Thanksgiving marks my anniversary with Windy City Media Group. Way back in 2003 I wrote my first column for Nightspots. I was hired by Sukie De La Croix to do nightclub reviews, and I loved every minute of it. Soon, the music editor position opened up and I jumped in.
And now, three years later, this column has turned into something a reader described once as 'very Peter Mavrik.' I'm not exactly sure what that means, but I like it. I'm thankful I have the chance to write each week and receive delicious feedback from you folks out there.
Continuous improvement. That's the lesson I have learned over time from Windy City. We did well yesterday, but we should do better tomorrow. All the little victories and the big hurdles are now only memories. Tomorrow, we can do a little bit more. It's a good philosophy, and one that I try to spread whenever I can. But I'm not going to preach today. It's Thanksgiving, and I have a lot of folks to thank for being here.
We wouldn't be around without a tour-de-force sales staff behind the scenes at Windy City. They work their mojo ( which is still a mystery to me ) so we can produce great things for our readers and listeners. Thanks to all of you behind the veil. You guys rock.
Cynthia, who keeps the cash flowing, you're a dream sugar. I loves ya. Amy W., Andrew, and all the other writers, someday I want to be one of you when I grow up. Thank you for your inspiration. To our web-mistress Jean, thank you for making the impossibly complex work. I still don't know how you do it...
Kathleen Ulm, who had my head blown up way bigger than I'd ever seen in print, and who keeps the press and promotional band playing on, thank you baby. I'll mix with your Chix any time.
To my editor Kirk Williamson, my crazy, smiling, always-up-for-ANTM sistah, and the only man I know who can make the imitation scribbles I write turn out like gold in print, doumo arigatou gozaimashita.
Then there's Amy Matheny. Damn, I could write pages about how influential she's been in my life. It's rare to meet someone who thinks along the same lines as me yet maintains a completely different perspective. I'm lucky enough to have found a true kindred that is a mentor, student, friend, and visionary. Her trust in me is inspiring and humbling. When we're together, her energy and spirit fill me up. Amy, you're the best. Thank you.
And finally, to the captain of this ship, Tracy Baim, I can think of a million things to say, but I'll boil it down to this: You continue to inspire and showcase a world of diverse, talented, and vibrant people. Without leaders like you in our community, we'd be dull colors in a dark corner. You bring the light to us all, and allow our best to shine. Thank you.
Thankful in 4/4,
Peter Mavrik