Thanks Giving

Initially this blog entry was going to be a list of the top 10 things I was grateful for.  You know, simple things like my Ipod Nano and the new Itunes Genius feature which has opened the door to enjoying old tunes I hadn’t selected in a while, as well as discovering new favorites.  Or, my incredibly silly, smart &  wonderful kids. However, as I contemplated my blessings, I realized I couldn’t limit it to just my “Top 10”.

So here goes:

I’m thankful to work for a company (State Farm) with a mission of helping others recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. We help put families back together and I love this company and the many “giving back” opportunities it provides.

I have admiration and respect for the folks I work with—they are intelligent, proactive, enthusiastic and compassionate. They give me grief about being a health nut and I give them grief about what they eat…

I’m thankful for my mother and father and step dad.  My father (who passed) taught me how to be financially responsible.  My beautiful mother, independent and outspoken before her time, always believed we could achieve whatever we decided to work for. She didn’t give us any slack when we screwed up which allowed lessons learned. My stepfather, for loving my mother and being such an upbeat, positive, outspoken (notice the trend) partner, who has motivated my 77 year old mother to go to the gym regularly AND who has finally seen the value of a daily whey shake with banana, oats and flax seed oil!!

I’m blessed to have my brother and sister…my brother who is the cool uncle that takes my son fishing and on “man” trips and cares deeply about affecting change and making the world a better place to live. My sister, for being the most unselfish, loving woman I know, my personal “rock” and CPA over the years.

My most precious children, Nicole and Rhys.  For their humor, love of music, athleticism, and love of me. I couldn’t be more proud of these little people.  They make my heart sing.

Did I mention my (still waiting for and going through withdrawal) Ipod Nano? Or the people who brought my 8g Nano so I could get into a new one for a few bucks more? Or Ebay for the tech discount I used recently to upgrade to the 16g ?  Blessings abound…!  J

My health, this life, beauitful sunrises over the hold-out farm property I pass every morning on my way to work and the sunsets I hope to catch right before they drop out of sight.

Mr. and Mrs. Kimmes…

Runs filled with sunshine, light breezes, and blue jays.

Nike shorts, tights and skorts.  Love ‘em.

Girlfriends—old and new.  My training chicas who motivate me WEEKLY demonstrating that age is just a number. My best friend from college with whom I can pick up right where we left off without skipping a beat…and who will never quit reminding me she will always be younger!

Guy friends…my work buddies, gym buddies, Mav’s buddies, and neighbors who lend a hand.

My dear friend and business partner, Vince, who has been my “go-to” guy for the past 5 years and shown me that some men can be trusted.

I am thankful for my 17 year old home that provides shelter for my family along with numerous “learning” opportunities in repairs…!

Kitty paw prints on my car windshield –reminders of the sweet kittens we rescued from a shelter that my kids have loved and cared for over the years.

The discovery of a new wine, restaurant, or healthy recipe I can make in 5 minutes or less!

I am thankful for all the survivors out there giving hope to all of those in the throes of the “fight”—as well as those who have passed, giving us the opportunity to have loved them.

I am thankful for the sheer joy of a beautiful day…the steam and scent from a fresh cup of tea…a new warm, cuddly scarf….or a text from a friend to brighten my day.

“Life is our greatest possession and love its greatest affirmation.”  –Leo Buscaglia

Happy Thanksgiving, friends.

Or so the saying goes…but I have to say I certainly agree!  This weekend I raced in a sprint triathlon with 6 other girlfriends. Some I work with, some I work out with, and some I just met.  Regardless, we entered this race with different aspirations and goals–to win, to place, to better our last time, to finish, to conquer and overcome….but most of all to have fun and celebrate life.  We met at Jayne Ann’s at 4:45 for last minute prep and our “before” shot. We were excited, anxious, tired (me…yawn) and ready to take on this experience.  We couldn’t have had better weather. The pool was comfortable–not too hot and not too cold.  The weather warmed up enough so that no additional layers were needed after the swim. The bike route was hilly and beautiful. And the run was off road, through some woods, on trails and along side a small lake.

You know the poem that talks about friends who come and go. Some are for a lifetime and some for a period of time. No matter how long, each brings a special gift.

My Saturday morning friends are amazing. One has a fear of water…and yet, that does not stop her from swimming several times a week and racing.  One of them has never run before, yet she put everything she had into this race, finished it and did fantastic. Another one I want to be like when I grown up. She runs a 6 minute mile and has a rock hard little bod.  Several of these ladies beat their best times and set personal records. Another one still looks like an amazing beauty after an hour and a half of strenuous racing!  These ladies are so motivating, so encouraging, so STRONG!

Here’s to a great weekend, a lot of fun, girlfriends who rock & more PRs!