Giving Thanks to Montville: What Are You Thankful For?

The following is an Editor's Notebook and represents the opinions of Ariana Cohn-Sheehan.

This year, more than others, I have a lot to be thankful for. 

Over the past few weeks, with and the presidential and local elections, I'm regretful to have not taken the time to stop and think about what I appreciate most this year. But since that is the reason for the season, I figured I'd share at least a few items on my list with you.

Here goes:

I'm thankful for power after being without it for two weeks. I am the first to say I did not have it as bad as others, with a warm (and lit) place to sleep every night for the 11 days I was without electricity in my home. But it was an inconvenience so I'm happy to be back in my house and able to brew my own coffee. Speaking of coffee...

I'm thankful every day for a steaming cup of Joe. Without it, my mornings would not be the same and I am not the only one who is thankful for it. 

I'm thankful my shortest wait on the gas lines during rationing was 10 minutes. Again, I got lucky. But I know some of you waited longer. How long was your wait?

I'm thankful so many voters shared their opinions with me on Election Day. Although this was the first presidential election I have covered for Patch, to share their views with me at the polls. 

I'm thankful for the dog I adopted this year. It was my first experience adopting from a local shelter and while I could not tell you what kind of dog he is exactly, he has quickly made a home in my heart.

I'm thankful for a toy my dogs cannot destroy. I have not found it yet, but if you have a suggestion, please let me know.

I'm thankful for the news tip that led to this story. Without the tip, I would not have known about the neighbor-to-neighbor kindness happening on this street and would not have been able to share it with you.

I'm thankful the "Real Housewives of New Jersey" is adding some new castmates. It will be interesting to see what direction the show takes this season, and exciting that scenes from Kinnelon could appear on the small screen with one of the ladies hailing from the borough.

I'm thankful I'm heading into Black Friday with a specific list of items to purchase. While I'm not one of those who gets up early and waits on long lines to buy the new, hot item, I do like to venture out in the afternoon on the most popular shopping day of the year and this year, I know exactly what I need. (Do you? Tell me about your Black Friday plan at ariana.cohn-sheehan@patch.com)

There are many, many more things for which I am thankful, including and especially the health and happiness of my family members and friends. 

Of separate note from this list is my thankfulness for you, the people who read what I write and post on this site on a daily basis and make Montville Patch a community in and of itself. I'm also thankful for the local officials who share important information with me on a daily basis so that I can share it with you.

Thank you for the feedback, the news tips and the friendly "Hey, you're the Patch Girl" greetings this year. It excites me to know you're reading and encourages me to continue to seek out stories that will interest you most.

In keeping with the thankful, holiday spirit, I'd love to know what you are most thankful for as well.

Share your thanks in the comments below.