Giving Thanks

There is nothing like the holidays with family and friends to give one pause for thought and thanksgiving.

It's probably a good thing, since the whole end-of-year calendar compels Type A workaholics to consciously schedule time for reflection. So, in recognition of my personality, I will offer my list of things for which I am grateful.

Tops on the list is that my wife Katuria is going to become a mother in the new year and the doctors have told us everything looks good. That puts everything else in perspective. Everything.

I am thankful that my 14 grandchildren still like to splash in my pool, at all hours of the day and night.

I am thankful that Mama D'Amato still has the energy, health and desire to orchestrate the holiday meals.

I am thankful I still don't know how to use a Blackberry.

I am thankful I don't drive an SUV.

I am thankful I don't have Derek Jeter's tax advisor.

I am thankful I don't have the job of Nassau County Tax Assessor.

I am thankful there were no hurricanes this season as spending a week inside the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum would not be my idea of a good time.

I am thankful I haven't visited my tailor over the last six months.

I am thankful that Ed Koch can still amaze me with his insight, commentary and wicked sense of humor.

I am thankful that my poker buddies still haven't figured out my strategy to bluff my way out of a losing hand.

I am thankful that not every good deed goes unpunished.
I am thankful that the piano tuner continues to lie to me that I must be putting in a lot of time on my baby grand.

I am thankful that I can now look at politics as a spectator sport.

I am thankful to every hushed cell phone conversation on the LIRR.

I am thankful the Tappan Zee Bridge hasn't rattled beneath my wheels when I drive north to visit Albany.
I am thankful to every American who is protecting our nation in a time of terror and when every GI is able to conclude their tour of duty safely and return home to their loved ones.

I am thankful for a family who loves me no matter what, friends who make me laugh, colleagues who challenge me, critics who keep my competitive juices flowing and a spouse who reminds me I'm just Alfonse.

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