“For today and its blessings, I owe the world an attitude of gratitude.”

Officially, this is post #200. Pretty fancy, eh?

When I started this blog 18 months ago, I was not a runner. I was just a working mom, trying to be responsible, live as an example to my kids, and build a happy life in a new place.

I toyed with frugality (still dislike). I cooked things. I started going to the gym. (But then I stopped). We toured my kitchen (thrill a minute). I tried (and failed, but kept trying) really hard to suck less. I became a little bit of a hippie, and started making my own laundry detergent and stopped using shampoo.... We took some trips to Big Bear, Joshua Tree, Yosemite. Played around with vegetarianism, a few times. I became a wedding photographer and florist (yes, I made the bouquet. I know, it's lovely.). We went camping. Twice. I reallllly sucked at meal planning.

I ran my first 5K. The race that started it all.

That's a lie. I was pleased to be done. And didn't run again for 3 months.

But then I did.

And I ran my first "serious" race. Okay, it was a Turkey Trot, but the first race I took seriously. And I did okay.

There was all of this... That really sucked.

What didn't suck? The $2000+ that we raised for Pediatric Cancer Research. That rocked.

I ran the Princess Half. That also didn't suck.

I ran another half, a bit later. That one kind of did suck. What didn't suck was the 30 minute PR.


It's been an interesting 18 months.

It's been a supremely challenging 6 months.

I've been kind of... funk-ish lately, as per my last few posts. I'm spending a lot of time in my head being disgruntled. I am sad at what Gabby has to go through. I'm annoyed at #1 and #2 acting out a bit, and annoyed that I'm annoyed at their understandable and justified reactions. I'm angry at the financial situation this put us in. I'm bummed about all the things we're missing out on, all the trips we had planned that we can't take.

My head has not been in the game.

However...
I have three beautiful kids.
I have a supportive H.
I am HEALTHY and ABLE to run.
I have a job that provides food, water, shelter, and clothing.
I have tapped into a fantastic, supportive network of funny, inspirational, and compassionate people.
I live in a place that I love.
I have access to amazing doctors and a fantastic oncology team.
I live in a fantastic school district that challenges and engages my kids.
I have good friends.

I am grateful, for so many things. I might forget that, sometimes, but I am.

I am also grateful for the people who read this nonsense. All 154 or whatever of you, plus google reader followers :D.

So....


A 200th Post Giveaway!

I've got an Allied Medal Hanger to giveaway, plus a Mystery Box of Awesome Things. What's in the mystery box? I'm not telling. But I may give you a hint as the week goes on... I promise it will be fun, useful, and unisex!

Here's how to enter....

1. You must be AN EXISTING FOLLOWER OR READER. IE, this can't be your first time wandering through and pretending. We'll go on the honor system here, but since this is a giveaway for existing readers, please be honest :).

2. Tell me what YOU'RE grateful for. 1 comment for each, 1 entry for each... how many things can you come up with?

It's a challenge, that will hopefully brighten your day and get your head back in the game.

Giveaway ends next Friday, June 10th at midnight.

Ready, set... GO.