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# Grateful in LA … Times 20
November 26 2014
Written by Denyse Selesnick.
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MY TURN-Most people say that their favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. Aside from too much food and football, there are no gifts to buy - and though putting up with “crazy Uncle Louis” can be trying, it is mostly a stress-free, fun holiday.
Regardless of political party and religious beliefs, a majority of families have some kind of thoughtful discussion on things for which to be thankful. My family still does it.
Since I wanted to make this article “*Denyse Lite*,” I decided to share my top 20 list of things I am thankful for in 2014. They are listed in no particular order of importance.
1\) I am thankful to be living in Los Angeles, and not Buffalo.
2\) I am thankful the recent Santa Ana’s brought sparking blue skies and no fires.
3\) I am thankful to be alive, healthy and able to watch my family grow.
4\) I am thankful that Los Angeles elected people who love their jobs, and though all are youngish, they are not obviously using their new positions to get their next office.
5\) I am thankful the 405 did not become the “Boston Dig”.
6\) I am thankful that Los Angeles offers so many low cost and free recreational outlets that all can participate.
7\) I am thankful we no longer cringe when the “Clippers” are mentioned.
8\) I am thankful that UCLA may have a shot at the Rose Bowl.
9\) I am thankful to have a respite from political ads.
10\) I am thankful President Obama did something about our broken immigration policy.
11\) I am thankful for Trader Joe’s - my caterer of choice!
12\) I am thankful that there are so many people volunteering to make this an even better city.
13\) I am thankful for the Neighborhood Council System, in spite of its shortcomings.
14\) I am thankful we have some of the best hospitals and doctors in the country.
15\) I am thankful that this is still **the** City of Innovation.
16\) I am thankful that many of you take time to read my articles.
17\) I am thankful to those that voice other opinions that may not agree with my own.
18\) I am thankful to the large group of outstanding CityWatch writers who present every opinion from left to right, and in-between.
19\) I am thankful that Publisher Ken Draper is so passionate about this city that he has made CityWatch LA the **“must read”** place for LA’s doers.
20\) I am thankful for a wonderful family, children, grandchildren … friends and colleagues who allow me to be part of their lives.
Yes, I know some of you will say, “*Give me a break …the list of things that are wrong with Los Angeles (or the world) would take up pages.*” It is very easy to criticize. There are myriad things that need to be changed, improved or eliminated.
CHEERS!!!!!!
As always comments are welcome.
*(Denyse Selesnick is a featured CityWatch columnist. She is a former Publisher/journalist/international event organizer. Denyse can be reached at: )*
-cw
CityWatch
Vol 12 Issue 96
Pub: Nov 28, 2014
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