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A lot to be grateful for in Western Springs
Viki Gonia
Updated: December 23, 2012 6:24AM
WESTERN SPRINGS — Some people are great about year-round gratitude. I try, but at this time of year, I make an extra effort to express my thanks for all the great people and things I have in my life. Thanksgiving is good for more than a great meal and a family gathering, I suppose.
1. I am incredibly grateful for antibiotics and prescription cough medicine that contains codeine. I know it sounds a little silly, but I’ve had an awful cold-turned-sinus-infection for over a week now. “Sleeping” has involved being propped up on pillows, cursing, and waking up in a sea of dirty tissues. When I approach my coworkers, they hold out a can of disinfectant toward my face and threaten to spray if I come any closer. Now, thankfully, that will come to an end. Unless my coworkers are trying to kill me, which I suppose is a possibility.
2. I’m thankful for the great coaching and support staff of the Lyons Township High School football team, and for the opportunity to see the varsity team push their way into the playoffs. I’m thankful for the awesome player parents and members of the Pride Club, because it’s really fun to watch football with them. I wouldn’t want to be crammed into the stands with anyone else.
3. I’m grateful that I have a sense of humor. Not everything has to have a weighty, deep meaning, right? If you were thinking this would be one of those columns where you wipe a tear from your eye, I’m sorry to disappoint you.
4. I’m thankful for my new job, and very grateful to my kids, who didn’t rub it in too much when I had to start getting up at the same time they do, instead of lolling about in my pajamas until mid-morning (I used to be grateful for the freelance life, but was not grateful for the pay level). I’m not so thankful, however, for how quickly my kids managed to get me to make their lunches in the morning, which they’ve been doing on their own for years.
5. I am so grateful to live in such an awesome town like Western Springs, particularly at this time of year, when homes and shops are decorated for the holidays, and the lights go up on the trees uptown. Then, of course, there’s the Christmas Walk, which will be held this year from 2-5 p.m. Dec. 1, featuring carriage rides, visits with Santa, the lighting of the tree on the Village Green, treats and specials at Western Springs businesses.
6. I’m incredibly glad that the water plant rehabilitation is nearing an end. I hope that in the coming weeks, I’ll be grateful that I don’t have to hand-wash most of my dishes after they come out of the dishwasher.
7. I’m grateful to have finally learned that it’s not about how cold it is outside, it’s about how well you’re prepared for the weather, and I’m so grateful to have warm coats, gloves, hats and boots for myself and my family.
Thanks to all of you who read my column, and the rest of The Doings, each week. I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving and a whole year filled with all kinds of stuff for which you can be thankful, from the silly to the most meaningful. Gobble gobble!
Readers can contact Viki Gonia by leaving a message at (708) 824-8027 or by sending an email to doingsnews@pioneerlocal.com.
