Giving Thanks

Today many of you will take the day off.  This means that MOST of you won’t be reading industry blogs.  That’s OK, it’s my opportunity to give thanks for all the blessings in my life.

Thank you to the Soldiers. 
Whether you believe in the two wars we are fighting or not, the fact is that there are neighbors of yours willing to die so you can keep getting the Vanilla Latte for $5.  These are really the only heroes left in the world.  Once your comic book days are gone, you realize that pro sports figures are really just overpaid meglamaniacs and your business “heroes” have run the best companies in the country into the ground – Soldiers are the only ones still living up to the title.  On many flights I take these days the captain comes on and recognizes soldiers on the flight and the whole plane erupts into cheers and clapping.  Thank you for keeping my homeland safe.

Thank you to the American voting public. 
You took the unprecedented step of electing our first African-American president and stepping outside the box.  I have faith that this courage and commitment to change will be rewarded, I’m really thankful that I get to see the outcome of the decision.

Thank you to my network.  All 7,020,900 of you. 
Through my years I have been lucky to know and stay connected to many amazing people; generous, funny, brilliant and caring people.  My network grows and I know that I have this network to count on whenever I need to call out for help.

Thank you to my Co-Workers and Boss. 
I have the great fortune of working in a job I love for people who are a cut above.  I feel like this team can conquer the world and in fact, I believe we will.  These are difficult times for many people so to be able to work with you all every day makes me eternally grateful.

Thank you to my wife and family. 
There are blessings you take for granted ($5 latte) and then there are the blessings you hope you NEVER take for granted.  My family is my DNA and it’s my DNA that put me right where I am.  How do you thank someone for DNA?  Call, email and spend time with them when you can.  My wife is my greatest fan, my rock and the person who keeps me humble.  I crave balance and she can tip the scales just so and put me back on course.

Thank you all.

Happy Thanksgiving 2008.