peter Parker on Nov 22, 2011 at 10:46 AM | link
I am definitely very thankful for the health & happiness for myself, my family, & friends!
... said Matte on Nov 22, 2011 at 10:54 AM | link
I am thankful that my sister is cancer free! She was diagnosed with breast cancer in August, and underwent a double mastectomy in October, but the results were good. Although she is going through a lot right now, she is looking forward to reconstructive surgery in the new year, and many healthy years to come!
... said keri13 on Nov 22, 2011 at 10:58 AM | link
I'm thankful for another year of being able to come home for the holidays to upstate New York!
... said Laura on Nov 22, 2011 at 11:02 AM | link
I am thankful that my husband and I have a roof over our heads and food to eat, in a year when so many people in this region lost their homes to Tropical Storms Irene and Lee.
... said Ellen on Nov 22, 2011 at 11:07 AM | link
I am thankful for gainful employment, my friends, my family and my pups!
... said Jess on Nov 22, 2011 at 11:09 AM | link
I'm thankful for being employed, having a roof over my head, and healthy food to eat. I'm also thankful that I can say the same for the rest of my family and that I'll get to enjoy Thanksgiving with the whole crazy bunch of them!
... said Shannon on Nov 22, 2011 at 11:11 AM | link
I am thankful for family and if I could donate $100 it would be to a homeless shelter.
... said Donna on Nov 22, 2011 at 11:13 AM | link
Seasons. The outdoors. The Indoors. Bars with patios (the outdoor indoors). Other people. Cheap beer. Walking. Having things to walk to. Stuff. Especially free stuff. Waking up. Pterodactyls. But not waking up pterodactyls, that's a disaster.
... said B on Nov 22, 2011 at 11:15 AM | link
I'm thankful for my family, my home and my health.
I would choose the JC club in Albany. I think showing kindness to feed the kids of Albany is great.
... said Michelle on Nov 22, 2011 at 11:17 AM | link
Maple Leaf Childcare is thankful for their wonderful staff and families! Happy Thanksgiving!
... said Maple Leaf Childcare Center on Nov 22, 2011 at 11:18 AM | link
It's family first and family last and family by and by.
... said Guy on Nov 22, 2011 at 11:20 AM | link
Im thankful for friends that are family, and family that are friends!
... said Cara on Nov 22, 2011 at 11:21 AM | link
A healthy family, my own health, financial stability, a job I love and bacon.
... said Kristi on Nov 22, 2011 at 11:22 AM | link
This year, as always, my family, but especially our new daughter Molly.
... said Slacker on Nov 22, 2011 at 11:26 AM | link
Thankful to be able to walk home thru Capital Holiday Lights in the Park every night (so cheerful!)
Thankful to be closer to home once again, spending time with old friends, making new friends, and taking care of mom
Thankful to be moving into a new apartment tomorrow with a stunning view of the foothills
And, as I said earlier today: thankful that I don't like nutella.
Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
... said ajw93 on Nov 22, 2011 at 11:27 AM | link
I'm thankful that the 'bad stuff' in my life is not insurmountable. I'm also thankful for my husband, who is steady and sure next to my constant re-evaluations and occasional wishy-washiness.
... said Kerosena on Nov 22, 2011 at 11:34 AM | link
My family and especially my pets. They're awesome and make me happy every single day...even that one time when my dog ate her own poop.
... said Valerae on Nov 22, 2011 at 11:41 AM | link
deep fried turkey
... said Erin on Nov 22, 2011 at 11:48 AM | link
I am thankful for being able to do what I love -- and, of course, my dog Walter who keeps me sane.
... said Jason on Nov 22, 2011 at 11:53 AM | link
I'm thankful for so many things: Family (this includes dogs and cats), Friends, Cheese, Other cultures, Second chances, First chances, Science, Making new connections with inspirational people, Diet Dr. Pepper, Crisp fall days, Photography, Leaf blowers, Burritos, Milkshakes, The prolific nature of air travel, Books, Pizza (Oh pizza!), That look my wife gives me when I think I'm being funny, That look my wife gives me when she thinks I'm being funny, Peanut butter, British accents, Irish accents, Public transportation, People who speak more than one language, Teenagers that "get it", Monkeys, Europe, Sandwiches....you see what I'm getting at.
... said Tim on Nov 22, 2011 at 12:07 PM | link
I am thankful for pie. The power of prayer. And the occasional cocktail.
Amen. :)
... said abby on Nov 22, 2011 at 12:20 PM | link
I am thankful that my husband and I are both employed, and are doing well. I'm thankful that my family and friends have their health. I'm thankful for our fabulous (albeit tiny) apartment in a beautiful neighborhood. I'm thankful for my dog and two cats, who give me many smiles. I'm thankful that I will be able to see two friends over the holidays that have moved away. And perhaps most of all, I am thankful that I have a wonderful husband to share in my laughter and worries, and that I get to enjoy another holiday with him.
... said Summer on Nov 22, 2011 at 12:27 PM | link
I'm thankful for my amazing little girl.
... said Melissa on Nov 22, 2011 at 12:49 PM | link
I am thankful for my family and friends - they are the best support system ever. It has not been an easy year - but we all help each other get through. No matter how little we think we have some days, there are those who have less - and I do try hard to help.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
... said Pam on Nov 22, 2011 at 12:50 PM | link
I am thankful I have a home, people who love me, a job, and straight hair!
... said Laura Cardwell on Nov 22, 2011 at 1:46 PM | link
Honestly, as a 2011 college graduate in this economy- I am SUPER thankful to not only have a job, but have one that is relevant to my field and one that I love. Thankful for that and hopeful that the new year will bring many others the same.
... said Kayla on Nov 22, 2011 at 1:49 PM | link
Let me start by saying that I am thankful for this opportunity to reflect upon what I am thankful for.
I am thankful for my incredible family and friends, who have seen me through some difficult times and have not declared a moratorium on Wendy-drama.
I'm also thankful for my job - I may kinda hate it sometimes, but I'm grateful for the financial freedom it gives me, and for the people it has allowed me to meet.
Finally, I am thankful for Google. Yes, you heard me.
... said Wendy V on Nov 22, 2011 at 2:45 PM | link
I'm thankful for my friend Jennifer, without whom I'd be completely insane and without tether.
... said Sally on Nov 22, 2011 at 2:50 PM | link
I am so thankful that my son is a client of the Arc of Rensselaer County. There is no better organization serving people with developmental disabilities in this country, let alone the Capital District.
... said mary on Nov 22, 2011 at 3:00 PM | link
I'm thankful for food, plenty of food, delicious food, so that those I care about don't have to go hungry. I'm thankful for employment, too, so we have money to buy said food.
(I believe in Thanksgiving being a "thankful for the harvest" sort of day. I save "thankful for people" for Xmas, when I show I'm thankful for those I love by giving them gifts.)
... said KB @ Home-Baked Happiness on Nov 22, 2011 at 3:17 PM | link
I am thankful for everything, but most of all: that my children and family are healthy, that I have a job and can pay my bills, that I have great friends and a wonderful life.
... said kathy on Nov 22, 2011 at 3:44 PM | link
This year was one of the most challenging ever, so maybe that has served to make me more aware of the things that I really am thankful for - family, friends and my 'food buddy'.
... said capgirl on Nov 22, 2011 at 4:20 PM | link
I'm thankful for my health and for the health of my friends, family, and pups. I'm also thankful for AOA for bringing thoughtful, witty topics and discussions to the Albany area!
... said E on Nov 22, 2011 at 4:24 PM | link
Just thankful for a really good life. Bumps in the road, sure... but a darn good life.
... said robyn on Nov 22, 2011 at 4:49 PM | link
I'm thankful that my friends and family are all doing well, that I still have my job, and that there are so many charities doing good work!
... said Ryan on Nov 22, 2011 at 5:12 PM | link
I am so so so thankful for my friends and family this year. I had one of my hardest years and don't know how I would have made it through without them. Made me realize how lucky I truly am. And my pets are definitely included in the "family" part!
... said alison on Nov 22, 2011 at 5:36 PM | link
I'm thankful for much of the aboved mentioned stuff, but also thankful for the contrasting seasons of upstate New York, which always gives me something to look forward to. Each season has its own set of pleasures. In winter there are my bird feeders and snow shoeing. And the excuse to drink mulled hot cider spiked with Calvados. And baking bread to warm up the house.
... said chrisck on Nov 22, 2011 at 5:38 PM | link
I am thankful for kittens, puppies, babies, and all the other things in this world that make life worth living.
... said KM on Nov 22, 2011 at 7:31 PM | link
My family. And dogs in capes.
... said Rob on Nov 22, 2011 at 8:06 PM | link
Having a job when so many others don't, my family and friends, booze, my good looks, the troy farmers market and my pets.
... said Emily on Nov 22, 2011 at 9:03 PM | link
I'm thankful for my children, my husband, the dog (even when she wakes us up at 5:30 am) and for all the blessings we've received. And for a five day weekend.
... said WendyG on Nov 22, 2011 at 9:50 PM | link
I am thankful for my daughter and the joy she brins me every moment of every day, that I get to share her with my parents who love her dearly, for starbucks ice cream and carrot ginger soup at uncommon grounds!
... said kathy on Nov 23, 2011 at 3:08 AM | link
I'm thankful for my family, a nonleaking roof over my head and the natural bounty of upstate NY - there's nowhere else I'd rather live.
... said Kate H on Nov 23, 2011 at 5:54 AM | link
I am thankful for the love of my life, our two cats, my father's continuing health and good beer.
... said -R. on Nov 23, 2011 at 9:32 AM | link
Thankful to be as fortunate as I have when many aren't. And thankful for the right to complain, when I forget that simple fact.
... said Chris on Nov 23, 2011 at 10:47 AM | link
I am thankful there is never a dull moment in my home, with my family (including the four-legged ones), in the lives of my friends, or at my work!! I could never claim to be bored, or feel as though I have been "forgotten" :-)
I am thankful for said crazy family, friends, co-workers, and my still water-logged home (which I am grateful is still standing).
... said Dee Dee on Nov 23, 2011 at 11:06 AM | link
WEXT and pictures of Otto.
... said Laura on Nov 23, 2011 at 12:14 PM | link
I'm thankful that I'm happier and better off this Thanksgiving than I was last Thanksgiving. I'm thankful that barriers that seem insurmountable are not always so. I'm thankful for the love of good friends. I'm thankful for having everything I need, if not everything I want.
... said Monk on Nov 23, 2011 at 4:31 PM | link
I'm thankful that the Occupation movement has begun and that no one predicted it. There is reason to have hope again in the human spirit!
... said Cincinnatus on Nov 23, 2011 at 11:21 PM | link
For breathing.
... said Uncle Laurie on Nov 24, 2011 at 7:32 AM | link