Thankful Thursday-Back at it!

Whew! For a week that is shortened due to a holiday, this sure has been a long week!  But it's Thursday.  So let's be thankful.  Ready? This week I'm thankful...

...that I ran the WDW Half Marathon.  Even though it wasn't all magical, I'm happy I did it.  Every race can't be perfect.  And the "less than stellar" experiences make us even more appreciative of the good ones, right?  I still ran 13.1 miles, felt great and had a fantastic time in Disney with my family.

...for cute puppies.

Sorry for the disappointment as I'm sure you were expecting a photo of Rocky here!  This is Titan, my nephew puppy and I'm in love.  How cute is he?

...for good things that happen to great people.  I surround myself with some pretty awesome people.  People who are training to run a half marathon to raise $ for LLS.  People who are taking chances and moving on to bigger & better things!  People who aren't afraid to dream BIG. I'm so thankful that I get to share in their accomplishments and celebrate with them!

...for spending the upcoming weekend with my best friends from college! Bring on the wine and laug

...for people who clean off the machines at the gym.  It should be common courtesy and definitely don't think it's too much to ask!

Now YOU tell me--What are you thankful for this week? Do you have any cute puppy photos to share with me? :)

Thankful Thursday: The One Where I'm Going to Disney!

Happy Thursday, everyone!  I'm in a fantastic mood today because it is WDW Marathon Weekend time!  I couldn't be more excited for a 4-day weekend spent running and hanging out with Mickey & his pals!  Oh, and my Dad and Aunt too.  So since I'm already feeling great, let's get started with this week's edition of Thankful Thursday!

I'm thankful...

...that I'm leaving in just a few hours to fly to the Most Magical Place on Earth.  If you'd like to track me as I run the Donald Duck Half Marathon on Saturday, follow this link. 

And on that note, I'm thankful that this bad boy will be mine in just a few days. 

 

...that nephew baby is almost here!  I told him to try to stay put until I'm back from Disney...but he's coming any day now and I can't wait to meet him!

...for awesome runner friends who are motivating and inspiring.  On Monday night, I joined Steph, Kristin and Kim for a hill workout with the Astoria running club, Hellgate Road Runners.  This was of course intimidating, but everyone was super friendly and ridiculously encouraging.  I'll definitely be joining the ladies for more run club workouts and can't wait to see the BIG things we're all going to accomplish this year!

...that my roomate is willing to watch my psycho dog while I'm away.  For a low-maintenance dog, he's a lot of work and I really appreciate her putting up with the drooling and farting for a few days so I can enjoy the Florida sun!  Thanks, Goof!

Okay, that's all for me.  I guess I have to put in a few hours of work before hopping a plane for my date with the Donald!  :) But don't forget to tell me, what are you feeling thankful for this week?

A New Year and A New Thankful Thursday!

Happy New Year!  And Happy Thankful Thursday I'm a busy gal today so this one will be quick, but let's start the year off on the right foot by getting down and getting thankful!

This week I'm thankful...

...for ringing in the New Year with good friends and great food at my favorite place, The Saint Austere!  If you live in the city and haven't been yet, GO.  Best polenta ever.

...for Kristin (and Lambeau) getting my butt out the door for a run on New Year's Day! Gotta love Astoria runners! :)

Photo credit: Kristin

...for new Asics for another year of running!

...that I'll be heading to the Happiest and Most Magical Place on Earth in exactly ONE WEEK! I'm really looking forward to running Disney and spending some time with Mickey & Friends! :)

...that in exactly TWO WEEKS I'll be getting some weekend visitors!  I can't wait to spend time with my college girls and catch up!

That's all I have for now!  What are you thankful for this week?  Getting a fresh start in the New Year?  Are you running Disney too!?!

Last Thankful Thursday of 2012!

Happy last Thursday of 2012!  This year has been incredible and I have so much to be thankful for!  2012 has definitely been the biggest year for me so far in terms of my career.  This year alone, I graduated from my DI program, landed a job as a Clinical Dietitian and passed my R.D. Exam! All the while having a blast with running, family and friends!  Now 2012 has been fantastic to me, but I have big plans for 2013...starting with the Walt Disney World Half Marathon and becoming an aunt in just a few weeks!!! But before I go crazy about all the things I will be thankful for in the new year, let's finish up 2012 with one last round of Thankful Thursday!

This week I'm thankful...

...that the laundromat was open on Christmas Eve.  It wasn't just open...it was a pretty happenin' place, which made me feel much better about spending my evening alone folding spandex and DriFit tees.

...for kisses under the mistletoe! ;)

...for hot showers after cold runs.  I kicked off Christmas morning with a chilly 4 miles, immediately followed by a hot shower, a mug of hot tea and the WDW Christmas Parade on the couch.  Amazing!

Festive 4 miles on Christmas!

...for my new down alternative pillow.  It feels great on my neck and puts me right into a deep and dreamy sleep, that is until I'm woken up by a snorting, growling bully in my face.

...for new nail polish from Santa!  Hello, sparkly lover! 

...for all of the amazing people in my life.  I'm a firm believer in surrounding yourself with people that will motivate, inspire and encourage you...and that's just what I've done!  I'm thankful for each and every one of you reading this and am excited by all of the amazing things you're out there doing in this world! (Pardon my cheesiness!)  

...for all of the incredible things I have to look forward to in 2013.  I'm hoping to make this my best year yet!


TELL ME--WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR THIS WEEK?...THIS YEAR?!?!

Tis the Season for Thankful Thursday!

Happy Thursday!  Even though Christmas is just days away, I haven't really gotten into the holiday spirit yet!  Let's start this edition of Thankful Thursday to get me into a jollier mood!  This week I'm thankful for...

...getting accepted into the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile race with Beth, Abby and Jen! I can't wait to start planning for this awesome weekend!

...my sweet little old resident who gave me a handmade beaded necklace for Christmas.  He absolutely made my day and the smile on his face when I wore it was priceless!

...this beast.

...for my Secret Santa.  Love youuu! :)  I'm also thankful for lots of holiday party time spent with my amazing friends.  Bring on those laugh lines!

Neon socks, Modell's & VS Gift Cards

...hot chocolate.  I mostly drink tea, but sometimes a hot cocoa with a little whipped cream hits the spot! And itwas just perfect in the souvenir mug from the NYC Runs Hot Chocolate 10K!

...that I'm able to spend Christmas day with (most of) my family and celebrate it's true meaning.  In my family Christmas definitely comes even "without packages, boxes or bags."  And I'm so very thankful for that!

Tell me.  Are you in the holiday spirit yet? Or are you being a Grinch?  What are you feeling thankful for?

Thankful Thursday!

It's Thursday again, which means it's time for Thankful Thursday!  Let's get right down to it.  Today I'm feeling thankful for...
...snuggly bulldogs.  What's that, you say?  I use that one every week?  Oops, sorry.  But let's be honest--you'd be thankful for this too:

...the super supportive girl in my CrossFit class this week.  Pretty much anyone who has been to CrossFit will tell you how encouraging and welcoming "the box" is.  This week, I really struggled to get out of bed to get to class at 6am, only to find "rope climbs/weighted push-ups" written on the white board as part of the WOD.  Rope climbs are probably my worst nightmare and I was having a tough time with those weighted push-ups.  I was an inch away from collapsing on the ground when awesome-partner-girl said "You're doing great! Just think, lots of people can't even do one regular push-up...and we're doing them with added weight!"  And she is totally right!  Sometimes workouts are hard and putting things into perspective like that can really help reassure/motivate/inspire you. 

...laugh lines.  I don't get people who spend tons of money getting Botox or using fancy creams! I think wrinkles and laugh lines are proof that we're laughing and living and loving life!  Bring 'em on!

...brussels sprouts and beets.  Okay, I'm thankful for lots of vegetables...but this week I'm loving on these two.  Come back tomorrow for a special post highlighting my love for beets! :)

...this tweet from The Boring Runner:

It popped into my twitter feed on Tuesday and I immediately laughed.  Of course, I'm a huge  proponent of Greek yogurt and love that others recognize how superior it is to extra-sugary "light" yogurt alternatives.  Go Greek!

Okay, it's your turn!  What are you feeling thankful for today?!

Thankful Thursday: Soreness, Seat Warmers & Southern Ladies!

It's that time of week again....Thankful Thursday!  Today I'm feeling thankful for...

...my very sore muscles. I've been waking up pretty much everyday with that "hurts so good" feeling and I like it.  I'm learning a lot of new strength training technique in CrossFit and I'm already seeing a big difference, especially in my running.  Oh and that quad pain?  Pretty much gone.  And Dr. Metzl says my ass isn't as weak anymore!  All good things.

...catching up with some sweet-tea drinkin' Southern belles.  I just love y'all!

...seat warmers.  These might be the best invention ever for cold mornings when I'm waiting for the car to warm up!

...for Christmas cards.  I love still using snail mail to send and receive warm wishes from loved ones during the holiday season!  We haven't received any just yet, but I can't wait for them to start flowing in! If you're on my nice list, be on the lookout for yours from Rocky & I! :)

Tell me--what are YOU feeling thankful for this week?!

Don't Forget, It's Thankful Thursday!

Happy Thursday! I missed the big Thankful Thursday last week because I was busy running 15.5 miles and enjoying an awesome meal with my family...but let's pick it right back up this week!  This week, I'm thankful...

...for my new car.  And it's heated seats.  :)

...that my nephew baby is coming in less than 2 months! We threw him a fabulous party last weekend to celebrate and I think he had a blast!  

...for my rockstar Dad.  Anyone sick of me saying that yet?  Don't care.  He's awesome and supports me and inspires me everyday.  Also, I'm thankful for this awesome picture of us running together (before he left me in the dust, yet again...).  

...that I got myself some new sparkle! Since I pretty much wear a Sparkly Soul headband on every run, I scooped up a blue and charcoal headband to add to the collection!  

...that my very best friend in the whole wide world is taking on the challenge of the NYC Half Marathon and running with Team in Training to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  This will be her first half and I couldn't be more excited to cheer for her and watch her rock it out.  Please check out her fundraising page and donate to this awesome cause! And keep your fingers crossed that Dad & I will be accepted into the lottery and can run with her! 

Okay...now your turn.  What has you feeling thankful this week?!

Race Recap: MHRRC Turkey Trot 2012

Happy (belated) Thanksgiving to you and yours!  Enjoying good food with family and friends makes Thanksgiving one of my favorite holidays.  Not to mention I'm a big fan of reflecting on all the things we're thankful for...so this is my kind of day!  Another reason I love Turkey Day is because it's becoming a holiday for running!  Turkey Trots are becoming a popular Thanksgiving tradition and I can't think of a better way to start a day of feasting than a few sweaty miles shared with family and friends.

For as long as I can remember, my dad has run our local Turkey Trot.  And my brothers and I would either be out there freezing cheering for him or joining in the kids races. The Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club offers a few distances so that runners of any level can participate in the Turkey Trot: Kids 1-mile, 2-mile fun run, 5-mile and 25K (AKA 15.5 miles).  The last few years I've run the 5-mile race and every time I struggled with the hilly course.  It's not like anything I'm used to running in NYC, but I can push through anything for 5 miles, right?  Sometime back in July, I was reassessing my 2012 goals and decided that this would be the year to take on the challenge of the 25K race.  It sounded like a great idea at the time...

Come Thursday morning the weather was perfect--Mid 40s and sunny for the 8:30 a.m. start.  I wore shorts, a thin long-sleeve tee, vest, compression socks and (of course) a Sparkly Soul headband.  As I've never run 15.5 miles before, let alone "raced" it, I had no idea how to plan for this race.  Dad had sent me the course map and elevation, so you'd think I knew what I was getting myself into, but nope!  My ultimate goal was to survive (and not cry) and I guess we could say 10:30 min/miles was goal pace (given the hills).  The 25K distance typically draws only about 75-80 runners, most being faster and more seasoned than me, so I also mentally prepared myself to come in last for this race.  

Dad and I at the start

Since I already established that there was no way I was racing 15.5 miles, Dad decided we would just "have fun" and run together.  That plan worked for awhile.  The hills were tough but the downhills helped.  Dad and I had driven the course prior to the race and strategically dropped Gatorade where we wanted it.  I also brought my fuel belt and my favorite Gu Chomps for fuel.  In sharp contrast to NYC races, there was not water at every mile and definitely not many cheerleaders out on this course. There were a few water stations staffed by running club members and volunteers, who were very friendly and encouraging.  And then there were the few families (not affiliated with the running club) who stood out on their lawns or at the ends of their driveways to clap, cheer and hand out additional water to runners!!!  Talk about thankful! That's some awesome "small town" spirit to push a girl through an otherwise tough course.   

My new favorite photo.  Check out our matching form!

I mentally broke the distance down to 5, 5, 3 and 2.5 miles.  I decided early on that if I was going to meet my goal of surviving, I would have to walk most of the hills.  The inclines were hurting my calves and my lower back pretty badly, but I fought through it and felt strong for the first 10 miles.  My Nike+ app GPS was really thrown off, so I have no clue what my pace or splits were, but I also didn't care.  Despite the walking on inclines, I was starting to lose my umph.

Seriously, hills?

After the 10-mile marker, I told Dad to go on his own because I knew he could run faster and I didn't want to hold him back.  I tried to keep him in my sight for as long as I could, but that man is a beast and took off.  He's currently training for another Goofy Challenge in January so this was a good long run for him to practice.

Go, Dad, Go!

As I watched him disappear up over a hill, I turned up my music and dug deep to finish out the last 5.5 miles solo.  I thought to myself, "you run 5 miles all the time, no big deal...you can do this."  But I felt super slow and just wanted to finish.  My feet hurt, I was hating the pitch of the road making me run on a slant and I kept feeling anxious that drivers were not paying attention and I would get run over.

Can you see the ridiculous hill wayyy in the distance?

Mile 12 was (gasp!) yet another hill.  I distracted myself by singing (okay, rapping) to myself and thinking about all of the yummy food I was planning to eat later.  Sweet potatoes, turnips, pumpkin pie, beer...oh my! I thought about how I was missing the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  I thought about how crazy those people are for sitting in the freezing cold for hours to watch that parade.  I thought about how people probably think I'm crazy for choosing to run 15.5 miles on Thanksgiving.  They're right. It is crazy, but in my opinion it's always a good idea to be active and moving and sweating! :)


I was so excited when I saw Mile marker 15 and my Dad cheering me on shortly after! That last stretch was the longest half mile of my life.  The course heads back into the high school parking lot where it started, but in order to make up the complete distance, you have to run a little loop of the parking lot before crossing the finish line.  So you can SEE the finish line, but have to run a loop to actually get there.  Awful!  I just kept putting one foot in front of the other, but I felt like I going backward.

Almost there.

And finally....I crossed the finish line!  With a new PDR of 15.5 miles!

My official time was 2:48:27 (avg pace 10:52) which ended up being 89th of 96 total runners (not last!).  It could have been 3+ hours and I wouldn't have cared.  I was just happy to be done!  The first thing I said to my dad was "Okay, now I can say I've done that.  And I'm never doing it again."

Dad's offiical time was 2:41:01 (avg pace 10:23), which undoubtedly would have been much faster if he didn't stick with me in the early miles!  But I'm glad that he did (thanks, Dad!) because no matter how fast or slow...I love running with that guy!

In the end...I'm so THANKFUL that I survived my first (and most likely last) 25K Turkey Trot and was able to spend the rest of the holiday enjoying family and good food!

What are you Thankful for this Thanksgiving? Did you run a Turkey Trot this year?  Eat a lot of turkey & mashed potatoes? Tell me about it!

Pre-Thanksgiving Thankful Thursday

With Thanksgiving only one week away, it's time to reflect on the things we're thankful for.    Family, friends, turkey, pumpkin pie...there are so many things, big and small, to appreciate now and always!  So join me in being thankful this week! 

I feel thankful...

....for amazing runs, that have nothing to do with distance, speed or time.  Last weekend, I got in a few pre-wedding miles along the beach in Cape May, NJ.  I was so distracted by the amazing views of the sunrise and the ocean that I didn't pay attention to my pace or distance.  Perfect start to a perfect day!

...that I do something that makes me happy.  Everyday I meet or hear about people who are miserable in their careers.  I hear "I hate my job" and I immediately think (and often say) "so quit!".  I know it's not as simple as that, but then again...why isn't it that simple?  It's cheesy but very true, life is just too short.  Do what makes you happy, both in your career and your hobbies.

...that my family has always encouraged me and allowed me to do what makes me happy.  I definitely could not have achieved what I have so far without them and I'm thankful everyday for it.

...for my nephew baby.  He's growing very quickly and I can't wait to hug him next week (hope my SIL is ready for a belly squeeze!).  I'll be hanging out with him on Thanksgiving and then again for a BABY SHOWER on Saturday! Woo! 

...that Rocky is back home, drooling and snoring as usual.  I think he's thankful he's back too.

Happy Thursday, everyone! Now tell me...what are you feeling thankful for today? 

Thankful Thursday--Winter & Wedding Time!

This week I'm thankful...

...that I waited only 20 minutes in line for my now full tank of gas.  This is a rare thing in these crazy times.

...for the NYC ASP twitter account. So helpful! Also thankful that alternate side parking has pretty much been suspended since Sandy hit. 

...for the running community.  Runners are amazing people and have huge hearts.  Period.

...for chocolate chip cookies. Yes, I'm a dietitian. And I bake & eat cookies.  And then I share them with friends so they don't sit around to tempt me! ;)

...that it's snowy & wintery outside! 

Just kidding!  But I am thankful that it's officially time for scarves & (Curly Hair Conspiracy) winter hats! 

...that the Curly Hair Conspirator herself is getting married this weekend! Woohoo! Congrats Lar & Foti!  I'm so ready to dance and drink and celebrate with my NJ loves.

Okay. You go! What are you thankful for this week?!

Thankful Thursday: Hurricane Sandy Edition

Thankful Thursday this week has been brought to you by Hurricane Sandy.  This disaster has made a huge impact on the North East but has more personally reminded me how thankful I should be for what I have.  

Although I always have a lot to be thankful for, this week I'm thankful...

...that my people are all safe & sound.  My family, friends, coworkers and colleagues have all pretty much come out of this unscathed.  Some have lost power, some have flood damage...but most importantly, everyone is alive and well.   

...to be reminded of what matters.  To put it simply, things don't. People do.  It's hard to hear people complain about not having TV or internet.  Stop worrying about being able to update Facebook and start worrying about people who lost their lives and homes.

...for the first-responders, medical personnel, government employees and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to help others despite whatever personal tragedies they were experiencing at home.

Source

...that my city (and state) is resilient.  We are strong and will rebuild, as we have every time something or someone has tried to knock us down.  

...that I'll be cheering on the amazing runners this Sunday in the ING NYC Marathon (with this lovely lady).  I'm not really sure what my own opinion is on the post-Sandy marathon debate, but I'm sure the decision to host the marathon despite the hurricane aftermath was not an easy one.  And no matter what the final decision was, people would be angry.  What I do know is that this race will be an inspirational event that can restore a sense of normalcy and hope for New York.  So join me in supporting a race that highlights the strength of our runners and the incredible strength of our city!

What are you thankful for this week?  Tell me.  And let me know if you're running/cheering for the marathon on Sunday! :)

Pasta Giveaway Winner & Foodie Pen Pal Reveal

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

I first want to start by saying I'm feeling incredibly thankful that I am able to sit here and write this post today.  Unlike so many others in the tri-state area, I woke up this morning to an apartment that is heated, powered and free of any real damage from the nightmare that was Hurricane Sandy.  My iPhone is charged and I have complete access to Facebook and Twitter.  More importantly, I know that none of these things matter.  It is not lost on me that so many have not been as lucky as I have.  People have lost their lives, their families and their homes.  But one thing we can all count on is the resiliency and strength of our nation, our state and more particularly, our beloved New York City.  Now more than ever, I'm so thankful and proud to be a New Yorker.  My heart goes out to any and everyone affected by this disaster. 

In addition to being Halloween, today is the last day of National Pasta Month.  That doesn't mean we can't celebrate all year round with tasty & nutritious pasta recipes! Especially since we know that Pasta Fits into a healthy lifestyle!  Also it's time to announce the winner of my Pasta Prize Pack giveaway! 

Congratulations Tiffany!  I'm so excited that you'll be receiving this awesome Pasta Fits prize pack, including Dreamfields® Spaghetti, Mueller's® Whole Grain Spaghetti, Heartland® Gluten Free Wheat Free Penne, Ronzoni Healthy Harvest® Spaghetti, Ronzoni Garden Delight® Rotini and an Ultragrain Pasta® Spaghetti Spoon!

Please send me your contact information and we'll get your prize sent out to you! 

And finally...Today is the October Foodie Pen Pal Reveal Day! :)

Here's what the program is all about...

-On the 5th of every month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.

-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal! 

-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)

-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you are to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month. 

-Foodie Penplas is open to US & Canadian residents.  Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. We've determined things might get too slow and backed up if we're trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa. 

To get more info on Foodie Pen Pals or to join for October, visit The Lean Green Bean or click the icon below.  

This month my Foodie Pen Pal package came from Lauren over at Lauren Living Locally.  Thanks, Lauren! :)  I really love the concept of her blog, which follows her adventures in cooking food from local farmers markets and CSAs.  

Here's what she sent:

Kashi TLC bars

Sea's Gift Seasoned & Roasted Seaweed Snack

Lara Bar (love them)

Celestial Tea

The cutest baby Tabasco sauce! (I told her I liked spicy things)

Homemade Granola 

Once again, big thanks to Lauren for my FPP package this month!  

You can head over to The Lean Green Bean FPP link up to check out what other pen pals sent and received this month.  And if you're digging this program, sign up by November 5th to participate! 

Happy Eating, Happy Halloween and Stay Strong Everyone! :)

It's Thankful Thursday Again!

Greetings!  Every week I'm shocked by how quickly Thursday catches up to me.  I've been keeping myself pretty darn busy so time has been flying! Although I'm not thankful that time passes so so quickly, I'm feeling super thankful about lots of other things! Let's do this.

This week I'm thankful...

...that I ran the Billy Goat 5K again this year.  Gosh I love this race, no matter how much it kicks my butt every year.

Here I'm thankful that I'm almost done with the Billy Goat!

...for pasta!  It's easily one of my favorite foods.  Yours too?  Well in case you missed it--I'm doing a pasta giveaway! Enter now to win yourself some pasta!

...that I'm on my way to getting stronger.  I started my strength training exercises this week and I plan on starting CrossFit next week! Don't worry--I will most definitely keep you updated on how that kicks my butt.

And on that note...I'm thankful for my super smart sports doctor.  Here are just a few of Dr. Metzl's many wise words:

...for Butternut Squash.  Well, really I'm thankful for any nutritious food that is just naturally delicious!  You don't need to do anything to Butternut Squash (although I sometimes add a little cinnamon & brown sugar) to make it taste amazing!

...for my frog, er, I mean dog.  Rocky was super patient with me for his Halloween photo shoot this year! And come on! How cute is he?

And last but NOT least...I'm thankful that tomorrow after work I'm road-tripping upstate to visit college friends! 

Now you go! What are you feeling thankful for this week?! :)

Thankful Thursday: A PR & Pumpkin Butter!

Happy Thursday, readers! It's that time of week, where we discuss all the fun and happy things in the world! Ready? Okay! (Cheerleader voice) This week I'm thankful...

...that I finished the Staten Island Half Marathon on Sunday! 

Finish line PROOF!

...for my new PR!!!  How this happened I don't know, because I'm still struggling with this quad pain and didn't really train for the two weeks prior to the race.  Must be some kind of magic!

...for the short work week!  Thanks, Christopher Columbus.  

...for my little nephew baby.  He might still be hanging out in his mamas belly, but he already has the best wardrobe ever.  His closet is going to be full of outfits like this one I just bought him:

...for pumpkin butter.  I'm currently using pumpkin butter on any and everything.  But mostly on english muffins at breakfast:

...that I met up with my DI loves this week.  [So great to see you ladies! I'm so unbelievably happy for all of the amazing things happening in your lives! :)]

...for Raul Ibanez! SO COOL! What a crazy game last night!  This is why I love October baseball.  And now on to Game 4 of the ALDS tonight.  Let's Go Yankees!

As always, I have tons to be thankful for in my life.  Nothing like counting your blessings (no matter how small) to put things into perspective! Now tell me...what are you thankful for, friends?