Thankful Thursday - Part 4

So much to be thankful for again this week.  This has been a busy, busy week for me.  It started out with a weekend in Pennsylvania to celebrate two very important birthdays (see below), several days of boot camp, and lots of other appointments - some last minute.  I can definitely feel that the holiday rush has already started.  Before things get too crazy over the next month, I'm glad I'm taking the time to slow down and notice all the blessings that surround me. 

One of my goals for next year (ohhhhhh there are many!) is to try to incorporate meditation into my life.  I actually signed up for Deepak Chopra and Oprah's 21 Day Meditation Challenge as a way to kick this off, and although I've been reading the emails and thinking about the daily mantra's, I unfortunately haven't even tried to meditate once.  At least I am headed in the right direction.  Baby steps.

Now, let's jump right into this week's gratitude list, shall we?

November 15 - This is the day I headed back home to PA.  And where do you think one of my first stops was when I got there?  Vegan Treats!  I am so thankful that this delicious, beautiful, little slice of heaven exists in Bethlehem.  I stop by for something pretty much every time I am in town.  This evening it was chocolate soft serve:

 

 

 

November 16 - Today I was lucky enough to celebrate this marvelous girl's 11th birthday!  She is the stepdaughter of one of my very best friends in the world and I have known her since she was about 2 or 3 years old?  My word, that's 9 years!  It has been pretty incredible to watch her grow up.  She is incredibly smart (like is probably better at puzzles and brain teasers than me!), plays the piano beautifully, is a star cheerleader, and learned Cups before I even knew what that was!  Just a vibrant, sweet girl and I'm so glad to know her!

 

Jillyruns on Instagram

 

 

November 17 - Another birthday party!  What what.  Party animal right here!  Haha  Today I was so lucky to also be able to celebrate my nephew's 3rd birthday.  My sister planned the party of the century at a ski lodge back home, complete with a photo booth, Mickey Mouse bounce house, giant piñata, catered buffet, OPEN BAR (what?!) and a huge array of homemade, Pinterest-worthy cupcakes and desserts (including some vegan fudge for me)!  Oh and about 30 other little kids!  I can't believe my nephew is 3.  It seems like just yesterday he was a baby, and now he's walking around like a little man.  He's the sweetest boy I know.  So curious, polite, and loving to everyone he meets.  I love him to the moon and back.  Here are a few pics:

 

 

 

 

 

November 18 - Today I am thankful for Love, in all it's many forms, and from every single person I feel it from and give it to.  Today I was asked by a 4 year old "Do you love me?".  To which I wholeheartedly answered "Yes I do!".  I was reminded that even at a very young age, we know what love is, we need it and we respond to it. 



 

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November 19 - Big salads!!  "It's a salad, only bigger, with lots of stuff in it." (Elaine, from Seinfeld)

Every once in awhile, I treat myself to the salad bar at my local grocery store when I do my shopping because it's always really good and very fresh.  Today's salad included: spinach, spring mix, mushrooms, hard boiled eggs, chickpeas, tomatoes, red pepper, olives, and sunflower seeds.  Vegan and dairy free.  YUM!

 

 







November 20 - Boot camp!  I'm loving it so much.  I am so energized after each workout.  It's like Christmas morning every time I go to class because I have no idea what to expect.  I love the instructor, the people, the new moves I learn each time and the soreness!  It's all that I thought it would be and more, and exactly what I wanted to do during this off season from training.

 

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November 21 - My morning walks.  Because there is something so renewing about nature.  Because I'm walking at a slower pace than I run and I have no headphones, I am able to notice everything around me so much more.  The crispness in the air lately is just adding to my good feelings.  I hear the crunch of the leaves beneath my feet, I smell houses with wood burning fires, I hear birds everywhere (this morning I saw so many cardinals and one very vocal blue jay!) and I see squirrels foraging their rations away for winter.  The animals and plants have so much going on behind the scenes than we ever notice, even in the city.

 



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How has your week been?

 

What's on your gratitude list lately?