This Thanksgiving I decided to bring back a tradition that we partook in yearly growing up, the Thanksgiving morning 5k race.  Only, in years past we would walk the race, gabbing away as we violently swung our arms in our determined speed walk-trot.  We may have jogged a few minutes here or there, but only to remind ourselves of how miserable running is.  A Gatorade stand in the middle of the race?  Why, thank you! I will slow down and rehydrate for the long road ahead!  This year, I decided to train for this race and actually attempt to run it in its’ entirety.  And so for nearly two months I followed my program, falling a couple weeks shy of working my running times up to the 5k margin.  It didn’t matter, I was determined.  I couldn’t wait to run this thing!  And then the day before the race I had a revelation… we would be running this race in Georgia, and there would be hills.  Holy Crap.  I was going to die.

Scott, who had only trained with me a mere two times, was incredible (and brave) to have joined me on this ridiculous venture.   The gun rocketed through the air and like a herd of cows, we slowly moved towards the ‘Start’ line as we were prodded by the anxious cattle behind.  And we were off!  First hill, done.  Not so bad, I thought as we dodged and darted in and out of the walkers like a game of Frogger.  The entertainment on the road was endless – perky butts, round butts, butts that looked like they were suffering from whiplash due to excessive movement.  What did my butt look like?, I wondered, then quickly conceded that I didn’t want to know.  It wasn’t long before I could feel a warm sensation on my thighs, as if someone had lined my $5 Walmart leggings with Bengay as a cruel joke.  Burn baby, burn!  I was in the thick of it and there was no stopping now.  A water table in the middle of the race?  Are you kidding me?!  I can’t stop to get water and even if I did I would puke all over the super-dad pushing his duely stroller that I’ve been trying to pass.  One last grueling hill to madly sprint in sheer desperation and then I could see it – the ‘Finish’ line.  And as my panting tongue hung out of my mouth gasping for every last ounce of cool humid air that was left to offer, something wonderful happened.  Scott jogged over next to me, and lifting his arm as if it weighed 150lbs he thumped my shoulder twice, as if to say “Get it girl, it’s all you!”.  That moment is one that I will treasure for a lifetime, because I did ‘get it’.  I freakin’ got it and my best friend was there with me every step of the way!  Right there at that moment I felt overwhelmed by his pride, I felt proud, and dang I felt the love. 

We did it!  Next stop, 10k.  And yes, I do believe that I will die on that one.

The rest of the weekend was smooth sailin’.  Since we have been doing Thanksgivings at the Gattises and haven’t really established our own traditions yet, we typically try to contribute one or two unusual items that add to the medley of typical findings.  This year, we graced the guests with a less starch-ridden alternative – Brussel Sprouts!  Come on, you know you love the brussels.

Look who took over in the kitchen!  Hey, I’m not complaining, I’m just sayin’…

Thanksgiving always seems to be the official kick-off of the holiday season.  Looking back on this year, we are so very thankful for so many things, people and events that have graced our lives.  Luckily, we don’t wait for this one big meal with all of the pressure and beady glaring eyes on heads that should be bowed to share our gratitude.  Instead, we do it nightly.  No matter how starved, how trigger happy we are to press the power button on the remote control or just plain lazy we feel, we stop, say a little prayer and share what we are most thankful for that day.  I love this moment together, where our worlds seem to crash together and lay vulnerable with us as we sit on the couch.  It gives a little glimpse of what may weigh on our minds, of what may have occurred in our busy little days and opens us up to each others lives.  This Thanksgiving, I am especially thankful for these moments that we share with each other throughout the year.

And of course with every Thanksgiving holiday comes the post-turkey-bloat shopping!  You know, to burn all those extra calories consumed on casserole du jour.  This year, one of my favorite finds was from the Pottery Barn Outlet.  A set of vintage style champagne saucers worthy of any Mad Men gathering.  Dang they’re sexy!  I have big plans for these coups, mainly for serving martinis, unless of course Don Draper decides to stop by.  Then we will pop open the prosecco!

One last stop before we headed back to the home-front, a visit with our very wonderful friends, Brian & Neisha and their two adorable boys.  We loved our visit with them as we joined for a quick dinner and it just reminded us how treasured and few our get-togethers really are.  We definitely need to see more of this clan – especially since their boys are so freakishly well behaved at the table.  Love that!

What little mush-pots.  Eat your heart out!
  
Suggested Listening:  Better Together / Jack Johnson