Holiday Thoughts

As Americans sit down for their Thanksgiving feasts this week, many will take some time to reflect on the past year and what they are grateful for. So the Business Journal asks: What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Mary Spangler

President

Los Angeles

City College

I am thankful to have the ability to be making a difference in my community in a way that uses my skills and challenges me to continue learning. I’m doing what I love to do and getting paid for it.

Rex Cook

Executive Creative Director

AvatarLabs

We just had a baby boy, and family is always precious, but when you have a child especially your first one you are even more aware of how important family is. I’m more grateful than ever for that.

Nathan Hess

Technical Director

Octave Software

I’m thankful for being gainfully employed. I’m thankful for direct deposit. I’m thankful for food on the table in a happy home.

Sharon Strauss

Senior Account Consultant

Aquent

I am thankful for my amazing boyfriend and wonderful friends, family, and co-workers who are all happy and healthy that my mother and father are coming to spend Thanksgiving week with me, and that business is on an upswing.

Mike Nicolaou

General Manager

Blur Studio

Everything is fine with my health and the business, and I’m not taking any of it for granted.

Kelli Seely

Executive Director

Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce & Civic Association

I am thankful for the opportunity to work within an extraordinary business community.

Carl Ballton

Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

Union Bank of California Foundation

In view of the turmoil, uncertainty, poverty and despair that I personally witnessed on a recent trip to the African continent, I’m giving thanks for the health, prosperity and safety that my family enjoys just by virtue of where we were born.

Mary Lyon

Author

The Frazzled Working Woman’s Practical Guide to Motherhood

I am thankful for my family and my friends, and a few events that showed me how important it is to appreciate these wonderful people hopefully while they’re all still around.