Thankful in 2013

Tis the season to stop, reflect, appreciate and be thankful for all the blessings we’ve been given.

As I am leaving for the Thanksgiving today, I thought it would be fitting to make a list of some of the things I am so thankful for in 2013.

My Husband

Love that man.   He is my best friend, confidant, partner in crime, pet daddy, biggest supporter, and partner in life.  Getting married and having him as my husband this year has provided me with a sense of security, love, and contentment that I NEVER even knew existed.  This has been the most amazing year together, but I know the best is still to come.

My Parents

I have always been well aware that I was blessed with the greatest parents in the world, but that become even more evident with this past year or so.  I have moved across the country, married a boy, and begun to make my own life and family out here in Colorado.  While I miss my parents dearly, and I know they miss me, they have been NOTHING but extremely supportive since day one.  They love me unconditionally, support me through anything, and are proud of the person that I have become and continue to become.  And that is a pretty amazing feeling.

My In-Laws

You guys, I hit the jack pot in the in-law department.  Funny enough, I met Zach’s dad the same weekend I met Zach when we were on that destined ski trip.  Pretty unique situation, but something I think we all cherish.  From the day I met the family (Christmas eve, 2009), they have made me feel like a member of the family.  Including me in any and every family event, big or small, and opening their arms and home to me without question.  I can imagine that handing off your first boy to get married is NOT easy, but they handled it with grace and more than ever I feel like we are all one big happy family.  They even except me for all my crazy tendencies, which is pretty awesome 😉

Friends

The most challenging part of moving to Denver from Chicago was leaving an amazing network of friends.  Both in Chicago and in our hometowns.  While our time with these AMAZING people is limited now, it is more precious than ever.  I CHERISH these relationships and feel lucky to have each and every one of them in my life.

Running

Running is something that I learned NOT to take advantage of in 2013.  With a scare VERY early in the year (think first or second week of January) and resulting runner’s knee, I have learned what it means to NOT be able to run.  Even for a short period of time.  While training for races, and doing challenges like I’m doing right now AREN’T easy, I am SO thankful that my body is able to run like it is right now, and I want to enjoy.  Enjoy it every.single.time. I get out.  It’s a blessing.  It’s my “me” time, as well as an activity that I am learning to love and share with others.   While I know there will be a day that I won’t be able to run, today is not that day. And for that, I am thankful.

Denver

For Zach and I, our hearts have always been in the great outdoors.  Specifically the mountains.  This year, I have been able to finally spend an entire season cycle here in Denver and I’ve gotta say I couldn’t be more thankful for the place we now call home.  Denver has the perfect mix of city that us youngins’ need, while offering the best of the outdoors just a quick car ride from our front door.  Amazing.

Our Furballs

I’ve had August for over 5 years now and feel like she just gets me :).  She has seen me through major moves, meeting the boy of my dreams, starting AND graduating grad school, getting engaged AND married, and still loves me.  She is my little lady and holds a special piece of my heart.

Zach and I got Gus 2.5 years ago and it was one of the greatest things the two of us have done to date.   To say I am thankful for him in 2013 is an understatement, as he put us through the scare of a lifetime for the first 3-5 months of the year.  I am so thankful to have a healthy, happy, and fat pup today and treasure every single healthy day we have with him.

Chocolate Medals

This blog has provided me with so much since I started it in the middle of this year.  It was a huge outlet for wedding anxiety, a place for love and support through the wedding, a connection to family and friends, a place to meet new friends, an accountability partner, and just an amazing source of joy for me.  I hope that this continues LONG into the future, and I am excited for where I can take this little blog-o-mine.

Some Other Things I’m Thankful for in 2013:

• Being employed
• My health
• My husband, family, and friends health
• The people I’ve met through work
• Chocolate, cookies, cake, sweets in general.  Always thankful

And of course, there are MANY things I am forgetting as I have so much to be thankful for this year.

Cheers to everyone during this great season! 🙂

Question of the Afternoon: What are you most thankful for in 2013?