What I’m thankful for

Written by Heather Foley

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, and not just because I love stuffing.  I know most of us (myself included) don’t take enough time to reflect on the numerous blessings we have.  Sure I pray to God when I want something, but do I ever take a minute out of my day to thank him for my skinny doll-like wrists?  Not really.  Do I thank him for this fantastic community that I live in?  Not nearly enough.  Inspired by my love of South Boston, I decided this year I’m going to focus on the Southie-specific things I’m grateful for, and feel free to share your Southie thanks in the comments.

Multifamiles:
My parents had the good sense to buy a multifamily on a great street.  I’m never leaving.  Sorry Gigi and Grampy but it’s going to take a stick of dynamite to get me out.  Odds are my parents aren’t nearly as grateful about their decision.

Food glorious food:
 I’m pretty spoiled.  I’m only a block from Mirasola’s and Sal’s, aka takeout heaven, so I’ve never suffered in the food department.  Now I’m so grateful that the rest of 02127 now has multiple food options.  American Provisions, The Paramount, Local 149, Moku, Tasty Burger, and soon Foodies, oh my!  South Boston dining has really grown leaps and bounds over the past year or so, hooray.  Maybe even one day we’ll get decent produce at Stop & Shop.  Seriously Stop & Shop, step up your produce game.  Have you seen what you put out for “fresh” produce?  I’d rather get scurvy than take my chances with half the fruits and veggies you put out.

My neighbors:
Okay, so I know this is super corny, but I really am thankful for the great block I live on and for my great neighbors.  I’m pretty lucky to live on one of the few Southie streets that still has a lot of kids on it, and I mean a lot even by old school Southie standards.  We’ve got everything from babies to tweens, and I love it.  Sure I’ll probably hate it in a few years when we’ve got a crop of teenagers terrorizing the streets, but for now its great.

Sully’s:
Obviously I’m plain old grateful for Sully’s in general.  But in this case, I’m grateful that compared to when I was a kid, Sully’s stays open later in the fall/winter and opens earlier in the winter/spring.  Sometimes you just want a Sully’s cheeseburger when its 32 degrees out, and that’s okay.  Hopefully one of these days they’ll stay open year round, fingers crossed.

My driveway:
Apparently there’s a real parking shortage in Southie, who knew?  I am so friggin thankful that I never have to drive around for hours only to park at the rink (which is really far from my house for those of you who don’t know where I live).

The scoop on poop:
Okay, I’ll be the first to admit, there are still some jerks out there who don’t pick up after their dogs (and for the record I’m not above shit shaming, if I see you leave your dog’s poop I will take and then post your pic), but in general the poop situation isn’t too terrible.  I remember growing up the sidewalks were literally dotted with dog doo, yuck.  We’re far from a crap-free utopia, but we’re making strides in the right direction.

Speaking of dogs, I’m really grateful there isn’t a dog poisoning lunatic terrorizing the streets of Southie. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!!