Gratitude: CQL’s 2017 Word of The Year

CQL and gratitude

In our digital-paced world, it is hard to gather our work-family around the table and answer ‘What are you thankful for?’So it became an annual tradition here at CQL to take a moment, consider what each of us is thankful for…’ and share some of those thoughts in an annual blog.

At CQL, we have chosen the word of the year as ‘gratitude’ as we know we have so much in which to be grateful. As America takes a moment to be thankful this week, we share some of what the CQL-family has on our hearts.

Julie O.

I am thankful for the opportunity to get married to my best friend on a beautiful evening in a national park, for every jelly bean that has ever been on Tom’s desk (except for the cinnamon and licorice ones), that I work at an office where I can try to code with one hand and pet a dog with the other, and that none of my family members’ cars are currently on fire.

Eric P.

I’m thankful for having a great workplace environment where I feel welcome and valued, a loving wife and children, and C# LINQ queries that save me from writing pointless looping constructs.

Abby Z.

  • Dogs, all dogs, but especially the CQL dogs
  • Mark’s cats
  • Kim’s chicken and rice soup
  • Lunches at The Garage
  • Giant Jenga

Lance H.

I am thankful for my friends and family, with the addition of a healthy newborn niece! 

Ryan M.

I am thankful for office dogs, standing desks, free coffee, inspiring mentors, and a workplace that is as dedicated to teach their young employees as they are to quality and innovation. Going to work really is the most exciting thing I do in my week.

I am also thankful for holiday breaks that allow me to go home and see my family for the first time in months, cell phones to talk to friends thousands of miles away, and washing machines that don’t require $1.50 to run.

Brandon K.

I am thankful for a place where I feel empowered to push beyond the expected, share my crazy ideas, and offer a proper dose of shenanigandery.

Oh and fonts, I am thankful for fonts.

Jen S.

I am thankful for my family to share this crazy life with. Also, my old friends that I don’t get to see often, but when I do, we pick up right where we left off.

Larissa F.

I’m thankful for my cat who cares about nothing and my dog who excitedly cares about literally everything. I’m thankful that everyone at CQL cares so much about their community. I’m thankful my coworkers can both take a joke and dish them right back out (and that I can learn so much about them based on their Jelly Belly preferences).

I’m thankful for my family who is always there with love and support. And I’m thankful for friends that continually convince me to push my boundaries and try new things, even if it means I complain about it to them THE ENTIRE TIME.

Rob H.

I am thankful for a gracious God whose mercies are new every morning, a wife who never ceases to amaze me and three young boys who remind me to ‘play’ daily.

Micaela E.

This year I am thankful for this team who continues to advocate for my growth and who has been welcoming ever since I stepped in the building.

Outside of work my blessings continue to overflow. I am continuously thankful for my family who realizes my needs even before I mention them, who continue to center me, and who welcome anyone we bring to the dinner table. I am especially thankful for my brothers who still live close by and make life so much more interesting.

And I am so thankful for my fiancé and the overwhelming support that can come from one person. I am thankful to be on this journey with someone that surprises me every day by his determination, ambition, and thoughtfulness.

Mark L.

I am thankful for every decision I have made right, every decision I have made wrong, and the fact that God loves me enough to forgive all of my faults.

I am thankful for my family, and humbled by the wonderful team I get to work with at CQL.

Ellysa S.

I am thankful to have a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Grand Valley State. I am thankful for parents who supported me through my academic career by providing a roof over my head, food in my belly, and a cozy, clean bed to sleep in. I am forever thankful for my friends who stood by my side and lifted me up when I needed it most. I am thankful for people with open minds and open hearts.

I am almost equally thankful for people who understand my incessant ‘The Office’ references. I am thankful to have been able to complete my internship at such a gem of a company as CQL.

I am even more thankful that they have taken a chance on me and carved out a full-time position for me. Most of all, I am thankful that I am coming out of college happily employed at a workplace that is professional, yet warm; bustling, yet cozy; challenging, yet comfortable; also dogs and cats come in sometimes, so there’s that.

Stephanie P.

I am thankful for my cool new job here at CQL, hot sauce, and every single dog.

Kristin L.

I’m thankful for my cats, baked brie, and squishy yarn. I’m thankful for Airbnb and friends that push me to be the best possible version of myself. I’m thankful for Prime 2-day shipping, the sound of the ocean, and good craft beer. Most of all, I’m thankful that I’m surrounded by amazing people in my life – from my irreplaceable family to my incredible team of customer and coworker friends that impress, inspire and entertain me every day.

Mike L.

This year I am particularly grateful to find myself in an environment that puts an emphasis on learning, growing and pushing the boundaries of one’s comfort zone. Moreover, I am thankful for all the help and patience from those working with me! It makes every day a joy to be grateful for!

Kevin A.

Like an acceptance speech, trying to include everything I am thankful for would exceed the amount of space/time I am allotted, therefore, in my constraints I will say thank you to God for 23 years He has blessed CQL to our care. I pray that I am listening and following His will, as well as being a faithful steward of his blessings. Those blessings being a loving and awesome family, co-workers that make this place worth losing sleep for and humbles me with their kindness and brilliance, customers that continue to challenge us and help us grow, and the innovation that drives us all to learn ways to support Gods directive to Love others as we love ourselves.

Tom A.

I’m thankful for food, for raiment, for life, for opportunity, for friendship, family and fellowship.

Ryan P.

There is a lot to be thankful for in 2017. Professionally, I’m thankful for the terrific team I get to work with every day. Our design team is filled with so many wonderful teammates, I’m thankful for their work ethic, their skill sets and personalities. They have truly become close friends to me. I’m also thankful for the opportunities that has been in front of me. Getting to travel, meet new people, learn and grow my own skills. I’m thankful that I got see Doug dance at a club in Las Vegas.

Most of all I’m thankful for my beautiful, strong and caring wife. She has been everything to me. Her support and encouragement is something that I will always be thankful for. We are also so thankful for our wonderful daughter, who’s growing so big and learning so much!

Mike N.

I’m thankful for my 4 Grandchildren all living less then 10 minutes from our home and praying that the 2 more on the way will be as healthy as their 4 cousins.

Laura S.

I am thankful for my six-year old’s knock, knock jokes, my three-year old’s sense of style (when I can convince her to wear pants), my husband’s homemade beef stroganoff and coming home to the chaos of my wonderful family after working hard at a job I love.

Doug V.

I am thankful for the sacrifice Jesus made so that my sins can be forgiven. This year has been full of struggles, but I have been blessed with the hope that God has promised to redeem me despite my failures.

I am thankful for strong friends and family that are united through their faith and cares for each other… not because of what each can get, but rather what they can give… along with the prayers and encouragement that is given when things get tough.

I am thankful for an exceptional team of technologists that go above and beyond in order to make the entire team successful. There is no better feeling than working with nationally recognized brands knowing that the team will be able to figure out a top-level solution to any technology problem.

I am thankful for West Michigan and the homecoming I get after traveling around the nation. Especially when we can be outside enjoying sledding, snowmobiling, skiing, motorcycle riding, boating, swimming, surfing, wakeboarding, mountain biking, hiking, hunting, playing basketball, chasing soccer balls, raking leaves, and generally spending time with an amazing wife and kids.

I have been richly blessed, thus I am thankful for every opportunity to be a blessing to others.

Kate W.

I am thankful for new adventures and being surrounded by a support team (family, co-workers, friends and furry friends) that motivates and energizes me daily. I am grateful for health and happiness each and every day that is filled with new and amazing opportunities.

Bob K.

This past year, I learned the value of time. Non-profit and volunteer work is one of the biggest gifts you can give to others, and to yourself, but…in balance. Resigning off a few boards….wow, felt like freedom.

Taking that time, and spending it with my kids, well, that is what I am grateful for this Thanksgiving.

Tyler L.

I’m thankful for: So many dogs at the office and the fact that I get to pet them. Each and every one of my friends and family members. College being OVER! React being the best JavaScript framework. Each employee here at CQL and how much they’ve helped me learn this past year and a half. The fact that I hid a secret message in this.

Mathew S.

I am thankful for seasons, for the cycle of change, growth, discovery and yet gentle familiarity.

/Without nuance, my life would be boring.

I am thankful for my friends with whom I dive into cool waters in the summer, gather mounds of leaves in the fall, beam with snowballs in the winter, and share my continual sneezing in the spring. (I have seasonal allergies.)

/Without friends, the process would feel empty.

As I write this, I can’t help but feel like these things have been said a thousand times before. But then I’m reminded that they are repeated simply because they are so wonderful. Just as the seasons faithfully return, I am thankful to reiterate the common things that bring us together.

Aubrey Q.

I am thankful for having had the opportunity to shoot a buck of a lifetime right here on my property at home last week. It was a fantastic experience beyond any I could have imagined and I was glad to be surrounded by family and friends in celebration.

I am also grateful for the warmth and support of the dog mushing community who has recently accepted me as one of their own as I learn the ropes and teach my dog, Fisher, how to run canicross and skijor. There are so many wonderful people that have shared tips, lent us gear, and let us have hands on experience with their teams.

Of course, I am thankful for my puppy too, who came to live with me and my husband back in February! He’s made every day brighter for us with his big ears and eagerness to play and snuggle. He has been a truly wonderful addition to our family.

Chris S.

Am I a broken record if I repeat the statement I’ve used for the past two years? It still works, which I’m definitely thankful for! – ‘I’m thankful for my healthy and happy family and having a job doing something I enjoy with great people.’

Mike E.

I’m thankful for my wife and family that has teenagers that occasionally get along. I’m grateful the continued blessing of skillful teammates here at CQL and the abundant technical challenges that clients bring.

Laurie C.

I am thankful to my family, friends, and my coworkers who support and love me because of who I am. They inspire me with their words, thoughts, and actions and help me be a better version of myself every day!

Tom S.

I am thankful for having the opportunity to work with a great team.

Kurt N.

I am thankful for wisdom given by the greatest generation – knowing they have lived through more challenges than I will ever know and yet still chose optimism. 

I am thankful for the next generation whose clarity on what-is-important and confidence in what-can-be will drive the world forward.

I am grateful to have the love of my life as my best friend.

I am grateful for long walks in the rain and for people still believing in equality and compassion.

And this year, I am particularly thankful for quiet time with family, eating turkey tacos and roasted root veggies.

And I am sure I will be thankful for the yet-to-be-seen shenanigans and belly-laughs that will unfold in the next year.