Taking Time to Reflect

As I walked down Stump Rd. in Pipersville, PA this morning I wasn't chilled by the fall PA air or dreading the wind in my face (though it's much colder than I'm used to these days). Instead I was warmed with the familiarity of the sun rising over the field adjacent to the neigborhood where I spent my teenage years and delighted at the brown leaves whipping at my feet. This was the route I walked to my bus stop with my sister hundreds of times. It feels good to be home.

The only thing that would make the trip better was if Doug was able to take it with me. This is the first Thanksgiving we've spent apart in years.

I made the trip from my sunny SC home back to PA to celebrate Thanksgiving with my families (yes, I have many) late Tuesday night. A co-worker of mine and I loaded up her Altima and took the 11-hour trip together. The time went surprisingly fast and our excitement to go home (Bucks County, PA for me and Long Island for her) only grew with each mile we traveled. We had one or two interesting encouters on the way, but for the most part the drive went well. Kelly dropped me off at a Dunkin' Donuts in Bordentown, NJ where I arranged to meet my Dad.

Kelly and I parted ways, she continued on to NY, and I caught up with my Dad over a cup of coffee. After only getting 2 hours of sleep in the car I had that auto-pilot feeling...when you're not exactly sure how you keep on going but you just do. We drove up route 29, along the Delaware River, which looked mostly unchanged to me since the last time I drove it with my sister 4 or 5 years ago. Memories came back all along the drive. After 30 minutes we reach my Dads where I relaxed with my little sister for the rest of the afternoon. I was so exhausted I wanted to keep it low key. We ordered in Chinese. After dinner my Dad and I met up with my Uncle mark for a drink at a new bar in the area, Blondies Sports Bar and Grille. This location is brand new, so they don't have the website up yet. They also have a location in AZ and NV. We decided to check it out because two of the owners are old friends of my Dads.

I tried to hit the sack early because packet pick-up for my 5-mile Turkey Trot was at 8am. It was a beautiful race! I ran with my sister-in-law, uncle, cousin, and close family friend. We celebrated with Bloody Mary's afterward.

Next on the agenda was the highlight of the day: EATING! I enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal with my grandmother, mother, sister, and my mother's boyfriend Scott.

After dinner I had plenty of time to reflect on what I'm thankful for:

My wonderful husband, Doug, who makes me laugh everyday and has an incredible way of dealing with me when I'm stressed or overwhelmed.

My family who loves me unconditionally. It's gigantic and there's no way I can picture everyone but here's a shot of some of them at our wedding.

My wonderful friends I've met along the way

My kids (and others)

Having my health and the ability to stay in shape and run

My marriage, which is better than I ever dreamed.

I have so many blessings in my life <3. I'm looking forward to the Stewart Thanksgiving tonight and a wedding tomorrow. More fun to come!