Last night I had a dream that I was running late to get somewhere.
Then, back in real life, I got out of bed this morning, turned on the TV, and saw all this footage of Stonehenge.
WTF is happening?
Two of my greatest fears: being late and Stonehenge.
Clearly I need to refocus and get my brain into thankful mode because right now all I can think about is the fact that Stonehenge was clearly built by aliens who are hiding somewhere, ready to murder us all when we least expect it. Stonehenge is bullshit and I hate it. That structure is just not normal.
Let’s have Thankful Things Thursday.
I’m thankful my boss has not fired me for requiring so many sick days and work-from-home days. Apparently I’m a high-maintenance employee. It’s so embarrassing every time I have to email my boss to say I’m not going to make it into the office. But you know, this whole “I have to run to the bathroom urgently and once I get there it’s not going to be pretty, so you’d better stay out” situation isn’t one I like to drag into the workplace.
I’m very, very fortunate that my company has been understanding of my little issue, and as much as I dread emailing my boss to tell her I’m sick, it eases so much stress knowing she’s cool with it.
Also, working from home is nice sometimes, and it’s great for days like these, but I don’t think I could do it every day. I imagine I’d get very lonely. I think I would talk to myself a lot…and maybe want to get a cat or something.
I’m thankful my brother and sister-in-law hugely brightened my “I feel awful” day yesterday by sending me videos of Tyler. He’s so squirmy and wiggly and smiley!
I had to go to an event for work last night — a gala, no less, so I didn’t just have to mask my dumb illness, I had to put on a fancy dress and attempt not to sweat through it — and I was frustrated trying to get ready. I had spiked a fever (101 degrees, not bad) and so I took Tylenol to try and get it down. Naturally the fever started to break — and I started to sweat profusely, which is one of my greatest strengths — just in time to have to blow dry my hair and get dressed. I was gross.
But then I watched these little Tyler videos and I couldn’t stop smiling.
I still can’t stop smiling. He’s so happy, and I refuse to be sad around Tyler. Or, you know, around his YouTube presence.
I’m thankful I slept through the night! I half-expected that after yesterday’s Remicade treatment I would wake up totally better today. That’s not the case — the bathroom has still been a scary place this morning — but I did sleep through the night without waking up in pain. That’s progress, people! Granted, by the time I got home from the event it was past midnight and I had my alarm set for 5 AM. So I didn’t sleep much, but I’ll take it!
I’m thankful my parents did a good job documenting my childhood. In the process of unpacking a stray moving box the other day, I randomly found tons of photos that I must have stolen from my parents’ photo albums.
We were such fashion-forward kids, with our massive slippers, overalls and tutus. Also, the headgear we’re sporting. I don’t even know what’s on Ryan’s head, but I think it’s a trend that’s about to catch on.
But seriously, my parents have so many home videos, pictures and drawings they’ve saved from when Ryan and I were young, and I like that. Good job, parents.
I’m thankful for new apartment art. During one of our first dates, Brian and I went for a walk in Central Park. While we were walking and not holding hands because we were being awkward, we saw this little sketch on the ground:
A few days ago, Brian came home with a little something all wrapped up for me. Surprise present!!! He obviously knows the way to my heart.
Just kidding. The way to my heart is warm brownies smothered in Moose Tracks ice cream.
But also thoughtful gestures. So now we have this hanging in our apartment:
I get happy whenever I walk past it…which is often, because we hung it between the living room and the kitchen, which is one of my most-traveled routes, second only to the bedroom-to-bathroom route.
I’m thankful for gorgeous weather. I haven’t been taking advantage of it, but it’s nice that it exists.
I’m thankful that I’m still able to run. Running is really hard with this dumb disease. It requires a lot of careful planning. Yesterday the plan was to run five miles at 15–30 seconds slower than marathon goal pace. Getting out the door was tough. Having to make four stops along the way was tough. Having to make two of those stops in a nearby church was…awkward.
But man, those few minutes where I was running and my stomach temporarily stopped hurting? Those minutes were amazing. For the first time in a long time, running 9-minute miles felt effortless. The “I feel so good right now and I’m flying and I love life” spurts didn’t last long, and I had to take a bunch of walk-so-something-bad-doesn’t-happen breaks. While I was running, though, I kept reminding myself that I’m so lucky to be able to do that at all.
And then I ran to the church bathroom and it was ugly. Sorry, Jesus. I mean no disrespect. I just had to go.
I’m thankful I discovered the grind-it-yourself peanut butter machine at Fairway. I may never go back to eating regular peanut butter. I like the grainy texture of this stuff, and I like pushing the button.
Oh and hey, guess what I did yesterday? I called a doctor. I researched. I picked one. I found out that he takes my insurance. Now I’m just waiting to get in and see him. He’s all in-demand because he’s probably so awesome. QUICK: Pat me on the back and tell me you’re proud of me for finally acting like a responsible adult.
With that, I’m off to do more adult-like things, such as…my job.
I hope your day is great and I also hope you don’t have to bolt into a church and demand to know where the bathroom is.
NOW GET GRATEFUL WITH ME: What are you thankful for today? Are you out enjoying the lovely weather? Did you start your day with a kickass run? Did you eat a brownie for breakfast? Are you planning to eat a brownie for lunch? Are you bringing me a brownie for dinner? Tell me all the good things.
51 Responses
Good thing you can still run, that probably keeps you sain through the medical issues! I am so thankful for my job as a fitness instructor. I feel most into my workout when I am sharing it with others.
Great to hear about the doc! I’m thankful to have today (Friday) off – travelling down south for a weekend of friends, food and maybe a run (or not!).
I’m thankful that I stumbled upon your blog a few weeks ago! I’m not diagnosed with Crohn’s disease but have a lot of issues that seem symptomatic. I’m thankful that I don’t feel so alone in feeling like I ALWAYS need to know where the nearest public restroom is. I’m also a newbie to running. I’m thankful I’m not the only one running long loops around my house incase I need to stop back. I’m thankful you’re so open on your blog about what you’re feeling and don’t let it stop you from living your life!
I’m thankful we spell our names the “right” way 😉 And thankful for your very sweet comment.
I love the fish picture- too cute! Good luck with the doctor search, somehow that always seems to be the hardest part. Well, that and actually waiting for the appointment. I’m thankful its Thursday and only one more day until the weekend… though I’d be extra, super thankful if someone gave me a cookie right now.
I’m thankful that my coworker keeps hard candy in her drawer. I’m allowed to steal it, but it’s far enough away that I won’t binge on it.
I’m thankful I found your blog today…have had Crohn for over 22 yrs and finally after yrs of what you r going thru had ostomy surgery 2yrs, so thankful I did…especially after reading blog cause reminds me how miserable I was….now I hold down fulltime job and run and have personal trainer. Best of luck with new Dr.
I’m thankful I can ride my bike with my splint! Good job on calling the doctor and very adorable pictures of Tyler. Sounds also like you have a terrific boss.
I am thankful to be out of the hospital this week and feeling the best I have in seven months! I had a fun-filled Crohn’s, five-day hospital stay (maybe we can call it a Crohn’s spa treatment…? errr…) and a new doctor finally got me back in “normal” condition. I’ve pretty much been giddy ever since. Oh and when I got home from the hospital, my “I <3 Sweat" shirt was waiting for me 🙂 So I'm very thankful for that!
I hope this flare goes away quickly – feel better, Ali!
That’s so great, Jocelyn! I’m so happy for you! Keep taking good care of yourself and stay the heck out of that hospital…er, Crohn’s spa.
Good Job calling that doctor!! For some reason, that is the hardest part. And that fish piece is perfect, adorable and fun.
YAY for the new doctor. Now remember- don’t take any shit from him (hehehe). If you don’t like him, keep looking for a new one.
I’m keeping this in my head during my appointment. I do NOT have to commit to this doctor. [Say & repeat, Ali, say & repeat.]
Just want to say that I’m a new reader, and I love your blog! It’s great that you can always look on the bright side of things.
I’m thankful that I’m still running injury free. I’ve been at this for three months now, and while friends new and experienced have been sidelined, I’ve been able to keep my body functioning properly. I hope I can keep up this streak through half marathon season!
Thank you! And welcome! Very happy to have you here. And yay for injury-free running! Keep it up!
Alli, so glad that you made a doctor’s appointment and are starting to get better. Stopping 4 times instead of 7 is progress right? The picture of the fish is adorable! I’m grateful for making smoothies with my friend this morning and for the beautiful running weather!
I love that fish picture! Also I’d love to work from home with (my hypothetical) cat. Ok, maybe that makes me sound very anti-social. Oops. Honestly it wouldn’t be any less social than my current job! That is the sad part.
Um. Not to freak you out even more, but did you see this:
http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/07/12/manhattanhenge-bathes-new-york-city-streets-at-sunset/#end
http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/07/12/manhattanhenge-bathes-new-york-city-streets-at-sunset/#new-york-sees-manhattanhenge
I’m thankful this post was happier than yesterday’s!! Hope the flare and coinciding fever is on its way out because there’s this dinky little race Saturday at 8am in need of a girl with a cowbell…
I just discovered your blog and I have to say, I am loving it! You are such an inspiration.
Today I am thankful for learning how to not be so hard on myself. I didn’t make it to the gym this morning before work due to a late night movie (Magic Mike with the ladies!). Was I a little disappointed? Yes, but that extra hour in bed was good for me. And my cat got some extra pets this morning so I am sure he was happy too.
OMG Brian is so thoughtful!!! Such an amazing gift… and surprise gifts are seriously my favorite kind.
I am thankful for my after marathon rest time being over (yes!!), that the AC is my car works, and for jeans that can be turned into cute cutoffs… Random list but really, it is the little things in life.
its great that you got an appt. with the doc. I hope you don’t have to wait too long and hope you are feeling better soon. I’m thankful for my beautiful run this morning where I saw other inspiring runners killing it in the park where I am usually the only early morning runner (so inspirational!). I’m also thankful for an upcoming trail run this weekend.
1) Tyler is awesome.
2) Don’t hate on cats (says the cat lady, ha)
3) I LOVE THAT FISH PIC! BRIAN IS SO AWESOME!
4) I’m thankful that I get to see Baby Elliot tomorrow! My mom and Allison (Elliot’s momma) are coming to the city and we’re going to do fun things like take Elliot to the zoo… and also to my favorite sushi restaurant. I’m sure he will like the zoo better. 🙂
Yeah for making an appointment with a new doctor!
Tyler is so cute and happy. His little laughing lying down dance reminds me of the dancing baby on early Ally McBeal episodes.
I love DeLaVega. I borrowed his “Become Your Dream” for my mantra — it’s on my Road I.D. That print is really nice. Brian is so sweet.
I’m thankful that my hamstrings feel normal today. Apparently heavy deadlifts will make one’s hamstrings quite sore.
Good on you for being able to run despite the flare up! And that childhood pic is amazing – do I spy power ranger shoes??
I’m thankful for Summer Fridays! Taking tomorrow off, fully planning to run and do a little mani-pedi.
Haha no, they are actually massive Christmas-themed slippers!
Feel better girl! And Brian is adorbs. Don’t let him get away!
I’m trying so hard not to let him get away. That is why I keep him locked in the apartment at all times. For safe-keeping.
That painting is so cute! Brian is a keeper! Today I am thankful for peanut butter – it makes everything taste so much better.
I am NOT grateful about your comments about Stonehenge, young lady! I grew up about a mile from there and it’s AMAZING!!!
However I AM grateful for a tough 12 miler I did last night. I thought my legs would fall off but they didn’t and I feel better,if sore, today for having done the run!
I am also grateful that Bradley Wiggins is in the Yellow Jersey!
And I can’t decide if I’m grateful that the SF Half emailed me last night to say I’m in Wave 5. That doesn’t seem very impressive.
I am sorry I insulted your friend Stonehenge. Forgive me, friend? (It’s just SO weird-looking…)
It is weird, I agree. I’ll let you off because you make me run faster 😉
I love your de la vega painting! sooo cool!
I’m thankful that my work gives me free coffee and cereal, and that I get to read it while reading your awesome posts which include pictures of cute babies and an unabashed focus on brownies and ice cream. Also for the guy at my laundry place, who remembers me and always knows where my clean clothes are, even when I’ve forgotten my ticket.
I’m thankful for my supportive friends and family & that “Call Me Maybe” Cookie Monster spoof.
My roommate works at home, and it makes her a little crazy. I come home about once a week to “Hey, I found a new sound the cats hate!”
I’m an actor, and the show I’m working on opens tomorrow, so I’m thankful for that!
Exciting! Happy opening night! Wishing you much applause and a standing ovation!
Umm. So I got lonely from moving to a new city and got a kitty. And I wasn’t even working from home!
And you’re lucky that NYC has public bathrooms. I don’t even know what I would do if my stomach rebelled during my run.
Not to brag or anything, but the fam and I went out to dinner last night. The service was pretty bad so they made up for it by a free warm brownie smothered in cookie dough ice cream, whipped cream, hot fudge and caramel. So yeah….I am pretty thankful for that.
Way to go finding a new Dr.!
THAT SOUNDS LIKE BRAGGING TO ME.
Glad you were able to find a new doc!
And, I totally admire that you can look at crones with anger and humor. It’s inspiring that you don’t let it get you down and negative.
Hmm fresh peanut butter. I am thankful that I did have a kickass run this morning. Now that you mention it, I am also thankful my parents documented my childhood! My mom was really type A about photos and labeled the back of each one with the people and date! And they are printed and in albums!! So old school : )
Yes! My mom totally labeled the pictures, too. Sometimes there are little notes, like “All ready for school!” I love it.
The almond butter at Whole Foods is my favorite; it also has that delicious, grainy texture, which is weird because delicious grainy is so different from awkward chunky. I’m thankful for family! Even five states away, they still managed to get together to call me on skype to say hi.
Ya! Good job Grown Up Ali! I hope that dr. appointment isn’t too far away. I am thankful for the pedicure and eyebrow wax that I stopped for last night after work. And a short but successful run this morning.
Congrats on picking a new doc, I really hope you can get your symptoms more under control! I’m thankful I ran 3 miles yesterday with minimal pain – a big accomplishment for me. 🙂
Yay for pain-free running! That’s great — keep it up!
I am proud of you for calling the doctor! When is your appointment? I am looking forward to hearing what he says. And I can’t believe Brian found that drawing!!!!!! That is AMAZING and so sweet! I wish my own fish Donna Martin Graduates Gray Gubler had a girlfriend to love now. But if he did he would probably kill her since he is a fighting fish.
OOOOOOOOoooo! Great fish name!
Thanks 🙂 Monday morning!