I did it! I successfully ran a half-marathon and didn’t need an ambulance at the finish line! The weather was beautiful, not a cloud in sight. The course was so picturesque and the company made the 2 and a half hours feel like time past too quickly. I could not have done it without my running partner, Lauren. She kept me on pace and laughing throughout the entire 13.1 miles.

Since I am thankful for the 13.1 miles (yes, I am counting the 0.1!) I am bending Lizzi’s 10 things of thankful rule and doing 13!

1. I am thankful for my gorgeous friend Lauren. She trained all fall with me so that we could accomplish my goal of 2015 before time ran out.
2. I am thankful for my sister-in-law Sherry. She babysat the girls and spoiled them with ice cream for lunch while I ran the race.
3. Remember I told you I hurt my leg about a month ago? Turns out I was wrong. It wasn’t the leg/hip I strained. Therefore, I am thankful for the friends that laughed with me when I explained that somehow I sprained my ass while running. That they understand this type of injury could only happen to me and I am also the only one who would probably out sorry ass.
4. I am thankful for my mom. She is taking Abby shopping for parent gifts this year. Leaving me a whole Saturday to finish my own shopping.
5. I am thankful for Bridget. While having a child with special needs is tough, there is one perk. You can take them to finish up your Christmas shopping with you. Not only can she not spill the surprises, on Christmas morning she will have completely forgotten and be genuinely surprised with what is under the tree.
6. I am thankful for my mother-in-law. She is taking Abby on Sunday to finish a last minute craft project. I am very thankful that I do not have to do the craft.
7. I am thankful for Abby, who this year understands that giving is as much fun as receiving. She picked out such thoughtful gifts for the adults in her life.
8. I am thankful there is only two more nights of that freaking elf.
9. I am thankful for my dad who has given up just about every afternoon to tutor his granddaughter in math. (I think her math teacher is grateful as well)
10. I am thankful that we survived 2015 without ONE hospitalization or news that brought us to our knees.
11. I am thankful for my friend Mary. Every few months she sends out an invite for old friends to gather for dinner out. Friends who met through the PTA and remain solid throughout the years. All of us have children at different stages (and ages) of their lives.  While the children may have brought us together, they are not the reason we have stayed.
12. I am thankful for Ella. Bridget’s friend at school. The one that Bridget “gets”. Last week on the playground some other kids gave Bridget a funny look. Ella would have none of that. Bridget (in her words) “isn’t broken” she is fun!
13. I am thankful for my friend Debbie. Over twenty years ago our group of high school friends and townies would spend every Friday night at our local pub. As life has taken us all in other directions, Debbie has reminded us what Festivus is really all about. Thus we come from all over the States to meet every December 23rd for the annual airing of grievances, the feats of strength and the recalling of embarrassing stories of Festivus past.

Happy Festivus everyone!