Half marathon - check.
Turkey dinner - check.
R & R - check.
VanGogh exhibit - check.
Heaps of laughter - check.
Day spent in wall to wall sunshine, basking in the glory - check.

Despite the time that has passed since my last official “family” Thanksgiving, each year continues to surprise me with the ways the universe has of opening itself and embracing me.

Many times, I stubbornly insist I’d prefer to be alone (which I truly would) only to be surrounded by friends despite myself.

I thought happy thoughts and gave thanks silently and continually over the last four days. For friends, for my health (in whatever state it is), for a roof over my head and food in my stomach.

I’m thankful for the healthy legs that carried me 13 miles Thursday morning. I’m thankful that despite the lessons of my life, I’m still able to laugh and find the beauty in random daily happenings. I’m thankful that I’m still (as of this writing) able to see the screen as I type this. I’m thankful that as my fingers dance across the keyboard with their musical clicking, I haven’t yet had to deal with full-on carpal tunnel.

All in all, I’m thankful to be alive.

PS How fun does this look!?!