Drawing: What are you thankful for this year?
Life isn't always a bowl of cherries, but there's still a lot for which to be thankful.
Drawing's closed!
This time of year is a good time to be mindful of the good things in our life -- and to give thanks. So...
What are you thankful for this year?
Please share in the comments. It could be anything or anyone.
As in years past, we'll draw one person's comment at random and AOA will donate $100 to the charity of that person's choice in that person's name.
The Editors will start things after the jump.
Important: To be part of the drawing, you must submit your comment (that answers the question) by 11 pm on November 26, 2013. You must include a working email address (that you check regularly). The winner will be notified by 10 am on November 27 and must respond by noon on December 2. The choice of charity is totally subject to AOA approval. (For example, we're not going to give money to People Against Puppies.)
Mary: This year I'm thinking a lot about how fortunate I was to have gotten a good start in the world. I'm grateful for having been blessed with such wonderful parents and grandparents who surrounded me with so much love in my youth, and for the niece and nephews who remind me so much of them. I'm grateful for the gift of theater, and the wonderful community of people that come with it and for the success of AOA and the amazing people we've met over the last six years. And last but not least I am always for the love and patience of my husband. He's a little bit awesome.
Greg: I'm thankful for my wife, because she's the best (it's true). I'm grateful that we live in a neighborhood where it's easy to walk to things or just take a stroll. This year I had a great time picking all sorts of fruits and vegetables at local farms, so I'm thankful we live in a region that affords so many of those opportunities. And I'm thankful I've had the chance to work on AOA, which has taught me a lot and introduced me to all sorts of interesting people.
Say Something!
We'd really like you to take part in the conversation here at All Over Albany. But we do have a few rules here. Don't worry, they're easy. The first: be kind. The second: treat everyone else with the same respect you'd like to see in return. Cool? Great, post away. Comments are moderated so it might take a little while for your comment to show up. Thanks for being patient.
Comments
This year I am more thankful for my parents than I have ever been. They almost moved down South on me earlier this year and I realized just how difficult it would be to not have my family near me and be able to see them every Sunday for dinner. I know they will eventually move, but it will be under different circumstances and it will be with lots of advance warning so I can emotionally prepare myself. We've had our differences, but they are awesome people.
... said colleen on Nov 25, 2013 at 12:36 PM | link
People/places/organizations like AOA that offer an opportunity such as this. Thank you!
... said nic on Nov 25, 2013 at 12:43 PM | link
I'm thankful for a steady job, my new home, and a pack of crazy and wonderful friends I couldn't live without.
... said T on Nov 25, 2013 at 12:45 PM | link
It's a little cliché but I truly am grateful for the roof over my head and food on my table. I'm thankful for my husband and my friends who enrich my life daily. And last, but not least, I'm so very grateful for my dogs who bring silliness, joy and laughter into our house in the way that only dogs can.
... said Valerae on Nov 25, 2013 at 12:51 PM | link
I am thankful to be DONE with college after this semester! Journalism school, by the way, AOA if you need any writers ;) I'll be shopping at the job market in no time!
... said Lauren on Nov 25, 2013 at 12:52 PM | link
I am most thankful for having had the opportunity to see both sides of my extended family within a single calendar year. This alignment of the familial planets has only occurred one other time in my life. Not quite the rarity of a visit from Halley's Comet, but pretty special for me nonetheless.
... said Silvia Meder Lilly on Nov 25, 2013 at 12:54 PM | link
I made a ton of life changes this year and every single one of my friends supported me. That meant a ton. Also makes them the best friends ever !
... said Ellie on Nov 25, 2013 at 1:00 PM | link
Every day I am thankful for my job because I love it, my friends because they are as close to me as family, and my sense of purpose because without that, I wouldn't have the other two things on my list.
... said KatherineSass on Nov 25, 2013 at 1:08 PM | link
I always think of Thanksgiving as the day when we're thankful for food -- it's a harvest holiday, a day when we eat tons of food to celebrate that we have plenty of it, and a day when we (hopefully) share our bounty to make sure that others have enough to eat, too.
... said KB @ Home-Baked Happiness on Nov 25, 2013 at 1:31 PM | link
i'm thankful for thanksgiving. it is an amazing excuse to get the whole family together to share a meal and spend time together.
... said julie on Nov 25, 2013 at 1:34 PM | link
I'm thankful that my doctor found a congenital heart defect I've had since birth and that I survived open heart surgery.
... said Barold on Nov 25, 2013 at 1:36 PM | link
Great friends, my partner, our dog and our home.
... said Jamie on Nov 25, 2013 at 1:46 PM | link
I'm thankful for so much, but maybe most specifically, this year, that my mother was diagnosed with cancer early enough that she was able to quickly get treated and go into remission.
... said Sarah on Nov 25, 2013 at 1:55 PM | link
I'm so thankful for the most fantastic friends! I'm a very lucky ducky in that category!!
KK @ Preppy Pink Crocodile
... said Preppy Pink Crocodile on Nov 25, 2013 at 2:11 PM | link
This year I'm thinking a lot about how fortunate I was to have gotten a new position, with a raise and advancement potential...and most of all, I am most thankful for finally having the opportunity to leave the most bland, mediocre, lackluster area I've ever lived in. AKA " The Capital Disctrict."
... said Kong Torben on Nov 25, 2013 at 2:15 PM | link
I am thankful that AOA does great things like this!
... said Ron on Nov 25, 2013 at 2:33 PM | link
I am thankful for every act of kindness one human being does for another. The news is so full of horrific stories and when I hear about, or even better witness, an act of kindness, no matter how small or simple, I am grateful.
... said xina on Nov 25, 2013 at 4:05 PM | link
I'm always thankful to have a nice warm home when it's so cold outside, as well as for being in a loving relationship with a man who I consider my best friend. And of course I'm thankful for my dogs who make me laugh every day :)
... said Joanna on Nov 25, 2013 at 4:35 PM | link
I'm thankful that my garage is cleaned up and ready to park in for the winter.
... said Julie on Nov 25, 2013 at 4:58 PM | link
I am so thankful I can live in a lively downtown, and then can drive for an hour and be in a pristine Adirondack wilderness. So blessed to have both!
... said Tess Lecuyer on Nov 25, 2013 at 5:05 PM | link
I am thankful that my family is healthy. I am especially thankful for my grandmother, who was one of my closest friends as a child and who taught me what it meant to be resilient. She raised several children on her own, graduated from high school at 16, and graduated from college at a time when few women pursued higher education. She is now in her late eighties, and still working, and still living independently.
... said Nicole on Nov 25, 2013 at 5:10 PM | link
Pretty much everything.
... said Sarah on Nov 25, 2013 at 5:12 PM | link
I'm thankful for Life, the Universe and Everything...but my family and friends get a special shout out :)
... said Matt on Nov 25, 2013 at 5:37 PM | link
Family, friends, and a new direction in my career.
... said Sean on Nov 25, 2013 at 7:01 PM | link
family, health, and chocolate :-)
... said AAN on Nov 25, 2013 at 7:38 PM | link
I am Thankful for Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I am Thankful for Family.
I am Thankful for Christian Music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1OE53ZMApQ
... said Richard on Nov 25, 2013 at 7:49 PM | link
I am grateful I found an amazing new community of moms that support me and push me out of my comfort zone! Another example of the amazing people I have found in Albany!
... said Melissa on Nov 25, 2013 at 10:19 PM | link
I am thankful this year for all of the people who went out of their way to help me even though they had absolutely no obligation to. This year has been a year of trial and error, experimental treatment, and learning more about myself. And I am thankful for everyone that has had a part in that this year, because I know it hasn't been easy.
... said Kelly on Nov 25, 2013 at 10:20 PM | link
I'm thankful for what I'm always thankful for: that things aren't worse.
... said Shaun on Nov 26, 2013 at 6:44 AM | link
DRD
... said JES on Nov 26, 2013 at 8:49 AM | link
I am thankful for steady work, family and friends, and our fantastic Albany-area containing all the natural wonders I have easy access to:
The Adirondacks, Thatcher Park, Stevens Farm, Huyck Preserve and the people who care for these resources.
Thank you!
... said laura on Nov 26, 2013 at 9:25 AM | link
I'm thankful for my business colleagues who helped me get some billable projects this year. And I'm thankful for the health of my family, including my pets.
... said Ellen on Nov 26, 2013 at 9:37 AM | link
I am thankful for my friends, my family, my health and all of the love I am surrounded by!
... said heather on Nov 26, 2013 at 10:33 AM | link
I'm thankful for my boyfriend. We recently moved in together and he has made the transition easy and enjoyable. He makes me feel so loved and with my family not living around here anymore, I know I can count on him.
... said Sarah on Nov 26, 2013 at 10:58 AM | link
I am thankful for my family and friends. Without their love and support the last few months I'm not sure I'd be around to be thankful. They have helped me realize that I am stronger than I could have ever imagined. 3 serious life changes (some for the better, some for the worse) and I am still standing. I only hope that one day I can repay their kindness.
... said kait on Nov 26, 2013 at 11:05 AM | link
I am thankful for my husband and two children and our good health. I am thankful that we have a roof over our heads, enough food to eat, hot & cold potable water on tap and all the books we want to read available at local libraries. Everything after that is just gravy.
... said Lisa W. on Nov 26, 2013 at 11:22 AM | link
I'm thankful to be pregnant for the first time after 3 years of trying! 9 weeks and counting! Such a blessing and a miracle to house a new little life! And I'm so thankful for all the support of my husband as I deal with morning sickness!
... said Amanda on Nov 26, 2013 at 11:49 AM | link
Aside from the usual thankfulness of the abundance of what I have (friends, family, health, job) that there are so many people in this area who not only appreciate this great place in which we live in but also do their best every day to make it better.
... said Allison on Nov 26, 2013 at 12:30 PM | link
I am thankful that my boyfriend puts the heat on for me before I get up in the morning.
... said Kobe on Nov 26, 2013 at 12:32 PM | link
I'm thankful to live in a place with four seasons. Yes, even this week.
... said Mary on Nov 26, 2013 at 12:58 PM | link
I am Thankful that I had the wisdom to cut and eat the pies on the Eve of Thanksgiving last year, and the honor of taking care of my mom the last year of her life.
There is no greater blessing then caring for someone who cared for you your whole life.
Her need for care for 24/7 slowed me down and gave me the time to find myself, rediscover my love for music and showed me you can find everything you need when you least expect it; right at home.
You could say I had a Dorothy moment.
I am thankful for many things indeed, but especially for my mom who really took care of me till the end!
... said Joanne Stazio on Nov 26, 2013 at 3:04 PM | link
Loving family, good health, and a good outlook in life
... said CVAA on Nov 26, 2013 at 3:24 PM | link
I'm thankful for people trying to make the world a better place in whatever way they feel does that. I'm thankful for people being the change.
... said Albany Jane on Nov 26, 2013 at 4:02 PM | link
I'm thankful for my health, family & friends.
... said bb on Nov 26, 2013 at 4:15 PM | link
I'm thankful for my friends, family and beer. But mostly Beer.
... said dan on Nov 26, 2013 at 4:30 PM | link
I'm thankful to be from the capital region. This region has so much to offer and has absolutely shaped who I am as a person- I'm more than grateful to be a part in shaping the future of the pace I call home.
... said Kristen on Nov 28, 2013 at 8:48 AM | link