People say the worst feeling in the world is heartbreak.
I say the worst feeling in the world is when you come in from a frigid run and jump into a scalding-hot shower too fast, and then your legs turn bright red and get all itchy.
The second worst feeling is when you bite your tongue.
Third worst? When you have a hair on your arm — or anywhere on your body, really — and you can feel it and it’s bugging you and it’s itchy, but you can’t find it and remove it and so you are forced to exist in discomfort and misery.
I guess fourth worst could be heartbreak. That does suck, too.
But we are not here today to talk about feelings of sadness or tongue pain.
We are here to be thankful, and I’ve got an abundance of that coming right at you…
I’m thankful for Burt’s Bees lip balm. I can’t help that my lips get chapped in the winter. This stuff is the best.
I’m thankful for pretty much anything that is peppermint-scented. Like Burt’s Bees lip balm.
I’m thankful for my new robe!
So my friend Lauren, the Bride of Weekend’s Past (what?), went a little overboard with gifts for her bridesmaids. Fortunately I was a bridesmaid, so that was totally fine by me. Bring on the presents. Among them was a black satin robe. Now I’m typically more of a chunky robe girl. I like them big and waffley and fluffy and I like to wear them for weekends at a time. But Lauren gave us these sassy little things to wear while we got ready, and they are amazing. I felt my fanciest hanging out in a hotel suite in a satin robe.
I’m thankful for the wedding hair and makeup team. Oh yes, team. It took four people to make me aisle-ready. There was one pretty young lady whose sole job was to “prep” my face for the second makeup lady. She used about 12 different shades of concealer, cover-up and other things I don’t know the name of. I felt amazing and pretty…until I washed my face a few hours later and saw just how much product it took to make my face appear flawless.
I’m thankful my bridesmaid dress zipped. It was a close call. First, the dress was made of chiffon so the zipper was incredibly difficult to manage anyway. Then came the fact that I have gained a bit of weight since the dress was ordered and getting it up and over my ribcage and chestal area was no easy feat.
By the end of the night — after mealtime and cake time — it was uncomfortably tight and I was kind of falling out of it. Not my finest performance. But it zipped. Thank god.
I’m thankful for my new mascara. Because I don’t have a “team” getting me ready every day. It takes me exactly 2.5 minutes to apply my makeup for the day: concealer under the eyes, a swipe of blush and mascara. I’d been rotating between the same two mascaras for, uh, a year? And then we ran a blurb in Dance Spirit about how you should really only hang onto your mascara for six weeks. So I figured it was time to invest in a new tube, and whatever kind I grabbed because it was on sale is actually pretty awesome. So for you fellow blonde-lashed ladies (or dudes, do what you want), I recommend this stuff.
I’m thankful for yoga. I never do it. I should do it more. Preach preach preach. I took a yoga class last night and even though it was pretty chill and only 30 minutes-ish long, it was stretchy and relaxing and, as always, I dozed off just enough during savasana (my favorite pose) to feel completely un-ready to re-immerse myself into NYC society.
I’m thankful for cooking. Remember when I hated cooking? I love cooking now. “Love” is maybe a slight stretch, but I do enjoy it. And this week I prepared by going to Fairway early Monday morning when it wasn’t crowded. I had my lists and I followed them and I’ve saved money all week by packing my breakfasts, lunches and 300 snacks, and also by whipping up one giant casserole for dinner that I will eat every night.
Plus, Brian’s out of town all week which means I don’t have to share my food. I’m not good at that.
I’m thankful for running! Now is the time when we get to talk about running! And I ran this morning, so let’s specifically talk about that!
There’s actually not a whole lot to say about this morning’s run, except that it was morning time and I was able to run. I didn’t wear a watch (loving that, by the way) and I didn’t make plans beyond “stay near where there are bathrooms.” I had to stop once on the way to the park and then, ugh, twice once I got in there. But after that, I just ran! Again, let me clarify that “running” here is not the most accurate term. “Shuffling” or “jogging” or even “power walking with style” are alternate descriptions that are applicable in this case.
Pause for extreme cheesiness and reflection: I feel really happy and lucky right now. This flare-up came out of nowhere, as they always do, and I tried to stay really positive, which helped me. But there were times when I didn’t think the medicine would work or I didn’t think I’d be back out running again for a while. It may have been wickedly freezing and windy this morning, but just starting my day in the park gave me a serious boost on the mental and physical spectrums.
OK I’m done. But really, yay.
Yay!!!!!!
I’m thankful for the Starbucks bathroom that I didn’t need. When I’m coming back from a flare-up, nothing feels as good as running past a bathroom, seeing that it’s open and then smiling to myself because I don’t need to bust into it. It’s such a small victory that makes me feel so good.
I always plan on having to stop at this one Starbucks before I get to the park, but today I cruised right by it.
I’m thankful for the lady who said “good for you!” as I was finishing my run. As if I haven’t been patting myself on the back enough lately…
I’m thankful for the best compliment ever from Michaela, my sister-in-law, this morning. So as you may recall, she is the best and sends me a picture of Tyler every morning. She has never missed a day. And she sends really funny captions to go with them. But today, she sent this photo…
…and the message said “Just a little excited to get to play with the downstairs radio this morning. Also, I think he looks a lot like Alison in this picture.” AND I AM ALISON. She thinks Tyler looks like me!!! Her text may as well have said, “I am hereby granting you permission to shop for an endless supply of matching outfits for you and Tyler. Enjoy!”
I’m thankful for a short work week. The weekend is close and I have huge plans. Like buying a new shower curtain liner.
Have a great one today! Chew slowly so you don’t bite your tongues.
WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR ON THIS PRETTY THURSDAY? Is your dinner already made for tonight? Did you go running today? Did your Girl Scout Cookie order arrive? Did you find and remove that long annoying head hair that was making your arm tickle?
38 Responses
A bit late…no chance to read your blog over the weekend. Anyway, I was glad I had the Friday past off work…so I could spend an awesome weekend in Hong Kong! That’s a training run???? You’re friggin fast! Was in Hong Kong over the weekend for the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon (just the 10km since I’m coming out of an injury). It. Was. The. Best. Weekend. Ever. Friends. Food. Shopping.
I’m thankful you posted a link to that casserole recipe. I made it this weekend and it was awesome!
I’m late to the party but I thought I’d tell you I love your posts. I’m glad you’re feeling okay right now and able to run.
I will say that I’m allergic to chocolate but hello…Samoas are the best Girl Scout cookie in the whole freaking world.
Also, that hair is always torturing me. I have a puppy. It’s usually not my hair. 🙁
I’m thankful it’s Friday night and I’m finally off work chilling with a glass of wine, and while dinner may not be ready, it doesn’t take much to throw together an ooey gooey good grilled cheese. Finally I’m thankful I have no mysterious and freakish hairs torturing me at the moment.
Glad to hear you’re getting your happy run on.
I don’t know if you are connected to I <3 to run on facebook but they have this event that is right up my alley and I thought you may like it as well:
https://www.facebook.com/events/613387078678652/?ref=3
This had me cracking up! Jumping in a hot shower is so painful! I cannot even begin to describe how much I HATE knowing I have a hair on me and not being able to find it. I feel like a monkey searching all over for it! You girls all look bautiful for the wedding! I LOVE the robes! I might steal that idea for my bridesmaids!
You look fabulous in your bridesmaid dress. It’s great you were able to get out there and run again. It’s funny that you mentioned girl scout cookies. At my college, they let a troop of girl scouts sell their cookies in a very popular place on campus (lots of food places and student organization offices and stuff) this week, and let me tell you, those kids were going crazy. I meant, the college students.
Everyone was buying up those cookies! I saw people walking to class, sitting in the library, at Starbucks with sleeves of Thin Mints, just munching away. I mean, don’t they know you are only supposed to go for the WHOLE sleeve at 4AM when you’re wearing a robe, slippers, and a ratty t-shirt? 😉
Today I’m thankful for finding a book called “Wide Awake and Dreaming” about a girl named Julie Flygare who after being diagnosed with narcolepsy not only finished law school but ran the Boston marathon.
It makes me remember that my small injury is nothing compared to the hurdles that others live with every day.
WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR ON THIS PRETTY THURSDAY?
Having the ability to run.
Is your dinner already made for tonight?
We just finished eating it but no it wasn’t made beforehand.
Did you go running today?
Yes, 10 miles!
Did your Girl Scout Cookie order arrive?
Didn’t order any :-O
Did you find and remove that long annoying head hair that was making your arm tickle?
Ugh, it’s a constant battle for me.
I looove new mascara, I’m like you and wear minimal makeup- but mascara is always a MUST!!
I am thankful for having the best mother in the world! She sent me a Garmin forerunner 10 in the mail today for Valentines Day :)!!!
When I was coming back from my injury, there was nothing better than an average run. Not crazy hard, not crazy endorphins. Just feeling normal was the most wonderful feeling ever!
I did get girl scout cookies and dinner is already made 🙂
WHY DO I NOT HAVE SAMOAS?!
I’m thankful for my coworkers. There’s a lot of uncertainty on the workfront right now, but I work with some pretty incredible people who keep me feeling confident and secure. It’s pretty great.
I am thankful for my family, that I’ve seen 4 Oscar nominated films so ill know Atleast a bit of what’s happening this weekend, for frozen yogurt and Internet friends.
Oh, yeah! My dinner IS in the crockpot right this minute, and the house smells beef-pepper-tomato-y. Thankful for that.
Also thankful that someone at work wished me a happy “Friday Eve,” which is so much better than Thursday.
Happy for all of your thankfulnesses 🙂 especially the DJ Tyler–too dang cute!
It’s amazing how flawless skin can look when a make-up artist has been at it! I remember my wedding. Is it bad that my groom didn’t recognize me as I walked down the aisle?
Glad your flare-up has calmed. Always nice to run right past the usual necessary pit stop!
I have always thought Tyler looked like you, he has your eyes. Today I am thankful that my little monkeys are healthy and sassy; I am thankful that I am in taper mode; I am thankful that we own a snow blower since again on the coast of NH I will be receiving the gift of snow. Can’t wait for spring!!!
Thankful that I get paid overtime now that work’s gotten crazy, and that this overtime most often takes place at home. Also thankful that I’ve got a nice tax refund coming my way.
And thankful for the $12 yoga DVD and $10 mat I got at Target! Worst part about doing yoga at a studio like I did for the past two months was dragging myself there and getting trapped in its joke of a parking lot until everyone cleared out afterward.
I love when people tell me I look like baby Elliot! It is fun to be a creepy aunt, isn’t it? I’m thankful that it wont be like negative 25 again this weekend, so I can run my long run on Saturday without dying. 🙂
First, you looked beautiful at the wedding! Loved the dress. I also use that mascara and love it. I double layer mine because my eyelashes aren’t super long. I’m thankful that I have big workout plans tonight including a gym sesh and an hour long Zumba class that I’m going to chase with margaritas with a few high school friends!
Oh, and that tomorrow is Friday.
xo Marie
Chocolate & Wine
Chrissy Carter was a couple of years above me in grade school… she is a beautiful dancer and I love that she’s such a kick-ass yoga instructor now! What fun to see her on your blog!
Thankful for your blog today! You look so happy, even in “praise,” lol. I love knowing that there is someone else out there who “gets” who great sunrise is!!! Sunsets are highly overrated in comparison.
Enjoy your home store shopping! I will too, I hope. It’s not every day that a mouse forces me to spend $1000. (A mouse died in my oven door (yes, inside the door itself), where i can’t get it.. or the odor… out), so I need to buy a new oven that can be delivered asap before a weirdly special dinner next week. Whew.)
*how
I have Girls Scout cookies thanks (or not) to our realtor. No running today and who knows what the heck will be for dinner.
The Kidless Kronicles
I’m thankful for breakfast because I was really freaking hungry when I woke up this morning and now feel much better, haha
I will be forever thankful for Girl Scout cookies.
We have the same mascara, I like it lots!
Today I am thankful for all those wedding photos because nothing makes me happier!! I am thankful for no shin pain and the prospect of a half marathon this week, and I am thankful for pretty new running shoes! It’s been a good week!
This is the best post! Thank you for making me laugh this morning!
I am thankful for your Thursday post, as always. I love how coming back to running makes everything in life so much brighter…at least for the short term 🙂
So glad you’re feeling better!
Tyler does look just like you in that photo! I’m thankful my little cousin is selling girl scout cookies..I’ve already wasted many minutes drooling over the order page this morning.
today i am thankful i get to have lunch with a friend. really gives me something to look forward to and she and i need some catch up time.
I must disagree with one thing: Biting my tongue is DEFINITELY higher on the “worst feelings” scale than scalding hot shower itchy legs (for me).
But I, too, love the bursts of thankfulness on Thursday! 🙂 I’m thankful that my husband juuuust got a new phone. This way, when I busted mine, I could switch my SIM card into his old one, and BOOM have a backup phone. Waaaay better than being phone-less, in this day & age!
Unfortunately, there are no Girl Scout cookies to be found in Singapore. BUMMER.
I used to take Chrissy Carter’s class at Yogaworks – she is the best!! She used to say things in class like “damn people, this is HARD, I am dying” while demonstrating camel pose and make me feel about turning purple and sweating my ass off.
I am thankful for the packet of british chewing gum I found today at the bottom of my purse because it is the best flavor ever (Cool Breeze) and for some reason isn’t available here and therefore was a nice surprise this morning. Yeah, kinda weird, I know. Small things.
What a great and fun post! Love thankful Thursday. I am thankful for my coffee this morning, the extra playtime I got with my little one (aka he woke up way early this morning!) and the fact that it is almost the weekend. 🙂
Your Thankful Thursday’s always brighten up my day! Especially because they include little Tyler 🙂 Have a good weekend!
Thankful Thursday makes me so happy 😀 What a nice lady to say good for you after your run! A lot of people wouldn’t say that! What a sweetheart!
I loved the pics too girl! You’re gorgeous xo
I’m thankful for the slow cooker meal I made last night! It was chicken stew and it was so good that I had it for breakfast haha