Happy ThanksgivingI

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, rather than feeling gloomy and blue as I have for most of this week I thought I would make and effort to see If I could list some things that I am truly thankful for.

1. My wife: She's my best friend and her love and support is always there for me. I probably don't show and tell her that enough but after 23 years I think she knows it.

2. My children: Watching my kids grow up. There have been so many special times I couldn't even list them all. With all the ups and downs that parenthood brings I'm so thankful to have them.

3. My parents: I'm thankful for the support and love they have shown me in trying times and in good times. They have always been there.

4. My friends: Even though I don't have many close friends I do have quite a few what I'd call acquaintances. These along with my true few friends a am thankful for.

5. My siblings: It was a blessing to grow up with brothers and sisters. Even though we've grown apart over the years, I know they all still care about our well being and would be there in a pinch.

6. My health: I thankful that I am healthy. Through age 52 I really haven't had any health issues. I put my body through hell from time to time but everything checks out good. Good genes I guess. Thanks to Mom and Dad again.

7. My job: With so many Americans unemployed I am thankful that both Maureen and I have jobs.

8. eBay and the Internet: This is something I truly enjoy doing. Saturday mornings looking for bargains and then listing and reselling these things on eBay. We've almost hit 2000 feedback. The Internet has opened so many other doors for us.

9. Golf: Nothing like an enjoyable round of golf. If I get to walk the 18 holes it's even that much better. I sure wish I could do it more.

10: The Teamsters: The Teamsters have done so much for me. They have accounted for my job security, good health care and benefits. My position as president of Local 67 has given me the ability to help save jobs, negotiate good wages and keep local employers in check.

11. Travel: I've been fortunate over the past 8 years to travel on business 2-3 times per year. Our trip to Hawaii last November was full of special memories.

12. Cancun: My trip to Cancun, Mexico last spring with Jamie was just as special. Fond memories.

13. American: I'm thankful to be an American. Even with all our faults it's still the best country in the world and I get to vote.

14: Quitting: I'm glad I was able to quit smoking cigarettes, even though I'll occasionally enjoy a good cigar.

15: Gadgets: Computers, Laptops, iPad, iPhone, iPad. All have made me learn and communicate better. I could do without TV because of all the crap they show.

16: Digital Cameras: Made it so easy for me to record special occasssions and other cool things.

16: Music: I'm thankful for my ability to play rhythm guitar. I truly enjoy strumming chords to background music.

17: The seasons: Even though I hate this season becasue of all the work it creates, I am thankful that our weather changes 4 times a year.

18: Mistakes: I'm thankful for the mistakes I've made. They've given me the chance to learn from them and get better.

19: My Home: Even with a mortgage, I'm thankful that I have a place to hang my hat and call home.

20: Simple Things: All the Beautiful and simple things that I take for granted. Sunshine, rain, snow, smells, flowers, trees, animals, newspapers and on and on.

There you have it 20 things I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving. Have a great Holiday.